I sent this off as an e-mail to some friends today and then decided to post it on my blog. It's kind of rambling and I like to focus more when I write, but that's the way of the blog I guess.
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First of all, never, EVER read sad things when you don't want to cry like a baby and then feel like a big dork. And I usually feel like a dork at least 5 times a day, so that’s not new.
That said, I settled in to read the updates of friends of mine on their blogs about the memorial service this past weekend for my friend Andrea,, who passed away September 20th from breast cancer. I still tear up thinking about her and how hard she fought to live. But when I started reading details about the memorial service (and status updates on Facebook on Saturday night), I realized there was an Andrea out there that I had no idea about. NO IDEA.
Admittedly, we didn’t keep in touch on a very regular basis and the last time I saw her was in 2007 before I went to Australia. But I prayed for her a lot through this ordeal that some of you are all too familiar with from personal experience too. And I thought it was really cool that she was in DC working for the State Department and then the American Embassy in Iraq.
Little did I know…
The truth of the matter was, Andrea was a spy for the CIA. As my friend Karen said on her blog, “She wasn't just reading and editing documents like I thought she was doing all these years. She was on the field of Iraq, wearing burkas to meet informants to bring back info to our government, planning strategies to secure our soldiers through the counter terrorism division of the CIA. *blink blink* I'm sorry, whaaat?!”
That about sums up my thoughts.
My friend Andrea who I met a decade ago on an internet bulletin board devoted to romance author Judith McNaught. The one who loved to dance and loved her dog Belle. The one who loved her husband and family. The one who didn’t believe she could totally work that pink leather dress we made her try on in Vegas (but she totally could). Andrea was a spy.
The program from her memorial says the following: “Andrea was a Collections Management Officer (CMO) which is a position in the National Clandestine Service (NCS). She worked at the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC). CMO's like Operations Officers, are engaged in the full cycle of intelligence collection operations.”
I’m in awe. Truly in awe. Possibly even speechless and y’all know how hard that is for me not to talk! LOL
When I started thinking about how Andrea followed her dream to work with the CIA and how she was risking her life to serve our country through public service, it made me feel rather small and petty and quite often childish. Most definitely selfish. I realize the members of our military do that every day, all the time. But this is somehow different. Much more personal I guess.
My life just seemed so, so small.
But then I realized that no life is small. You can make it small if you choose, but no life is small. Everything we do has purpose and meaning. We might not realize it at the time, but it does. It’s like my pastor said said on Sunday, everyone is put into your life for a reason. It’s not by chance - there is always a purpose.
God did me a huge favor putting Andrea in my life. I will never, ever forget her. And when I feel like I am not doing enough in the world, I’ll stop and remember that my life isn’t small. I have an impact. Not, perhaps, as big as some others have on the world, but I make a difference. Every day. To someone.
AND SO DO YOU!! We are not in each other’s lives by accident but by divine direction. The choice is yours to make on what you do with what you are given. Such a simple concept, but one that I think I need to repeat to myself over and over and hope it sticks.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Tonight we're gonna party like it's 1989!
I have not felt inspired to update this blog in a couple of weeks, but now that my 20th high school reunion has come and gone, I want to get my thoughts written down.
To say that I have overly excited about this reunion is a gross understatement. Ever since planning started over Thanksgiving weekend last year, I've been anticipating the reunion. That being the case, I was afraid that it might not live up to my expectations, but I'm happy to say that it did. The only complaint is that it was much too short. It's so hard to fit everything - and everyONE - into about 36 hours. Crazy.
By far the best part of the weekend was spending time with some of my very best friends. I love getting together, though we do it far too infrequently. Fortunately, we can pick up right where we left off which I love! We can move into and out of and back into each others' lives through the years and somehow manage it almost seemlessly. We're similar, yet different. Somehow it just works.
I often feel just one step outside the circle though because we really did have different high school experiences. Oh sure, we had the same classes sometimes, same friends, teachers. We were growing up in the same location. But my parents were pretty protective and if I did not have a destination and an estimated time of arrival back home, I wasn't going to get out of the house. Plus, they hated the idea of me riding in the car with teenagers driving, so I never really went out. So a lot of things went on in high school that I wasn't a part of. That's not a complaint at all - just a simple statement of fact. And the only other thing I'm going to say on that subject is I'm glad some of y'all made it out of high school alive. LOL
In addition to spending time with the usual suspects, I had a chance to speak to some other folks outside that circle from the Class of 89 which is something I had hoped for. In a class of about 600 students and a school of nearly 2000, it's impossible to know everyone. But for me, part of the purpose of a 20 year reunion is to throw off the old high school cliquishness and stereotypes and talk to folks. You don't have to act like best friends with people that might not have given you - or you given them - the time of day in the past, but as adults, it's nice to be able to realize that that was then and this is now. So for me it was nice to have a chat here and there with folks that I remember, but didn't know that well. Through the magic of Facebook, we are into and out of each others' lives anyway, so it would be silly not to speak.
Facebook gets a bad rap a lot of the time, but I heard more than once someone say that if it hadn't been for reconnecting with people on FB they would not have come to the reunion. At least FB is sometimes using its power for good and not evil. LOL
It was also interesting to me to be told a couple of times by folks that they wish they had known me better in high school. It was a nice compliment and to took it in the spirit it was intended as I know it was sincerely meant. But I know it was also based on their knowledge of who I am now and that is not necessarily who I was then. There are no guarantees they would have liked me then! Of course, I think I'm very different now than I was then, but I'd have to leave the truth of that up to those who have known me this whole time to decide just how different I might be. I'm louder that's for damned sure!
