I mentioned in an earlier post that I was intrigued with this Abby Sunderland story. And I mentioned reading up on her story......Well, I checked out her blog about her trip.........I figured it out. And now I'm even more intrigued. I kinda chuckled out loud when the page for her blog popped up. If you click on this link that leads to her blog, maybe you can figure it out. Here's her website.
And here are some snippets of the rescue - some stories, some videos.....just in case you are as interested in this story as I am.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/06/12/french-fishing-vessel-rescues-teenage-sailor-indian-ocean/
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/06/12/teen.sailor/index.html?hpt=T1
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/lost_sailor_found
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Experience
You know that old quote "Experience is the greatest teacher??" Well, I had that quote cross my mind the other day while driving down the road. It was kinda funny, but it reminded me how true that little quote is.
Actually it was the event that happened while I was driving down the road that caused me to think of it. As I was driving along with my thoughts a million miles away, I heard this awful wailing and screeching begin from the back seat along with the yelling, "My finger's STUCK!" I quickly jerked around to see what the problem was. I turned to see Addison with her finger stuck down the straw hole of a Chick-Fil-A cup lid......where the pointed triangles come together.......you know how they are. On top of that, the straw was still in it's place.
As she continues to wail, I talk her through the solution as I continue to drive. First remove the straw and then quickly pull the finger out. So, she does it and our mission is accomplished.
When she finally frees her finger and stops wailing, I scolded her a little by saying, "Do NOT do that again!" After I said it, I actually chuckled at what I just said.....because the truth is, I really don't think it's a problem any more. Experience was definitely a wonderful teacher!
Actually it was the event that happened while I was driving down the road that caused me to think of it. As I was driving along with my thoughts a million miles away, I heard this awful wailing and screeching begin from the back seat along with the yelling, "My finger's STUCK!" I quickly jerked around to see what the problem was. I turned to see Addison with her finger stuck down the straw hole of a Chick-Fil-A cup lid......where the pointed triangles come together.......you know how they are. On top of that, the straw was still in it's place.
As she continues to wail, I talk her through the solution as I continue to drive. First remove the straw and then quickly pull the finger out. So, she does it and our mission is accomplished.
When she finally frees her finger and stops wailing, I scolded her a little by saying, "Do NOT do that again!" After I said it, I actually chuckled at what I just said.....because the truth is, I really don't think it's a problem any more. Experience was definitely a wonderful teacher!
The Rescue
Ok, so I'm following the story of the 16 year old sailor Abby Sunderland pretty closely. I'm intrigued by, and frankly a little nervous about, her whole ordeal. I've read just about every news story there is to read and as one news anchor said earlier today, "yesterday the main stream media had her already dead and buried somewhere in the great unknowns of the Indian Ocean." And today, she sits in the middle of the Indian Ocean, safe, unharmed, and patiently waiting for some big fishing boat to make it out to where she's at because of the damage on her boat.
I've read comment after comment about what poor parents she must have and how they should be charged with negligence and every other kind of negative comment possible after an event such as hers. Personally, I have such a fear of deep water that I'd never even allow the possibility of what she's doing cross my mind, but hey, those are her dreams. I had mine, she has hers.......
One thing that's hard to wrap your brain around is that there is actually a 16 year old in the world that is as responsible as she is. It has to do with the fact that everyone seems to be comparing her to this generation's 16 year olds. And heaven knows, as a general rule, they don't have enough responsibility to shake a stick at. It was less than 4 generations ago, it was commonplace that 13 and 14 year olds were marrying and having babies and maintaining families and lifelong marriages. I know, because my great-grandmother was one of those. Thank GOD I was not one of them. I can't even IMAGINE being married at 18 - much less 13.
Anyway....aside from all of that, one person commented on one of the stories I read and he had a great point. After attempting to calm down the outraged individuals railing about the poor parenting of Abby's parents, he replied,
"These parents taught their children to follow their dream and they did. again KUDOS to them. What can your child do? Make it to level 27 on some video game? Give them a medal. And when they are still living with you at the age of 40 you will know what YOU DID WRONG!!!
Personally, I moved away from home to go to college at the ripe old age of 17. I went to fulfill a dream. I remember more than one night in the little town of Livingston, Alabama running from tornadoes and praying with all my heart and might that God would shield me and protect me. More than once I lay on my bed hoping upon every breath I took that one of those huge pine trees that surrounded my house didn't lean a little too heavy towards my side of the house during those dreadful storms. Because had it done so, I would be dead in a split second. I woke up more than once on bright and sunny mornings with my head buried underneath multiple pillows after falling asleep singing at the top of my lungs to cover the sound of the wind whistling through my old (in bad need of repair) windows of my little cabin. I would remember falling asleep singing Janet Paschal's song, "He's my shelter in the hurricane, He's my peace when the world's insane....that same promise that will NEVER change, He'll cover you through WHATEVER......." And my "whatever" was tornado warnings and tornado sirens, and falling branches, and thumping loose pieces of siding........
