tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17564049503739181892024-03-07T21:47:58.926-05:00THE SILVER LININGWelcome to the Silver Lining.
A simple place to come for a bit of encouragement and every now and then a bit of wisdom. You may
peek into this open window and experience life through my eyes.
I don't know if behind every cloud there really is a silver lining, but I do know that in front of every cloud in my life, there is God.Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.comBlogger432125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-35219266057842817582013-08-11T23:32:00.000-04:002013-08-11T23:41:38.298-04:00A new A - ZI find it interesting that my last posts were my A-Z stories.<br />
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Tonight I am thinking of A-Z in a whole new way. Take the logo for Amazon for instance, there is an arrow which forms a smile from the letters a and z, meaning they happily provide everything you would possibly need, from a-z. However, what I am really thinking of tonight is another a-z, quite actually the Greek alphabet's version of such. Alpha - Omega. The beginning and the end. Ironically, in some odd way my two examples of A-Z have merged recently in my life.<br />
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A couple of weeks ago, I found on Amazon a free digital book for my Kindle. It is a new release, written by <span class="userContent">Joni Eareckson Tada. It is a book about healing. I found this book on the very day I was having an ultrasound which would prove to show something unwanted growing in my body. A few days later, also on Amazon, I run across another free book, this one by Ravi Zacharias, detailing how God has woven the details of our lives. </span><br />
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<span class="userContent">Now some would say it is merely coincidence that I would run across both of these books at this time in my life, but I choose to believe that God had a hand in this. God is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. As I walk through a new medical trial in my life I know that this is where my strength will come. </span><br />
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<span class="userContent">Both books have taught me much in such a short time , and yes, I am reading them at the same time. Joni's book (first name basis?) has taught me that while I may seek physical healing for this thing hidden in my body, I should at the same time be seeking spiritual healing for the things I choose to keep hidden. As you pray for me, pray for my complacency, my negativity, my selfishness and so much more that needs refined. Mr. Zacharias is teaching me that I should not fear these days of my life, because they have already been woven by God in His wisdom. </span><br />
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<span class="userContent">Amazon has marketed well their ability to provide all we think we need, but in all reality, they can not. All I need is provided by my faith and my relationship with my God. My Alpha and Omega. </span><br />
<br />Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-12097321391760561072012-11-27T22:19:00.001-05:002012-11-28T06:59:36.221-05:00Z is for Zoltar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Z is for Zoltar....<br />
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Odd thing to post I know, but you must agree that my choices are limited. The reason I chose Zoltar is because it brings up a very prominent family memory.<br />
In 1988 the very popular movie, <u>Big</u>, starring Tom Hanks came out. Our boys were young, Jake was 5 and Joel was only 3. After a while it was released on VHS, and by that time Joel was probably 4 years old. We did not have cable TV at that time, so for entertainment, we would rent or borrow movies from the library. Because of our TV situation we often found ourselves watching the same movies over and over again. A parent can only watch <u>The NeverEnding Story </u>or <u>Harry and the Hendersons</u> so many times.<br />
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I asked our sister-in-law if she felt the movie, <u>Big</u> would be appropriate for the boys. I was desperate for something new.<br />
Now, I must tell you that also during this period of our lives, I was a stay-at-home mom and had many opportunities to discuss our values and beliefs with both of our sons. I called them teachable moments, and they popped up everywhere. One day, on our way to the grocery, the subject of <i>hell</i>, or at least the <i>word</i> hell came up. I was not sure how or why it came up, but I reminded my 4 year old, (Joel) that we do not say that word unless we are talking about the place. He seemed to get it, and I felt I had done a good job explaining the difference between the noun "hell" and the cuss-word "hell". He seemed to accept that it is only okay to say it if we are talking about the place. I repeated that to him a few times and was at ease. <br />
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Back to Zoltar...and the movie. <br />
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After clearing the movie with my much respected sister-in-law, we rented it, popped our popcorn and settled in for a nice family evening. For much of the movie, I was not concerned at all. There were a few hints of things that the boys did not pick up on, and things were going well. The one part our sister-in-law failed to mention was a time when Billy's friend goes into the office of Billy's boss and one of them utters the phrase "a**hole". This is NOT something that Steve or I ever say, so we were quite worried about having the boys hear that in a movie. As I was preparing a little speech in my head as to what to say to the boys, Joel immediately makes a connection between our conversation at the grocery and the line in the movie. ( how he connected them, I will never know)<br />
But...as soon as the phrase was uttered, Joel turned to us and said, "It's okay to say that if you are talking about one..."<br />
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Now, thinking about the "wisdom" (flawed as it might be), in that statement from a four year old is mind blowing. I guess it is true what they say about "out of the mouth of babes"<br />
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<br />Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-16044438363245429602012-11-27T21:47:00.001-05:002012-11-27T22:29:56.570-05:00Y is for...yams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Y is for yams. I love them. Steve does not. That is all I have to say about the letter Y. <br />
<br />Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-7046685590438895652012-06-06T12:14:00.001-04:002012-06-07T00:41:11.822-04:00X is for reX<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">X is for reX</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I know that had to stretch myself a bit to come up with this letter, and I would prefer to post nothing before I am prepared. Finally I am prepared. It will take a bit of introduction to get to my point, but bear with me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Currently Steve and I are at an Indianapolis hospital, caring for his mom who had surgery. I took over her care when Steve's brother, sister-in-law, and then his sister had to leave. I have been here for 5 days and 4 nights. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Hospitals are both wonderful and awful places. Mom's care has been superb, and we have no complaints in that department. However, a 5 star hotel for family members, it is not. I have made the best of the situation though, and the nursing staff has been wonderful in meeting many of my own needs. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> After about day 3 though, exhaustion sets in (could have taken a "x" from that word as well). My mind was less clear, my body weary, and my emotions running wild. I have such a new appreciation and understanding for the young parents that have to endure this; sometimes for months.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Yesterday was particularly rough. Mom experienced some post surgical side effects that I, by myself, and running on empty was not able to handle. I was breaking down, I knew it, and I also knew I needed help if I were to be any good for Mom. Thankfully, Steve arrived at about 8:30 local time. We went for a quick bite to eat, then returned to the hospital. Since I was not thinking clearly, I decided against getting a hotel room at that moment because I thought as late as it was, we would save money by tag teaming in recliners or the cot in Mom's room. Steve took the cot, and I went off to search for a recliner. Thing is, I was just too tired to relax in that recliner. After returning to the room a few times, and emotionally breaking down when a security guard asked if I was okay, I finally decided after midnight that the price of a hotel would be the best present I could give myself. I was driven to the hotel by another hospital security guard, and I checked in.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Ahhh, the power of a shower and un-interupped sleep. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Now, finally, we come to the letter X, <i>almost</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> The hotel where I stayed provides a service for folks such as me. We are able , without pay, to reserve a regular room to take a nap or shower. They give you 1 1/2 hours, then you simply turn in the key and return to the hospital. I took advantage of this on Monday and it was such a blessing. I was so impressed with this service, and so grateful that I wanted to pay somebody something. The hotel will not accept it, yet this thought remained in my mind.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> As I left my room this morning, I passed a woman, who had obviously been recently injured (arm in cast, limping, multiple bruises). I then requested a shuttle back to the hospital, as did she. We were told that the shuttle was running very late so I called Steve and asked him to drive over to get me. I also asked if he could drive someone else back too.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> In the little time we were waiting for Steve, I learned quite a lot about Melanie and REX. They are married, and drive their own big rig for a living. Melanie was at the wheel on interstate 74 when Rex decided to take over. As he got up to move to the cab from the sleeper, he stumbled,. Melanie took 1 hand off the wheel to try to help him, and Rex without thinking, grabbed for the side of the wheel for something to hold on to. This split second decision caused their lives to be turned upside down. Melanie lost control, laid the rig down on it's right side and then lost consciousness. When she came to she realized that Rex had been thrown from the truck and was in the median with paramedics. Alive, yet much more serious than she, they both were flown to this hospital. Melanie has had surgery, and while still healing from injuries, she will be okay. The road to recovery will be longer for Rex, as he is still in ICU. Melanie and Rex are from Ohio, they were headed with a load of furniture to California, where in fact, all of their kids live. They now find themselves in a strange city, and in circumstances they never imagined. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> I listened to Melanie, and was actually drawn into her story, feeling as if I was truly invited into their lives. She needed to tell her story, and quite honestly, I needed to hear it. It is easy, in the midst of your own trials, and fatigue to forget others, and to become so self focused. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> At that moment, I felt a nudging, which many times is overlooked. This time though, I could not deny it. I reached into my purse, and pulled out some money, not much, yet just enough to at least buy a couple of meals. She resisted at first, but I explained about my free shower earlier in the week and how God told me to find someone to "pay it forward", I then told her, she was the one. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Finally Steve pulled up, and we dropped Melanie off at the door before finding our parking space. As we walked back up to the entrance I realized that this is a big hospital, with many rooms, and every one has a Rex or a Melanie. In every room someone's life has been turned upside down. I then asked God to place His mighty Hands over this place and bring comfort into these lives.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> I wonder though, how many times I have ignored a Rex or a Melanie. We ask someone how they are. They say fine. We know they are not really, but we leave it at that. I think that in reality, our lives would be so much more in perspective if we took these moments to invest in the lives of others. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> I am reminded of this scripture:</span><br />
