What songs of faith have been a source of blessing in your life? Choose one of your favorites and sing it as you start and end your day.
"Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise." – James 5:13
Thank you, Lord, for songs of faith that fill my life!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
March 13, 2009 reflection of daily devotion
"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way." - Psalm 25:9
Make a timeline of your life, identifying five pivotal points where your life took a turn. How did God guide you through those times? How was he there for you?
Make a timeline of your life, identifying five pivotal points where your life took a turn. How did God guide you through those times? How was he there for you?
Sunday, March 1, 2009
song ~ dependence
I heard this song on the radio last week...the words have stirred my heart deeply! I have been playing it over and over online while I cry my heart out to the one who is my only hope...life has been difficult the last few weeks and I only pray that I will allow the circumstances for my good to make me grow stronger and take my faith to a deeper level...
by Jamie Slocum
This is the life I’ve always wanted
To know the prince of peace
To feel my faith restored
As your grace surrounds me
This is the day of new beginnings
This is where my freedom starts
And now death has lost its sting
And Jesus how can I thank you?
Just to know, just to know that you love me
Gives me hope to carry on
What can this world do to me?
No, no
Just to know, just to know that you’re with me
On all these roads I traveled on
When all I have is gone
I confess my dependence on you
There is a lightness in my laughter
There is a joy inside my soul
My heart is overwhelmed
And Jesus how can I thank you?
Just to know, just to know that you love me
Gives me hope to carry on
What can this world do to me?
No, no
Just to know, just to know that you’re with me
On all these roads I traveled on
When all I have is gone
I confess my dependence on you
Dependence on you
Just to know, just to know that you love me
It gives me hope to carry on
You’re the one thing that I can turn to
Just to know, just to know that you’re with me
On all these roads I traveled on
You’re the one thing that I can turn to
Just to know, just to know that you love me
It gives me hope to carry on
There’s nothing this world can do
I confess my dependence on you
Lord, I confess my dependence on you
Dependence on you
Friday, February 6, 2009
The 4 D's of Financial Success
Article written by Brian Tracy
Desire, Decision, Determination and Discipline
If you sincerely want to beat the odds, to achieve financial independence and retire wealthy, you must want it badly enough to make an unshakable commitment and to be willing to make sacrifices. You must make a decision right now to do whatever is necessary, to be willing to pay any price, go any distance, to achieve your goal. Practice Determination and Discipline, which is to keep at it until you succeed in spite of all the problems and obstacles you will experience. Lastly, the discipline to master yourself to develop the habits necessary for achieving financial independence. Those are the four Ds: Desire, Decision, Determination and Discipline.
You can measure how successful you're going to be in the future by measuring how well you're doing in each of those on a scale of one to ten. Resolve in advance that you will persist in the face of every setback or obstacle you face. You will never give up. You will keep on moving forward until you finally achieve your goal.
Desire, Decision, Determination and Discipline
If you sincerely want to beat the odds, to achieve financial independence and retire wealthy, you must want it badly enough to make an unshakable commitment and to be willing to make sacrifices. You must make a decision right now to do whatever is necessary, to be willing to pay any price, go any distance, to achieve your goal. Practice Determination and Discipline, which is to keep at it until you succeed in spite of all the problems and obstacles you will experience. Lastly, the discipline to master yourself to develop the habits necessary for achieving financial independence. Those are the four Ds: Desire, Decision, Determination and Discipline.
You can measure how successful you're going to be in the future by measuring how well you're doing in each of those on a scale of one to ten. Resolve in advance that you will persist in the face of every setback or obstacle you face. You will never give up. You will keep on moving forward until you finally achieve your goal.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Wknd in Colorado...
to see the Baker Family...
For those that don't know, Connie Baker is my mom's younger sister. I have not seen them since I was 8years old. Ashley was a baby and I have not met nor seen Miranda or Blain.
After having seen the Jeans and Granpa & Granma...I felt I needed to soon go to see the Bakers. I made my plans in December for the middle of January. Suddenly the weekend was here!
I flew out Friday night, January 16th, at 08.20pm. I rushed home from work to leave my car in the garage, zip up the suitcase and go with Judy Lane to the airport. I arrived on time and proceeded thru security. This time, they would not let me on with the same items I took on my last trip over the Thanksgiving weekend...my deodorant was .1 oz to large and my hair gel bottle too, though it was nearly empty they didn't give a rip. So instead of letting them throw my items in the trash and have to get more when I got arrived in Denver, I decided the $15 to check my bag was not worth the stress of trying to obtain them when I got there. ;) After I went back out front to check my bag and back thru security, I felt pressed for time and rushed to my gate. I hung around for a bit and then saw that they had posted the departure time for later and then my nerves decided to get worse. So I texted Dustin and told him I was nervous and of course he calmly told me not to stress about it and that I would have a good time! Such a pro he is at being calm. :) My plane left 30minutes late, so this gave me time to get a bite to eat at the airport and I went with chinese food, veggie bowl with meat on top. This was my first time ever to go to Colorado and also my first time at the Denver Airport. My American Airlines flight arrived in Denver, CO and I was greeted by Shawn, Connie and Ashley. It was dark, so I didn't get to see much scenery, but we visited on the drive home and they showed me different things as we drove thru the town. Upon arrival, we decided to eat some ice cream...and I also met Blain. Uncle Shawn insisted he give me a hug, which he did with reluctance. ;) Miranda was already in bed as she wasn't feeling very well. We sat around in the kitchen talking and stayed up until 2am my time!
The next day, I was up about 09.00am and we had breakfast shortly. Miranda felt bette so she came upstairs for breakfast. Breakfast was cinnamon rolls, grapefruit, and bacon. We spent most of the morning sitting around the breakfast table visiting and trying to catch up on events in each others lives over the last 23-24years. We then went for a walk down to the park not too far from their house. This is the picture Uncle Shawn took of us standing in their driveway before we took off.
The weather was much warmer than I had anticipated. I had checked earlier in the week when I started my packing and at that time it was int he 30's with the weekend temperatures anticipated at being in the low 50's but I think it was much warmer than that. So therefore, all the warm sweaters, tights, gloves, scarves and what not that I brought I didn't need one of them! Luckly, last minute I had thrown in my San Diego light sweatshirt or I donno what I would have done. The walk was really pretty thru a park with a view of mountains in view. I miss the mountains! We came back and ate lunch and visited some more throughout the afternoon. Aunt Connie would not let me help cook, so I felt like a loose end to some degree.
Saturday nights they have singing and a bible study with any that want come to their place and participate. We had to rush to finish our dinner in time for this event at 06.45pm. They never know who all might come and this night we only had Nathan (Miranda's boyfriend) and Deren. We sang in the front room that had the piano for about 25minutes or so. I knew all the songs, but the first two. Nathan sang a solo and played the guitar while he sang. It was a neat song about Friends. We then moved to the family room in the back of the house and Uncle Shawn shared some things from John 5, about the sick man by the pool, Isaiah, and Psalms. There were comments by some of us as Shawn asked for how we related to what he had read. We then spent the rest of the evening playing and having a blast at a game called Dutch Blitz that Deren had brought with him. I am not a big game person, especially since I live by myself and also because at home these times of games were usually a forced session of family time, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Ashley & Blain had played this game before, but it was new to both me and Uncle Shawn & Aunt Connie. Ashley and I pretty much stood the entire game. At first it was sort of a joke between us and we laughed about it with each other, but then we really felt like we could play better if we stood up to view our cards. I won the first round and Deren won the second. I texted Dustin thru the whole game to make him feel apart as he was sorry he was missing out on all the fun! Miranda called him and put him on speaker but I didn't get to talk to him too much because I was trying to stay focused on my game. Would have loved to have had him there...but maybe another time all us cousins can be togther.