After hearing all these people carry on with their negative attitudes about Abby's journey, I have thought long and hard about all of these memories I have just listed.
The truth of the matter is, no matter what dream you head out to fulfill, there is risk in every one. I was just as unsafe in Tornado Alley in Livingston, Alabama at times as Abby is in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The middle of the ocean just happens to be a much more dreadful place to be stuck in the middle of a storm in my meager opinion.....but that's just my opinion. I chose not to go there. And NEVER will. EVER! Unless I'm carried that far by a tornado or hurricane that floats through Savannah and lands me there. By my choice, I will never go! SO, tomorrow sometime or the day after that, I'm looking for Abby to crawl onto her rescue boat and head back home. Until then, she sits there with 2 weeks worth of food and provisions. According to the seasoned sailors, she has handled her situation with great grace and responsibility.
So, when you might get tempted to think in a negative way about this kid's dreams and the way she's fulfilled them....just remember, a college campus can be, and too often is, an even more fatal place to fulfill a dream than a trip around the world passing through a storm in the middle of the Indian Ocean - alone in a boat.
That's just my view on the matter......
I've read comment after comment about what poor parents she must have and how they should be charged with negligence and every other kind of negative comment possible after an event such as hers. Personally, I have such a fear of deep water that I'd never even allow the possibility of what she's doing cross my mind, but hey, those are her dreams. I had mine, she has hers.......
One thing that's hard to wrap your brain around is that there is actually a 16 year old in the world that is as responsible as she is. It has to do with the fact that everyone seems to be comparing her to this generation's 16 year olds. And heaven knows, as a general rule, they don't have enough responsibility to shake a stick at. It was less than 4 generations ago, it was commonplace that 13 and 14 year olds were marrying and having babies and maintaining families and lifelong marriages. I know, because my great-grandmother was one of those. Thank GOD I was not one of them. I can't even IMAGINE being married at 18 - much less 13.
Anyway....aside from all of that, one person commented on one of the stories I read and he had a great point. After attempting to calm down the outraged individuals railing about the poor parenting of Abby's parents, he replied,
"These parents taught their children to follow their dream and they did. again KUDOS to them. What can your child do? Make it to level 27 on some video game? Give them a medal. And when they are still living with you at the age of 40 you will know what YOU DID WRONG!!!
Personally, I moved away from home to go to college at the ripe old age of 17. I went to fulfill a dream. I remember more than one night in the little town of Livingston, Alabama running from tornadoes and praying with all my heart and might that God would shield me and protect me. More than once I lay on my bed hoping upon every breath I took that one of those huge pine trees that surrounded my house didn't lean a little too heavy towards my side of the house during those dreadful storms. Because had it done so, I would be dead in a split second. I woke up more than once on bright and sunny mornings with my head buried underneath multiple pillows after falling asleep singing at the top of my lungs to cover the sound of the wind whistling through my old (in bad need of repair) windows of my little cabin. I would remember falling asleep singing Janet Paschal's song, "He's my shelter in the hurricane, He's my peace when the world's insane....that same promise that will NEVER change, He'll cover you through WHATEVER......." And my "whatever" was tornado warnings and tornado sirens, and falling branches, and thumping loose pieces of siding........
After hearing all these people carry on with their negative attitudes about Abby's journey, I have thought long and hard about all of these memories I have just listed.
The truth of the matter is, no matter what dream you head out to fulfill, there is risk in every one. I was just as unsafe in Tornado Alley in Livingston, Alabama at times as Abby is in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The middle of the ocean just happens to be a much more dreadful place to be stuck in the middle of a storm in my meager opinion.....but that's just my opinion. I chose not to go there. And NEVER will. EVER! Unless I'm carried that far by a tornado or hurricane that floats through Savannah and lands me there. By my choice, I will never go! SO, tomorrow sometime or the day after that, I'm looking for Abby to crawl onto her rescue boat and head back home. Until then, she sits there with 2 weeks worth of food and provisions. According to the seasoned sailors, she has handled her situation with great grace and responsibility.
So, when you might get tempted to think in a negative way about this kid's dreams and the way she's fulfilled them....just remember, a college campus can be, and too often is, an even more fatal place to fulfill a dream than a trip around the world passing through a storm in the middle of the Indian Ocean - alone in a boat.
That's just my view on the matter......
