A Mom's Search for Answers

Aug. 9, 2007

New to me...

...my friend said this is an oldie but goodie. Since I haven't seen it before, I thought there might be a few others. enjoy! I did! icart

His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans,
and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of
college.

He is brilliant. Kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a
Christian while attending college.

Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative
church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how
to go about it.

One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his
T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill starts
down the aisle looking for a seat.

The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are
really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything.

Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes
there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet.

By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.

About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the
church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill.

Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece
suit. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with
a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to
themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do.

How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some
college kid on the floor?

It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy.

The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All
eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister
can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.

And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great
difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with
him so he won't be alone..

Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister regains control, he says,
"What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen,
you will never forget. "

"Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever
read!"

I asked the Lord to bless you As I prayed for you today.
To guide you and protect you As you go along your way....
His love is always with you, His promises are true, And when we give Him all
our cares, You know He will see us through.

• Comments (1) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Aug. 8, 2007

Sometimes I feel like Noah...

Posted in Current Events

...and I am preparing for a flood! With all the latest technology, it amazes me how little you can do in "advance". You can't tell the phone company or the cable company or your internet company to do anything at a future date...they can only do it "now". Oh yea, and not on weekends...argh! Anyway, I am trying hard not to stress too much...the flood is coming and there is nothing I can do about it...except be prepared! Like Noah...enjoy! icart

Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark... One : Don't miss the boat. Two : Remember that we are all in the same boat. Three : Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark. Four: Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big. Five : Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done. Six: Build your future on high ground. Seven : For safety sake, travel in pairs. Eight : Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs. Nine : When you're stressed, float a while. Ten : Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals. Eleven: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Aug. 7, 2007

In God's Time...

Posted in Current Events

I keep reminding myself that I can't see the whole picture, but God can. Things are so stressful with the house not selling, but I am reminded that everything happens in God's time. So with that thought, a friend of mine sent me this fantastic prayer. I hope it touches your heart as it did mine...enjoy! icart

Dancing With God

When I meditated on the word Guidance,

I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.

I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.

When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.

The movement doesn't flow with the music,

and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.

When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,

both bodies begin to flow with the music.

One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back

or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another.

It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.

The dance takes surrender, willingness,

and attentiveness from one person

and gentle guidance and skill from the other.

My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.

When I saw "G: I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i".

"God, "u" and "i" dance."

God, you, and I dance.

As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust

that I would get guidance about my life.

Once again, I became willing to let God lead.

My prayer for you today is that God's blessings

and mercies be upon you on this day and everyday.

May you abide in God as God

abides in you.

Dance together with God, trusting God to lead

and to guide you through each season of your life.

This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached.

If God has done anything for

you in your life,

please share this message with someone else,

for prayer is one of the best gifts we can receive.

There is no cost but a lot of rewards;

so let's continue to pray for one another.

And I Hope You Dance

Author Unknown

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Aug. 6, 2007

short, sweet...

Posted in Current Events

...and too cute. Do you have a child that wants a dog? Do you NOT want to get one for them? Do YOU want a dog, but aren't home enough to take care of one...then go to this site...toooooo cute!
http://www.idodogtricks.com/index_flash.html enjoy! icart

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Aug. 3, 2007

Inspiration...part 2

Posted in Current Events

With the painting and packing and trying to get ready for a move (we still haven't sold this house...so keep praying please)...I thought I would post part 2 today incase I got a little too busy this weekend...enjoy! icart

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life.."

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.!

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Aug. 3, 2007

Inspiration...part 1

Posted in Current Events

With the kids getting older, I keep teasing them which one I should be nicer to, because they are the one that will take better care of me when I am older...on that note...enjoy! icart

The Wooden Bowl

    I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now. A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year
old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred,
and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table.

    But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

    The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about father," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor."

    So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There,Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a
wooden bowl!

    When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometime he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food..

    The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?"

    Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

    The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Aug. 2, 2007

Too true...

Posted in Current Events

...with one away at college; one on his first rue love; and one who thinks she knows EVERYTHING!...this hit home. Enjoy! It's only a phase...this too shall pass. icart

WORRY

Is there a magic cutoff period when
offspring become accountable for their own
actions? Is there a wonderful moment when
parents can become detached spectators in
the lives of their children and shrug, "It's
their life," and feel nothing?

When I was in my twenties, I stood in a hospital
corridor waiting for doctors to put a few
stitches in my son's head. I asked, "When do
you stop worrying?" The nurse said,
"When they get out of the accident stage." My
mother just smiled faintly and said nothing.

