Tuesday, December 20, 2011
SURPRISE!!! ???
This afternoon on the "prevening" (you know, that time between afternoon and evening) show one of the DJ's was confessing how her and her brother would carefully unwrap all their Christmas presents, then re-wrap them and place them back under the tree.
That reminded me of the year my older sister, Renee and I accidentally found the stash of Christmas presents. Yes, we looked for them every year, but never expected to actually find them! Christmas is the most anticipated day of the year!!! As kids we would rush into the living room to see what treasures were left behind by Santa, we'd dump our stocking contents on the floor for more treasures. This particular year was different. There was nothing new, one by one the presents we found were revealed. This only confirmed our suspicion that Santa may not be real, another disappointment. By being sneaky we only ruined it for ourselves. I did my best to hide my UN-surprise, that was work. It wasn't even fun watching the two younger kids open their presents as they squealed with delight with each new unwrapped surprise. They were clearly having much more fun that Renee and I who opened our gifts with "ho-hum-ness" To this day if I am aware of a present nearby for me, I avoid that area! I learned that ruining your surprise only hurts yourself.
Years later I wanted to surprise my husband (my ex) with a birthday party. I worked hard and made plans for a grand day to make him feel special. Unfortunately he found out and couldn't wait to tell me. He took a lot of pleasure in reminding me that I failed in keeping him from finding out about the party. I was so disappointed and learned that day that by ruining your surprise, you also ruin it for the person who has put in a lot of time and effort to do something nice. I never wanted to surprise him again.
Why can't we just let things be? why can't we just enjoy the moment?
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Oh goody, I will get what I want!
Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." So, that's how you get a new car, or house, or boat???
I'd read that verse dozens of times. I didn't understand why I wasn't getting the desires of my heart!...ie, what I wanted... I thought I was delighting myself in the Lord, but once again felt like a failure, something else I couldn't get right. I was used to that, not getting things right, what was wrong with me? I even pointed out to God that the desires of my heart were honorable desires, I wanted a happy, strong marriage, I wanted to be able to afford things for my children. I wanted to feel valuable! I asked God how to properly "delight" myself in Him so I could have those things I wanted. I just didn't get it.
One day while driving in the car the radio station I was listening to had a verse of the day. This particular day it was Psalm 37:4."Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" Instantly It hit me like a ton of bricks.... when I delight myself in the Lord He will PUT the desires HE WANTS me to have, in my heart! When we are taking pleasure in our relationship with God, He reveals His plan for our lives. When we delight ourselves in Him we can "hear" Him better.
Maybe that desire is to sell your house and live in a Hotel and just wait, while others scratch their head and look at you like you've lost your mind. Sometimes that desire is to teach, sing, speak, mentor, build a church in South America..... What ever that desire is you can count on it being out of your comfort zone! God never (in my experiences) gives you a desire to do something you already excel at, that wouldn't require any trust or stepping out in faith. But I have also learned that as you DO step out in faith and trust God's direction, or the desire of your heart, you will be rewarded in ways you could never imagine! There is no high comparable to the high you get when you obey God's direction, when you allow Him to use you as He wants.
The Funny thing is, the more you allow God to use you, the more you trust Him, and the more you trust Him the more you WANT Him to use you.
I'd read that verse dozens of times. I didn't understand why I wasn't getting the desires of my heart!...ie, what I wanted... I thought I was delighting myself in the Lord, but once again felt like a failure, something else I couldn't get right. I was used to that, not getting things right, what was wrong with me? I even pointed out to God that the desires of my heart were honorable desires, I wanted a happy, strong marriage, I wanted to be able to afford things for my children. I wanted to feel valuable! I asked God how to properly "delight" myself in Him so I could have those things I wanted. I just didn't get it.
One day while driving in the car the radio station I was listening to had a verse of the day. This particular day it was Psalm 37:4."Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" Instantly It hit me like a ton of bricks.... when I delight myself in the Lord He will PUT the desires HE WANTS me to have, in my heart! When we are taking pleasure in our relationship with God, He reveals His plan for our lives. When we delight ourselves in Him we can "hear" Him better.
Maybe that desire is to sell your house and live in a Hotel and just wait, while others scratch their head and look at you like you've lost your mind. Sometimes that desire is to teach, sing, speak, mentor, build a church in South America..... What ever that desire is you can count on it being out of your comfort zone! God never (in my experiences) gives you a desire to do something you already excel at, that wouldn't require any trust or stepping out in faith. But I have also learned that as you DO step out in faith and trust God's direction, or the desire of your heart, you will be rewarded in ways you could never imagine! There is no high comparable to the high you get when you obey God's direction, when you allow Him to use you as He wants.
The Funny thing is, the more you allow God to use you, the more you trust Him, and the more you trust Him the more you WANT Him to use you.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Great Pacific Coast Adventure day 2 & 3.
