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.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
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.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Out of the Mouth of Babes
As parents we are supposed to teach our children. We do teach them colors, how to sing the alphabet song, how to count, to say please and thank you.... But, there is so much they teach us.
Ray and I were at Marc and Kristen's for Easter and got to watch our grandson Brady (who is 15 months old) hunting Easter eggs for the first time. Brady had us laughing out loud as he found one egg, picked it up, found another one, picked it up, but then... there was yet another egg on the ground. Brady put the egg in his hand right hand down, picked up the one on the ground, looked at the new egg in his hand but noticed the one still on the ground, he put the egg in his left hand down, picked up the one on the ground... looked at his hands and that elusive egg on the ground. You could see his mind working overtime trying to figure out how to get all 3 eggs in his hands. It was so adorable and I was fortunate enough to get it all on video! Without ever losing his temper, or getting discouraged he quickly decided to be satisfied with the current 2 eggs in his hand and walked away.
Brady reminded me that so many times in our life we want what we DON'T have and give up what we DO have to get it. Most of the time this only leaves us wanting what we gave up and we waste so much time trying to figure out a way to have what we really don't need. Why can't we be content with what we have? Contentment is a wonderful thing, we are happy when we are content. How much heartache could we save ourselves if we were grateful and not greedy. I'm not necessarily talking money, I'm talking about wanting what is not yours, and never being happy with what you DO have.... greed is everywhere. It destroys families, relationships, businesses and even governments. I remember my mom telling us over and over to "count your blessings" which means, be content, thank God for what he HAS given you instead of being angry at what He didn't.
I've said more than once that my children taught me so much. I look forward to more "lessons" from my grandchildren.
Friday, April 15, 2011
How the Other Half Live!
Ok, so now I know how the other half live. We decided last Christmas that instead of exchanging gifts, we'd go to the Biltmore in Ashville, NC for the weekend. We are staying at the Inn at Biltmore! WOW! And I do mean WOW! People falling all over you to help you. I felt out of place the minute I walked through the doors. lol We have a room with a balcony, amazing view. Color everywhere, so many flowers, trees and shrubs blooming. But not everything, you see lots of buds still waiting to burst with more color. I love the beach, but there is something so tranquil about the mountains. It is impossible to not find calmness in them. (well, at least for me)
In the evening, someone comes in to turn down your bed. They leave the chocolate and a single rose on the bed. Oh and of course there are robs for Ray and I as well as slippers!
We go to breakfast this morning, it's included in our package, and there is fine china and SILVERware including a fancy little coffee cup, not a mug! I wanted to take a picture to post on my blog, but Ray was too embarrassed... lol We sat looking out at the mountains while eating. We ate way too much, the buffet was huge, not to mention the fresh, custom made omelets. Not to worry though, I'm sure we walked 8 miles or more today! We had a light lunch and had reservations for dinner, but I canceled them. Too tired to eat a fancy, huge dinner.
I have to admit it's fun to be pampered sometimes. But I know I will be happy to return to the "real" world on Sunday. I was definitely not cut out to live the "upper crust" life. But for the next day and a half, I will relish living like the other half.
In the evening, someone comes in to turn down your bed. They leave the chocolate and a single rose on the bed. Oh and of course there are robs for Ray and I as well as slippers!
We go to breakfast this morning, it's included in our package, and there is fine china and SILVERware including a fancy little coffee cup, not a mug! I wanted to take a picture to post on my blog, but Ray was too embarrassed... lol We sat looking out at the mountains while eating. We ate way too much, the buffet was huge, not to mention the fresh, custom made omelets. Not to worry though, I'm sure we walked 8 miles or more today! We had a light lunch and had reservations for dinner, but I canceled them. Too tired to eat a fancy, huge dinner.