<span class="text Isa-40-31" id="en-KJV-18452" style="font-size: small;">"But they that wait upon the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>
shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31</span><br />
<span class="text Isa-40-31" id="en-KJV-18452" style="font-size: small;">I have read before (sorry I cannot remember who said it) that just perhaps the word "wait" in this passage is not what we think, that maybe instead of being thought of as passive, such as sitting back and being patient, and waiting on God to do something, that maybe it is<i> </i>a very<i> active </i>verb. Perhaps it is waiting on God such as a waitress <i>waits</i> on us. That when we are actively serving God, then He will re-new our strength. And, perhaps, this was realized in my life today. Only after I stepped outside of myself, and found someone to minister to in God's name, have I been renewed. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> I am glad I waited to write about the letter X until it involved a lesson from God.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> We we see both how long it takes for Y and Z, and what God has in mind for them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
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<br />Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-9884084972437318922012-01-13T23:35:00.010-05:002012-06-06T12:22:06.136-04:00W is for Why?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_bHcRnWhCBzij_xn9vgCzoEe0vOLJhj8jQ7HSktfBTc72D5fk66JKV9rzQ6LX6NL0WogVs-wsNj7nH933ctOYAhU0SzTcNsDhmzvVL1_jjTUYlkc6Wu1Tb9TDQETuqDTeLsyFeqn36E/s1600/52947_letter_w_lg.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697343984654423282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_bHcRnWhCBzij_xn9vgCzoEe0vOLJhj8jQ7HSktfBTc72D5fk66JKV9rzQ6LX6NL0WogVs-wsNj7nH933ctOYAhU0SzTcNsDhmzvVL1_jjTUYlkc6Wu1Tb9TDQETuqDTeLsyFeqn36E/s200/52947_letter_w_lg.gif" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 200px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 186px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 180%;">W is for Why?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;">It has been a long time since I posted, I thought I would zip straight through the alphabet. </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;">Who would think I would get hung up on the letter “W”? </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 85%;">There are so many good W words. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"> Wait</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: verdana; font-family: verdana;">
<span style="font-size: 100%;">Worry </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">Want</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Walter</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">And, many more I could have chosen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">Nothing motivated me, nothing struck a chord. Today, on a day when I have so many emotions fighting for exposure, it hits me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WHY</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"> Such a small word.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"> I remember when our oldest was just a little boy. He was consumed with this word. He was not content with simple answers, but wanted to know the “why” in every circumstance. His “whys” varied from: why he didn’t get his way in a particular instance, to the more complex “whys”. Why does the light switch actually turn on a light? Why does thunder roar? Why does the water come out of the kitchen sink. His “whys” were soon muddled with “hows”, and he became full of wonder. After my futile attempts to answer such questions, and after a day when all I did was repeatedly answer, I came up with a solution to appease both of us. When I could no longer satisfy him, I would just tell him that I did not know, and that we would have to ask Uncle Jim. This was a stroke of brilliance on my part. Jake would patiently wait until the next time my brother stopped by, and then bombard him with his saved up questions. I remember clearly the day that Jim sat at our dining room table and drew out a diagram, complete with circuits and breakers, to explain that there is a lot going on inside the walls behind the light switch. He convinced Jake that turning on a light really isn’t magic. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"> It is odd, that as grown ups, our “whys” are not so easily answered. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"> Today, I am struggling with a “why” that Uncle Jim cannot solve. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"> On this day, another little boy, one that I am sure was full of “whys” and full of wonder, has gone to live with Jesus. He lost his battle with a serious illness and after just 5 years on this earth, and has left a terrible void in the lives of those who love him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"> I did not know this boy. I knew his father and his father’s family, I knew some of his mother’s family, and I had met his mother. Not knowing him has not made this any easier to understand. I have still asked why. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"> If you have followed my blog, you know that I am a Christian. You know that I do not blame God for things that I have endued. You know that I continue to love and trust Him. But, does that always mean I understand Him?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"> No. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"> There are many scriptures that bring comfort, but not complete understanding. Yet, I realize that we only hold a small piece of the puzzle, and must wait to see the complete picture. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"> It is not my brother that I wait for to explain the answers, yet a loving Father. One who knit this little boy in his mother’s womb, one that knew everything about him. A loving Father who has numbered our hairs, and our days. <br />I may not know the answer to this “why” while I live on this earth, but I am patiently waiting for my visit with my Father, when I will sit with Him and ask Him all of my saved up questions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"> At the top of my blog is a quote. It has hung out there for a long time. I am drawn to it often:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"> "Today I am one day nearer home than ever before. One day nearer the dawning when the fog will lift, mysteries clear, and all question marks straighten up into exclamation points! I shall see the King!" (Vance Havner)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"> My “whys” will be answered. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-7659400709167115532011-08-04T22:42:00.004-04:002011-08-09T16:47:31.477-04:00V is for Vodou (Voodoo)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4-g6VX6t7KUx8SEMSkMmkAcqd49Fv21PVYd-hQSnQtCKqEc7ig1C5Gbp3UpyVHtVO5pHSNP_vGejzPmKYd3OkdRWyB_uHpxxH_Ll4TEI4mbBEIU2JkOIANQ5KFi94zUz64iXtIrcSwY/s1600/v.jpeg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4-g6VX6t7KUx8SEMSkMmkAcqd49Fv21PVYd-hQSnQtCKqEc7ig1C5Gbp3UpyVHtVO5pHSNP_vGejzPmKYd3OkdRWyB_uHpxxH_Ll4TEI4mbBEIU2JkOIANQ5KFi94zUz64iXtIrcSwY/s320/v.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637196847317487746" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">is for Vodou</span> (Haitian name for voodoo)
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<br />Now, the first thing I want to say is that I do not practice or have any belief in voodoo, but it does bring up a strong memory. I feel that by including this in my blog, it will be a reminder to me of Haiti's greatest need.
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<br />In 1993, after watching the slides from missionaries that were based in Haiti, I had a strong urge to go there. I honestly felt such a calling, if you will, to leave my family and be part of a team from our church that was going on a 2 week trip to assist the mission already based there. I told my husband that it was not that I really wanted to leave, but that I wanted to go. I have rarely felt so strongly that I was supposed to do something as I did then. It was in July, and I traveled with the second group from our church. Most had left a few days before, but due to some prior commitments, 4 of us traveled later.
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<br />Here I was, arriving in Haiti, when I had barely traveled anywhere else. This would be my first real plane ride, and many other firsts. I must admit that the first day there, I wondered what I was getting myself into. I developed a serious migraine on that first day, and wondered if I could make it.
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<br />As the days went on I knew I was supposed to be there, yet I still was realizing that our cultures are so very different. Everything was different, the poverty, the lack of communication abilities, the landscape, and the religion.
<br />
<br />One night in particular, while we were trying to sleep (we slept on the roof of the mission on cots due to the heat) we could hear voodoo drums in the distance. That was definitely a strange experience for me, and to be honest , I felt evil around me. I prayed very hard that night, Although I knew that my God is greater than any evil around me, I needed to speak His name over and over for my own peace. I also prayed for the people of Haiti. We think sometimes that their biggest problem is their poverty, and that groups go there just to meet physical needs. We see and hear often of humanitarian groups that provide food, and medical help. Yes, these are real needs, and the poverty was overwhelming. But their greatest need is for the Lord God to rescue them from the evil that is all around them.
