In just another day it will be Thanksgiving. A time when folks to come together with friends and family to share all sorts of food, football, memories of times past. For many folks it is a time of sadness and even depression. Sitcoms made for TV movies and commercials have made every twist on this holiday which pull at our hearts and brings out even more emotions. Thanksgiving has certainly become the kick off for shopping, Christmas events surrounding the Holiday Season and the end of another year.
In my life, I have personally experienced Thanksgiving times to be both wonderful times and times when I could not get past my “pity party”. Somewhere in my life journey, I came to the realization that I could choose to make wonderful memories for my friends and family or I could roll around in that pity party which no one wants to join me.
I have attended Thanksgiving meals with both family and friends that were great, full of joy and being thankful for being together. I have also attended those dreaded meals where the air was so thick with tension and discomfort that even a chainsaw could not cut it. Many years I would feel sorry for myself and went through the motions. The one thing I did not want was for my children to go through the motions. I wanted to bring special and memory making into all our holidays.
As I began processing and pondering as I do and studying the Word of God, I knew that unless I applied the Word of God to these times and even when I have been alone, I see how each moment can be an awesome memory.
Does that mean that everything is great and wonderful? No, but I have found that even in the worst situations, that my attitude makes the difference.
So I want to encourage you to make memories of whatever you do with your Thanksgiving make it a great memory – for example – if you are alone, go do something for someone else. The purpose of this is to take the spotlight off of you. It is during these holiday times, folks in the fast food industry, grocery store, etc. have to deal with more than their share of customers. This is the very time you can be extra nice, thank them for serving you. You will find the more you take time to think of how to putting the positive note in someone else’s life, the more you will find that continuous thankfulness in your on life.
Secondly, take a minute to make a list, it can be as simple and as detailed as you would like, listing everything you are thankful for. When you begin with those simple things, you will find there are so many great things to be thankful for.
The year I determined to make memories of all those times with my children, it continued to over flow into our everyday lives and even those tough times, become memory making times. This year as you enter into Thanksgiving, give thanks. Look inside yourself – begin to making your list of how you can make a memory for someone else.
Happy Turkey Day – Gobble – Gobble – Gobble!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Solute to Southern Belles
A southern belle is defined as an archetypal upper class woman of the antebellum south of the United States. It is also the name of a named passenger train service offered by Kansas City Southern Railway (KCS) from the 1940s through the 1960s, running between Kansas City, Missouri and New Orleans, Louisiana.
For the most part, southern women have been depleted down through books, movies and even television sitcoms. Our drawl, polite manners, how we dress and of course our temperament which can be laced with a scalding temper for not having our way, have captured the thoughts and memories of the world. William Falkner enjoyed writing about the southern belle. He shows us to be unique creatures that are the backbone of southern society whether from impoverished homes that laced the old cotton field plantation to the filthy rich that adorn the pages of the society section of major newspapers.
Today I have reflected all the southern belles I have known both real and fiction and when I saw my reflection in the car window earlier today, I asked myself – how in the world have you not been ejected from the sisterhood?
As most of you know, or maybe don’t know – I was adopted into a well bred southern family from Atlanta Georgia. My mother’s family has volumes of books written about their ancestry that goes back forever. I actually am listed within these pages as “the adopted daughter”. My father’s family is also from the same area of Georgia and to this day there are reunions that people come from all over to attend.
I am not sure if it was because I was adopted that caused me to have an edge in my southern breeding. All the amenities given to a southern girl was given to me, but I always seem to have this little edge in me that caused me to always be in trouble.
Now don’t get me wrong. I certainly love all that goes along with being a southern belle, except the art of “fluff”. I shoot straight and for those of you who really do know me, I don’t pull any punches on what I do and do not believe. The good thing is that over the years, I have learned to tone down the “hear me and hear me well” personality trait that does not fare well in most circles. Especially those well bred southern circles, where a true lady is to be seen but not heard.
I have no doubt that somewhere down the line I was from Scarlett O’Hara’s lineage. I think for all too long she has been misunderstood. She was passionate, but she did not allow the circumstances to take her under (like most of my southern sisters do). And you always knew what she believed. Don’t be too hard on her.
Please do not mistake those horrid sweet spud tarts to be true southern belles, for we do not toss around and tell those things that need to not be told to the world and act even worse. We are those strong, graceful women who know how to send shivers down the spine of the hardest nose man and how to stand as a true sister lifting up her arms up when she needs it most.
We are not afraid of getting of hands dirty, but always know when it is time to smell good, be good and look good. The true southern bell, no matter our age, weight or financial worth, knows how to embrace the day, how to run the race and how to be in control not be controlled.
As I saw my reflection in the car window today, I am now an older southern belle, with an edge.I lift my glass of ice cold diet coke and Solute you – my southern belle girly girl friends.
For the most part, southern women have been depleted down through books, movies and even television sitcoms. Our drawl, polite manners, how we dress and of course our temperament which can be laced with a scalding temper for not having our way, have captured the thoughts and memories of the world. William Falkner enjoyed writing about the southern belle. He shows us to be unique creatures that are the backbone of southern society whether from impoverished homes that laced the old cotton field plantation to the filthy rich that adorn the pages of the society section of major newspapers.
