I've taken a bit of a break lately, but not for fun! My dad got very sick just before St.Patrick's day, landing him in the hospital for a week. He had a severe urinary tract infection which led to a fever of 105 and a trip to the hospital via ambulance. His oxygen was very low, which was the first problem, then it progressed to another unknown infection. That infection turned out to be e coli, and it was in his bloodstream. His heart rhythm was affected, causing him breathing difficulties. They gave his heart a shock to try to restore the rhythm, which was effective, but the lungs were still not cooperating. His is now home, but is still having some issues we hope will soon be resolved.
We saw God working throughout the entire time! It's hard to see someone you love go through so much pain and have no relief for them. But it's such a relief to have prayer, and we had much of that in the way of friends and our church family. I praise God for dad's recovery, and for the many people who were praying him through. We felt them all! On one of dad's better days, he told me he knew God had a reason for putting him there, and maybe it was to reach someone on the staff. Dad has a way of making friends wherever he goes, so that would make perfect sense for God to use him in that way.
I'll be back again to hopefully share fun news. I do have some of that too. Well, maybe not fun exactly, but news all the same.
Be blessed!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Gray Clouds and Silver Linings
Scary gray sky...loud, strong winds....tornado coverage on the tv. These are things we're just not used to around this part of the mitten! And what we're really not used to is an EF1 tornado, 5 miles long, ripping through our community! Praise God, no one was hurt in this one, but we saw many uprooted trees all the way to school. A few people in our area lost outbuildings or garages and some possessions. Nothing compared to what other states have had to endure.
I have to say, the news coverage was beginning to concern me when I turned the tv on after dinner, and our nearby community was circled in red! I called my parents, and they were experiencing severe rain, wind, and hail. The instructions said to go to the basement, but we didn't. Daredevils! In fact, I opened the front door and watched the sky, mesmerized by its intensity. When the wind began to push our big strong trees around like they were paper, I decided to shut the door! I could tell by the radar that we weren't in the "danger zone", just in case you think I'm crazy for doing that!
I think we get so used to seeing this kind of stuff on TV that we don't stop and think that it could happen to us. We feel bad and cry with people we don't know on the screen. We might even pray for them or send money. But we've never had to BE them. I hope this serves as a reminder that regardless of where you live, you should always be ready to handle whatever comes.
As for me and my family, that means knowing our Lord and Savior and being ready to go at any time! (I'm just glad it wasn't THIS time!)
I have to say, the news coverage was beginning to concern me when I turned the tv on after dinner, and our nearby community was circled in red! I called my parents, and they were experiencing severe rain, wind, and hail. The instructions said to go to the basement, but we didn't. Daredevils! In fact, I opened the front door and watched the sky, mesmerized by its intensity. When the wind began to push our big strong trees around like they were paper, I decided to shut the door! I could tell by the radar that we weren't in the "danger zone", just in case you think I'm crazy for doing that!
I think we get so used to seeing this kind of stuff on TV that we don't stop and think that it could happen to us. We feel bad and cry with people we don't know on the screen. We might even pray for them or send money. But we've never had to BE them. I hope this serves as a reminder that regardless of where you live, you should always be ready to handle whatever comes.
As for me and my family, that means knowing our Lord and Savior and being ready to go at any time! (I'm just glad it wasn't THIS time!)
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Laughing our Booties Off
When our girls were little, it was easy to make them laugh. I mean, we could do just about anything, and they would fall over in a fit of giggles. I loved it. Finally, someone laughing at my jokes! A captive audience of sorts.
It's harder to make them laugh now that they are the full-grown, ripe old ages of 12 and 14, but it does happen from time to time. Mostly by mistake, of course. Usually my unintentional ones.