When I was in my thirties, I sat on a little
chair in a classroom and heard how one of my
children talked incessantly, disrupted the class,
and was headed for a career making
license plates. As if to read my mind, a teacher
said, "Don't worry, they all go through
this stage and then you can sit back, relax and
enjoy them." My mother just smiled
faintly and said nothing.

When I was in my forties, I spent a lifetime
waiting for the phone to ring, the cars to come
home, the front door to open. A friend said,
"They're trying to find themselves. Don't worry,
in a few years, you can stop worrying. They'll be
adults." My mother just smiled faintly
and said nothing.

By the time I was 50, I was sick & tired of being
vulnerable. I was still worrying over my
children, but there was a new wrinkle. There
was nothing I could do about it. My
mother just smiled faintly and said nothing. I
continued to anguish over their failures, be
tormented by their frustrations and absorbed in
their disappointments.

My friends said that when my kids got married I
could stop worrying and lead my own
life. I wanted to believe that, but I was
haunted by my mother's warm smile and her
occasional, "You look pale. Are you all right?
Call me the minute you get home. Are
you depressed about something?"

Can it be that parents are sentenced to a
lifetime of worry? Is concern for one another
handed down like a torch to blaze the trail of
human frailties and the fears of the
unknown? Is concern a curse or is it a virtue
that elevates us to the highest form of life?

One of my children became quite irritable
recently, saying to me, " Where were you? I've
been calling for 3 days, and no one answered I was worried."
I smiled a warm smile.

The torch has been passed.

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jul. 30, 2007

This is just too uplifting not to share...

Posted in Current Events

...a friend of mine sent this to me. She knows how crazy things are right now and thought this would help. It really did! I HATE wasting time...so think of this next time you start to complain. I know I will...enjoy! icart

The most beautiful rainbow.

                     As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that
                     wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You
                     will have your heart broken probably more thanonce and
                     it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember
                     how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your
                     best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one
                     did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll
                     eventually lose someone you love. So take too many
                     pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been
                     hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a
              minute of happiness you'll never get back. Don't be afraid
                     that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin.

                     Live simply. Love generously.
                     Care deeply. Speak kindly.
                     Leave the rest to God.

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jul. 22, 2007

When I stress...

Posted in Current Events

...I get a little crazy. Things seem to come too fast and others seem out of my control. For example, this whole house situation. It is making me crazy that I can't get people into my house. I know the market is super slow; I know if they come they will love it; I know EVRYTHING is in God's time...I know all this, but I still feel like I should be able to go pull someone off the street and make them buy my house!

A friend sent me these beautiful poems...they REALLY put things in perspective. They came with beautiful pictures that I didn't post...so picture the ocean or a waterfall or a babbling brook while you read these. Then just say "Thank you" to God for all he has provided...I just did. Enjoy! icart

The Poem
I knelt to pray but not for long,
I had too much to do.
I had to hurry and get to work
For bills would soon be due.
So I knelt and said a hurried prayer,
And jumped up off my knees.
My Christian duty was now done
My soul could rest at ease.....
All day long I had no time
To spread a word of cheer
No time to speak of Christ to friends,
They'd laugh at me I'd fear.
No time, no time, too much to do,
That was my constant cry,
No time to give to souls in need
But at last the time, the time to die.
I went before the Lord,
I came, I stood with downcast eyes.
For in his hands God! held a book;
It was the book of life.
God looked into his book and said
"Your name I cannot find
I once was going to write it down...
But never found the time"
Now do you have the time
to pass it on?

If you look at what you do not have in life, you don't have anything, If you
look at what you have in life, you have everything.

READ THE FIRST LINE CAREFULLY. .
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Jul. 12, 2007

...keeping the theme going!

Posted in Current Events

...a friend of mine sent me this prayer. It is a really good one. I LOVE prayers that make you think a little...you know, reflect? Again, I know my life is hectic and a bit strained, but I truly am blessed. Pass this on to someone you know who might need a reminder...enjoy! icart.

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back -
1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity

Three things in life that can destroy a person -
1. Anger
2. Pride
3. Unforgiveness

Three things in life that you should never lose -
1. Hope
2. Peace
3. Honesty

Three things in life that are most valuable -
1. Love
2. Family & Friends
3. Kindness

Three things in life that are never certain -
1. Fortune
2. Success
3. Dreams

Three things that make a person -
1. Commitment
2. Sincerity
3. Hard work

Three things that are truly constant -
Father - Son - Holy Spirit

I ask the Lord to bless you, as I pray for you today;
to guide you and protect you, as you go along your way.
God's love is always with you, God's promises are true.
And when you give God all your cares, you know God will see you through.

