Leslie (my niece) tagged me on Facebook for this fun(?) little survey! Here goes, Leslie!
65 Questions You've Probably Never Been Asked
...you know the rules. Tag people in this note (including the person who tagged you!) to learn more about your friends.
1. First thing you wash in the shower? My face
2. What color is your favorite hoodie? Dark Pink
3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Of course – it was one of the daycare babies!
4. Do you plan outfits? Only if I’m going out, otherwise I want clean and comfortable!
5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? content
6. What’s the closest thing to you that's red? Red letters on Bowflex
7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having: It was a nightmare and I don’t want to think about it again!
8. Did you meet anybody new today? No
9. What are you craving right now? Nothing
10. Do you floss daily? Yes
11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? Mmmmm – love cooked cabbage
12. Are you emotional? I am – even commercials on tv sometimes make me cry: Hallmark, Maxwell House coffee, etc.
13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? Only if I was counting money, so not often!
14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? Don’t eat ice cream
15. Do you like your hair? Sometimes
16. Do you like yourself? I’m working on it!
17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? I would – I would love to sit and talk with him!
18. What are you listening to right now? TV
19. Are your parents strict? They were – now that I’m over 50 I pretty much make up my own mind!
20. Would you go sky diving? Maybe out of the back of a pick-up truck!
21. Do you like cottage cheese? Love it!
22. Have you ever met a celebrity? Yes – a long time ago at a Comedy Club – Pat Paulson – even got his autograph Also met Daven Joseph, Tampa Buccaneers – up close and personal
23. Do you rent movies often? Not often
24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in? Yes, but I have all my "sparkly stuff" hidden way!
25. How many countries have you visited? I have never set foot outside of the USA
26. Have you made a prank phone call? I’m afraid so – as a kid!
27. Ever been on a train? Once – in Hugo, OK
28. Brown or white eggs? Both
29.Do you have a cell-phone? Yes
30. Do you use Chap Stick? Definitely – well, usually another brand
31. Do you own a gun? Does a staple gun count?
32. Can you use chop sticks? Very well – I just stab the food with it and pick it up
33. Who are you going to be with tonight? Myself – Michael, Elizabeth and Addy are home, but I am in my room
34. Are you too forgiving? I forgive, but find it hard to forget some things. I work on this daily
35. Ever been in love? I thought so
36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow? Working
37. Ever have cream puffs? I have not eaten sugar in over 6 years – I probably had some before then
38. Last time you cried? Yesterday
39. What was the last question you asked? Do you have a needle? Addy likes to get scraps of material from me to “sew” and she was getting some thread and scissors to sew tonight
40. Favorite time of the year? I love Fall for the colors, but I also love Spring because of the beautiful greens, Winter is actually pretty too – if there’s snow and summer’s nice until the grass turns brown! Hmm, I guess I like them all!
41. Do you have any tattoos? No
42. Are you sarcastic? I am and have to be selective when I use it because it takes certain people with a certain type of personality to appreciate real sarcasm
43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? No
44. Ever walked into a wall? Only once????
45. Favorite color? I love color and don’t have a real favorite
46. Have you ever slapped someone? Yes
47. Is your hair curly? No – maybe a little wavy since I’ve gotten older
48. What was the last CD you bought? I don’t even know – it’s been a long time
49. Do looks matter? Not nearly as much as what’s inside!
50. Could you ever forgive a cheater? I did – but thinks didn’t work out for other reasons
51. Is your phone bill sky high? I don’t have a phone bill of my own, but rarely use my cell phone and don’t have a home phone
52. Do you like your life right now? I can say I’m content. My life has changed a lot in the past year and a half and I’m still adjusting!
53. Do you sleep with the TV on? No
54. Can you handle the truth? I would like to say yes, but honestly, there are times that I struggle with the truth
55. Do you have good vision? Yes, I do have good distance vision (after laser eye surgery about 8 years ago), but I do sometimes have to wear reading glasses.
56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? I don’t hate anyone. There are people whose actions I hate or dislike, but not the person
57. How often do you talk on the phone? Not often...I don’t enjoy talking on the phone – face to face or email for me
58. The last person you held hands with? Addy
59. What are you wearing? Black knit pants and dark green t-shirt
60.What is your favorite animal? I like animals – as long as they live somewhere other than my house
61. Where was your default picture taken at? J C Penney Portrait Studios – Dec 2008
62. Can you hula hoop? With the Wii – I can’t in real life (tried it with Addy’s)
63. Do you have a job? I have been unemployed since July last year – I do help Elizabeth with her in-home daycare
64. What was the most recent thing you bought? Sonic - Diet Dr Pepper
65. Have you ever crawled through a window? Yes, but don’t tell anyone! Ssshhhh
If you’re reading this, consider yourself tagged. If you want to play, please let me know once you post your answers – I’d love to read them and learn more about you!
