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
Thursday, June 5, 2014
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
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Lost
Lost
It is quite often that I have to tell people that I am "Directionally Challenged". That is the politically correct way of saying "I can't find my way out of a paper bag".
Just the other day, I was making a delivery to an office building. I knew I had seen this office building literally hundreds of times as I was driving down the freeway. This gave me a little bit of confidence, but I still left way earlier than I should have needed to because I know myself. I did my due diligence, I printed out a Map Quest, I felt fairly certain I knew where I was headed. So with a song in my heart and a light step I hopped in the car off to meet a new client. As I was driving and reading the Map Quest it was easy to follow, however, something seemed just a little bit "off". But I pressed on.
Following the Map Quest led me to downtown Oxnard. I drove up and down the main drag looking for the address of the building. I couldn't find it nor could I see the freeway. Something was terribly wrong. I pulled over and reread the Map Quest. Sigh!!!!! I printed one Map Quest with the address I was looking for and had accidentally also printed one to downtown Oxnard. You guessed it - I grabbed the wrong Map Quest. Well, what went through my head at that moment was - they say men will not pull over to get directions, I am not a man, so I am pulling over. I pulled into what looked like a fairly nice gas station and asked the attendant which way to Solar Drive. He pointed and gave verbal instructions. I repeated what he said and pointed. He nodded in the affirmative. I thanked him kindly, smiled and got back in the car. He had told me it would be about 2 lights down. So I counted, 1 light, 2 lights, 3 lights (Maybe he was a little off, surely he couldn't be wrong.) 4 lights, 5 lights. "Turn around go back, you must have missed it," I say to myself. So I do. Nope, not there. "Turn around and go back again, maybe he forgot to say it's off one of the side streets," I think to myself. So I do. Still no Solar Drive. Sigh! again!!!
I pull into a little strip mall and decide to go into Walgreens. There is a nice looking man in front of Walgreens so I ask him if he knows where Solar Drive is. He looks at me not so nicely and with a wave of his hands says, "I haven't a clue where anything is." YIKES! He must be lost too. I thank him and go in the store. When I ask the clerk if she knows where Solar Drive is, she doesn't but is at least compassionate and says, "Oh, I am sorry you are lost." Yeah, me too!! Luckily there is a customer that overhears my inquiry and she interjects, "Oh I know where Solar Drive is - you are on the right road but should be heading the other direction." This lovely angel sounded confident and sure and I wanted to hug her. But I didn't and instead just touched her shoulder and said, "Thank you very much, I am so grateful." In my head I was thinking rather cynically 'And thank you very much Mr. Gas attendant.'
So I hop back in the car. Did I mention this was the day it was like 102 degrees. By this time I am sweating, my hair has lost it's spring and I am praying that I do not see my new customer but rather can just leave her product and get the heck out of there.
I follow the directions my Walgreens angel gave me and think perhaps I may have misunderstood (again) it seemed like it was taking longer than it should have, but I press on (again). FINALLY - pay dirt - Solar Drive. I locate the building and see it a little late so turn quickly into the parking lot cutting off a little white Toyota - sorry lady I wave! and smile! The smile makes all the difference, you know. I think I was afraid if I kept going I might not be able to find the building again.
Once in the building, I locate Suite 200. At long last, I am where I am supposed to be. I am now an hour and 45 minutes late, but I am here. And my prayer is answered my client was out to lunch so I leave her product pick up my envelope and head back downstairs.
Thinking it may be a long ride home, I decide to make a pit stop first. I have two choices - to the right or to the left to look for the bathrooms. I choose left. Ah - there's the mens. Keep walking, keep walking, the womens has to be close - keep walking - no women's. So I turn around and go back - (I am very good at this turning around and going back stuff.) I reach my starting point (always a good sign) and go right - keep walking, keep walking - Ah, finally - the womens. When I come out I really have to think hard about which way to get back to my starting point, but as luck would have it the man who was sitting in the starting point is still there and he coughs, so I follow the sound.
As I am leaving the building I ask coughing man how to get to the freeway. He points and gives verbal directions. I point and repeat the directions. He nods affirmation. (Oh no, not again?!?!)