Today I have reflected all the southern belles I have known both real and fiction and when I saw my reflection in the car window earlier today, I asked myself – how in the world have you not been ejected from the sisterhood?
As most of you know, or maybe don’t know – I was adopted into a well bred southern family from Atlanta Georgia. My mother’s family has volumes of books written about their ancestry that goes back forever. I actually am listed within these pages as “the adopted daughter”. My father’s family is also from the same area of Georgia and to this day there are reunions that people come from all over to attend.
I am not sure if it was because I was adopted that caused me to have an edge in my southern breeding. All the amenities given to a southern girl was given to me, but I always seem to have this little edge in me that caused me to always be in trouble.
Now don’t get me wrong. I certainly love all that goes along with being a southern belle, except the art of “fluff”. I shoot straight and for those of you who really do know me, I don’t pull any punches on what I do and do not believe. The good thing is that over the years, I have learned to tone down the “hear me and hear me well” personality trait that does not fare well in most circles. Especially those well bred southern circles, where a true lady is to be seen but not heard.
I have no doubt that somewhere down the line I was from Scarlett O’Hara’s lineage. I think for all too long she has been misunderstood. She was passionate, but she did not allow the circumstances to take her under (like most of my southern sisters do). And you always knew what she believed. Don’t be too hard on her.
Please do not mistake those horrid sweet spud tarts to be true southern belles, for we do not toss around and tell those things that need to not be told to the world and act even worse. We are those strong, graceful women who know how to send shivers down the spine of the hardest nose man and how to stand as a true sister lifting up her arms up when she needs it most.
We are not afraid of getting of hands dirty, but always know when it is time to smell good, be good and look good. The true southern bell, no matter our age, weight or financial worth, knows how to embrace the day, how to run the race and how to be in control not be controlled.
As I saw my reflection in the car window today, I am now an older southern belle, with an edge.I lift my glass of ice cold diet coke and Solute you – my southern belle girly girl friends.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Much to Do About Nothing
I had to laugh at myself as I viewed the blank screen in front of me. You have to understand this humor, because I cannot think of one significant thing to actually say today. This state is most unusual for me, for I always have something to say even if it is about nothing.
I did in fact start this morning off in great pondering about Life and where I was going to go with my life. In fact it was not long ago that my daughter asked me – “Just what do you plan on doing with the rest of your life”? Actually, at that time and at this present time, I have no idea what the direction of my life is going to take.
There were several topics that swirled around in my brain, scattering thoughts of profound blogging, but I could not seem to pull together enough sound thought other than my usual ramblings of tongue in cheek options that could possibly be mistaken for negativism instead of factual content. This is not necessarily a bad thing if one knows that my usual tongue and cheek ramblings usually have valid points.
Nevertheless, I have made a silent vow to not always be so tongue in cheek but to also give positive, whimsical views and thoughts to lift the spirit high and bring a smile to the faces of those that take time to read my Blah – Blah Blog.
Aimlessly my brain wanders around pondering the past – the present – the future, looking at the “what ifs and how comes”, to mine and others lives as I know them. I think of scriptures, sermons and lessons learned from past experiences and scenarios. How do I apply what I know and have learned to today and the future? How will I respond differently today than I did yesterday and will I respond differently in the future?
I peek inside of memories past and think how I just might have done it differently if I had the knowledge I have today. Sometime I think it is freeing and exhilarating to allow one’s brain to flit from one thing to another like a little pixie fairy goes from one flower pod to another. But I caution myself even in this – for there is always the foreboding that draws us into dark perspective, that can crash our emotions into that area of sadness and even depression. We must guard our hearts and our thoughts when we allow ourselves to throw caution to the wind and allow this aimless thinking.
Ok – enough already – it is time to put the brakes on and come back to the reality of today. I have but a few ending thoughts.
One can never go to the past and bring it to the present. What is done is done. If one takes the past and applies the lessons to the present and the future, then one is a very wise person. If one dwells on the “what ifs and how comes” too long and doesn’t leave them be, then one is very foolish. For the present and future advice, I always love the phrases – “Dance as if no one is watching and “Just suck the marrow out of Life”. I know this is one of my two favorite expressions and remember “Tomorrow could very well be a “Say Something” hat day. . . . .
I did in fact start this morning off in great pondering about Life and where I was going to go with my life. In fact it was not long ago that my daughter asked me – “Just what do you plan on doing with the rest of your life”? Actually, at that time and at this present time, I have no idea what the direction of my life is going to take.
There were several topics that swirled around in my brain, scattering thoughts of profound blogging, but I could not seem to pull together enough sound thought other than my usual ramblings of tongue in cheek options that could possibly be mistaken for negativism instead of factual content. This is not necessarily a bad thing if one knows that my usual tongue and cheek ramblings usually have valid points.
Nevertheless, I have made a silent vow to not always be so tongue in cheek but to also give positive, whimsical views and thoughts to lift the spirit high and bring a smile to the faces of those that take time to read my Blah – Blah Blog.
Aimlessly my brain wanders around pondering the past – the present – the future, looking at the “what ifs and how comes”, to mine and others lives as I know them. I think of scriptures, sermons and lessons learned from past experiences and scenarios. How do I apply what I know and have learned to today and the future? How will I respond differently today than I did yesterday and will I respond differently in the future?