When I was younger – much, much younger – girls at our house did not mow the yard! My Dad said that was work for the boys only! Of course, before the boys could actually mow, the girls’ job was to go out first , check the yard for anything that could be thrown by the mower – rocks, sticks, etc. – and clean all of it up! This was to ensure that the boys were not injured while mowing. I never really understood why if the boys were going to mow why they couldn’t first check the yard for hazards! Oh, well!
One of Daddy’s firm rules when mowing was to always wear jeans and tennis shoes – no shorts or flip-flops allowed! We didn’t actually call them flip-flops then, but those of you who were around at that time know by what name they were called!
I grew up actually loving to be outside and working in the yard! I have been doing yard work on my own for a very long time and have gotten away from Daddy’s rules. I do try to pick up any hazards before I mow . . . or at least those that I can reach as I mow! I like to wear my shorts, tank top and . . . you guessed it – flip-flops!! How else could I also get some sun while I’m in the yard?
I’ve been reminded many times why the rules still apply and yet, each time I mow – I set those rules aside . . . for the “sun exposure” you know! Because Michael and Elizabeth live in a housing addition in town, I decided about a month ago that I would not only trim the hedges, trim the trees and clean the leaves out of the “rock” beds, I would edge the yard next to the sidewalk, driveway and curb in order to show that we, too, care about our lawn as much as the neighbors do (who of course, always edge their yards).
I have always lived in the country or in an apartment (mostly country) and we never edged! Actually there were no curbs, paved driveways or sidewalks – therefore, no need to edge! Anyway, I got the weed-eater out to edge and I broke it – even before I started! Deciding that certainly would not stop me, I edged the entire yard with a kitchen knife! Yes, a kitchen knife! One of our neighbors felt so bad for me, he gave me a full bag of fertilizer! Thanks, Mr. K!
Anyway, weed-eater fixed now! Yesterday when I went out to do my weekly yard work, I wore – yup, again the shorts, tank top and flip-flops! As I went about my work, I had stuff thrown at my legs and my feet the entire time I was edging and weed-eating! This morning, they looked and felt pretty banged up.
Moral of this story – Daddy made rules for a reason! I’m seriously considering jeans and tennis shoes next time!
1947
Today is the 62nd anniversary of my Mom and Dad’s marriage. Of course, they have both passed away, but I’ve thought about them a lot today. I miss them both so much and especially my mom right now as I go through the changes taking place in my life. I remember how much my mom missed her own mother after she passed away. I never really understood the depth of her feelings until that evening that my mom went home to be with the Lord.
I’ve been in a little bit of a “funk” today – I guess missing them, knowing it is their anniversary and also because of my own marital situation. Even though (and I’ve said it before) I know it is the best possible solution for both Jody, me and other loved ones – it still leaves an emptiness inside of me.
5) And you have forgotten that word of encouragement
that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6) because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
7) Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.
For what son is not disciplined by his father?
Hebrews 12:5-7
9) Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined
us and we respected them for it.
How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!
10) Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best;
but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.
11) No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.
Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace
for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:9-11
If someone had told me 20 years ago that this is where our marriage would end up, I would not have believed it! If someone had told me that certain things would transpire between us, I would have laughed and told them they had no idea what they were talking about! If anyone had said I would lose loved ones as I have, I would say no way - If you just love them with everything you have in you, you’ll never lose those you love!
When Jody and I married, I had such high expectations for us. We were both Christians; we both loved our children that we brought with us into the marriage, we loved each other’s children – because they were a part of each of us. I always thought that we would be a happy family – enjoying being together as much as possible.
My command is this:
Love each other as I have loved you.
John 15:12
My mom always told me that your children will do what you expect from them. Your expectations should be based on Godly principles, love and safety! As my children grew, I also learned that once they reached a certain age, it was more about asking questions before making a decision – is what they want something that goes against God’s teachings? Is what they want something that is illegal? Is what they want something that will harm them? If you can answer “no” to these three questions, then even though you may not especially like it, it’s probably okay!
One of the things I learned during my counseling last year is that sometimes “expectations” cause hurt, anger and depression – at least for me! When I expect a certain behavior from someone and they don’t meet that expectation, it’s very personal and causes me to feel bad. I am trying to learn to live without “expectations”! It’s not easy!
I am learning to live where I am now! My life is what it is and every choice I make on a daily basis helps to shape my “as is” life. It’s not what I expected – but I choose to make it positive!
9) Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil;
cling to what is good.
10) Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:9-10
It’s been a while since I posted because I think I’m beginning to “feel” my life as it is now! Jody and I are separated and will either stay married, but separated or we will divorce. It’s hard to see our marriage of over 20 years ending, but I know it’s the only thing left to do after so many years of trying to make it work.