In the end, I think everyone who attended had a good time. I hope they did anyway. Twenty years ago it was easy to get wrapped up in who were the "cool" kids and who was popular or unpopular (which was totally subjective then AND now), but for me that's all in the past. Sorry popular kids! We've all pulled you down a few rungs as we've climbed up the ladder and we're all on even turf now. :o) But I mean that in the nicest way possible, because I think 20 years down the road that's where we SHOULD be. All on the same level. And really, that's where we were 20 years ago, we just didn't realize it.
To say that I have overly excited about this reunion is a gross understatement. Ever since planning started over Thanksgiving weekend last year, I've been anticipating the reunion. That being the case, I was afraid that it might not live up to my expectations, but I'm happy to say that it did. The only complaint is that it was much too short. It's so hard to fit everything - and everyONE - into about 36 hours. Crazy.
By far the best part of the weekend was spending time with some of my very best friends. I love getting together, though we do it far too infrequently. Fortunately, we can pick up right where we left off which I love! We can move into and out of and back into each others' lives through the years and somehow manage it almost seemlessly. We're similar, yet different. Somehow it just works.
I often feel just one step outside the circle though because we really did have different high school experiences. Oh sure, we had the same classes sometimes, same friends, teachers. We were growing up in the same location. But my parents were pretty protective and if I did not have a destination and an estimated time of arrival back home, I wasn't going to get out of the house. Plus, they hated the idea of me riding in the car with teenagers driving, so I never really went out. So a lot of things went on in high school that I wasn't a part of. That's not a complaint at all - just a simple statement of fact. And the only other thing I'm going to say on that subject is I'm glad some of y'all made it out of high school alive. LOL
In addition to spending time with the usual suspects, I had a chance to speak to some other folks outside that circle from the Class of 89 which is something I had hoped for. In a class of about 600 students and a school of nearly 2000, it's impossible to know everyone. But for me, part of the purpose of a 20 year reunion is to throw off the old high school cliquishness and stereotypes and talk to folks. You don't have to act like best friends with people that might not have given you - or you given them - the time of day in the past, but as adults, it's nice to be able to realize that that was then and this is now. So for me it was nice to have a chat here and there with folks that I remember, but didn't know that well. Through the magic of Facebook, we are into and out of each others' lives anyway, so it would be silly not to speak.
Facebook gets a bad rap a lot of the time, but I heard more than once someone say that if it hadn't been for reconnecting with people on FB they would not have come to the reunion. At least FB is sometimes using its power for good and not evil. LOL
It was also interesting to me to be told a couple of times by folks that they wish they had known me better in high school. It was a nice compliment and to took it in the spirit it was intended as I know it was sincerely meant. But I know it was also based on their knowledge of who I am now and that is not necessarily who I was then. There are no guarantees they would have liked me then! Of course, I think I'm very different now than I was then, but I'd have to leave the truth of that up to those who have known me this whole time to decide just how different I might be. I'm louder that's for damned sure!
In the end, I think everyone who attended had a good time. I hope they did anyway. Twenty years ago it was easy to get wrapped up in who were the "cool" kids and who was popular or unpopular (which was totally subjective then AND now), but for me that's all in the past. Sorry popular kids! We've all pulled you down a few rungs as we've climbed up the ladder and we're all on even turf now. :o) But I mean that in the nicest way possible, because I think 20 years down the road that's where we SHOULD be. All on the same level. And really, that's where we were 20 years ago, we just didn't realize it.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Week of SUCK!
Well my friends, it was certainly a Week of SUCK last week. Two friends gone. Two friends dying much too young. Two families mourning the loss of loved ones. Many more sharing in that mourning. Totally a WEEK OF SUCK!
On Tuesday I found out that my high school friend Mike had passed away the previous Saturday. He was hit by a car while stopped in the road, at night, trying to help an injured cat. I had communicated a little with Mike about a year or so ago on MySpace, but prior to that not for about 20 years. Many in our circle of friends have wondered over the years what had become of Mike and I am glad that before his death at least some of us had found that answer.
Mike was a sweetheart of a guy. He drove me to school every day of my junior, his senior, year of high school and we had all kinds of conversations. He was probably the first one who knew all about my crush on...well, if you went to high school with me then you'd know just who that was, so I don't have to elaborate. :o) Since his death someone said they had been trying to get him to come back east with them to see folks during my class reunion. Mike will definitely be with us in spirit.
Then Thursday the news came down that my friend Andrea was fading fast. I don't even know what to say about all of that. I think I said a lot of it pretty well in my previous 2 posts here on this blog. My heart is sick for her family and everyone who knew and loved her. Her death is such a great loss.
I freely admit a lot of the friends in our circle were much closer to Andrea than I was. I'm not big on making phone calls and I can be really lousy with returning e-mails. I don't get on instant messenger anymore. I tend to lose touch with people unless I can keep track of them somewhere like Facebook. But I still grieve strongly for her loss. I tear up just thinking about her. And that is a testimony to my friend - how she could touch SO MANY lives and it doesn't matter whether you were her best friend or hadn't talked to her in years, she still touched you.
But while I am sad for myself and her family and friends, I'm happy for Andrea. Happy that she's out of pain. Happy that she doesn't have to fight the cancer anymore. Happy that she's left behind a great legacy through everything she accomplished in a life that was all too short. It's certainly worth celebrating. We will all die one day, but I dare say that we probably all won't be as well thought of as Andrea.
And so with last week being so sucky, I'm looking forward to this new week with happier times and events. If I was excited about my 20th high school reunion before, then I am ecstatic now that it is merely 10 days away. So many faces I want to see, friends I want to hug. So long Week of Suck. Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.
