Shield of Love
This morning I went out to the backyard to check the hummingbird feeder to see if the juice needed to be replaced. It only lasts a couple days before it starts to get foggy and look like maybe there should be a warning sign for the hummingbirds - "Drink at your own risk!" Anyway, the juice was foggy and I could see some stringy things floating around in it so I went inside to make a fresh batch of juice. While I was waiting for the water to boil, I kind of watched the feeder to see if any hummingbirds came to take a drink. One did. But just as he (or she) was about to dip in and drink, another hummingbird flew from somewhere and chased the drinker away. They both flew off and neither one took a drink. Now, keep in mind I do have a good imagination, but as I was observing this, my thought was that the second hummingbird was standing guard somewhere and warning the hummingbirds not to drink the juice. As if shielding them from disastrous consequences or a sore tummy at the very least.
Well, the juice has been changed and is fresh and sweetly yummy for my little friends the hummingbirds. So no worries for all of you that were fearful I was poisoning those delightful creatures. Truthfully, the second hummingbird was probably just being a stinker. But isn't the thought that he was acting as a shield or protector kind of a cool idea?
A shield conjures up thoughts of strength, protection, power, soldiers in battle. My hands are clenched as I reread those words. Just saying the word SHIELD, causes me to envision a huge silver embossed shield that weighs a ton and has been through many battles. That mighty shield is always protecting the bearer, allowing him (or her) to ward off the many blows that come.
Sometimes in my day to day life I wish I had a shield to protect me from hurts or disappointments. A big - huge - weighs a ton - silver protective shield that wards off the blows of life - "real or imagined". I could place it over my head and nothing could touch me or my heart. Because it is my head that thinks things into existence and my heart that hurts. I don't imagine I am alone in this way of thinking.
What I fail to remember is that I am covered by a shield. A shield of love. God's love. God's love! If I will just cling to Him when the hurts and disappointments come - He will protect my heart with His comfort. If I will turn to Him when my thoughts begin to run wild and imagine things - I will think truth. It is when I am far from Him that I wish I had a shield. When in fact I already have one, I am just not using it.
Father in heaven, You surround me with your shield of love. Help me always be aware of your presence - so very real. Amen.
"For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love." Psalm 5:12
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
It's All Good
It's All Good
There is a great children's book called Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes written by Eric Litwin. Pete is a very cool cat. And he wears tennis shoes. I told you he was cool! Pete was just strolling along singing his song "I love my white shoes", so proud and happy with his white tennis shoes when all of sudden he steps in a large pile of strawberries. And you guessed it - his beautiful white shoes turn RED. This does not phase Pete in the least and he just changes his song - "I love my red shoes, I love my red shoes", when suddenly he steps in a large pile of blueberries. Pete does not cry he just keeps walking along and signing a new song - "I love my BLUE shoes" - in fact, Pete thinks it's kind of awesome that now he has blue shoes instead of plain old white shoes. As Pete strolls along, he steps in mud and his shoes turn brown and then steps in water to wash away all the color, but now his shoes were wet. And the moral of the story is no matter what you step in, just be happy and keep singing your song because --------- It's all good!!!!!
And it is.
In the early 80's we were still living in Chicago and we were happy campers. We owned a really nice house had great neighbors, wonderful friends, owned two stores. Life was good and we were strolling along singing our song. When suddenly the economy went south (uh oh, curve ball coming our way) and thus so did our two stores and we fell on hard times. But family and friends helped out and we kept singing our song. Finally in order to prevent filing for bankruptcy we had to sell our house and the two stores. This was devastating as we had worked very hard and saved and planned in order to buy the home and we loved the stores. But, stuff happens, right? Life just has to go on. We took it in stride and just did what needed to be done. We rented a home in the same area and then my in-laws purchased a home that we rented from them also in the same area. And so, not much was different except the house we lived in, same friends, the kids were at the same schools, so life was still good ---- just a little different --- new jobs, we met new great neighbors and we kept singing our song in spite of our losses.
You see, no matter what curve balls head your way, if you just do what needs to be done and move on rather than dwelling on the curve balls, you can get through it. If you dwell on the curve balls they hit you - ya gotta duck!!
Everything happens for a reason, and it's all good!
Make the most of whatever life sends your way because, it's all good!
Search and find the positive in all situations, there's one there, somewhere, because it's all good!
Lean on the everlasting arms of Christ and you can do anything and make it through anything and then it's all good. That's the secret.
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4: 11 - 13
There is a great children's book called Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes written by Eric Litwin. Pete is a very cool cat. And he wears tennis shoes. I told you he was cool! Pete was just strolling along singing his song "I love my white shoes", so proud and happy with his white tennis shoes when all of sudden he steps in a large pile of strawberries. And you guessed it - his beautiful white shoes turn RED. This does not phase Pete in the least and he just changes his song - "I love my red shoes, I love my red shoes", when suddenly he steps in a large pile of blueberries. Pete does not cry he just keeps walking along and signing a new song - "I love my BLUE shoes" - in fact, Pete thinks it's kind of awesome that now he has blue shoes instead of plain old white shoes. As Pete strolls along, he steps in mud and his shoes turn brown and then steps in water to wash away all the color, but now his shoes were wet. And the moral of the story is no matter what you step in, just be happy and keep singing your song because --------- It's all good!!!!!
And it is.
In the early 80's we were still living in Chicago and we were happy campers. We owned a really nice house had great neighbors, wonderful friends, owned two stores. Life was good and we were strolling along singing our song. When suddenly the economy went south (uh oh, curve ball coming our way) and thus so did our two stores and we fell on hard times. But family and friends helped out and we kept singing our song. Finally in order to prevent filing for bankruptcy we had to sell our house and the two stores. This was devastating as we had worked very hard and saved and planned in order to buy the home and we loved the stores. But, stuff happens, right? Life just has to go on. We took it in stride and just did what needed to be done. We rented a home in the same area and then my in-laws purchased a home that we rented from them also in the same area. And so, not much was different except the house we lived in, same friends, the kids were at the same schools, so life was still good ---- just a little different --- new jobs, we met new great neighbors and we kept singing our song in spite of our losses.
You see, no matter what curve balls head your way, if you just do what needs to be done and move on rather than dwelling on the curve balls, you can get through it. If you dwell on the curve balls they hit you - ya gotta duck!!
Everything happens for a reason, and it's all good!
Make the most of whatever life sends your way because, it's all good!
Search and find the positive in all situations, there's one there, somewhere, because it's all good!
Lean on the everlasting arms of Christ and you can do anything and make it through anything and then it's all good. That's the secret.
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4: 11 - 13
Friday, July 18, 2014
Dive Into the Word
Dive Into the Word
"For You bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love." Psalm 5:12
For some reason, this verse and it's message was supposed to be posted today. Did you ever get that little unrelenting niggle to do something and you just felt like it wasn't something that could be dismissed. Well, that's how I felt about this verse today.
I had actually read this verse over a year ago - I was so touched by it, I put the date next to it in my Bible - 6/19/13. As I recall when I first read it, I even got a visual picture and was filled with a feeling of overwhelming comfort. This morning as I was thinking about a blog theme or message for today, this verse popped into my head. I always say there are no coincidences so figured it must be for someone that will read the blog today or some other day.
The problem: I knew the verse, but didn't know where it was in the Bible. I knew the words "shield of love" were in the verse so I looked in the concordance. Should have been easy to find, right?, but no...anyway, my point is, I had such a strong feeling about this verse I spent over an hour looking through my Bible for it. Along the way, I found many verses that have the same sort of message. They are for YOU!
And so...I invite you to seclude yourself somewhere, be still and take a moment to immerse yourself in God's Words of love and safety and security. Dive in and be covered with the comfort that comes from knowing that you are loved by an Almighty and Wonderful God and Father. Know that He cares. Climb onto His mighty lap and allow Him to wrap His arms around you and listen to His words. His words, meant for you!
"For You bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love." Psalm 5:12
"He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection." Psalm 91:4
"Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people, both now and forever." Psalm 125: 2
"Because You are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; Your strong right hand holds me securely." Psalm 63: 7 &8
"Let me live forever in Your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!" Psalm 61:4
"My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me." Psalm 62: 7
"How precious is Your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of Your wings." Psalm 36:7
"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever." Psalm 73: 26
"For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone." Psalm 91: 11, 12
"The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward then with a long life and give them my salvation." Psalm 91: 14 - 16
"And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He certainly will care for you... " Matthew 6:30
"The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring." Isaiah 58: 11
"But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name, you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43: 1- 3
"From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done." Isaiah 43:13
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever." Psalm 107: 1
"For You bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love." Psalm 5:12
For some reason, this verse and it's message was supposed to be posted today. Did you ever get that little unrelenting niggle to do something and you just felt like it wasn't something that could be dismissed. Well, that's how I felt about this verse today.
I had actually read this verse over a year ago - I was so touched by it, I put the date next to it in my Bible - 6/19/13. As I recall when I first read it, I even got a visual picture and was filled with a feeling of overwhelming comfort. This morning as I was thinking about a blog theme or message for today, this verse popped into my head. I always say there are no coincidences so figured it must be for someone that will read the blog today or some other day.
The problem: I knew the verse, but didn't know where it was in the Bible. I knew the words "shield of love" were in the verse so I looked in the concordance. Should have been easy to find, right?, but no...anyway, my point is, I had such a strong feeling about this verse I spent over an hour looking through my Bible for it. Along the way, I found many verses that have the same sort of message. They are for YOU!
And so...I invite you to seclude yourself somewhere, be still and take a moment to immerse yourself in God's Words of love and safety and security. Dive in and be covered with the comfort that comes from knowing that you are loved by an Almighty and Wonderful God and Father. Know that He cares. Climb onto His mighty lap and allow Him to wrap His arms around you and listen to His words. His words, meant for you!
"For You bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love." Psalm 5:12
"He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection." Psalm 91:4
"Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people, both now and forever." Psalm 125: 2
"Because You are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; Your strong right hand holds me securely." Psalm 63: 7 &8
"Let me live forever in Your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings!" Psalm 61:4
"My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me." Psalm 62: 7
"How precious is Your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of Your wings." Psalm 36:7
"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever." Psalm 73: 26
"For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone." Psalm 91: 11, 12
"The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward then with a long life and give them my salvation." Psalm 91: 14 - 16
"And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He certainly will care for you... " Matthew 6:30
"The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring." Isaiah 58: 11
"But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name, you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43: 1- 3
"From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done." Isaiah 43:13
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever." Psalm 107: 1
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Got Stuff???
Got Stuff??
Collecting things seems to be a family trait. I am guessing that we are not alone since there is a whole television show dedicated to Hoarders - those people that collect things. I don't quite understand the need or the desire that drives people to collect things, I just know it exists and is very common and that I happen to be in it's mighty grip.
For some people clothing is the culprit. They have so many clothes they could cloth all the women in a female college dorm. I know a family that was helping their grandmother move. They all got together to help clean out the apartment in order to prepare and minimize the amount of stuff that was going to be moved to a much smaller location. As my friend shared her story I couldn't help but think of my own grandmother and what my mom found when she cleaned out Grandma's apartment - a dozen brand new bras - tags still on. And slippers... whoa!! I mean really, we each only have 2 feet, why would a person need so many pairs of slippers???
As a kid, I lived in the Chicago area. The houses in my neighborhood had an alley behind them that separated one block from another. This is where our garbage cans were for pick up. Along with the garbage cans, people would also put out anything they no longer wanted or needed. If it was still there on trash day, the garbage man would put it in his truck. BUT, if my little brother got there first, it usually ended up in our basement. One time, when my brother was about 8 or 9 he came home all proud of himself with a whole bushel basket of used plastic bathroom wall tiles - as I recall, they were pink and gray. EEEWWW!!! "But they're good tiles," he said. Another time, he was walking home from school and he saw a perfectly good car antennae on the ground in front of a neighbors house. He ran all the way home so happy with his latest find. A little while later my mom figured out our neighbor was replacing his car antennae and had just gone into his house to get something for a quick minute right at the time my brother was walking by. An honest mistake! Beware of the local trash picker/collector - he never misses a good treasure.