I’m beginning to feel a confidence in myself that I’ve not felt in a long time and it really feels good! I’m preparing myself, mentally, for job hunting beginning in February. I am praying that I will gain employment quickly and in a place where I can let “my light shine”!
I’ve been participating in life a little more and actually enjoying it! A few weeks ago, I went with Elizabeth, Michael and Addy and spent the weekend at my brother’s. We had a great time and I was so glad that I went with them. The past year, I’ve stuck very close to home – not wanting to be around people. I think the fear of being hurt really caused me to limit my activities and my relationships!
Last weekend was the annual family reunion with my Dad’s family. We’ve met every year in July for many, many years and I enjoy it even more now than when I was a child. I love being able to see everyone and find out how they’ve been doing, seeing how the children have grown, who’s gotten married and who’s having children! I have an amazing family which includes not only my siblings, but extended family on both my dad’s side and my mom’s side. I am so thankful!
My mom and dad have both passed away, as well as two of my dad’s brother’s and one aunt. I miss them. This, in my opinion, is the most difficult part of getting older – losing loved ones. I miss my mom and dad every day and know that there will be more as I age!
Today, Jody called me to let me know that one of the guys he worked with passed away this morning. He was 31 years old and had a massive heart attack! It’s very sad because I knew him and have known his family because many of the family members worked together with Jody. It really hits home that none of us knows what tomorrow brings!
I’ve been sewing! I used to sew a lot when my children were young and would stay up all night to finish a project. Elizabeth brought some fabric and I’ve completed two of the projects for Addy and am very pleased with the job! I have enough fabric for three more projects and need to get started on those, too.
I will post some family pics from the reunion soon and also some pics of the outfits I’ve completed for Addy! I’m looking forward to a new week!
I went with Michael, Elizabeth and Addy this weekend to my brother's house. My brother and his wife have three young children and they live in a small town in northern Oklahoma. I love visiting there, not only because I get to spend time with the family, but also for the small town life!
When we go for the weekend, we always get up on Saturday morning (early) to go downtown to Margie's restaurant for breakfast. It's so fun because the town is so small everybody knows everybody else and greet each other like family! My brother, besides his regular 40-hour a week job, is a member of the volunteer fire dept, ambulance crew and is friends with the police department! My sister-in-law works at the bank in town, so is also known by everyone - besides the fact that she grew up in this same town!
It's always great to spend time with my family - even more so when things are "different" in my life. My family is truly a blessing from God and I'm so thankful to be a part of this family. Even though Jody and I are going through the changes that we are, my family is always open, loving and non-judgmental! They love me unconditionally and support me . . . always! They also care about Jody - not because he was my husband, but because of the person that he is! They have always cared about him and I know that hasn't changed and will not change. He will always be welcomed by all of them!
My brother had to work most of the time we were there, but we had a great time with his wife and the kids over the weekend. We got there on Friday evening and just spent time at home talking and catching up with each other. They have the sweetest kiddos and I love them so much!
Saturday was free swim day at the city pool and also free Putt-Putt miniature golf! We spent a couple of hours at the pool, left there and went to my sister-in-law's parents where they were celebrating a birthday! Her parents are great and always make us feel welcome. We then picked up some fireworks for the kids - sparklers, worms, smoke bombs, champagne poppers and a fountain. Fireworks - except for those we bought - are not legal in town, but the kids had a great time with the things that were bought for them.
We got so busy with everything on Saturday that we forgot to go play Putt-Putt! Thankfully, the kiddos didn't notice because we were so busy! They were exhausted and went to bed early enough that the grown-ups were able to play a couple of games before bed.
We left for home after lunch on Sunday. It's about a three hour trip, but always well worth the drive! We had a great time - as we always do! Thanks, you guys - it was great to see you!
In His Love and Blessings
annb
If you have visited my blog recently, you noticed that I had changed it from Public to Private. I will not go into the reasons why, but have decided that my blog will again be public. I have nothing to hide and enjoy blogging and don’t feel the need to hide my thoughts!
I will, however, no longer be mentioning Jody’s daughters or their families on my blog – by request! I won’t go into detail about that, but I am respecting the wishes of the one who made that request.
With that said, I also want to state that: I am not a liar! I am not a thief! Jody and I – together – raised the three children we brought into our marriage and the child that we had together! We made all decisions together, we loved them together, we cared for them the best we knew how and thought we did a good job! Every childhood toy that belonged to any one of our children is stored in a storage room in Jody’s shop - because I could never get rid of them! I thought they might want them someday and the toys are there whenever, if ever they choose to take them.
