I woke up this morning to a beautiful sunshiny day. The sun greeted me with its rays streaming through my bedroom windows promising a gorgeous day ahead. Joey is planning on painting the house during his two weeks off for social distancing. He noticed that there was rot on the end of the garage and decided that the siding at the top of the eave had to be replaced now rather than later. We already had the supplies from the repairs he had to make to the west end of the house where the master bedroom is last year. We started painting the house around May of last year but the weather got too hot to finish it. Of course we got sidetracked and it has taken this long to get back on track.
Governor Kemp made an announcement today that he is cancelling school for the rest of the school year. I have felt that would be the case but hearing it just seems surreal. People are understandably very upset. There won't be any proms this spring for the first time in the history of proms, I suppose. Many teachers have said that their classroom pictures haven't been made. Students aren't going to be able to say goodbye to their teachers and their friends and hopes of graduates walking down the aisle are pretty much over. Its really a sad situation but to try and look on the bright side since I tend to be told I am a negative Nancy, who can say that their senior year was cancelled due to a pandemic? They will for the foreseeable future have the best senior year stories to tell to their children and grandchildren. They almost top my grandparents who walked to school in the snow, uphill both ways...barefooted.
I really fear for the underprivileged that may only shop once a month when they get their checks. All the craziness started long after they had done their shopping for the month. Stores have been pretty bare for over two weeks and I fear the governor's newest announcement lengthening our shelter in place order for two more weeks will throw people into more of a panic. I can't imagine having to try and find everything my family will need with the current situation the stores are in. Thankfully I had been building up a small stockpile of foods before this hit the United States. Meats have been hard to find. Stores are often out of hamburger meat and other ground meats. The canned foods aisle has been barren and Lord knows finding toilet paper has been a feat for over two and a half weeks. Thankfully we found some that first weekend at Sam's so what we bought will last us a while.
I just saw on Facebook that Pay n Tote is closed for at least the next two weeks. The sign on the door said, "For the safety of our customers and our family we will be closed for two weeks." That is something I never thought I would see. They don't close for any reason at all.
We are definitely in the strangest of times but somehow I have had a peace through it all. That is not who I am. I am not a peaceful person. I tend to be a worrier but the Lord has given me a peaceful heart through all of this. I can't help thinking of a couple of sayings my husband Joey has...the first is, "there isn't anything that can touch me that God hasn't allowed" and the second is "if they kill me they can't eat me because I'm all fat and gristle." I say that because at the worst we lose everything but as long as we have each other we will be okay and if one of us should not make it through this pandemic then God has ordained it to be that way and no amount of fretting now or later can change that.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Sunday, November 15, 2015
A Tiny Glimpse of Normal
Today I realized that I have forgotten what normal feels like. Almost 13 years ago God blessed us with the very special gift of our son, Sweet G. He is a gift that I feel like God miraculously handed down from heaven and placed in our lives. It's a fairy tale story of a family of three wishing to become a family of four and who suddenly in the twinkling of an eye have their dream handed to them. If you have never read the story of G's adoption you should. It is a wonderful story of God's love and grace.
I feel like I have raised two only children. T was an only child for almost 12 years before Sweet G came along and Sweet G became an only child of sorts when T left for college 6 years ago. They are as different as daylight and dark in many ways. One strong willed and stubborn, one calm and happy go lucky, but both very much adored by their Mom.
With T we played hide and seek, chase, built forts, climbed trees and hiked through the woods. G has never done one of those things. G and I watch videos, sing karaoke, research assassinated presidents, and play trivia games on the iPad. T was a typically developed child and G has Cerebral Palsy, learning disabilities and developmental delays. We have spent time with therapists in and out of our lives, worked on standing, walking, and dressing skills instead of going to the park, playing and doing all the things kids do.
Life with G is just different. There are so many things he can do and we have adapted our lives in such a way that I honestly forget what all he misses out on until some random thing comes up out of the blue and reminds me that we aren't living a normal life! It has simply become normal for us.
Today was one of those surprising days that slipped up on me and took my breath away. We arrived home from church to find the children across the street raking up a huge pile of leaves in their front yard so they could jump in it. Such a normal childhood thing to do. My very busy hubby offered to pay the kids to rake our front yard. The kids were so excited! By the way, the sweetest kids in the world live across the street from me! : ) They offered to do it for free (I told you they are perfect kids)...but my husband insisted on paying them. So the three of them hop over to our house and what they were doing for fun has become a way to make money.
Sweet G could hear them outside laughing and talking as they happily raked our yard and he asked if he could go outside with them. I thought it was a great opportunity for him to spend time with his peers so we rolled him outside and gave him a small rake I use in my flower bed. He loved being able to help and made the comment when we came inside, "I didn't know a handicapped kid could rake leaves!"
Wow...that statement took me by surprise and made me realize we are not normal! We don't do what typical families do. We somehow manage to forget that fact in the busyness of living "our normal" of stretching, massaging, dressing, toileting, making his bed, cutting his food, helping him do...everything. We have let our child learn helplessness and that is something we are now working on overcoming.
Tomorrow we will oil, massage, stretch, dress, toilet, bathe, and help in so many ways but today for just a little while I had a glimpse of normal and it sure was wonderful.
I feel like I have raised two only children. T was an only child for almost 12 years before Sweet G came along and Sweet G became an only child of sorts when T left for college 6 years ago. They are as different as daylight and dark in many ways. One strong willed and stubborn, one calm and happy go lucky, but both very much adored by their Mom.
With T we played hide and seek, chase, built forts, climbed trees and hiked through the woods. G has never done one of those things. G and I watch videos, sing karaoke, research assassinated presidents, and play trivia games on the iPad. T was a typically developed child and G has Cerebral Palsy, learning disabilities and developmental delays. We have spent time with therapists in and out of our lives, worked on standing, walking, and dressing skills instead of going to the park, playing and doing all the things kids do.
Life with G is just different. There are so many things he can do and we have adapted our lives in such a way that I honestly forget what all he misses out on until some random thing comes up out of the blue and reminds me that we aren't living a normal life! It has simply become normal for us.
Today was one of those surprising days that slipped up on me and took my breath away. We arrived home from church to find the children across the street raking up a huge pile of leaves in their front yard so they could jump in it. Such a normal childhood thing to do. My very busy hubby offered to pay the kids to rake our front yard. The kids were so excited! By the way, the sweetest kids in the world live across the street from me! : ) They offered to do it for free (I told you they are perfect kids)...but my husband insisted on paying them. So the three of them hop over to our house and what they were doing for fun has become a way to make money.
Sweet G could hear them outside laughing and talking as they happily raked our yard and he asked if he could go outside with them. I thought it was a great opportunity for him to spend time with his peers so we rolled him outside and gave him a small rake I use in my flower bed. He loved being able to help and made the comment when we came inside, "I didn't know a handicapped kid could rake leaves!"
Wow...that statement took me by surprise and made me realize we are not normal! We don't do what typical families do. We somehow manage to forget that fact in the busyness of living "our normal" of stretching, massaging, dressing, toileting, making his bed, cutting his food, helping him do...everything. We have let our child learn helplessness and that is something we are now working on overcoming.
Tomorrow we will oil, massage, stretch, dress, toilet, bathe, and help in so many ways but today for just a little while I had a glimpse of normal and it sure was wonderful.