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<br />It has been many years since I returned from that trip, and to be honest, I do not think of these people as often as I should. There have been quite a few people that I know that have gone on similar trips since then, and each time it causes me to remember Haiti. I hope that somehow the focus of this post will also help me, and perhaps for those of you who read it will remember the Haitian people as well.Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-45705008703907703482011-08-02T13:08:00.005-04:002011-08-09T16:47:59.480-04:00U is for Ugly<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBO3aLpXsIDM_r8DuGwEUIs0jSyy-AB83pUUUA4OkMgxI9lyn-cfGQRmPWswobSAZs3D52gZYPYArxNH4dEQaKHJHAdJPwVI4BGKIueQaBC5y5hRw6_kt6j2WWOL1XihkgBshf4xfgKw/s1600/letter+U.jpeg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBO3aLpXsIDM_r8DuGwEUIs0jSyy-AB83pUUUA4OkMgxI9lyn-cfGQRmPWswobSAZs3D52gZYPYArxNH4dEQaKHJHAdJPwVI4BGKIueQaBC5y5hRw6_kt6j2WWOL1XihkgBshf4xfgKw/s320/letter+U.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636307064387269474" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >is for Ugly.</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Now, I must admit that the letter U had me stumped for a very long time. Well over a month. I did not want to go with umbrella, or unicorn, or anything starting with "un". I had to wait until something inspired me. With the current heat wave I am not getting inspired by much, so the challenge was great. </span>
<br />
<br />Today it hit me:
<br />Ugly.
<br />
<br />Not the word you would expect me to devote a post to. This blog is about the "Silver Lining", and the whole concept of that is supposed to be positive. Is there anything positive in such a word as ugly?
<br />
<br />I think so.
<br />
<br />The first thing I think of is the old adage, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Well, isn't the same true with ugly? Be it dogs, decor, or even people, we all have different ideas about which one is pretty or ugly.
<br />
<br />I have a scar.
<br />
<br />It is quite large, and in reality is shaped much like the letter U. By the world's standards it is undesirable, unattractive, and ugly (three Us). But think about this. That one scar on my body is a reminder of the grace of God, a reminder of surviving what I later learned was a cancer that was very much not in my favor, and very much a smile from God. (You can read about 'A smile from God" <a href="http://thesilverlining9.blogspot.com/2008/10/i-cooked-and-other-random-thoughts.html">here</a>)
<br />
<br />During our summer youth conference we sometimes have a small group ice breaker called "show me your scar". It is amazing that people young and old really like the opportunity to tell the story about their physical scars. You will hear stories about bicycle accidents, sports injuries, and surgeries. There is something about talking openly about what people are taught never to discuss or question. It is rather "freeing". It seems to turn what one would think of as being ugly into a story. I just happen to have a visible scar close enough to my face that makes it seem a taboo subject to talk about.
<br />
<br />I will admit that in the weeks following surgery, I was quite concerned about the appearance of this scar, and even blogged about my thoughts regarding it. You can read those initial thoughts <a href="http://thesilverlining9.blogspot.com/2008/10/round-three.html">here</a>. But as time has passed and admit-tingly, as the scar and my opinion of it have improved, I realize that is is quite beautiful in many ways.
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<br />I do not think of it as ugly anymore. Truth be told, sometimes I forget I have it, and sometimes it takes me noticing that someone else, a stranger, is fixated on it before I stop to think about it.
<br />
<br />I have taken this to heart. When I see a scar on someone else, especially if it is large, or facial, or what some would call dis-figuring, I try to remember that there is a story behind it. That perhaps that scar has saved their life, that perhaps that scar is a reminder of a serious event that has changed them, but I will never think it as being ugly.
<br />
<br />If ugly is also in the eye of the beholder. Let's behold beauty instead.Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-39379211078622798712011-06-22T09:59:00.004-04:002011-06-29T11:43:09.231-04:00T is for Teaching<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFE8pTdnTP5bImOQDjw02vRvi98lWZO2blG0jD6aUikwL6JafBkg_c_m3eILlNexIEeXt7S4_Fu2_akJiX9TBvGf4mRhPvNr5FGyWlwmuMkQI4rVo-vKp-AtFvU5eiWhtteCdOWQjDmkE/s1600/an_apple_with_the_letter_t_written_on_it_0071-0908-1610-1958_TN.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 138px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFE8pTdnTP5bImOQDjw02vRvi98lWZO2blG0jD6aUikwL6JafBkg_c_m3eILlNexIEeXt7S4_Fu2_akJiX9TBvGf4mRhPvNr5FGyWlwmuMkQI4rVo-vKp-AtFvU5eiWhtteCdOWQjDmkE/s320/an_apple_with_the_letter_t_written_on_it_0071-0908-1610-1958_TN.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621044070572336610" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">is for teaching</span><br /><br />I am not technically a "teacher".<br />-But I teach. I have been a teaching assistant with our district for 16 years. In high school I was in the Future Teachers of America club, but I did not really want to be a teacher. I wanted to be a dentist. I decided though, midway through my senior year that I would go to Bible College and possibly teach Christian Education in a church setting.<br /><br />Things changed again, and I returned home in the middle of my junior year for a number of reasons. My mother was seriously ill, and that is where I needed to be. Strange though, because my first job after getting married had nothing to do with teaching, but instead had everything to do with dentistry. I worked for an orthodontist for over 5 years.<br /><br />Then after a few years staying at home with our boys, I returned to the workforce. I became a teaching assistant with our local district. First, I helped in an early childhood classroom. We had a morning class, and then all new students for an afternoon class. May I just go on record to say that those teachers work their behinds off? Imagine a class load and all of the paperwork involved of about 40 children total? Kudos to them.<br /><br />After a few years, I switched over to older kids and have spent the last 13 years with 4th and 5th graders. The best part about my job, is that also for the last 13 years I have worked with the same teacher.<br />She is amazing as a teacher, a "boss", and as a friend.<br />She teaches with respect towards each student, and plans amazing activities for them as they discover more about the subject. You might say she has been my "boss" during these years, because I do work under her direction. Lucky for me, she respects me as well, and allows me to be creative in my own right. I am allowed to teach many subjects in small groups, and allowed to teach my "very favorite book of all time" to the entire class each year.<br />More than any of that, she has been my friend. 13 years has brought both joy and sorrow in each of our lives and we have shared each together.<br /><br />I do love my job. I love teaching, but I also love the fact that I have been so blessed with who I work with.<br /><br />Sadly, this next school year will be her last before retirement. She will be missed, and I will hopefully find another like her to continue my own career.Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-35590773179567982082011-06-16T08:06:00.004-04:002011-06-16T08:48:03.042-04:00S is for Stuff<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNL75Pvoq38__RDJk06LVdffBWapEGdAbcVLd_jlL8KcN_tOhVhZzAvWs-X0dT6mlnTZnWRmr-QqrvDjYb7S-tLwDaLcnuGFKmBuFAZEfs1SFhKjM5hp0uXdwwqf7z3VZBqbLgVk5rszg/s1600/red-letter-s.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 167px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNL75Pvoq38__RDJk06LVdffBWapEGdAbcVLd_jlL8KcN_tOhVhZzAvWs-X0dT6mlnTZnWRmr-QqrvDjYb7S-tLwDaLcnuGFKmBuFAZEfs1SFhKjM5hp0uXdwwqf7z3VZBqbLgVk5rszg/s320/red-letter-s.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618790992688473122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">is for Stuff</span><br /><br />A wise friend once said, "Stuff complicates your life."<br /><br />I have too much.<br /><br />Now, I am not talking about consumable items, such as food and toiletries. I do have a supply of those things because I stockpile (buying at rock bottom prices to avoid ever paying retail). However, I do not stockpile to the extent that I fill a room.<br /><br />I am talking about furniture, clothing, and decorative items. Our house if full from corner to corner and I long for a simpler lifestyle. I do not think I could ever be a true minimalist, owning 12 items of clothing, but I would greatly like to reduce what we own.<br /><br />In 1993 I went on a short term mission trip to Haiti. One would think that after a trip there, I would never own anything in excess. Sadly, good old American consumerism has caught up with me. The items I put in our trash would be cherished by people there.<br /><br />Part of my accumulation is due to the fact that I delay decisions. When I don't know quite what to do with an item, I put it in a closet, stuff it in a corner, or send it to the basement. Now, please don't start thinking I am going to try out to be on one of those "popular" hoarding shows. I am not where near that . All of our rooms in our home are functioning rooms, I just have too much stuff. I am not even emotionally attached to most of it, and would gladly clear it away. I just lack motivation and physical ability to lift some of it.<br /><br />Someday however you may drive by and see a large sign;<br /><br />FREE STUFF !Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-9468129357235809352011-06-14T22:14:00.006-04:002011-06-14T22:42:30.657-04:00R is for Relastionships<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDfqGizPEahID-SVokNqCeAtOaIDE_b2gv5HBWgRaPd3bUHBCDiY3D-JfGbpE7tJP9W0dL2X0YS5Gio9RSqL7t7c13nMEZhUWLhqx3wXWGM55xDXIH_Rp-MUFfAqsWCEtZ2oHeA-qu5w/s1600/LET-R-01.GIF"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDfqGizPEahID-SVokNqCeAtOaIDE_b2gv5HBWgRaPd3bUHBCDiY3D-JfGbpE7tJP9W0dL2X0YS5Gio9RSqL7t7c13nMEZhUWLhqx3wXWGM55xDXIH_Rp-MUFfAqsWCEtZ2oHeA-qu5w/s320/LET-R-01.GIF" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618270942916531218" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">is for Relationships</span><br /><br />This is where life gets real. I know that when I come to the end of my days, all that will really matter is how I handled relationships: my relationship with Christ, and mine with people. There is just so much stuff that will not matter at all.<br /><br />My relationship with Christ is still evolving. Although I have been a Christian for over 37 years, I am no where near where I should be. I am always learning more about Christ and desiring to be more like Him. I mess up, I am lazy, I get full of myself. Sometimes I wish God graded on a curve and I could just compare myself to the "really bad" people and the "really good" people and I could feel like I am closer to the really good. Sometimes I am in a slump in my relationship with Christ. I do not feel close to Him because I am not making enough of an effort. When you really stop and think that the God of the Universe wants nothing more that for us to spend time with Him, it really humbles you. I need that closeness. When I was going through my health issues I honestly felt closer to God than I ever have, I felt such a dependence on Him and such a longing. I want to feel that way again, but without the trials.<br /><br />I think it is beautiful too, that God not only wants us to be in good relationship with Him, but truly cares how we treat people. He cares about my earthly relationships. There are times when I am so guilty of not doing enough to nurture them. Again, I get full of myself and my own little world that I do not reach out to others enough.<br /><br />I know that God's plan for us is to love God and love people. A very simple plan, yet when put into action correctly can mean the world.<br />I will go to bed tonight thanking God for those He surrounds me with on a daily basis and for those I love that I do not get to see very often.Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-32427310557243515562011-06-13T17:31:00.005-04:002011-06-13T21:32:52.711-04:00Q is for Quandary<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1JSc7h6DU85dkfd7mMiWfXCRYSVX5dnYJ3_pVZvXEL6ozdMztL0tjhH_dF4RZzxw7Uew1TwFX1V42yt4SQNyopWHZVpBN-cNELh9GKjO6v0B-3gynXJmkgci2U9aup8zGnKpdSQ1V3w/s1600/LET-Q.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1JSc7h6DU85dkfd7mMiWfXCRYSVX5dnYJ3_pVZvXEL6ozdMztL0tjhH_dF4RZzxw7Uew1TwFX1V42yt4SQNyopWHZVpBN-cNELh9GKjO6v0B-3gynXJmkgci2U9aup8zGnKpdSQ1V3w/s320/LET-Q.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617822616302318290" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Q is for Quandary</span><br /><br />That is what I am in the midst of. Q is just not an easy letter. Here were my options that I felt I could at least get one paragraph :<br /><br />Questions- I have a lot of questions that I want to ask God someday. I would list them here, but really, they are for God. Thing is, I am thinking that once I see Him face to face, I won't care so much anymore to learn the answers.<br /><br />Quiet- I am not a quiet person. I always admire the soft spoken women out there. I can bet though, that most soft spoken women were not number 9 in their birth order, and definitely did not have 7 older brothers.<br /><br />Quest- my brother suggested that, but it did not float my boat.<br /><br />So you see why Q has to stand for quandary, because I am absolutely perplexed.Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-83273493284131506342011-06-12T18:06:00.003-04:002011-06-12T18:23:08.524-04:00P is for Psalms 34:4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvfIq8norowwOpOkTw7ONLX9kebzmhs7DlUziXnSVnHZuLp1mA6GcSiaO9qlrFRFcXdYCexza5RtHYSqO6JiVwJE-YqG4d9tRnNsICJygyKvbZ2M7r7fqxBzHEUPMHorROCp1kJJC4jw/s1600/p.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvfIq8norowwOpOkTw7ONLX9kebzmhs7DlUziXnSVnHZuLp1mA6GcSiaO9qlrFRFcXdYCexza5RtHYSqO6JiVwJE-YqG4d9tRnNsICJygyKvbZ2M7r7fqxBzHEUPMHorROCp1kJJC4jw/s320/p.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617461586293954370" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">is for Psalms 34:4</span><br /><br />I actually had multiple choices floating around in my head for the letter P. I thought about prayer, parents, and perseverance. Each of those words bring up many thoughts. However, I decided to share another one of my favorite verses, which in reality makes me think of each of the other words I was considering.<br /><br />I was in my freshman year of college, and learned that my mother was sick. Seriously sick. Cancer was found in her colon and she would need major surgery. I was alone the night I got the call from my sister and I was so upset. I went to my room, and did the thing that never ends well...I opened my Bible and let it fall open. I had just enough faith or naivety, to believe that God would speak to me in this way. I know now that I could have opened my Bible to a verse that made no sense at all in my circumstance, but I didn't. <br /><br />The verse I found that night was exactly what I needed to hear.<br /><br />"I sought the Lord and He answered me, He delivered me from all my fears." Psalms 34:4<br /><br />What a sweet verse for a young girl who is fearful and lonely. I have since gone back and read the entire 34th chapter and it is a very comforting passage to someone who is hurting.<br /><br />I will admit, I am not the best at memorizing scripture, but this and my verse from Ephesians are etched in my mind. There are others as well, but these two in particular hold very special meaning.<br /><br />I do connect this verse with prayer and with parents for that matter, since I found it when I was concerned about Mother. I also think that seeking the Lord is a part of perseverance, so I guess all of my "P" words can be found in this one verse.Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-51583124443144624552011-06-11T08:07:00.004-04:002011-06-11T08:24:08.269-04:00O is for Optimism<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsxQh-EdeE4dFgg-POMcpt29WWK3m9qvY3cbs43bFI8GOSSMgakLzi9MOjM1HMQKezCKMKFcim36vCOdnxIDgwu0HAJtjQFHcH_B0b2T9C9aMysy-3wF0SX8e2pS94MVRXFMctUx0jK8/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 116px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsxQh-EdeE4dFgg-POMcpt29WWK3m9qvY3cbs43bFI8GOSSMgakLzi9MOjM1HMQKezCKMKFcim36vCOdnxIDgwu0HAJtjQFHcH_B0b2T9C9aMysy-3wF0SX8e2pS94MVRXFMctUx0jK8/s320/images.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616936082804085426" border="0" /></a><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="font-size:180%;"> is for Optimism</span> <p class="MsoNormal"> I must admit that I was stumped. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">When I started blogging through the alphabet I knew there would be certain letters that would be difficult. This was one of them, so much so that I asked my facebook friends to help.<span style=""> </span>One of them wisely suggested that it should be optimism, “because isn’t that what the Silver Lining is all about?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> The name for my blog actually has a dual meaning.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Yes it is about the proverbial silver lining, and that we should look for one behind even our darkest moments, but it has another meaning.<span style=""> </span>My maiden name was Silver. When I decided to do a blog nearly 5 years ago I could not think of a name. My brother-in-law and niece came up with this name because of my silver hair and former last name.<span style=""> </span>It seemed to fit not only as a name, but also as a direction. I would attempt to give a positive outlook on things. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Now, on to optimism: I wish I was always an optimistic person.<span style=""> </span>I think I try to be, but actually I tend to worry about things far too much. My family will tell you that as well. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I do know that during the trials in my life I have been more optimistic than not. Only because I learned to trust God, and when you really put your trust in Him you have to look at things in a positive light. How could we doubt when we have the God of the Universe on our side?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I know that perhaps someone will stumble upon this post, or this blog for that matter and I would pray that something I have written could be an inspiration to them. Perhaps a bit of optimism does shine through this Silver Lining.</p><p class="MsoNormal">At the risk of really dating myself, I remember a song from my childhood. It popped into my head as I woke up this morning. The famous Frank Sinatra sang a silly song about optimism about an ant that wanted to move a rubber tree plant. The song was about high hopes. I could sing it for you if you wanted.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I think we do all need a does of that now and then, the belief that we can do the impossible. Brings another verse to mind..."I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"> That is true optimism.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-84578882766040820422011-06-10T09:32:00.005-04:002011-06-10T21:16:38.038-04:00N is for Neighbors<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30uk0ybvgisMCcRFm3EVW9f1pxTcgCEkAHRqNJX8XCegWrN7A4CjdCsoxNoPRsrVBtci26jiXfcoHKSzmpIQo6IXBBOBFVU5AnEb7EbItELOneAAevCKv_rxkyb-U0O7s3WmBNFLpLJE/s1600/n.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30uk0ybvgisMCcRFm3EVW9f1pxTcgCEkAHRqNJX8XCegWrN7A4CjdCsoxNoPRsrVBtci26jiXfcoHKSzmpIQo6IXBBOBFVU5AnEb7EbItELOneAAevCKv_rxkyb-U0O7s3WmBNFLpLJE/s320/n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616589138302160866" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br />is for Neighbors</span><br /><br />It helps if they are good ones.<br />It also helps if we are good ones.