Take the other day, for example, as I was kicking a clear, glitter-filled ball through the house, trying to get it out of my way. I was running into the kitchen for whatever reason, and next thing I knew...Face plant! Right there on the kitchen floor! I was laughing so hysterically that the girls, who witnessed it from the bar, just looked horrified at me for a second, then busted out laughing. Serena managed to squeak out an 'are you okay, mom?' before dissolving into more laughter. I tried to say "yes", but I just kept laughing. Then I hear, "hey, take a picture of mom on the floor!" So, there I was, uncertain of my injuries at that time, and one of them snapped a picture of me. With my own phone! Aren't they just hilarious?
So, I had a sore knee for a couple days, but honestly, it was just what I needed. For days I would just think about it and laugh all to myself. I really should wipe out more often!
We also made the 'mistake' of letting Natalie watch "The Mask" with Jim Carrey. Oh, my goodness, remember how silly that movie was? Natalie has been acting out scenes from the movie lately, reducing all of us to mushy piles of laughter. She's done the whole "slo-mo" routine, the football player in a tutu yelling "i'm open!" She keeps saying, "somebody stop me!" and need I mention the 'butt-cheek' talking scene?? I'm just bracing myself for all of this to be over. I can't take it. My sides are killing me!
Serena has taken to staring at us until we look away. She's the silent but deadly comedian, I suppose, until she does her frequent fall down the stairs and her "I'm okay!!" that follows.
Last night Steve chased me into the bedroom, claiming he was tired of my teasing of him (what??). It was dark, and when he shut the door, he hid on me. Not funny!! Did I mention I hate surprises and being startled?? I was too scared to find the door, so I sat on the bed very quietly so I could try to hear him. Of course, then he jumped out and grabbed me, scaring the bejeebers out of me. I quit teasing him after that! I can't help that he gives me good material, ya know??
It's harder to make them laugh now that they are the full-grown, ripe old ages of 12 and 14, but it does happen from time to time. Mostly by mistake, of course. Usually my unintentional ones.
Take the other day, for example, as I was kicking a clear, glitter-filled ball through the house, trying to get it out of my way. I was running into the kitchen for whatever reason, and next thing I knew...Face plant! Right there on the kitchen floor! I was laughing so hysterically that the girls, who witnessed it from the bar, just looked horrified at me for a second, then busted out laughing. Serena managed to squeak out an 'are you okay, mom?' before dissolving into more laughter. I tried to say "yes", but I just kept laughing. Then I hear, "hey, take a picture of mom on the floor!" So, there I was, uncertain of my injuries at that time, and one of them snapped a picture of me. With my own phone! Aren't they just hilarious?
So, I had a sore knee for a couple days, but honestly, it was just what I needed. For days I would just think about it and laugh all to myself. I really should wipe out more often!
We also made the 'mistake' of letting Natalie watch "The Mask" with Jim Carrey. Oh, my goodness, remember how silly that movie was? Natalie has been acting out scenes from the movie lately, reducing all of us to mushy piles of laughter. She's done the whole "slo-mo" routine, the football player in a tutu yelling "i'm open!" She keeps saying, "somebody stop me!" and need I mention the 'butt-cheek' talking scene?? I'm just bracing myself for all of this to be over. I can't take it. My sides are killing me!
Serena has taken to staring at us until we look away. She's the silent but deadly comedian, I suppose, until she does her frequent fall down the stairs and her "I'm okay!!" that follows.
Last night Steve chased me into the bedroom, claiming he was tired of my teasing of him (what??). It was dark, and when he shut the door, he hid on me. Not funny!! Did I mention I hate surprises and being startled?? I was too scared to find the door, so I sat on the bed very quietly so I could try to hear him. Of course, then he jumped out and grabbed me, scaring the bejeebers out of me. I quit teasing him after that! I can't help that he gives me good material, ya know??
Monday, March 5, 2012
Looking Forward
It's that time of year....we start thinking about spring and then winter comes back. And here I thought we were going to get away with a snowless, mild winter. I looked forward to looking out over my brownish greenish lawn! I loved wearing a sweatshirt and not my bulky winter coat when filling the bird feeder. I'm a Southie, I think...yeah, a southie. That's the new me.