My weakness is kid stuff. One year for Christmas when my husband asked me what I wanted I told him I wanted a shed for all my kid stuff. I got 2 sheds from Santa and filled 'em both. Right now the kid stuff has overflowed to the garage, the master bedroom, the TV room closet, one bedroom closet and my office floor. Kid stuff?? What the heck is kid stuff you might ask. Well, I taught preschool for 7 years and have been involved in Children's Ministry at local churches for over 40 years. And over the years I have collected all kinds of supplies and well -- kid stuff. By kid stuff I mean, curriculum, games, puzzles, manipulatives, construction paper, glue, paint, toys, stickers, foam shapes, bulletin board materials, learning worksheets and on and on. Seriously, I have 30 boxes of kids books. And that doesn't count the ones that are on the little 3 shelf bookcase. I have a box that is 28" x 14" x 12" filled with foam shapes - you want hearts, I got foam hearts. You want yellow stars, I got yellow foam stars. You want letters, I got foam letters. How big do you want them? You name it, I got it. When my husband asks me for the tape, I have to ask, what color? what kind? and in what kind of dispenser? A couple years ago, I took a preschool music class and the teacher had us making flannel pieces to go with the songs we would be teaching our preschool children.. She asked us all to bring in any felt we had and any scissors so we could share and folks didn't have to go out an buy stuff. Well, wasn't she surprised when I rolled my luggage cart in with two 18 gallon size tubs filled with felt and a bag of 30 pairs of adult scissors. I kid you not!!! I am a sick woman, I tell ya!!
And don't even get me (or worse - my husband) started on Pringles Canisters...they are good for so many things, how can a person in good conscience throw one out? Having all this stuff is great in many ways. If someone or I need something for a project like pipe cleaners, or beads or stretchy string, I have it. So I can actually save money by not having to buy anything and I can help people by providing what they need. A couple years ago, a friend needed butter or cottage cheese tubs for her VBS. I had like 70 of them. SCORE!!! What a blessing for her. And in that case, I knew right where to find them in the garage. It's not always that easy to find stuff in there though.
My sheds are organized. I have assigned each of the 120 tubs a number and I have a very precise list of what is in each tub and I know where that list is. Good thing! When I need pipe cleaners I know I can go to tub #85 and find pipe cleaners. The dilemma is when I am looking for something not in the sheds. There are just too many places to look because the "stuff" is everywhere. This causes a lot of frustration and wasted time searching for things. So often, I wish, wish, wish, I had the strength and courage I needed to just get rid of things. But you and I both know, as soon as I do.......I or someone else will need it.
I am wondering if God says anything about being a collector. I haven't found anything in His Word yet that addresses this issue. Though He does say not to make anything in our lives more important than Him, my stuff isn't more important to me than Him. I just have it. A lot of it!! And I count it a blessing of provision from my heavenly Father.
So, if you are ever looking for "kid stuff". You know who to call. And it's not Ghostbusters! I am always happy to share and God does say something about that.
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." Acts 4:32
"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God." 2 Corinthians 9: 11, 12
Collecting things seems to be a family trait. I am guessing that we are not alone since there is a whole television show dedicated to Hoarders - those people that collect things. I don't quite understand the need or the desire that drives people to collect things, I just know it exists and is very common and that I happen to be in it's mighty grip.
For some people clothing is the culprit. They have so many clothes they could cloth all the women in a female college dorm. I know a family that was helping their grandmother move. They all got together to help clean out the apartment in order to prepare and minimize the amount of stuff that was going to be moved to a much smaller location. As my friend shared her story I couldn't help but think of my own grandmother and what my mom found when she cleaned out Grandma's apartment - a dozen brand new bras - tags still on. And slippers... whoa!! I mean really, we each only have 2 feet, why would a person need so many pairs of slippers???
As a kid, I lived in the Chicago area. The houses in my neighborhood had an alley behind them that separated one block from another. This is where our garbage cans were for pick up. Along with the garbage cans, people would also put out anything they no longer wanted or needed. If it was still there on trash day, the garbage man would put it in his truck. BUT, if my little brother got there first, it usually ended up in our basement. One time, when my brother was about 8 or 9 he came home all proud of himself with a whole bushel basket of used plastic bathroom wall tiles - as I recall, they were pink and gray. EEEWWW!!! "But they're good tiles," he said. Another time, he was walking home from school and he saw a perfectly good car antennae on the ground in front of a neighbors house. He ran all the way home so happy with his latest find. A little while later my mom figured out our neighbor was replacing his car antennae and had just gone into his house to get something for a quick minute right at the time my brother was walking by. An honest mistake! Beware of the local trash picker/collector - he never misses a good treasure.
My weakness is kid stuff. One year for Christmas when my husband asked me what I wanted I told him I wanted a shed for all my kid stuff. I got 2 sheds from Santa and filled 'em both. Right now the kid stuff has overflowed to the garage, the master bedroom, the TV room closet, one bedroom closet and my office floor. Kid stuff?? What the heck is kid stuff you might ask. Well, I taught preschool for 7 years and have been involved in Children's Ministry at local churches for over 40 years. And over the years I have collected all kinds of supplies and well -- kid stuff. By kid stuff I mean, curriculum, games, puzzles, manipulatives, construction paper, glue, paint, toys, stickers, foam shapes, bulletin board materials, learning worksheets and on and on. Seriously, I have 30 boxes of kids books. And that doesn't count the ones that are on the little 3 shelf bookcase. I have a box that is 28" x 14" x 12" filled with foam shapes - you want hearts, I got foam hearts. You want yellow stars, I got yellow foam stars. You want letters, I got foam letters. How big do you want them? You name it, I got it. When my husband asks me for the tape, I have to ask, what color? what kind? and in what kind of dispenser? A couple years ago, I took a preschool music class and the teacher had us making flannel pieces to go with the songs we would be teaching our preschool children.. She asked us all to bring in any felt we had and any scissors so we could share and folks didn't have to go out an buy stuff. Well, wasn't she surprised when I rolled my luggage cart in with two 18 gallon size tubs filled with felt and a bag of 30 pairs of adult scissors. I kid you not!!! I am a sick woman, I tell ya!!
And don't even get me (or worse - my husband) started on Pringles Canisters...they are good for so many things, how can a person in good conscience throw one out? Having all this stuff is great in many ways. If someone or I need something for a project like pipe cleaners, or beads or stretchy string, I have it. So I can actually save money by not having to buy anything and I can help people by providing what they need. A couple years ago, a friend needed butter or cottage cheese tubs for her VBS. I had like 70 of them. SCORE!!! What a blessing for her. And in that case, I knew right where to find them in the garage. It's not always that easy to find stuff in there though.
My sheds are organized. I have assigned each of the 120 tubs a number and I have a very precise list of what is in each tub and I know where that list is. Good thing! When I need pipe cleaners I know I can go to tub #85 and find pipe cleaners. The dilemma is when I am looking for something not in the sheds. There are just too many places to look because the "stuff" is everywhere. This causes a lot of frustration and wasted time searching for things. So often, I wish, wish, wish, I had the strength and courage I needed to just get rid of things. But you and I both know, as soon as I do.......I or someone else will need it.
I am wondering if God says anything about being a collector. I haven't found anything in His Word yet that addresses this issue. Though He does say not to make anything in our lives more important than Him, my stuff isn't more important to me than Him. I just have it. A lot of it!! And I count it a blessing of provision from my heavenly Father.
So, if you are ever looking for "kid stuff". You know who to call. And it's not Ghostbusters! I am always happy to share and God does say something about that.
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." Acts 4:32
"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God." 2 Corinthians 9: 11, 12
Friday, July 11, 2014
Early Learning
Early Learning
The wonder in a child's eye's as they discover something new is amazing. I had a few young children over last week and I put out a tub of dried beans. It was a mixture of lima, pinto, black, red, split pea, and black-eyed peas. The assortment was actually quite diverse in color and size. I thought it would be fun, and I was right. To the tub, I added brightly colored ice cream scoopers. I also added brightly colored containers the shape of planting pots. These were actually the containers that came with an easter egg dying set. A couple plastic bowls and an empty clean liquid creamer bottle with lid so they could fill the container and pour out the beans were the final touches.
Oh my goodness, they absolutely loved it. They scooped and poured and filled and dumped. And as they were doing this it was almost as if I could see the wheels turning in their heads. Think about all they were learning through this one activity: the difference between empty and full, weight, the sound of the beans pouring and dumping, the fact that if something is too big for a hole it will clog the hole, if you put too much in a container it will overflow, if you throw beans you are going to have to pick them up, if you throw beans they will get in someone's hair, if you step on beans they crunch, beans will split in two...the list is practically endless.
I read an article written by Ellen Booth Church. She is an expert in Early Learning. My favorite quote from her, one that I had posted in my preschool classroom is:
The wonder in a child's eye's as they discover something new is amazing. I had a few young children over last week and I put out a tub of dried beans. It was a mixture of lima, pinto, black, red, split pea, and black-eyed peas. The assortment was actually quite diverse in color and size. I thought it would be fun, and I was right. To the tub, I added brightly colored ice cream scoopers. I also added brightly colored containers the shape of planting pots. These were actually the containers that came with an easter egg dying set. A couple plastic bowls and an empty clean liquid creamer bottle with lid so they could fill the container and pour out the beans were the final touches.
Oh my goodness, they absolutely loved it. They scooped and poured and filled and dumped. And as they were doing this it was almost as if I could see the wheels turning in their heads. Think about all they were learning through this one activity: the difference between empty and full, weight, the sound of the beans pouring and dumping, the fact that if something is too big for a hole it will clog the hole, if you put too much in a container it will overflow, if you throw beans you are going to have to pick them up, if you throw beans they will get in someone's hair, if you step on beans they crunch, beans will split in two...the list is practically endless.
I read an article written by Ellen Booth Church. She is an expert in Early Learning. My favorite quote from her, one that I had posted in my preschool classroom is:
"It is with fun, hands-on experiences that children make sense of their world -
using observation, experimentation, analysis, application, and problem-solving."
I think adults sometimes forget that little kids have to learn everything. They aren't born knowing that if you fill a container too full, it will overflow. They have to experiment and observe that phenomenon happening in order to learn what happens when a container is filled too full.
It is so important to allow children to try things, to experiment to figure things out - things like, if I fill a container too full of beans, it overflows. In their mind they will think - What happens if I fill a container too full of water? or stones? Do you see how one new learned thing leads to another?
The early years of a child's life are busy - physically and mentally. Little ones run! They hardly ever walk. Their attention span is short so they move from one thing to another like little busy bees. And their minds are absorbing and processing every little thing in their world - now that's busy!!
Early learning is a daily, moment by moment thing for little ones. Give them an opportunity to learn by giving them an opportunity to experiment, to try things, to observe, to figure things out for themselves. We don't do our children any favors if we do everything for them.
One of these little ones was putting their socks back on and said "I can't do it!" I told the child, "Yes, you can, but if you get stuck, I'll help you!" Guess what, they got their socks on and I didn't have to help. Sometimes a child will say "I can't do it" but what they really mean is "I don't want to do it." When the socks were on, we did high fives and I said, "See, I knew you could do it, you are strong and you are smart!" The smile on that child was a mile wide. If I put the socks on, no learning would have taken place. Yes, it would have been faster, but in a speed vs. learning activity, I will take the learning side every time.
If as a parent you need help in coming up with activities for your little one to give them an opportunity to learn and experience new things, there are tons of books available, Pinterest is an excellent source, go on the internet and just Google - early learning activities or preschool activities. You won't believe all that is available. I have heard mom's say I am just not creative, well then find someone who is - you can enroll your child in a Morning Out program so they get these kinds of experiences. Or if you are a working parent find a preschool or day care center that believes in offering all kinds of early learning activities so your child will be exposed to our wonderful world and the joys of early learning. I can't stress enough how important it is.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Let It Go
Let It Go
Does it bug anyone else beside me when someone gives you a project to do and then proceeds to tell you how to do it? This is not only a bit demeaning, but also rather stifling.
I can remember when I worked in an office and the boss would come in with a project he or she wanted me to do and would say, "This is your baby, you have full charge of this one." But then in the next breath the boss would tell me how to do the project. Well, if I do that project the bosses way is it really my project? If a project has been given to a person, the freedom to do that project as they wish should go along with it. As long as the job gets done - does it really matter how?