<br />Growing up there were some very special people next door: Mr. and Mrs. Adolfs. They were older and were like a second set of Grandparents to me.<br />I remember Mother telling me that when we moved in beside them that Mrs. Adolfs was really worried about a family with "all those children". She told Mother that the first day she saw the laundry on the line and "all those nice white shirts" that it must be a good family. She loved all of us ever since.<br /><br />MY sister and I would go to her house to have tea parties. Well, we thought they were tea parties, she would give us something to drink and she always had almond windmill cookies. (I still think of her every time I eat one.)<br />One day in particular we were at their house and I asked if she had any candy. She had a "milk glass" candy dish with a lid on her coffee table and she usually had it filled. Thing is, I had sneaked a peak before asking so I knew it was full. She figured that out quickly and told me that yes, she had candy, but since I had lifted the lid to check without asking first, that Icould not have any. She gave my sister a piece to eat right in front of me. I was crushed for a while, but soon I realized that she was almost a real grandma to do something like that and I loved her even more.<br /><br />Her husband passed away later on, and she moved north to live with family. I wrote to her for a few years, but then lost touch. I miss those days of childhood.<br /><br />You never know what influence you can have on a child. She was just a next door neighbor who opened her home and made children feel welcome.<br /><br />When Steve and I moved into this neighborhood we were surrounded by elderly people. Widows and widowers were our neighbors. Our boys were the only children in our cluster of houses and they were loved.<br /><br />Mr. Lindley lived next door and of all things, he had a trapeeze type swing in his garage. It was left over from his days of raising children and our boys loved it. The boys also loved his little dog Pal, and would spend much time in his yard.<br />Mrs. Nicholas lived across the street and she loved visits from the two little Walter boys. She would get rides to the mall and she often brought back special cookies for the boys. I remember one time the cookies were huge teddy bear cookies that were dipped in chocolate. The boys loved them.<br /><br />Then there was Wilma.<br />Wilma moved across the street when the boys were young. Joel was still taking two naps a day. She became a part of our family immediately. She loved flowers, and some of the plants in my yard came from her, although I was told you can't say thank you for plants or they won't grow. She taught me how to make peanut brittle, although I never mastered it. She also told many stories of the years she spent with her husband and of her teaching career. She was a great friend.<br />Her heart and health deteriorated and she is no longer with us.<br />The family invited me over the night after she passed so I could pick out treasures from her home. We are blessed with many precious items that were special to her and now are special to us.<br /><br />Think about your neighbors. They are a part of your lives, and can bless you tremendously. I also need to think about us. Are we the same type of neighbors?Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-9137806235192493472011-06-09T07:34:00.002-04:002011-06-09T08:13:34.523-04:00M is for Mother<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxu-wzhuzr0i5xvqwRL-yW3HKyJTde2p8kvaAzgFNRCSKC0MEHZDhtumaB10E_rqXy3UyBCJtUBXuO1FIkdus3um4ZCKD5VwG_nuNOrpICCLI6JQ5EVk0PkAeK74j6nCPxEAL72MuIHw/s1600/9471341-the-letter-m-alphabet-and-font-made-of-colorful-rock-stone.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 113px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxu-wzhuzr0i5xvqwRL-yW3HKyJTde2p8kvaAzgFNRCSKC0MEHZDhtumaB10E_rqXy3UyBCJtUBXuO1FIkdus3um4ZCKD5VwG_nuNOrpICCLI6JQ5EVk0PkAeK74j6nCPxEAL72MuIHw/s320/9471341-the-letter-m-alphabet-and-font-made-of-colorful-rock-stone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616182247300412610" border="0" /></a><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:180%;"> is for Mother</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Isn’t M always for Mother? I mean what else would it be?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I had one.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I am one.</p><p class="MsoNormal">I have an amazing Mother-in-law.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I had a sweet mother. She was 41 when I was born, the last of her babies, her 2<sup>nd</sup> little girl after 7 boys. She had a special way of loving. Each of us 9 children grew up thinking we were her favorite, (but I’m sure I really was).<span style=""> </span>Mother was a stay at home mom until I reached 4<sup>th</sup> grade. Due to health issues Daddy could no longer work, and Mother found a job at a local bakery. What a great job to a kid. Donuts, cakes, pies, and fresh bread would come home with Mother on a daily basis. Not good for a growing girl’s metabolism, but boy did they taste great.<span style=""> </span>After my sister and I got a few years older we would make weekly trips to downtown to spend our allowance, and we always stopped at “Mother’s bakery”. She was promoted along the way to a cake decorator and we loved watching her put the cake up on the turntable and make roses to decorate it. A few years later she moved down the street to a job at Kresgees, and then to a Kmart before resigning due to her own health issues. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> The worse thing about Mother is that I did not have her long enough. I was just 21 years old before she passed away, 5 weeks before my wedding, and much too soon if you ask me. I would like to think that I have inherited a few things from her. I know that some of my shopping strategies were from her, and hopefully some of my cooking skills. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I miss her every day, and in reality I always will, but I know that someday I will have an amazing family reunion with her.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I am a mother.<span style=""> </span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I think because I had such a great mother it made me want to be one all the more.<span style=""> </span>I have been blessed with two sons that I love dearly, and yes, each is my favorite.<span style=""> </span>I pray that I can leave some of the things with them that Mother taught me and that they will also get to know her more through me.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I also have an amazing mother-in-law.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> Even saying that is against traditional views.<span style=""> </span>I have actually had her in my life much longer than I had my own mother, and have grown to love her so much over the years.<span style=""> </span>She has also been one to teach me many things: how to love your husband more than any other earthly person, how to devote your life to serving God and others, and how to make a mean batch of chicken and noodles. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> M has to be for Mothers!</p>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-26439020579302982272011-06-08T07:38:00.003-04:002011-06-08T07:44:33.035-04:00L is for Lavish<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpip0IFxb0Pf9W-fZwQTziqJr_OGFAyq82x9t_AYapd15Cko13WdXX5kZPbVAo4MPzaUpYTXZFxWvkiy7gZYwVmKbpgo65-RzJxKJlZbSv_W9Sk777kPpzXnlNYJaAe9kulD19wrwFiso/s1600/l_104_lg.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 189px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpip0IFxb0Pf9W-fZwQTziqJr_OGFAyq82x9t_AYapd15Cko13WdXX5kZPbVAo4MPzaUpYTXZFxWvkiy7gZYwVmKbpgo65-RzJxKJlZbSv_W9Sk777kPpzXnlNYJaAe9kulD19wrwFiso/s320/l_104_lg.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615813224071489010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:180%;"> is for Lavish</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I love that word.<span style=""> </span>I love it that God lavished his goodness on us. I especially love how John put it:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> “See what great love the Father has <b>lavish</b>ed on us, that we should be called children of God!”<span style=""> </span>I<span style=""> </span>John 3:1</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I only ever used that word to describe mundane things, like putting on suntan lotion, but when I think if its full meaning, I am honestly in awe.<span style=""> </span>The dictionaries describe it as being extravagant or extremely generous.<span style=""> </span>I am not “extremely generous” with many things.<span style=""> </span>I tend to hold back.<span style=""> </span>I reserve some for me, carefully calculating just how much of anything I can give. I then count the cost of what I am giving and act accordingly. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> But God did not hold back.<span style=""> </span>I know He counted the cost, but He gave anyway. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I love this word so much that I almost want to reserve it just for describing what God did and how much He loves us. Nothing I do can compare. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-34941423962799627322011-06-07T07:38:00.002-04:002011-06-10T11:17:25.479-04:00K is for Kitchen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_RTqkTtn2_HYHi22sXsP7Aog4QdeSyKyKZnKFQatWMmkhxRe7rUBCOduKcIrujEyp7supEAk3vF-dlilxLysLoYyH03UrHvh44v_gE3WyBuuq-QIWtYHdvnEzOtsq1QrWt33i2njYlA/s1600/CF902-K_lg.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_RTqkTtn2_HYHi22sXsP7Aog4QdeSyKyKZnKFQatWMmkhxRe7rUBCOduKcIrujEyp7supEAk3vF-dlilxLysLoYyH03UrHvh44v_gE3WyBuuq-QIWtYHdvnEzOtsq1QrWt33i2njYlA/s320/CF902-K_lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615441536782836354" border="0" /></a><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:180%;">K is for Kitchen</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I destroyed mine.