God is so good!!! I decide not to follow coughing man's directions and just go back the way I came and guess what - low and behold the sign saying which way to the freeway was right there. A couple turns and a couple blocks and I am home free.
What should have been about a 20 minute drive each way turned into a 4 hour adventure. A friend told me once there is a verse in the Bible that says something like "God takes care of the children and the idiots." I haven't found it yet either. But one thing I know whether the verse is there or not, God does take care of me. When I am on my "adventures" - He is right there with me. He may be smiling and shaking His head at His directionally challenged child, but He is there. And so I really don't get frightened or worried. For once I was lost, but now I am found.
It is quite often that I have to tell people that I am "Directionally Challenged". That is the politically correct way of saying "I can't find my way out of a paper bag".
Just the other day, I was making a delivery to an office building. I knew I had seen this office building literally hundreds of times as I was driving down the freeway. This gave me a little bit of confidence, but I still left way earlier than I should have needed to because I know myself. I did my due diligence, I printed out a Map Quest, I felt fairly certain I knew where I was headed. So with a song in my heart and a light step I hopped in the car off to meet a new client. As I was driving and reading the Map Quest it was easy to follow, however, something seemed just a little bit "off". But I pressed on.
Following the Map Quest led me to downtown Oxnard. I drove up and down the main drag looking for the address of the building. I couldn't find it nor could I see the freeway. Something was terribly wrong. I pulled over and reread the Map Quest. Sigh!!!!! I printed one Map Quest with the address I was looking for and had accidentally also printed one to downtown Oxnard. You guessed it - I grabbed the wrong Map Quest. Well, what went through my head at that moment was - they say men will not pull over to get directions, I am not a man, so I am pulling over. I pulled into what looked like a fairly nice gas station and asked the attendant which way to Solar Drive. He pointed and gave verbal instructions. I repeated what he said and pointed. He nodded in the affirmative. I thanked him kindly, smiled and got back in the car. He had told me it would be about 2 lights down. So I counted, 1 light, 2 lights, 3 lights (Maybe he was a little off, surely he couldn't be wrong.) 4 lights, 5 lights. "Turn around go back, you must have missed it," I say to myself. So I do. Nope, not there. "Turn around and go back again, maybe he forgot to say it's off one of the side streets," I think to myself. So I do. Still no Solar Drive. Sigh! again!!!
I pull into a little strip mall and decide to go into Walgreens. There is a nice looking man in front of Walgreens so I ask him if he knows where Solar Drive is. He looks at me not so nicely and with a wave of his hands says, "I haven't a clue where anything is." YIKES! He must be lost too. I thank him and go in the store. When I ask the clerk if she knows where Solar Drive is, she doesn't but is at least compassionate and says, "Oh, I am sorry you are lost." Yeah, me too!! Luckily there is a customer that overhears my inquiry and she interjects, "Oh I know where Solar Drive is - you are on the right road but should be heading the other direction." This lovely angel sounded confident and sure and I wanted to hug her. But I didn't and instead just touched her shoulder and said, "Thank you very much, I am so grateful." In my head I was thinking rather cynically 'And thank you very much Mr. Gas attendant.'
So I hop back in the car. Did I mention this was the day it was like 102 degrees. By this time I am sweating, my hair has lost it's spring and I am praying that I do not see my new customer but rather can just leave her product and get the heck out of there.
I follow the directions my Walgreens angel gave me and think perhaps I may have misunderstood (again) it seemed like it was taking longer than it should have, but I press on (again). FINALLY - pay dirt - Solar Drive. I locate the building and see it a little late so turn quickly into the parking lot cutting off a little white Toyota - sorry lady I wave! and smile! The smile makes all the difference, you know. I think I was afraid if I kept going I might not be able to find the building again.
Once in the building, I locate Suite 200. At long last, I am where I am supposed to be. I am now an hour and 45 minutes late, but I am here. And my prayer is answered my client was out to lunch so I leave her product pick up my envelope and head back downstairs.