On Tuesday I found out that my high school friend Mike had passed away the previous Saturday. He was hit by a car while stopped in the road, at night, trying to help an injured cat. I had communicated a little with Mike about a year or so ago on MySpace, but prior to that not for about 20 years. Many in our circle of friends have wondered over the years what had become of Mike and I am glad that before his death at least some of us had found that answer.
Mike was a sweetheart of a guy. He drove me to school every day of my junior, his senior, year of high school and we had all kinds of conversations. He was probably the first one who knew all about my crush on...well, if you went to high school with me then you'd know just who that was, so I don't have to elaborate. :o) Since his death someone said they had been trying to get him to come back east with them to see folks during my class reunion. Mike will definitely be with us in spirit.
Then Thursday the news came down that my friend Andrea was fading fast. I don't even know what to say about all of that. I think I said a lot of it pretty well in my previous 2 posts here on this blog. My heart is sick for her family and everyone who knew and loved her. Her death is such a great loss.
I freely admit a lot of the friends in our circle were much closer to Andrea than I was. I'm not big on making phone calls and I can be really lousy with returning e-mails. I don't get on instant messenger anymore. I tend to lose touch with people unless I can keep track of them somewhere like Facebook. But I still grieve strongly for her loss. I tear up just thinking about her. And that is a testimony to my friend - how she could touch SO MANY lives and it doesn't matter whether you were her best friend or hadn't talked to her in years, she still touched you.
But while I am sad for myself and her family and friends, I'm happy for Andrea. Happy that she's out of pain. Happy that she doesn't have to fight the cancer anymore. Happy that she's left behind a great legacy through everything she accomplished in a life that was all too short. It's certainly worth celebrating. We will all die one day, but I dare say that we probably all won't be as well thought of as Andrea.
And so with last week being so sucky, I'm looking forward to this new week with happier times and events. If I was excited about my 20th high school reunion before, then I am ecstatic now that it is merely 10 days away. So many faces I want to see, friends I want to hug. So long Week of Suck. Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
RIP Andrea Taormina Pool
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
(Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!
Mary Frye (1932)
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
(Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!
Mary Frye (1932)
Friday, September 18, 2009
My friend Andrea
I originally shared this with my church group back on February 23, 2009, but after getting news last night that the end is truly near, I wanted to post this here on my blog. I ask for prayers for Andrea and her family.
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"In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves.. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt ~
My friend Andrea is going to die.
She’s been fighting breast cancer for over a year now and on Friday she got the following news from her doctor: “It's stage 4, there is no cure, only managing the disease. I have multiple extensive lesions in my liver. The liver can accommodate tumors and still function, but they ran a blood test just to make sure. As for my bones, it is in the spine, shoulders, sternum, ribs and femur.”
And so, my friend Andrea is going to die.
We’re ALL going to die one day, I know that. From the minute we are born, we are all dying. Just at different rates. If you think about death that way, it makes it a tad less scary. To me, anyway.
But still…my friend Andrea is going to die. Much too young. Much too soon.
I met her through our mutual love of romance novels (don’t judge!) when we both found our way a decade ago to an internet bulletin board dedicated to my then-favorite author Judith McNaught. Through this wonderful group of women, spread throughout the country and the world, I have made some true friends. Good women. Smart women. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, stay-at-home moms. Slightly nutty women, but then again, they are my friends, right?
I stayed in Drea’s home when I interviewed for a job at Texas A&M 7 years ago. When I lived in Dubai, we’d chat almost every day on instant messenger as I was wrapping up my day and eating dinner and she was just kick starting her day back in College Station. She’s funny and beautiful and gutsy and a fighter.
And she’s going to die.
I’ve cried A LOT the past few days. I’m crying as I type this. It’s not fair. Nothing like this is ever fair to anyone. I pray for Andrea every time I think of her, which is at least once an hour. I figure God’s going to get so sick of hearing the name Andrea that He’s going to give us the miracle we desperately need to save her life.
That’s what I pray for, but I’m also a realist. I know how bad it is. I know the statistics. I know my friend Andrea is going to die. I just don’t know when.
I tell you all that so that you’ll remember to appreciate the people in your life. So that you’ll remember to appreciate YOUR life. Love your family. Love your friends. Look for friends all over the place. It’s amazing sometimes how the people you’d never imagine being friends with can become the best friends in the entire world.
Call them. Write them. Send them a flippin’ e-mail. I don’t care what you do, but keep in touch. If they mean something to you, make sure they know it.
And lastly, take care of yourself ‘cause God don’t make no junk. I won’t tell you not to eat that piece of cake or that cheeseburger because that would be quite hypocritical of me. Andrea is a devotee of Weight Watchers and in great shape. She runs. She takes dance classes. Cancer doesn’t pick and choose us based on what we had for breakfast.
Different people come into and out of our lives at different times for different reasons. Please, please appreciate the people in your life. They will be gone all too soon.
***************
"In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves.. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt ~
My friend Andrea is going to die.
She’s been fighting breast cancer for over a year now and on Friday she got the following news from her doctor: “It's stage 4, there is no cure, only managing the disease. I have multiple extensive lesions in my liver. The liver can accommodate tumors and still function, but they ran a blood test just to make sure. As for my bones, it is in the spine, shoulders, sternum, ribs and femur.”
And so, my friend Andrea is going to die.
We’re ALL going to die one day, I know that. From the minute we are born, we are all dying. Just at different rates. If you think about death that way, it makes it a tad less scary. To me, anyway.
But still…my friend Andrea is going to die. Much too young. Much too soon.