</p><p class="MsoNormal">In April of 2000, I accidentally set my kitchen on fire.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Joel and I were home that Saturday. He was in 8<sup>th</sup> grade and he was hungry all of the time. He wanted leftover chicken strips and fries, and I decided to re-heat the fries in oil.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> The oil needed to get hot before I put in the fries or they would get soggy, so I turned on the oil and went into our dining room to finish paying bills.<span style=""> </span>I soon heard a noise, which sounded like Niagara Falls, and when I realized it was not Joel making noise, I got up to look.<span style=""> </span>The flames were already up the wall and across the ceiling.<span style=""> </span>I panicked, Joel remained calm. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">We got out quickly, along with the cordless phone and our dog.<span style=""> </span>That is all I grabbed. We could not find the cat. I frantically yelled for people to call 911, while I was trying to do the same.<span style=""> </span>Joel calmly asked a neighbor lady to call.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Fire trucks were soon at our house and I remember being in almost a daze as I sat near a tree and watched all of the events unfold. I had tried to go back in for our cat, but as soon as I opened the front door the smoke was overpowering. I remember sitting under a tree, coughing, and having a neighbor girl bring me a glass of water.<span style=""> </span>How thoughtful. The firemen soon found our cat, and while she too, was coughing hard, she was fine. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> It is so surreal to think of all of this now. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> We lived with Steve’s mom and dad for two months while our house was being cleaned and repaired. And due to some changes my kitchen became nearly twice the size. God truly made beauty from ashes and I was so grateful for insurance. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Life seems to change quickly sometimes, and I am just so thankful for a God who holds us during these very stressful times. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-30083098876468598722011-06-06T07:29:00.004-04:002012-06-03T16:56:09.817-04:00J is for Jake & Joel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWDmdQJDTNyAg3yTbga51N6bWzdOVJgkpgAX2TBNUAmCyd07FkJ8KUIcJ607Cdl_LE3DvxZEt0iej0yt0lo_-IDUDceySHVBR5REntYI06I546Ag8WqDmcqSjaxgz6HW6A1BEpATRy9o/s1600/J.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615068106150281666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWDmdQJDTNyAg3yTbga51N6bWzdOVJgkpgAX2TBNUAmCyd07FkJ8KUIcJ607Cdl_LE3DvxZEt0iej0yt0lo_-IDUDceySHVBR5REntYI06I546Ag8WqDmcqSjaxgz6HW6A1BEpATRy9o/s320/J.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 225px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 225px;" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
J is for Jake & Joel</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No other way around this one folks. When I told Joel that I was going to blog through the alphabet, his immediate response was, “What is J going to be?” He already wondered which of them I would write about.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How does a mom choose? If she is smart, she doesn’t. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Steve and I were married for 6 years before Jake was born. I had had a miscarriage before Jake and then had complications for the first 5 weeks of my pregnancy with him. I was fearful for the rest of the pregnancy, and more than delighted when he was born. He brought so much joy to us. Neither of us could believe how much we could love someone. He was a happy baby for the most part, but did not sleep well at all. I am sure part of that was my fault because I would run in and grab him out of his crib at the least little whimper. He did not nap well either so I was a walking zombie for the entire first year. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
22 months later Joel was born. We wondered before he was born just how we could love someone as much as Jake, where does more love come from? Then we held him, and realized that in the very minute he was born, our love multiplied exponentially. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joel was my sleeper. (still is…) He slept through the night early on, and took two long naps a day for a long time. I think most of that is because I vacuumed in his room while he was sleeping so that I would train him to sleep better than Jake.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love my boys. I love the children they were and the men they have become. I look forward to watching where God takes them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would have to say that the letter J is very important to me!</div>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-240772335976644452011-06-05T08:57:00.003-04:002011-06-05T09:34:59.154-04:00I is for Imagination<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SKdAEQHlVTMOWFdqGf-FnZc4vkftyL-5XHfDo9uaeR9-5PUymYhLcTYSCpVtzDHLKuwnuGakbgOvyz9FXTE0aPigtJ8E4dUoWjs81A11Ko04bUP31zJ0-LuwQrq4HG54LxcDuQHG3Og/s1600/i.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 241px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7SKdAEQHlVTMOWFdqGf-FnZc4vkftyL-5XHfDo9uaeR9-5PUymYhLcTYSCpVtzDHLKuwnuGakbgOvyz9FXTE0aPigtJ8E4dUoWjs81A11Ko04bUP31zJ0-LuwQrq4HG54LxcDuQHG3Og/s320/i.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614719972902542626" border="0" /></a><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><br /><p class="MsoNormal">When I was a little girl I had one.<span style=""> </span>Somehow through the years though, it disappeared.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I remember wanting to be Dale Evans. (For those of you who have no clue who she was, she was a famous singing cowgirl. Her husband was Roy Rogers and he was quite famous)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Dale Evans wore cowgirl skirts.<span style=""> </span>They had fringe all across the bottom that swished when she walked. Little girls like fringe. Little girls like skirts that swish.<span style=""> </span>I did not own a swishy skirt, nor did my sister.<span style=""> </span>One day when our mother was not using all of the clothespins we decided to borrow them.<span style=""> </span>It was soon discovered that if you place clothespins around the entire perimeter of a skirt it becomes a swishy skirt. It looked like fringe to us and for just a moment we lived the dream of being Dale Evans.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>How imaginative was that?<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> One time I wanted to be a witch. Okay, I must have watched The Wizard of Oz, but being a witch on her broom was all I had on my mind.<span style=""> </span>I walked outside near the barn and found a long lead pipe. Closest thing I could find to a proper witch’s broom.<span style=""> </span>I placed it between my legs, held on as if it were my broom, and started down the path outside. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style=""></span>Lead pipes are heavy.<span style=""></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""></span>Lead pipes do not fly, they drop.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">To this day I have a scar on my left thumb where the lead pipe landed on it and busted it open. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> My sister and I would draw girls on paper, and then we would have them talk to each other. I know that just sounds sad, but it entertained us for hours. It is amazing what being poor can do for one’s imagination. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> As I said though, somewhere along the line I lost my imagination.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Ahhh, but not to worry, as it left me, it entered my children.<span style=""> </span>Our boys would come up with the best activities. I remember when they commandeered the vacuum hose and dressed as firemen, setting up chairs for their fire truck, complete with a stuffed animal as their fire-house dog.<span style=""> </span>They took pretend trips to Mee-Mart (K-Mart) or pretended to be the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bakers. Often they dressed in character pajamas so they could save the world as Batman and Superman. I always felt safe when they were protecting me. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style=""></span>My greatest memories of their childhoods are of the times when they were pretending.<span style=""> </span>What a joy it was to see what their minds would come up with.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Those moments fade so fast, and as adults we seldom pretend. We are too busy with life sometimes to have fun with it. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I may surprise you though, and if I show up someday wearing clothespins all across the bottom of my dress, please don’t think I have “ lost it”. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Please understand that I have <i style="">found</i> it. </p>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-40413532228153352982011-06-04T06:33:00.003-04:002011-06-04T06:40:57.816-04:00H is for Health<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVnSkX1XcFT1-nAUWvbc7PNbjZ4e5vG_qcoWNzM59KC5eL18qgGcYGJbY3zdECzwDQdGnCKLA_MlWLALBi8x5m4jott3-_tgUa2hk10jKVZO_deCCDsk59xHxrUIRMH1oVG5T2lRt5JI/s1600/pictureh.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVnSkX1XcFT1-nAUWvbc7PNbjZ4e5vG_qcoWNzM59KC5eL18qgGcYGJbY3zdECzwDQdGnCKLA_MlWLALBi8x5m4jott3-_tgUa2hk10jKVZO_deCCDsk59xHxrUIRMH1oVG5T2lRt5JI/s320/pictureh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614311483575312546" border="0" /></a><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:180%;">is for Health</span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Something I have the bad habit of taking for granted.</p><p class="MsoNormal">I know someone who had a very serious cancer.