I Gota Wear Shades

     Well this picture of Snoopy reminded me of a song from the 80's called 'My Future's So Bright, I Gota Wear Shades' by Timbuk3.  [ heres the link, http://youtu.be/8qrriKcwvlY ]  The song has been popular with graduations even tho the song is really about the threat of nuclear war.  As you know, graduation season is upon us next month.  I hope those that are graduating and moving on to their next phase in life have a plan in place with a guided sense of direction. 
     We can get caught up in the fear of war, earthquakes, or famine but the Bible tells us these things must happen before the end of times.  Luke 21;9-11  '' When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away. Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.''  Believers have The Hope in their futures from the promises of God.  'I go to prepare a place for you.'  We should look forward without fear because our futures are too bright, even for RayBans, to shade it out. 
     Be sure before you graduate from this earth, that your heavenly plan is in place with His direction.

Be Soft

     It is easy to get caught up in the disappointments of this world.  A friend was talking today about how someone else had let them down by their actions.  They at first had the attitude to be done with them but soon recognized forgiveness was a better response.  People 'will' disappoint you in life, it's practicly guaranteed, but God 'never' will.  Without forgiveness, this would be a cold, uncaring, cruel world.  If we would recognize our own faults first before we point the finger, we'd be more tolerant and forgiving of others. Matthew 6:15 ''But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.''  The ultimate forgiveness is given to believers thru the blood on the cross when Jesus bore our sins in a once and for all sacrifice.  Acts 13:38  ''“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.''
     Despite the trials and strife of life, there is always a positive, beautiful aspect to be seen.  Be better, not bitter. Be sweeter, not sour.  Be gentler, not harsher.  Be brighter, not darker.  May your focus be on all that is good in your world today and not the bad.

Strength

    I thought this caption was not only funny but had some truth to it.  As I just finished my music lessons as of a few minutes ago, I am once again reminded of my limited strength.  If I don't do as well as I'd like, my anger can fuel a little extra strength to try again. I suppose that's pride showing its face.

     So could I stab someone with enough anger and adrenaline?  Hmm, I hope so if a self-defensive case arose. I'm certainly for the death penalty so I think I could throw mercy aside.

     If we're going to be frankly honest, I've not only been stabbed but I've done some stabbing myself.   How?  The tongue can pierce like a knife. We often want to retaliate in some form.  Our actions often reflect an attitude of 'Im going to get them before they get me down' way of thinking.  It really doesn't make you feel better but leads to regret.  Romans 12:17-19  ''Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.''

     So not to sound like a hippie but 'Peace out.'

Special

     Yes, today was special.  I love days like this when friends come over just to visit.  We both made an effort to turn up the specialness notch a little bit today. I played two songs for them on my hammer dulcimer and one of her daughters played 'Ode to Joy' on the violin.  What a treat.  They enjoyed chocolate fondue with fruit, thanks to my parents setting it up.  We all had fun and enjoyed each others company.
     It doesn't take a lot of time or money to make someone's day a little different or special.  The rewarding feeling is priceless tho.  The best way to bring about happiness in your own life is to bring it to someone elses first.

Happy, Despite the Situation

     I thought this was a great quote to share. I think it's a good one to remember and live out. The sermon at my church last night was on 'your breaking point.'  In Joshua 7;6-9,  Joshua asks God why He didn't just leave well enough alone.  We often do that.  We say if I hadn't of done what I thought You wanted then this wouldn't of happened. For example, saying if I had not have tried to go to church then I wouldn't of had that wreck.  Our breaking points can be big or small.  We must trust in God's grace and mercy to see us thru it.
     We visited a friend today who has just went on hospice care due to cancer.  What a good attitude she had today that was probably displayed as much for our sake as her own.  I'm sure she is trying to enjoy this time as much as possible but is also comforted and happy to know she's headed to the Promised Land soon. 
     To see past our troubled situations and be joyful thru it, we must hand it all over to Him.  Psalm 68:19 'Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.'