Friday, November 21, 2014
Preparing Our Hearts
Several years ago I discovered the tradition of the Jesse Tree, a tradition of using ornaments that represent the people, prophesies, and events leading up to the promised Savior. This has been life changing for me.
I am one of those people who struggle emotionally at Christmas. I stress over choosing gifts that I think others will like, I worry about finances, I become irritated as stores become crowded with holiday shoppers. I simply didn't enjoy Christmas for many, many years.
Thankfully, I discovered the Jesse Tree. The first year I created ornaments out of Shrinky Dinks to hang on a little wooden tree. I used a guide that I found online and each night we read the corresponding scripture and hung the ornament on our tree. It was simple but effective. I felt a weight being lifted off of me as Christmas approached and I found myself actually enjoying Christmas for the first time in years.
Each year our ornaments have been improved a little and we've used different reading plans, some with devotions to accompany the scriptures each day.
Last year I purchased The Greatest Gift by Ann Vonskamp. I have to say this is one of the best purchases I've ever made. This book is beautifully written and the daily devotions that go along with the scriptures helped me focus on the true meaning of Christmas, the promise of a Savior. I can honestly say that last year was the best Christmas I have had in years.
My circumstances didn't change. There was the ever present traffic that comes along on Black Friday and hangs around with us until the New Year, the stores were crowded with shoppers, I had a full schedule of events that surround Christmas, the indecision of holiday gifts still plagued me and yet, my heart was at peace. The things surrounding me weren't changed, I was. My heart was prepared for my Savior.
This year I decided to share my secret with others. I am hosting a Jesse Tree Ornament Swap. I started very late and haven't found the required number of participants but I have adapted the plan so that we can still complete the swap. This year I have 7 friends each making 8 copies of 3 different ornaments in the set, and I will be making the remaining 4 ornaments in the set.
I am very excited about this event. It's added one more thing to my already full plate but somehow it is already making life easier. I'm busier than ever but more intently focused on Christ. That is the magic of the Jesse Tree. Each day we are focused on Jesus and that makes all the difference in the world.
I hope you find a way to focus your heart more intently on Christ this holiday season. Don't forget to stop, step back, and make time to spend with The Lord during this busy time of year. I promise, you won't regret it.
I am one of those people who struggle emotionally at Christmas. I stress over choosing gifts that I think others will like, I worry about finances, I become irritated as stores become crowded with holiday shoppers. I simply didn't enjoy Christmas for many, many years.
Thankfully, I discovered the Jesse Tree. The first year I created ornaments out of Shrinky Dinks to hang on a little wooden tree. I used a guide that I found online and each night we read the corresponding scripture and hung the ornament on our tree. It was simple but effective. I felt a weight being lifted off of me as Christmas approached and I found myself actually enjoying Christmas for the first time in years.
Each year our ornaments have been improved a little and we've used different reading plans, some with devotions to accompany the scriptures each day.
Last year I purchased The Greatest Gift by Ann Vonskamp. I have to say this is one of the best purchases I've ever made. This book is beautifully written and the daily devotions that go along with the scriptures helped me focus on the true meaning of Christmas, the promise of a Savior. I can honestly say that last year was the best Christmas I have had in years.
My circumstances didn't change. There was the ever present traffic that comes along on Black Friday and hangs around with us until the New Year, the stores were crowded with shoppers, I had a full schedule of events that surround Christmas, the indecision of holiday gifts still plagued me and yet, my heart was at peace. The things surrounding me weren't changed, I was. My heart was prepared for my Savior.
This year I decided to share my secret with others. I am hosting a Jesse Tree Ornament Swap. I started very late and haven't found the required number of participants but I have adapted the plan so that we can still complete the swap. This year I have 7 friends each making 8 copies of 3 different ornaments in the set, and I will be making the remaining 4 ornaments in the set.
I am very excited about this event. It's added one more thing to my already full plate but somehow it is already making life easier. I'm busier than ever but more intently focused on Christ. That is the magic of the Jesse Tree. Each day we are focused on Jesus and that makes all the difference in the world.
I hope you find a way to focus your heart more intently on Christ this holiday season. Don't forget to stop, step back, and make time to spend with The Lord during this busy time of year. I promise, you won't regret it.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Revelations
Wow! Today has been a big God day and He has revealed so much to me. It's probably because I have spent more time with Him in recent days and have contemplated some things that I've read about and heard from others. I recently finished reading the book What She Left For Me by Tracie Peterson. It's a story about a woman who is abandoned by her a husband who is a pastor. I've also been reading the book Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John and Stasi Eldredge.
Captivating has pulled me into its pages in a way that I have not experienced before. In fact, I started reading it a couple of years ago with a group of women from church and didn't get very far before I gave up. It just didn't speak to me at the time but now I can't put it down. I read and reread each chapter, underlining, marking and highlighting almost every word. I am so excited to meet with a group of young women each week to discuss it. It has already brought me so much understanding into the mind and heart of women in two chapters!
I recently heard a story that reminded me of the events in Tracie Peterson's book as well as the teaching in Captivating. John and Stasi Eldredge explain that a woman has a God-given desire to be romanced, to play an irreplaceable part in a great adventure and that every woman has a beauty to unveil. In the counterpart book for men, Wild at Heart, John describes a man's basic needs as wanting a battle to fight, a longing for adventure, and that he longs for a beauty to rescue. Satan wants nothing more than to twist those desires into something perverse and sinful. We have to be vigilant in keeping watch over our marriages to make sure to prevent Satan from gaining a foothold in our lives. It is so easy for satan to take a man's desire to rescue and twist it so that he believes it's a husband's place to rescue a woman besides his wife. It's equally as easy for a woman to see the wrong man as her rescuer.
Our small group started studying Guardrails by Andy Stanley the last time we met. He talks about the importance of setting up guard rails in our lives so that when we encounter them they are a danger sign that we are close to sinning. If only we were always so careful to do that, but unfortunately we aren't. We allow ourselves to be put into positions that are potentially dangerous and without that guard rail we can so easily slip into the abyss of sin.
In the book What She Left for Me the Pastor put himself in a situation where he was counseling a woman alone. He should have had a guard rail that he never met or counseled a woman alone. It started innocently but his desire to rescue paired with her desire to be seen and romanced was a lethal mixture in their marriages and soon they were seeking these things from each other instead of from their own spouses as God intended.
As I was riding in my car this afternoon I began to think about these things. A woman's desire to be pursued is an attribute of God. He wants to be pursued by His children. I thought about how easily it is for us to get that mixed up in our earthly relationships and thought about how devastating it would be to me if my husband sought after another woman more than he does me. I would be crushed. Then I realized that I do that to God everyday. My most important relationship should be with Him! The person I long to spend the most time with should be Jesus, not my husband, my children, or my friends. He desires to be pursued by me! What an awesome thought! The Creator of the universe desires me to seek Him out.
It is my prayer that as I continue in these studies that I am ever mindful of the role I give God in my life. I adore my husband but he cannot hold first place in my life. That place is for a God alone. My children need me and desire my attention but not like that of my Creator. God help me get the right balance in my life. Help me put You in the place of importance You alone deserve. Help me to seek You above ALL things.