Thinking it may be a long ride home, I decide to make a pit stop first. I have two choices - to the right or to the left to look for the bathrooms. I choose left. Ah - there's the mens. Keep walking, keep walking, the womens has to be close - keep walking - no women's. So I turn around and go back - (I am very good at this turning around and going back stuff.) I reach my starting point (always a good sign) and go right - keep walking, keep walking - Ah, finally - the womens. When I come out I really have to think hard about which way to get back to my starting point, but as luck would have it the man who was sitting in the starting point is still there and he coughs, so I follow the sound.
As I am leaving the building I ask coughing man how to get to the freeway. He points and gives verbal directions. I point and repeat the directions. He nods affirmation. (Oh no, not again?!?!)
God is so good!!! I decide not to follow coughing man's directions and just go back the way I came and guess what - low and behold the sign saying which way to the freeway was right there. A couple turns and a couple blocks and I am home free.
What should have been about a 20 minute drive each way turned into a 4 hour adventure. A friend told me once there is a verse in the Bible that says something like "God takes care of the children and the idiots." I haven't found it yet either. But one thing I know whether the verse is there or not, God does take care of me. When I am on my "adventures" - He is right there with me. He may be smiling and shaking His head at His directionally challenged child, but He is there. And so I really don't get frightened or worried. For once I was lost, but now I am found.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Running Away
Running Away
Running away is one way to get out of something. People do it all the time. They run away from their problems by leaving town and going on vacation. They run away from a relationship that is not going well. They run away from a job or a church. They run away just to be alone and regroup, think, sort things out. Sometimes running away is the best thing to do, but not always.
When one of my boys was about 6 years old. He had strep throat. Actually his throat was a weak spot health wise for him so he got strep throat a lot. He got it so often, I got to the point where I could tell by the look in his eyes that it was coming and sure enough in a day or two he'd be sick. I would call the doctor and say we needed medicine and by this time the doctor trusted my knowledge of my child and he'd prescribe.
Well, the medicine was not all that yummy tasting. And so, I had to try to disguise it. We tried all sorts of things to make it taste better. Where is Mary Poppins when you need her, right?? And it got harder and harder to get this child to take the medicine. One morning it was medicine time and when I went to wake up this little guy, he was already awake and he was packing his little suitcase. He announced to me that he was running away to go live across the street with his aunt. She certainly wouldn't make him take that awful medicine. So I let him. Suitcase in hand, he walked out the door and I watched my little blonde, blue eyed boy walk 3 doors down and then across the street.
When he was safely in his aunts house, I called her and explained. He had not told her why he was running away so being the good/devious mom's we were, we decided to tell him he could stay with her for a little while but she would make sure to get his medicine from his mom so she could take care of him properly. Oh man!!!!!!
My husband tells a story about a time he ran away from home. He got up around 6 a.m. took off on his bike and rode for miles and miles. He eventually got bored and turned around and rode back home getting home around noon. He says no one even knew he was gone. What was the point of that?!?
I only remember running away once and it was a biggeee!! I ran away to get married but that is a whole separate blog topic which I will share some day.
The point is, running away from an unsafe situation is always a good thing. But sometimes running away doesn't accomplish anything, the thing you are running away from either just follows you or is still there when you get back. Because, that's life!!
Running away is one way to get out of something. People do it all the time. They run away from their problems by leaving town and going on vacation. They run away from a relationship that is not going well. They run away from a job or a church. They run away just to be alone and regroup, think, sort things out. Sometimes running away is the best thing to do, but not always.
When one of my boys was about 6 years old. He had strep throat. Actually his throat was a weak spot health wise for him so he got strep throat a lot. He got it so often, I got to the point where I could tell by the look in his eyes that it was coming and sure enough in a day or two he'd be sick. I would call the doctor and say we needed medicine and by this time the doctor trusted my knowledge of my child and he'd prescribe.
Well, the medicine was not all that yummy tasting. And so, I had to try to disguise it. We tried all sorts of things to make it taste better. Where is Mary Poppins when you need her, right?? And it got harder and harder to get this child to take the medicine. One morning it was medicine time and when I went to wake up this little guy, he was already awake and he was packing his little suitcase. He announced to me that he was running away to go live across the street with his aunt. She certainly wouldn't make him take that awful medicine. So I let him. Suitcase in hand, he walked out the door and I watched my little blonde, blue eyed boy walk 3 doors down and then across the street.