<span style=""> </span>She was cured, but has also been know for being negative about basically <span style=""> </span>everything.<span style=""> </span>I vowed that if I were ever in that position I would surely be more upbeat and positive.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> In a sense, I am in that position.<span style=""> </span>Am I a positive person?<span style=""> </span>I am not sure.<span style=""> </span>I know I am not nearly as much as I should be. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Most who have been reading my blog already know about my health history.<span style=""> </span>Much of the details are contained in prior posts.<span style=""> </span>I am not reflecting on these events just to tell my readers about my story, yet to remind myself.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Funny, when I was walking through these events, I never thought I would want to be reminded. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> The heart attack was first.<span style=""> </span>May 27, 2008.<span style=""> </span>It just seems so surreal to even think about those days, and to think that a heart attack saved my life.<span style=""> </span>About a week or two after the heart attack, a test was done on my heart that essentially did save my life.<span style=""> </span>That test showed the tumor on my thyroid.<span style=""> </span>This later proved to be a rare form of thyroid cancer.<span style=""> </span>There is a particular test, a blood marker that detects this form of cancer.<span style=""> </span>This test was done prior to surgery, a normal reading is 2 and under.<span style=""> </span>Mine was 1375.<span style=""> </span>I was recently told that a number this high usually indicates that the cancer has spread.<span style=""> </span>I was so blessed, because the surrounding lymph nodes (83 of them) were all clear, and I was surgically cured on September 10, 2008.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I still can hardly believe that God led me through this as He did.<span style=""> </span>I don’t really ask Him why, although for a while I did.<span style=""> </span>I wondered why I was cured when others are not.<span style=""> </span>That is not a question for me to know at this point, so I stopped asking. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> The cancer blood test is repeated every 6 months and will be for the rest of my life. This cancer can come back even without the thyroid.<span style=""> </span>It can return in other parts of the body, and does not respond to chemo or radiation.<span style=""> </span>Catching this early, and having it surgically removed is the best line of defense. <span style=""> </span>Do I live in fear?<span style=""> </span>I really don’t, but I would be lying if I did not say that I live in the shadow of cancer.<span style=""> </span>I will mark 3 years this fall, and am anxious for the 5 year mark.<span style=""> </span>Honestly, I am anxious for the 10, 20, and 30 year marks.<span style=""> </span>While I try not to dwell on it, I do at times wonder if it will ever return.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I want to live a grateful life.<span style=""> </span>I remember the day of my heart attack.<span style=""> </span>I turned to the Doctor and told him that he had to make sure I lived.<span style=""> </span>I told him that my boys could not lose their mother at this stage in their lives.<span style=""> </span>I knew what it was like for me.<span style=""></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""></span>I thank God every day that He has allowed that not to happen. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I know I need to try better right now at keeping a healthier lifestyle.<span style=""> </span>That is definitely a goal for me. <span style=""> </span>Life on thyroid medicine has played havoc with my weight, and I need to get that under control.<span style=""> </span>I know that my health is not only important to me, but to my family as well. <span style=""> </span>I must not take this for granted.</p>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-62111865270281658512011-06-03T07:25:00.002-04:002011-06-03T07:28:47.868-04:00G is for Grandparents<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRgD1nd1LIvt0HCQlVr8k4xcsYeX5X-71hDu_b4AlzH7wStfkYeOsInaPdIwrGn3qe551D-F4-2NMBthRZcU6rTkv6bDWd5AdWg8Mj8h5qUZGYPBtZRjJimy7uxUzYOMQIf6gT666w-A/s1600/4073.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRgD1nd1LIvt0HCQlVr8k4xcsYeX5X-71hDu_b4AlzH7wStfkYeOsInaPdIwrGn3qe551D-F4-2NMBthRZcU6rTkv6bDWd5AdWg8Mj8h5qUZGYPBtZRjJimy7uxUzYOMQIf6gT666w-A/s320/4073.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613953274367515938" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">is for Grandparents</span><br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1026"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">I only had 2.<span style=""> </span>Well, that is not entirely accurate, I only remember two.<span style=""> </span>I never knew my daddy’s parents, one died right before I was born, and the other when I was about 2 years old.<span style=""> </span>I have no memory of them at all.<span style=""> </span><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My mother’s parents were amazing though.<span style=""> </span>I have so many memories of going to their house, staying all night, spending time in their garden, swinging on their porch swing, and just being with them.<span style=""> </span>My granddad was always a happy man, at least from what I remember.<span style=""> </span>He reminded everyone of Colonel Sanders, and he really enjoyed that fact.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Granddad always had one certain type of white mints on his desk.<span style=""> </span>They were a round, white, chalky type of mints and I remember that they had about 3 Xs on one side.<span style=""> </span>Those mints were the first thing we looked for when we walked into their house. Candy was a luxury in our house, but at Grandma and Granddad’s we knew we were in luck.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I think the one thing I remember and appreciate the most about them was their faith.<span style=""> </span>I would always see Granddad with a Bible close by, and no one could out-do my grandma on any church committee. They loved the Lord with all their heart, and their strongest desire was to see all of their family Love Him as well.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Granddad passed away when I was pregnant with our oldest.<span style=""> </span>I so wish my boys would have known him, Grandma lived until she was ninety-nine.<span style=""> </span>On a day, just 3 months shy of her 100<sup>th</sup> birthday she woke up and announced that it was the day she was going to die.<span style=""> </span>She assured everyone that before she died though, she would see an angel.<span style=""> </span>I took that premonition serious and drove down to spend the day with her.<span style=""> </span>At about 4:00 in that <span style=""> </span>afternoon we called the ambulance because her bronchitis was sounding worse.<span style=""> </span>As she was being taken out to the ambulance on a gurney, she called out to tell her daughter, my aunt, good-bye.<span style=""> </span>My sister and my aunt got into the car to meet us at the hospital.<span style=""> </span>I was allowed to climb in the back of the ambulance with grandma.<span style=""> </span>Before we even left the driveway of her home, my grandma died.<span style=""> </span>I was never told if she saw her angel, but I am pretty sure she did. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> It is odd to me, that my own boys have only known one set of Grandparents as well.<span style=""> </span>Both of my parents passed away before they were born.<span style=""> </span>My husband’s parents have been the only ones they have known, and I am pleased that they too have a great faith that my boys can learn from. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I am not yet a grandma, I pray that I will be someday.<span style=""> </span>Let me tell you now though, I am going to be a great one!<span style=""> </span>I will even buy white mints and leave them on my desk!</p>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-65377768554600794822011-06-02T07:20:00.002-04:002011-06-02T07:26:59.144-04:00F is for frugality<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid00siu-pTQg_Jo8MQrD4ugANQhO_6z8jeaUbaTYsWe7MXI41sKEQlQVeHLtpIt_raRu9pTGem1PIH_bu6rBsx7jPmStkonKsMVUDB9bvagMfwNU1xXdJ_CYBTCKQ95GsaaljOWaSYpVA/s1600/letter_f1.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid00siu-pTQg_Jo8MQrD4ugANQhO_6z8jeaUbaTYsWe7MXI41sKEQlQVeHLtpIt_raRu9pTGem1PIH_bu6rBsx7jPmStkonKsMVUDB9bvagMfwNU1xXdJ_CYBTCKQ95GsaaljOWaSYpVA/s320/letter_f1.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613581735456273282" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><br />is for frugality<br /><br /></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]-->Okay, you knew it was going to come up sooner or later.<span style=""> </span>The switch over to frugality is definitely a major part of me, so I have to write about it. <p class="MsoNormal"> Three years ago I had a pricy computer that I really felt should be more than an email and solitaire machine.<span style=""> </span>I knew I wasn’t going to start a home business, but really felt I should be doing more. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our sister in law happened to send me an email link to a frugal blog, and there it was:<span style=""> </span>My answer as to what to do with my computer.<span style=""> </span>I started researching this and other blogs to find out everything there was to know about coupons. I quickly learned where to find them, and when and where to use them.<span style=""> </span>I went crazy at the beginning and in some ways it was expensive to save money.<span style=""> </span>I thought I had to act on each and every deal that came along.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I have learned a lot since then.