I peek inside of memories past and think how I just might have done it differently if I had the knowledge I have today. Sometime I think it is freeing and exhilarating to allow one’s brain to flit from one thing to another like a little pixie fairy goes from one flower pod to another. But I caution myself even in this – for there is always the foreboding that draws us into dark perspective, that can crash our emotions into that area of sadness and even depression. We must guard our hearts and our thoughts when we allow ourselves to throw caution to the wind and allow this aimless thinking.
Ok – enough already – it is time to put the brakes on and come back to the reality of today. I have but a few ending thoughts.
One can never go to the past and bring it to the present. What is done is done. If one takes the past and applies the lessons to the present and the future, then one is a very wise person. If one dwells on the “what ifs and how comes” too long and doesn’t leave them be, then one is very foolish. For the present and future advice, I always love the phrases – “Dance as if no one is watching and “Just suck the marrow out of Life”. I know this is one of my two favorite expressions and remember “Tomorrow could very well be a “Say Something” hat day. . . . .
Friday, November 14, 2008
Blog Block
Over the past several days, I had been working on a blog that had me pondering and processing. Today, I thought I finally had it down and was preparing it to go on line. Then oops I hit a wrong button and it was gone and I could not even find it. Out in that cyber trash with no return. Let me just tell you, for a woman who is never lost for words. I have a great attack of Blog Block, Brain Freeze. So I have to decided to take this moment and remind us all that in the next couple of weeks we will be beginning the Holiday season with Thanksgiving.
For many people they take these holidays as times to reflect and remember times past and present lack. They get depressed, cry and carry on. Believe me I know, because I use to do the same thing. Instead of truly counting my blessings, I counted my losses and what I had or had not done that caused me to be in the way I presently was.
I would challenge you to take a few minutes to begin making a long list of those things that are positive and wonderful about You. You have breath and have changed the lives of those around you. You are made by a creator that loves you so very much. He created you and all your flaws. These “flaws” are the very thing that makes you unique.
Even if you think you only have you to live with. You have the Almighty Living God. Your Abba Father. Take time to know Him, take time to find out about Him. He is worth it all. Does He take a magic wand and bring it all like a fairy godfather. No. But He takes you and makes you a new beautiful living creature and He will guide and direct you through the journey. He even provides an instruction manual to take you along the way. It is never old or out of date. Imagine that!
So begin thanking Him for Him and for making and creating you, take time to look at your circumstance and then talk to Him about it. He is there ready to listen and to give you guidance.
For those of you who already know Abba Father, take time to just thank Him for making you His Feature Creator. Ask Him what His plan is for you through the Holiday. It may be as simple as just being nice to those strangers that pass our way each day.
When you feel like you are heading towards that negative, depressed state, just begin thanking Him for the little things, then try smiling. Go look in the mirror and smile at yourself. You may want to even stick your tongue out at yourself. What’s the point? You may not be able to change your circumstance at this very moment, but you have an Abba Father that is waiting to guide you in the right direction.
The opportunity to just be is now. Who you are what you believe you are. But if you know you are His child there is nothing that can keep you down. You are the child of the Creator of the World – so act like it, begin acting as He would act.
During this Holiday season – take time to give the gifts of Mercy, Love, Grace and Acceptance of those around you. The good thing about it. It doesn’t even cost you a dime. But it will get you closer to the understanding of who your Abba Father is.
For many people they take these holidays as times to reflect and remember times past and present lack. They get depressed, cry and carry on. Believe me I know, because I use to do the same thing. Instead of truly counting my blessings, I counted my losses and what I had or had not done that caused me to be in the way I presently was.
I would challenge you to take a few minutes to begin making a long list of those things that are positive and wonderful about You. You have breath and have changed the lives of those around you. You are made by a creator that loves you so very much. He created you and all your flaws. These “flaws” are the very thing that makes you unique.
Even if you think you only have you to live with. You have the Almighty Living God. Your Abba Father. Take time to know Him, take time to find out about Him. He is worth it all. Does He take a magic wand and bring it all like a fairy godfather. No. But He takes you and makes you a new beautiful living creature and He will guide and direct you through the journey. He even provides an instruction manual to take you along the way. It is never old or out of date. Imagine that!
So begin thanking Him for Him and for making and creating you, take time to look at your circumstance and then talk to Him about it. He is there ready to listen and to give you guidance.
For those of you who already know Abba Father, take time to just thank Him for making you His Feature Creator. Ask Him what His plan is for you through the Holiday. It may be as simple as just being nice to those strangers that pass our way each day.
When you feel like you are heading towards that negative, depressed state, just begin thanking Him for the little things, then try smiling. Go look in the mirror and smile at yourself. You may want to even stick your tongue out at yourself. What’s the point? You may not be able to change your circumstance at this very moment, but you have an Abba Father that is waiting to guide you in the right direction.
The opportunity to just be is now. Who you are what you believe you are. But if you know you are His child there is nothing that can keep you down. You are the child of the Creator of the World – so act like it, begin acting as He would act.
During this Holiday season – take time to give the gifts of Mercy, Love, Grace and Acceptance of those around you. The good thing about it. It doesn’t even cost you a dime. But it will get you closer to the understanding of who your Abba Father is.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Brain Trivia Emphemeria
Today while trying to get back to the office, I found myself caught up in memories past caused by present moment happenings taking the brain back into time and joining it with the present. I call this Brain Trivia Emphemeria. A phenomenon we have all experienced at one time or another.