Way Back Wednesday---Straighten Up

     Well let's go back 26 years to the summer of 1986, when I had back surgery at age 14.  You might be asking, why on earth would she put unflattery pictures like this on her blog?  Well as hard as it looks this was one of my biggest blessings in my life.  No, it sure doesn't look like it nor did it feel like it at the time.  I want to show you blessings come in all forms.

     As I grew up, I regularly had checkups at ACH to monitor the progression of my scoliosis. Around 14, Dr. McCarthy explained that it was time to intervene and discussed a new corrective procedure.  This involved putting two rods, one on each side of the spine, to straighten my back. Well this was a new surgery here at the time in Arkansas.  I think they were doing their second or third surgery later that week.  Well that wasn't enough experience for my parents to let them practice on me.  After researching the surgery, they found the Leatherman Spine Center in Louisville, KY.  My doctor/surgeon there was Dr. John Johnson.  I don't remember how many of these surgeries they had done there but something like a thousand.

     I don't remember a whole lot but I'll share the highlights.  My parents took me to Opryland before the surgery to ride all the roller coasters I wanted.  I remember giving, wait no they TOOK, my blood a day or two before.  The fear of that is quite vivid in my mind.  The next pre-op task was to lay on this machine that literally stretched you to see how straight they could get me.  They said tell us if it starts to hurt and we'll stop. Well have you ever told somebody to stop and they did.. about 3 minutes too late?  I know I said stop before I felt any pain, maybe that's why they did it twice.

     We didn't tell anyone, except my aunt and uncle in CA who came to KY for it, that I was having back surgery.  I don't know in hindsight, if that was the right decision but it was at my request and my parents agreed. 

     I remember reassuring my parents before going into the operating room, that I was going to be fine.  After going into the OR, I was worried that I was going to be on my stomach for x number of hours.  I don't sleep like that?  I just hadn't thought about it.  All I remember from the recovery room is seeing my parents for a split second and BANGING on the side rail for some pain medicine.  Pain meds, you gotta love them.  I think that's why my memory is so faded about this week. My mom did have a little 'Terms of Endearment' moment over getting my pain medicine to me during a shift change.  I also remember walking the halls with assistance and getting encouragement from the people I passed by.

     I also want to note the other people we met there.  I was only there for a week but others were there for months on end.  That will give you encouragement in itself.  It helps you look past yourself and have empathy for others.

     Friends of ours let us borrow their full size van to bring me home.  I had to remain flat.  When we got home, I was carried in by a sheet. This might have been the scariest part of the whole ordeal.  I spent that summer recovering and doing circles around kitchen.  A visible incentive to get better was being built in the backyard---the pool.

     So that is what I remember of the blessing that helped me continue on a little straighter. The blessing lives on because not once in the past 26yrs have I had any pain or problems from the rods.  God is good ALL the time.

Fear

I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. —Psalm 34:4

 

 

    After Bible study last night, we were all down in the basement watching one of my favorite movies, Places in the Heart.  I had recorded it off of tv so it had commercials in it.  As I was fast forwarding thru the ads, it was quiet and we all heard someone walking in the bedroom above.  We looked around and everyone was accounted for, us and the pets.  My dad went upstairs to get his pistol and search the upstairs. I told my mom to get the phone and be ready to call 911.  She thought about going upstairs too but I discouraged that knowing my dad could be easily startled and not knowing she was up there and would be trigger happy. As I waited with butterflies in my stomach, I remembered this caption. 'Do not be afraid.'  So I closed my eyes and said a prayer asking for God's hand of protection to cover us.  My dad came back down with nothing found so we watched the rest of the movie with the pistol within my dad's reach.

     After considering the possibilities as to what it might have been, my dad thinks it was probably an animal in the ceiling joists.  If that is true, then that is one fat, chunky squirrel or rat or whatever.  If it ever falls thru one of my ceiling lights, whoa, I may break out in revival like that Ray Steven's squirrel song...lol.