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 30, 2007

A trip down memory lane....

Posted in Current Events

This is so good. You have to love a great multipurpose item...where are all the "green" lovers with this? I would MUCH rather have this great item than use one sheet of toilet paper...how about we go back to the FLOUR SACK! enjoy! icart

THE FLOUR SACK BY COLLEEN B. HUBERT

IN THAT LONG AGO TIME WHEN THINGS WERE SAVED,

WHEN ROADS WERE GRAVELED AND BARRELS WERE STAVED,

WHEN WORN-OUT CLOTHING WAS USED AS RAGS,

AND THERE WERE NO PLASTIC WRAP OR BAGS,

AND THE WELL AND THE PUMP WERE WAY OUT BACK,

A VERSITILE ITEM, WAS THE FLOUR SACK.

PILLSBURY'S BEST, MOTHER'S AND GOLD MEDAL,TOO

STAMPED THEIR NAMES PROUDLY IN PURPLE AND BLUE

. THE STRING SEWN ON TOP WAS PULLED AND KEPT;

THE FLOUR EMPTIED AND SPILLS WERE SWEPT.

THE BAG WAS FOLDED AND STORED IN A SACK

THAT DURABLE, PRACTICAL FLOUR SACK.

THE SACK COULD BE FILLED WITH FEATHER AND DOWN,

FOR A PILLOW, OR T'WOULD MAKE A SLEEPING GOWN.

IT COULD CARRY A BOOK AND BE A SCHOOL BAG,

OR BECOME A MAIL SACK SLUNG OVER A NAG.

IT MADE A VERY CONVENIENT PACK,

THAT ADAPTABLE, COTTON FLOUR SACK.

BLEACHED AND SEWN, IT WAS DUTIFULLY WORN

AS BIBS, DIAPERS, OR KERCHIEF ADORNED

. IT WAS MADE INTO SKIRTS, BLOUSES AND SLIPS

AND MOM BRAIDED RUGS FROM ONE HUNDRED STRIPS

. SHE MADE RUFFLED CURTAINS FOR THE HOUSE OR SHACK,

FROM THAT HUMBLE BUT TREASURED FLOUR SACK!

AS A STRAINER FOR MILK OR APPLE JUICE,

TO WAVE MEN IN, IT WAS A VERY GOOD USE,

AS A SLING FOR A SPRAINED WRIST OR A BREAK,

TO HELP MOTHER ROLL UP A JELLY CAKE,

AS A WINDOW SHADE OR TO STUFF A CRACK,

WE USED A STURDY, COMMOM FLOUR SACK!

AS DISH TOWELS, EMBROIDERED OR NOT,

THEY COVERED UP DOUGH, HELPED PASS PANS SO HOT,

TIED UP DISHES FOR NEIGHBORS IN NEED,

AND FOR MEN OUT IN THE FIELD TO SEED.

THEY DRIED DISHES FROM PAN, NOT RACK

THAT ABSORBENT, HANDY FLOUR SACK!

WE POLISHED AND CLEANED STOVE AND TABLE,

SCOURED AND SCRUBBED FROM CELLAR TO GABLE,

WE DUSTED THE BUREAU AND OAK BED POST,

MADE COSTUMES FOR OCTOBER (A SCARY GHOST)

AND A PARACHUTE FOR A CAT NAMED JACK.

FROM THAT LOWLY, USEFUL OLD FLOUR SACK!

SO NOW MY FRIENDS, WHEN THEY ASK YOU

AS CURIOUS YOUNGSTERS OFTEN DO,

"BEFORE PLASTIC WRAP, ELMERS GLUE

AND PAPER TOWELS, WHAT DID YOU DO?"

TELL THEM LOUDLY AND WITH PRIDE DON'T LACK,

"GRANDMOTHER HAD THAT WONDERFUL FLOUR SACK!"

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 26, 2007

21 rules to live by...

Posted in Current Events

...my 13 year old daughter sent this to me. I love them! Maybe we should send this list to Congress?! Number 10 is my favorite. Maybe we should remind ourselves of some of the not so common niceities in life...enjoy! icart

ONE.
Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO.
Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their
conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE.
Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR.
When you say, "I love you ," mean it.