It would be kind of like Jesus saying "I am giving you a job to do" it is to "go and make disciples". And then adding, "Go to bookstores and make disciples by inviting them to have a cup of coffee." But Jesus, because He is who He is, didn't do that. Yes, He did say "Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" and "teach them to obey" but that is part of the job. He let it go at - Go and make disciples. How we do it is up to us. And that is freeing! That is exciting and challenging and fun and it makes you want to do it!
I wish managers and bosses everywhere would take a lesson from Jesus when assigning a job or a responsibility. Assign the job and then Let It Go!
These kinds of things happen in homes as well. We ask our kids to clean their room and then get mad at them when we hear music blaring while they are working. Well, maybe music helps them get the job done. I am okay with whatever it takes (within reason) as long as it gets done!
I think what we have to remember is that there is more than one way to do things. Jesus knew this and that's why He didn't give any other instructions than "go and make disciples." Making disciples is a really big job - much bigger than any job a boss would give you, much bigger than a job you might give your child, and yet, Jesus said the words, gave the job and then Let It Go!
It's up to each of us how and where and when we do it. "This is your baby, you have full charge of this one." That being said, I am Letting It Go!
Reference: Matthew 28: 19
Does it bug anyone else beside me when someone gives you a project to do and then proceeds to tell you how to do it? This is not only a bit demeaning, but also rather stifling.
I can remember when I worked in an office and the boss would come in with a project he or she wanted me to do and would say, "This is your baby, you have full charge of this one." But then in the next breath the boss would tell me how to do the project. Well, if I do that project the bosses way is it really my project? If a project has been given to a person, the freedom to do that project as they wish should go along with it. As long as the job gets done - does it really matter how?
It would be kind of like Jesus saying "I am giving you a job to do" it is to "go and make disciples". And then adding, "Go to bookstores and make disciples by inviting them to have a cup of coffee." But Jesus, because He is who He is, didn't do that. Yes, He did say "Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" and "teach them to obey" but that is part of the job. He let it go at - Go and make disciples. How we do it is up to us. And that is freeing! That is exciting and challenging and fun and it makes you want to do it!
I wish managers and bosses everywhere would take a lesson from Jesus when assigning a job or a responsibility. Assign the job and then Let It Go!
These kinds of things happen in homes as well. We ask our kids to clean their room and then get mad at them when we hear music blaring while they are working. Well, maybe music helps them get the job done. I am okay with whatever it takes (within reason) as long as it gets done!
I think what we have to remember is that there is more than one way to do things. Jesus knew this and that's why He didn't give any other instructions than "go and make disciples." Making disciples is a really big job - much bigger than any job a boss would give you, much bigger than a job you might give your child, and yet, Jesus said the words, gave the job and then Let It Go!
It's up to each of us how and where and when we do it. "This is your baby, you have full charge of this one." That being said, I am Letting It Go!
Reference: Matthew 28: 19
Monday, July 7, 2014
Poor Dogs!!
Poor Dogs!!
Imagine that you are in a room - all is quiet - you may even be sleeping which is what you do most of the day and suddenly without warning - BAM!! POW!!CRACK!!KABOOM!! then it's quiet again for about 5 minutes and then again - BAM!! POW!!CRACK!!KABOOM!! and then it's quiet again for about 5 minutes and this repeats over and over all throughout the night and sometimes a leftover loud CRACK! even happens the next day periodically. You have no idea what the heck is making all that sudden loud noise, you just know it scares the you know what out of you each time it happens and then you do what comes naturally, you race around, bark, growl and huff and puff your angst and displeasure. Poor dogs!!
July 4th plays havoc on our poor dog, Daisy. Maggie could care less. But Daisy takes these sudden loud bursts of noise very seriously and so for her, the 4th of July fireworks are absolutely not fun or beautiful or spectacular. They are very stressful. Poor dog!!
But Daisy is not alone in her anxiety over the 4th of July fireworks. My husband heard on the news that the 4th of July and the day after is the busiest time of the year for animal shelters. Dogs get so frightened by the fireworks noise that they go tearing out of their homes and yards often getting lost or injured or worse. Who can blame them, they don't know what's going on.
We typically stay home on the 4th because we know how the noise affects Daisy. She stays pretty close to us most of the evening or comes running to one of us, usually me, when the fireworks go off. Perhaps instinctively she knows we will protect her. Or maybe she thinks she needs to protect us from whatever loud monster "thing" might be coming our way.
Today is July 6th and we still heard a few loud cracks of fireworks going off in the neighborhood. I am sure the same thing was happening all across America. And poor Daisy and I am sure many other dogs, went bananas, with each CRACK!. I do not begrudge anyone their celebration of the 4th of July, it is indeed a day to celebrate freedom and independence - both things we as a country and as a people are privileged to enjoy. But I sure do wish the fireworks part of the celebrating could just be kept to one day - for the sake of the poor dogs!!
Just sayin' !
Imagine that you are in a room - all is quiet - you may even be sleeping which is what you do most of the day and suddenly without warning - BAM!! POW!!CRACK!!KABOOM!! then it's quiet again for about 5 minutes and then again - BAM!! POW!!CRACK!!KABOOM!! and then it's quiet again for about 5 minutes and this repeats over and over all throughout the night and sometimes a leftover loud CRACK! even happens the next day periodically. You have no idea what the heck is making all that sudden loud noise, you just know it scares the you know what out of you each time it happens and then you do what comes naturally, you race around, bark, growl and huff and puff your angst and displeasure. Poor dogs!!
July 4th plays havoc on our poor dog, Daisy. Maggie could care less. But Daisy takes these sudden loud bursts of noise very seriously and so for her, the 4th of July fireworks are absolutely not fun or beautiful or spectacular. They are very stressful. Poor dog!!
But Daisy is not alone in her anxiety over the 4th of July fireworks. My husband heard on the news that the 4th of July and the day after is the busiest time of the year for animal shelters. Dogs get so frightened by the fireworks noise that they go tearing out of their homes and yards often getting lost or injured or worse. Who can blame them, they don't know what's going on.
We typically stay home on the 4th because we know how the noise affects Daisy. She stays pretty close to us most of the evening or comes running to one of us, usually me, when the fireworks go off. Perhaps instinctively she knows we will protect her. Or maybe she thinks she needs to protect us from whatever loud monster "thing" might be coming our way.
Today is July 6th and we still heard a few loud cracks of fireworks going off in the neighborhood. I am sure the same thing was happening all across America. And poor Daisy and I am sure many other dogs, went bananas, with each CRACK!. I do not begrudge anyone their celebration of the 4th of July, it is indeed a day to celebrate freedom and independence - both things we as a country and as a people are privileged to enjoy. But I sure do wish the fireworks part of the celebrating could just be kept to one day - for the sake of the poor dogs!!
Just sayin' !
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Sunday - "Fun"day
Sunday - "Fun"day
Sundays have always been such a special day of the week in our house. When our kids were growing up, Sunday was set aside as a day for special times. Of course first we went to church. The kids always seemed to have fun in Sunday School. And that was okay. But after church came the real fun.
For a while my husband worked at a restaurant so after church we would go to the restaurant and have lunch with him. The kids loved this! First of all - it was semi-fast food (roast beef sandwiches), we didn't have fast food very often. Second it was "out to eat" we didn't do this very often either. Third we were with dad - he worked kind of long hours so we relished this time with him. Fourth we got to eat at a place where dad was "The Boss" so everyone was super nice and treated us like royalty. There was nothing about these excursions that had a downside. PLUS the kids knew that after lunch with dad, we got to go see Grama and Grampa. SCORE!!!! This was a typical Sunday for quite a while.
On the weekends my husband didn't work, we would go visit his parents and spend the afternoon visiting or stay for dinner. This was rich family time.
As the kids got older and our family grew and my husbands job changed we still tried to keep up the regular Sunday visits to the grandparents homes. Then we moved out of state and it all changed.
When I was growing up we had similar traditions. As children we experienced frequent and regular Sunday visits with our grandparents. Either we would go there to visit or they would come visit us and spend the night because they came on the bus. They didn't have a car. Sunday was always special and "fun" in other ways, too! After church my dad would give us each 25 cents and we were allowed to walk down the block from the church to the local Italian Bakery- Naples- and get a donut. Then we'd either walk back to church or he'd pick us up. Lots of the dads from the church did this so there was always a big group of us kids that poured into Naples to buy 1 donut or 1 cookie each. The bakery must have dreaded Sunday mornings!!! Anyway, I never asked what the adults were doing while we were all at the bakery... I wonder??? I suppose all the adults were just talking and hanging out like we were.
Some Sunday's we would go to the Pancake House in our town after church. That was the most exciting and fun of all for my little brothers and I. We'd get Silver Dollar Pancakes and I'd smother mine with blueberry syrup. YUM!! And in the afternoon, we'd go bowling or to the movies. We seemed to always do something special on Sunday. And that's what made it a fun day!
I guess the point of today's blog is that making Sunday a special day - a "fun" day is important. It was definitely important in our family. Those regular Sunday grandparent visits allowed for intergenerational relationships within our family to flourish. The grandkids got to really know the grandparents and the grandparents got to really know the grandkids. Likewise, finding a way to spend time with a dad that worked long hours was just as important. Setting aside Sunday as a "fun" day creates and binds a family. It doesn't have to be going to visit the grandparents, though this is really, really nice, it could be some other kind of Sunday family outing - like a hike or a bike ride, a trip to the park or a picnic, flying kites or shooting off rockets, anything that you can do as a family. Setting aside Sunday is important to the family unit and it is important to God. It's so important He made it a commandment. "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." Exodus 20:8 I believe God considers the family holy. So next weekend, plan a Sunday - "Fun" day with your family and start your own holy traditions.
Blessings!!
Sundays have always been such a special day of the week in our house. When our kids were growing up, Sunday was set aside as a day for special times. Of course first we went to church. The kids always seemed to have fun in Sunday School. And that was okay. But after church came the real fun.
For a while my husband worked at a restaurant so after church we would go to the restaurant and have lunch with him. The kids loved this! First of all - it was semi-fast food (roast beef sandwiches), we didn't have fast food very often. Second it was "out to eat" we didn't do this very often either. Third we were with dad - he worked kind of long hours so we relished this time with him. Fourth we got to eat at a place where dad was "The Boss" so everyone was super nice and treated us like royalty. There was nothing about these excursions that had a downside. PLUS the kids knew that after lunch with dad, we got to go see Grama and Grampa. SCORE!!!! This was a typical Sunday for quite a while.
On the weekends my husband didn't work, we would go visit his parents and spend the afternoon visiting or stay for dinner. This was rich family time.
As the kids got older and our family grew and my husbands job changed we still tried to keep up the regular Sunday visits to the grandparents homes. Then we moved out of state and it all changed.
When I was growing up we had similar traditions. As children we experienced frequent and regular Sunday visits with our grandparents. Either we would go there to visit or they would come visit us and spend the night because they came on the bus. They didn't have a car. Sunday was always special and "fun" in other ways, too! After church my dad would give us each 25 cents and we were allowed to walk down the block from the church to the local Italian Bakery- Naples- and get a donut. Then we'd either walk back to church or he'd pick us up. Lots of the dads from the church did this so there was always a big group of us kids that poured into Naples to buy 1 donut or 1 cookie each. The bakery must have dreaded Sunday mornings!!! Anyway, I never asked what the adults were doing while we were all at the bakery... I wonder??? I suppose all the adults were just talking and hanging out like we were.
Some Sunday's we would go to the Pancake House in our town after church. That was the most exciting and fun of all for my little brothers and I. We'd get Silver Dollar Pancakes and I'd smother mine with blueberry syrup. YUM!! And in the afternoon, we'd go bowling or to the movies. We seemed to always do something special on Sunday. And that's what made it a fun day!