     There will always be things in this world that cause us to get scared but we have a Protector that is in control.  Do not be afraid but have that peace that everything will be okay.  Small things can test us to see where we turn in a scary situation. Turn to the Lord as fast as you can and the fear will pass.

 

 

Day by day and with each passing moment,

Strength I find to meet my trials here;

Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,

 I’ve no cause for worry or for fear. —Berg

 

Trust in the Lord is the cure for a fearful spirit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rest

     Well, this is me often enough.  Some people think I rest too much but I'll be the judge of that.  Our bodies require rest whether we give it or not.  I know the last year I worked, my body kept telling me ''that's all I can do, rest!''  I used up more sick leave than ever just because I was pushing myself too hard and ended up sick.
     Gatorade now even has a sports drink called Recover.  They recognize the fact that your body needs to be restored after pushing it in strenuous activity.  Nothing runs without being recharged, not even a battery.
     Even though we've come up with a lighted way to work around the darkness of night, I think nightime is God's way of directing us to rest.  He also declared the Sabbath as a day to rest.  He who is all powerful, even rested.  Genesis 2:3  ''Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.''
      All I can say is 'Rest is best and I do not say that in jest.'

Jesus Is...

     Have you ever thought of all the ways that you could describe what Jesus means to you?  I thought this caption was a good representation of that.  Of course, this is a limited description.  As one song says, if the ocean were filled with ink it would bleed it dry to describe Him and His love for us.  Each of these adjectives should have a special meaning to you and your relationship with Him.  If it doesn't, I encourage you to seek out what that could mean to you in your life today.

Pop To It

      Well, I can tell you I am no pop-tart and I don't pop out of bed.  Even when I could get out of bed on my own, I didn't jump out of bed.  I need a few snooze button minutes or just a few minutes to think about the day ahead.  What if your bed did spring you out of bed?  Would you hit the ground running or go buy some tie down straps?
      We certainly want others to jump to our needs or wants on occasion.  C'mon, let's go already, or get on with it might be some phrases used.  I'm glad the Holy Spirit pushes us gently in what we need to do in obedience with what we've been given.
      Every day is a new opportunity for us to get what God wants us to do done.  We should pop to it with a spring in our step.  I know those first few steps in the morning may take a lil caffeine push but we can do it. 
    


   

Be Kind

  
     Okay, so today I'm writing this blog mainly as a therapeutic session for myself.  I may have to read this caption till I've memorized it. 
     Sometimes we need to hold back our critical thoughts and not try to micromanage everything.  Whatever we think was done ignorantly, doesn't always need to be voiced.  As much as your tongue wants to lash out, keep your lips like an impassable wall. 
    Having a patient heart keeps us from saying 'well if you'd done it this way, you wouldn't be in this mess.'  We all make mistakes and theirs is no worse than our own.  We judge others with a finer toothcomb than ourselves often.  That's really not fair, is it?
    Matthew 7:2  ''For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.''
    Ouch, I'm stepping on my own toes.  I'm going to go give some grace, even if it kills me........lol.

Celebrate

     I first want to say this blog is not written for any particular person but go ahead and put your steel toe boots on now before reading further. [giggle]  I think this blog topic is a theme that strikes a chord with many of us.
     The caption above says 'Celebrate' the little things.  It does not say focus on or get caught up on the little things.  How many times does something little, drive you bonkers and practically consume all your thoughts?  What if a kind word said to you highlighted your day as much as a snide remark ruined your day?  Our focus is often on what's not right than with what is.  A good habit to practice on is to find positives in a negative situation.  Yes, it can be done. We must also learn to let things go.  Don't dwell on it till someone feels like telling you 'Enough already.'  Ask yourself  'is this really going to matter a year from now?'
     Celebrating the little things means taking nothing for granted.  Another day of life, a phone call from a friend, slowing down before the cop saw you, or tripping but not falling on your face.  These are just a few simple little things to do a lil happy dance over, like Woodstock is doing above.
     Sing it with me, 'Celebration time, c'mon.'

Way Back Wednesday.... I Thought?