When he was safely in his aunts house, I called her and explained. He had not told her why he was running away so being the good/devious mom's we were, we decided to tell him he could stay with her for a little while but she would make sure to get his medicine from his mom so she could take care of him properly. Oh man!!!!!!
My husband tells a story about a time he ran away from home. He got up around 6 a.m. took off on his bike and rode for miles and miles. He eventually got bored and turned around and rode back home getting home around noon. He says no one even knew he was gone. What was the point of that?!?
I only remember running away once and it was a biggeee!! I ran away to get married but that is a whole separate blog topic which I will share some day.
The point is, running away from an unsafe situation is always a good thing. But sometimes running away doesn't accomplish anything, the thing you are running away from either just follows you or is still there when you get back. Because, that's life!!
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Grace, Amazing Grace
Grace, Amazing Grace
Grace is when one person forgives another. Grace is when you give someone a second chance. Grace is when you overlook a failure or a mistake. Grace is having mercy on an offender. Grace is something granted to someone that is undeserving of it. Grace is granted unconditionally.
Grace, amazing grace.
I can remember a time when once a month I became a crazy woman. Look out for the hurricane- - she's coming through!!!! I slammed cabinet doors, I yelled at my kids, I spoke sarcastically to my husband, I had very little, if any, patience for messes, was more demanding than usual at work, I did a lot of complaining and pretty much in general was absolutely horrendous to be around. And yet - there was grace - from my husband, from my children and from my co-workers.
A child comes home with a D on his report card so you talk about it, try to figure out the reason and if tutoring is needed, make those arrangements. That's grace.
You miss a deadline for a report that's due because your child was sick and your boss says, "I understand, can I have the report in 2 days?" That's grace.
When you get home from work you ask what's for dinner like you do every night and your wife practically takes your head off. She's had a tough day and is taking it out on you. So you offer to take the family out to dinner so she doesn't have to cook. That's grace.
Grace doesn't condemn. Grace doesn't rant and rave. Grace doesn't sulk or pout. Grace recognizes a problem and gives what the person needs as opposed to what the person deserves.
God in His grace recognized that mankind had a problem and the problem is sin.
God in His grace gave mankind, though undeserving, what they needed - a Savior - and His name is Jesus.
Grace, amazing grace.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Click to hear a Celtic version of Amazing Grace with bagpipes. Beautiful.
Grace is when one person forgives another. Grace is when you give someone a second chance. Grace is when you overlook a failure or a mistake. Grace is having mercy on an offender. Grace is something granted to someone that is undeserving of it. Grace is granted unconditionally.
Grace, amazing grace.
I can remember a time when once a month I became a crazy woman. Look out for the hurricane- - she's coming through!!!! I slammed cabinet doors, I yelled at my kids, I spoke sarcastically to my husband, I had very little, if any, patience for messes, was more demanding than usual at work, I did a lot of complaining and pretty much in general was absolutely horrendous to be around. And yet - there was grace - from my husband, from my children and from my co-workers.
A child comes home with a D on his report card so you talk about it, try to figure out the reason and if tutoring is needed, make those arrangements. That's grace.
You miss a deadline for a report that's due because your child was sick and your boss says, "I understand, can I have the report in 2 days?" That's grace.
When you get home from work you ask what's for dinner like you do every night and your wife practically takes your head off. She's had a tough day and is taking it out on you. So you offer to take the family out to dinner so she doesn't have to cook. That's grace.
Grace doesn't condemn. Grace doesn't rant and rave. Grace doesn't sulk or pout. Grace recognizes a problem and gives what the person needs as opposed to what the person deserves.
God in His grace recognized that mankind had a problem and the problem is sin.
God in His grace gave mankind, though undeserving, what they needed - a Savior - and His name is Jesus.