When I was expecting my first child, I had cravings for the one and only Krystal Burger. In fact I craved them so much I could eat a dozen at one sitting – of course they would have to be laced with extra heavy mustard. Today as I placed my order for those unusual Krystal treats, I did not order a dozen, but I did in fact ask for the heavy mustard. Sitting there waiting to make it to the window, I wondered whether or not my son liked Krystals. I had never asked him.
So as I drove aimless back to the office I allowed myself to wonder around in my brain looking here and there for things that were to me Emphemeria of Brain Trivia.
With my second son, I craved Taco Bell Burritos with red sauce, and with my daughter it was chocolate.
For some reason I even began to think about the man at the service department the other day. He had on a dark green shirt and white levies. Does he not know that one should never wear white Levis or white shoes after Labor Day! Tisk – Tisk.
I also think the reason we southern gals carry a little more weight than others around the world, is we were raised to leave at least half our food on our plates. It’s the lady thing to do. So once we were out of sight of our mothers and the social authorities – we downed more than a full plate full of those wonderful treats – petites fours - if especially fresh one could easily eat a dozen and wash it down with the left over punch and have a sugar high that would last for hours. The woman who made up the rule that a proper southern lady should never eat but half of anything was from a third world country and was sent here to cause havoc with our weight.
What about those gloves. I remember having to wear loves and pick up my Church offering with it. Impossible!! Then the tips of the gloves were dirty and once washed and cleaned they just never felt the same.
On and on the list goes on and my mind just wondered on and on as well. Glad I was not on a long distance road trip!
Easter Eggs – The sugar ones that are covered in a pastel sugar covering with some soft marshmallow inside. I still to this day cave them. Most people hate them (more for me!!) pure sugar delight. When I was very young I hate a bag all by myself and ended up with a red whelp rise all over my body.
I am not sure why this has lead to more memory writing about food delights. There is no doubt that food and smell and music play key rolls in Brain Trivia Emphemeria.
This past week I bumped into a school mate in cyberspace. He reminded me of our one and only Sunday afternoon drive that ended up in a large field. My father refused to allow him to see me after that. He also reminded me of The Kiss. How sweet is the Brain Trivia Emphemeria of the Kiss of Innocents!!
When I was expecting my first child, I had cravings for the one and only Krystal Burger. In fact I craved them so much I could eat a dozen at one sitting – of course they would have to be laced with extra heavy mustard. Today as I placed my order for those unusual Krystal treats, I did not order a dozen, but I did in fact ask for the heavy mustard. Sitting there waiting to make it to the window, I wondered whether or not my son liked Krystals. I had never asked him.
So as I drove aimless back to the office I allowed myself to wonder around in my brain looking here and there for things that were to me Emphemeria of Brain Trivia.
With my second son, I craved Taco Bell Burritos with red sauce, and with my daughter it was chocolate.
For some reason I even began to think about the man at the service department the other day. He had on a dark green shirt and white levies. Does he not know that one should never wear white Levis or white shoes after Labor Day! Tisk – Tisk.
I also think the reason we southern gals carry a little more weight than others around the world, is we were raised to leave at least half our food on our plates. It’s the lady thing to do. So once we were out of sight of our mothers and the social authorities – we downed more than a full plate full of those wonderful treats – petites fours - if especially fresh one could easily eat a dozen and wash it down with the left over punch and have a sugar high that would last for hours. The woman who made up the rule that a proper southern lady should never eat but half of anything was from a third world country and was sent here to cause havoc with our weight.
What about those gloves. I remember having to wear loves and pick up my Church offering with it. Impossible!! Then the tips of the gloves were dirty and once washed and cleaned they just never felt the same.
On and on the list goes on and my mind just wondered on and on as well. Glad I was not on a long distance road trip!
Easter Eggs – The sugar ones that are covered in a pastel sugar covering with some soft marshmallow inside. I still to this day cave them. Most people hate them (more for me!!) pure sugar delight. When I was very young I hate a bag all by myself and ended up with a red whelp rise all over my body.
I am not sure why this has lead to more memory writing about food delights. There is no doubt that food and smell and music play key rolls in Brain Trivia Emphemeria.
This past week I bumped into a school mate in cyberspace. He reminded me of our one and only Sunday afternoon drive that ended up in a large field. My father refused to allow him to see me after that. He also reminded me of The Kiss. How sweet is the Brain Trivia Emphemeria of the Kiss of Innocents!!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The Art of Fun and laughter
Fun is defined as - activities that are enjoyable or amusing; playfulness: a disposition to find (or make) causes for amusement; Recreation or fun is the expenditure of time in a manner designed for therapeutic refreshment of one's body or mind. While leisure is more likely a form of entertainment or rest, recreation is active for the participant but in a refreshing and diverting manner. ...A source of amusement, enjoyment or pleasure; Enjoyment or amusement; Playful, often noisy, activity; enjoyable, amusing; the activity is chosen for its light-hearted character; Playful release of energy to achieve healing through balance or transformation. Serious fun!
Now, I would challenge even myself to put some fun back into our lives. We live in a world of seriousness, every day we are bombarded with the serious side of live, we watch it on the news, we see it in those that live around us and we see it in our own self. We must be responsible.