     Well this caption takes me back to a funny, now not then, story.  The first year I was married we lived at Sugar Creek apartments and had a cocker spaniel puppy, Brandi.  We were not supposed to have a pet because we couldn't afford the 325 deposit.  We kept her anyway, secretly..lol.  One day Marc took her out to potty and it seemed to take longer than usual.  So, I went out to check on them and found Brandi alone??  I could think of no good reason why he would willingly leave her by herself.  I looked all around to no avail.  I decided he had been kidnapped.  I took Brandi in and called his sister to see if I was overreacting before calling the police.  She agreed that I should call so I did.  I told them everything that had happened but they insisted I needed to wait a few hours.  A few minutes after I got off the phone, Marc walked in. I'm sure I lashed out with 'Where have you been? I just reported you kidnapped.'  You what???  He had met some neighbor guy and was talking computers.  Ughh, the panic it caused! 
     Years later when we were buying our house, the bank informed us they couldn't process our loan till we took care of a lien on us.  A lien?  We were clueless as to what that was about.  It turned out to be that pet deposit.  Well we paid it and could afford it alot easier at that point.  Luckily, we didn't have other past due pet deposits from any other places we'd lived.

     We may try to get away with or hide things but it will come back to bite you.  It is better to deal with it now and seek forgiveness, than pay for it later.  Romans 2;5 ''But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.''

Tattoos

     Well I am not a fan of tattoos.  First of all, I don't know of anything I would want on my body forever.  One time in Mexico, they offered henna tattoos, which are temporary.  I thought about it but I couldn't think of anything that I would want to be on me even for a few days.  Secondly, I am not into elective pain.  Tattoos are a permanent scarring of the skin and that has to involve pain on some level.  Thirdly, if God wanted a certain design on my skin, then He would have arranged my freckles accordingly.  Fourthly, the Bible says not to do it.
     Tattoos are a popular trend at the moment.  If you want to make a forever statement, then use your body as a living example for Christ.  Your actions and attitude speak louder than a tattoo that needs to be explained.

     Leviticus 19;28   '‘Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.''

Don't Be a Warrior

     Are you a warrior?  This verse reminds me of those people on Black Friday who trample over people just to get a television at a discounted price.  Hey, I'm all for a good bargain but I don't lose all respect for others and run them down to get it.
     Our society has become increasingly impatient.  When did 'instant-gratification' replace 'good things come to those who wait?'  I know I've been spoiled myself with my TiVo and can't hardly watch regular television with all the commercials.  I think that's a good thing but I wonder if it makes me impatient in other areas?
     Self control is widely under used I think.  Whether it's anger, food, or our mouths, we need to use a lil discipline on ourselves.  You can see the lack of self control in the increased crime rates, the obesity of our society, and the profanity that we hear all too often.  We can control what we want to, including ourselves.
    ''The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.''  May you be a vine that produces such fruit and not a branch that needs cut off.

My Cup

I love this poem but don't know who wrote it.  Just wanted to share it.

Drinking from my saucer  I've never made a fortune, and it's probably too late now. But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow And as I go along life's way, I'm reaping better than I sowed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed. Haven't got a lot of riches, and sometimes the going's tough But I've got loving ones all around me, and that makes me rich enough. I thank GOD for his Blessings, and the Mercies HE's bestowed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed. I remember times when things went wrong, My faith wore somewhat thin. But all at once the dark clouds broke and the sun peeped through again. So LORD, help me not to gripe, about the tough rows I have hoed. I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed. If GOD gives me strength and courage, When the way grows steep and rough. I'll not ask for other blessings, I'm already Blessed enough. And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads.. Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed.