So while I can't enjoy my spring weather just yet (maybe never, who knows), I decided to keep my mind on the things I am most looking forward to this spring or summer. (if/when it comes)
1. The pool! That gloriously cool water...the sun beating down...the blue sky as I float upon my floatie thing....ahhh..then being cannonballed by crazy kids.
2. Long walks through the "neighborhood". Each night Steve and I will take a long walk with the girls. It feels so good to be active and to just get out and move again.
3. Ice cream stops. My fave...a scoop of black cherry with a squish of vanilla soft serve on top. OR, a chocolate malt...depends on the day.
4. Planting the garden! I can't wait. Last year our garden was so full of good things. We all enjoyed working and picking! and eating...
5. No driving to school every day.
6. Playing tennis with Serena
7. Hearing guitar, piano, and singing in my house....daily
8. A softer, more relaxed mood in me...iced tea by the pool, a good book...smiles all around.
9. Long days of sunshine
10. Lots of time at home, since the gas prices will surely keep us grounded. Oh well, we'll set the camper up in the woods instead!
11. Watching friends' kids play tee ball, softball, and baseball.
12. My flowers in bloom
That's just my short list. With all the negative stuff in the world and around me right now, I am choosing to spend my time looking forward and I hope you do too!
13. Being blessed!!
So while I can't enjoy my spring weather just yet (maybe never, who knows), I decided to keep my mind on the things I am most looking forward to this spring or summer. (if/when it comes)
1. The pool! That gloriously cool water...the sun beating down...the blue sky as I float upon my floatie thing....ahhh..then being cannonballed by crazy kids.
2. Long walks through the "neighborhood". Each night Steve and I will take a long walk with the girls. It feels so good to be active and to just get out and move again.
3. Ice cream stops. My fave...a scoop of black cherry with a squish of vanilla soft serve on top. OR, a chocolate malt...depends on the day.
4. Planting the garden! I can't wait. Last year our garden was so full of good things. We all enjoyed working and picking! and eating...
5. No driving to school every day.
6. Playing tennis with Serena
7. Hearing guitar, piano, and singing in my house....daily
8. A softer, more relaxed mood in me...iced tea by the pool, a good book...smiles all around.
9. Long days of sunshine
10. Lots of time at home, since the gas prices will surely keep us grounded. Oh well, we'll set the camper up in the woods instead!
11. Watching friends' kids play tee ball, softball, and baseball.
12. My flowers in bloom
That's just my short list. With all the negative stuff in the world and around me right now, I am choosing to spend my time looking forward and I hope you do too!
13. Being blessed!!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Make Up Your Mind
When having discussions with our girls about future dating or party situations, Steve and I tell them all the time--Have your mind made up about what you're going to do before you're faced with the possibility of doing it. This could mean that someone asks them to drive around and suddenly they get the idea to smash mailboxes...or drink...or worse. Always have a way out. Always have us on speed dial! Always know your answer before you get the question. Make up your mind IN ADVANCE so that you don't have to think about it at all.
I try to take our own advice, but I admit, it's easy to forget this. I was watching Joyce Meyer this week, taking my usual notes, and she talked about this very subject. She stressed so many of the things that tend to trip me up. Like how I allow my feelings to rule me. Ugh. I wish that wasn't me. I really believe that if you don't have your mind made up about things, you will tend to be double-minded. You will slip in your thoughts, which makes you slip in your speech and eventually your actions. Knowing this doesn't make it any easier to remember. That is why I study!
So, here are some of the things I wrote in my notes. I credit them all to Joyce Meyer, who is my daily preacher!
* I'm not going to figure stuff out anymore. I'm going to pray and ask God for supernatural understanding and I will wait and let him give it to me when he wants to give it to me.
* It doesn't matter how I feel, I know what I'm gonna do.
* No more "why why why?? when when when?? Stop reasoning. God is not the author of confusion. We are."