The Word of God said he told Abraham to name the child that Sara was going to have (at the age of 90) to name him Isaac (Laughter); In the midst of Job’s dilemma – God said he was going to fill him with laughter and joyful shouting.
Proverbs 17:22 says: A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
For the past several weeks now, I have been looking for and trying to change my tongue and cheek writing. I have found myself swept into this bubble of seeing things in such a serious manner. Trust me seriousness has its place, but too much of it will weigh you down and then the doom and gloom and depression sets in. Not a good thing.
Today I have challenged myself and a friend to find some fun each day in our life. To look at ways to bring a little sparkle and fun moments into the lives of those around us. It is my theory that in doing so we will unlock the happiness, fun and sparkle in ourselves.
Take a moment and reflect on what has made you laugh and what do you consider “fun”.
While writing this today, I thought about a line from an old movie – “To Wong Foo” – Patrick Swayze played in around 1995- as a full blown drag queen who had won a “beauty” contest” and was on his way with two others to Hollywood, when their car broke down and they ended up in a small nowhere town. The paint had come off the few buildings and the people of the town looked forlorn and plain gray. As Patrick Swayze (Vida Boheme) assessed the situation he made the statement “I think tomorrow is a "Say Something" hat day”.
Taking an assessment of our life as they stand now, we can either give into the circumstance and not embrace the moment to have fun and laugh and make the sparkle – or we can stand up and say “I think tomorrow is a “Say Something” hat day”!! This will work – So I am going to start looking for my “Say Something – Fun – laughing” day – today and everyday from this moment forward!
Looking at relearning the art form of fun and laughter - Maybe I will even find me a hat to wear!!!!!
Now, I would challenge even myself to put some fun back into our lives. We live in a world of seriousness, every day we are bombarded with the serious side of live, we watch it on the news, we see it in those that live around us and we see it in our own self. We must be responsible.
The Word of God said he told Abraham to name the child that Sara was going to have (at the age of 90) to name him Isaac (Laughter); In the midst of Job’s dilemma – God said he was going to fill him with laughter and joyful shouting.
Proverbs 17:22 says: A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
For the past several weeks now, I have been looking for and trying to change my tongue and cheek writing. I have found myself swept into this bubble of seeing things in such a serious manner. Trust me seriousness has its place, but too much of it will weigh you down and then the doom and gloom and depression sets in. Not a good thing.
Today I have challenged myself and a friend to find some fun each day in our life. To look at ways to bring a little sparkle and fun moments into the lives of those around us. It is my theory that in doing so we will unlock the happiness, fun and sparkle in ourselves.
Take a moment and reflect on what has made you laugh and what do you consider “fun”.
While writing this today, I thought about a line from an old movie – “To Wong Foo” – Patrick Swayze played in around 1995- as a full blown drag queen who had won a “beauty” contest” and was on his way with two others to Hollywood, when their car broke down and they ended up in a small nowhere town. The paint had come off the few buildings and the people of the town looked forlorn and plain gray. As Patrick Swayze (Vida Boheme) assessed the situation he made the statement “I think tomorrow is a "Say Something" hat day”.
Taking an assessment of our life as they stand now, we can either give into the circumstance and not embrace the moment to have fun and laugh and make the sparkle – or we can stand up and say “I think tomorrow is a “Say Something” hat day”!! This will work – So I am going to start looking for my “Say Something – Fun – laughing” day – today and everyday from this moment forward!
Looking at relearning the art form of fun and laughter - Maybe I will even find me a hat to wear!!!!!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Mistletoe, Memories and Mayhem
Approximately twenty three years ago, I had a major decision to make. Dwell in the circumstances or make a difference for my children. I chose the latter.
Christmas all my life, was a special time for enjoying and celebrating the birth of Jesus, through giving and praises of knowing that He began His life for me to have life. Christmas was also a time when no matter what was negative in life at home, marked a clean slate. There was something fresh and new and wonderful – people seem to be friendlier and even those that wasn’t especially nice, seemed to have a few moments of niceness. This was true except in my home.
From around the end of October until around February, my former husband took on a whole different personality. He wanted nothing to do with the holidays. It was a rude awaking the first Christmas after we married. There was no card, not gift, no Happy or Merry Christmas. There was absolutely nothing.
So as the holidays approached each year, I found myself struggling how to express what I knew without finding myself in the depth of depression. It had nothing to do with the gift, or the lights or the glistening sparkle of that time of year brought, the reality was the darkness that covered our home during that period of time. As once again the holiday’s approached, I ask the Lord to give me an outlet to make this time special for my children. He did just that.
He gave me venues of things to do with my children that were memory makers that would last longer than any tangible gift. I found Christmas programs that put great emphasis on the Birth of Jesus, a “Singing Christmas Tree” a local College presented each year, making hot chocolate and Christmas treats, and going to Mistletoe Marketplace the Junior League of Jackson put on each year as their major fundraiser. This was one of the favorites we did together, looking at all the sparkle, listening to the Christmas music and gathering wonderful ideas to run home and make. We had such good times together making our Christmas Memories together.
Over the years, the “Singing Christmas Tree” lost it’s fun, as it was usually cold and rainy, the Christmas programs became only me participating, and Mistletoe Market Place has evolved over the past years to a more stressful time than a begin the holiday time.