Captivating has pulled me into its pages in a way that I have not experienced before. In fact, I started reading it a couple of years ago with a group of women from church and didn't get very far before I gave up. It just didn't speak to me at the time but now I can't put it down. I read and reread each chapter, underlining, marking and highlighting almost every word. I am so excited to meet with a group of young women each week to discuss it. It has already brought me so much understanding into the mind and heart of women in two chapters!
I recently heard a story that reminded me of the events in Tracie Peterson's book as well as the teaching in Captivating. John and Stasi Eldredge explain that a woman has a God-given desire to be romanced, to play an irreplaceable part in a great adventure and that every woman has a beauty to unveil. In the counterpart book for men, Wild at Heart, John describes a man's basic needs as wanting a battle to fight, a longing for adventure, and that he longs for a beauty to rescue. Satan wants nothing more than to twist those desires into something perverse and sinful. We have to be vigilant in keeping watch over our marriages to make sure to prevent Satan from gaining a foothold in our lives. It is so easy for satan to take a man's desire to rescue and twist it so that he believes it's a husband's place to rescue a woman besides his wife. It's equally as easy for a woman to see the wrong man as her rescuer.
Our small group started studying Guardrails by Andy Stanley the last time we met. He talks about the importance of setting up guard rails in our lives so that when we encounter them they are a danger sign that we are close to sinning. If only we were always so careful to do that, but unfortunately we aren't. We allow ourselves to be put into positions that are potentially dangerous and without that guard rail we can so easily slip into the abyss of sin.
In the book What She Left for Me the Pastor put himself in a situation where he was counseling a woman alone. He should have had a guard rail that he never met or counseled a woman alone. It started innocently but his desire to rescue paired with her desire to be seen and romanced was a lethal mixture in their marriages and soon they were seeking these things from each other instead of from their own spouses as God intended.
As I was riding in my car this afternoon I began to think about these things. A woman's desire to be pursued is an attribute of God. He wants to be pursued by His children. I thought about how easily it is for us to get that mixed up in our earthly relationships and thought about how devastating it would be to me if my husband sought after another woman more than he does me. I would be crushed. Then I realized that I do that to God everyday. My most important relationship should be with Him! The person I long to spend the most time with should be Jesus, not my husband, my children, or my friends. He desires to be pursued by me! What an awesome thought! The Creator of the universe desires me to seek Him out.
It is my prayer that as I continue in these studies that I am ever mindful of the role I give God in my life. I adore my husband but he cannot hold first place in my life. That place is for a God alone. My children need me and desire my attention but not like that of my Creator. God help me get the right balance in my life. Help me put You in the place of importance You alone deserve. Help me to seek You above ALL things.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Awareness
Awareness is a wonderful thing. I think it's great to see people come together for a common cause and try to bring change. But at the same time I find myself questioning whether most understand the issues they say they support. The ice bucket challenge is one of those instances where I think people have gotten caught up in the trendiness of the challenge without understanding what it is they are supporting.
I first noticed on my Facebook newsfeed that lots of individuals were videoing themselves having ice water dumped on them. In the beginning I didn't even watch the videos because I figured it was just another crazy Facebook stunt that would quickly fade away. After several days, I finally became curious. I watched a video and although the person stated that they were doing the ice bucket challenge for ALS that was all the information they gave. Video after video I watched was much the same with no information about the disease so I finally became curious enought to start gathering my own information about ALS and was devastated by what I found.
ALS is a debilitating neurological disease that destroys the body's ability to transmitt messages to the muscles of its victim. (This is my very elementary, simple definition.) The patient looses all muscle function and in the end they basically suffocate because their muscles atrophy to the point that the lungs cannot receive oxygen. They lose the ability to speak, eat, and do anything for themselves. The patient has a healthy mind trapped in a non-functioning body. It is a horrible disease and it breaks my heart that so many people suffer from its effects.
During my digging I found that the ALSA are doing research using human embryonic cells. That began to change my thinking on what I wanted to do to help this cause. As a Christian who believes that life begins at conception should I give money to help fund research that uses aborted babies to harvest stem cells? My decision was that I could not in good conscience do that. What about if the fetus had not been aborted but had been fertilized in a Petri dish for the purpose of creating stem cells? Was I okay with that option? Again, my personal conviction told me that it was morally wrong.
I am not trying to belittle the efforts of those who have done the challenge and I don't stand in judgement of those who sent money to the ALS. These are simply my personal convictions. But, I also feel that there are many people just like me who are totally unaware of the practices of the ALS research being done. Just as those completing the challenge have the right to bring awareness to ALS I also have a right to bring awareness to how the ALS chooses to spend the funds being raised.
My family has chosen to make a contribution to an individual with ALS. Their medical costs are extreme and they struggle with not only the disease but the side effects of no income, medical costs, transportation costs, and many other things. There is more than one way to be a part of this cause. We simply choose to give on a personal level.
Our family knows the struggles of having a family member with a chronic medical condition. My youngest son has cerebral palsy which affects him in much the same way that ALS effects individuals. Thankfully, my son's condition is not progressive but he has suffered with it since birth. He doesn't know what it is to run and play like a typical child. He is very dependent on others for most everything. I understand what it is to live the life of a caregiver. There are hard days when you are exhausted both physically and mentally. My heart goes out to the families of ALS.
My son could possibly benefit from the same type research that an ALS patient could. Stem cell research is being done to try to lessen or eliminate the effect cerebral palsy has on a person. Even so, my family chooses not to support stem cell research done using embryonic cells of any kind. There are other types of stem cell research that have actually proven to be more promising that do not use embryonic cells.
I pray that my heart is heard from anyone who might come across this blog post. I have so much compassion for those suffering from ALS. I support community awareness and I pray that a cure or a treatment will be found. I simply chose to give in an alternative way that I feel makes a personal impact on an individual until such time that the current research practices change.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Was this life I've lived ever mine?
I can't remember a time when it was.
Earliest memories are of lack of control.
Life spinning hazardously around me.
Maybe there was a brief moment
That I felt it was mine
But it wasn't, not really.
Someone else always held their power over me.
Helpless to their wishes,
Pulled and pushed,
Battered and torn.
Do you know what hopelessness feels like?
I do.
Life chosen for you,
Arranging your calendar like secretaries.
I simply go when and where I'm told.
Lost from the very beginning,
Unable to discover who I was really meant to become.
Crippled by tragedy in infancy.
Ripped apart by divorce.
I thought as an adult it would change
But it doesn't.
At least it didn't for me.
Now a husband and children rule my world.
And still my parents fight for their part of me.
What is left for me?
I can't remember a time when it was.
Earliest memories are of lack of control.
Life spinning hazardously around me.
Maybe there was a brief moment
That I felt it was mine
But it wasn't, not really.
Someone else always held their power over me.
Helpless to their wishes,
Pulled and pushed,
Battered and torn.
Do you know what hopelessness feels like?
I do.
Life chosen for you,
Arranging your calendar like secretaries.
I simply go when and where I'm told.
Lost from the very beginning,
Unable to discover who I was really meant to become.
Crippled by tragedy in infancy.
Ripped apart by divorce.
I thought as an adult it would change
But it doesn't.
At least it didn't for me.
Now a husband and children rule my world.
And still my parents fight for their part of me.
What is left for me?
