2nd Quarter Progress on 2009 Resolutions

I received my second quarter email from Glenn Shepard on where I am with my 2009 Goals & Resolutions. This is what I submitted to him on where I stand on my goals for the year (review blog entry on 1/1/2009 for goals set & 1st quarter update on 4/1/2009):

1. 100% of this goal to be debt free will be met this week, with final payment 07.10.2009!
2. no further progress made on this...Help!
3. 0% progress: have not found exercise routine yet that works with my schedule which is still the same as last quarter...downright grueling and crazy!
4. a bit more progress, rented some books to try to get ideas on time management, but still desire to excel in this even more so I will be more productive
5. still trying to learn...think I have got more of an idea on why I try to be this way, but still trying to master not being that...so probably about the same as last quarter

THANK you yet again Glenn for your encouragement!

July 2009 Adult Verse Night

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

But do this with gentleness and respect.

1 Peter 3:15

(though I was out of town for this month, I still had this as my verse)

Thought from Dave Ramsey's show

The more valid reasons you have to achieve your dream, the higher the odds are that you will!
The thesis of book: Put Your Dream to the Test by John Maxwell from Dave Ramsey's interview with him on May 12, 2009

I want to read this book!

song ~ I Bless You

I BLESS YOU
Dennis Jernigan
verse:
I bless you with joy and peace
And love that won’t let go
I bless you with grace and faith
And fire in your soul
I bless you with dreams and visions
Most men don’t know of
I bless you with deeper knowledge
Of our Father’s Love
I bless you with strength and power,
Grace through any trial
I bless you with wisdom
And with comfort in your smile
I bless you with great adventures,
Journeys yet unknown
I bless you with hearts gone wild
Because you are His own

verse:
I bless you with the heart of a warrior,
Grace to stand and fight
I bless you with brothers
Who will stand right by your side
I bless you with courage
Till the battles have been won
I bless you with the faith to hear your Father say,
“Well done!”

chorus:
I bless you with joy and laughter!
I bless you with a steadfast faith!
I bless you with the hopes and the dreams
That your heart goes after!
I bless you with amazing grace!

"Light the Night for Sight" walk at Alcon

This evening was the "Light the Night for Sight" one mile walk and fundraiser held at Alcon by Prevent Blindness of Texas. The fundraiser was extremely successful with $143K raised!!! The weather was a bit hot even after a late start of the events. The evening concluded with a 15minute fireworks display...very pretty!

Participation from both offices included: Dr. Tom Annunziato with his children (Christopher and Emma), Becca Annunziato (& boyfriend, Andrew), Dr. Latimer & Family, Cassie Hagin & Family, and me!

Quotes

Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Breakin at the office

Break in at the office...

When we came into the office to start clinic, this is what we were looking at...glass making the blind sag and glass everywhere you could imagine!!!

Pretty clever hole cut by this dork all for a laptop...you think it was worth it??? and yes, that is the laptop cord hanging out the window. My day quickly changed to vacuuming up glass so that everyone could at least walk around and doing some cleanup, calling the glass company out, getting a copy of the police report, etc.

Brian Tracy Quote of the Day

There is only one way to succeed at anything and that is to give everything.
- Vince Lombardi, American Football Coach

June 2009 Adult Verse Night

My verse for tonight

blessed is the man who keeps on going when times are hard

james 1:12 (NIRV)

Scary Drive Home

Yesterday was the wedding for Gentry Cotten & Carrie Moore. I got off work at 4pm, rushed to the grocery store to get ingredients for my Spinach Artichoke Dip & home to mix it up, jump in the shower and get ready to leave - hopefully by 5.30pm for Pecan Plantation. I left at 5.45pm and dropped my appetizer off at Brian & Shelley's house and headed to the wedding held at Drex & Bethany's...it was a nice evening even in spite of the little bugs I constantly felt crawling all over me about to drive me insane! Larry Balderson gave the ceremony and I appreciated his thoughts of Patience & Kindness being the pillars of love. The way he brought these two things out I thought was interesting and I wish to focus on this even more in my life with my relationships. Afterwards, I visited with many feeling like I have not had a chance to catch up with them with my schedule of late. I headed to enjoy the rest of my evening at Brian & Shelley's as they hosted the event out on the patio by their pool. They have done an incredible job at their yard (for which maybe someday I can have myself and won't be envious of) and the food was yummy! Yes, I cheated twice...I ate a half of piece of Chocolate Cake and Hawaiian Cheese Bread...so good!!! All in all, it was an enjoyable evening and I took myself home about midnight.