Saturday, July 10.
Our first "official" day of vacation! We left the hotel in Sacramento at 6:30am and headed to Sonora, CA to catch a GWRRA (motorcycle club) Chapter meeting at 8:30am. Everyone was very friendly, had a great time. The ride there was very pretty, brown mountains and a few scattered trees.
We followed highway 49 which is part of the original trail the gold diggers took.
Stopped at Sutter's Mill which is where gold was accidentally found and is rumored to have started the Gold Rush. The scenery is so different from Georgia's lush green landscape.
Sunday, July 11.
Today we headed to Ft Bragg on the coast! Rode through winding roads that would put the "Tail of the Dragon" in North Carolina to shame! Stopped in Napa Valley to tour Sterling Winery. We took a gondola to the Winery, the views were beautiful! Tasted a little wine, bought a couple of bottles then back on the road. We stopped in Callisto for lunch at an old Train Depot. It warmed up a good bit so layers came off. After leaving lunch we got back on the road. As we hit the Coastal Mountains the temperature went down!!!! The higher we got the more the temperature went down!! I was freezing by the time we finished crossing the mountain range.
As we came out of the mountains I could almost immediately see the Pacific Ocean. It was a thrill I must admit. We walked about a mile to Ft Bragg Steak House to have dinner. It didn't look like much from the outside, but the food was wonderful! Then we walked back to the hotel, dropped off my purse and walked a half mile to the coastline to watch the sun set. We watched a seal playing, then saw more seals in the ocean riding the waves. what a great way to end the day.
Still not able to download pictures to blog. :(
Our first "official" day of vacation! We left the hotel in Sacramento at 6:30am and headed to Sonora, CA to catch a GWRRA (motorcycle club) Chapter meeting at 8:30am. Everyone was very friendly, had a great time. The ride there was very pretty, brown mountains and a few scattered trees.
We followed highway 49 which is part of the original trail the gold diggers took.
Stopped at Sutter's Mill which is where gold was accidentally found and is rumored to have started the Gold Rush. The scenery is so different from Georgia's lush green landscape.
Sunday, July 11.
Today we headed to Ft Bragg on the coast! Rode through winding roads that would put the "Tail of the Dragon" in North Carolina to shame! Stopped in Napa Valley to tour Sterling Winery. We took a gondola to the Winery, the views were beautiful! Tasted a little wine, bought a couple of bottles then back on the road. We stopped in Callisto for lunch at an old Train Depot. It warmed up a good bit so layers came off. After leaving lunch we got back on the road. As we hit the Coastal Mountains the temperature went down!!!! The higher we got the more the temperature went down!! I was freezing by the time we finished crossing the mountain range.
As we came out of the mountains I could almost immediately see the Pacific Ocean. It was a thrill I must admit. We walked about a mile to Ft Bragg Steak House to have dinner. It didn't look like much from the outside, but the food was wonderful! Then we walked back to the hotel, dropped off my purse and walked a half mile to the coastline to watch the sun set. We watched a seal playing, then saw more seals in the ocean riding the waves. what a great way to end the day.
Still not able to download pictures to blog. :(
The Pacific Coast Grand Adventure!
We began our adventure with an adventure! I’m used to flying stand-by, but for our vacation we BOUGHT tickets so we’d get to Sacramento with no delays. Well, after sitting on the runway off to the side for about 30 minutes, the Pilot comes on the PA and explains that there is a problem with the air pressure and something about a light not working. We wait another 15 minutes and once again the Pilot explains that the light can’t be fixed where we were, so we are returning to the gate where a mechanic will be checking on the plane. After sitting at the gate for about 10 minutes once again the pilot asks over the PA that everyone turn their air vent on and close the window screen to keep the plane as cool as possible. This isn’t sounding good right now…. Once again we hear the Pilot, this time he is explaining that the plane has been grounded and we will be disembarking, the search for a new plane is on. Finally about 11:30ish we are on the run-way, this time actually taking off. Only 3 hours later than originally expected. AND, with a bought tickets! Sigh…..
Up in the air, I began reading my book, (“Rooms” by James Rubart – great book) When we were flying over New Mexico and beyond I was watching out the window. How beautiful the world is! Even from 38,000 feet up. We could see canyons, (not the Grand canyon) buttes, rivers… the changing landscape was amazing. Pretty thrilling to the snow capped Sierra Mountains in the distance and watch them get closer and closer until we could see trees. Flying over lake Tahoe was just a taste of what we will see in a few more days as we drive around it on the bikes.
I was the typical tourist and took pictures from the plane! (I tried to upload pictures but not able to)
We finally arrived in Sacramento and headed to “In and Out” a burger joint. Very limited menu, good hamburgers. It’s a California “thing” we were told.