I met her through our mutual love of romance novels (don’t judge!) when we both found our way a decade ago to an internet bulletin board dedicated to my then-favorite author Judith McNaught. Through this wonderful group of women, spread throughout the country and the world, I have made some true friends. Good women. Smart women. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, stay-at-home moms. Slightly nutty women, but then again, they are my friends, right?
I stayed in Drea’s home when I interviewed for a job at Texas A&M 7 years ago. When I lived in Dubai, we’d chat almost every day on instant messenger as I was wrapping up my day and eating dinner and she was just kick starting her day back in College Station. She’s funny and beautiful and gutsy and a fighter.
And she’s going to die.
I’ve cried A LOT the past few days. I’m crying as I type this. It’s not fair. Nothing like this is ever fair to anyone. I pray for Andrea every time I think of her, which is at least once an hour. I figure God’s going to get so sick of hearing the name Andrea that He’s going to give us the miracle we desperately need to save her life.
That’s what I pray for, but I’m also a realist. I know how bad it is. I know the statistics. I know my friend Andrea is going to die. I just don’t know when.
I tell you all that so that you’ll remember to appreciate the people in your life. So that you’ll remember to appreciate YOUR life. Love your family. Love your friends. Look for friends all over the place. It’s amazing sometimes how the people you’d never imagine being friends with can become the best friends in the entire world.
Call them. Write them. Send them a flippin’ e-mail. I don’t care what you do, but keep in touch. If they mean something to you, make sure they know it.
And lastly, take care of yourself ‘cause God don’t make no junk. I won’t tell you not to eat that piece of cake or that cheeseburger because that would be quite hypocritical of me. Andrea is a devotee of Weight Watchers and in great shape. She runs. She takes dance classes. Cancer doesn’t pick and choose us based on what we had for breakfast.
Different people come into and out of our lives at different times for different reasons. Please, please appreciate the people in your life. They will be gone all too soon.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
What the...???
I was proud of myself this morning. I as up and going and heading to the post office to mail a package and FINALLY get some of the $.44 cent stamps and then off to a meeting for my 20th high school reunion. As I exited the house around 10:30am, heading to the garage, I turned and saw a man emerging from the bushes at the back of the yard. Excuse me? Did I miss my yard becoming a thoroughfare or something?
I hustle to the car in the garage and lock up everything in the car except my phone, then head into the yard to find the man. Yeah, I know. Maybe not the smartest idea, but he appeared unarmed and I wasn't going to get too close. I walk out and see him coming out of another part of the bushes. The conversation goes like this:
Me: Excuse me, what are you doing in my yard?
Man: *holding his hands up in the air* I lost my driver's license and I'm just trying to get away. I don't mean any harm.
Me: Ok, then please leave my yard. (I'm nothing if not polite.)
Man: Ok.
I start walking around the front of my garage assuming he is going to walk down the other side, beside the neighbor's fence. What he does, however is hop the fence and go into the neighbor's yard.
By this time I'm already locked back in the house and calling the police. They say they will send someone out. We've had a lot of robberies in the neighborhood in the past 4 or 5 months, so no way was I not calling the cops about this.
The cops arrived within maybe 3 to 5 minutes, which is awesome. I love that. I talk to the officer and show him where the guy was, he goes to the fence and finds footprints and broken branches indicating that the guy jumped into the neighbor's yard and then he tracks him across that yard and into the next one.
I told the cops that the other house has been vacant for about 5 or 6 months and in the end, there were 4 of them checking out that entire house to be sure he hadn't broken in and was camping out there.
So my Saturday morning consisted of finding some fool in the bushes of my backyard and me calling the cops. There were no less than 6 police cruisers on my street. One of the neighbors across the street came home and went to the cops to see what was going on. I'm glad they didn't find any trace of the man and it's good that they responded so quickly, but I'm going to be a little creeped out for a few days about this. To say the least. I mean, if some dude is running around in my bushes in BROAD DAYLIGHT, who the hell knows what might be going on at night.
The moral of the story is, however, that if you mess with me, I will call the cops on your stupid ass in a heartbeat.
I hustle to the car in the garage and lock up everything in the car except my phone, then head into the yard to find the man. Yeah, I know. Maybe not the smartest idea, but he appeared unarmed and I wasn't going to get too close. I walk out and see him coming out of another part of the bushes. The conversation goes like this:
Me: Excuse me, what are you doing in my yard?
Man: *holding his hands up in the air* I lost my driver's license and I'm just trying to get away. I don't mean any harm.
Me: Ok, then please leave my yard. (I'm nothing if not polite.)
Man: Ok.
I start walking around the front of my garage assuming he is going to walk down the other side, beside the neighbor's fence. What he does, however is hop the fence and go into the neighbor's yard.
By this time I'm already locked back in the house and calling the police. They say they will send someone out. We've had a lot of robberies in the neighborhood in the past 4 or 5 months, so no way was I not calling the cops about this.
The cops arrived within maybe 3 to 5 minutes, which is awesome. I love that. I talk to the officer and show him where the guy was, he goes to the fence and finds footprints and broken branches indicating that the guy jumped into the neighbor's yard and then he tracks him across that yard and into the next one.
I told the cops that the other house has been vacant for about 5 or 6 months and in the end, there were 4 of them checking out that entire house to be sure he hadn't broken in and was camping out there.
So my Saturday morning consisted of finding some fool in the bushes of my backyard and me calling the cops. There were no less than 6 police cruisers on my street. One of the neighbors across the street came home and went to the cops to see what was going on. I'm glad they didn't find any trace of the man and it's good that they responded so quickly, but I'm going to be a little creeped out for a few days about this. To say the least. I mean, if some dude is running around in my bushes in BROAD DAYLIGHT, who the hell knows what might be going on at night.