But...........I had the scare of my life driving home. I took the road back to Hwy 377 and up to FM1187. After I passed the intersection of FM1187 & CR1902...I was followed by two cars either dealing with road rage or out to have an exhilarating experience in a scary way. I do not know which, but it scared me to death! I mean it!!! The highway is a two lane road with a large center median for turning and ample shoulder space on the sides. These two vehicles would follow each other at breath taking speeds with little room between them or ride neck to neck side by side making the oncoming traffic the other way swerve to avoid them while attempting to pass me and the person in front of me. At one point the car following slowed way down, but then so did the car in front. This freaked me out again. I didn't know whether to slow down, stop, move over onto the shoulder or if they would even see me if I did this! I was very, very, very unnerved. I didn't know whether to call the police, or just speed very, very, very fast home. I was shaking so bad. At one point the car in the lead was even with me and kept riding that way...I wouldn't look...couldn't look, what if they had a gun? I sped up a little and a little more until I was ahead of him again as I was near my turn off. This whole ordeal went on until I turned off FM1187 at FM731. As these two vehicles approached me as I was turning, they had decided to roll down their windows and come to a near stop in the intersection...I didn't stay to see what happened, I just scurried around the corner and home glad that I had the degree of safety I had. I still don't know what was the best way to handle this situation, but the adrenaline rush at that hour of the night, was more than enough to do me in!

song ~ different

Different
by Jamie Slocum with Mollye Rees

I have had the right
To stand and fight
But it would have still been wrong
I've had the chance to prove
A hurtful truth
I had to let it go and just move on
'Cause there's a gift called grace
That's captured my life
Though the way of the world is power and pride
I want to be different, Jesus
Just like You
I want to be tender with mercy
Guiding all I do
So when others talk about me
Let it be because I am different
Let the difference be love

Let me have the kind
Of heart that shines
The light and shows you're real
And where hope is dim
And fear sets in
Will you use me Lord to help and heal
I don't want wealth or fame
To define the life I live
Oh let me be known
For what I give
I want to be different, Jesus
Just like You
I want to be tender with mercy
Guiding all I do
So when others talk about me
Let it be because I am different
Let the difference be love

Every day is a chance to serve You
By caring for someone else
I will make the choice to surrender
And not live for myself
I want to be different, Jesus
Just like You
I want to be tender with mercy
Guiding all I do
So when others talk about me
Let it be because
I am different
Let the difference be love

I want to be different, Jesus
Just like You
I want to be tender with mercy
Guiding all I do
So when others talk about me
Let it be because
I am different
Let the difference be love

song ~ can't take away

Can't Take Away
Mike Grayson, Sam Tinnesz, Jason Ingram

All around
All of us
Fear has come and so we must
Ask ourselves
In who we trust
What we have here
Is not enough
So let it ring
In freedom sing

You can take away
Everything that I've been holding
You can take away the sun
You can take away the very air that I've been breathing
But you can't take away my God
Oh, my God


Waves will come
Winds will blow
But it's not here I've found my hope
My beating heart
My very soul
Is held by one who won't let go
And so I'll cling
To You my King

You can take away
Everything that I've been holding
You can take away the sun
You can take away the very air that I've been breathing
But you can't take away my God
Oh, my God


A hope that can't be lost
A love that can't be bought
You can't take away my God
Nothing high or low
Nothing you can control
You can't take away my God

You can take away
Everything that I've been holding
You can take away the sun
You can take away the very air that I've been breathing
But you can't take away my God
No you can't
No you can't
Take away my God
No you can't
No you can't
No you can't
Take away my God, Oh My God, My God.

May 10, 2009 reflection on daily devotion

Perfect Peace
May 10, 2009

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."

– Isaiah 26:3
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Prayer is the ship that takes us through life's storms. Board that ship and God will see you through. Another word for "steadfast" is "persistent." To experience perfect peace in our lives we must persist in trusting God.

Brian Tracy Quote of the Day

Progress always involves risks. You can't steal second base and keep your foot on first.

- Frederick Wilcox, writer

May 4, 2009 reflection on daily devotion

Accept what cannot be changed
May 04, 2009
Arvella Schuller

"But godliness with contentment is great gain." – 1 Timothy 6:6

To accept what cannot be changed is the beginning of happiness within ourselves, happiness with those around us, and happiness in a situation we are in that we can do little or nothing about. We can begin our journey to acceptance by making a list of daily blessings that we take for granted. Once a year in our home, everyone makes a list of blessings or assets (one for each letter of the alphabet) for which he or she is thankful. Reviewing this list and adding to it is a mental bath that washes away the negative "I wishes" and "if only’s." The result is a poised and tranquil acceptance of life as it really is. If we find it difficult to accept ourselves as we really are, we have even more difficulty accepting others as they are. ACCEPT, ACCEPT, ACCEPT. This is the beginning of contentment with ourselves as persons—and the beginning of contentment with our mates and families as they are.
* * * * * * *

Ignite the spirit of contentment in your life by making a list of blessings or assets in your life that you are grateful for. Then accept what is.