.....this is a picture of us around the breakfast table playing Dutch Blitz
Nathan & Miranda visiting on the couch...they did not play the game with us. ;)
Oh, and yes, we were up up late again! :)
The next day, I was the last to get up...I was so dead! I think from the emotional workout and then also I was really just worn out from the last few weeks of working on year end at 1st Eye Care, plus my throat really hurt. I was awakened by my phone vibrating from Lacey wanting to know how my weekend was going and wishing she was there with Ashley, Miranda and I. We texted for about 30minutes and then I told her I must get up and not be lazy bones and waste the day away with them wondering what was wrong with me. They were already eating breakfast, and I joined them. We had tortilla eggs, hashbrowns and oranges. We then sat in the front room and looked at pictures of my house and a few other things so that they could picture me here in Texas. Then some of the girls they met came over as they were back in town and I got to meet Jasmine, Ellie and Ester. (Jasmine went with them to the California December Camp 2008).
Jasmine, Ellie, Ester
Time was running out fast and I felt I had not learned all I wanted to about them. We then had nachos for lunch before we rushed to leave for the airport.
the last day...a family photo
We didn't leave much time to sit and have a last minute visit at the airport as I needed to get my bag checked and have enough time to get thru security; even though Ashley wished they could come inside with me, we did our goodbyes at the curb and I promised I wouldn't cry in front of them...and I kept my word! ;) I made it to the gate just in time as they were beginning to call the groups to load the plane. Its hard to try to spend a quick weekend getting to know people and then leave again when you feel like there is so much you don't know and you just have begun to connect...but this is life. I really did have a good time and I am thankful for the opportunity to have gone to see them in their home and share with them in their faith and belief in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ashley & Me...one last hug...
Aunt Connie, Me & Uncle Shawn
until next time, goodbye my friends & family...
Martha picked me up at the airport and we stopped and had dinner at Cheddars. I got home about 10.30pm and checked a few emails and crashed.
For those that don't know, Connie Baker is my mom's younger sister. I have not seen them since I was 8years old. Ashley was a baby and I have not met nor seen Miranda or Blain.
After having seen the Jeans and Granpa & Granma...I felt I needed to soon go to see the Bakers. I made my plans in December for the middle of January. Suddenly the weekend was here!
I flew out Friday night, January 16th, at 08.20pm. I rushed home from work to leave my car in the garage, zip up the suitcase and go with Judy Lane to the airport. I arrived on time and proceeded thru security. This time, they would not let me on with the same items I took on my last trip over the Thanksgiving weekend...my deodorant was .1 oz to large and my hair gel bottle too, though it was nearly empty they didn't give a rip. So instead of letting them throw my items in the trash and have to get more when I got arrived in Denver, I decided the $15 to check my bag was not worth the stress of trying to obtain them when I got there. ;) After I went back out front to check my bag and back thru security, I felt pressed for time and rushed to my gate. I hung around for a bit and then saw that they had posted the departure time for later and then my nerves decided to get worse. So I texted Dustin and told him I was nervous and of course he calmly told me not to stress about it and that I would have a good time! Such a pro he is at being calm. :) My plane left 30minutes late, so this gave me time to get a bite to eat at the airport and I went with chinese food, veggie bowl with meat on top. This was my first time ever to go to Colorado and also my first time at the Denver Airport. My American Airlines flight arrived in Denver, CO and I was greeted by Shawn, Connie and Ashley. It was dark, so I didn't get to see much scenery, but we visited on the drive home and they showed me different things as we drove thru the town. Upon arrival, we decided to eat some ice cream...and I also met Blain. Uncle Shawn insisted he give me a hug, which he did with reluctance. ;) Miranda was already in bed as she wasn't feeling very well. We sat around in the kitchen talking and stayed up until 2am my time!
The next day, I was up about 09.00am and we had breakfast shortly. Miranda felt bette so she came upstairs for breakfast. Breakfast was cinnamon rolls, grapefruit, and bacon. We spent most of the morning sitting around the breakfast table visiting and trying to catch up on events in each others lives over the last 23-24years. We then went for a walk down to the park not too far from their house. This is the picture Uncle Shawn took of us standing in their driveway before we took off.
The weather was much warmer than I had anticipated. I had checked earlier in the week when I started my packing and at that time it was int he 30's with the weekend temperatures anticipated at being in the low 50's but I think it was much warmer than that. So therefore, all the warm sweaters, tights, gloves, scarves and what not that I brought I didn't need one of them! Luckly, last minute I had thrown in my San Diego light sweatshirt or I donno what I would have done. The walk was really pretty thru a park with a view of mountains in view. I miss the mountains! We came back and ate lunch and visited some more throughout the afternoon. Aunt Connie would not let me help cook, so I felt like a loose end to some degree.
Saturday nights they have singing and a bible study with any that want come to their place and participate. We had to rush to finish our dinner in time for this event at 06.45pm. They never know who all might come and this night we only had Nathan (Miranda's boyfriend) and Deren. We sang in the front room that had the piano for about 25minutes or so. I knew all the songs, but the first two. Nathan sang a solo and played the guitar while he sang. It was a neat song about Friends. We then moved to the family room in the back of the house and Uncle Shawn shared some things from John 5, about the sick man by the pool, Isaiah, and Psalms. There were comments by some of us as Shawn asked for how we related to what he had read. We then spent the rest of the evening playing and having a blast at a game called Dutch Blitz that Deren had brought with him. I am not a big game person, especially since I live by myself and also because at home these times of games were usually a forced session of family time, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Ashley & Blain had played this game before, but it was new to both me and Uncle Shawn & Aunt Connie. Ashley and I pretty much stood the entire game. At first it was sort of a joke between us and we laughed about it with each other, but then we really felt like we could play better if we stood up to view our cards. I won the first round and Deren won the second. I texted Dustin thru the whole game to make him feel apart as he was sorry he was missing out on all the fun! Miranda called him and put him on speaker but I didn't get to talk to him too much because I was trying to stay focused on my game. Would have loved to have had him there...but maybe another time all us cousins can be togther.
.....this is a picture of us around the breakfast table playing Dutch Blitz
Nathan & Miranda visiting on the couch...they did not play the game with us. ;)
Oh, and yes, we were up up late again! :)
The next day, I was the last to get up...I was so dead! I think from the emotional workout and then also I was really just worn out from the last few weeks of working on year end at 1st Eye Care, plus my throat really hurt. I was awakened by my phone vibrating from Lacey wanting to know how my weekend was going and wishing she was there with Ashley, Miranda and I. We texted for about 30minutes and then I told her I must get up and not be lazy bones and waste the day away with them wondering what was wrong with me. They were already eating breakfast, and I joined them. We had tortilla eggs, hashbrowns and oranges. We then sat in the front room and looked at pictures of my house and a few other things so that they could picture me here in Texas. Then some of the girls they met came over as they were back in town and I got to meet Jasmine, Ellie and Ester. (Jasmine went with them to the California December Camp 2008).
Jasmine, Ellie, Ester
Time was running out fast and I felt I had not learned all I wanted to about them. We then had nachos for lunch before we rushed to leave for the airport.
the last day...a family photo
We didn't leave much time to sit and have a last minute visit at the airport as I needed to get my bag checked and have enough time to get thru security; even though Ashley wished they could come inside with me, we did our goodbyes at the curb and I promised I wouldn't cry in front of them...and I kept my word! ;) I made it to the gate just in time as they were beginning to call the groups to load the plane. Its hard to try to spend a quick weekend getting to know people and then leave again when you feel like there is so much you don't know and you just have begun to connect...but this is life. I really did have a good time and I am thankful for the opportunity to have gone to see them in their home and share with them in their faith and belief in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ashley & Me...one last hug...