We head out early tomorrow, will head to Highway 49, part of the original trail of the Gold-diggers. It’s in the foothills so am looking forward to taking lots of pictures!
Up in the air, I began reading my book, (“Rooms” by James Rubart – great book) When we were flying over New Mexico and beyond I was watching out the window. How beautiful the world is! Even from 38,000 feet up. We could see canyons, (not the Grand canyon) buttes, rivers… the changing landscape was amazing. Pretty thrilling to the snow capped Sierra Mountains in the distance and watch them get closer and closer until we could see trees. Flying over lake Tahoe was just a taste of what we will see in a few more days as we drive around it on the bikes.
I was the typical tourist and took pictures from the plane! (I tried to upload pictures but not able to)
We finally arrived in Sacramento and headed to “In and Out” a burger joint. Very limited menu, good hamburgers. It’s a California “thing” we were told.
We head out early tomorrow, will head to Highway 49, part of the original trail of the Gold-diggers. It’s in the foothills so am looking forward to taking lots of pictures!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
I Will Seek Wisdom
In the book, "The Traveler's Gift" by Andy Andrews, the second decision for success is, I will seek wisdom. Wisdom is a gift for the diligent. I can't be bought! The past can't be changed, but we DO have the ability to change our actions, which will change our future.
The people we choose to "hang out" with have an impact on our lives. My mom said more than once, "if you lie down with dogs, you wake up with fleas". If you surround yourself with positive, content people it's easier to be positive and content. Likewise, surrounding yourself with negative, unhappy people will guarantee your own unhappiness. If you think about it, many of our heartaches can be traced to relationships with the wrong people.
I've made some horrible mistakes in my life, but, I HAVE learned from them, and won't make them again. (I'll make new mistakes) I'm sure that is why wisdom is associated with age, because as you live life you learn. If I live to be 100, maybe I will have finally learned my lesson!
Those we associate with have a big impact on who we are or will become. Think about the people you have relationships with. Are you building them up? Are they building you up? Choose your friends wisely.
The people we choose to "hang out" with have an impact on our lives. My mom said more than once, "if you lie down with dogs, you wake up with fleas". If you surround yourself with positive, content people it's easier to be positive and content. Likewise, surrounding yourself with negative, unhappy people will guarantee your own unhappiness. If you think about it, many of our heartaches can be traced to relationships with the wrong people.
I've made some horrible mistakes in my life, but, I HAVE learned from them, and won't make them again. (I'll make new mistakes) I'm sure that is why wisdom is associated with age, because as you live life you learn. If I live to be 100, maybe I will have finally learned my lesson!
Those we associate with have a big impact on who we are or will become. Think about the people you have relationships with. Are you building them up? Are they building you up? Choose your friends wisely.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Batten Disease Awareness Weekend
June 3 - 5 is Batten Disease Awareness Weekend
What is Batten Disease? I'd never hear of it until I met Kim Fair.
Travis Jack was born beautiful and healthy. Kim & Dean Fair had the perfect family with two adorable, active little boys. When Travis was 3, Kim started noticing that he would occasionally stumble, concerned, they took him to the Doctor. That visit was the first of endless Doctor and Hospital visits. Travis was diagnosed with epilepsy and treated. But when things didn't get better, there were more and more tests. Two years went by before Travis was diagnosed with Late Infantile Batten Disease. For nearly 6 years Kim and Dean watched their precious son's health deteriorate until his life ended prematurely just before his 9th Birthday. He was wheel-chair bound, blind and fed via tube. But....he loved to snuggle and he could light up a room with his smile! No disease is good, but some are more cruel than others. After hearing Travis' story I went on line to read up on the disease I'd never heard of. Batten Disease is very cruel.
When Kim first told me about her son I felt like my heart was going to collapse. I can't even begin to fathom having to watch my child slowly die knowing there wasn't a thing I could do about it. Neither Kim or Dean knew they carried this gene!
I encourage you to go to the website below and read about it yourself, then help others become aware of this horrible disease! Kim told me she never wanted another child to suffer like her Travis and no parent to experience what her and Dean had to. Kim's request for her birthday in February was to make a donation to the Batten Disease Support and Research Association. I did, and will annually. BDSRA not only does research, but has an incredible support system including a medical equipment exchange. Batten is not well known, research needs to be done. I looked at their budget and very little goes to administration!
Again, I encourage you to visit the website www.bdsra.org and maybe even make a donation in memory of Travis Jack Fair.
BDSRA : Neurological Brain Disorder : Batten Disease Support and Research Association
www.bdsra.org
What is Batten Disease? I'd never hear of it until I met Kim Fair.