Grace, amazing grace.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Click to hear a Celtic version of Amazing Grace with bagpipes. Beautiful.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Wonder Woman
Thank You, Wonder Woman
In the mid, to late '70s an amazing female superheroine came to television. She had been in comic books since the '40s but when she made it to television she became truly famous.
Her name: Diana: Amazon warrior princess born of the gods and sent to America as Wonder Woman to fight for peace, justice, and truth.
As famous and dearly loved as Wonder Woman was on television, she was even more famous and dearly loved in our household. My children loved Wonder Woman and they never missed an episode. Even my husband was pretty much enamored with Diana the Amazon Princess. One day as the children and my husband sat glued to the TV watching Lynda Carter spin her sleek body around to turn herself into Wonder Woman, I very casually said, "I was supposed to be Wonder Woman you know." Instantly, 3 heads spun around on their necks like owls and 3 pairs of eyes turned their focus to me.
"What?" they said in unison. With all the seriousness I could muster, I repeated my announcement, "I was supposed to be Wonder Woman." The look of astonishment on their faces was priceless. Seriously it could have been on a Master Card commercial.
The children wanted clarification. They fired questions like shots out of a shotgun - "What do you mean? How? Really? Are you kidding us?" So I explained that I had auditioned for the part of Wonder Woman and it was offered to me. Meanwhile, my husband is doing all he can to keep a straight face and look as if he is supporting and confirming everything I am saying.
"Yes", I told them, "I was offered the part of Wonder Woman but I turned it down because I wanted to be your mom more." Once again the shotgun goes off --- "Wow, you could of been famous." "You could of been on TV." "We could of been rich." "I could of got the Luke Skywalker Landspeeder." Of course, this news could not be kept a secret, they told all their friends and all the kids in the neighborhood believed I could have been Wonder Woman on TV but turned it down to be the boy's mom.
Sidenote - Yes, it was a little white lie - a story, if you will, but how special do you think my boys felt thinking I turned down fame and fortune to be their mom? And that was the method to my madness. People wondered what I was thinking telling the boys that. I was thinking I wanted them to know how much I loved them and how special they were in a tangible way they could relate to.
This farce went on for years. After they got older they figured out I was just letting them know how much I loved them. Even after that though, when I was settling a sibling argument, or issuing a punishment I would still remind them that I was supposed to be Wonder Woman and that fighting for peace, justice, and truth was her/my job. Or I might strike the Wonder Woman pose and say - "Don't make me get my lasso" when trying to determine who did or said what and the truth was not easily forthcoming. We had loads of fun with it. 35+ years later we still laugh about it all.
As I think about that little lie I told I can't help but think that all moms are Wonder Woman. They do so much and it is hard to keep up with it all sometimes. Moms get tired of saying the same thing over and over. They get tired from doing all they do. They get tired from everything that is so much a part of being a mom. It is a hard job.
Here's my message: It's worth it! Hang in there!!
Count on your kids having disagreeable years. Count on them rebelling once in a while. Count on them doing things you may not necessarily agree with or approve of. But also count on them coming of age and appreciating all you have done for them and realizing how much you love them.
Following is a text I got yesterday from one of my Wonder Woman story boys: He said, "I love you guys so much. I or anyone for that matter couldn't ask for any better parents than the ones I have!! I appreciate everything you guys have done for me. I don't think I could love you guys more, both of you. I'm proud to be your child, and I thank you both for who I am!"
I share this with you to give you hope if you are going through a rough time with your child(ren). They come around & they grow out of things.
And I also share it to encourage you to find a way to make sure your kids know they are loved by you and made to feel special.
Thank You, Lynda Carter, for taking over the Wonder Woman job. I hate to think of all I would have missed had I taken it. (smile)
In the mid, to late '70s an amazing female superheroine came to television. She had been in comic books since the '40s but when she made it to television she became truly famous.
Her name: Diana: Amazon warrior princess born of the gods and sent to America as Wonder Woman to fight for peace, justice, and truth.