Aunt Connie, Me & Uncle Shawn
until next time, goodbye my friends & family...
Martha picked me up at the airport and we stopped and had dinner at Cheddars. I got home about 10.30pm and checked a few emails and crashed.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps
If you want to get out of debt, you have to have a plan that you will do one step at a time. Here is the one designed by Dave Ramsey called the Seven Baby Steps:
1 ~ $1000 Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is for those unexpected events in life that you can’t plan for: the loss of a job, an unexpected pregnancy, a faulty car transmission, and the list goes on and on. It’s not a matter of if these events will happen; it’s simply a matter of when they will happen. This beginning emergency fund will keep life’s little Murphies from turning into new debt while you work off the old debt. If a real emergency happens, you can handle it with your emergency fund. No more borrowing. It’s time to break the cycle of debt!
2 ~ Pay off All debt using the Debt Snowball
List your debts, excluding the house, in order. The smallest balance should be your number one priority. Don’t worry about interest rates unless two debts have similar payoffs. If that’s the case, then list the higher interest rate debt first. The point of the debt snowball is simply this: You need some quick wins in order to stay pumped up about getting out of debt! Paying off debt is not always about math. It’s about motivation. Personal finance is 20% head knowledge and 80% behavior. When you start knocking off the easier debts, you will see results and you will stay motivated to dump your debt.
3 ~ 3to6 months of Expenses in Savings
Once you complete the first two baby steps, you will have built serious momentum. But don’t start throwing all your “extra” money into investments quite yet. It’s time to build your full emergency fund. Use this money for emergencies only: incidents that would have a major impact on you and your family. Keep these savings in a money market account. Remember, this stash of money is not an investment; it is insurance you’re paying to yourself, a buffer between you and life.
4 ~ Invest 15% of income
When you reach this step, you’ll have no payments—except the house—and a fully funded emergency fund. Now it’s time to get serious about building wealth. Dave suggests investing 15% of your household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement plans. Don’t invest more than that because the extra money will help you complete the next two steps: college savings and paying off your home early. Why shouldn’t you invest less than 15%? Some people choose to invest a small amount, if anything, because they want to get a child through school or pay off the home in a hurry. But the kids’ degrees won’t feed you at retirement, and if you throw all your money into your mortgage at this point, you’ll end up having to sell the house and buy the book 72 Ways to Prepare Alpo and Love It. Bad plan.
5 ~ College Funding for children
By this point, you should have already started Baby Step 4—investing 15% of your income—before saving for college. Whether you are saving for you or your child to go to college, you need to start now. In order to have enough money saved for college, you need to have a goal. Determine how much per month you should be saving at 12% interest in order to have enough for college. If you save at 12% and inflation is at 4%, then you are moving ahead of inflation at a net of 8% per year!
Never save for college using:
Insurance
Savings bonds (only 5-6% growth)
Zero-coupon bonds. (only 6-8% growth)
Pre-paid college tuition (only 7% inflation rate)
The best way to save for college is with Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and 529 plans. Remember, college is possible without loans!
6 ~ Pay the Home off early
Now it’s time to begin chunking all of your extra money toward the mortgage. You are getting closer to realizing the dream of a life with no house payments. As you attack this last debt, you will gain momentum much like you did back in the second step of the debt snowball. Remember, having absolutely no payments is totally within your reach!
7 ~ Build Wealth & Give
It’s time to build wealth and give like never before. Leave an inheritance for future generations, and bless others now with your excess. It's really the only way to live! Golda Meir says, “You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist.” Vow to never hold your money so tightly that you never give any away. Hoarding money is not the way to wealth. Save for yourself, save for your family’s future, and be gracious enough to bless others. You can do all three at the same time.
1 ~ $1000 Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is for those unexpected events in life that you can’t plan for: the loss of a job, an unexpected pregnancy, a faulty car transmission, and the list goes on and on. It’s not a matter of if these events will happen; it’s simply a matter of when they will happen. This beginning emergency fund will keep life’s little Murphies from turning into new debt while you work off the old debt. If a real emergency happens, you can handle it with your emergency fund. No more borrowing. It’s time to break the cycle of debt!
2 ~ Pay off All debt using the Debt Snowball
List your debts, excluding the house, in order. The smallest balance should be your number one priority. Don’t worry about interest rates unless two debts have similar payoffs. If that’s the case, then list the higher interest rate debt first. The point of the debt snowball is simply this: You need some quick wins in order to stay pumped up about getting out of debt! Paying off debt is not always about math. It’s about motivation. Personal finance is 20% head knowledge and 80% behavior. When you start knocking off the easier debts, you will see results and you will stay motivated to dump your debt.
3 ~ 3to6 months of Expenses in Savings
Once you complete the first two baby steps, you will have built serious momentum. But don’t start throwing all your “extra” money into investments quite yet. It’s time to build your full emergency fund. Use this money for emergencies only: incidents that would have a major impact on you and your family. Keep these savings in a money market account. Remember, this stash of money is not an investment; it is insurance you’re paying to yourself, a buffer between you and life.
4 ~ Invest 15% of income
When you reach this step, you’ll have no payments—except the house—and a fully funded emergency fund. Now it’s time to get serious about building wealth. Dave suggests investing 15% of your household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement plans. Don’t invest more than that because the extra money will help you complete the next two steps: college savings and paying off your home early. Why shouldn’t you invest less than 15%? Some people choose to invest a small amount, if anything, because they want to get a child through school or pay off the home in a hurry. But the kids’ degrees won’t feed you at retirement, and if you throw all your money into your mortgage at this point, you’ll end up having to sell the house and buy the book 72 Ways to Prepare Alpo and Love It. Bad plan.
5 ~ College Funding for children
By this point, you should have already started Baby Step 4—investing 15% of your income—before saving for college. Whether you are saving for you or your child to go to college, you need to start now. In order to have enough money saved for college, you need to have a goal. Determine how much per month you should be saving at 12% interest in order to have enough for college. If you save at 12% and inflation is at 4%, then you are moving ahead of inflation at a net of 8% per year!
Never save for college using:
Insurance
Savings bonds (only 5-6% growth)
Zero-coupon bonds. (only 6-8% growth)
Pre-paid college tuition (only 7% inflation rate)
The best way to save for college is with Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and 529 plans. Remember, college is possible without loans!
6 ~ Pay the Home off early
Now it’s time to begin chunking all of your extra money toward the mortgage. You are getting closer to realizing the dream of a life with no house payments. As you attack this last debt, you will gain momentum much like you did back in the second step of the debt snowball. Remember, having absolutely no payments is totally within your reach!