I guess the point of today's blog is that making Sunday a special day - a "fun" day is important. It was definitely important in our family. Those regular Sunday grandparent visits allowed for intergenerational relationships within our family to flourish. The grandkids got to really know the grandparents and the grandparents got to really know the grandkids. Likewise, finding a way to spend time with a dad that worked long hours was just as important. Setting aside Sunday as a "fun" day creates and binds a family. It doesn't have to be going to visit the grandparents, though this is really, really nice, it could be some other kind of Sunday family outing - like a hike or a bike ride, a trip to the park or a picnic, flying kites or shooting off rockets, anything that you can do as a family. Setting aside Sunday is important to the family unit and it is important to God. It's so important He made it a commandment. "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." Exodus 20:8 I believe God considers the family holy. So next weekend, plan a Sunday - "Fun" day with your family and start your own holy traditions.
Blessings!!
Saturday, July 5, 2014
The Wrong Prize
The Wrong Prize
So many people buy lottery tickets, hoping to win the mega million dollar prize. When the prize amount gets up in the 8 and 9 digits, lottery sales skyrocket. And how many stories do we hear about those lottery winners going broker after just a short time? It's so sad.
I have had a really good prize year this past year with my Mary Kay sales. I've been queen of sales for about 9 out of 12 months earning pin after pin and last month I got to wear the Queen of Sales crown. I've earned beautiful necklaces and earrings, a lovely pair of lamps, paid conference registration, plus 3 gorgeous rings and my latest prize was an awesome teal colored handbag. I wholeheartedly went after each of these prizes and hit the mark, each time. I aimed for the BIG end of year prize, but didn't quite make it. This was okay because I know I gave it my all. If I didn't work hard to try to attain that BIG prize I would have regrets, but in this case, no regrets, but I still really wanted it. Anyway, when my teal handbag arrived, I took a picture of it and sent it out to my girls with excitement - in big letters, I wrote - LOVE IT!!!! And of course they Oooo'd and Ahhh'd in support. I was feeling so proud and lucky and rewarded for my efforts.
THEN, I did my Bible study for the day. God has this way of putting me in check when I get going down a kind of crooked path in my way of thinking or in my actions. I love that about Him. He never lets me get too far off the path but gently takes my hand and redirects me. Well, this day He was redirecting big time.
The devotion for the day in my Jesus Calling book was about how God doesn't want us to judge one another or ourselves. And it went on to say if we live close to God and absorb His Word, the Holy Spirit will guide and correct. While it didn't seem like this message was pertinent to me for this particular day, my little devotional book lead me to read 2 Timothy 4:8, which says, "And now the prize awaits me - the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing."
Hold - the - phone!!! I reread the verse - twice - and then again just for good measure. It hit me like a metal wrecking ball on the side of a brick building - I've been going after the wrong prize!!! The prize I need to be focusing on is the Crown of Righteousness. I need to work toward that crown. There was that gentle Godly redirection I told you about. I should be spending my time and efforts on following His commands, serving Him, teaching His children, listening to Him, obeying and studying His Word. The Crown of Righteousness is the right prize to seek.
The Queen of Sales crown is cool, but it is temporary. The Crown of Righteousness will be eternal. The jewelry, the things - all earthly; the Crown of Righteousness - heavenly and I'll get it from Jesus Himself!! Now THAT'S cool!!!!!
Do I think God wants us to have cool earthly prizes? Yes, I think He does. But He does not want us to make those the most important or only prizes for which we strive. For then they become the wrong prizes. Beware of the wrong prizes! They can cause a blindness to the right prize!
So many people buy lottery tickets, hoping to win the mega million dollar prize. When the prize amount gets up in the 8 and 9 digits, lottery sales skyrocket. And how many stories do we hear about those lottery winners going broker after just a short time? It's so sad.
I have had a really good prize year this past year with my Mary Kay sales. I've been queen of sales for about 9 out of 12 months earning pin after pin and last month I got to wear the Queen of Sales crown. I've earned beautiful necklaces and earrings, a lovely pair of lamps, paid conference registration, plus 3 gorgeous rings and my latest prize was an awesome teal colored handbag. I wholeheartedly went after each of these prizes and hit the mark, each time. I aimed for the BIG end of year prize, but didn't quite make it. This was okay because I know I gave it my all. If I didn't work hard to try to attain that BIG prize I would have regrets, but in this case, no regrets, but I still really wanted it. Anyway, when my teal handbag arrived, I took a picture of it and sent it out to my girls with excitement - in big letters, I wrote - LOVE IT!!!! And of course they Oooo'd and Ahhh'd in support. I was feeling so proud and lucky and rewarded for my efforts.
THEN, I did my Bible study for the day. God has this way of putting me in check when I get going down a kind of crooked path in my way of thinking or in my actions. I love that about Him. He never lets me get too far off the path but gently takes my hand and redirects me. Well, this day He was redirecting big time.
The devotion for the day in my Jesus Calling book was about how God doesn't want us to judge one another or ourselves. And it went on to say if we live close to God and absorb His Word, the Holy Spirit will guide and correct. While it didn't seem like this message was pertinent to me for this particular day, my little devotional book lead me to read 2 Timothy 4:8, which says, "And now the prize awaits me - the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing."
Hold - the - phone!!! I reread the verse - twice - and then again just for good measure. It hit me like a metal wrecking ball on the side of a brick building - I've been going after the wrong prize!!! The prize I need to be focusing on is the Crown of Righteousness. I need to work toward that crown. There was that gentle Godly redirection I told you about. I should be spending my time and efforts on following His commands, serving Him, teaching His children, listening to Him, obeying and studying His Word. The Crown of Righteousness is the right prize to seek.
The Queen of Sales crown is cool, but it is temporary. The Crown of Righteousness will be eternal. The jewelry, the things - all earthly; the Crown of Righteousness - heavenly and I'll get it from Jesus Himself!! Now THAT'S cool!!!!!
Do I think God wants us to have cool earthly prizes? Yes, I think He does. But He does not want us to make those the most important or only prizes for which we strive. For then they become the wrong prizes. Beware of the wrong prizes! They can cause a blindness to the right prize!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Warm and Cozy - Home!
Warm and Cozy - Home!
I love summer. It's warm. It's sunny. It's peaceful - at least in my neck of the woods. Did I mention it's warm. Being warm is like the best thing in the world to me. Even better than chocolate. Even better than Reese's Peanut Butter Cups or a Hazelnut Latte with extra Hazelnut.
There is something about being warm that is just so comforting for me. My hubby knows this about me and so, when he takes the blankets or sheets out of the dryer he finds me wherever I am in the house and he wraps me up in the clean, fresh, wonderful warmth of the blankets.
When he does this, I make an audible sound unlike any other that comes out of my mouth. It is a sound that says Ahhhhhhhh! I am home! Everything is good! My entire body tenses for a split second and then completely relaxes in these warm surroundings. I feel total... absolute... peace.
Anyone who knows me knows that I do not relax - like ever! One time at a women's retreat, a relaxation therapist lady came to help all of us learn how to relax. The lights were turned down low, we were all laying on our relaxation mats. The lady was talking us through relaxing from our toes all the way up to our head with her soft, soothing, quiet voice. (It could have been from our head to our toes - it was a long time ago.) Anyway, she slowly walked around the room caressing us with her voice but she seemed to keep coming near me. I think she could see I was having difficulty relaxing. She even stooped once and touched my knee as she was crooning her instructions. In a room filled with approximately 60 women there was only one woman that was not sound asleep - you guessed it - yours truly. Afterwards, she told me I was the only one in all her years of relaxation therapy that she was unable to help relax. Ha Ha - I should have told her all she needed to do was bring some warm blankets and roll me up like a burrito - voila she would have had a 100% success rate.
I am in my happy place when I am warm and cozy whether it is while enjoying a quiet, lazy, warm summer day or wrapped in a cocoon of warm blankets. Add reading a book and I am in heaven. That's just me. I think, at least I hope, everyone has a happy place where they can completely relax and feel total absolute peace. If you don't have a place like that my wish for you is that you will seek and find one. I think it is something we all need. It feels sort of like going back to our very original home - safe, warm, comfortable, cozy, and peaceful.
And we all know...
There's no place like home...There's no place like home...There's no place like home...
"How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young - a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you." Psalm 84: 1 - 4
I love summer. It's warm. It's sunny. It's peaceful - at least in my neck of the woods. Did I mention it's warm. Being warm is like the best thing in the world to me. Even better than chocolate. Even better than Reese's Peanut Butter Cups or a Hazelnut Latte with extra Hazelnut.
There is something about being warm that is just so comforting for me. My hubby knows this about me and so, when he takes the blankets or sheets out of the dryer he finds me wherever I am in the house and he wraps me up in the clean, fresh, wonderful warmth of the blankets.
When he does this, I make an audible sound unlike any other that comes out of my mouth. It is a sound that says Ahhhhhhhh! I am home! Everything is good! My entire body tenses for a split second and then completely relaxes in these warm surroundings. I feel total... absolute... peace.
Anyone who knows me knows that I do not relax - like ever! One time at a women's retreat, a relaxation therapist lady came to help all of us learn how to relax. The lights were turned down low, we were all laying on our relaxation mats. The lady was talking us through relaxing from our toes all the way up to our head with her soft, soothing, quiet voice. (It could have been from our head to our toes - it was a long time ago.) Anyway, she slowly walked around the room caressing us with her voice but she seemed to keep coming near me. I think she could see I was having difficulty relaxing. She even stooped once and touched my knee as she was crooning her instructions. In a room filled with approximately 60 women there was only one woman that was not sound asleep - you guessed it - yours truly. Afterwards, she told me I was the only one in all her years of relaxation therapy that she was unable to help relax. Ha Ha - I should have told her all she needed to do was bring some warm blankets and roll me up like a burrito - voila she would have had a 100% success rate.
I am in my happy place when I am warm and cozy whether it is while enjoying a quiet, lazy, warm summer day or wrapped in a cocoon of warm blankets. Add reading a book and I am in heaven. That's just me. I think, at least I hope, everyone has a happy place where they can completely relax and feel total absolute peace. If you don't have a place like that my wish for you is that you will seek and find one. I think it is something we all need. It feels sort of like going back to our very original home - safe, warm, comfortable, cozy, and peaceful.
And we all know...
There's no place like home...There's no place like home...There's no place like home...
"How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young - a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you." Psalm 84: 1 - 4
Monday, June 30, 2014
A Color of His Own
There is a children's book that is actually one of my all time favorites. Don't laugh - I know I say that about a lot of books. But I love books so just bear with me, please. This one really is one of my favorites, not only to read to kids but to read to myself.
Leo Lionni is the author and he has an amazing way of writing for kids but with a message for adults, too! At least I find a message for myself in his books. I know, I know, what does that say about my mind? Maybe I think like a kid - is that such a bad thing, really?? I don't think so. Anyway... the book is called "A Color of His Own." The main character is - of course - a chameleon. The little chameleon is searching to find a color of his own -- for on a lemon he turned yellow, in the heather, he turned purple and on a tigers back, well, you get the drift. The chameleon thought perhaps if he stayed on a green leaf he would remain green forever, but alas, what with the seasons and all, in autumn the leaf turned yellow and so did the chameleon, later the leaf turned to a blazing red and so did the chameleon. Finally he meets another chameleon much older and wiser to whom he tells his sad tale. The older and wiser chameleon has an idea - he explains that they will always change color but if they stay together they will always be alike. And so they do. They were green together and yellow together and purple together and red and white polka dot together. And they lived happily ever after.
Aren't we all looking for a color, so to speak, of our own. A place we fit. A place we feel comfortable and accepted. A thing to do that completes us. While this little chameleon was searching and searching to find his own color, he was missing out on who he really was. He was failing to accept himself - as is! It wasn't until he met a supportive, understanding, accepting friend that the little chameleon was able to see that he didn't really need a color all his own, he could be happy and content in exactly who he was as long as he had a friend in his corner.
I think what we have to realize is that we are each made exactly the way we are supposed to be. God does not make mistakes. We should always just be who we are. But we can't be islands. We need each other. And likewise, we need to not only be the "accepted one" but we need to be the "accepting one". For in being accepted and accepting of others and ourselves we find happiness.
"Two people are better than one, they can help each other in everything that they do."