Till We Meet Again

     My favorite missionary family, the Avilez's, from Thailand have been here over the past week.  They have an orphanage over there that now has 43 children.  They not only provide food, shelter and education for the children but they teach and steer them towards the Lord.  God's word is the foundation to which they build everything upon in the children's lives.  A work ethic is not only taught but expected/required of the kids.  To quote Bobby, ''do you think the kids won't have to work when they become adults?''  The entire Avilez family sacrifices so that the children can return home to their villages and tell others about the Lord.  What a spiritual fruit bearing vine to be a part of.
     The Avilez family only gets to come back to the U.S. every four years.  After they leave on Monday, I do not know whether we will see each other in another four years.  Of course, I hope so.  I don't worry about it tho because I know both of our futures are held in His hands with His plans.
     If you are interested in learning more about their wonderful, inspiring ministry... go to http://www.shanorphanage.com/ 

Sing It Back To Me

     Thursday night, we went to dinner with two people I didn't know well but had felt like I wanted to get to know better.  What a blessing that gut feeling turned out to be.  New 'friends' in my life outside of their job environments.  They both work in the healthcare field so that gives you a clue to their thoughtful, giving nature. Our two hour dinner was filled with the laughter I hadn't felt in years.  Uninhibited, pure belly rolling, tear engaging laughter.  They both have my type of sense of humor.. yea, a lil warped..ha. I truly needed a night out like this one.
     Each day His mercies to me are new and so are the blessings.  I am thankful for friends.. old and new.

Questions

Lord, may I be approachable and open to listening
to others’ questions. May I not feel threatened but
instead have confidence that You will give me wisdom
to know how to reply or where to find an answer.
from the daily bread



     We have all heard before that there are no stupid questions.  That is how we learn but are we open to questions ourselves?   Others may want to know what we think about certain things or just may be searching for a second opinion.  A friend of mine hesitantly asked me if she could ask me something.  Of course, I said.  It was a beautiful day and she asked, 'if you could do anything right now, what would you do?'  I said, swim or rollerskate.  People just want to understand how you handle difficulties and see what your uninhibited desires might be.  It is better to ask and find out than just assume what you think in your own mind.  Being open to questions should show your transparency.  Questions aren't intrusive but show an interest and provides information.
      Someday someone may ask you a very important question, 'in what and where do you find your hope?'  The Bible says we should always be ready to give our answer so that we may lead others to that hope, Jesus.
     May we all be an open door to others questions, it may lead far beyond your thoughts.

Way Back Wednesday......I Have Plans For You

     Well this is about as far back to my beginning as I have blogged about before.  Now this is what the 70's looked like...the hair, the striped pants, the vinyl couch.  Good thing I came along to add some style to this place, huh?  Just kidding. 

     The beginning for me started in Conway, AR.  Both my parents were students at what is now UCA.  It was Sept 2, 1971 when I arrived at 1;31am at Conway Regional Hospital.  [I think they're still trying to get a refund on me..lol.]  No, they were/are proud parents.  My mom doesn't exactly recall how long the delivery took because she thinks she passed out.  Back then, dads weren't allowed in the delivery room and he wasn't happy about the nurse not letting him carry me out of the hospital.

     I'm sure they knew God had big plans for both them and for me.  Did it turn out how they imagined?  No, but we all know that His ways are wiser than ours.  We have all prospered through trials and triumphs.  He has protected us from harm over the years. 

     The future is not scary because of the hope given thru Jesus Christ. Some may think, this is not what I planned for my life but it was planned before you even came to be.  You're the co-pilot, not the pilot.  I will one day be face-to-face with my Creator and thank Him for my well thought out life plan.  I have been blessed with great parents and a great life.......and I'm not even done yet.  Looking forward to the future plans ahead.

Say Nuffin'

     Oh, if we'd only learn a little bit from the 'Winnie the Pooh' classic storybooks.  Our mouths are so ready to give our unfiltered thoughts, that this is such a hard task for some of us. Have you ever known it was best to say 'nuffin' but you just had to tell one person your thoughts?  Yes, me too.  Sometimes I read stuff on Facebook, like gripes, and I think this is of no benefit to anyone. 
     It is not hard to be nice so why can't our words be too?  I read a sign the other day that said 'You should walk a mile in another's shoes before you criticize them, that way you have their shoes and you're a mile away.'  haha.  Maybe the rabbit in the caption is wiser than that. 
     May your words today be uplifting and encouraging, otherwise may they be silent.  Remember.....If you feel like huffin' and puffin', its best to say nuffin'.