The moral of the story is, however, that if you mess with me, I will call the cops on your stupid ass in a heartbeat.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
God talks to Dr. Johnny Fever and to me too!
I love watching classic TV shows from my childhood and seeing them through the eyes of an adult. Sometimes they are funnier. Sometimes they are dumber. And sometimes they throw out a zinger.
One fave of mine is WKRP in Cincinnati which runs every Sunday. I’ve always thought if I were a DJ, I’d want to be like Dr. Johnny Fever. But I could never be as cool as Johnny. And radio isn’t big like it was in the 70s, so I’m out of luck all the way around. But watching the other night I heard God talking to me and so did Johnny.
The episode is called, appropriately, God Talks to Johnny and in it, Dr. Fever thinks he’s heard a voice talking to him in his apartment and he believes it’s God. He asks everyone at the radio station if they believe in God and do they think God talks to people. He can’t believe that God might talk to him. Of all people.
In the end, he calls the station owner, Mr. Carlson, and has him meet him around 3am at the local hospital’s psych ward and is ready to check himself in. He’s waited the entire time to talk to this man, who is the one person on the show that he knows is a religious man. One who attends church regularly and even teaches Sunday School.
Mr. Carlson wants to know what God said to Johnny and he tells him that God told him that he loves him and wants him to do great things. Finally frustrated, Mr. Carlson tells Johnny that even if it’s not God talking to him, how could it be bad when someone tells you that they love you? Johnny still hems and haws over believing it’s God and questions how can he know that God is talking to him? How can he know it’s really God? Mr. Carlson finally replies, “Listen buster, if God has something he wanted to say, you'd hear it!”
Well, I think he got it right folks. I really think he did..
Personally, I spend a lot of time praying to God for answers. I have so many questions and so few answers. I always pray for big, bright, flashing neon signs so that if God is speaking to me, I’ll know that it’s really Him doing the talking. But I frequently lose sight of the fact that if God has something to say to me, then I’d hear it. I’d know it was God talking to me without having to wonder and question and ponder.
I am really hoping God has something He wants to say to me. And I hope I’ve cleared my head enough to hear it.
One fave of mine is WKRP in Cincinnati which runs every Sunday. I’ve always thought if I were a DJ, I’d want to be like Dr. Johnny Fever. But I could never be as cool as Johnny. And radio isn’t big like it was in the 70s, so I’m out of luck all the way around. But watching the other night I heard God talking to me and so did Johnny.
The episode is called, appropriately, God Talks to Johnny and in it, Dr. Fever thinks he’s heard a voice talking to him in his apartment and he believes it’s God. He asks everyone at the radio station if they believe in God and do they think God talks to people. He can’t believe that God might talk to him. Of all people.
In the end, he calls the station owner, Mr. Carlson, and has him meet him around 3am at the local hospital’s psych ward and is ready to check himself in. He’s waited the entire time to talk to this man, who is the one person on the show that he knows is a religious man. One who attends church regularly and even teaches Sunday School.
Mr. Carlson wants to know what God said to Johnny and he tells him that God told him that he loves him and wants him to do great things. Finally frustrated, Mr. Carlson tells Johnny that even if it’s not God talking to him, how could it be bad when someone tells you that they love you? Johnny still hems and haws over believing it’s God and questions how can he know that God is talking to him? How can he know it’s really God? Mr. Carlson finally replies, “Listen buster, if God has something he wanted to say, you'd hear it!”
Well, I think he got it right folks. I really think he did..
Personally, I spend a lot of time praying to God for answers. I have so many questions and so few answers. I always pray for big, bright, flashing neon signs so that if God is speaking to me, I’ll know that it’s really Him doing the talking. But I frequently lose sight of the fact that if God has something to say to me, then I’d hear it. I’d know it was God talking to me without having to wonder and question and ponder.
I am really hoping God has something He wants to say to me. And I hope I’ve cleared my head enough to hear it.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Happy Birthday Mom
My mother would have turned 73 today. I can hardly believe that she’s been gone over 9 years now. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her or wish I could call and tell her something.
I knew when I moved back to Sumter 6 years ago that she was looking down on me from Heaven and smiling…but also going, “What? Seriously?! You move back NOW when I am not around?!” She’d love that I am here, but hate that she isn’t here with me. I think she’d be proud of who the person I have become, but I know she would hate that I am still single (because 30 is a good age to get married or so I heard my entire life) or that I have 3 tattoos (she spins in her grave over this I am sure). But she lived a good life and was greatly loved. She got to live to see her 2 grandchildren be born. I am only sorry that they did not get a chance to really know her.
Many years ago when my niece Jillian was about 2 ½, she walked into the room where her father (my brother) was and said, “Today is Grandmama’s Day.” My brother was a tad confused so he asked if she meant Grandparents Day, thinking that is something they’d talked about at pre-school the previous week. Jillian was adamant and said it was Grandmama’s Day. Still confused, my brother went to look at the calendar and it was April 13th. Mom’s birthday. He asked Jillian again where she heard this and she said, “Grandmama told me.” Grandmama was the name my nieces called my mom. Believe what you want, but I have no doubt my mother was checking on her littlest baby that day.
From time to time in our family we joke that we are channeling her spirit – when one of us shops entirely too much, as she loved to do or spends time puttering in the garden or when stray cats show up at our house. My mother loved to take in stray animals, so when cats show up, we joke that she’s sent them to us to take care of. It’s even a threat of sorts sometimes as in “Watch what you say or Mom will send you a cat!!”