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Long Time Coming
Long Time Coming by Edie ClaireMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Long Time Coming is not a book I'd typically choose to read but I loaded my Kindle up with lots of free books and this one intrigued me enough to give it a try. I usually find it hard to read contemporary literature but this book kept my interest from the beginning. I enjoyed the mysterious addition to the book and found the plot very believable. I liked the characters and being from a small town myself had no problem believing that one small town could be home to so many quirky people. I loved the backstory and think the author did a good job leading the characters to a healthy acceptance of the past tragedy. I'm glad I gave this one a chance.
View all my reviews
Lady in the Mist
Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice EakesMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mystery of missing men, espionage, danger, and romance. This book is filled with everything. Laurie Alice Eakes is a masterful storyteller. Her ability to ignite your senses and put you right in the middle of the story is unbelievable. I loved her descriptive writing and found myself transplanted to the seaside in colonial America. The story had me guessing from the beginning to the end, trying to determine the good guys from the bad guys. The love triangle was nerve wrecking but wonderful. I would suggest this book to anyone who enjoys a good romance and historical fiction.
View all my reviews
Heir to the Everlasting
<img alt="Heir To The Everlasting" border="0" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1347641386m/10475005.jpg" />Heir To The Everlasting by 2012 copyright/ Janice Daugharty
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/825945357">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Heir to the Everlasting is a book set in southern Georgia and spans the twentieth century. The main character is May Alexander and the book basically tells her life story in two parts. The first half of the book details May's life and relationship with her maternal grandmother who is known as Pinky. Pinky is a high spirited,independent, non-traditional, take-charge woman. May is raised by her grandmother following her mother's death and becomes like a little shadow always close at her grandmother's heels, and so she is known as Little Pinky for much of her youth. The second half of the book surrounds the relationship of an adult May and her granddaughter Sara Ann, whom she is raising.
The first half of the book is filled with lots of characters and I found it hard to keep track of all of them and their relationships to others. At times the book was fast moving only to turn almost deathly slow in sections. The long time period the book spanned was another difficult thing to get used to but I found it interesting to see how the life of May changed so much in her lifetime of almost 100 years.
If you enjoy historical fiction or southern literature you should give this book a try. I found it to be a very unique read.
<br/><br/>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/8671103-andrea-norton">View all my reviews</a>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/825945357">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Heir to the Everlasting is a book set in southern Georgia and spans the twentieth century. The main character is May Alexander and the book basically tells her life story in two parts. The first half of the book details May's life and relationship with her maternal grandmother who is known as Pinky. Pinky is a high spirited,independent, non-traditional, take-charge woman. May is raised by her grandmother following her mother's death and becomes like a little shadow always close at her grandmother's heels, and so she is known as Little Pinky for much of her youth. The second half of the book surrounds the relationship of an adult May and her granddaughter Sara Ann, whom she is raising.
The first half of the book is filled with lots of characters and I found it hard to keep track of all of them and their relationships to others. At times the book was fast moving only to turn almost deathly slow in sections. The long time period the book spanned was another difficult thing to get used to but I found it interesting to see how the life of May changed so much in her lifetime of almost 100 years.
If you enjoy historical fiction or southern literature you should give this book a try. I found it to be a very unique read.
<br/><br/>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/8671103-andrea-norton">View all my reviews</a>
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
His Love Endures Forever
Title: His love Endures Forever
Author: Beth Wiseman
Publish Date: October 2, 2012
Post Date: October 2, 2012
Blog url: http://www.sweetpea0944.wordpress.com
Review link:
His Love Endures Forever is a wonderful story of forgiveness. Danielle is a troubled young English woman who is involved with two young Amish men. She has a close friendship with Levi and is romantically involved with Matthew who is planning to leave the Amish faith. After finding Danielle is pregnant Matthew leaves the Amish community and Danielle behind. Danielle turns to Levi and Levi turns to God for direction. Although Levi has always held firm to the Amish faith, he finds God leading him to marry Danielle and provide for her and her unborn child.
The couple meets with resistance from the Amish community and Levi's interfering mother but they are determined to create a family and meet their struggles with grace. This is a book filled with love, forgiveness, and healing.
I loved this book and recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable read
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I have not been compensated in any way. The opinions stated in this review are my own and I give them freely without bias.
Book review
Title: Sagebrush Knights
Author: Erica Vetsch
Publish Date: December 1, 2012
Post Date: November 15, 2012
Blog url: http://www.sweetpea0944.wordpress.com
Review link:
Sagebrush Knights is a set of four novellas about the Gerhard sisters who have recently lost their father and find themselves homeless because the home they live in belongs to the University where their father was employed. Desperate to stay together they decide to advertise as mail order brides in the Wyoming Territory.
I liked how each novella primarily focused on one sister while building on the overall story of all four. The setting was interesting and the individual struggles and personalities of each sister made for a very enjoyable read. I particularly liked the way each sister learned to face her difficulties with determination and honor.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I have not been compensated in any way. The opinions stated in this review are my own and I give them freely without bias.
You Can Only Sit on the Fence For So Long
Today has been a turning point for me. My pastor has been preaching a series on the book of Nehemiah over the last few weeks which he finished up today. Through these sermons God has shown me that I have allowed some of my protective walls to decay. I have let things come between me and my relationship with Christ. I have gradually become desensitized to sin in my life and those around me.
One of my favorite movie quotes comes from the movie Remember the Titans. When the team captain sees that one of his best friends purposefully stepped aside and refused to block for one
of his teammates he goes to the coach. One of this coach's rules is that nobody who wants to play will be cut. When Gary, the team captain, speaks to the coach about cutting his friend Ray from the team the coach reminds Gary of his rule. Gary replies to Coach Boone, "Sometimes you gotta cut a man loose." The coach replies, "You are the team captain. You make the call but remember you've got to stand behind your decision."
I have had a lot of difficult decisions to make. I had to decide whether I was still playing on my old team or on my Daddy's team. (the new coach calls himself that early in the movie) I struggled with trying to remain loyal to the old team while at the same time being loyal to my Daddy's team. Jesus warned us that we would have to face tough choices sometimes. I have been straddling the fence for a while now and just decided it is past time I jump onto one side or the other. I found a photo that perfectly exemplifies how I have felt for a long time. Here it is, I hope you get a laugh out of it.
href="http://sweetpea0944.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/20110330-092020.jpg">
<a
35 For I have come to turn
“‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’[a]
37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me."
<a
Monday, January 6, 2014
Doc: A Novel
Doc by Mary Doria RussellMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I found the story of Doc Holliday very interesting. Since he was a native to my home state of Georgia and became a famous man I was interested in learning more about his life. I was surprised by my reaction to John Holliday and often found myself wondering how different his life might have turned out if life had been kinder to him. The hardship of losing his beloved mother at a young age, the dreadful consequences of suffering from tuberculosis, and the political and economic hardships of the country had to have huge impacts on the man he became. I think the author did a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life and helped me see John Holliday as more than a sick, drunken, gambling gunslinger. It was refreshing to read more about his life than the typical focus on his short time in Tombstone, Arizona and the fight at the O. K. Corral.