'When you have nothing to say, say nothing.'

Pull Over

     Well can you tell Maxine and I are a little unsympathetic?  This blog is for those who 'want it' without the 'work for it.'  Our society is trying to be pushed into that kind of handout mentality.  Sure Canada has healthcare for all but does anyone ever mention the long wait for all for procedures? Not hardly.  Does your age matter whether you're considered fixable or put out to pasture in socialized medicine? Absolutely.  'Freeloader' used to be a negative term, has it changed in your mind?  I fear Obama will get a second term because of this moocher way of thinking.
     We begin teaching the 'work ethic' with chores for children.  The 'entitlement' attitude will set in if they aren't required to pull their weight in some form. You can see the change in television.  'Little House on the Prarie' shows often made a reference to chores being done, before play I might add.  I can't even tell you a show on air now that promotes chores for kids.
     When I turned eighteen, I qualified, due to my disability, to receive a Social Security check.  I never once thought 'hey I'm going to live off that and others.'  I wanted more not only for myself but of myself as well.
     Be a working example to those around you and hopefully they will see the benefit of it.  'Nothing is free in this world' is a lesson to be taught.

Proverbs 21:25
The craving of sluggards will be the death of them, because their hands refuse to work.
Proverbs 19:24
Sluggards bury their hands in the dish and will not even bring them back to their mouths!
Proverbs 6:6
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!

HAPPY EASTER

     HAPPY EASTER.  I hope you are celebrating this Resurrection day with a thankful heart. Believers can rejoice that one day we will be in the Promised Land that awaits us. 
     Getting up at 6am for church at 8am is a once a year event for me.  Was it worth it?  Absolutely.  To hear friends sing songs like 'Amazing Grace', 'Christ Arose', 'Alive', and 'Upon that Tree' was a beautiful way to praise our Savior for this day.
      I encourage you not to be a CEO [Christmas n Easter Only] church visitor.  We should worship Him every day of the year.

The Tomb

     I thought this was a neat centerpiece that anyone could make for Easter.  It has the three crosses on the hill representing Jesus being innocently crucified with the other two criminals. It shows the empty tomb with the stone rolled away.
     intouch.org  ''Jesus' resurrection proves that there is life after death. So many people today think that earthly existence is all there is. But this belief robs life of purpose and meaning. God created us as eternal souls, and Jesus demonstrated that death is not the end--much more awaits us.''
     A bunny rabbit can symbolize spring but let's remember Jesus' death and resurrection is the only true symbolization of Easter.  We have hope thru Him on this holiday because He followed thru on God's plan to pay our debt of sin for us. He escaped death thru the resurrection and in there, lies our hope.  He has gone ahead to prepare a place for us. 

Inner Beauty

     Isn't this the cutest caption?  Well I did go and get my haircut yesterday.  There is a crucial day when your hair is perfect one day and the next day it is a complete train wreck.  Do you know about that day?  If you're like me, the hairdresser is never available in that critical moment.  Wait? with this mop growing on my head at an exponential rate?  What a relief that one hour in the salon chair can bring.  I also got my eyebrows waxed which is a painful, yet worth it, experience.  Afterwards, it looks like you put red lipstick around your eyebrows.
     This caption also reminds me of those pink foam rollers.  After a restless night of sleeping in them, my hair looked about like this dog's.  Serious manipulation had to be done to get the desired look, instead of a frizzed out mess. I think I was about eleven when I vowed them out forever from my head.
     While I think it is in a woman's nature to be a little vain, we must remember that our inner beauty should shine the brightest.  1 Peter 3;3-4 ''Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.''  My friend, Twylia, gave me a card this week with part of this verse on it.  I'm glad she could see past my mop-head into my inner beauty at the time.