Ecclesiastes 4:9
Leo Lionni is the author and he has an amazing way of writing for kids but with a message for adults, too! At least I find a message for myself in his books. I know, I know, what does that say about my mind? Maybe I think like a kid - is that such a bad thing, really?? I don't think so. Anyway... the book is called "A Color of His Own." The main character is - of course - a chameleon. The little chameleon is searching to find a color of his own -- for on a lemon he turned yellow, in the heather, he turned purple and on a tigers back, well, you get the drift. The chameleon thought perhaps if he stayed on a green leaf he would remain green forever, but alas, what with the seasons and all, in autumn the leaf turned yellow and so did the chameleon, later the leaf turned to a blazing red and so did the chameleon. Finally he meets another chameleon much older and wiser to whom he tells his sad tale. The older and wiser chameleon has an idea - he explains that they will always change color but if they stay together they will always be alike. And so they do. They were green together and yellow together and purple together and red and white polka dot together. And they lived happily ever after.
Aren't we all looking for a color, so to speak, of our own. A place we fit. A place we feel comfortable and accepted. A thing to do that completes us. While this little chameleon was searching and searching to find his own color, he was missing out on who he really was. He was failing to accept himself - as is! It wasn't until he met a supportive, understanding, accepting friend that the little chameleon was able to see that he didn't really need a color all his own, he could be happy and content in exactly who he was as long as he had a friend in his corner.
I think what we have to realize is that we are each made exactly the way we are supposed to be. God does not make mistakes. We should always just be who we are. But we can't be islands. We need each other. And likewise, we need to not only be the "accepted one" but we need to be the "accepting one". For in being accepted and accepting of others and ourselves we find happiness.
"Two people are better than one, they can help each other in everything that they do."
Ecclesiastes 4:9
Saturday, June 28, 2014
The Love Fern
The Love Fern
When our daughter got married we bought a wrought iron heart shaped plant stand that had a Welcome sign on it. We placed a beautiful small green fern in the stand and positioned it at the entrance of the wedding venue where each guest could see the Welcome sign and the fern and we hoped feel welcome.
After the wedding my husband and I brought the plant stand and the fern home. My husband appointed himself the caretaker of the fern. He got no argument from me. The plant stand was put in front of the house with a petunia in it and the fern found it's home under the patio cover in the backyard right outside the sliding glass door so we could see it. She was lovely!!
She liked the backyard under the patio cover and she grew. She seemed very happy and she grew some more. Finally she was outgrowing the small pot she came home in so my hubby transplanted her into a fairly wide, fairly deep pot. And she was really happy.
My husband dubbed her "The Love Fern". He may have taken that from the movie "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey. But don't quote me on that. Or it could be that she was named the Love Fern because she came to us through a wedding - weddings happen because of love - get it??? At any rate our Love Fern is the exact opposite of the Love Fern in the movie. The irony of that is definitely something that would appeal to him.
So, back to The Love Fern. She just kept growing and more and more fronds were reaching and stretching their lush green arms. Personally, I think The Love Fern is in love with her caretaker. He lovingly transplanted her when she needed it. He waters and feeds her lavishly and regularly. His tender loving care is why she is so exquisite. Perhaps the feelings are mutual and he loves her, too! A friend was visiting recently and when she saw The Love Fern she was astonished. She told me she had lived in Kentucky and had never in her life seen a fern so gigantic and she said - "I have seen ALOT of ferns."
There is a lesson to be learned here. All things grow with Love/Love makes all things grow. Not just plants, but people, too! Love is the key to most everything. Use that key freely, lavishly and regularly, when people need it and even when they don't and see what grows.
One last point - my husbands idea is to split The Love Fern and give a piece to each of our children. The Love Fern will be shared amongst our family. How totally cool is that? Love isn't love until you give it away.
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:12
"This is my command: Love each other." John 15:17
"Be kind and loving to each other." Ephesians 4:32
When our daughter got married we bought a wrought iron heart shaped plant stand that had a Welcome sign on it. We placed a beautiful small green fern in the stand and positioned it at the entrance of the wedding venue where each guest could see the Welcome sign and the fern and we hoped feel welcome.
After the wedding my husband and I brought the plant stand and the fern home. My husband appointed himself the caretaker of the fern. He got no argument from me. The plant stand was put in front of the house with a petunia in it and the fern found it's home under the patio cover in the backyard right outside the sliding glass door so we could see it. She was lovely!!
She liked the backyard under the patio cover and she grew. She seemed very happy and she grew some more. Finally she was outgrowing the small pot she came home in so my hubby transplanted her into a fairly wide, fairly deep pot. And she was really happy.
My husband dubbed her "The Love Fern". He may have taken that from the movie "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey. But don't quote me on that. Or it could be that she was named the Love Fern because she came to us through a wedding - weddings happen because of love - get it??? At any rate our Love Fern is the exact opposite of the Love Fern in the movie. The irony of that is definitely something that would appeal to him.
So, back to The Love Fern. She just kept growing and more and more fronds were reaching and stretching their lush green arms. Personally, I think The Love Fern is in love with her caretaker. He lovingly transplanted her when she needed it. He waters and feeds her lavishly and regularly. His tender loving care is why she is so exquisite. Perhaps the feelings are mutual and he loves her, too! A friend was visiting recently and when she saw The Love Fern she was astonished. She told me she had lived in Kentucky and had never in her life seen a fern so gigantic and she said - "I have seen ALOT of ferns."
There is a lesson to be learned here. All things grow with Love/Love makes all things grow. Not just plants, but people, too! Love is the key to most everything. Use that key freely, lavishly and regularly, when people need it and even when they don't and see what grows.
One last point - my husbands idea is to split The Love Fern and give a piece to each of our children. The Love Fern will be shared amongst our family. How totally cool is that? Love isn't love until you give it away.
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:12
"This is my command: Love each other." John 15:17
"Be kind and loving to each other." Ephesians 4:32
 |
| "The Love Fern" |
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
The Week That Was....
The Week That Was....
Holy Cow - what a week! And it's all good - very good!!!
So you probably have noticed that I haven't blogged in a while. Here's why:
My father-in-law passed away in January of this year and the family has been unable to get together until recently. My husband and I hosted his memorial service this past weekend at our home and the majority of the family came for it - even out of staters came. It was WONDERFUL!!! In addition to preparing for the out of town guests and the memorial, I was preparing to open a preschool which also started the same week the guests were arriving. What was I thinking??????????
Anyway, here's what my week looked like....
Tuesday: Preschool opens, 5 family members arrive from out of town, process some Mary Kay sales
Wednesday: Preschool day 2, go to airport to pick up 1 family member arriving from out of town and all locals & out-of-towners come for the evening to visit
Thursday: Early morning graduation ceremony followed by graduation party, watch grandkids in the evening
Friday: 4 more out of town family members arrive, dinner for everyone, hang out visiting rest of evening
Saturday: family graduation party most of the day, dinner for whoever wanted it at our house, hang out for game night in the evening
Sunday: 2 more family members arrive, Set up and Facilitate the Memorial Service at the house followed by a BBQ for all 21 people then to pool party and pizza dinner with most everyone and another late night.
Monday: Prep for week 2 of preschool, short visits with family intermittently, process some Mary Kay sales
Tuesday: Day 1 of Week 2 of preschool. 5 family members stop by to say good bye then are off to the airport. Following preschool pick up - run 'catch up' errands and go grocery shopping till dinner time. Prep for Day 2 of preschool in the evening.
Wednesday: Day 2 of Week 2 of preschool, then trim roses in the back yard, make covers for kids tables and start to work on the July curriculum for church. And Finally - some time to Blog.
So while the week was an absolute whirlwind of commotion - it was truly ALL GOOD! We got to see and spend good quality time with family that we have not seen in many, many years. It was precious to have that time together and to rekindle long lost relationships. It was heartwarming to listen to the family speak of their dad with such joy and fond memories. It was overwhelming to be thanked over and over for making a wonderful family time possible.
The week that was....precious, heartwarming, overwhelming and forever imbedded in my memory as one of the most wonderful weeks of my life. Being surrounded by family is THE ABSOLUTE BEST!!!! Hands down!!! And that's Life!!!
"But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God." 1 Timothy 5:4
"If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." 1 Timothy 5:8
Holy Cow - what a week! And it's all good - very good!!!
So you probably have noticed that I haven't blogged in a while. Here's why:
My father-in-law passed away in January of this year and the family has been unable to get together until recently. My husband and I hosted his memorial service this past weekend at our home and the majority of the family came for it - even out of staters came. It was WONDERFUL!!! In addition to preparing for the out of town guests and the memorial, I was preparing to open a preschool which also started the same week the guests were arriving. What was I thinking??????????
Anyway, here's what my week looked like....
Tuesday: Preschool opens, 5 family members arrive from out of town, process some Mary Kay sales
Wednesday: Preschool day 2, go to airport to pick up 1 family member arriving from out of town and all locals & out-of-towners come for the evening to visit
Thursday: Early morning graduation ceremony followed by graduation party, watch grandkids in the evening
Friday: 4 more out of town family members arrive, dinner for everyone, hang out visiting rest of evening
Saturday: family graduation party most of the day, dinner for whoever wanted it at our house, hang out for game night in the evening
Sunday: 2 more family members arrive, Set up and Facilitate the Memorial Service at the house followed by a BBQ for all 21 people then to pool party and pizza dinner with most everyone and another late night.
Monday: Prep for week 2 of preschool, short visits with family intermittently, process some Mary Kay sales
Tuesday: Day 1 of Week 2 of preschool. 5 family members stop by to say good bye then are off to the airport. Following preschool pick up - run 'catch up' errands and go grocery shopping till dinner time. Prep for Day 2 of preschool in the evening.
Wednesday: Day 2 of Week 2 of preschool, then trim roses in the back yard, make covers for kids tables and start to work on the July curriculum for church. And Finally - some time to Blog.
So while the week was an absolute whirlwind of commotion - it was truly ALL GOOD! We got to see and spend good quality time with family that we have not seen in many, many years. It was precious to have that time together and to rekindle long lost relationships. It was heartwarming to listen to the family speak of their dad with such joy and fond memories. It was overwhelming to be thanked over and over for making a wonderful family time possible.
The week that was....precious, heartwarming, overwhelming and forever imbedded in my memory as one of the most wonderful weeks of my life. Being surrounded by family is THE ABSOLUTE BEST!!!! Hands down!!! And that's Life!!!
"But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God." 1 Timothy 5:4
"If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." 1 Timothy 5:8
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Comfort Food
Comfort Food
As I sat this morning with my nice hot cup of coffee eating a warm bagel with cream cheese, all was quiet and still and I thought to myself, how comforting this little morning time was. There was no rushing around, no cars on the road outside the window, just peace and quiet, hot coffee and a warm bagel with cream cheese. Ahhhhhhh!!!!
The quiet is always great - but adding the hot coffee and warm bagel was the bonus. The hot coffee and warm bagel was the comfort. Comfort food !
There used to be a show on TV called "The Closer". The main character was a bright, quirky woman that worked at the police department to solve crimes. On those days that were particularly challenging she would retreat into her office, close the blinds, sit at her desk and reach into her top right drawer for an aluminum foil wrapped Ding Dong which was a small chocolate and whipped cream cake. As she took that first bite, she'd close her eyes and take a deep breath and as she released that breath you could feel the tension being released as the taste of the Ding Dong in her mouth soothed and comforted her. When everything around her was chaos and craziness, she would go back to her comfort place and reach for a Ding Dong. Her comfort food !
The term comfort food can probably be applied to any food that when eaten causes some type of mood change or causes a person to either become nostalgic or sentimental. For example, our family has a very long tradition of having sauerkraut and dumplings with holiday meals. Sauerkraut and dumplings don't cause any mood changes but they do have sentimental value for our family. I was raised having sauerkraut and dumplings at holiday meals, as was my mother and her mother. On the very few holidays that sauerkraut and dumplings was not on the menu, it was missed. There was just something incomplete about the meal.
There must be some kind of psychological olfactory need we have inside of us that causes food to give us comfort. I am certain though, that using food as a comforter can have a positive effect as well as a negative effect as in the example of obesity. You have to be smart and somewhat disciplined to avoid that outcome.