FIVE.
When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.

SIX.
Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN.
Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT.
Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have
much.

NINE.
Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way
to live life completely.

TEN..
In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN.
Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE.
Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN.
When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and
ask, "Why do you want to know?"

FOURTEEN.
Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN.
Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN.
When you lose, don't lose the lesson !

SEVENTEEN.
Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and
responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN.
Don't let a little dispute injure a great
friendship.

NINETEEN.
When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to
correct it.

TWENTY.
Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your
voice.

TWENTY-ONE.
Spend some time alone.

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 23, 2007

After last weeks sadness....

Posted in Current Events

...someone sent me this as a "Happy Note." I thought it would be a good way to start off the week. enjoy! icart

IN CHEMISTRY, HE TURNED WATER TO WINE

IN BIOLOGY, HE WAS BORN WITHOUT THE NORMAL CONCEPTION.

IN PHYSICS, HE DISPROVED THE LAW OF GRAVITY WHEN HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN

IN ECONOMICS, HE DISAPPROVED THE LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURN BY FEEDING 5000 MEN WITH TWO FISHES & 5 LOAVES OF BREAD;

IN MEDICINE, HE CURED THE SICK AND THE BLIND WITHOUT ADMINISTERING A SINGLE DOSE OF DRUGS,

IN HISTORY, HE IS THE BEGINNING AND THE END;

IN GOVERNMENT, HE SAID THAT HE SHALL BE CALLED WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, PRINCE OF PEACE;

IN RELIGION, HE SAID NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH HIM;

SO.

WHO IS HE?

HE IS JESUS!

JOIN ME AND LET'S
CELEBRATE HIM; HE IS WORTHY.

THE EYES BEHOLDING THIS MESSAGE SHALL NOT BEHOLD EVIL, THE HAND THAT

WILL SEND THIS MESSAGE TO EVERYBODY SHALL NOT LABOR IN VAIN, AND THE

MOUTH SAYING AMEN TO THIS PRAYER SHALL SMILE FOREVER.

REMAIN IN GOD AND SEEK HIS FACE ALWAYS.

AMEN

IN GOD I'VE FOUND EVERYTHING!

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 12, 2007

God is great!

Posted in Current Events

This was such a super Easter...I really felt renewed! I felt like so many worries were taken off my shoulders. It was a special day.

I received this yesterday, from a friend of mine. I guess I am not the only one! THAT is a very good feeling! God Bless you all and enjoy! icart

Do   you believe in God?

NBC  recently had a poll on this question. They had the highest
Number of responses that they have ever had for one of their polls, and the
Percentage was the same as this:

86% to keep the words, IN God We Trust and God in the Pledge of Allegiance
14% against.

That is a pretty 'commanding' public response.

I was asked to send this on if I agreed or ignore it  if I didn't.

Now it is your turn...   It   is said that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore, I have a very hard time understanding why there is such a mess about having "In God We Trust" on our money and having God in the Pledge of   Allegiance.

Why is the world catering to this 14%?

AMEN! If you agree, pass this on, if not, simply ignore.

In God We Trust

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 10, 2007

Did you see what my daughter made?!

Posted in Current Events

She may drive me crazy...but she is by far the most talented person I know! She absolutely amazes me how she takes on ANY challenge with out any fear...love you Rae! So check out my side bar...see the "so many vices...so little time"? She designed that! Gotta love her! If you want to see more of her talent displayed...check out her blog at:

www.homeschoolblogger.com/sk8brdingguitar

enjoy! and thanks Rae!!! icart

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 9, 2007

It IS a fantastic Monday!!!

Posted in Current Events

Okay, so I had one of the BEST Easters ever! It seemd like everyhting just fell into place. My middle son took the entire three day weekend off (he did practically nothing and was soooo happy)...my oldest son "Yes Mom" and "No Mom" -ed to EVERYTHING! He was a tremendous help...the yard looks increduible...and even my 13 year old daughter was super sweet...the kids even filled an Easter basket for me! Best yet...we actually found EVERY Easter egg this year! That is a first!