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Yahoo News
This was one of the top stories on Yahoo News this morning. After watching it, it reminded me of another clip I'd seen a few months ago. I'll post both, because Heaven knows they are hilarious. Both supposed to be great events! But have you ever had these moments where you've been so miserable, you just couldn't help yourself, or maybe you did stay awake for some memory, but mostly remember how miserable you were???
In case you're wondering, I really have no idea what either speech is about or anything that is said.....I'm mainly paying attention to the student at the top right of President Obama's head on the first video and President Clinton on the second. I'm sure you would have figured that out! Just don't want you to miss the point of why I'm posting them.
In case you're wondering, I really have no idea what either speech is about or anything that is said.....I'm mainly paying attention to the student at the top right of President Obama's head on the first video and President Clinton on the second. I'm sure you would have figured that out! Just don't want you to miss the point of why I'm posting them.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Pretty Much Completed
Ok, so this is the almost completed project. The only thing left is to finish the trundle underneath. Fortunately, she's thrilled with it. That's really all that matters, after all, I guess. She especially likes the marker board. There will also be a small set of steps that have not arrived yet. I have to pick them up.
By the way, the curtains are also going to get some design. That's also an unfinished project that kinda when to the back burner for some other stuff. It'll all get done someday!
Monday, June 7, 2010
New Project
My neighbor's favorite question every time she sees me outside is "what kind of project are you working on now?" She says every time she talks to me I've got something new going on. That's because I'm always outside planting or painting. It's always something.....
So, since Laura keeps asking me, here's a few pictures of the project that has kept me extremely busy for the last few days. This was my biggest project yet, and Jeremy was VERY skeptical at first, but he's coming around. I'm so ready to get this completed that I can't stand it. I have literally worked day and most nights on. In between building, I've managed to squeeze in a Pampered Chef party, church work day for campmeeting in two weeks, services all day Sunday, and full day of work Friday and today (Monday). I'm hoping that tomorrow evening this time I'll be able to post the pictures of my completed project. Actually, I would still be working on it, were I not waiting for the caulking and a coat of primer to dry right now.
This is for Addison's room. She didn't like the idea of change at first, but she's also coming around. I found this particular "idea" on a search for a daybed, and this particular one cost approx $800. I saved the picture of it in our picture folder in the computer and spent weeks figuring plans. It's been a great experience watching the ideas come to life.....however, it's not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but personally, I love it.
To add a personal touch, you will see one side of the bed is white at the end. The white end is actually a dry erase marker board. The other end has a chalkboard. There will be room at the ends of the bed for her to have a little creative corner.
So, since Laura keeps asking me, here's a few pictures of the project that has kept me extremely busy for the last few days. This was my biggest project yet, and Jeremy was VERY skeptical at first, but he's coming around. I'm so ready to get this completed that I can't stand it. I have literally worked day and most nights on. In between building, I've managed to squeeze in a Pampered Chef party, church work day for campmeeting in two weeks, services all day Sunday, and full day of work Friday and today (Monday). I'm hoping that tomorrow evening this time I'll be able to post the pictures of my completed project. Actually, I would still be working on it, were I not waiting for the caulking and a coat of primer to dry right now.
This is for Addison's room. She didn't like the idea of change at first, but she's also coming around. I found this particular "idea" on a search for a daybed, and this particular one cost approx $800. I saved the picture of it in our picture folder in the computer and spent weeks figuring plans. It's been a great experience watching the ideas come to life.....however, it's not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but personally, I love it.
To add a personal touch, you will see one side of the bed is white at the end. The white end is actually a dry erase marker board. The other end has a chalkboard. There will be room at the ends of the bed for her to have a little creative corner.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
LOL!
This is just to make you smile. While in search for the video that I posted in the last post, this one also appeared and I laughed my head off about it. You don't expect what you're getting ready to see.
I think it's hilarious.
I think it's hilarious.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Go Figure
After reading this article this afternoon, the last paragraph has me a little confused. I am trying to do this the easy way, so I don't know why this is becoming such a problem / uproar........
And let me tell you, from the statements that I've read, any person who has stood in an immigration line and has done everything needed to reach legal immigrant status seems to support Arizona and the bill that they are getting ready to enforce regarding illegal aliens. I think any person with papers would be mighty proud to show them if asked about their status instead of this:
So, this is where I need a little help figuring. This is the last line of the article.
"The White House has indicated that it's prepared to go to court if necessary in a bid to block the new law, which makes it a state crime to be in the country illegally."
The dictionary defines a crime as "an action or instance that is legally prohibited." Isn't it already a crime? It's just a bill that says we are finally going to enforce a law that's existent in every state of the union. It's just not enforced anywhere else. And why, again, is this such a bad thing to enforce the law........