Brian Tracy Quote of the Day

Every thought is a seed. If you plant crab apples, don't count on harvesting golden delicious.
- Bill Meyer

April 27, 2009 reflection on daily devotion

Have you ever felt your efforts were too meager to make a difference? Or that you were inadequate compared to others in terms of your financial resources, intellect, talent, or appearance? Have you ever thought, If only I had more…[you fill in the blank], I could make a real difference? Many of us feel as though our meager gifts, our inadequate efforts, are insufficient for God. Yet all God asks for are "five loaves and two fishes" (Luke 9:10-17). Nothing is too small when Jesus uses it. Nothing is meager or inadequate when Jesus blesses it. Nobody is insignificant when Jesus chooses him or her. Where do you need God to take something small in your life and multiply it to provide not only what you need, but more than enough?

April 26, 2009 reflection on daily devotion

Are you down? Look up!

April 26, 2009

Sheila Schuller Coleman

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." – Psalm 121:1-2

Where can we go when we need help? The psalmist tells us we find help when we lift our eyes to the hills. He continues, "My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth." Wow! When we are spiritually struggling, an emergency call to the God of the universe brings him to our rescue! He is just one prayer away. His power saves. His power can invigorate your faith. He loves and longs to help his children. He is never too busy and your problems are never too insignificant—he knows you need him. It's up to you to make the call. It's up to you to look to him for help. When things look down—look up—to the hills—where your help comes from! Your help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

* * * * * * *

If things begin to take a downward turn today, get up from what you’re doing, walk outside, look up to the hills (or the heavens), and say aloud, “I need you, Lord. Please help!”
Share your thoughts...

song ~ the motions

The Motions
by Matthew West

This might hurt, it's not safe
But I know that I've gotta make a change
I don't care if I break,
At least I'll be feeling something
'Cause just okay is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?"


No regrets, not this time
I'm gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love make me whole
I think I'm finally feeling something
'Cause just okay is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of this life

'Cause I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?"
take me all the way
(take me all the way)
take me all the way
('cause I don't wanna go through the motions)
take me all the way
(I know I'm finally feeling something real)
take me all the way


I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?"
I don't wanna go through the motions
I don't wanna go one more day
without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?"
take me all the way
(take me all the way)
take me all the way
(I don't wanna go, I don't wanna go)
take me all the way
(through the motions)
take me all the way

I don't wanna go through the motions

song ~ on my knees

I love music! As you can tell, I blog about songs I get introduced to that really hit me. Many times they come at a time when I am facing some difficulty...this song I heard yesterday on my drive home from work and then I heart it again while I was working late last night here at the house...kinda of like the message was something I needed to hear yet again..."Misty, your need is to be on your knees and listen"...

On My KneesDennis Jernigan

When I don't know what I need
I need to get on my knees
When waves of doubt crash over me
I need to get on my knees
On my knees I find refuge
On my knees I find grace
On my knees I can feel You
Like we're meeting face to face

When I don't know what I need
I need to get on my knees

When I don't have strength to stand
I need to reach for Your hand
When life feels like sinking sand
I need to reach for Your hand
In Your hand I find refuge
In Your hand I find grace
In Your hand I can feel You
Like we're meeting face to face

When I don't have strength to stand
I need to reach for Your hand

When life leaves me with no choice
I must listen for Your voice
When lies confuse me with their noise
I must listen for Your voice
In Your voice I find refuge
In Your voice I find grace
In Your voice I can feel You
Like we're meeting face to face

When life leaves me with no choice
I will listen for Your voice

On my knees I find refuge
On my knees I find grace
On my knees I can feel You
Like we're meeting face to face

When I don't know what I need
I need to get on my knees

song ~ one thing

There is lots going on right now creating fear and chaos in many lives, and today this song really struck home to me and I want to share it with you...
One Thing
by Paul Colman

Here I am
In a river of questions
Can I pour my heart out to a listening ear?
I see this life
Its valleys and mountains
And I think of all the roads that brought me here

I've questioned my reasons
This life I'm living
I've questioned my ability
To judge wrong from right
I've questioned all the things that I've ever called certain
My race, my religion, my country, my mind

But the one thing I don't question is you
You really love me like you say you do
You really love me like you say you do
Hold me
Hold me

I've questioned significance
Meaning and relevance
Does the work I'm doing really matter at all?
Well I've questioned my friendships
Alliance, dependence
Who will still be here when I fall?

Only one thing doesn't change
Only one thing stays the same
All I know at the end of the day is your love remains