On Friday, I met my daughter and son-in-law, from the get go I had made my mind up that no matter what happened, I was not going to let it steal my fun. I began to realize that this was not a fun time anymore. My daughter and her husband took off, leaving me to tag along as a stranger. We made it through the whole entire event, in record time. My daughter had very few words to say to me at all.
Other events of the weekend, left me totally broken hearted that what was begun so many years early, the memories of the look on her face as a little girl, the closeness we shared during those moments has ended up as shattered splinters of my heart.
So what do I do with the mayhem that the enemy has tried to cause? I intend to bring glory to my Abba Father for the precious gift he gave me forty plus years ago, when He called me to be His Child. To forgive my children, for they just don’t understand the price that was paid for them to not have to experience the deep hurt I experienced years ago. For once again, I have a choice. I can allow the circumstance to overwhelm me or to take this opportunity and make it another platform in my testimony. And of course being who I am – A daughter of the Most High God – I have no choice but make it an opportunity.
On Sunday afternoon, Abba Father took what could have been a totally enemy havoc weekend and had a precious friend, share with me much needed groceries and a Crockpot. Was it the groceries and Crockpot that made the weekend? No it was, Abba Father letting me know that even when the enemy has taken our most precious memory making events and turned them into demonic havoc, He makes His own Memory Making Events that keeps us balanced in our journey through life.
For God’s Family stretches so far beyond DNA and man’s family – Memories and events can only be truly orchestrated my His Hand not ours. Those divine appointments that only happen when we allow ourselves to fall back into His open arms.
As I looked back on the events of this weekend, I had tried to re-orchestrate today from past memories and not allow Him to orchestrate the present. In His mercy and grace, He gently put me back on my knees and reminded me – He must have total control in every event in our life. We can’t look to the past, we can’t control, but we must allow Him to lead.
Christmas all my life, was a special time for enjoying and celebrating the birth of Jesus, through giving and praises of knowing that He began His life for me to have life. Christmas was also a time when no matter what was negative in life at home, marked a clean slate. There was something fresh and new and wonderful – people seem to be friendlier and even those that wasn’t especially nice, seemed to have a few moments of niceness. This was true except in my home.
From around the end of October until around February, my former husband took on a whole different personality. He wanted nothing to do with the holidays. It was a rude awaking the first Christmas after we married. There was no card, not gift, no Happy or Merry Christmas. There was absolutely nothing.
So as the holidays approached each year, I found myself struggling how to express what I knew without finding myself in the depth of depression. It had nothing to do with the gift, or the lights or the glistening sparkle of that time of year brought, the reality was the darkness that covered our home during that period of time. As once again the holiday’s approached, I ask the Lord to give me an outlet to make this time special for my children. He did just that.
He gave me venues of things to do with my children that were memory makers that would last longer than any tangible gift. I found Christmas programs that put great emphasis on the Birth of Jesus, a “Singing Christmas Tree” a local College presented each year, making hot chocolate and Christmas treats, and going to Mistletoe Marketplace the Junior League of Jackson put on each year as their major fundraiser. This was one of the favorites we did together, looking at all the sparkle, listening to the Christmas music and gathering wonderful ideas to run home and make. We had such good times together making our Christmas Memories together.
Over the years, the “Singing Christmas Tree” lost it’s fun, as it was usually cold and rainy, the Christmas programs became only me participating, and Mistletoe Market Place has evolved over the past years to a more stressful time than a begin the holiday time.
On Friday, I met my daughter and son-in-law, from the get go I had made my mind up that no matter what happened, I was not going to let it steal my fun. I began to realize that this was not a fun time anymore. My daughter and her husband took off, leaving me to tag along as a stranger. We made it through the whole entire event, in record time. My daughter had very few words to say to me at all.
Other events of the weekend, left me totally broken hearted that what was begun so many years early, the memories of the look on her face as a little girl, the closeness we shared during those moments has ended up as shattered splinters of my heart.
So what do I do with the mayhem that the enemy has tried to cause? I intend to bring glory to my Abba Father for the precious gift he gave me forty plus years ago, when He called me to be His Child. To forgive my children, for they just don’t understand the price that was paid for them to not have to experience the deep hurt I experienced years ago. For once again, I have a choice. I can allow the circumstance to overwhelm me or to take this opportunity and make it another platform in my testimony. And of course being who I am – A daughter of the Most High God – I have no choice but make it an opportunity.
On Sunday afternoon, Abba Father took what could have been a totally enemy havoc weekend and had a precious friend, share with me much needed groceries and a Crockpot. Was it the groceries and Crockpot that made the weekend? No it was, Abba Father letting me know that even when the enemy has taken our most precious memory making events and turned them into demonic havoc, He makes His own Memory Making Events that keeps us balanced in our journey through life.
For God’s Family stretches so far beyond DNA and man’s family – Memories and events can only be truly orchestrated my His Hand not ours. Those divine appointments that only happen when we allow ourselves to fall back into His open arms.