I looked up at the bulletin board over my computer the other day and saw something she’d written. My mother was great about giving presents for any and all occasions. Even just what she called an “I Love You” present for no particular reason. This went on well into my adult years. The only trouble with Sandra is that she had a hard time realizing when enough was enough; a trait I seem to have inherited from her (no comments from the Peanut Gallery please!).
It’s no secret that I like pigs. Especially if you’ve ever been in my house (or seen my pig tattoo). However, liking pigs and needing lots and lots of them around are two very different things. About 15 years ago I mentioned wanting to have a pig theme in my kitchen one day. Well, the pigs started arriving en masse. And not just for the kitchen! I have pig jewelry, socks, jammies, stuffed pigs, and Christmas tree ornaments. I finally had to tell Mom to put the brakes on it because I had enough pigs to start my own sausage factory! (Hey, I love pigs, but I also love bacon cheeseburgers…)
One Christmas many years ago, I opened up a box to find yet another stuffed pig. On one of the outside flaps of the box she had written, “No more after this I promise! Mom” Yeah right!
The box lingered with my things for years and at one point I tore that flap off to save the message. It’s really the last note I remember Mom ever writing me so there is sentimental value there. Eventually it made it up on the bulletin board over my desk at home. I haven’t looked at it in ages, but for some reason the other day my eyes were drawn to it. I read it and inexplicably started to cry.
I miss my mother so much. Sometimes I need her desperately – to talk to and have her hold me and tell me everything is going to be alright. And sometimes, when I’m with my family, the thoughts and memories are only happy and full of joy.
I’m not sure what prompted me to read her note the other day or what that message means now. No more what after this? And what is “this” anyway? Is she sending more cats? Is it a stern, motherly warning for me not to get any more tattoos? Who knows!
What I do know is that I miss her every day and always will. But I am a better person for having had her as my mother. I am a better person because she loved me and supported me and gave me all those silly pigs. I am a better person because SHE was a better person. And I will miss her every day for the rest of my life.
Happy birthday Mom. I love you. Always.
I knew when I moved back to Sumter 6 years ago that she was looking down on me from Heaven and smiling…but also going, “What? Seriously?! You move back NOW when I am not around?!” She’d love that I am here, but hate that she isn’t here with me. I think she’d be proud of who the person I have become, but I know she would hate that I am still single (because 30 is a good age to get married or so I heard my entire life) or that I have 3 tattoos (she spins in her grave over this I am sure). But she lived a good life and was greatly loved. She got to live to see her 2 grandchildren be born. I am only sorry that they did not get a chance to really know her.
Many years ago when my niece Jillian was about 2 ½, she walked into the room where her father (my brother) was and said, “Today is Grandmama’s Day.” My brother was a tad confused so he asked if she meant Grandparents Day, thinking that is something they’d talked about at pre-school the previous week. Jillian was adamant and said it was Grandmama’s Day. Still confused, my brother went to look at the calendar and it was April 13th. Mom’s birthday. He asked Jillian again where she heard this and she said, “Grandmama told me.” Grandmama was the name my nieces called my mom. Believe what you want, but I have no doubt my mother was checking on her littlest baby that day.
From time to time in our family we joke that we are channeling her spirit – when one of us shops entirely too much, as she loved to do or spends time puttering in the garden or when stray cats show up at our house. My mother loved to take in stray animals, so when cats show up, we joke that she’s sent them to us to take care of. It’s even a threat of sorts sometimes as in “Watch what you say or Mom will send you a cat!!”
I looked up at the bulletin board over my computer the other day and saw something she’d written. My mother was great about giving presents for any and all occasions. Even just what she called an “I Love You” present for no particular reason. This went on well into my adult years. The only trouble with Sandra is that she had a hard time realizing when enough was enough; a trait I seem to have inherited from her (no comments from the Peanut Gallery please!).
It’s no secret that I like pigs. Especially if you’ve ever been in my house (or seen my pig tattoo). However, liking pigs and needing lots and lots of them around are two very different things. About 15 years ago I mentioned wanting to have a pig theme in my kitchen one day. Well, the pigs started arriving en masse. And not just for the kitchen! I have pig jewelry, socks, jammies, stuffed pigs, and Christmas tree ornaments. I finally had to tell Mom to put the brakes on it because I had enough pigs to start my own sausage factory! (Hey, I love pigs, but I also love bacon cheeseburgers…)
One Christmas many years ago, I opened up a box to find yet another stuffed pig. On one of the outside flaps of the box she had written, “No more after this I promise! Mom” Yeah right!
The box lingered with my things for years and at one point I tore that flap off to save the message. It’s really the last note I remember Mom ever writing me so there is sentimental value there. Eventually it made it up on the bulletin board over my desk at home. I haven’t looked at it in ages, but for some reason the other day my eyes were drawn to it. I read it and inexplicably started to cry.
I miss my mother so much. Sometimes I need her desperately – to talk to and have her hold me and tell me everything is going to be alright. And sometimes, when I’m with my family, the thoughts and memories are only happy and full of joy.
I’m not sure what prompted me to read her note the other day or what that message means now. No more what after this? And what is “this” anyway? Is she sending more cats? Is it a stern, motherly warning for me not to get any more tattoos? Who knows!
What I do know is that I miss her every day and always will. But I am a better person for having had her as my mother. I am a better person because she loved me and supported me and gave me all those silly pigs. I am a better person because SHE was a better person. And I will miss her every day for the rest of my life.
Happy birthday Mom. I love you. Always.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Sometimes stuffed animals are freakin' scary
January 26, 2009
***WARNING!!! I am about to share with you an atrociously stupid story for which you will, no doubt, mock me greatly later. I know it’s foolish, but I do have a point. Just remember, that.