For some people comfort food is chocolate, for some it is ice cream, for some it is meatloaf or macaroni & cheese. Finding momentary comfort in a food is just that, momentary. It is a temporary quick fix to what ails you. Just as this morning, my hot coffee and warm bagel were momentary -- for within minutes, the dogs started barking at "nothing", my hubby woke up wanting to know what the plans were for the day, the neighborhood started to revive and the quiet comfort moment was gone.
There is however, a place where I can always find comfort. It is not momentary. It is not temporary. It is not fleeting. It is the place where God resides in my heart and mind. I can go there anytime and He is always waiting with open arms to hold and hug me and give me comfort in those times I need it or want it. He is merely a thought away!! Ahhhhhhh!!!!
"Thou wilt keep him in peace whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee." (KJV)
Isaiah 26:3
"May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant." Psalm 119: 76
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1: 3, 4
As I sat this morning with my nice hot cup of coffee eating a warm bagel with cream cheese, all was quiet and still and I thought to myself, how comforting this little morning time was. There was no rushing around, no cars on the road outside the window, just peace and quiet, hot coffee and a warm bagel with cream cheese. Ahhhhhhh!!!!
The quiet is always great - but adding the hot coffee and warm bagel was the bonus. The hot coffee and warm bagel was the comfort. Comfort food !
There used to be a show on TV called "The Closer". The main character was a bright, quirky woman that worked at the police department to solve crimes. On those days that were particularly challenging she would retreat into her office, close the blinds, sit at her desk and reach into her top right drawer for an aluminum foil wrapped Ding Dong which was a small chocolate and whipped cream cake. As she took that first bite, she'd close her eyes and take a deep breath and as she released that breath you could feel the tension being released as the taste of the Ding Dong in her mouth soothed and comforted her. When everything around her was chaos and craziness, she would go back to her comfort place and reach for a Ding Dong. Her comfort food !
The term comfort food can probably be applied to any food that when eaten causes some type of mood change or causes a person to either become nostalgic or sentimental. For example, our family has a very long tradition of having sauerkraut and dumplings with holiday meals. Sauerkraut and dumplings don't cause any mood changes but they do have sentimental value for our family. I was raised having sauerkraut and dumplings at holiday meals, as was my mother and her mother. On the very few holidays that sauerkraut and dumplings was not on the menu, it was missed. There was just something incomplete about the meal.
There must be some kind of psychological olfactory need we have inside of us that causes food to give us comfort. I am certain though, that using food as a comforter can have a positive effect as well as a negative effect as in the example of obesity. You have to be smart and somewhat disciplined to avoid that outcome.
For some people comfort food is chocolate, for some it is ice cream, for some it is meatloaf or macaroni & cheese. Finding momentary comfort in a food is just that, momentary. It is a temporary quick fix to what ails you. Just as this morning, my hot coffee and warm bagel were momentary -- for within minutes, the dogs started barking at "nothing", my hubby woke up wanting to know what the plans were for the day, the neighborhood started to revive and the quiet comfort moment was gone.
There is however, a place where I can always find comfort. It is not momentary. It is not temporary. It is not fleeting. It is the place where God resides in my heart and mind. I can go there anytime and He is always waiting with open arms to hold and hug me and give me comfort in those times I need it or want it. He is merely a thought away!! Ahhhhhhh!!!!
"Thou wilt keep him in peace whose mind is stayed on Thee; because he trusteth in Thee." (KJV)
Isaiah 26:3
"May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant." Psalm 119: 76
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." 2 Corinthians 1: 3, 4
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Sweet Answers
Sweet Answers
Did you ever notice how sometimes when you don't even pray for something, you get an answer? What I mean by this is that God answers your spoken prayers - because He always does - but sometimes He even answers the unspoken prayers and the answer you get is completely unexpected. That is a sweet answer!!
For example, let's say you are embarking on a new adventure in your life. You are certain it is what God has planned but there are a few material things that you are lacking. Let's also say, you have not verbally asked God for provision, but in the back quiet recesses of your mind you've been thinking about it, knowing it was something that was going to have to be purchased eventually.
At this point, you are probably saying "enough with the supposes and let's says - just tell us what happened..." Okay, here goes...
In just about a week, I will be having a few children come to the house for a summer program. Because of my years as a preschool teacher, I have lots of stuff - like a really lot of STUFF for preschoolers. The one thing I was missing was a really nice wooden block set. I have not really prayed that God would provide one but I knew in the back of my mind that it was something that I would need to purchase eventually. The really nice ones are not cheap, therefore, it was put on the back burner of my mind. So, today, I poked my head into the Salvation Army looking for some riding toys. Way back in the corner of the store there is a table that has odds and ends on it and under it. Under the table, pushed behind a shelf and a scale, I spotted a wood box. The wood box still had cellophane covering it and the wood looked really nice. Well, I like wood things, so I tugged and pulled and guess what it was - a brand new Melissa and Doug 60 piece complete standard unit wooden block set. A good one - solid heavy wood and beautiful. The price was marked at $25. Ouch!! But I knew how much they go for in the stores so I was prepared to bite the bullet and just do it. I take it to the counter and ask if they take debit cards - in my subconscious, I may have been hoping they didn't so I would have a reason not to spend the $25. They did take debit cards. So I place it on the counter and glance at the door - there is a sign that says "25% off all Bric a Brac today only". The $25 tag labeled the Block Set as 'Bric a Brac' so I ask if I get 25% off today? The answer is YES!!! Oh my goodness, I am ecstatic at this point. $20 for this brand new - perfect - complete block set. SCORE!!!!!!!!
Folks, that is a sweet answer!! A little gift from God, just because. If you are really paying attention you can find these sweet answers all around you. You catch all the green lights going to work on a day you are running late. You go to take out the trash later than you normally do just in time to see that your neighbor is having trouble and you are there to help. Or, just at the time you are thinking you'd like someone to help you in a project, a friend stops by and offers to help.
Some people call these happenings 'luck'; some people call them 'coincidences'. I personally don't believe in luck or coincidences. I have relinquished charge of the happenings in my life to the One who knows me best. To the One who knows what I need, when I need it. To the One who gives sweet answers even when I don't ask. And He gives them.....just because.
Did you ever notice how sometimes when you don't even pray for something, you get an answer? What I mean by this is that God answers your spoken prayers - because He always does - but sometimes He even answers the unspoken prayers and the answer you get is completely unexpected. That is a sweet answer!!
For example, let's say you are embarking on a new adventure in your life. You are certain it is what God has planned but there are a few material things that you are lacking. Let's also say, you have not verbally asked God for provision, but in the back quiet recesses of your mind you've been thinking about it, knowing it was something that was going to have to be purchased eventually.
At this point, you are probably saying "enough with the supposes and let's says - just tell us what happened..." Okay, here goes...
In just about a week, I will be having a few children come to the house for a summer program. Because of my years as a preschool teacher, I have lots of stuff - like a really lot of STUFF for preschoolers. The one thing I was missing was a really nice wooden block set. I have not really prayed that God would provide one but I knew in the back of my mind that it was something that I would need to purchase eventually. The really nice ones are not cheap, therefore, it was put on the back burner of my mind. So, today, I poked my head into the Salvation Army looking for some riding toys. Way back in the corner of the store there is a table that has odds and ends on it and under it. Under the table, pushed behind a shelf and a scale, I spotted a wood box. The wood box still had cellophane covering it and the wood looked really nice. Well, I like wood things, so I tugged and pulled and guess what it was - a brand new Melissa and Doug 60 piece complete standard unit wooden block set. A good one - solid heavy wood and beautiful. The price was marked at $25. Ouch!! But I knew how much they go for in the stores so I was prepared to bite the bullet and just do it. I take it to the counter and ask if they take debit cards - in my subconscious, I may have been hoping they didn't so I would have a reason not to spend the $25. They did take debit cards. So I place it on the counter and glance at the door - there is a sign that says "25% off all Bric a Brac today only". The $25 tag labeled the Block Set as 'Bric a Brac' so I ask if I get 25% off today? The answer is YES!!! Oh my goodness, I am ecstatic at this point. $20 for this brand new - perfect - complete block set. SCORE!!!!!!!!
Folks, that is a sweet answer!! A little gift from God, just because. If you are really paying attention you can find these sweet answers all around you. You catch all the green lights going to work on a day you are running late. You go to take out the trash later than you normally do just in time to see that your neighbor is having trouble and you are there to help. Or, just at the time you are thinking you'd like someone to help you in a project, a friend stops by and offers to help.
Some people call these happenings 'luck'; some people call them 'coincidences'. I personally don't believe in luck or coincidences. I have relinquished charge of the happenings in my life to the One who knows me best. To the One who knows what I need, when I need it. To the One who gives sweet answers even when I don't ask. And He gives them.....just because.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Feelings
Feelings
Am I a victim of my feelings? Is there hope?
I think there are 2 common attitudes about feelings:
1. We should do or say the right thing in spite of our feelings. This means we should ignore our feelings - but even if we ignore them, one way or another they still come out. Feelings in essence are controlling our lives even if we ignore them.
2. Feelings are everything. If it feels good - do it. If it feels right, it must be God's will.
Neither one of these attitudes sounds very healthy to me. What does sound healthy, would be to become the boss of your feelings. In other words, accept and acknowledge them and work on changing them if they need to be changed. The Bible says we can do this by prayer and petition. (Phil. 4: 6) The peace of God will protect your heart and emotions if you request that God do that.
Feelings are created by our thoughts. I think it was Mary Kay Ash who coined the saying, "If you think you can, you will. If you think you can't, you won't." Disciplining your mind to dwell on the positive rather than the negative will make all the difference in your feelings about a thing. I can change my feelings, therefore, by changing my thoughts.
We are in a war, according to 2 Corinthians 10:3. The battlefield is in our mind. We need to be disciplined enough in our thoughts to be able to bring them to God. If my thoughts are disciplined, my feelings will be disciplined.
Enjoy this pictorial series of inspiration!!
Am I a victim of my feelings? Is there hope?
I think there are 2 common attitudes about feelings:
1. We should do or say the right thing in spite of our feelings. This means we should ignore our feelings - but even if we ignore them, one way or another they still come out. Feelings in essence are controlling our lives even if we ignore them.
2. Feelings are everything. If it feels good - do it. If it feels right, it must be God's will.
Neither one of these attitudes sounds very healthy to me. What does sound healthy, would be to become the boss of your feelings. In other words, accept and acknowledge them and work on changing them if they need to be changed. The Bible says we can do this by prayer and petition. (Phil. 4: 6) The peace of God will protect your heart and emotions if you request that God do that.
Feelings are created by our thoughts. I think it was Mary Kay Ash who coined the saying, "If you think you can, you will. If you think you can't, you won't." Disciplining your mind to dwell on the positive rather than the negative will make all the difference in your feelings about a thing. I can change my feelings, therefore, by changing my thoughts.
We are in a war, according to 2 Corinthians 10:3. The battlefield is in our mind. We need to be disciplined enough in our thoughts to be able to bring them to God. If my thoughts are disciplined, my feelings will be disciplined.
Enjoy this pictorial series of inspiration!!
Friday, June 6, 2014
Memories
Memories
They say the words "But you have your memories" when someone passes on or a person might think to themselves, "all I have left is my memories". But what if you don't remember anything. I read a book once about a little boy in the frontier times and his mom had died. His greatest fear was that he would forget what his mom looked like or the things she said or did. He feared it to the point of not wanting a new mom lest he love the new mom so much he might forget his real mom. Memories can give comfort but they can also be debilitating.
My mom sent me an email the other day remembering that June 6, 1946 was her graduation day from Lourdes High School in Chicago, Ill. 68 years ago. How does she remember the exact date??? Because, she says, "It was a sad day for me because my best friends would all be going different ways in life." She even remembers what she and all of her friends did after graduation, she told me, "I became a secretary at LaSalle Extension University in Downtown Chicago. My friends all became nurses, with the exception of two, who went on to college."