And let me tell you, from the statements that I've read, any person who has stood in an immigration line and has done everything needed to reach legal immigrant status seems to support Arizona and the bill that they are getting ready to enforce regarding illegal aliens. I think any person with papers would be mighty proud to show them if asked about their status instead of this:
So, this is where I need a little help figuring. This is the last line of the article.
"The White House has indicated that it's prepared to go to court if necessary in a bid to block the new law, which makes it a state crime to be in the country illegally."
The dictionary defines a crime as "an action or instance that is legally prohibited." Isn't it already a crime? It's just a bill that says we are finally going to enforce a law that's existent in every state of the union. It's just not enforced anywhere else. And why, again, is this such a bad thing to enforce the law........
A Good Soldier
A man preached at our church on Sunday night about the importance of being a dedicated soldier in the fight of Faith. Especially in these times. It was a great message, but he read a poem that I'm sure some have read before but it was really powerful. In case you haven't heard it before, I decided I'd post the words to it. I loved it. He put some expression in it, and added a few notes.....that is lacking in this post, but the words are pretty powerful - in and of themselves. It is written by: B.J.Morbitzer
I am a soldier in the in the army of my God.
The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer.
The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.
Faith, prayer and the Word are my weapons of warfare.
I have been taught by the Holy Spirit,
Trained by experience,
Tried by adversity
And tested by fire.
I am a volunteer in this Army,
And I am enlisted for eternity.
I will not get out,
Sell out,
Be talked out,
Or pushed out.
I am faithful,
Reliable,
Capable,
And dependable.
If my God needs me,
I am there.
I am not a baby.
I do not need to be pampered,
Petted,
Primed up,
Pumped up,
Picked up,
Or pepped up.
I am a soldier.
I am not a wimp.
I am in place,
Saluting my King,
Obeying His orders,
Praising His name,
And building His kingdom!
No one has to send me flowers,
Gifts, food, cards or, candy.
I do not need to be cuddled,
Cradled,
Cared for, or catered to.
I am committed.
I cannot have my feelings hurt
Bad enough to turn me around.
I cannot be discouraged enough
To turn me aside.
I cannot lose enough
To cause me to quit.
When Jesus called me into His Army,
I had nothing.
If I end up with nothing,
I will still come out ahead.
I will win.
My God has and will continue
To supply all of my needs.
I am more than a conqueror.
I will always triumph.
I can do all things through Christ.
Devils cannot defeat me.
People cannot disillusion me.
Weather cannot weary me.
Sickness cannot stop me.
Battles cannot beat me.
Money cannot buy me.
Governments cannot silence me.
And Hell cannot handle me.
I am a soldier.
Even death cannot destroy me.
For when my Commander
Calls me from this battlefield,
He will promote me to Captain
And then allow me to rule with Him.
I am a soldier in the Army,
And I’m claiming victory.
I will not give up.
I will not turn around.
I am a soldier,
Marching Heaven bound.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Savannah Choir
As you know from previous posts, the beginning of the year was consumed with choir practices, a trip to Nashville, and fundraisers, and a trip to Louisville. All for the choir. Half for the new CD we got in April, and the other half for the Pentecostal Youth Fire Conference.
Our choir director recently started an open Facebook page for the choir so that people could order CD's online, look at the pictures of the choir, etc......
If you're not on Facebook, you do not have to open an account to see this. I'm not on Facebook, either, but this page is open to anyone. Here's the link if anyone is interested.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Savannah-Choir/115716711787954
Our choir director recently started an open Facebook page for the choir so that people could order CD's online, look at the pictures of the choir, etc......
If you're not on Facebook, you do not have to open an account to see this. I'm not on Facebook, either, but this page is open to anyone. Here's the link if anyone is interested.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Savannah-Choir/115716711787954
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Count Your Blessings
My Aunt Linda and I love blond jokes. We send them back and forth to each other when we get a new one.
A couple years ago, a friend of mine, who I worked with, told me this story. I laughed so hard. It was so hilarious for a number of reasons. Her daughter had a tendency to 'blond moments' so that was part of the hysteria of the whole thing.
I thought it was so funny, I eventually submitted it to Reader's Digest, received a $100 check from them and a notice telling me that it would be printed in the next month's issue of Reader's Digest.....I thought about this earlier this morning and realized I'd never posted it. The story goes like this....
A few Thanksgivings a go, a young teenage pastor's daughter was assigned the task of printing up the church's Thanksgiving program to be passed out on the weekend of Thanksgiving. (this teenager was the daughter of the nurse I worked with - her husband was the pastor) Well, she took her job very seriously and completed it just as she was asked. At the end of all the necessary things she needed to announce in the program, she placed her little "prayer / quote" regarding Thanksgiving at the end. It was to read, "Thank you Lord for all the blessings that we are at times too blind to see."