I was never a perfect mother – still working on it – but I loved our children. I worked very hard to maintain a balance of equality, individuality and separate personality for each one of our children. I made mistakes and for those I have apologized and don’t know what else to do to make things better. Jody and I are both sorry for the decisions that have been made, but we are trying to deal with things in an adult and loving way. We still have two of our children who want us both in their lives and we will be there – both of us – for them!
With that being said, I will continue to blog about my life, about my two biological children – their accomplishments and all the reasons I love them and am so proud of the adults they have become!
Mark 10
1-2 From there he(Jesus) went to the area of Judea across the Jordan.
A crowd of people, as was so often the case, went along,
and he, as he so often did, taught them.
Pharisees came up, intending to give him a hard time. They asked,
"Is it legal for a man to divorce his wife?"
3 Jesus said, "What did Moses command?"
4 They answered, "Moses gave permission
to fill out a certificate of dismissal and divorce her."
5-9 Jesus said, "Moses wrote this command only as a concession
to your hardhearted ways.
In the original creation, God made male and female to be together.
Because of this, a man leaves father and mother,
and in marriage he becomes one flesh with a woman
—no longer two individuals, but forming a new unity.
Yesterday, I had a comment on a blog post from “anonymous”! It was unbelievable to me – the names I was called and the things said in the comment by someone who doesn’t even know me! We traced the comment and knew where it came from and discovered who the person was that wrote it.
I have met this person twice and I don’t know her - at all – and she does not know me – at all! The only things she knows about me are what she has been told – by someone I love - which made the comment hurt that much more. Things that are not even the truth, have been told to this person and I cannot even wrap my mind around why this would happen.
I know that the person telling these things is angry with me. I know this person has been hurt and for that I am truly sorry. I would never want to cause pain to this person. I have been praying that this relationship, as well as another, would be healed.
Jody and I talked, about these relationships, last night after a lot of drama had taken place. He said it doesn’t appear that things will change and that I probably should just be prepared for that very result. I don’t know how to give up on it. I don’t know how to turn off the love that I have for those from which I am estranged, although for now I will try not to dwell on the way things are, but I will continue praying - asking God to heal the wounds.
Ephesians 5:24-26 (The Message)
22-24 Wives, understand and support your husbands
in ways that show your support for Christ.
The husband provides leadership to his wife
the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing.
So just as the church submits to Christ as he exercises such leadership,
wives should likewise submit to their husbands.
Jody has become my rock since we came back together after the separation. We had so many problems in our marriage before the separation, but the commitment we made when we came back together has made us closer than we have been in 20 years of marriage! We are putting a high priority on our marriage - a marriage that glorifies God! We're putting each other over all others on this earth to make our marriage strong! Jody is my focus and I believe that I am his!
Ephesians 5:24-26 (The Message)
25-28 Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives,
exactly as Christ did for the church
—a love marked by giving, not getting.
Christ's love makes the church whole.
His words evoke her beauty.
Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her,
dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness.
And that is how husbands ought to love their wives.
They're really doing themselves a favor
—since they're already "one" in marriage.
I am thankful that our marriage is on the right course. I am thankful that we chose to re-commit to our marriage rather than just throw it away. I am thankful that he loves me and I thank God that I am enough!
In His Love and Blessings
annb
Jody’s first 24 hours after surgery have been pretty tough on him. Last night about 10:15 all the patients in the hospital had to be moved to the recovery area, away from all windows, because the hospital was right in the path of a possible tornado. The sirens had blown in that area of the city, so I called the hospital to check and they were moving the patients at that time. I called back about 2:30 am and talked to Jody’s nurse and she said they only had to stay in the recovery area for about 15 minutes before the all clear was sounded and the patients could go back to their rooms.
When I got to the hospital this morning, Jody told me about being moved and how “bumpy” the ride was to get there! He has been in a lot of pain since the surgery and is not getting much relief. The doctor had told me this was going to happen, but I don’t think Jody was really prepared for it. He was in pain – a lot of pain today, as well.
The PA came in this evening to talk to him about his pain level. She explained a lot to us and tried to help Jody understand why he is in so much pain. She answered questions for us and told us what to expect in his recovery and said he may be able to come home on Saturday, but that’s not certain yet.
She also gave us some news which really threw me for a loop! It was not what I had expected and was quite a blow! I had expected such a different outcome and was saddened to have those expectations brought down as she gave us the reality! Thankfully God, not the doctors know for sure what will happen and I am praying that God will intervene and things won’t be the same as predicted.
The PA increased the dosage on a couple of meds to see if that would get the pain under control. I’m praying that it does help and gives him some relief!
Jody’s mom, dad and Candace came to visit tonight at the hospital, but didn’t stay long. He was in so much pain and I’m sure they felt it! I know that he was glad to see them anyway, but is just feeling so bad he didn’t feel much like visiting yet. I had stepped out while they visited so that they could have time with him. When I walked back into his room he had his cell phone calling me to come back because they had gone. I feel so bad for him and everything he’s going through with this surgery.