As famous and dearly loved as Wonder Woman was on television, she was even more famous and dearly loved in our household. My children loved Wonder Woman and they never missed an episode. Even my husband was pretty much enamored with Diana the Amazon Princess. One day as the children and my husband sat glued to the TV watching Lynda Carter spin her sleek body around to turn herself into Wonder Woman, I very casually said, "I was supposed to be Wonder Woman you know." Instantly, 3 heads spun around on their necks like owls and 3 pairs of eyes turned their focus to me.
"What?" they said in unison. With all the seriousness I could muster, I repeated my announcement, "I was supposed to be Wonder Woman." The look of astonishment on their faces was priceless. Seriously it could have been on a Master Card commercial.
The children wanted clarification. They fired questions like shots out of a shotgun - "What do you mean? How? Really? Are you kidding us?" So I explained that I had auditioned for the part of Wonder Woman and it was offered to me. Meanwhile, my husband is doing all he can to keep a straight face and look as if he is supporting and confirming everything I am saying.
"Yes", I told them, "I was offered the part of Wonder Woman but I turned it down because I wanted to be your mom more." Once again the shotgun goes off --- "Wow, you could of been famous." "You could of been on TV." "We could of been rich." "I could of got the Luke Skywalker Landspeeder." Of course, this news could not be kept a secret, they told all their friends and all the kids in the neighborhood believed I could have been Wonder Woman on TV but turned it down to be the boy's mom.
Sidenote - Yes, it was a little white lie - a story, if you will, but how special do you think my boys felt thinking I turned down fame and fortune to be their mom? And that was the method to my madness. People wondered what I was thinking telling the boys that. I was thinking I wanted them to know how much I loved them and how special they were in a tangible way they could relate to.
This farce went on for years. After they got older they figured out I was just letting them know how much I loved them. Even after that though, when I was settling a sibling argument, or issuing a punishment I would still remind them that I was supposed to be Wonder Woman and that fighting for peace, justice, and truth was her/my job. Or I might strike the Wonder Woman pose and say - "Don't make me get my lasso" when trying to determine who did or said what and the truth was not easily forthcoming. We had loads of fun with it. 35+ years later we still laugh about it all.
As I think about that little lie I told I can't help but think that all moms are Wonder Woman. They do so much and it is hard to keep up with it all sometimes. Moms get tired of saying the same thing over and over. They get tired from doing all they do. They get tired from everything that is so much a part of being a mom. It is a hard job.
Here's my message: It's worth it! Hang in there!!
Count on your kids having disagreeable years. Count on them rebelling once in a while. Count on them doing things you may not necessarily agree with or approve of. But also count on them coming of age and appreciating all you have done for them and realizing how much you love them.
Following is a text I got yesterday from one of my Wonder Woman story boys: He said, "I love you guys so much. I or anyone for that matter couldn't ask for any better parents than the ones I have!! I appreciate everything you guys have done for me. I don't think I could love you guys more, both of you. I'm proud to be your child, and I thank you both for who I am!"
I share this with you to give you hope if you are going through a rough time with your child(ren). They come around & they grow out of things.
And I also share it to encourage you to find a way to make sure your kids know they are loved by you and made to feel special.
Thank You, Lynda Carter, for taking over the Wonder Woman job. I hate to think of all I would have missed had I taken it. (smile)
Monday, May 19, 2014
Get Smart
Get Smart
When kids are growing up, they have to learn things. For example, we are not born knowing how to use scissors. We are not born knowing how to ride a bike or roller skate. We are not born knowing how to share or talk nicely to people. Little people have to learn these things.
I can remember as a kid being reminded over and over to say please and thank you. My mom used to call these words, "the magic words". If I used "the magic words" I was more likely to get what I was asking for without a lot of discussion or fuss. If I spoke nicely to my parents and my siblings life just seemed to be a lot more peaceful.
My husband and I watched a movie tonight called "August: Osage County". The family members in this movie were horrible to each other. Holy Cow!! They were just plain mean!! The oldest daughter learned this behavior from her mother, who had learned it from her mother. It would be easy to assume that the females in this family had been behaving this way for generations. (BTW - even though the acting in this movie was up for some awards, I wouldn't recommend it due to the language. Another big - HOLY COW!!) The point here being - the behavior was learned.