After she got all her programs printed out, her mom realized her typo and brought me a program to show me - because she knew I would think it was funny. It read "Thank you Lord for all the blessings that we are at times too blond to see." LOL! We had a running joke about blond blessings.
A couple years ago, a friend of mine, who I worked with, told me this story. I laughed so hard. It was so hilarious for a number of reasons. Her daughter had a tendency to 'blond moments' so that was part of the hysteria of the whole thing.
I thought it was so funny, I eventually submitted it to Reader's Digest, received a $100 check from them and a notice telling me that it would be printed in the next month's issue of Reader's Digest.....I thought about this earlier this morning and realized I'd never posted it. The story goes like this....
A few Thanksgivings a go, a young teenage pastor's daughter was assigned the task of printing up the church's Thanksgiving program to be passed out on the weekend of Thanksgiving. (this teenager was the daughter of the nurse I worked with - her husband was the pastor) Well, she took her job very seriously and completed it just as she was asked. At the end of all the necessary things she needed to announce in the program, she placed her little "prayer / quote" regarding Thanksgiving at the end. It was to read, "Thank you Lord for all the blessings that we are at times too blind to see."
After she got all her programs printed out, her mom realized her typo and brought me a program to show me - because she knew I would think it was funny. It read "Thank you Lord for all the blessings that we are at times too blond to see." LOL! We had a running joke about blond blessings.
Quote of the Day
A friend of mine is a huge Dr. Seuss fan. I found this great quote by him and decided I'd post it. She should like it....
" Today you are YOU, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than YOU!"
- Dr. Seuss
" Today you are YOU, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than YOU!"
- Dr. Seuss
Monday, May 24, 2010
LIFE
Saturday night we attended a Jeff and Sheri Easter concert in our little town. The only negative thing about the show was the pre-show. It seemed endless. Beside I have this thing about people who seem kinda fake. It just drives me crazy.
Anyway, I'll quit complaining and get on with my thoughts.
During the concert, Sheri Easter shared some different tidbits about her recent bout with breast cancer. She talked about all the treatments and the thoughts , songs, and experiences that occurred during that experience. A few songs she wrote during that time....etc....
After intermission, before what was supposed to be the last song (but wasn't), she shared a thought she had during her whole experience. It was a thought about LIFE. She said she had thought about it on more than one occasion how some people think that their trials are God's punishment to them or along those lines. But it all boils down to LIFE. LIFE Happens! It may be due to different reasons that we may have brought on....taking certain meds, eating certain foods, etc.....She made it clear that God is not up in heaven pointing his fingers at different individuals saying - "Ok, I'm going to give you cancer, I'm going to do this to you, I'm going to do that to you....."
LIFE just somehow happens. But when LIFE happens, God provides the strength to get you through LIFE - whatever the circumstances may be. Then on the other side of that issue of LIFE has taught you lessons that you would have never learned any other way. And on the other side of that LIFE event, you can put your arm around someone who's never walked that road before and say, I've been there. It somehow gives them hope to know that someone's been there and has come out on the other side victorious.
These thoughts have been swirling around in my head since Saturday night and I've had plenty to think about. I have thought of the challenges and heartaches in the lives of my different family members and friends that LIFE has presented in the the last year or so.
The first human response is to rail at God our frustrations at how he could have allowed this to happen and why He doesn't prevent it. If He consistently prevented pain or in this instance, LIFE, we would be so spoiled rotten we would be intolerable. If He consistently prevented pain, we would also be able to solve the age old question of why bad things happen to good people. At the same time, if He consistently prevented pain in His children, we would never know how good Victory tasted! There's nothing more wonderful than a sweet victory. Nothing. Somehow, one taste of a victory, makes the pain not as horrible as it seemed - even though at the time, it seemed merciless.
Standing on the victorious side of LIFE, when you put your arms across the shoulder of those who are standing on the threshold of what LIFE once held for you, the power of the HOPE you have to offer gives you an unusual sense of thankfulness that you have arrived at that moment to offer such hope.
When I think along this line of thoughts, it reminds me of a song a little trio of brothers and a sister sang a few weeks ago in our youth service....the paraphrase of the song went like this......"you won't find my bones in the valley that I've left behind - all you'll see are the footprints that tell you I was there."
With all that being said, here's the song that they sang that I really love concerning LIFE...
Anyway, I'll quit complaining and get on with my thoughts.
During the concert, Sheri Easter shared some different tidbits about her recent bout with breast cancer. She talked about all the treatments and the thoughts , songs, and experiences that occurred during that experience. A few songs she wrote during that time....etc....