7 ~ Build Wealth & Give
It’s time to build wealth and give like never before. Leave an inheritance for future generations, and bless others now with your excess. It's really the only way to live! Golda Meir says, “You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist.” Vow to never hold your money so tightly that you never give any away. Hoarding money is not the way to wealth. Save for yourself, save for your family’s future, and be gracious enough to bless others. You can do all three at the same time.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
FPU w/Dave Ramsey
I begin Financial Peace University with Dave Ramsey today. I am taking the class in Arlington on Sundays at 4pm. It is a 13week program in which we will cover all aspects of money and we will have homework assignments. I am to get someone to be accountable to as I work thru the class, since I am not married, and have asked Brad H. for his support. I wanted it to be somone who I don't consider to be a peer (for obvious reasons since we are talking about my income, etc), someone who has handled money well, and someone who is not emotionally attached to me (like the other mentors and mother/father like figures in my life). The last day of my class will be Sunday, April 5th, 2009. Wish me well in my endeavorment to learn more and stay motivated to get rid of my debt!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
2009 Goals & Resolutions
I am subscriber to Glenn Shepard's weekly emails on Tuesdays, "Work is not for Sissies!" and I have his book "How to be the Employee Your Company Can't Live Without" that I also gave to each of my coworkers at both jobs at the end of last year. This year he asked us to write in our 2009 goals and resolutions and he would check with us 4 times throughout the year to see what our progress is. Here is what I submitted:
1. Get out of debt
2. Organize, cull, declutter, condense, minimize, etc my things in/around/at the casa
3. Exercise routine that works with my schedule
4. Work at simplifying schedule with greater efficiency at time management
5. Learn that I do not have to be "super woman"
1. Get out of debt
2. Organize, cull, declutter, condense, minimize, etc my things in/around/at the casa
3. Exercise routine that works with my schedule
4. Work at simplifying schedule with greater efficiency at time management
5. Learn that I do not have to be "super woman"
Monday, December 29, 2008
December Camp 2008 at Texas Mtng Hall
Camp seemed to appear out of nowhere once again! But it was a good time and I was thankful for the break from work for four days!
knitting class on the stage
Abby King and me
Wednesday, December 24th, 2008
Ellen Nearman stayed with me at my house. She arrived on Wednesday night traveling down from Oklahoma with Sheila Harp and her kids. I picked her up on my way home from work at the Grove's about 09:30pm. We got in and pretty much called it a night within the next hour after unloading and getting her settled.
Thursday, December 25th, 2008
Thursday we slept in and had a good time just lounging around. I wanted a fire in the fireplace and seemed to work all morning at trying to get it coaxed along! No sooner would I get a good flame and it would die out and smoke away. :( We had a late breakfast...I fixed us a large omelet that we split made with tomatoes, feta cheese and artichokes. We sat around and visited and I stayed in my pj's most of the day. I cleaned the filters on the pool and the skimmer basket, other than that I didn't do any chores! Then, I took Ellen to later lunch for her birthday (which was in November) to Sushi Tao, one of my favorite restaurants where we ate the lunch special and I also ordered the Mango Lobster Roll, one of my favorite signature rolls there. She loves sushi and was very impressed with the restaurant. We came home and relaxed a bit and then got the bags made up for the knitting students at camp (we stamped knit on it with a design) and then went to camp for dinner and meeting. Russell Ross spoke and I will relay a couple of my notes that were reflections that I took from his message: We have a God of order and He orders our life by the things He ordained. Keep your focus on God and let Him be your priority, this will make you a successful Christian. Are you enjoying that more abundant life? Where is your zeal? God wants to use you. Anything that interferes with your relationship with the Lord, are you out with it?
Friday, December 26th, 2008
Friday we were there for breakfast and the rest of the day, except came home for a short nap in the afternoon after lunch. Weyman Zelder gave the morning message on The Promised Land. It was good, but I had heard it before so I won't give you any of my notes. Jeff Grove spoke in the evening. It was a continuation of what he has been speaking on lately, Our Assignment: #1 Work (to eat), #2 Raise Children, #3 Be Clothed (w/Clothing), #4 Hospitable, #5 Grow in the Lord, #6 Sing, #7 Bear the burdens of others, #8 Stir up love and good works. On the drive home that night from camp, I shared with Ellen a song that had been really touching me latel and when we got home about midnight, we ended up singing until 2.00am... and didn't get to bed until 02:30am...what fun!!!
Saturday, December 27th, 2008
Saturday we slept in and had oatmeal here at the house. Saturday morming Mike Lundy spoke on Layers for Peace in Winters of Conflict. Here are some of my notes: Conflict must be dealt with. Clothe yourself in Gods behavior...compassion, kindness, humility/meekness, a quiet strength, bearing/forgiving, love. Love = your basic all purpose garment, a predisposition to accept somebody. Kindness = action behind compassion, constant kindness can accomplish much...have it and act like it. To suffer long requires strength. Forgivness is granted, trust is earned. Colossians 3:1 must be your focus or you won't be able to carry out these things. Saturday afternoon was when I taught knitting lessons for any of the girls ages 8-13 that wanted to learn and we had a blast for about an hour before other events took place.
knitting class on the stage
Abby King and meEllen and I skipped dinner and went back to the house for a short nap and a cup of earl grey tea with honey. Jerry Grant took the evening meeting and he spoke on prayer. I found this message very interesting. Prayer, is it a habit? or a place you go to meditate and pray? Jesus did. Having a lot of zeal is good, but you need to prepare your heart for times of trouble. What will you do to prepare? Where do you get your strength? Be on guard, don't be shaken, solid, not enfluenced by surroundings, not stagnet. Pray to the Lord and leave it there. He mentioned his dad (Gordy Grant) gave him a tip: Listen = Silent (he noted they have the same letters just are rearranged). Another tip: Never give up. Ellen and I sang that night a song that has been on my heart and mind lately. It is called Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone). I guess the San Luis Assembly sang it because it was on the CD's they were selling at camp, but our version is different and of couse just the two of us. We had fun practicing this up the night before. We have never sang together and we should do it more! I love to sing!!! Ellen and I visited around that night for awhile and we finally decided to head home about 1am. When we got home we were hungry so we fixed snacks and sat in the living room talking until 3am!
Sunday, December 28th, 2008
We were struggling after being up so late and were a bit late to meeting, but we still made it for most of it!
Tom Collins spoke and here are a few of my notes: God is care and is consistent. His value of us is different than the way we look at it. We have value even with our sins and our faults. Greater is He that is in you then he that is in the world. The Lord God is our strength. Maturity is getting past our "feelings". After lunch, I spent most of the afternoon knitting with the little girls as they were needing help with their knitting off and on all day. I ended up staying later than I had planned, but I figured it would be good for me to stay plus it was fun to interact with the little ones that I normally have no contact with. They asked me to eat lunch with them on Sunday after meeting which I thought was so darn cute! I hung around until dinner time, mainly helping the girls with their knitting, then I went home to do some laundry and crash in bed so that I could be ready for work the next day.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Continued Birthday Celebrations
Chef Joe Machalica with Misty
During the summer when we had the shrimp fest at the building, I was eating by Joe & Sandra Machalica and they told me that Joe makes the best coconut shrimp. Well, we got to talking about how we should do it for "our" birthdays since Joe and I share the same birthday. So, a month later Joe & I are still celebrating our birthdays! Joe made good coconut fried shrimp and he said I could invite a friend, so I invited Martha to join us. The four of us (Joe & Sandra and Martha & I) had a good time eating coconut fried shrimp to our hearts content along with coleslaw and frenchfries! I insisted that Joe & I get our pictures taken even though he was not crazy about the idea... ;)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
November 30, 2008 reflection of daily devotional
GOD uses ordinary people...
Where can you plant a seed in your world today? What dream has God instilled in you? Multiply your resources – share your faith. Remember: great people are just ordinary people with an extraordinary amount of determination.
Where can you plant a seed in your world today? What dream has God instilled in you? Multiply your resources – share your faith. Remember: great people are just ordinary people with an extraordinary amount of determination.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thanksgiving Wknd 2008 in Arizona
For those that don't know, Uncle Truman is one of my mom's younger brothers.