Jody is not one to sit still or lie around in bed, but instead needs to be up and moving whenever he wants and he’s feeling pretty tied down right now. He’s a bit demanding and not altogether reasonable, but I am (trying) to be mindful of the amount of pain he’s experiencing. I love him and it hurts to see him this way.
I’ll be back at the hospital with him in the morning to spend another day. I hope that he does better and is able to relax some tomorrow. Maybe he will be able to sleep tonight with the increase in medication and that will help him feel better. Right now, he’s refusing food and not drinking much so that’s a concern, too. The PA explained that he has to eat, especially protein right now to help his body heal more quickly and effectively from the surgery.
Please pray that tonight will be the beginning of a turnaround and that his pain will be better controlled. Please pray for God’s healing hands to touch him and get him through this recovery quickly. I don’t know what the future looks like for him - and for us – God knows and I’m trusting in Him!
Today I am a contributing writer at Internet Cafe Devotions!
Hope you'll visit me there and look around the site - it's a great place to find inspiration!
FOR TODAY, May 11, 2009 ... I am choosing to focus - on enjoying each moment with which God has blessed me; . . . on loving my family & friends; . . . on my husband and our life together!
Outside my window... it's chilly and raining - the grass and trees are so green and beautiful!
I am thinking... that I have so much to do today and need to get busy!
I am thankful for... my life! I'm thankful that Jody and I are together, loving each other and looking forward to our future!
From the learning rooms... we (meaning the daycare kiddos) are making a "my favorite things" page!
From the kitchen... I am going to put some chicken breasts in the crockpot and then decide what to do with them after they finish cooking!
I am wearing... navy blue sweats, a blue t-shirt, white socks and a black sweater! Yes, I am a fashionista - I am also freezing!
I am creating... pictures for the kiddos to glue on their craft page!
I am going... to the chiropractor this afternoon and then to Walmart for a couple of things!
I am reading... I have so many things to read and intend to start soon!
I am hoping... for some dry weather this week so we can play outside!
I am hearing... the sounds of the kiddos playing
Around the house... laundry is underway - bedclothes, towels, clothing
One of my favorite things... is my Bible! It is the Bible that I gave my Mom for her birthday the year before she passed away and she gave it back to me as her passing came near. It is large print and has a beautiful Thomas Kincade cover.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Jody will be having surgery on Wednesday morning. It will be about a 4 hour surgery on his back. We are praying that God will cover him with His protection and healing and that he will guide the surgeon's hands through the surgery.
One of my devotional posts will be published
on Internet Chat Cafe tomorrow, May 12.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...
This is a picture of my great-aunt as she was teaching a Bible class during Sunday School at church. My aunt has passed away, and this picture is very precious to me! This could be a picture of any of the women in my family as they studied. They all had and have a great love for the Lord and spent many hours in His Word. I strive to be as faithful and devoted as they were and as they are!
Join the Simple Woman's Daybook here!
This is a picture of My mom, Elizabeth & Addy and meIn His Love and Blessings
annb
As most know, my daughter Elizabeth homeschools Addyson. I love that Elizabeth, Michael and John (Addy's Dad) haven chosen this path for her. I have seen her truly blossom since the decision to take her out of public school and keep her at home.
Lately, there are some who have been making comments - in front of Addy - about her "lack" of education. I'm sad that they don't know her the way we do and don't understand the great knowledge she is gaining through homeschooling! She is in competition with no one, studies the Bible in her daily curriculum, learns through many everyday life situations and is being taught by her parents - the people to whom God entrusted her life and learning!
Elizabeth has written a post in answer to those who question Addy's academic learning. It would be great for her to know that not everyone is against homeschooling! Please visit Elizabeth and let her know your thoughts on the subject!
In His Love and Blessings
annb
Guess our national leaders didn 't expect this, hmm? On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton , Colorado , was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful.
They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:
"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good &evil in the hearts of men and women.. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers.
"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was no t the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.
"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent.
I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best.
Your laws ignore our deepest needs, Your words are empty air. You've stripped away our heritage, You've outlawed simple prayer. Now gunshots fill our classrooms, And precious children die. You seek for answers everywhere, And ask the question "Why?" You regulate restrictive laws, Through legislative creed. And yet you fail to understand, That God is what we need!
" Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up , we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history.
Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.
"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone!
My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"
Do what the media did not - - let the nation hear this man's speech.. Please send this out to everyone you can. God Bless
You can also read this on Chuck Campbell Show WPJL 1240-AM Radio Raleigh, NC & RTN-10 TV Host & Producer’s Blog
In His Love and Blessings
annb
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law.