View all my reviews
Friday, December 27, 2013
Fifty Cents a Day
Tonight as we drove to my parents house we were discussing many controversial topics in our society but had come around to discussing adoption and how so many people will take in many animals and worry and fret over the pet population without giving a second thought to the many children in need of adoption. As we arrive at my parents house and are getting out of the car Sweet G (who is adopted and is very aware of that fact) pipes up from the backseat, "Now I just don't believe in adoption but I'd give fifty cents a day so a hungry child could have food to eat." I think he was afraid we were in negotiations on whether we wanted to add to our family again. LOL He wants to make sure the kids get fed as long as they aren't sharing his mom and dad. I'm afraid he felt like his place as the baby in the family might be in jeopardy.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
The House in the Middle of Ruff Street on the Wrong Side of the Tracks
Halfway down a dead-end street a tiny two bedroom house sits on its overgrown lot. Hundreds of tiny feet pounded the soil, preventing anything from growing in the red clay that surrounded the small structure, but now grass grows with abandon. Hickory bushes are overgrown where they were once kept well pruned by the many mothers who ripped the tender shoots to discipline their children. Ladderback chairs are missing from the front corner beneath the branches of the Mimosa tree, where mother and daughters once gathered to share the news of the family. The distinct smell of Juicy fruit gum given by Granddaddy no longer floats on the air as it is shared by the grandchildren.
No more cornbread and pinto beans will be cooked or served in the kitchen. The slamming screen door has ceased. Cucumbers and tomatoes that once provided food for many families no longer grow along the railroad tracks. Linoleum worn through to the subfloor no longer feels the many feet that once tramped past Granddaddy's green recliner in the living room.
An eerie silence has replaced the sound of Braves baseball blaring from a television set. The strum of guitars and harmonious voices of brothers and sisters arbitrarily joining in random songs have evaporated, leaving a void where there once was life and excitement. Baying coonhounds and crowing roosters are a faint memory. Winter's chill permeates the rooms that were once overheated by a red-hot wood heater crammed into the corner of the living room. There are no more crying babies being passed from aunt to uncle or grandmother to grandfather. No snores will fill the rooms tonight as the moon shines down on the multicolored roof covered by layer upon layer of cheap rolled roofing.
The bent nails on the front porch, a poor mans substitute for a hook, hang empty of the flowers that once decorated the entryway. Windows and doors once stayed propped open. forever closed. A majestic oak tree stands guard over the old house providing the backyard with shade. Children once surrounded its base, escaping imaginary alligators by climbing on gnarly roots. Life and love that once abounded in and around this old house has vanished but the memories that were made and the love shared lives on in my heart forever.
No more cornbread and pinto beans will be cooked or served in the kitchen. The slamming screen door has ceased. Cucumbers and tomatoes that once provided food for many families no longer grow along the railroad tracks. Linoleum worn through to the subfloor no longer feels the many feet that once tramped past Granddaddy's green recliner in the living room.
An eerie silence has replaced the sound of Braves baseball blaring from a television set. The strum of guitars and harmonious voices of brothers and sisters arbitrarily joining in random songs have evaporated, leaving a void where there once was life and excitement. Baying coonhounds and crowing roosters are a faint memory. Winter's chill permeates the rooms that were once overheated by a red-hot wood heater crammed into the corner of the living room. There are no more crying babies being passed from aunt to uncle or grandmother to grandfather. No snores will fill the rooms tonight as the moon shines down on the multicolored roof covered by layer upon layer of cheap rolled roofing.
The bent nails on the front porch, a poor mans substitute for a hook, hang empty of the flowers that once decorated the entryway. Windows and doors once stayed propped open. forever closed. A majestic oak tree stands guard over the old house providing the backyard with shade. Children once surrounded its base, escaping imaginary alligators by climbing on gnarly roots. Life and love that once abounded in and around this old house has vanished but the memories that were made and the love shared lives on in my heart forever.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
A Monitored Life
The biggest challenge a new parent faces typically involves dealing with the lack of sleep that comes with having a newborn. "If they will just sleep through the night," is the cry of countless young parents.
New mommies check and recheck the baby monitor fearing that it might malfunction and cause their precious baby's cries to go unheard during the night. As the months pass by the moms begin to become more comfortable and life starts to level out as that sweet baby begins to need them less and less in the middle of the night.
Around age two most parents transition their child into a big boy/girl bed and once again the obsession with the baby monitor rears its ugly head. Fearful that the child might become afraid in their new bed the mom and dad once again begin their ritual of holding the monitor to their ear to try to determine if it is functioning properly.
After a couple of non-eventful months the parents settle into a comfortable confidence that everything is going to be okay. Around this time the child masters the use of the doorknob and many times the parents wake to find a toddler face pressed against theirs saying, "You sleep Mommy?" Maybe they can't sleep, need to go potty, or want to cuddle up in bed with their parents but I think it's pretty safe to say that most parents can relate to the scenario of being wakened by the pitter patter of little feet running across the floor in the middle of the night. Once again the parents' plea is "If they would just sleep through the night!"
The three scenarios I described are pretty much universal to all parents except for a few. The ones that don't fit into that category have a special category all their own. It is called Special Needs Parenting. I have been blessed to live both scenarios.
My oldest son went through all the stages I described until there was finally no need for the coveted, sometimes hated baby monitor. My youngest son's experience has been totally different. Instead of ditching the baby bed between 18 months and two years, he stayed in his baby bed around four or five years. I was terrified he would roll off a big boy bed so he stayed in a crib until it just wasn't possible anymore. Ditching the crib was a big deal and we actually switched him from the crib to a mattress in the floor so that his fall was much shorter when he DID roll off.
Another big difference in the experiences was the obsession with the baby monitor. I really don't remember using a monitor for long with my oldest son. As soon as he learned to get out of bed and run into my room I suppose the monitor was ditched. My experience with Sweet G's monitor is totally different. I have been obsessed with G's monitor from birth until the present. We are on our second or third set of monitors. I still hold the monitor close to my ear almost every night listening for the slight sound of a sigh or grunt as Sweet G moves around in his bed.
My child is ten and a half years old and I still live in terror of a malfunctioning monitor. I have good cause to worry because we have had several mishaps after the monitor failed to alert me to my child's calls in the night. Sweet G is totally dependent on others to see to his midnight runs to the bathroom. He is unable to get out of his bed and make it to the bathroom and back independently. I have been awakened by his screams from the other end of the house on more than one occasion and several times I've woken in the morning to find him lying cold and wet after spending the night in the floor soaked in his own urine because I was unable to hear his requests for help during the night. He calls to us in fear of falling off the bed or sometimes because the covers have become tangled around his legs.
I'm not telling this story to get sympathy or admiration. I don't write it out of the regret of being a special needs parent. I would not trade my experience as G's mom for anything in this world. His disability is a part of who he is and if I hate it then I basically hate him and that could never be possible. He has the sweetest spirit, the quickest wit, and the determination of an Olympian. He loves deep, he is faithful to the end, and he is my inspiration. I simply want others to understand that each persons path is different. You never know what its like to walk a mile in someone else's shoes. But maybe if you stop and think about it you might understand a little more about the people around you.
So, for the tenth year, fourth month, and 19th day I will lay in my bed listening to the hum of a baby monitor. I strain to listen, hoping that it will be reliable and provide me with that connection to my child as he sleeps.
New mommies check and recheck the baby monitor fearing that it might malfunction and cause their precious baby's cries to go unheard during the night. As the months pass by the moms begin to become more comfortable and life starts to level out as that sweet baby begins to need them less and less in the middle of the night.
Around age two most parents transition their child into a big boy/girl bed and once again the obsession with the baby monitor rears its ugly head. Fearful that the child might become afraid in their new bed the mom and dad once again begin their ritual of holding the monitor to their ear to try to determine if it is functioning properly.