So a friend sent me this site...it is very addictive, but educational too! I find I am drawn to it while my daughter is testing...better than solitare (or Candy Cruncher...I love that game)! Enjoy! icart

http://www.animaxinteractive.com/banana/Games/tictactoe.html

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 4, 2007

Stress Relief PART 1

Posted in Current Events

...so my oldest son and some of his friends have been shooting this video for class (and fun). It's an update "cops and robbers" video. Good guys are Santa and a cop named Ricco...bad guys wear black sweats and masks. It was really coming along. Then ...these BRILLIANT teenagers decided they needed a change of scenery and took the action outside...unbeknownst to the parents, they started shooting outside in the neighborhood...with thier black masks, fake air guns, boys chasing boys...needless to say several people called the police and there was a VERY stressful moment for ALL those involved. Including the police!

That being said...here is PART 1 of my stress relieving advice...look for part 2 tomorrow. enjoy! icart

> Stress Management
A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a
glass of water and asked,
"how heavy is this glass of water? "
Answers
called out ranged from 8oz. to 20oz.

The lecturer replied,

"The absolute weight doesn't matter.

It depends on how long you try to hold it.

"If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem.

If I hold it for an hour,

I'll have an ache in my right arm.

If I hold it for a day,

you'll have to call an ambulance.

"In each case, it's the same weight,

but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes. "

He continued,

"And that's the way it is with stress management.

If we carry our burdens all the time,

sooner or later,

as the burden becomes increasingly heavy,

we won't be able to carry on. "

"As with the glass of water,

you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding

it again.

When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden. "

"So, before you return home tonight,

put the burden of work down.

Don't carry it home.

You can pick it up tomorrow.

Whatever burdens you're carrying now,

let them down for a moment if you can. "

"Relax; pick them up later after you've rested.

Life is short.

Enjoy it!

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Mar. 26, 2007

Intersting for a Monday....

Posted in Current Events

....here is a little something to think about. A great starter for the week! Below find the preambles for all 50 states...find yours! It is kind of fascinating what similar theme is carried in ALL 50! Read to the bottom...and enjoy! icart

Just a little history lesson with a question at the end.
Do you know the Preamble for your state? Very interesting? Be sure and read the message at the bottom

!Alabama 1901, Preamble We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution.
Alaska1956, Preamble We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.
Arizona1911, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...
Arkansas 1874, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arkansas , grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...
California 1879, Preamble We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...
Colorado 1876, Preamble We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe...
Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.
Delaware 1897, Preamble Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences.
Florida 1885, Preamble We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...
Georgia 1777, Preamble We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...
Hawaii 1959, Preamble We , the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution.
Idaho 1889, Preamble We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.
Illinois 1870, Preamble We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil , political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
Indiana 1851, Preamble We, the People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.
Iowa 1857, Preamble We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.
Kansas1859, Preamble We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.
Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...
Louisiana 1921, Preamble We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.
Maine1820, Preamble We the People of Maine, acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity, and imploring His aid and direction.
Maryland1776, Preamble We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...
Massachusetts 1780, Preamble We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction ..
Michigan 1908, Preamble le. We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom establish this Constitution.
Minnesota, 1857, Preamble We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:
Mississippi 1890, Preamble We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Al mighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.
Missouri1845, Preamble We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness establish this Constitution... Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ...
Nebraska 1875, Preamble We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom. establish this Constitution.
Nevada 1864, Preamble We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...
New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.
New Jersey 1844, Preamble We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
New Mexico1911, Preamble We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty?
New York 1846, Preamble We, the people of the State of New York , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.
North Carolina 1868, Preamble We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...
North Dakota 1889, Preamble We , the people of North Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...
Ohio1852, Preamble We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common...
Oklahoma 1907, Preamble Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this
Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences
Pennsylvania1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance...
Rhode Island1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...
South Carolina , 1778, Preamble We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
South Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties.
Tennessee1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...
Texas 1845, Preamble We the People of the Republic of Texas , acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.
Utah1896, Preamble Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.
Vermont1777, Preamble Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man...
Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other
Washington 1889, Preamble We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution
West Virginia 1872, Preamble Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ...
Wisconsin 1848, Preamble We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...
Wyoming1890, Preamble We, the people of the State of Wyoming , grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution..

After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, the ACLU and the out -of-control federal courts are wrong!

If you found this to be "Food for thought" copy and send to as many as you think will be enlightened, as I hope you were. ( Please note that at no time is anyone told that they MUST worship God.)

"Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants." - William Penn
GOD BLESS AMERICA

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Mar. 23, 2007

Chaos...do we really need this?

Posted in Current Events

Okay...so my life has been really chaotic lately (whose hasn't) and two companies have added to the chaos.