As I looked back on the events of this weekend, I had tried to re-orchestrate today from past memories and not allow Him to orchestrate the present. In His mercy and grace, He gently put me back on my knees and reminded me – He must have total control in every event in our life. We can’t look to the past, we can’t control, but we must allow Him to lead.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Superman, Wonder Woman and Hope
Last night as I stood amidst of boxes and little room for movement, I thought about what I would do if I could not escape or really hurt myself. Who would find me and how would I let anyone know I needed help? Would I or could I begin calling loudly for help? The door was locked, my cell phone in another room. Would they (who ever they are) have to take the hinges off the door to get in? Or would it be a useless cry and only after days gone by would someone find me amongst the boxes. Nevertheless, as I inched more and more into the small area I pushed and shoved the furniture into place, yes, I knew that once again Wonder Woman had nothing on me! Ok, enough for one night, we will see what Wonder Woman will accomplish tomorrow night.
Later as I climbed into bed, I began thinking about all those Super Heroes of the past – Mighty Mouse, Superman, Wonder Woman and the rest. As we have become more and more knowledgeable about life, we find ourselves looking for a Superhero to bail us out of reality. Just as I was boxed into a small space, all too often our everyday realities have boxed us in to small confined places with no way out.
Today will show us as Americans running to the Polls to vote for someone to “save us”, to be our superhero. Not since 1960 has voter turn out been so high. We cry for change, we want change but we if we are not willing to change ourselves, not take responsibility for our own actions why do we think one man is going to do this for us. Is much easier for someone to bail us out, take us out and just be responsible for us so we don’t have to be responsible.
The list of issues and scenarios that have brought us to this place in time is not something that will change with a man. For now it has sunk us so deep that many generations have become deluded.
Recently I had dinner with a good friend. She and I talked about life and those scenarios that we have walked through and what we have seen through the years. She made a statement that has run in my ears – We have two or three generations of young people who don’t even know how to be whom they are suppose. We have girls, young women, that do not even know how to cook and take care of their children and boys, young men who don’t know how to be a man and take responsibility. And what is sad, is they don’t want to know, but they do want someone else to be responsible.
Millions turn to the internet to escape into cyber space what they would have liked to be in reality, opening one way doors that without the supernatural help of our Abba Father can never find a way of escape. On and on the list goes on. We have just about outsmarted ourselves. We have the answers at our fingertips, but we ignore truth, don’t want to know the truth, and then cry save me! But the cry is not to our Abba Father, it is to a man – a superhero of sorts.
As John the Baptist, Jeremiah and the other Prophets of Old, I say to you “Repent, Turn back to your Abba Father, Seek His face, not the President’s Face, Church face, the Pastor’s Face, but His Face. Look at your Abba Father, face Him. Ask Him what you can do in order to change the course of the journey you and your friends and family are on.
There is Hope – "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
(2 Chronicles 7:14)
So my question to you is: Are you expecting a Superman, are you Wonder woman or do you have True Hope in your Abba Father?
Later as I climbed into bed, I began thinking about all those Super Heroes of the past – Mighty Mouse, Superman, Wonder Woman and the rest. As we have become more and more knowledgeable about life, we find ourselves looking for a Superhero to bail us out of reality. Just as I was boxed into a small space, all too often our everyday realities have boxed us in to small confined places with no way out.
Today will show us as Americans running to the Polls to vote for someone to “save us”, to be our superhero. Not since 1960 has voter turn out been so high. We cry for change, we want change but we if we are not willing to change ourselves, not take responsibility for our own actions why do we think one man is going to do this for us. Is much easier for someone to bail us out, take us out and just be responsible for us so we don’t have to be responsible.
The list of issues and scenarios that have brought us to this place in time is not something that will change with a man. For now it has sunk us so deep that many generations have become deluded.
Recently I had dinner with a good friend. She and I talked about life and those scenarios that we have walked through and what we have seen through the years. She made a statement that has run in my ears – We have two or three generations of young people who don’t even know how to be whom they are suppose. We have girls, young women, that do not even know how to cook and take care of their children and boys, young men who don’t know how to be a man and take responsibility. And what is sad, is they don’t want to know, but they do want someone else to be responsible.
Millions turn to the internet to escape into cyber space what they would have liked to be in reality, opening one way doors that without the supernatural help of our Abba Father can never find a way of escape. On and on the list goes on. We have just about outsmarted ourselves. We have the answers at our fingertips, but we ignore truth, don’t want to know the truth, and then cry save me! But the cry is not to our Abba Father, it is to a man – a superhero of sorts.
As John the Baptist, Jeremiah and the other Prophets of Old, I say to you “Repent, Turn back to your Abba Father, Seek His face, not the President’s Face, Church face, the Pastor’s Face, but His Face. Look at your Abba Father, face Him. Ask Him what you can do in order to change the course of the journey you and your friends and family are on.
There is Hope – "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
(2 Chronicles 7:14)
So my question to you is: Are you expecting a Superman, are you Wonder woman or do you have True Hope in your Abba Father?
Monday, November 3, 2008
Microwaves, Crockpots and Irritations
As I began this past month moving into my own space, I found myself amazed at how much I take for granted those simple things in life we get use to.
When the kitchen was all put away and I actually had some groceries brought in, I decided to fix a pitcher of tea. I filled up my little container, plopped in the tea bags and turned to open the microwave door to find that there was no microwave. Where was the microwave, the last several places had microwaves. But something in the back of my mind remembered that years ago, when I had moved into my house, my daughter sold my microwave. It never dawned on me that I would move into a place that did not furnish a microwave and that I would not have been aware of not having one.