After a couple of non-eventful months the parents settle into a comfortable confidence that everything is going to be okay. Around this time the child masters the use of the doorknob and many times the parents wake to find a toddler face pressed against theirs saying, "You sleep Mommy?" Maybe they can't sleep, need to go potty, or want to cuddle up in bed with their parents but I think it's pretty safe to say that most parents can relate to the scenario of being wakened by the pitter patter of little feet running across the floor in the middle of the night. Once again the parents' plea is "If they would just sleep through the night!"
The three scenarios I described are pretty much universal to all parents except for a few. The ones that don't fit into that category have a special category all their own. It is called Special Needs Parenting. I have been blessed to live both scenarios.
My oldest son went through all the stages I described until there was finally no need for the coveted, sometimes hated baby monitor. My youngest son's experience has been totally different. Instead of ditching the baby bed between 18 months and two years, he stayed in his baby bed around four or five years. I was terrified he would roll off a big boy bed so he stayed in a crib until it just wasn't possible anymore. Ditching the crib was a big deal and we actually switched him from the crib to a mattress in the floor so that his fall was much shorter when he DID roll off.
Another big difference in the experiences was the obsession with the baby monitor. I really don't remember using a monitor for long with my oldest son. As soon as he learned to get out of bed and run into my room I suppose the monitor was ditched. My experience with Sweet G's monitor is totally different. I have been obsessed with G's monitor from birth until the present. We are on our second or third set of monitors. I still hold the monitor close to my ear almost every night listening for the slight sound of a sigh or grunt as Sweet G moves around in his bed.
My child is ten and a half years old and I still live in terror of a malfunctioning monitor. I have good cause to worry because we have had several mishaps after the monitor failed to alert me to my child's calls in the night. Sweet G is totally dependent on others to see to his midnight runs to the bathroom. He is unable to get out of his bed and make it to the bathroom and back independently. I have been awakened by his screams from the other end of the house on more than one occasion and several times I've woken in the morning to find him lying cold and wet after spending the night in the floor soaked in his own urine because I was unable to hear his requests for help during the night. He calls to us in fear of falling off the bed or sometimes because the covers have become tangled around his legs.
I'm not telling this story to get sympathy or admiration. I don't write it out of the regret of being a special needs parent. I would not trade my experience as G's mom for anything in this world. His disability is a part of who he is and if I hate it then I basically hate him and that could never be possible. He has the sweetest spirit, the quickest wit, and the determination of an Olympian. He loves deep, he is faithful to the end, and he is my inspiration. I simply want others to understand that each persons path is different. You never know what its like to walk a mile in someone else's shoes. But maybe if you stop and think about it you might understand a little more about the people around you.
So, for the tenth year, fourth month, and 19th day I will lay in my bed listening to the hum of a baby monitor. I strain to listen, hoping that it will be reliable and provide me with that connection to my child as he sleeps.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Climbing Out On the Crashing Waves
A little boy sits crying because he can't be in the sack race. Tears create streaks down his dirty little cheeks as the wash away the dust from a hot summer day. "Why can't I be in the race?" he sobs.
"Buddy, you just can't be in the race," his mother answers.
"But why can't I Momma? I can do it! Just watch me! I'll show you I can do it!"
"It's too hard. You just can't do it. You have to be able to jump to play that game."
"I CAN jump! Let me show you that I can," he pleads.
"I wish that you could but you just can't. You have CP. Your body just won't do that."
Through sobs he manages to say, "I wish CP didn't exist! I wish I hadn't been born with CP!"
I've dreaded hearing those words for over 10 years. I knew that someday I'd hear them. It was inevitable. The surprising part is that they haven't been said before. Most kids realize their limitations much younger but Sweet G is different. There is nothing average about my Sweet G. He looks at life through a different window than most of us. His spirit is strong and true. He is kind and good. Anything is possible in his eyes.
As a small baby his favorite song was Dream Big by Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband. I remember thinking how cool it was that he loved that song so much because with his disability he was going to need to be able to Dream Big. I began to think of the words as a prayer for him.
As he got a little older his favorite song changed to The Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns. That song gave me so much hope and peace and again I prayed those words as we sang them together.
For the most part we have Dreamed Big and listened to the Voice of Truth but every now and then I have forgotten to have big dreams and sometimes I've listened as the giant says, "He'll never win." But not Sweet G, that is, not until today. Today he realized that dreams aren't always enough and in his weakness he took his eyes off of Jesus, focused on the waves crashing all around him, and listened as the giant laughed and said, "Boy, you'll never win."
One thing I know is that although Sweet G had a moment of weakness tonight, tomorrow will be a different story. Tomorrow we will stop and listen to the sound of Jesus singing over G as He says, "Do not be afraid. This is for My glory," and out of all the voices calling out we will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth!
"Buddy, you just can't be in the race," his mother answers.
"But why can't I Momma? I can do it! Just watch me! I'll show you I can do it!"
"It's too hard. You just can't do it. You have to be able to jump to play that game."
"I CAN jump! Let me show you that I can," he pleads.
"I wish that you could but you just can't. You have CP. Your body just won't do that."
Through sobs he manages to say, "I wish CP didn't exist! I wish I hadn't been born with CP!"
I've dreaded hearing those words for over 10 years. I knew that someday I'd hear them. It was inevitable. The surprising part is that they haven't been said before. Most kids realize their limitations much younger but Sweet G is different. There is nothing average about my Sweet G. He looks at life through a different window than most of us. His spirit is strong and true. He is kind and good. Anything is possible in his eyes.
As a small baby his favorite song was Dream Big by Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband. I remember thinking how cool it was that he loved that song so much because with his disability he was going to need to be able to Dream Big. I began to think of the words as a prayer for him.
When you cry be sure to dry your eyes
'Cause better days are sure to come
And when you smile be sure to smile wide
Don't let them know that they have won
And when you walk, walk with pride
Don't show the hurt inside
Because the pain will soon be gone
And when you dream, dream big
As big as the ocean blue
'Cause when you dream it might come true
When you dream, dream big
When you laugh be sure to laugh out loud
'Cause it will carry all your cares away
And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself
And it'll help you feel okay
And when you pray, pray for strength
To help you carry on
When the troubles come your way
And when you dream, dream big
As big as the ocean blue
'Cause when you dream it might come true
When you dream, dream big
As he got a little older his favorite song changed to The Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns. That song gave me so much hope and peace and again I prayed those words as we sang them together.
Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
To the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out his hand
But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. 'Boy, you'll never win!'
"You'll never win"
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a Sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand
But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again "boy, you'll never win!
"You'll never win"
But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
From on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
For the most part we have Dreamed Big and listened to the Voice of Truth but every now and then I have forgotten to have big dreams and sometimes I've listened as the giant says, "He'll never win." But not Sweet G, that is, not until today. Today he realized that dreams aren't always enough and in his weakness he took his eyes off of Jesus, focused on the waves crashing all around him, and listened as the giant laughed and said, "Boy, you'll never win."
One thing I know is that although Sweet G had a moment of weakness tonight, tomorrow will be a different story. Tomorrow we will stop and listen to the sound of Jesus singing over G as He says, "Do not be afraid. This is for My glory," and out of all the voices calling out we will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Animal Activists on Attack
Lately Facebook is often overrun with pictures of dogs and cats needing adoption. Some of those pictures tug at my heart strings making me want to load up and go bring those sweet babies home with me. That is because in that moment I am thinking with my heart and not my head. When I step back and take into consideration how full my life is and how much responsibility pet ownership brings I am able to control my desire to rescue those poor animals.