The first is FTD....now, my husband is a dreamboat. He does ALL the things a loving husband is supposed to do...according to all fairy tales. One of those "to do" things is sending flowers. He knows how much I love them. One year, before he went on deployment (that's is being stuck on a big gray ship for 6 months), he went to the local florist with 6 handwritten little cards (dated) and set up floral deliveries for every month he was gone...it was incredible! Since we have lived in Memphis, we haven't found a great florist. So when my hubbie went to South Korea for a year he relied on the internet. He used FTD for this past Valentines' Day....the picture was a beautiful bouquet with a dozen roses and half a dozen rose buds in a really pretty vase....three days AFTER February 14, I received a small glass bud vase with 6 roses jammed into it....I KNEW my husband did not send me that! It was sent from Bergeron's here in Memphis...again...not a good local florist to be found. Since then we have both been e-mailing (I tried calling for three days, but their customer service line was busy)...I received no response from either FTD or Bergeron's...hubbie received an e-mail from FTD stating they would give him 15% any other flowers he wanted to send...ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!? So PLEASE do not use FTD...and I wouldn't use Bergeron's in Memphis either.

However, on the plus side...as I recently posted I went on my first stage four married lady trip to Las Vegas. The only problem I had was on the return trip...they (NWA) bumped me from my flight and scheduled me on a later one. I was trreated very rudely...at the gate I was told they went to smaller equipment so they just put me on another flight (this was as I was boarding)...then I was told the connecting flight I was on was cancelled ...so they rebooked me. I was pretty upset...first of all my children were home alone...this was a new experience for me. Secondly, I was stuck in the airport until 1:00am the next morning before my flight left. Unlike FTD (boo hiss)...Northwest Airlines e-mailed me back. They addressed EVERY concern I had typed in my letter (so I know they actually read it)...AND they apologized and gave me three options of compensation from which to choose! YIPPEE!! I was VERY happy with NWA. I highly recommend it to everyone...all companies can make mistakes, but only the ones worth getting my husband's hard earned cash will have my business.

So...three cheers for Northwest Airlines...they really came through...but a HUGE boo hiss to FTD...I personally will never use them again...I hope you think twice before you do too...have a great weekend...icart

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Mar. 16, 2007

So much happenning!

Posted in Current Events

Sorry it has been so long...there has been so much going on here....The house is still for sale (it is a beauty in Memphis...4 bedrooms/ 3 baths PLUS a bonus room and three car garage...look for it under Cyre-Leike website); we went to Florida and picked out colors on our new home; my daughter and I both had another birthday...AND the kids are on Spring Break! That was just this past week!

The first weekend in March I had my first "stage four" trip of my almost 22 years fo marriage. For those of you who may not understand my madness...Stage One is the honeymoon...just the two of you, struggling to get by but enjoying "happy hours" for the free food and starting to make a home. Stage 2 is the welcoming of babies. Everything changes as you focus on those itty bitties. Stage 3 is when the babies can babysit themselves...no you and your husband can enjoy both dinner AND a movie without going broke or crazy with worry. Stage 4 (where I have just reached) is when you can leave the "babies" home alone while you go out of town for a weekend trip!!!! It was incredible! The kids were super (my 18 year old took the other two out to dinner, a movie, icecream and movie rentals)! I got to fly to Las Vegas and meet my husband who was there for a simulation exercise with the Air Force. We got to enjoy a show (Cirque du solie), adult beverages (I found this drink called an Aurora with fresh blueberries and a berry flavored vodka...yumm!) and all the lights and excitment of Vegas. It was so much fun!

But, now I am back to laundry and cleaning house. It was a GREAT distraction while it lasted. I get to talk to my realestate agent today and see if we can get some action on this house...I am really looking forward to moving into the new one...I hope my color choices work! Here's a little "funny" to finish your week with...enjoy! icart

A very self-important college freshman attending a recent football game,
took it upon himself to explain to a senior citizen sitting next to him why
it was impossible for the older generation to understand his generation.

"You grew up in a different world, actually an almost primitive
one." The student said, loud enough for many of those nearby to hear. "We,
the young people of today, grew up with television, jet planes, space
travel,
men walking on the moon, our spaceships have visited Mars. We have nuclear
energy, electric and hydrogen cars, computers with light-speed
processing and...," pausing to take another drink of beer.

The Senior took advantage of the break in the student's litany and said,
"You're right, son. We didn't have those things when we were
young ....so we invented them. Now, you arrogant little fart, what are
you doing
for the next generation?"

The applause was resounding.. I love senior citizens.

• Comments (0) • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link