<span style=""> </span>I am much wiser and a lot pickier about what deals I go after.<span style=""> </span>The more I have gotten in to using coupons, the more I have learned to be frugal in other areas.<span style=""> </span>I know the value of a dollar and try to stretch them further.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I have moved from learning the art of using coupons to teaching others, and I must say I get just as much of a rush from watching others get a great deal as I do with one of my own.<span style=""> </span>I love sharing the ability that God has blessed me with and I get excited for each class!</p>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-1117328083487003392011-06-01T07:14:00.005-04:002011-06-01T07:21:21.048-04:00E is for Ephesians 3:20-21<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUqm3wVKNWrrtRei6qYZsqyANA_orK8Xpxvt9HJHMBtPtAh0l5c04Ona0PpwiNjp58QlTB0el18lUSZtvgGig7sUwVajmAmbpJ9PgIfpjpfKx45M2JjdEeNpII6Kn7WFGt0mrTklLCbY/s1600/LETTER-E.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUqm3wVKNWrrtRei6qYZsqyANA_orK8Xpxvt9HJHMBtPtAh0l5c04Ona0PpwiNjp58QlTB0el18lUSZtvgGig7sUwVajmAmbpJ9PgIfpjpfKx45M2JjdEeNpII6Kn7WFGt0mrTklLCbY/s320/LETTER-E.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613208284155498770" border="0" /></a><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size:180%;">is for Ephesians 3:20-21</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, <sup>21</sup> to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I will admit that at first I wondered what the letter E would be, but all of a sudden it hit me.<span style=""> </span>The logical post in a string of posts about me would be that of my life verse.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> My definition of a life verse is one that you go back to over and over again, and actually it becomes a part of who you are. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> This is the exact verse that I have gone to a number of times because it always reminds me of how much more God is able to do than I ever give Him credit.<span style=""> </span>I think at times that I put God in a box.<span style=""> </span>I fail to ask for certain things because I have this awful habit of limiting God’s power.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Immeasurably more…that pretty much tells you how big our God is.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Although I thought I knew my Bible pretty well, this verse was first brought to my attention in 1993.<span style=""> </span>My friend Linda and I were sitting on an airplane, circling the Miami airport for landing when we started a conversation with a gentleman across the aisle.<span style=""> </span>He asked where we were heading and we told him we were leaving Miami the next morning for a 2 week mission trip to Haiti.<span style=""> </span>Linda and I were both a bit unsure of what we would experience and a bit apprehensive.<span style=""> </span>This man asked if he could give us a verse to hide in our hearts.<span style=""> </span>This was the verse.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> This verse has come to my mind so many times since then.<span style=""> </span>I have prayed many prayers since that night that I just did not know what the outcome would be.<span style=""> </span>Each time I knew that God is bigger than I could possibly imagine and that whatever happened He would be in control. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I know that God’s ways are not always my ways (another verse) but I also know that He is able.<span style=""> </span>In all things He is able. Sometimes He chooses not to do something, and I get that.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It will just always comfort me to know that He can. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-45411326194584348342011-05-31T07:19:00.002-04:002011-06-01T07:19:29.391-04:00D is for Dating<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFY7mgWjpC8D4xKVTGxosDpAkpbZjJUy9aj3zz8wWk3RCW6-eLNu7ZsjJlKP8dzBYEGiIZb6KErpA1_8k8CZC_jXg5gAW-g0XqNXspHd85l-oZjTlfmGEvA7GX55pNThXn-uL39EFG5PY/s1600/DL_D.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFY7mgWjpC8D4xKVTGxosDpAkpbZjJUy9aj3zz8wWk3RCW6-eLNu7ZsjJlKP8dzBYEGiIZb6KErpA1_8k8CZC_jXg5gAW-g0XqNXspHd85l-oZjTlfmGEvA7GX55pNThXn-uL39EFG5PY/s320/DL_D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612839285824975938" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><br /><br />is for Dating<br /><br /></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Ahhh, dating.<span style=""> </span>The whole process of dating is wrong if you ask me.<span style=""> </span>Seems a bit like going shopping and trying on shoes.<span style=""> </span>I wish there would just be one person for everybody and you only date to get to know them better before you marry them. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style=""></span>But, since dating has actually served me well, it deserves a day of its own. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I did not date much in high school.<span style=""> </span>I think that in all 4 years I dated about 4 people. One was long term and the others were brief.<span style=""> </span>Can I just say right now that I thank God every time I think about it that I did not marry one of those boys?!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> When I went off to Bible College I was still quite young.<span style=""> </span>I did not turn 18 until October of my freshman year.<span style=""> </span>That year I had only one date, which was quite strange if you ask me.<span style=""> </span>He was a good bit older than I, and when I asked him just how old he was, he refused to tell me.<span style=""> </span>Sort of scared me just a bit. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Then I met Steve. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> We were both attending Bible College. <span style=""> </span>He had attended Jr. College before, so he was older than me, but came later.<span style=""> </span>We had mutual friends, I being a cheerleader, and he being good friends with some of the ball players.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> He was so funny.<span style=""> </span>Those of you who know him now would not believe that he was so outgoing in many ways back then.<span style=""> </span>He could make you laugh in a matter of minutes, whether it was impersonating Forest Brooks, running up the gym wall, or just laughing.<span style=""> </span>When I was first approached by our friend with the idea of dating Steve, I first commented on how he was always funny.<span style=""> </span>I was assured that he could be serious as well.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Our first date was the campus Winter Banquet.<span style=""> </span>This was the one and only true dress-up event of the year.<span style=""> </span>I wore a dark blue dress, he a dashing blue and gold plaid sport coat.<span style=""> </span>We both wore yellow roses.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Funny thing though about buying shoes, you absolutely know when you find the right ones. Same here. Seems I knew very soon that this would be my future husband.<span style=""> </span>We continued to date for just over 2 years before we married. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Although, I like to think that we are dating still. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Love you honey. </p>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756404950373918189.post-12818096451823059212011-05-30T12:21:00.004-04:002011-05-30T12:40:08.896-04:00C is for Christ<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54x8WGFLx3oz9GfoM1LQi8UYDk2SlLARmWI-1p_Me_vwDyr3StKiN4cAou78u6qcD9uyo4byiiPdDi6UMfHWtQW-uPXeaB4r93pbDuUxgRuASKa-sXsGM8fR8EwSrTuWkyJIwuqGQuls/s1600/letterC.png"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54x8WGFLx3oz9GfoM1LQi8UYDk2SlLARmWI-1p_Me_vwDyr3StKiN4cAou78u6qcD9uyo4byiiPdDi6UMfHWtQW-uPXeaB4r93pbDuUxgRuASKa-sXsGM8fR8EwSrTuWkyJIwuqGQuls/s320/letterC.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612545571250443218" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><br /><br />is for Christ</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">I know that some of you expected me to say coupons.<br /><br />I agree, coupons are a big part of my life lately, collecting, organizing, clipping, using, and teaching. However, and I stress this, I refuse to let them <span style="font-style: italic;">become</span> my life.<br /><br />My life, and all that it is about is found in Christ.<br /><br />I was raised in a small church, which was mostly comprised of my family. I actually thought it was my Grandma's church and that she was in charge. In all due respect, I think she thought that at times as well. That church was not the best fit for me, and as I grew a bit older, I avoided it. When I was in high school my best friend started inviting me to her church and I liked it. I kept coming back, and finally, when I was a junior, I was baptized. Now, I already was a believer, but just had held off making a full commitment to Christ until then.<br /><br />I can't imagine what my life would be like otherwise. Becoming a Christian has placed my life on a certain track: going to Bible College, meeting my husband, living where I do. Even the children I have was determined by that one choice.<br /><br />I love my life. I love the fact that my husband and I have always had Christ in the center of everything, that our commitment to each other and the value we place on our marriage is all wrapped up in our faith.<br /><br />Those of you who know me well know that there have been dark days in my life. As I have said before, I do not know how anyone faces trials without a firm foundation in the Lord.<br /><br />If these 26 posts are intended to reveal more about me, then in all reality, I would be proud to stop now, because above all else, this is what I want my legacy to be.<br /><br />C is definitely for Christ.<br /></span>Anitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00782971647261088159noreply@blogger.com0