Recently there was a story in the local news about a dog being dragged behind a truck. People are outraged. Comments have even been made that the man should receive the same fate as the dog. I am in no way an animal hater and do not believe in animal neglect or abuse but from what I've read this was just a terrible accident. The dog had gotten loose while the owner was cooking dinner so he tied the dog to the bumper of his truck until he had time to secure the dog in his pen. Becoming distracted by the task of attending the meal he was cooking on his grill he forgot about the dog.
Later, realizing that something was needed to complete the meal he asks his friend to run to the store. The friend gets into the truck and drives the almost 2 mile distance to the store, goes inside and picks up his items and lays them on the counter. An angry crowd gathers outside and someone comes inside the store to find the owner of the truck. A bystander helps load the injured dog into the back of the truck and the man returns to the store to pay for the items he left on the counter.
Now I'm not exactly sure why the man reacted the way he did. Why did he return to pay for his purchase? Why did he quickly load the dog and refuse to turn the dog over to those angry people? Whatever his reasons that is the story. He left the store and drove back to his friend's house with his friend's dog badly injured if not already dead.
I have tried to put myself in his place. Maybe he was in total shock. Here he was trying to help his friend out only to discover he's now killed his friend's dog. He is surrounded by angry people who are accusing him of animal neglect and abuse. He's probably thinking about having to break the news that he's just killed his friend's dog. I don't know what was going through his mind but the point is that neither do those people who are calling for the man to be charged with a crime and taken to trial. The police interviewed the man as well as the owner of the truck and dog and deemed it an unfortunate accident. That should be the end of it but no way are those animal rescue fanatics going to let the police tell them it was an accident! They have called big bad PETA and they are conducting their own "investigation".
According to those nuts it is the responsibility of the driver of a vehicle to:
1. walk around your entire car to ensure nobody has tied an animal to your bumper.
2. get down on hands and knees to confirm there are no animals laying under, around, or near your car that you might possibly run over.
3. As an extra precaution you should probably take a look on all four tires and check under the hood since cats have been known to curl up against car engines. Then about thirty minutes after these security measures you will be free to begin your drive.
4. Now don't go thinking you are safe yet because I have noticed a few dead squirrels laying in the road lately so you should drive really slow with your head sticking out the window announcing your progress to any unsuspecting wildlife in the area!
And for goodness sake please remember to repeat all the steps listed above at every stop sign, red light, and before beginning your return trip home because it is possible that an animal could approach your car while you are stopped.
Its a sad world we live in when people are more concerned over the well being of an animal than that of a human. I'm not saying animal rescuers are all nuts but if there are any sane ones out there I'd sure like to hear your take on this story. I'm sorry but those loudmouth animal rescuers and PETA people are giving animal lovers a bad reputation.
Recently there was a story in the local news about a dog being dragged behind a truck. People are outraged. Comments have even been made that the man should receive the same fate as the dog. I am in no way an animal hater and do not believe in animal neglect or abuse but from what I've read this was just a terrible accident. The dog had gotten loose while the owner was cooking dinner so he tied the dog to the bumper of his truck until he had time to secure the dog in his pen. Becoming distracted by the task of attending the meal he was cooking on his grill he forgot about the dog.
Later, realizing that something was needed to complete the meal he asks his friend to run to the store. The friend gets into the truck and drives the almost 2 mile distance to the store, goes inside and picks up his items and lays them on the counter. An angry crowd gathers outside and someone comes inside the store to find the owner of the truck. A bystander helps load the injured dog into the back of the truck and the man returns to the store to pay for the items he left on the counter.
Now I'm not exactly sure why the man reacted the way he did. Why did he return to pay for his purchase? Why did he quickly load the dog and refuse to turn the dog over to those angry people? Whatever his reasons that is the story. He left the store and drove back to his friend's house with his friend's dog badly injured if not already dead.
I have tried to put myself in his place. Maybe he was in total shock. Here he was trying to help his friend out only to discover he's now killed his friend's dog. He is surrounded by angry people who are accusing him of animal neglect and abuse. He's probably thinking about having to break the news that he's just killed his friend's dog. I don't know what was going through his mind but the point is that neither do those people who are calling for the man to be charged with a crime and taken to trial. The police interviewed the man as well as the owner of the truck and dog and deemed it an unfortunate accident. That should be the end of it but no way are those animal rescue fanatics going to let the police tell them it was an accident! They have called big bad PETA and they are conducting their own "investigation".
According to those nuts it is the responsibility of the driver of a vehicle to:
1. walk around your entire car to ensure nobody has tied an animal to your bumper.
2. get down on hands and knees to confirm there are no animals laying under, around, or near your car that you might possibly run over.
3. As an extra precaution you should probably take a look on all four tires and check under the hood since cats have been known to curl up against car engines. Then about thirty minutes after these security measures you will be free to begin your drive.
4. Now don't go thinking you are safe yet because I have noticed a few dead squirrels laying in the road lately so you should drive really slow with your head sticking out the window announcing your progress to any unsuspecting wildlife in the area!
And for goodness sake please remember to repeat all the steps listed above at every stop sign, red light, and before beginning your return trip home because it is possible that an animal could approach your car while you are stopped.
Its a sad world we live in when people are more concerned over the well being of an animal than that of a human. I'm not saying animal rescuers are all nuts but if there are any sane ones out there I'd sure like to hear your take on this story. I'm sorry but those loudmouth animal rescuers and PETA people are giving animal lovers a bad reputation.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Fifty Things For Fifty Years