* I will.....walk in love, be generous,treat people the way I want to be treated, not waste time on self-pity, living in the past, bitterness or anger toward people
* If anybody can get well, I can get well. If anybody can overcome, I can overcome. If anybody can get out of debt, I can get out of debt. If anybody can ________________, I can________________.
* Make up your mind that you are NOT going to give up, and that you will have all that Jesus died for you to have!
* I am going to have peace.
* If my day doesn't go the way I planned, I will stay in God, and I will stay calm. When I feel the attack coming, I will say, NO!
* I can stay out of things that don't involve me, but get me all upset. I can choose not to be easily offended. I can choose not to get mad. I can forgive you.
* My circumstances don't change. I do.
* I don't need to have a wimpy mind. Waah Waah is Not me.
* I am going to enjoy....my life, my husband, my kids, my freedom, my home, God, my day, etc...I will NOT let Satan or anyone have my joy.
* I will learn to think like God thinks and say what God says and my life will be straightened out.
* Truth removes deception.
* I can replace wrong thoughts with right ones.
* Love always believes the best in people. I can love people instead of getting mad at them for things I am also guilty of.
* I don't have to depend on how I feel. I bow down to God, not my feelings.
* The deeper the problem, the more Satan will attack it to keep you there.
* I am not what I feel. Feelings are fickle. They will change tomorrow.
* I am what I believe and my feelings will catch up with what I believe if I am steadfast and not double-minded.
* This is the day that the Lord has made. I WILL rejoice and be glad in it.
The power of a made up mind. You just can't beat it.
I try to take our own advice, but I admit, it's easy to forget this. I was watching Joyce Meyer this week, taking my usual notes, and she talked about this very subject. She stressed so many of the things that tend to trip me up. Like how I allow my feelings to rule me. Ugh. I wish that wasn't me. I really believe that if you don't have your mind made up about things, you will tend to be double-minded. You will slip in your thoughts, which makes you slip in your speech and eventually your actions. Knowing this doesn't make it any easier to remember. That is why I study!
So, here are some of the things I wrote in my notes. I credit them all to Joyce Meyer, who is my daily preacher!
* I'm not going to figure stuff out anymore. I'm going to pray and ask God for supernatural understanding and I will wait and let him give it to me when he wants to give it to me.
* It doesn't matter how I feel, I know what I'm gonna do.
* No more "why why why?? when when when?? Stop reasoning. God is not the author of confusion. We are."
* I will.....walk in love, be generous,treat people the way I want to be treated, not waste time on self-pity, living in the past, bitterness or anger toward people
* If anybody can get well, I can get well. If anybody can overcome, I can overcome. If anybody can get out of debt, I can get out of debt. If anybody can ________________, I can________________.
* Make up your mind that you are NOT going to give up, and that you will have all that Jesus died for you to have!
* I am going to have peace.
* If my day doesn't go the way I planned, I will stay in God, and I will stay calm. When I feel the attack coming, I will say, NO!
* I can stay out of things that don't involve me, but get me all upset. I can choose not to be easily offended. I can choose not to get mad. I can forgive you.
* My circumstances don't change. I do.
* I don't need to have a wimpy mind. Waah Waah is Not me.
* I am going to enjoy....my life, my husband, my kids, my freedom, my home, God, my day, etc...I will NOT let Satan or anyone have my joy.
* I will learn to think like God thinks and say what God says and my life will be straightened out.
* Truth removes deception.
* I can replace wrong thoughts with right ones.
* Love always believes the best in people. I can love people instead of getting mad at them for things I am also guilty of.
* I don't have to depend on how I feel. I bow down to God, not my feelings.
* The deeper the problem, the more Satan will attack it to keep you there.
* I am not what I feel. Feelings are fickle. They will change tomorrow.
* I am what I believe and my feelings will catch up with what I believe if I am steadfast and not double-minded.
* This is the day that the Lord has made. I WILL rejoice and be glad in it.
The power of a made up mind. You just can't beat it.