I have to admit it's fun to be pampered sometimes. But I know I will be happy to return to the "real" world on Sunday. I was definitely not cut out to live the "upper crust" life. But for the next day and a half, I will relish living like the other half.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Yard Work
Those that know me, know how much I love yard work! Yes, I suffer for the next few days being sore, but to me it is so worth it. There is something so satisfying in seeing instant results from pulling weeds, planting bushes, trees and of course colorful flowers. Flowers just make people happy! They certainly make me happy. :)
I've thought many times while pulling weeds how much gardening is like our relationship with Christ. Before you can plant vegetables or any plants you must get rid of the weeds, or they will overtake your garden, be it vegetables or flowers. Just getting rid of the unsightly and messy weeds makes a marked improvement, but then when you plant flowers or vegetables oh how you are rewarded! Isn't that what Christ does for us? He helps to get rid of our "weeds" so He can "plant" wonderful things in us, the fruit of the spirit... Love, Joy, peace, Patience, Kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
For me, pulling weeds is therapeutic. When I am angry or frustrated, it helps calm me. I do some great thinking while pulling weeds, it's a slow pace and there is always that instant gratification. Now sometimes the weeds are over-whelming and it's hard to make myself start cleaning them out. (like the bed at the end of our pool, I have not touched it this year, too overwhelming, it would take me all day just to make a dent) I'm glad God didn't get overwhelmed with all the "weeds" I've had in my life. I'm grateful He thought I was worth the effort to clean them out and plant a "garden" in me.
I hope God's "gardening" in me has brought someone joy, encouragement or kindness.
I've thought many times while pulling weeds how much gardening is like our relationship with Christ. Before you can plant vegetables or any plants you must get rid of the weeds, or they will overtake your garden, be it vegetables or flowers. Just getting rid of the unsightly and messy weeds makes a marked improvement, but then when you plant flowers or vegetables oh how you are rewarded! Isn't that what Christ does for us? He helps to get rid of our "weeds" so He can "plant" wonderful things in us, the fruit of the spirit... Love, Joy, peace, Patience, Kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
For me, pulling weeds is therapeutic. When I am angry or frustrated, it helps calm me. I do some great thinking while pulling weeds, it's a slow pace and there is always that instant gratification. Now sometimes the weeds are over-whelming and it's hard to make myself start cleaning them out. (like the bed at the end of our pool, I have not touched it this year, too overwhelming, it would take me all day just to make a dent) I'm glad God didn't get overwhelmed with all the "weeds" I've had in my life. I'm grateful He thought I was worth the effort to clean them out and plant a "garden" in me.
I hope God's "gardening" in me has brought someone joy, encouragement or kindness.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Why Is It?
I have a full-sized SUV, a Sequoia. (I know it's a gas guzzler, but when we bought it in 2005 gas was $1.50) Anyway, I LOVE my Sequoia, it has a very large windshield, so... why is it that a bug hits right in my line of vision???? Can't it pick somewhere on that big windshield to hit? That goes right along with, why is it that your windshield wipers ALWAYS smear also, right in your line of vision! ???? you drive down the road in pouring rain trying to see around the long smear wondering why the rain hasn't cleared it up yet. Still on the driving subject, Why is it that with no car in sight in either direction, the pokey driver pulls our right in front of you, causing you to slam on your brakes and they putt down the road? They can't wait for one car to go by, quickly, noooo...they have to be in front and tempt your road rageness.
Why is it that you will see an object day after day... until you need it! Then it is nowhere to be found. That goes for looking for items in stores also.
why is it that it rains everyday until you plant hundreds of dollars of flowers, then doesn't rain for the next 2 months?
Why is it that you come up with all kinds of great ideas to blog about while you are driving down the road and can't write them down, but when you sit in front of the computer your mind goes blank.
Why is it?
Why is it that you will see an object day after day... until you need it! Then it is nowhere to be found. That goes for looking for items in stores also.
why is it that it rains everyday until you plant hundreds of dollars of flowers, then doesn't rain for the next 2 months?
Why is it that you come up with all kinds of great ideas to blog about while you are driving down the road and can't write them down, but when you sit in front of the computer your mind goes blank.
Why is it?
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