I made travel plans around October 21st to go to Arizona for Thanksgiving. I had planned to be all ready when the day came and not be stressed out with last minute "todos", but alas again I was working on getting this together up until the last minute. I had a lot of anxiety, nervousness, anticipation and excitement with regards to my trip. I felt very sick the morning I was getting ready to leave and didn't know if I was getting sick or what was wrong with me, but I was a mess! Uncle Gib picked me up at 4:45am and we drove to DFW where I flew out on Thursday, November 27th, 2008 at 7:05am to Las Vegas. I rented a car at the Las Vegas airport and drove roughly 2hrs along US93 thru "nomans land"...I was not prepared for the memories that would come by driving out into the desert to absolutely nothing like it was in my childhood. I went straight to Uncle Truman & Aunt Jessica's house. Upon arrival we chatted a bit while Aunt Jessica finished preparing our feast...turkey and the works! We sat down and ate and stuffed ourselves good. We then cleaned up the kitchen (well I actually pulled the meat off the turkey while they cleaned up since they knew more where things went than I did) and we washed dishes and continued visiting and then shared photos to get caught up on each others lives. Truman & Jess had just moved in last weekend and so not all the albums were unpacked yet and I only brought a handful of my pictures that are not yet in albums and two of my scrapbooks, one of my house I bought in the "before stages" and my 30th Birthday trip to San Antonio with RuthAnn two years ago. It was neat to see them recognize people and learn about others they do now know. We snacked a bit later in the evening and had pie! I got teased for helping myself to a piece and not letting Aunt Jess serve me...but hey, in defense, the pumpkin and pecan pies were between me and Uncle Truman, what was I supposed to do, just look at it??? We then moved to the living room and we sang choruses for a good hour and half or so while Uncle Truman played the guitar. I taught them one song (Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me) that I will send the words to them so they can learn it maybe on their own. We had a great time getting acquainted and stayed up till 1am my time, which meant I had been up for 21hours straight!!! Needless to say, we all slept in the next morning.
Friday, November 28th, 2008We had a late breakfast, eggs & bacon & english muffins, about 10:30am. Granpa came by during it to pick up a tractor. He came in and we got to meet each other for the first time since I was 7/8yrs old. He stayed for a brief spell then him and Brady took off to do some work and Dustin took me over to Granma's. He stayed for a bit and then left us to talk. We shared scrapbook albums and Granma Net shared her experience with the return to the Christians at May Camp 2008 in Tulare. Granpa returned and cleaned up and we headed to meet all the others at Golden Coral for lunch at 2pm. Granma Net made me sit in the middle and we all chatted and they teased me about how much I ate, but I said you had to make use of your price at a buffet. They all laughed at me, and yes, I was the last one to finish! Granpa said he could really tell I had some Jean in me because I liked to talk! I rode back to the house with Granpa & Granma via a drop off at the post office. We chatted some more and looked at old photo's of the time when we stayed in Escondido with them in 1984. Granma Net is to make me copies of some of those pictures as I have very little of my childhood. Granma felt I was getting really tired, and indeed I was, so I layed down for a bit and took a nap, but have no idea how long it was as I did not look at the clock before I did. When I got up, I took pictures of them, showed Granpa the scrapbook of my house, played the piano for them, and we visited some more and Granpa shared some things with me that he wanted me to think about, and then Dustin came to get me. Upon arriving back at Truman's we visited more and I gave Brady a hard time for not sharing the popcorn...then we all went to bed a little earlier, 12:30am my time. ;)
Saturday, November 29th, 2008
We had french toast for breakfast with bacon...I got teased for making it look all pretty on the plate stacked like a loaf of bread instead of just flopped on the plate. Aunt Jess was really impressed...
After breakfast and cleanup we all (except the boys) went for a hike behind their house...they have a nice view! As we came down the hill, Dustin was doing pop o wheelies on the four wheeler...then got his dirt bike out and did some jumps for me and I took pictures.
Since I just got this camera right before my trip I wasn't used to it and it took a few tries to get some good ones. Then Dustin & I went in the dune buggy with Brady following or leading depending on what he wanted to do. I had a blast...sure brought back memories of doing this with Granpa years ago. Dustin drove really well and I only screamed once! I had the time of my life...we drove a good ways and then stopped and talked about who else had dune buggies or dirt bikes, where we wanted to head from there and Brady had some ideas, so we took off again and a bit down the road they chatted again about it and I realized I did not have my camera anymore in my pocket. Brady had already taken off so we turned around and drove real slow looking on the side of the road that I would have been on for my camera, which was red, hoping that we would spot it. Dustin was sure we would, but I was starting to loose heart and I was so sad...here the few pictures I had taken would be GONE, :( but we found it, and just as we did, Brady had joined us. We wasted 10 minutes for this episode that I could have prevented and now we had to decide to either head back or go a bit further, we headed back via a detour that ended up being a fabulous drive but when we reached the dead end and stopped to talk about how fun this last spell was with Brady following closely on his dirt bike, we realized we had a flat on the left front tire! So Dustin and I had to crawl the trip home, which was about half of our time out cruising! We were able to visit some more along the way though since it wasn't loud and we had a good last minute chat about serving the Lord because its the right thing to do regardless of your family name or what your parents/grandparents believe in and how I had enjoyed my time with them.
Back at the house, we sat down to eat tacos, enchiladas, rice, beans, chips and salsa. They said they didn't want me to leave hungry and they had to do it the way it was done in TEXAS! LOL!!! I then rushed to the shower, packed my things and said goodbye. It was all I could do not to cry, but I was very determined not to cry...at least until I got down the road and out of sight! I was just getting to know them and we have been apart for so many years and now I had to leave? But yes, life must go on and all good things do come to an end, if they didn't, I wouldn't be able to look forward to more good times...
I had a great flight home and was greeted by Uncle Gib. We shared the happenings in each others lives the last few days all the way home. Its hard to believe that just a few hours ago I was in Arizona and now I am back home, but it is good to be back to "my home" and I can't wait to download my pictures and send to Kathryn. She so wanted to go with me! I just hope she won't hate me too much that I got to ride in a dune buggy without her!
As I reflect on my time, I am thankful to be able to renew our connection as family, but more importantly that we are Christians on a journey together with the goal of serving our Lord and Saviour! I really enjoyed being able to share with all of them and get to know each one of them...though they had an advantage ~ one against 8! I hope they know that I love them very much and that I want them to go on serving the Lord, and as they can getting to know many of the Christian's and creating wonderful memories just like I have now since I have been apart of the Texas Assembly since September 1997. The journey continues...
I made travel plans around October 21st to go to Arizona for Thanksgiving. I had planned to be all ready when the day came and not be stressed out with last minute "todos", but alas again I was working on getting this together up until the last minute. I had a lot of anxiety, nervousness, anticipation and excitement with regards to my trip. I felt very sick the morning I was getting ready to leave and didn't know if I was getting sick or what was wrong with me, but I was a mess! Uncle Gib picked me up at 4:45am and we drove to DFW where I flew out on Thursday, November 27th, 2008 at 7:05am to Las Vegas. I rented a car at the Las Vegas airport and drove roughly 2hrs along US93 thru "nomans land"...I was not prepared for the memories that would come by driving out into the desert to absolutely nothing like it was in my childhood. I went straight to Uncle Truman & Aunt Jessica's house. Upon arrival we chatted a bit while Aunt Jessica finished preparing our feast...turkey and the works! We sat down and ate and stuffed ourselves good. We then cleaned up the kitchen (well I actually pulled the meat off the turkey while they cleaned up since they knew more where things went than I did) and we washed dishes and continued visiting and then shared photos to get caught up on each others lives. Truman & Jess had just moved in last weekend and so not all the albums were unpacked yet and I only brought a handful of my pictures that are not yet in albums and two of my scrapbooks, one of my house I bought in the "before stages" and my 30th Birthday trip to San Antonio with RuthAnn two years ago. It was neat to see them recognize people and learn about others they do now know. We snacked a bit later in the evening and had pie! I got teased for helping myself to a piece and not letting Aunt Jess serve me...but hey, in defense, the pumpkin and pecan pies were between me and Uncle Truman, what was I supposed to do, just look at it??? We then moved to the living room and we sang choruses for a good hour and half or so while Uncle Truman played the guitar. I taught them one song (Thank You Lord for Your Blessings on Me) that I will send the words to them so they can learn it maybe on their own. We had a great time getting acquainted and stayed up till 1am my time, which meant I had been up for 21hours straight!!! Needless to say, we all slept in the next morning.