I think emotions play a huge part in the things we remember. How what someone said affected you, or whether you were ecstatic or sad play an important part in what you remember. I don't really remember too much of my childhood for some reason. I only remember the things we frequently talk about as a family. After my mom's email about her high school graduation, though, I tried to remember any of my graduations. There is one I remember that was kind of a bummer - right before my 8th grade graduation I got a permanent, well, it took...it really took...it really, really took and so when I was wearing my graduation cap, I felt like I looked like Bozo the clown with two puff balls of curly hair on each side of my cap. It's funny, I've never seen a picture of my 8th grade graduation any where. Maybe I did look like Bozo the clown and all the pictures got destroyed so I wouldn't remember.
I have found that sometimes it is best not to remember. My hubby and I have been married for over 40 years and I firmly believe that being forgetful has played a huge part in the success of our marriage. Letting go of things allows the freedom to move on and not hold a grudge. Being forgetful doesn't let you bring up things that happened ions ago. And that's a good thing.
Anyway, memories are what we have to keep us going and to give us those warm fuzzies of a life filled with love, laughter and happiness. If your memories are not warm fuzzies, I challenge you to go out and make new ones. My mom reminded me that it is possible. She said of her high school friends, "We stayed friends for awhile, but as time goes by you make new friends and life styles change. Guess "That's Life"."
Click below: (Music and amazing pictures of Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand)
"Memories" by Barbra Streisand
They say the words "But you have your memories" when someone passes on or a person might think to themselves, "all I have left is my memories". But what if you don't remember anything. I read a book once about a little boy in the frontier times and his mom had died. His greatest fear was that he would forget what his mom looked like or the things she said or did. He feared it to the point of not wanting a new mom lest he love the new mom so much he might forget his real mom. Memories can give comfort but they can also be debilitating.
My mom sent me an email the other day remembering that June 6, 1946 was her graduation day from Lourdes High School in Chicago, Ill. 68 years ago. How does she remember the exact date??? Because, she says, "It was a sad day for me because my best friends would all be going different ways in life." She even remembers what she and all of her friends did after graduation, she told me, "I became a secretary at LaSalle Extension University in Downtown Chicago. My friends all became nurses, with the exception of two, who went on to college."
I think emotions play a huge part in the things we remember. How what someone said affected you, or whether you were ecstatic or sad play an important part in what you remember. I don't really remember too much of my childhood for some reason. I only remember the things we frequently talk about as a family. After my mom's email about her high school graduation, though, I tried to remember any of my graduations. There is one I remember that was kind of a bummer - right before my 8th grade graduation I got a permanent, well, it took...it really took...it really, really took and so when I was wearing my graduation cap, I felt like I looked like Bozo the clown with two puff balls of curly hair on each side of my cap. It's funny, I've never seen a picture of my 8th grade graduation any where. Maybe I did look like Bozo the clown and all the pictures got destroyed so I wouldn't remember.
I have found that sometimes it is best not to remember. My hubby and I have been married for over 40 years and I firmly believe that being forgetful has played a huge part in the success of our marriage. Letting go of things allows the freedom to move on and not hold a grudge. Being forgetful doesn't let you bring up things that happened ions ago. And that's a good thing.
Anyway, memories are what we have to keep us going and to give us those warm fuzzies of a life filled with love, laughter and happiness. If your memories are not warm fuzzies, I challenge you to go out and make new ones. My mom reminded me that it is possible. She said of her high school friends, "We stayed friends for awhile, but as time goes by you make new friends and life styles change. Guess "That's Life"."
Click below: (Music and amazing pictures of Robert Redford and Barbra Streisand)
"Memories" by Barbra Streisand
Thursday, June 5, 2014
No Deal-Breakers!
No Deal-Breakers!
I recently wrote a blog about my cooking. I readily admit I'm not the greatest cook. My family learned to accept my lousy cooking and I am thankful for that. I mean really, what choice did they have?? It wasn't like they could say - "Uh, mom, you're a lousy cook, that's a deal-breaker, we are outta here!" That aside, in thinking more about this, there is a lesson that gently melts and covers over my lousy cooking like butter melting on my patio blocks. (i.e. my biscuits)
I worked full time and was also raising 4 kids and caring for a household as well as serving in the church. In the grand scheme of things, burning the biscuits practically was a-given. I was dead tired, distracted by questions, and homework and the everyday goings on in a house full of people and dogs. On those evenings that I served those hard as patio block biscuits, there were no complaints. Maybe a few giggles, but no complaints. I watched as each one spread butter on their biscuit and ate every bite!
In our home, my family recognized that life is not perfect, and people, including mom's, are not perfect. They didn't complain but were gently accepting of my faulty cooking and loved me anyway. Learning to accept another person in spite of their differences, in spite of their faults, with compassion and understanding is one of the most important aspects of a healthy relationship.
I have a little magnet on my file cabinet that says, "A true friend is one who thinks you're a good egg even though you're slightly cracked." I think understanding and acceptance should apply to all relationships: parent - child, husband - wife and friendships. And sometimes this can be hard!!
There is one relationship that never falters and that is your relationship with your Creator. God accepts and understands and loves unconditionally, always. There are no deal-breakers with God.
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8: 38 & 39
I recently wrote a blog about my cooking. I readily admit I'm not the greatest cook. My family learned to accept my lousy cooking and I am thankful for that. I mean really, what choice did they have?? It wasn't like they could say - "Uh, mom, you're a lousy cook, that's a deal-breaker, we are outta here!" That aside, in thinking more about this, there is a lesson that gently melts and covers over my lousy cooking like butter melting on my patio blocks. (i.e. my biscuits)
I worked full time and was also raising 4 kids and caring for a household as well as serving in the church. In the grand scheme of things, burning the biscuits practically was a-given. I was dead tired, distracted by questions, and homework and the everyday goings on in a house full of people and dogs. On those evenings that I served those hard as patio block biscuits, there were no complaints. Maybe a few giggles, but no complaints. I watched as each one spread butter on their biscuit and ate every bite!
In our home, my family recognized that life is not perfect, and people, including mom's, are not perfect. They didn't complain but were gently accepting of my faulty cooking and loved me anyway. Learning to accept another person in spite of their differences, in spite of their faults, with compassion and understanding is one of the most important aspects of a healthy relationship.
I have a little magnet on my file cabinet that says, "A true friend is one who thinks you're a good egg even though you're slightly cracked." I think understanding and acceptance should apply to all relationships: parent - child, husband - wife and friendships. And sometimes this can be hard!!
There is one relationship that never falters and that is your relationship with your Creator. God accepts and understands and loves unconditionally, always. There are no deal-breakers with God.
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8: 38 & 39
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Garage Sales
Garage Sales
Never again!!! I told my husband, never again will we have a garage sale. Holy Cow!!!
The work, the aggravation, the people, the mess...we did it right, kept it simple, everything was color- coded, clean, and marked, we had plenty of signage and it still wasn't worth it at the end of the day.
The sale was 3 days ago and I am still a little bitter about the lady that tried to talk me down on items that we already marked 1/2 off...tell me, where can you get a practically new ladies top for $1.50 or 2 brand new never used children's sippee cups for $1 or how about a brand name, never used clutch type purse for $3. Puuuleeeese!!!! Seriously, every time this lady wanted to add another item, she reduced her offer.
Some people have fabulous garage sales. Some people, like my mom, make them fun!! One time she had a garage sale and her gimmick was that everyone that bought something got a kiss. Now, let me fill you in on this idea before you say to yourself EEEEEEWWWW!!!! First off, it was in a retirement community, second, she's a hoot and hugging and kissing folks, just comes natural to her, third she didn't kiss on the lips - facial cheeks only. Anyway, this one older gentlemen kept buying things, and of course, mom kept giving him kisses. Finally his wife had enough and dragged him outta there.
Another time mom and her friend had a 99 cent sale - everything was either 99 cents or 2 or three for 99 cents. They did pretty well with that one.
Another time she put a clown costume on and held up a big sign inviting people in to the sale. She got a lot of attention as Lulu the Clown.
At any rate, my garage sale was not nearly as fun as my mom's are and not half as profitable. Maybe there is a lesson in that. I figure with all the time we spent gathering, sorting, cleaning, marking, setting up, then the actual sale, followed by clean up and boxing up items we earned about $3.15 and hour each. Not to sound proud or arrogant, but I think our time is worth more than $3.15 an hour.
So, we did get rid of a lot of stuff and we do have $126 to show for it so there is a little silver lining, but definitely not enough to make me want to ever do it again especially in light of the bargainer lady. We did have a couple very nice people come visit our sale - one lady even gave me a tip - when I went to give her change from the dollar bill she gave me for her 40 cent purchase she told me to keep it that she got a really good deal. I think she maybe was sent to make up for the bargainer lady.
So, live and learn, is what I always say. The learning part is what is important. I learned, I like to go to garage sales but I don't like having them. So I won't.
Never again!!! I told my husband, never again will we have a garage sale. Holy Cow!!!
The work, the aggravation, the people, the mess...we did it right, kept it simple, everything was color- coded, clean, and marked, we had plenty of signage and it still wasn't worth it at the end of the day.
The sale was 3 days ago and I am still a little bitter about the lady that tried to talk me down on items that we already marked 1/2 off...tell me, where can you get a practically new ladies top for $1.50 or 2 brand new never used children's sippee cups for $1 or how about a brand name, never used clutch type purse for $3. Puuuleeeese!!!! Seriously, every time this lady wanted to add another item, she reduced her offer.
Some people have fabulous garage sales. Some people, like my mom, make them fun!! One time she had a garage sale and her gimmick was that everyone that bought something got a kiss. Now, let me fill you in on this idea before you say to yourself EEEEEEWWWW!!!! First off, it was in a retirement community, second, she's a hoot and hugging and kissing folks, just comes natural to her, third she didn't kiss on the lips - facial cheeks only. Anyway, this one older gentlemen kept buying things, and of course, mom kept giving him kisses. Finally his wife had enough and dragged him outta there.
Another time mom and her friend had a 99 cent sale - everything was either 99 cents or 2 or three for 99 cents. They did pretty well with that one.
Another time she put a clown costume on and held up a big sign inviting people in to the sale. She got a lot of attention as Lulu the Clown.
At any rate, my garage sale was not nearly as fun as my mom's are and not half as profitable. Maybe there is a lesson in that. I figure with all the time we spent gathering, sorting, cleaning, marking, setting up, then the actual sale, followed by clean up and boxing up items we earned about $3.15 and hour each. Not to sound proud or arrogant, but I think our time is worth more than $3.15 an hour.
So, we did get rid of a lot of stuff and we do have $126 to show for it so there is a little silver lining, but definitely not enough to make me want to ever do it again especially in light of the bargainer lady. We did have a couple very nice people come visit our sale - one lady even gave me a tip - when I went to give her change from the dollar bill she gave me for her 40 cent purchase she told me to keep it that she got a really good deal. I think she maybe was sent to make up for the bargainer lady.
So, live and learn, is what I always say. The learning part is what is important. I learned, I like to go to garage sales but I don't like having them. So I won't.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Cuz That's What Big Sisters Do !
Since I've spent the day getting ready for our garage sale tomorrow, my husband volunteered something for the blog that he had written way back when we first got our second dog. I have shared their goofy characteristics before but this will give you an idea of how it was in the beginning with our "sister doodles". Enjoy!!
Cuz That's What Big Sisters Do !
The
Drurys have a reputation for embellishing stories for the sake of making them
more entertaining. This is a personality defect that goes back many
generations. It is particularly prevalent in males.
But you have my word that this doodle tale is the truth---every
word of it.
The cast of characters is small: Daisy, the 11 month old golden doodle; Maggie, the 10 week old golden doodle who had only been with us 48 hours; mom--napping in the guest bedroom at 4 PM; and me, the witness and narrator.
In anticipation of the arrival of the new puppy, my wife had selected a couple new toys---one of which is a rather flat plush skunk. It was in the 4x4 ft. exercise pen we had set up for the new arrival several days in advance along with several other toys and the new pup's blanket and feeding dishes. Daisy knew something was up but she couldn't begin to imagine what it all meant.
The cast of characters is small: Daisy, the 11 month old golden doodle; Maggie, the 10 week old golden doodle who had only been with us 48 hours; mom--napping in the guest bedroom at 4 PM; and me, the witness and narrator.