After intermission, before what was supposed to be the last song (but wasn't), she shared a thought she had during her whole experience. It was a thought about LIFE. She said she had thought about it on more than one occasion how some people think that their trials are God's punishment to them or along those lines. But it all boils down to LIFE. LIFE Happens! It may be due to different reasons that we may have brought on....taking certain meds, eating certain foods, etc.....She made it clear that God is not up in heaven pointing his fingers at different individuals saying - "Ok, I'm going to give you cancer, I'm going to do this to you, I'm going to do that to you....."
LIFE just somehow happens. But when LIFE happens, God provides the strength to get you through LIFE - whatever the circumstances may be. Then on the other side of that issue of LIFE has taught you lessons that you would have never learned any other way. And on the other side of that LIFE event, you can put your arm around someone who's never walked that road before and say, I've been there. It somehow gives them hope to know that someone's been there and has come out on the other side victorious.
These thoughts have been swirling around in my head since Saturday night and I've had plenty to think about. I have thought of the challenges and heartaches in the lives of my different family members and friends that LIFE has presented in the the last year or so.
The first human response is to rail at God our frustrations at how he could have allowed this to happen and why He doesn't prevent it. If He consistently prevented pain or in this instance, LIFE, we would be so spoiled rotten we would be intolerable. If He consistently prevented pain, we would also be able to solve the age old question of why bad things happen to good people. At the same time, if He consistently prevented pain in His children, we would never know how good Victory tasted! There's nothing more wonderful than a sweet victory. Nothing. Somehow, one taste of a victory, makes the pain not as horrible as it seemed - even though at the time, it seemed merciless.
Standing on the victorious side of LIFE, when you put your arms across the shoulder of those who are standing on the threshold of what LIFE once held for you, the power of the HOPE you have to offer gives you an unusual sense of thankfulness that you have arrived at that moment to offer such hope.
When I think along this line of thoughts, it reminds me of a song a little trio of brothers and a sister sang a few weeks ago in our youth service....the paraphrase of the song went like this......"you won't find my bones in the valley that I've left behind - all you'll see are the footprints that tell you I was there."
With all that being said, here's the song that they sang that I really love concerning LIFE...
Friday, May 21, 2010
So Funny!
I'm one of those kind of people that no matter where I am, be it the mall, a restaurant, etc...if there's music with a beat, I'll either start tapping my feet, or snapping my fingers. The beat is just in my blood - can't help it....and it usually don't matter what the song is either. Sometimes I catch myself tapping to some awful rock song with terrible lyrics and don't even realize it. If it's in your blood - it's in your blood. A beat is a beat is a beat, and you feel it where ever you are.....kinda like this little fella' (click on the the link). So, I understand what's going on in his head! It just makes you move! LOL!
(Make sure your volume is up enough!)
(Make sure your volume is up enough!)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Lost!
My friend Tosha sent this to me a few days ago. It's so hilarious! Just had to share.....
As a bagpiper, I play many gigs. Recently I was asked by a funeral director to play at a graveside service for a homeless man. He had no family or friends, so the service was to be at a pauper's cemetery in the Kentucky back country. As I was not familiar with the backwoods, I got lost and, being a typical man, I didn't stop for directions. I finally arrived an hour late and saw the funeral guy had evidently gone and the hearse was nowhere in sight. There were only the diggers and crew left and they were eating lunch. I felt badly and apologized to the men for being late. I went to the side of the grave and looked down and the vault lid was already in place. I didn't know what else to do, so I started to play.
The workers put down their lunches and began to gather around. I played out my heart and soul for this man with no family and friends. I played like I've never played before for this homeless man. And as I played 'Amazing Grace,' the workers began to weep. They wept, I wept, and we all wept together. When I finished I packed up my bagpipes and started for my car. Though my head hung low, my heart was full.
As I opened the door to my car, I heard one of the workers say, "I never seen nothin' like that before and I've been putting in septic tanks for twenty years."
As a bagpiper, I play many gigs. Recently I was asked by a funeral director to play at a graveside service for a homeless man. He had no family or friends, so the service was to be at a pauper's cemetery in the Kentucky back country. As I was not familiar with the backwoods, I got lost and, being a typical man, I didn't stop for directions. I finally arrived an hour late and saw the funeral guy had evidently gone and the hearse was nowhere in sight. There were only the diggers and crew left and they were eating lunch. I felt badly and apologized to the men for being late. I went to the side of the grave and looked down and the vault lid was already in place. I didn't know what else to do, so I started to play.
The workers put down their lunches and began to gather around. I played out my heart and soul for this man with no family and friends. I played like I've never played before for this homeless man. And as I played 'Amazing Grace,' the workers began to weep. They wept, I wept, and we all wept together. When I finished I packed up my bagpipes and started for my car. Though my head hung low, my heart was full.
As I opened the door to my car, I heard one of the workers say, "I never seen nothin' like that before and I've been putting in septic tanks for twenty years."