Skills/behaviors - whether practical or social - must be taught and learned in order to be put into practice successfully. It's not a one time deal either. It takes consistent reminding, consistent demanding that manners be used in all circumstances for it to finally stick. It takes consistency in talking about the right way to act for it to become second nature.
There are lots of things children and some adults need to learn - like how to deal with anger, jealousy, friendship, gossip, money, criticism and so much more. These are all important lessons people need to get smart about. I call the book of Proverbs in the Bible, the Get Smart book. In Proverbs you can find all the answers to how God wants us to deal with these everyday life issues. You can find out how God wants us to be.
On speaking nicely to others: Proverbs 16:24 "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."
On anger: Proverbs 15:18 "A hot tempered man stirs up dissention, but a patient man calms a quarrel."
On lying: Proverbs 12:22 "The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in men who are truthful."
On criticism: Proverbs: 12:1 "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid."
The Book of Proverbs is chock full of verses that help us Get Smart. As parents this would be a good place to look to find out what we should be teaching our children on how to behave. As adults this is a good place to look to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.
Be honest. Be generous. Be a wife of noble character. Be humble. Work hard. Be wise. Be truthful. Speak gently. Be patient. Fear the Lord. Be cheerful. Be a loving friend. Be slow to anger. Listen to advise. Accept instruction. Be good. Be kindhearted. Be faithful. Be loving. Heed discipline. Seek good. And so on and so on.
God gave us this book - Proverbs - to find the answers on how to live life well. Use the Get Smart book to Get Smart!! and...pass it on to your children who will pass it on to their children who will pass it on to their children....
This is very smart!!
When kids are growing up, they have to learn things. For example, we are not born knowing how to use scissors. We are not born knowing how to ride a bike or roller skate. We are not born knowing how to share or talk nicely to people. Little people have to learn these things.
I can remember as a kid being reminded over and over to say please and thank you. My mom used to call these words, "the magic words". If I used "the magic words" I was more likely to get what I was asking for without a lot of discussion or fuss. If I spoke nicely to my parents and my siblings life just seemed to be a lot more peaceful.
My husband and I watched a movie tonight called "August: Osage County". The family members in this movie were horrible to each other. Holy Cow!! They were just plain mean!! The oldest daughter learned this behavior from her mother, who had learned it from her mother. It would be easy to assume that the females in this family had been behaving this way for generations. (BTW - even though the acting in this movie was up for some awards, I wouldn't recommend it due to the language. Another big - HOLY COW!!) The point here being - the behavior was learned.
Skills/behaviors - whether practical or social - must be taught and learned in order to be put into practice successfully. It's not a one time deal either. It takes consistent reminding, consistent demanding that manners be used in all circumstances for it to finally stick. It takes consistency in talking about the right way to act for it to become second nature.
There are lots of things children and some adults need to learn - like how to deal with anger, jealousy, friendship, gossip, money, criticism and so much more. These are all important lessons people need to get smart about. I call the book of Proverbs in the Bible, the Get Smart book. In Proverbs you can find all the answers to how God wants us to deal with these everyday life issues. You can find out how God wants us to be.
On speaking nicely to others: Proverbs 16:24 "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."
On anger: Proverbs 15:18 "A hot tempered man stirs up dissention, but a patient man calms a quarrel."
On lying: Proverbs 12:22 "The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in men who are truthful."
On criticism: Proverbs: 12:1 "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid."
The Book of Proverbs is chock full of verses that help us Get Smart. As parents this would be a good place to look to find out what we should be teaching our children on how to behave. As adults this is a good place to look to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.
Be honest. Be generous. Be a wife of noble character. Be humble. Work hard. Be wise. Be truthful. Speak gently. Be patient. Fear the Lord. Be cheerful. Be a loving friend. Be slow to anger. Listen to advise. Accept instruction. Be good. Be kindhearted. Be faithful. Be loving. Heed discipline. Seek good. And so on and so on.
God gave us this book - Proverbs - to find the answers on how to live life well. Use the Get Smart book to Get Smart!! and...pass it on to your children who will pass it on to their children who will pass it on to their children....
This is very smart!!
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