1. I love the look of love in your eyes when you look at me, really look at me.
2. I love that you have such a strong work ethic. Nobody can ever say you are lazy.
3. I love that you are always there when I need you.
4. I love that you are my biggest fan and supporter. You really think I can do anything.
5. I love your hairy chest and I'm thankful that the testosterone is making you grow more!
6. I love the way you take over G when you are around.
7. I love the deep tone your voice takes when you whisper sweet nothing's in my ear.
8. I love it that you still love to play and are a kid at heart.
9. I love your ability to problem solve and think outside of the box.
10 I love it when you call me Sweetpea.
11 I love that after 31 years I still get excited when I hear you come in the door.
12 I love that you are my protector.
13 I love that you have loved me so well for 31 years.
14 I love that you bring me Zagnuts just because.
15 I love snuggling up to you in our little bed every night. No king sized beds in this house!
16 I love how devoted you are to God and being faithful in attending church.
17 I love that you make sure G and I eat lunch everyday.
18 I love that you tease me about going to hell hungry.
19 I love your excitement over grilling meat.
20 I love your servants heart and desire to help others.
21 I love it when you tell me you want to squeeze me like a puppy.
22 I love it that you make me snacks and arrange my food in a pleasing presentation.
23 I love it when your cpap blows cool air on me at night.
24 I love every grey hair on your head.
25 I love that you are very social.
26 I love that you and Trey get hung up on different television series.
27 I love to watch you cut the grass with you head phones on.
28 I love the way you smell.
29 I love it that you still love to kiss me.
30 I love that I know almost everything there is to know about you.
31 I love that you will not leave me alone when I'm mad. (I like to be chased)
32 I love that you trust me to cut your hair.
33 I love how observant you are and how you spot construction a mile away.
34 I love that you never complain about honey do projects.
35 I love your passion for spicy foods.
36 I love your construction abilities.
37 I love your devotion to everything you do.
38 I love that you don't have to tell me you love me because you show me in your actions.
39 I love that you tell me you love me even though you know I already know you do.
40 I love that you have never complained about the problems in my family.
41 I love that you take Papaw his biscuits on Saturdays so my Dad can sleep late.
42 I love it when you go to the store you bring back more than the items on the list.
43 I love going to the Drive In with you.
44 I love that you are the last person I see at night.
45 I love that I am the first person you see every morning.
46 I love it when you call or text me just because.
47 I love it that you still love to ogle me every chance you get.
48 I love to hold your hand.
49 I love hearing you fight and giggle with our boys.
50 I love that of all the women in the world that you picked me to share your life with.
I could keep on going and going but I will let 50 be enough for now. You are my one true love. You captured my heart as a young girl and you have lovingly protected since that day. There is not another man in this world that could even come close to filling your shoes. You are my soulmate and I hope I never have to live one day without you by my side. God must really love me to have blessed me with such a wonderful, devoted man.
My Love Forever,
Sweetpea. 💋
2. I love that you have such a strong work ethic. Nobody can ever say you are lazy.
3. I love that you are always there when I need you.
4. I love that you are my biggest fan and supporter. You really think I can do anything.
5. I love your hairy chest and I'm thankful that the testosterone is making you grow more!
6. I love the way you take over G when you are around.
7. I love the deep tone your voice takes when you whisper sweet nothing's in my ear.
8. I love it that you still love to play and are a kid at heart.
9. I love your ability to problem solve and think outside of the box.
10 I love it when you call me Sweetpea.
11 I love that after 31 years I still get excited when I hear you come in the door.
12 I love that you are my protector.
13 I love that you have loved me so well for 31 years.
14 I love that you bring me Zagnuts just because.
15 I love snuggling up to you in our little bed every night. No king sized beds in this house!
16 I love how devoted you are to God and being faithful in attending church.
17 I love that you make sure G and I eat lunch everyday.
18 I love that you tease me about going to hell hungry.
19 I love your excitement over grilling meat.
20 I love your servants heart and desire to help others.
21 I love it when you tell me you want to squeeze me like a puppy.
22 I love it that you make me snacks and arrange my food in a pleasing presentation.
23 I love it when your cpap blows cool air on me at night.
24 I love every grey hair on your head.
25 I love that you are very social.
26 I love that you and Trey get hung up on different television series.
27 I love to watch you cut the grass with you head phones on.
28 I love the way you smell.
29 I love it that you still love to kiss me.
30 I love that I know almost everything there is to know about you.
31 I love that you will not leave me alone when I'm mad. (I like to be chased)
32 I love that you trust me to cut your hair.
33 I love how observant you are and how you spot construction a mile away.
34 I love that you never complain about honey do projects.
35 I love your passion for spicy foods.
36 I love your construction abilities.
37 I love your devotion to everything you do.
38 I love that you don't have to tell me you love me because you show me in your actions.
39 I love that you tell me you love me even though you know I already know you do.
40 I love that you have never complained about the problems in my family.
41 I love that you take Papaw his biscuits on Saturdays so my Dad can sleep late.
42 I love it when you go to the store you bring back more than the items on the list.
43 I love going to the Drive In with you.
44 I love that you are the last person I see at night.
45 I love that I am the first person you see every morning.
46 I love it when you call or text me just because.
47 I love it that you still love to ogle me every chance you get.
48 I love to hold your hand.
49 I love hearing you fight and giggle with our boys.
50 I love that of all the women in the world that you picked me to share your life with.
I could keep on going and going but I will let 50 be enough for now. You are my one true love. You captured my heart as a young girl and you have lovingly protected since that day. There is not another man in this world that could even come close to filling your shoes. You are my soulmate and I hope I never have to live one day without you by my side. God must really love me to have blessed me with such a wonderful, devoted man.
My Love Forever,
Sweetpea. 💋
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
He Came From a Long Line of Losers
A couple of years ago I started a new Christmas tradition for our family. I made small charm-like ornaments and a stick tree that serve as a Jesse Tree. It has become a nice addition to our nightly bedtime routine during the days leading up to Christmas. Each night we place that day's ornament on the Jesse Tree and read the scriptures that tell the Biblical story associated with the picture on the charm. It really is a wonderful way to see God's plan for our salvation through His Son, Jesus.
Tonight our story was from the book of Ruth. As I read the scriptures telling the story of Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi I would elaborate on parts to help Sweet G better understand. When I read the part where Ruth was gleaning the fields of Boaz I began to explain that Ruth and Naomi were poor widows and that Ruth worked very hard to gather the wheat that was left or dropped in the field. I told Sweet G that Ruth was an ancestor of Jesus and that her family had worshipped false idols but she had chosen to follow Naomi and worship the one true God. At this point in my story Sweet G asked, "Is it sort of like a long line of losers?" After a short chuckle I began to regain my composure and the thought hit me that G wasn't really that far off. I reviewed the story of Abraham and Sarah, how Abraham lied and Sarah laughed when God promised a son would be born to them. Noah, although found righteous, at one time became drunk. Adam and Eve disobeyed God and hid from Him, then lied about their actions. I skipped ahead to Rahab the harlot and realized that Sweet G spoke the truth when he suggested that Jesus came from a long line of losers. It provided a great opportunity to share with G that God uses average people and loves us in spite of our poor choices.
I'll never hear that country song again without thinking of my sweet Savior. "He comes from a long line of losers. Half outlaws, half boozers." I'm so thankful that God can take someone who has a sinful past full of mistakes and regrets, someone whose family tree may have some questionable characters hanging in it and choose to love them and use them for His glory. Grace, grace. God's grace. Oh, how sweet His love is.
Tonight our story was from the book of Ruth. As I read the scriptures telling the story of Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi I would elaborate on parts to help Sweet G better understand. When I read the part where Ruth was gleaning the fields of Boaz I began to explain that Ruth and Naomi were poor widows and that Ruth worked very hard to gather the wheat that was left or dropped in the field. I told Sweet G that Ruth was an ancestor of Jesus and that her family had worshipped false idols but she had chosen to follow Naomi and worship the one true God. At this point in my story Sweet G asked, "Is it sort of like a long line of losers?" After a short chuckle I began to regain my composure and the thought hit me that G wasn't really that far off. I reviewed the story of Abraham and Sarah, how Abraham lied and Sarah laughed when God promised a son would be born to them. Noah, although found righteous, at one time became drunk. Adam and Eve disobeyed God and hid from Him, then lied about their actions. I skipped ahead to Rahab the harlot and realized that Sweet G spoke the truth when he suggested that Jesus came from a long line of losers. It provided a great opportunity to share with G that God uses average people and loves us in spite of our poor choices.
I'll never hear that country song again without thinking of my sweet Savior. "He comes from a long line of losers. Half outlaws, half boozers." I'm so thankful that God can take someone who has a sinful past full of mistakes and regrets, someone whose family tree may have some questionable characters hanging in it and choose to love them and use them for His glory. Grace, grace. God's grace. Oh, how sweet His love is.
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