After looking at the verse in Galatians, what specific “fruit” (love, joy, peace…) do you find yourself lacking in your daily life? Give an example if you can.
What circumstance in your life shows your weakness with the specific “fruit” you mentioned above.
Probably the “fruit” I lack most in my daily life is self-control! I feel like this characteristic encompasses each of the other “fruits”, as well. I can only speak for myself and know that in order to strengthen my daily walk in the Lord, I must use self-control in the choices I make in all circumstances.
One of the areas of my life in which it is most evident that I lack self-control is in the way I respond to people when I feel threatened, unaccepted or unimportant - by their comments or actions. I often react, with words, quickly – without thinking of the impact my words will have on someone. It’s a problem for me and I am in prayer over it and really working to correct this behavior.
Galatians 5:
16) So I say, live by the Spirit,
and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
17) For the sinful nature desires
what is contrary to the Spirit,
and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature.
They are in conflict with each other,
so that you do not do what you want.
18) But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
In the past I experienced abuse – emotional, verbal and physical. During the worst of the abuse, I had a gun held to my head and knew that I could very well die at the hand of my husband. Those years changed me forever! I believe the experiences of the past caused me to harden my heart and build walls that have been difficult to break down!
I still struggle with feelings of unworthinesss, lack of self-esteem and rejection. I know that only God can heal me and I pray for that healing. I know that He is working in me and I have experienced many positive changes over the past year and look forward to even more healing in the future - through prayer, study and I trust that He will completely free me of these strongholds.
I recently wrote a post on my blog about my defensiveness and had a comment left on my blog that, at first, I took as personal criticism and believed it to be sent from one of a very few people that I know in my life (the author was anonymous). As I read the comment over, several times, I also prayed, asking God to help me to be open to what the commenter had said and to see it in a positive light and I then began to see that it didn’t matter who wrote it or what the intent behind the comment was – it was true.
My constant prayer and my desire is to be filled with God’s love and to express myself – full of the “fruit of the Spirit” - so that others can see Christ living in me!
I haven’t blogged in a while – mainly because I’ve either been really busy or . . . really tired! I am, after all, running Elizabeth’s daycare for a little while. She started back to Duncan Brothers about a month ago and then discovered that she is expecting a “wee one” in October, so things are busy around here!
I first want to say that on my last blog post a comment was left by “anonymous” telling me that I am an “offender” rather than a “defender” as I had chosen to see myself. Over the last couple of days I have reread the comment several times and have to say that I agree with the author!
When I first read the comment, I immediately thought I could narrow down the author as being one within a small group of people that I know. As I’ve thought about it, I have decided that it doesn’t matter – nor do I care – who the author is, they are right in their comments. I will take the information and use it in my daily walk by considering the things I say . . . before I say them! I do not want to be an offender – I want others to be able to see Christ in me in everything that I do each moment!
I’m still not perfect. I’m still a work in progress. But, thank you, anonymous for helping me to see my actions in a much more reflective light!
Now back to our happenings around here! We have six children enrolled in the daycare –
Batman, a 3-year old little boy who is so full of energy! He’s never still and very articulate. When he looks at me with those sweet little eyes – I melt!
Spiderman – another 3-year old little boy who when matched against Batman is a force to be reckoned with! He’s a very sensitive little guy, a great helper in everything whether it’s picking up toys or pushing in the chairs after meals. I love to just scoop him up and hold him – especially because he likes to get away from hugs as quickly as possible! He only loves hugs from his Mommy!
Snow White – a 3-year old little girl, sweet and loving and always wants to please. She has some tough transition periods when being dropped off and picked up, but always ends up with smiles and sweet good-byes. My day would not be the same without her!
Little Miss – Snow White’s 10 month old sister. She is definitely a Mommy’s girl, but she’s adjusted well to being here. She loves playtime on the floor – so much more than the other kids love her floor playtime. She’s at the perfect age to try to take everything they have in their hands. They’re all great with her and show patience and love toward her all the time!
Sleeping Beauty – she’ll be 2 in a couple of months and is a sweetheart. She’s always in a good mood and never gives us any trouble! She plays well with the older kids (still learning to play with Little Miss) and gets right in the middle of whatever they’re playing. She, too, is a light in my day!
Little Big Guy – a little boy who just recently turned 1 and started at the daycare just a couple of weeks ago. In that short time, he’s also won my heart. He’s so cute and he has the deepest voice I’ve ever heard in a young man! He loves to drive cars and trucks – with the sounds to go along! We’re still getting to know each other, but so far – so great!
I absolutely love having the kids here each day. I love the innocence and love they show each other and that they show me. Even after they have a “tiff” they’re best friends again before they even turn around! I learn so much from these kids – and I’m thankful to have this opportunity!