Friday, November 28th, 2008We had a late breakfast, eggs & bacon & english muffins, about 10:30am. Granpa came by during it to pick up a tractor. He came in and we got to meet each other for the first time since I was 7/8yrs old. He stayed for a brief spell then him and Brady took off to do some work and Dustin took me over to Granma's. He stayed for a bit and then left us to talk. We shared scrapbook albums and Granma Net shared her experience with the return to the Christians at May Camp 2008 in Tulare. Granpa returned and cleaned up and we headed to meet all the others at Golden Coral for lunch at 2pm. Granma Net made me sit in the middle and we all chatted and they teased me about how much I ate, but I said you had to make use of your price at a buffet. They all laughed at me, and yes, I was the last one to finish! Granpa said he could really tell I had some Jean in me because I liked to talk! I rode back to the house with Granpa & Granma via a drop off at the post office. We chatted some more and looked at old photo's of the time when we stayed in Escondido with them in 1984. Granma Net is to make me copies of some of those pictures as I have very little of my childhood. Granma felt I was getting really tired, and indeed I was, so I layed down for a bit and took a nap, but have no idea how long it was as I did not look at the clock before I did. When I got up, I took pictures of them, showed Granpa the scrapbook of my house, played the piano for them, and we visited some more and Granpa shared some things with me that he wanted me to think about, and then Dustin came to get me. Upon arriving back at Truman's we visited more and I gave Brady a hard time for not sharing the popcorn...then we all went to bed a little earlier, 12:30am my time. ;)
Saturday, November 29th, 2008
We had french toast for breakfast with bacon...I got teased for making it look all pretty on the plate stacked like a loaf of bread instead of just flopped on the plate. Aunt Jess was really impressed...
After breakfast and cleanup we all (except the boys) went for a hike behind their house...they have a nice view! As we came down the hill, Dustin was doing pop o wheelies on the four wheeler...then got his dirt bike out and did some jumps for me and I took pictures.
Since I just got this camera right before my trip I wasn't used to it and it took a few tries to get some good ones. Then Dustin & I went in the dune buggy with Brady following or leading depending on what he wanted to do. I had a blast...sure brought back memories of doing this with Granpa years ago. Dustin drove really well and I only screamed once! I had the time of my life...we drove a good ways and then stopped and talked about who else had dune buggies or dirt bikes, where we wanted to head from there and Brady had some ideas, so we took off again and a bit down the road they chatted again about it and I realized I did not have my camera anymore in my pocket. Brady had already taken off so we turned around and drove real slow looking on the side of the road that I would have been on for my camera, which was red, hoping that we would spot it. Dustin was sure we would, but I was starting to loose heart and I was so sad...here the few pictures I had taken would be GONE, :( but we found it, and just as we did, Brady had joined us. We wasted 10 minutes for this episode that I could have prevented and now we had to decide to either head back or go a bit further, we headed back via a detour that ended up being a fabulous drive but when we reached the dead end and stopped to talk about how fun this last spell was with Brady following closely on his dirt bike, we realized we had a flat on the left front tire! So Dustin and I had to crawl the trip home, which was about half of our time out cruising! We were able to visit some more along the way though since it wasn't loud and we had a good last minute chat about serving the Lord because its the right thing to do regardless of your family name or what your parents/grandparents believe in and how I had enjoyed my time with them.
Back at the house, we sat down to eat tacos, enchiladas, rice, beans, chips and salsa. They said they didn't want me to leave hungry and they had to do it the way it was done in TEXAS! LOL!!! I then rushed to the shower, packed my things and said goodbye. It was all I could do not to cry, but I was very determined not to cry...at least until I got down the road and out of sight! I was just getting to know them and we have been apart for so many years and now I had to leave? But yes, life must go on and all good things do come to an end, if they didn't, I wouldn't be able to look forward to more good times...
I had a great flight home and was greeted by Uncle Gib. We shared the happenings in each others lives the last few days all the way home. Its hard to believe that just a few hours ago I was in Arizona and now I am back home, but it is good to be back to "my home" and I can't wait to download my pictures and send to Kathryn. She so wanted to go with me! I just hope she won't hate me too much that I got to ride in a dune buggy without her!
As I reflect on my time, I am thankful to be able to renew our connection as family, but more importantly that we are Christians on a journey together with the goal of serving our Lord and Saviour! I really enjoyed being able to share with all of them and get to know each one of them...though they had an advantage ~ one against 8! I hope they know that I love them very much and that I want them to go on serving the Lord, and as they can getting to know many of the Christian's and creating wonderful memories just like I have now since I have been apart of the Texas Assembly since September 1997. The journey continues...
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Work is Not for Sissies
I received my weekly email from Work is Not for Sissies that I subscribe to, and want to reflect on a part of it today and remember:"Successful people are successful because they make smart decisions and
do the right things on a consistent basis" Glenn Shepard
he goes on to state...Those principles include answering quickly when opportunity knocks, being willing to take risks and fail, not putting the cart before the horse, investing in yourself, and thinking bigger than you can even visualize.
I believe when we realize what the right thing is to do before God, we are making the "smart decision" and therefore are successful. Success in and of itself doesn't come from just making smart decisions.
do the right things on a consistent basis" Glenn Shepard
he goes on to state...Those principles include answering quickly when opportunity knocks, being willing to take risks and fail, not putting the cart before the horse, investing in yourself, and thinking bigger than you can even visualize.
I believe when we realize what the right thing is to do before God, we are making the "smart decision" and therefore are successful. Success in and of itself doesn't come from just making smart decisions.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
32nd Birthday
Today is my birthday...I celebrate my 32nd! In some ways, its hard to believe that I am here...but as I reflect over the past years, I am grateful for who I am today, because of what God has done for me, my faith in Him as my Lord & Savior, and by the fact of how I have allowed Him to work in my life! I am grateful for my friends who have inspired me, supported me and encouraged me to stay on the path in that good fight of faith...birthday wishes received in form of cards, emails, ecards, text messages and phone calls...and I thank each of you for thinking of me on my special day!
My birthday started on Friday night, October 31st, when Judy Lane took me out for sushi at one of my favorite restaurants, Sushi Tao. Judy had not eaten it before, but she was definitely impressed and liked everything we ate. We split Miso Soup and the green salad with Ginger Dressing. We ordered the Sweet Potato Roll, the Cooked Roll combo which had three rolls: Eel Avocado Roll, California Roll, Shrimp with Asparagus Roll; then we also got the Mango Lobster Roll. We left and went to get a cup of coffee at the Starbucks on Hulen & Bellaire that has a fountain out front. We sat on a bench and visited for awhile before we called it a night.
Monday, November 3rd, Martha wanted to take me out for lunch...we went and ate at Charleston's on Hulen. I haven't been there in a long time. It is a nice, elegant restaurant and I had bake potato soup and salad. Martha ate a quesadilla. I then had a lovely dinner outside that night, Monday, November 3rd, on the back patio of the home of Tom & Deborah Thorpe along with attendees Gilbert & Connie Stogsdill. We had some yummy grilled chicken, rice pilaf, and salad with sugared pecans, dried blueberries & cranberries and snow peas at a table decorated with fall leaves and candles! The weather was cool but not too freezing to enjoy the November night in Texas. We snuggled up to the fireplace and enjoyed conversation and coffee until fresh fried doughnuts were ready to bite into! After much conversation and laughs, we broke up the lovely evening about 11:30pm and headed for our casas to call it a night.