Do you ever get the dumbest idea in your head and you know it’s totally stupid, but you can’t seem to shake it? If not, then you are one of the lucky ones! I get those thoughts from time to time and they make me nuts. Last night was one of those times.
I came home from the Bible Community Group leadership meeting and the house was dark. I was locking up the back door and glanced over into a dark corner where my beloved stuffed Scooby Doo resides (no, that’s not the mocking part yet). I’ve been a Scooby fan since I was a little girl growing up in Virginia . Every year we’d go to the Kings Dominion amusement park (just like Carowinds, but with different names for the rides) and every year I’d try to get my father to buy me a stuffed Scooby Doo. And every year, he’d tell me it was too expensive. I have no idea what the toy cost, but I never got my Scooby.
Fast forward to around 2003 and I was taking some student orientation leaders to Carowinds for a day trip. I spied a great stuffed Scooby and decided I had to buy it. I must have it!! And as an adult (which is debatable after this story I know) with disposable income, I could finally buy the toy for myself. I’ve loved that stuffed Scooby ever since I bought it and it represented something to me I guess to finally have it.
So last night, I’m looking at Scooby and thinking that in the dark, he can be a little creepy. Me being me, I start thinking, “You know, that’s how it starts in a horror movie. The toy jumps out at you in the dark of the night and attacks you!” (We are now getting towards the mocking part.) This thought refused to leave my head (not that I’m a drama queen or anything) and somehow it got all wrapped up in the notion of the devil being able to possess things and people and me not needing any proof of that whatsoever. Y’know, just in case Scooby really was about to go on the attack or something (let the mocking commence!).
The trouble with it all was, my mind got out of control and into such a weird, random place, but yet at the same time, I know the devil exists and can do a lot of things, just like I know that God exists and do amazing things. I need no visions of strange horror movie scenes to know that the devil is out there. All the time. Watching. Waiting for a doorway into our lives. It only takes a crack to let him in.
Personally, I think he was pretty ticked off at the great BCG meeting we had last night and was messing with my head. There were so many folks in that room last night just focusing on what the BCGs can do in people’s lives that I think the devil was pretty angry. And when you have someone like me who would not watch the movie “Poltergeist” until about age 25 because it scared me so much at age 11 (partly because of the clown doll that tried to strangle the little boy in this movie), well, you have a crack in the doorway.
It’s ridiculous to admit, but I woke up a couple of times in the middle of the night and had thoughts of being stalked by Scooby Doo.. I knew it wasn’t going to happen, but I stopped and prayed then and there because I just had an uneasy feeling. I’ve had them before, like the devil is there with me, taunting me. I was not inclined to let him win.
In the grey light of day – cause I ain’t seein’ no sunshine out there today – I thought about the quote from Franklin D. Roosevelt , “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” And while I’m not afraid of my beloved Scooby, I’m pretty sure I felt something…off…last night and I wasn’t imagining it. The devil is crafty. He’ll try to get into your heart in ways you won’t even realize because they seem so silly and foolish. He can take something you love and turn it into something you fear. Don’t let him! And if you feel uneasy, PRAY!! Just because what you are feeling doesn’t make any sense, doesn’t mean the feelings aren’t valid.
And when in doubt, lock up the stuffed animals at night. Y’know…just in case.
***WARNING!!! I am about to share with you an atrociously stupid story for which you will, no doubt, mock me greatly later. I know it’s foolish, but I do have a point. Just remember, that.
Do you ever get the dumbest idea in your head and you know it’s totally stupid, but you can’t seem to shake it? If not, then you are one of the lucky ones! I get those thoughts from time to time and they make me nuts. Last night was one of those times.
I came home from the Bible Community Group leadership meeting and the house was dark. I was locking up the back door and glanced over into a dark corner where my beloved stuffed Scooby Doo resides (no, that’s not the mocking part yet). I’ve been a Scooby fan since I was a little girl growing up in Virginia . Every year we’d go to the Kings Dominion amusement park (just like Carowinds, but with different names for the rides) and every year I’d try to get my father to buy me a stuffed Scooby Doo. And every year, he’d tell me it was too expensive. I have no idea what the toy cost, but I never got my Scooby.
Fast forward to around 2003 and I was taking some student orientation leaders to Carowinds for a day trip. I spied a great stuffed Scooby and decided I had to buy it. I must have it!! And as an adult (which is debatable after this story I know) with disposable income, I could finally buy the toy for myself. I’ve loved that stuffed Scooby ever since I bought it and it represented something to me I guess to finally have it.
So last night, I’m looking at Scooby and thinking that in the dark, he can be a little creepy. Me being me, I start thinking, “You know, that’s how it starts in a horror movie. The toy jumps out at you in the dark of the night and attacks you!” (We are now getting towards the mocking part.) This thought refused to leave my head (not that I’m a drama queen or anything) and somehow it got all wrapped up in the notion of the devil being able to possess things and people and me not needing any proof of that whatsoever. Y’know, just in case Scooby really was about to go on the attack or something (let the mocking commence!).
The trouble with it all was, my mind got out of control and into such a weird, random place, but yet at the same time, I know the devil exists and can do a lot of things, just like I know that God exists and do amazing things. I need no visions of strange horror movie scenes to know that the devil is out there. All the time. Watching. Waiting for a doorway into our lives. It only takes a crack to let him in.
Personally, I think he was pretty ticked off at the great BCG meeting we had last night and was messing with my head. There were so many folks in that room last night just focusing on what the BCGs can do in people’s lives that I think the devil was pretty angry. And when you have someone like me who would not watch the movie “Poltergeist” until about age 25 because it scared me so much at age 11 (partly because of the clown doll that tried to strangle the little boy in this movie), well, you have a crack in the doorway.