Poor Elizabeth! She has really been sick the last few weeks. She was so sick during her pregnancy with Addy and had to go to the hospital about every other week – spending time on the monitor, receiving IV fluids and medication to help with her nausea and vomiting. I’m praying that she is not so drastically ill with this baby and that the nausea will pass soon! I’m so excited about the baby coming! I love being a grandma and wouldn’t trade it for the world!
Jody and I are doing great and I’m so happy! Chance is spending so much more time with us now and I can’t even tell you how much that thrills me! God is working in our lives and I’m seeing it in so many ways! I support Jody and was able to show him that support a few days ago. It was one of the most difficult things I’ve had to do in a very long time; I cried all the way home after the event - from the stress and reactions we received and was physically ill all day yesterday because of the stress. Even with all of that, I’m thankful I could be with him – at his request! I was thankful that he asked me to be with him and very pleased to be able to oblige!
That’s what’s happening around here. What’s happening where you are?
One of the areas in my life that still needs some definite work is my defensiveness against people who have hurt someone I love. I'm afraid I am a bit aggressive when it comes to defending those who are most important in my life.
Sometimes in defending my "loves" I end up coming on so strong that I offend or hurt the person who I feel has committed the offense against "mine"! That really is not my intention. I start out just wanting them to understand the hurt they have caused because I feel like if you can talk about problems . . . they can be resolved!
Not always so! It seems there are people who believe they have no fault in hurting others - no matter what the situation. I guess they just think it's the injured person's responsibility to "get over it" - which is not always easy!
I am (slowly) learning that just because I want to defend my family and friends - it's not always practical. Depending on the person who has caused the hurt and that person's continued "hurtful" behavior - there may be no resolution! In that case, I resolve, from this day, to stop defending . . . at least to those same people.
That doesn't mean I won't still be saddened by the hurt inflicted or by the affect it has on those I love, but I will choose not to share those feelings with those people who have decided it doesn't matter to them. My actions to defend those I love having no impact, but angering or hurting the offender - does nothing to help anyone! Big news, right?!
I've never understood why people choose to ignore issues that can cause deep problems in their relationships. I guess it's because of the way my parents taught me to talk things out before they could become an issue. I'm glad they taught me those things because I know it makes a huge difference! I've just had to learn that it doesn't always make a difference to others.
I don't want to hurt others. I try to see them through God's eyes, even though I've not perfected this in my life! I am still a work in progress and hope that I continue to learn for the rest of my life.
Because of trauma that I've lived through in the past I sometimes believe that others will be as hurt as I once was by actions and words against them and that's just not the way I need to look at every situation. Each person deals with hurt in their own way and that's what I have begun to understand more fully.
Thank you, God, for forgiveness and mercy.
Thank you, Father, that my heart has been opened
and accepting of Your truths.
I pray that I will be open to allowing the Holy Spirit to speak
through me in all areas of my life and
to think about every word before it is spoken!
Today Elizabeth started back to school and I became sole caregiver to our little daycare kids. I absolutely love the kids and have been around them for a long time. They know me, but not as primary caregiver. I have always been "grandma" to them.
You’ve probably seen this floating around and I have now been tagged by two friends to do my own list. 25 things sure seems like a lot to share about myself – especially since I don’t share a lot about me, but here goes!
1. I love the Lord and put my faith and trust in Him – not in this world!
2. I am number four of six children. I have two sisters and three brothers.
From Left: Me, Candace, Chance, Elizabeth, Toni
7. I have a very close relationship with my daughter, Elizabeth. I believe she saved my life by giving me the strength to leave my husband after he hit me when I was four months pregnant. She also says that I saved her life that day, as well!
8. I have a great relationship with my son, too. He is very independent and we clashed a lot during his 18th year – due to that independence. He wears a (tall) Mohawk, has “snake bites” (two lower lip rings) and recently got a tattoo. Once I was able to “let go” of mothering him and just love him, things are awesome!
Today started off just like any normal day! I got up around 4:30 am, watched the news, had my coffee and started my day . . . just like every other day!
This afternoon I had to make a run to WalMart and decided that rather than going to one of the two stores we have here in Norman, I would take a little drive and go to the WalMart in Moore – Norman’s next door neighbor. I haven’t done this at all since living here – always go to the store here in Norman.
When I got to the store I was doing my shopping and noticed that people were lined up all the way down the middle of the store! You’ll never guess why they were lined up! Okay, I’ll tell you. Kevin Costner was in the middle of the store . . . signing autographs and taking pictures!
Now, this had to be the time that I left my phone at home – so I couldn’t even take a picture! I couldn’t believe it! I stood not six feet away from him! It was pretty exciting (I don’t get out of the house much!), but really – it was Kevin Costner!