I woke up today sick...my sore throat finally caught up with me...I hope this cold won't last. I got to work and the staff got me a cake called "Sock It To Me Cake", it was a a bundt like cake with cinnamon swirls and walnuts. I didn't have the heart to tell them that I was allergic to walnuts and couldn't eat it, but I don't think that they figured that out as I cut many of them a piece to eat! :)
P.S.
My birthday has been celebrated all week.
Thursday, November 6th
Perry (my boss) took me to lunch at Olive Garden. We had a nice time visiting and learning about each others family, how he met his wife, etc. He told me on the drive back to the office that he felt that I had mixed in with the office staff well and that he was greatly impressed and pleased with me. This was very much an encouragement to me...though I love my job, the enormity that was involved to get things back on track has sometimes made me wonder if I was anywhere close to achieving his wishes in the big picture.
Friday, November 7th
Lorrie Grove & Aunt Maryl took me to dinner at Red Lobster. We enjoyed a nice dinner and time of visiting. I was feeling really bushed from my cold at this point and went home for a hot bath and early night with Nyquil.
Sunday, November 9th
David & Charlotte Bishop took me to lunch at On the Border. We had a good time visiting and catching up. Charlotte is someone I look up to a lot and we enjoy a lot of the same things though we rarely spend time together. All 3 of us stuffed ourselves and couldn't finish our lunch! We then went to see Jill's newest addition to their family, Jack Peyton Woods. I didn't hold him since I have had a cold...but he sure was cute, nothing like Beau.
email from SparkPeople on my birthday:
Don't just count your years, make your years count. ~Ernest Meyers
What matters most in life is often viewed as peripheral to the things that we usually focus on. Passion takes a backseat to production, wellness to working, and balance to busyness. The old adage that "life is not a dress rehearsal" is so true, and yet we act to the contrary by putting off what is truly important or indulging in things that are not. On your birthday, stop focusing on your age and start meditating on your life at this exact moment. how can you make it better? During the next year, reshuffle your priorities. Spend more time with family and friends, take care of your body and health by eating well and exercising regularly, and offer to help others in need. Discover what matters most to you, and make your daily life into a true reflection of those ideas, beliefs and attributes.
HAVE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY BIRTHDAY! - Team Spark People
My birthday started on Friday night, October 31st, when Judy Lane took me out for sushi at one of my favorite restaurants, Sushi Tao. Judy had not eaten it before, but she was definitely impressed and liked everything we ate. We split Miso Soup and the green salad with Ginger Dressing. We ordered the Sweet Potato Roll, the Cooked Roll combo which had three rolls: Eel Avocado Roll, California Roll, Shrimp with Asparagus Roll; then we also got the Mango Lobster Roll. We left and went to get a cup of coffee at the Starbucks on Hulen & Bellaire that has a fountain out front. We sat on a bench and visited for awhile before we called it a night.
Monday, November 3rd, Martha wanted to take me out for lunch...we went and ate at Charleston's on Hulen. I haven't been there in a long time. It is a nice, elegant restaurant and I had bake potato soup and salad. Martha ate a quesadilla. I then had a lovely dinner outside that night, Monday, November 3rd, on the back patio of the home of Tom & Deborah Thorpe along with attendees Gilbert & Connie Stogsdill. We had some yummy grilled chicken, rice pilaf, and salad with sugared pecans, dried blueberries & cranberries and snow peas at a table decorated with fall leaves and candles! The weather was cool but not too freezing to enjoy the November night in Texas. We snuggled up to the fireplace and enjoyed conversation and coffee until fresh fried doughnuts were ready to bite into! After much conversation and laughs, we broke up the lovely evening about 11:30pm and headed for our casas to call it a night.
I woke up today sick...my sore throat finally caught up with me...I hope this cold won't last. I got to work and the staff got me a cake called "Sock It To Me Cake", it was a a bundt like cake with cinnamon swirls and walnuts. I didn't have the heart to tell them that I was allergic to walnuts and couldn't eat it, but I don't think that they figured that out as I cut many of them a piece to eat! :)
P.S.
My birthday has been celebrated all week.
Thursday, November 6th
Perry (my boss) took me to lunch at Olive Garden. We had a nice time visiting and learning about each others family, how he met his wife, etc. He told me on the drive back to the office that he felt that I had mixed in with the office staff well and that he was greatly impressed and pleased with me. This was very much an encouragement to me...though I love my job, the enormity that was involved to get things back on track has sometimes made me wonder if I was anywhere close to achieving his wishes in the big picture.
Friday, November 7th
Lorrie Grove & Aunt Maryl took me to dinner at Red Lobster. We enjoyed a nice dinner and time of visiting. I was feeling really bushed from my cold at this point and went home for a hot bath and early night with Nyquil.
Sunday, November 9th
David & Charlotte Bishop took me to lunch at On the Border. We had a good time visiting and catching up. Charlotte is someone I look up to a lot and we enjoy a lot of the same things though we rarely spend time together. All 3 of us stuffed ourselves and couldn't finish our lunch! We then went to see Jill's newest addition to their family, Jack Peyton Woods. I didn't hold him since I have had a cold...but he sure was cute, nothing like Beau.
email from SparkPeople on my birthday:
Don't just count your years, make your years count. ~Ernest Meyers
What matters most in life is often viewed as peripheral to the things that we usually focus on. Passion takes a backseat to production, wellness to working, and balance to busyness. The old adage that "life is not a dress rehearsal" is so true, and yet we act to the contrary by putting off what is truly important or indulging in things that are not. On your birthday, stop focusing on your age and start meditating on your life at this exact moment. how can you make it better? During the next year, reshuffle your priorities. Spend more time with family and friends, take care of your body and health by eating well and exercising regularly, and offer to help others in need. Discover what matters most to you, and make your daily life into a true reflection of those ideas, beliefs and attributes.
HAVE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY BIRTHDAY! - Team Spark People
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Missouri Trip with Jodi & Linda in the Motorhome
Friday, October 17th...
I met up at Jodi & Linda's house along with the other travelers, Steve & Betty Roy with Sheldon & Courtney, Stephanie & Jean Jones, Allison King and me and of course Jodi & Linda. We were on the road at 9.30am or so, there after once Jodi had finished giving Jean a lesson in math. Jodi began the trip by giving us "traveling instructions" as to emergency exits, how to safely position yourself in a sudden stop, lock the doors, etc. We all laughed about that for some time, though this was good and needful it was a funny experience and we teased Jodi about being the "pilot" and onboard with "sudden pressure change and oxygen masks being released" and "making way for the beverage cart". I worked for about 4.5hrs on the road using my boss (Perry's) remote Verizon broadband card so that I was able to get some work done on Perdue's electronic claims...boy was it was really neat to be able to work like that on the road!!! Since this was my first Saturday to take call, I would need access to our system to schedule appointments so he loaned it to me and I made use of it. We chatted, ate snacks (many of them not on my diet!) and got in about 5.15pm and gave Jodi a big round of applause for keeping us safe on the road and finishing it off by pulling into a tight driveway next to many cars at Brian and Casey's where the wedding was to take place out in their side yard. Steve setup the sound system and the rest of us went to Bill & Polly's for a steak dinner that they were putting on for everyone out of town that was not involved in the wedding. Bill gave us a tour of the house, and Polly finished up the tour after dinner showing us her many beautiful green plants and the history behind them. Many people were there and it would be hard to remember who all was there. Dinner was absolutely delicious and I stuffed myself so full that I had no room for dessert!!! I ate next to Sheila Harp and we had a good little chat...and of course, I went to bed late. ;)
Saturday, October 18th...