Monday, May 17, 2010
Bleeding Blue
This story is for my avid Kentucky Wildcats fan aunt. Aunt Linda. You've probably already seen this, but just in case you haven't.....
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Two Places at One Time
My pastor's wife and I were discussing the famous River Street today at one point, and ever since we had that conversation, my head has been spinning with these words. I let my mind wonder for just a second about how much I enjoy walking along the cobblestone sidewalks and the interesting sites down there. And this just stuck in my head.
I heard this years ago, but with the condition the world is coming to, it's kinda sitting in the forefront of my brain, these days. I'm not anxious to stay around this joint if it gets much worse, just to be honest.
Just wanted to share the beautiful thoughts of someone's imagination regarding Heaven, while still attempting to exist here.
"Every time I walk on cobblestone, I imagine streets of gold
And beyond this house I'm living in, there are mansions , I am told.
I know there's so much more to life, than meets these human eyes
Seems I'm always in two places at one time.
Every time the wind blows through the pines, I can hear the angels sing
And beyond the smoky mountain tops, There are surely grander things.
I know there's so much more to life, than meets these human eyes
Seems I'm always in two places at one time
Now I've been called a dreamer, a poor soul out of place,
But my heart is firmly planted in a field of endless days..........
Every time this world has ever tried to offer me its best
I think about the place I'll see when I am laid to rest,
I know there's so much more to life than what we realize
Seems I'm always in two places at one time."
Sometimes I'm tempted to get overwhelmed with this earthy chaotic process and allow my priorities to drift and get sidetracked - but not for long. I truly want my affections set on things above....not down here.
I heard this years ago, but with the condition the world is coming to, it's kinda sitting in the forefront of my brain, these days. I'm not anxious to stay around this joint if it gets much worse, just to be honest.
Just wanted to share the beautiful thoughts of someone's imagination regarding Heaven, while still attempting to exist here.
"Every time I walk on cobblestone, I imagine streets of gold
And beyond this house I'm living in, there are mansions , I am told.
I know there's so much more to life, than meets these human eyes
Seems I'm always in two places at one time.
Every time the wind blows through the pines, I can hear the angels sing
And beyond the smoky mountain tops, There are surely grander things.
I know there's so much more to life, than meets these human eyes
Seems I'm always in two places at one time
Now I've been called a dreamer, a poor soul out of place,
But my heart is firmly planted in a field of endless days..........
Every time this world has ever tried to offer me its best
I think about the place I'll see when I am laid to rest,
I know there's so much more to life than what we realize
Seems I'm always in two places at one time."
Sometimes I'm tempted to get overwhelmed with this earthy chaotic process and allow my priorities to drift and get sidetracked - but not for long. I truly want my affections set on things above....not down here.
Can't Wait!!
When I was a kid, we used to gather around the radio to listen to Friday Night sing on Moody Radio. 91.9. Dixon Mills, AL. Our favorite guests to sing were Steven and Annie Chapman and the African Children's Choir. I was always so amazed by the Children's Choir - and how well they could keep it all together.
As you know, I'm kinda into choirs, so listening to the children as a child just captivated my attention.
The other day, I was riding down the road close to my house, and noticed a sign at one of the nearby churches. Much to my pure DELIGHT, I realized that the Watoto African's Children's Choir was coming to my little town of Bloomingdale, just a few streets down from where I live. I am absolutely over the moon about it. Not just because I am excited that I finally get to witness them in person, but because I get to share the sheer delight of taking my little girl and hopefully my niece to share in the moment. I plan to take lots of pictures - to savor the memory. It will definitely be a highlight for me that I will probably talk about for ages and ages. There's something about the fact that a bus full of orphans who have lost their parents to diseases such as AIDS and such like.......it just has the ability to affect me in ways that are unexplainable. I just love it.
So, just in case you are in the area reading this and would like to attend, the details are as follows: May 25th at 7:30, they will be at Westside Christian Church on Hwy 80 in Bloomingdale.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Weekend Project
Here's something Addison and I did over the weekend to add a little color to the landscaping. SHe painted a few clay pots and we added flowers to them.
This was inspired by some landscaping from Dollywood. I love the concept of the turned over pots with flowers growing out of them.
This was inspired by some landscaping from Dollywood. I love the concept of the turned over pots with flowers growing out of them.
Got a Song in Your Heart?
I love music. That's no secret to anyone, I don't assume. I like many styles, many groups, and have a long list of favorite songs. I simply can't narrow the song list down to one or two. It's just impossible for me. The list of favorite groups, however is much shorter, and I can make that pretty brief, of course starting with the McGruders. On the short list is the Greenes, Jeff and Sheri Easter, the Booth Brothers, Gaither Vocal Band, and the Collingsworth Family. Gold City is growing on me, but I'm not sure they've made it to the short list yet.