The second mind lapse was when I began looking for the box with the Crockpot. It was the first really cold spell for the season and a fresh batch of veggie soup was in order. I would fill my Crockpot full of good veggies and let then cook all day. But then as I was going down what I had unpacked, I remembered that we sold the Crockpot in a garage sale because the handle had been broken for years and I knew when I was on my own again, I would just get a new one.
So there you go. No microwave and no Crockpot. I may be one of the few people in this world or in this United States that do not have a microwave or Crockpot. In fact I am sure that statement is not a true statement. For over the years, I have worked in the world of philanthropy and have come to realize that we think just as in this situation that we are the minority. When actually, just in our own back yard there are those who don’t have the possessions we have.
Yesterday morning as I was sitting in Church, I had a very happy person ask me if I was excited about being in my own space. I actually told her no. She asked why and I told her I had been too busy to be excited. Her response was, Well, It’s Sunday! This flippant statement really irritated me. I could not get this off of my mind yesterday. What was even more interesting was when I laid down for what was to be an hour nap, ended up being nine hour nap and then on and off sleep until it was time for me to get up. I kept thinking each time I awoke about this statement and the really scalding e-mail I wanted to write to this person. I would drift back off to sleep and then wake up with the same thoughts and scalding e-mail.
During my early morning talk time with the Lord, I really had to tell Him, how much she and others like this irritate me. I also told Him, that I knew that He had been talking to me about my attitude, being Holy and being broken, in order to make me more like Him. It’s sort of comical when I think about it. I do so want to be that really Holy Woman of God, not a Holier Than Though Woman of God. But when I think of what He has taught me, I am not so sure He himself would not have been a little miffed at this person.
As I see it, there are those in our Christian Family, who flit around wanting people to think they are all that, when they really don’t care. God has really pinched me a lot about how and why I do things for others. When we want self gratification, to be recognized, or a pat on the back, then the motive is certainly wrong reason. Even when one asks questions, check your motive. Are you really interested or do you just want those around you seeing you?
There is no doubt in my mind, that I certainly get irritated more than others. I think it is in my genes. But I also know that it makes me take a look closely at my own self and how I do and do not treat others.
I did in fact send an e-mail, but instead of a scalding one, I sent a thank you for her always being a happy person. I believe that we truly never know what a person is carrying on within themselves, and they reflect what they think should be reflected.
So I would ask – what’s inside of you and what do you reflect?
When the kitchen was all put away and I actually had some groceries brought in, I decided to fix a pitcher of tea. I filled up my little container, plopped in the tea bags and turned to open the microwave door to find that there was no microwave. Where was the microwave, the last several places had microwaves. But something in the back of my mind remembered that years ago, when I had moved into my house, my daughter sold my microwave. It never dawned on me that I would move into a place that did not furnish a microwave and that I would not have been aware of not having one.
The second mind lapse was when I began looking for the box with the Crockpot. It was the first really cold spell for the season and a fresh batch of veggie soup was in order. I would fill my Crockpot full of good veggies and let then cook all day. But then as I was going down what I had unpacked, I remembered that we sold the Crockpot in a garage sale because the handle had been broken for years and I knew when I was on my own again, I would just get a new one.
So there you go. No microwave and no Crockpot. I may be one of the few people in this world or in this United States that do not have a microwave or Crockpot. In fact I am sure that statement is not a true statement. For over the years, I have worked in the world of philanthropy and have come to realize that we think just as in this situation that we are the minority. When actually, just in our own back yard there are those who don’t have the possessions we have.
Yesterday morning as I was sitting in Church, I had a very happy person ask me if I was excited about being in my own space. I actually told her no. She asked why and I told her I had been too busy to be excited. Her response was, Well, It’s Sunday! This flippant statement really irritated me. I could not get this off of my mind yesterday. What was even more interesting was when I laid down for what was to be an hour nap, ended up being nine hour nap and then on and off sleep until it was time for me to get up. I kept thinking each time I awoke about this statement and the really scalding e-mail I wanted to write to this person. I would drift back off to sleep and then wake up with the same thoughts and scalding e-mail.
During my early morning talk time with the Lord, I really had to tell Him, how much she and others like this irritate me. I also told Him, that I knew that He had been talking to me about my attitude, being Holy and being broken, in order to make me more like Him. It’s sort of comical when I think about it. I do so want to be that really Holy Woman of God, not a Holier Than Though Woman of God. But when I think of what He has taught me, I am not so sure He himself would not have been a little miffed at this person.
As I see it, there are those in our Christian Family, who flit around wanting people to think they are all that, when they really don’t care. God has really pinched me a lot about how and why I do things for others. When we want self gratification, to be recognized, or a pat on the back, then the motive is certainly wrong reason. Even when one asks questions, check your motive. Are you really interested or do you just want those around you seeing you?
There is no doubt in my mind, that I certainly get irritated more than others. I think it is in my genes. But I also know that it makes me take a look closely at my own self and how I do and do not treat others.
I did in fact send an e-mail, but instead of a scalding one, I sent a thank you for her always being a happy person. I believe that we truly never know what a person is carrying on within themselves, and they reflect what they think should be reflected.
So I would ask – what’s inside of you and what do you reflect?
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