In anticipation of the arrival of the new puppy, my wife had selected a couple new toys---one of which is a rather flat plush skunk. It was in the 4x4 ft. exercise pen we had set up for the new arrival several days in advance along with several other toys and the new pup's blanket and feeding dishes. Daisy knew something was up but she couldn't begin to imagine what it all meant.
She learned soon enough. Friday at just about the time she should have been
getting lunch she got a new little sister instead. "What the
heck!?!?"
It's bad enough that Daisy hadn't been able to reach that cool new toy for the past several days---but now mom keeps giving it to that new puppy. That's just not right. And for the rest of Friday and into Saturday morning, Daisy would steal that little skunk's skunk every chance she got. But alas mom kept taking it back.
Well as things went, by Saturday afternoon Daisy was learning that the little squirt could be fun. She really wasn't too bad after all. She couldn't run very fast--but she wrestled pretty good. She even tries to play tug.
In a spirit of welcoming generosity, Sunday morning Daisy located her Snoopy and brought it to Maggie and dropped it at her feet. (And all the women say......."ooooohhhhhhh, how sweet !")
Later Sunday----probably around lunch time--- while Maggie and I were on the patio chillin', Daisy came out of the house with that skunk dangling from her teeth. She dropped it about three feet from the pup--backed up a couple feet herself---and plopped into the "let's play" position. What a good sister! She wants to play. She wants to share. What a nice sister.
By late afternoon of that third day of the new puppy week end my wife had hit the wall. She was napping on the futon in the guest bedroom. We also refer to it as the "girls' room" because we have a couple young grand-daughters who play in that room when they visit. It has a toy box filled with dress up clothes and costumes. On top of the toy box are many plush animal puppets that their grandma uses in her pre-school class. On the futon itself are a number of plush animals that were gifts from her students. These are special toys that Daisy knows not to touch (almost all the time). Daisy has quite a collection of her own plush buddies and doesn't disturb mom's menagerie. She's a good girl.
About that time, Maggie and I were in the living room; playing quietly. In trots Daisy with one of the prettiest plush doggies from mom's 'untouchable' collection---a pure white Scottie dog with a red tartan plaid cap. She goes straight to Maggie; drops it at her feet; and trots right back out of the room.
Now I know you think this next part is exaggeration--but I swear it's true.
I'm positive I heard Daisy say to Maggie---"Here Mom LOVES it when you chew on this."
Cuz that's the way big sisters roll..........
I testify that every word of this story is absolutely true.
 |
| Around the first week - |
 |
| A few weeks later - this new little sister is a pain!! |
 |
| and she is growing... |
 |
| and growing... |
 |
| Holy cow - she's caught up to me! |
 |
| and growing... |
 |
| Oh man!!! and growing... |
 |
| Wow - she's a bigun' -- Who knew?? |
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Treasure
Treasure
There is a saying that goes "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." I have found that "treasure" is in the eye of the beholder also.
Treasure, like beauty, can be anything - words, people, things, sights, sounds. Treasure, like beauty, can be found anywhere - inside, outside, in a purse, on a curb, in a box, on a shelf, in a pocket, under a couch, in an attic, oh gosh, the places are endless.
Even animals have treasure. Our Maggie, will drop down on all fours and stick her nose as far under the couch as she can and then frantically paw under there trying to get her treasure - an old ratty tennis ball.
My husband and I were out an about last weekend and as we turned the corner I spotted a doll house on someone's curb. It was beautiful from a distance and it looked like it was handmade. Of course my husband drove on by reminding me I already had 2 doll houses. But this one was different. It was made of wood, obviously lovingly for a daughter or granddaughter. I had to just go see it. When I got there, I could see that it was indeed handmade. It needed some work, but with some creativity and a little elbow grease it could be exquisite again. I thought to myself, who says I have to keep this doll house - it is a treasure for perhaps a little girl I know. So I took pictures and sent them out inquiring. This treasure was just too good to pass up. I found a taker but the doll house wouldn't fit in my car. So as luck would have it my son lived nearby and we plopped it into his wife's truck for safe keeping. Soon after, we brought it to our house and unloaded it, extra pieces and all. You see, I saw potential, I saw what could be with this dollhouse. I saw some little girl's parents or aunty pouring love into this dollhouse to refurbish it, just like the original dad or grandpa did. I saw a little girl spending hours playing and using her imagination. I saw delight and joy in her eyes. I saw a treasure.
My husband's dad passed away earlier this year and the things his dad left behind were all sent here. These are treasures left for his children and grandchildren - old photos, his paintings, little things he saved that meant something to him. These are treasures of a life remembered.
As I write this blog each day I am reminded of the treasure I have in my memories, the treasures I have in my family, the treasures I have in my friendships, the treasures I have all throughout my home, the treasures I find in God's Word - all things that are of value to me.
It's the weirdest thing, I am getting all emotional about "treasure". The word is so huge!!! It encompasses everything from the tiniest pebble or one little sequin that a child finds and asks his teacher to hold for him to God's love which is immeasurable.
Treasure is in the eye of the beholder. What's your treasure? Think on that and thank God - for they are gifts. Gifts to be treasured.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17
"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21
There is a saying that goes "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." I have found that "treasure" is in the eye of the beholder also.
Treasure, like beauty, can be anything - words, people, things, sights, sounds. Treasure, like beauty, can be found anywhere - inside, outside, in a purse, on a curb, in a box, on a shelf, in a pocket, under a couch, in an attic, oh gosh, the places are endless.
Even animals have treasure. Our Maggie, will drop down on all fours and stick her nose as far under the couch as she can and then frantically paw under there trying to get her treasure - an old ratty tennis ball.
My husband and I were out an about last weekend and as we turned the corner I spotted a doll house on someone's curb. It was beautiful from a distance and it looked like it was handmade. Of course my husband drove on by reminding me I already had 2 doll houses. But this one was different. It was made of wood, obviously lovingly for a daughter or granddaughter. I had to just go see it. When I got there, I could see that it was indeed handmade. It needed some work, but with some creativity and a little elbow grease it could be exquisite again. I thought to myself, who says I have to keep this doll house - it is a treasure for perhaps a little girl I know. So I took pictures and sent them out inquiring. This treasure was just too good to pass up. I found a taker but the doll house wouldn't fit in my car. So as luck would have it my son lived nearby and we plopped it into his wife's truck for safe keeping. Soon after, we brought it to our house and unloaded it, extra pieces and all. You see, I saw potential, I saw what could be with this dollhouse. I saw some little girl's parents or aunty pouring love into this dollhouse to refurbish it, just like the original dad or grandpa did. I saw a little girl spending hours playing and using her imagination. I saw delight and joy in her eyes. I saw a treasure.
My husband's dad passed away earlier this year and the things his dad left behind were all sent here. These are treasures left for his children and grandchildren - old photos, his paintings, little things he saved that meant something to him. These are treasures of a life remembered.
As I write this blog each day I am reminded of the treasure I have in my memories, the treasures I have in my family, the treasures I have in my friendships, the treasures I have all throughout my home, the treasures I find in God's Word - all things that are of value to me.
It's the weirdest thing, I am getting all emotional about "treasure". The word is so huge!!! It encompasses everything from the tiniest pebble or one little sequin that a child finds and asks his teacher to hold for him to God's love which is immeasurable.
Treasure is in the eye of the beholder. What's your treasure? Think on that and thank God - for they are gifts. Gifts to be treasured.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17
"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Sweet Times, Sweet Sounds
Sweet Times, Sweet Sounds
Growing up, my grandmother had a piano at her apartment. She played beautifully and so I got to tinker around on her piano every time we visited. I always hoped one day I would have a piano.
Well, as it turned out, my husbands aunt worked for the Baldwin Piano Company. Every employee of Baldwin was allowed to purchase one organ and one piano at cost. Aunt Mary offered the piano purchase to us. Oh what a joy that was - such excitement - so many plans for our kids to play piano. Even I was going to take piano lessons.
We lived in a little town at the time and the local piano teacher lived on a farm. So I would take our oldest boy to the farm house for piano lessons and on the way home we would swing by the barn and buy fresh, just out of the cow, milk, cream and all. That was very cool. But that's another story.
Anyway after his lesson, he would come home and practice. Each day he would practice. We decided it was best to practice at the same time every day so because I wanted to support him and be a presence while he practiced, we chose right before dinner as practice time. So while I was preparing dinner in the kitchen, he was practicing in the dining room and we could see each other. I loved listening to him practice as I was busy preparing our evening meal. He never seemed to mind this practice time either.
I finally did take lessons, but just for a little while because mom duty and practice just didn't quite work out. Each of our children took piano lessons and each of the children had set practice times. For some practicing was an enjoyable time, for others not so much. But I never tired of listening to them practice or play.
One of our children could play be ear. Which meant he could listen and reproduce the music on the piano. I remember the piano teacher saying she wanted him to learn to read the music. And she was kind of upset that he was playing by ear. When he graduated from high school, he and his friend played a very difficult duet on the piano and every one was amazed that he had only taken lessons for a little while and it was a long, long time ago. He just had a knack for playing the piano. It didn't come easy though, he had to practice, practice and practice to be able to play that piece.
Each one of the children, at one time or another joined the school band. One of our boys tried the trombone for a while and then switched to the tuba and eventually to a drum and cymbals. Another one played trumpet. Our daughter played flute. And our oldest son played the Alto Sax and piano. When the kids were growing up, our home always seemed to be filled with some kind of practicing instrument.
To some parents the squawks and squeaks of a practicing instrument is practically painful. To me, it was a sweet sound. It spoke of commitment, dedication, persistence, bravery, fearlessness, discipline, accomplishment, hard work and so much more. And these were all qualities I admired and appreciated and was so very thankful and happy to see in my children. And am now seeing
in my grandchildren.
Sweet times and sweet sounds - that's the life!!!
"...the music of the strings makes you glad." Psalm 45:8b
"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5: 19, 20
Growing up, my grandmother had a piano at her apartment. She played beautifully and so I got to tinker around on her piano every time we visited. I always hoped one day I would have a piano.
Well, as it turned out, my husbands aunt worked for the Baldwin Piano Company. Every employee of Baldwin was allowed to purchase one organ and one piano at cost. Aunt Mary offered the piano purchase to us. Oh what a joy that was - such excitement - so many plans for our kids to play piano. Even I was going to take piano lessons.
We lived in a little town at the time and the local piano teacher lived on a farm. So I would take our oldest boy to the farm house for piano lessons and on the way home we would swing by the barn and buy fresh, just out of the cow, milk, cream and all. That was very cool. But that's another story.
Anyway after his lesson, he would come home and practice. Each day he would practice. We decided it was best to practice at the same time every day so because I wanted to support him and be a presence while he practiced, we chose right before dinner as practice time. So while I was preparing dinner in the kitchen, he was practicing in the dining room and we could see each other. I loved listening to him practice as I was busy preparing our evening meal. He never seemed to mind this practice time either.
I finally did take lessons, but just for a little while because mom duty and practice just didn't quite work out. Each of our children took piano lessons and each of the children had set practice times. For some practicing was an enjoyable time, for others not so much. But I never tired of listening to them practice or play.
One of our children could play be ear. Which meant he could listen and reproduce the music on the piano. I remember the piano teacher saying she wanted him to learn to read the music. And she was kind of upset that he was playing by ear. When he graduated from high school, he and his friend played a very difficult duet on the piano and every one was amazed that he had only taken lessons for a little while and it was a long, long time ago. He just had a knack for playing the piano. It didn't come easy though, he had to practice, practice and practice to be able to play that piece.
Each one of the children, at one time or another joined the school band. One of our boys tried the trombone for a while and then switched to the tuba and eventually to a drum and cymbals. Another one played trumpet. Our daughter played flute. And our oldest son played the Alto Sax and piano. When the kids were growing up, our home always seemed to be filled with some kind of practicing instrument.
To some parents the squawks and squeaks of a practicing instrument is practically painful. To me, it was a sweet sound. It spoke of commitment, dedication, persistence, bravery, fearlessness, discipline, accomplishment, hard work and so much more. And these were all qualities I admired and appreciated and was so very thankful and happy to see in my children. And am now seeing
in my grandchildren.
Sweet times and sweet sounds - that's the life!!!
"...the music of the strings makes you glad." Psalm 45:8b
"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5: 19, 20
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