Last Minute

     I thought with the holiday weekend coming up that some of you might relate to this caption.  There never seems to be enough time to get everything ready, is there?  I suspect we think more about everything on the to-do list than just tackling one thing at a time. We become anxious, short tempered, and frantic.  What a combination!  That 'last minute' comes so quickly.  Suddenly we can wash the dog, use that soapy water to mop the floor and do laundry all in 20 min because the guests will arrive in 30min.  Been there?  Oh sure, now your out-of-breath self is sure fit for company..... not.
    One of our pastors recently talked about the Mary and Martha story.  Mary benefitted from Jesus presence and company, while Martha was more concerned with the to-do list of His arrival.  Are you a Mary or a Martha?  It's understandable to prepare for something but don't lose the joy of the event.  Don't get so tired in the before setup that you can't reap the pleasure of your company.  The idea that your guests will be judging your house with white gloves and a critiquing eye is more in your head than theirs.
    Do what you can in due time but don't fret over what you can't do.  If you're spent, then people may not want to spend time with you.

    ''Procrastination is the thief of time.''

    ''Procrastination and impatience form a system of checks and balances.''

Way Back Wednesday-- Think It Thru For You

 

     I thought since the Arlington, TX area has been in the news this week that I would write a story about my time there.  I lived there from 1991-1993.  During that time, I had two vocal cord surgeries that I've blogged about before.  I want to talk a little about the time after that in this blog.
     As a result of the surgeries, I had to begin wearing a ventilator at night to sleep well.  Not a thrill for a newly married couple.  I had to go overnight for a couple of days to have a sleep study done to get the correct settings for my machine.  That all went fine but two things didn't go over so well with me. First, they sent in a psychologist to see me.  Well, I nipped that in the bud.  As soon as they introduced themselves, I said 'just stop right there, I have nothing to say and I better not get a bill for this.'  The second thing that happened is more of my focus here.  This is the time of my life when I began having my swallowing and coughing troubles so the doctor recommended I get a feeding tube to help avoid the problem.  Needless to say I was shocked and told him I was not ready for that kind of invasive intervention and would deal with it.  Twenty years later now, I think of all the enjoyment of food I've had and the pleasure I would have missed all those years.
     I tell this story to say that you must heed advice but in the end, you have to decide what is best for you.  My doctor now has recommended a trach for me for some years now.  When I found out that it would result in me no longer being able to speak or eat ever again, I took that option off the table.  Medical technology is great but 'you' must decide your limits.  By the way, this in no way advocates euthanaseia.  There is a time tho to resist further medical attention.
     This also plays out in your eternal fate.  Heed advice but only you can decide for yourself.

Flea Market Heaven

     Canton, TX is known as the world famous flea market heaven.  Keep it a secret tho, too many people already know, lol.  We just got back from our spring voyage to this little town. It was a great trip, despite a lil 'spice of life', as my friend put it.  I got some cool stuff but just going and looking is worth it in itself. They have lots of decorative sign sayings but my favorite one this time was   'A smoking section in a restaurant is like a peeing section in a swimming pool'.  How funny but true!
     If I could sum up this trip in one word, it would be 'Protected.'  The following aren't negatives of the trip but just examples of His protection over us wherever we are.

  1]  On the way down, two ceiling fan blades broke off but no one was hit by them.
  2]  I sucker punched the towel rack with my bottom lip but I didn't knock out my tooth that occasionally pops out.
  3]  When it rained Saturday morning, we had the option to go to the indoor market place.
  4]  We did have a tire blowout on the way home but it didn't cause a wreck or hurt the other tire next to it.
  5]  A beer toting man came to our door but went away peacefully after my dad gave him some matches so he could light his cigarette.
  6]  Even tho we spent a noisy night camped on an access ramp off the freeway, we had everything we needed.
  7]  Although the wait for tire repair service tested/zapped my patience completely, it was resolved and at a lower cost.
  8]  Everything was just as we left it when we got home, perfectly fine.

   This is just a short list of the few ways I know that we were blessed.  God is good all the time, even in the trying moments of life.