Anyway, I don't think I've ever posted a Booth Brothers song / video on my blog before. Seeing them in concert is probably one of the greatest delights I've experienced. I was reminded that they sang this song yesterday while listening to XM 34. This is on the list of my favorite songs in the world! Probably close to the top. It's a very motivational song for me. It speaks exactly the way I feel. Eternity is just entirely too long to get side tracked by the short term. With that being said, I think this song explains itself. I simply will not walk away!
Since I've started on the Booth Brothers, I'll give you another song to enjoy. this one is of a totally different caliber. I'm posting it for a multitude of reasons. The first being is that it is one of the first songs I can remember my mom singing in church when I was a little girl. Laura will at least appreciate the memory of that.
One of the other reasons I'm posting it is that the studio this is being recorded in the same studio where the choir just completed our CD. The guy at the soundboard is Paul Corley - the producer of our CD. My alto group stood right around where Michael, the tenor, is singing, and Jeremy's group, where Jim Brady is sitting. The entire video offers an array of memories....all good....
Note: the green writing will disappear soon into the video.....not soon enough for me, but it will disappear. Don't know why it's there.
Anyway, I don't think I've ever posted a Booth Brothers song / video on my blog before. Seeing them in concert is probably one of the greatest delights I've experienced. I was reminded that they sang this song yesterday while listening to XM 34. This is on the list of my favorite songs in the world! Probably close to the top. It's a very motivational song for me. It speaks exactly the way I feel. Eternity is just entirely too long to get side tracked by the short term. With that being said, I think this song explains itself. I simply will not walk away!
Since I've started on the Booth Brothers, I'll give you another song to enjoy. this one is of a totally different caliber. I'm posting it for a multitude of reasons. The first being is that it is one of the first songs I can remember my mom singing in church when I was a little girl. Laura will at least appreciate the memory of that.
One of the other reasons I'm posting it is that the studio this is being recorded in the same studio where the choir just completed our CD. The guy at the soundboard is Paul Corley - the producer of our CD. My alto group stood right around where Michael, the tenor, is singing, and Jeremy's group, where Jim Brady is sitting. The entire video offers an array of memories....all good....
Note: the green writing will disappear soon into the video.....not soon enough for me, but it will disappear. Don't know why it's there.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Design Ideas Anyone?
As you know, I'm always loving a good design or creative idea. Coming up with the time to act upon that idea is usually the problem for me.
But, just in case you like to look, the same way I do, here are some beautiful ideas from some blogs I had recommended and some I found while browsing myself.
Thanks Jenna for the recommendation. Laura, you should love these, if you've not seen them. Brina, maybe you'll get a new idea or two for your decorating. Who knows!
http://theinspiredroom.net/
http://aimee-weaver.blogspot.com/
http://thefrenchfarmhouse.blogspot.com/
http://www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/
But, just in case you like to look, the same way I do, here are some beautiful ideas from some blogs I had recommended and some I found while browsing myself.
Thanks Jenna for the recommendation. Laura, you should love these, if you've not seen them. Brina, maybe you'll get a new idea or two for your decorating. Who knows!
http://theinspiredroom.net/
http://aimee-weaver.blogspot.com/
http://thefrenchfarmhouse.blogspot.com/
http://www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/
Friday, May 7, 2010
Highlights
On our recent quest to pick up Jeremy's car, we stopped by my grandparent's vacation home in Sevierville. Jeremy managed to get off Monday and Tuesday while we were there - after we were there, so we took the time to play for a few hours.
I'll post some pictures of Jeremy's new toy in a later post.
Here are some of Addison's favorite moments from the recent trip. I'll type more later. Since everybody likes to look at pictures, here's what she did while away! (Yesterday she stayed with Jenna for a couple hours - she talked in circles about the events of her trip, Jenna's head was spinning trying to figure out all the places she went and all the events she was talking about)
Even with all the places she got to go and the things she got to do, probably the biggest highlight of her trip was getting to drink a "Nugrape" soda out of a glass bottle. She raves about it continuously!
I'll post some pictures of Jeremy's new toy in a later post.
Here are some of Addison's favorite moments from the recent trip. I'll type more later. Since everybody likes to look at pictures, here's what she did while away! (Yesterday she stayed with Jenna for a couple hours - she talked in circles about the events of her trip, Jenna's head was spinning trying to figure out all the places she went and all the events she was talking about)
Even with all the places she got to go and the things she got to do, probably the biggest highlight of her trip was getting to drink a "Nugrape" soda out of a glass bottle. She raves about it continuously!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Thank Goodness
Thank the Lord that our work in Nashville is complete. This is the road that we traveled to get there and back!
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