Travis Jack was born beautiful and healthy. Kim & Dean Fair had the perfect family with two adorable, active little boys. When Travis was 3, Kim started noticing that he would occasionally stumble, concerned, they took him to the Doctor. That visit was the first of endless Doctor and Hospital visits. Travis was diagnosed with epilepsy and treated. But when things didn't get better, there were more and more tests. Two years went by before Travis was diagnosed with Late Infantile Batten Disease. For nearly 6 years Kim and Dean watched their precious son's health deteriorate until his life ended prematurely just before his 9th Birthday. He was wheel-chair bound, blind and fed via tube. But....he loved to snuggle and he could light up a room with his smile! No disease is good, but some are more cruel than others. After hearing Travis' story I went on line to read up on the disease I'd never heard of. Batten Disease is very cruel.
When Kim first told me about her son I felt like my heart was going to collapse. I can't even begin to fathom having to watch my child slowly die knowing there wasn't a thing I could do about it. Neither Kim or Dean knew they carried this gene!
I encourage you to go to the website below and read about it yourself, then help others become aware of this horrible disease! Kim told me she never wanted another child to suffer like her Travis and no parent to experience what her and Dean had to. Kim's request for her birthday in February was to make a donation to the Batten Disease Support and Research Association. I did, and will annually. BDSRA not only does research, but has an incredible support system including a medical equipment exchange. Batten is not well known, research needs to be done. I looked at their budget and very little goes to administration!
Again, I encourage you to visit the website www.bdsra.org and maybe even make a donation in memory of Travis Jack Fair.
BDSRA : Neurological Brain Disorder : Batten Disease Support and Research Association
www.bdsra.org
Sunday, May 22, 2011
The Buck Stops Here!
I am currently reading a book by Andy Andrews, he has become one of my very favorite authors. His books are inspiring and really make you think. If you have never read one of his books I encourage you to pick one up and read it. Right now I am reading "The Traveler's Gift" Just reading the first section I was reminded of many things and wanted to comment on them. I decided to read a section each day (there are 7 lessons) then blog about what it means to me. I hope my ramblings on Andy's writing makes someone else think and more importantly encourages even just one person!
David Ponder is the main character in "The Traveler's Gift", he is experiencing devastation and is "traveling" to different historical people in time for some life lessons. His first lesson is "The Buck Stops Here" a quote made famous by Harry Truman. David's first response to his losing his job is, "Why me?". Isn't that response easy when we meet up with adversity? I myself have been very guilty of that response when things were not as I wanted them. There was a time when I was very angry with God and told Him so, and, I wanted to know WHY ME? Since then, I have also wondered, why me, but at the other end.... Why was I blessed with 4 beautiful, healthy children, who are productive, responsible adults? I know so many parents who have had to say good-bye to children, or who are heartbroken because of bad choices their children have made. Why was I given a safe, happy childhood? I know so many others who were sexually and/or physically abused by the very ones who should be protecting them. Why did God pick me to facilitate a healing bible-study for post-abortive women? There are so many other women who were much more educated and had better teaching skills. I could continue the list, I wonder why I have been so blessed. The funny thing is, all through the Bible, God used the misfits, the broken....the underdogs, to accomplish amazing things! He used people with brokenness who also wondered, why me?
We DO have control over our lives, yes there are things that happen to us that will knock us down, but we are totally in control of how we handle each situation in our life. Regardless of what has happened to us in the past we can't use it as an excuse for mistreating others. Our past should be used to comfort and encourage others, not be an excuse to tear others down.
David Ponder is the main character in "The Traveler's Gift", he is experiencing devastation and is "traveling" to different historical people in time for some life lessons. His first lesson is "The Buck Stops Here" a quote made famous by Harry Truman. David's first response to his losing his job is, "Why me?". Isn't that response easy when we meet up with adversity? I myself have been very guilty of that response when things were not as I wanted them. There was a time when I was very angry with God and told Him so, and, I wanted to know WHY ME? Since then, I have also wondered, why me, but at the other end.... Why was I blessed with 4 beautiful, healthy children, who are productive, responsible adults? I know so many parents who have had to say good-bye to children, or who are heartbroken because of bad choices their children have made. Why was I given a safe, happy childhood? I know so many others who were sexually and/or physically abused by the very ones who should be protecting them. Why did God pick me to facilitate a healing bible-study for post-abortive women? There are so many other women who were much more educated and had better teaching skills. I could continue the list, I wonder why I have been so blessed. The funny thing is, all through the Bible, God used the misfits, the broken....the underdogs, to accomplish amazing things! He used people with brokenness who also wondered, why me?
We DO have control over our lives, yes there are things that happen to us that will knock us down, but we are totally in control of how we handle each situation in our life. Regardless of what has happened to us in the past we can't use it as an excuse for mistreating others. Our past should be used to comfort and encourage others, not be an excuse to tear others down.
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