was a bit lazy, I tried to sleep in but between the fits of my allergies and the guys in the basement making noise, that didn't happen. Polly had fixed egg burritos and had breads too. I ate some cold apple crips that I did not get the night before. After breakfast, I checked emails while the ladies went to town, and then got ready for the wedding. It was cool up there, much cooler than it was here in Texas. The wedding for Stephen Brusby and Tiffany Burgland was simple, 5 wood wreaths with ribbon holding them up and tied to black wrought iron polls with hooks on the end placed across "the stage" and a few white paper lanterns hanging in the yard from trees. The isle was plain, nothing down it or around it. Each bridesmaid carried a small nosegay style of flowers and their dresses were brown, every ones a different style, with most having a cream sash. Each "special friend" carried one white gerber daisy with brown centers, each wearing brownish tones. The groom and groomsmen wore white shirts with a rusty khaki pant. Some instrumental music and many songs. The wedding party all pulled together at the end and sang With Grateful Hearts. It was really neat! That was one of my favorite parts. Tom Roy gave the wedding and did a great job. There was no cake, just chips and salsa. Probably 125 people or so total. There was a fair amount of "family" there too from both sides. From here: Eric & Suzanna, Ryan & Alisha, me, Joy & her kids, Grove's, Steve & Betty, Jodi & Linda, Gomez's, Bradley's, many of the Jones girls, Adrianne, Judy, Phil & Gretchen, Russell & Barbara, Leslie, Mitch & Tammy, and I think thats it. Most people went out to eat at a buffet place they had reservations at. Judy & I sat together with the Grove's, Eric & Suzanna, Jodi & Linda and Steve & Betty. We had some good laughs. Jeff was starved and made a big deal out of it before we prayed...it was too funny!!! From there everyone went back to the building to visit and play ball but ended up having a time of testimonies. I went back to the house with Polly & Lois and we cooked for Sundays lunch making potatoe casseroles, washing & tearing lettuce for salad, cubbing cheese, buttering bread, etc. We had these things along with brisket and sauce the next day. We finished five minutes or so before the men got back. We stayed up another 30minutes and then called it a night...believe me, it was late!
Sunday, October 19th...
Polly fixed sausage bisquits and gravy along with fruit...it was so good! and then we were off to meeting. Marty spoke on the financial times and where your heart is. Lunch was yummy and then we hit the road, adding two more passangers, Anna King and Natalie Casler. Other than getting gas on the way out of town, we didn't stop. Jodi drove all the way there, on the way back, Steve, Jodi & I drove. We had safety going and coming which we were very thankful for especially after a few wrecks on the way home. It was a very fun, fun, fun trip getting to know everyone a bit better. We got in at Jodi & Linda's at 10:10pm and after I got my stuff together I beat it home to unload and go straight to bed.
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I really enjoyed the time at Bill & Polly's. They have a nice house and setup to house many guests and they were very generous with this. I also had fun getting to know them better. Bill had fun teasing me saying my eyes were as big as Lois's dog and my ears too. I really hope Polly didn't wear herself out too much! THANK you Bill & Polly for all you did! and many thanks to Jodi & Linda for letting us ride with them and enjoy the time together.
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Thursday, September 18, 2008
Real Simple Daily Thought
Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.
— Abraham Lincoln
— Abraham Lincoln
Sunday, August 3, 2008
August 3, 2008 reflection of daily devotional
"For everyone who asks receives; those who seek find; and to those who knock, the door will be opened." – Matthew 7:8
Don't curse your hurts. Don't nurse your hurts. Don't rehearse them. Disperse them! How? As Max Cleland, author of Strong at the Broken Places, suggested, you can disperse your hurt by looking for another open door. When you look for the open doors, your back is to the closed door. And every time one door closes, God opens another. You disperse your hurt when you reverse it. Reversing it means you turn it inside out. You turn the problem into a partner. You turn your scar into a star. And you turn your frustration into a fruitful experience. Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.
Trip to Houston w/Jackie
I went to Houston this weekend with Jackie & Isabel. We left Saturday afternoon around 3pm stopping by the Crowley Library on our way out of town for Izzy to pickup some books for the reading on the road. Jackie and I chatted a lot on the way down. We made fairly decent time on this hot summer day. We had seen a lot of tire pieces along the road and I made the comment, I sure hope we don't get a flat. :) A little over an hour or so out of Houston, I had a strong pull to the left of the vehicle...I kept thinking it must be wind and so I didn't get alarmed. A bit later, I asked Jackie if she was hearing a lot of road noise, and she said no. I was, most definitely and decided to pull off...Sure enough!!! A FLAT!!! I must have jinked us good. Jackie had AAA and insisted on calling them for roadside assistance. It has been a long time since I changed a tire, but I wouldn't have minded and probably would have insisted if we had been under a time constraint to get to our destination or it had been 3 hours since we had placed a call with AAA. As things worked out, we received notification about 40minutes or so later that they were on their way. I got the mini doughnut out so that it would be ready when he arrived. As it happens, two people stopped to offer assistance once that was on the ground. We thanked them, but said we would wait for AAA. We laughed ourselves silly when it seemed like the whole world new we had had a flat and I mimicked us being talked about on a call list message. When the guy arrived, he didn't appear to be in such a good mood about being called out on a Saturday night about 7pm, but when all said and done, he was alright. All in all, the delay in our trip wasn't too bad and we were on our way within the hour. We made it to WalMart 15minutes before they closed and were able to get a new tire since this one was shot (per the wrecker & technician at the tire center). We then got gas and stopped to eat dinner at Taco Cabana and then headed on to our hotel. We got settled down, checked email, Jackie showed me Jennifer's blog as I had not seen it in some time, and then we went to bed.
Sunday, Jackie & Isabel headed out early to see Modesto. I slept in, which I must say felt absolutely wonderful! When I got up, Jackie had breakfast for me from the hotel (yogurt, eggs & coffee)...boy did I feel spoiled! I have been working 6days a week and long hours at that as of late that the break and pampering was just a pleasant change of pace for me. After getting ready, I checked email, balanced my checkbook and looked into creating this blog. When Jackie returned, we started her one too. Then we packed up and hit the road. We ate a bit out of town at Panda Express. We had rain and severe wind on the way back, about the same spot where we had the flat. Then it was bright, sun shinny and hot again. We visited some and Jackie took a snooze. We made good time again in spite of the weather and after dropping off their things at the house we went to the gathering at the meeting hall.
I enjoyed my weekend very much and the time with Jackie is always encouraging, to share in each others lives and provoke one another to love & good works and to keep to the courageous life of faith!
Sunday, Jackie & Isabel headed out early to see Modesto. I slept in, which I must say felt absolutely wonderful! When I got up, Jackie had breakfast for me from the hotel (yogurt, eggs & coffee)...boy did I feel spoiled! I have been working 6days a week and long hours at that as of late that the break and pampering was just a pleasant change of pace for me. After getting ready, I checked email, balanced my checkbook and looked into creating this blog. When Jackie returned, we started her one too. Then we packed up and hit the road. We ate a bit out of town at Panda Express. We had rain and severe wind on the way back, about the same spot where we had the flat. Then it was bright, sun shinny and hot again. We visited some and Jackie took a snooze. We made good time again in spite of the weather and after dropping off their things at the house we went to the gathering at the meeting hall.
I enjoyed my weekend very much and the time with Jackie is always encouraging, to share in each others lives and provoke one another to love & good works and to keep to the courageous life of faith!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Real Simple Daily Thought
Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence.
— George Washington
— George Washington
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Real Simple Daily Thought
When we are no longer able to change a situation — we are challenged to change ourselves.
— Victor E. Frankl
— Victor E. Frankl
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