Sunday evening we had watched the movie Swing Vote (which was pretty good, by the way). It really made my day to see him in person today! I was really close again, as he left – through the back door – surrounded by several police officers, WalMart personnel and quite a few others that I guessed were his crew.
Anyway, that was my excitement for the day. When I first got home and told Elizabeth and Michael, they didn’t believe me – who can blame them? Kevin Costner in Moore, Oklahoma?!
Yeah, he was here and I saw him!
You can read about it here at NewsOK.com
Kevin Costner will perform in Oklahoma City's Bricktown in February
By Gene Triplett - Entertainment Editor
Published: December 11, 2008Buzz up!
The star of "Field of Dreams," "The Upside of Anger" and Oscar-winning director of "Dances with Wolves" is bringing his country music side project to Bricktown's Wormy Dog Saloon at 8:30 p.m. Feb. 3.
Once again, I have been touched by a blogging friend – whose family is also in my church – and wanted to share with you what this amazing family has done!
The Riggs family, . . . Where Laughter Lives”, whose little girl has leukemia and is now going through the most life-threatening phase of her cancer treatment, has started a Wednesday edition post titled “Pray for Me, Pray for Others” on their blog. This family is going through so much, and yet their focus is God and sharing their faith and love for Him with others. As others are praying for them, they also want to pray for you. The new Wednesday edition will allow us, as a community, to share our prayer needs and those of others on their blog and allow us to pray for each other. Please visit here for all the details.
I have been praying for little Abby and for the family for some time and have requested prayers, from readers before, but I am especially asking now. Abby has been quite ill these past few days and today began throwing up blood. She needs God’s healing touch and comforting hand so much, as does her family.
Brent and Michelle, Abby’s parents have posted this new edition on their blog and the value of “Pray for Me, Pray for Others” is so great that I want to share with everyone who may visit my site. Please pray for the Riggs family and allow others to pray for any needs you have in your life. I think this will be a great forum for all of us!
In own words:
From Michelle:
Even before Abby became sick, prayer was one of the most important things in my life. I took the Bible's admonition to pray without ceasing literally and ran with it. While I can be quiet in social settings, it is natural to me to keep a running dialog with God, as I go through my day. Life goes so much better when I am focused on serving God and on praying for OTHERS.
I love that people are praying for Abby. You are such a blessing to Abby and our family. But, because what we are going through with Abby is so hard, SO BIG, most people aren't sharing requests with us as much they used to. I really miss praying for things that are on the hearts of others.
I love to pray for both "big" and "small" things. Seeing God bless us by taking care of those little details is a beautiful reminder to me of how much He loves us and how He is watching over us.
One example of this in my life was yesterday when I was instructed by Abby's doctor to bring her in for a blood transfusion, during an ice storm. Abby needed to get to the hospital, but Brent was home with the other children and I was with Abby, 20 miles away, at a doctor's office. With the sun going down, the roads were refreezing. Oklahomans get few opportunities to drive on ice, so I was out of practice and everyone else driving was out of practice too.
Many of you prayed that God would keep us safe while we were driving and He did. Praise God. But what you didn't know was how He provided for us. One of my best friends, Toni, called to check on us, and when she heard what was going on, she offered to drive us to the hospital, stay with us during the transfusion (usually 6-8 hours) and drive us home. Toni moved to Oklahoma a couple of years ago, from Alaska. So we not we not only got to spend some time with one of our favorite people, we were driven by someone who cut her teeth driving on snow and ice.
While Abby was getting the transfusion, Toni read stories to Abby, colored with her and made her feel like a princess. Once Abby was asleep, Toni and I were able to talk. A rare treat when you have a house full of little people. An night that we could have just endured, turned into a blessing. Thank you Toni. You are the best. Don't you love how God takes care of those little details, too?
Would you let us pray for you? I would love to hear what is on your heart and to pray for each of you.
My incredibly talented husband is setting things up so that it will be easy to read everyone's requests, in list form, but so you can also link your blog to ours, so that you can leave more details for us to read and hopefully some pictures too.
Thank you again for praying for our family. I hope you will allow us to pray for you, too.
From Brent:
One goal we have for our blog, is that it becomes a real community of people. One of the trademarks of a community is that people know each other, help each other and pray for each other.
On Wednesdays, we are going to do Pray for Me... Pray for Others to help build the sense of community for our readers.
Because we are blessed with a large community of readers, we know you most likely can't pray for every single need or person on this list, especially as it grows. But by looking over this list on Wednesdays... all of us can pray as God leads us and we can know that each needs is probably being prayed for by a lot of people. This particular feature is near to the heart of my beautiful Bride, so you can know she will be praying for you.
Pray for Me... Pray for Others is pretty simple: list a short prayer request for YOU, and a link for more detail if needed. Then submit a prayer request for someone else, or some other situation that you know about. Include a link for them if available. Be specific.