It’s ridiculous to admit, but I woke up a couple of times in the middle of the night and had thoughts of being stalked by Scooby Doo.. I knew it wasn’t going to happen, but I stopped and prayed then and there because I just had an uneasy feeling. I’ve had them before, like the devil is there with me, taunting me. I was not inclined to let him win.
In the grey light of day – cause I ain’t seein’ no sunshine out there today – I thought about the quote from Franklin D. Roosevelt , “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” And while I’m not afraid of my beloved Scooby, I’m pretty sure I felt something…off…last night and I wasn’t imagining it. The devil is crafty. He’ll try to get into your heart in ways you won’t even realize because they seem so silly and foolish. He can take something you love and turn it into something you fear. Don’t let him! And if you feel uneasy, PRAY!! Just because what you are feeling doesn’t make any sense, doesn’t mean the feelings aren’t valid.
And when in doubt, lock up the stuffed animals at night. Y’know…just in case.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
How job searches are like dating
January 19, 2009
Time’s fun when you’re having flies. ~ Kermit the Frog ~
I think job searching is kind of like dating. You put your best face out there to the masses and hope that someone responds. Pick me! Pick me!! Ooooohhhh puuuhleeeeeze pick meeeeeee!!! Yeah, it kinda stinks of desperation sometimes too, doesn’t it? :o)
I’ve been on so many blind dates, I should get a free dog. ~ Wendy Leibman ~
I had a job interview late today and it was ok. Not great. Not horrible. Just…okay. It was a phone interview which should theoretically be easier. I always get nervous though. I figure nerves are good because it means you are paying attention and concerned about what you are about to do.
I kept being struck, however, about how similar interviews are to dating. I mean, dating is just a personal interview really, right? Probing beneath the surface to see if there is a compatible substance there.
I struggle with the question of “Tell me about yourself” in job interviews. Ummm…what do you want to know? I need more to work with here!! As a rule, they want you to tell them about yourself professionally, but the last time I did that – in an interview about 4 months ago – they started asking me about my hobbies and what I do in my spare time. Huh? What? Isn’t that a question reserved for the dating interview as opposed to the job one??? W hat is up with that?!?!
So I fumbled and stumbled through that question today and felt like a general idiot. (Another great chance for a comparison to dating because when haven’t all of us been speaking to a member of the opposite sex and felt like a doofus? Don’t even try to tell me you haven’t because I won’t believe you!) Thankfully someone rescued me before I babbled on too much, but that was one of the first questions, so I’m not sure I made the best first impression, even though I kinda kicked butt on a few of those other questions. I guess it’s just time to brush up on my answer to that particular question – I soooo have the “What are your strengths and weaknesses” question down!!
At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet. ~ Plato ~
Whether it’s dating or a job interview or whatever else, the only thing I know is that I don’t know anything. Well, that’s not completely true. I do know one thing. That God has a plan. I repeated that over and over again today to a lot of people who were just finding out about my lay off from my job. “All I know is that God has a plan. I’m glad one of us does and it’s better Him than me!” I don’t know what the plan is, but I rest peacefully being able to say and truly believe that God has one for me. I hope you do as well because I know he has one for you too.
“Secret forces are bringing compatible spirits together. If the man permits himself to be led by this ineffable attraction, good fortune will come his way. When deep friendships exist, formalities and elaborate preparations are not necessary.”
‘I Ching’ quote
I think job searching is kind of like dating. You put your best face out there to the masses and hope that someone responds. Pick me! Pick me!! Ooooohhhh puuuhleeeeeze pick meeeeeee!!! Yeah, it kinda stinks of desperation sometimes too, doesn’t it? :o)
I’ve been on so many blind dates, I should get a free dog. ~ Wendy Leibman ~
I had a job interview late today and it was ok. Not great. Not horrible. Just…okay. It was a phone interview which should theoretically be easier. I always get nervous though. I figure nerves are good because it means you are paying attention and concerned about what you are about to do.
I kept being struck, however, about how similar interviews are to dating. I mean, dating is just a personal interview really, right? Probing beneath the surface to see if there is a compatible substance there.
I struggle with the question of “Tell me about yourself” in job interviews. Ummm…what do you want to know? I need more to work with here!! As a rule, they want you to tell them about yourself professionally, but the last time I did that – in an interview about 4 months ago – they started asking me about my hobbies and what I do in my spare time. Huh? What? Isn’t that a question reserved for the dating interview as opposed to the job one??? W hat is up with that?!?!
So I fumbled and stumbled through that question today and felt like a general idiot. (Another great chance for a comparison to dating because when haven’t all of us been speaking to a member of the opposite sex and felt like a doofus? Don’t even try to tell me you haven’t because I won’t believe you!) Thankfully someone rescued me before I babbled on too much, but that was one of the first questions, so I’m not sure I made the best first impression, even though I kinda kicked butt on a few of those other questions. I guess it’s just time to brush up on my answer to that particular question – I soooo have the “What are your strengths and weaknesses” question down!!
At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet. ~ Plato ~
Whether it’s dating or a job interview or whatever else, the only thing I know is that I don’t know anything. Well, that’s not completely true. I do know one thing. That God has a plan. I repeated that over and over again today to a lot of people who were just finding out about my lay off from my job. “All I know is that God has a plan. I’m glad one of us does and it’s better Him than me!” I don’t know what the plan is, but I rest peacefully being able to say and truly believe that God has one for me. I hope you do as well because I know he has one for you too.
“Secret forces are bringing compatible spirits together. If the man permits himself to be led by this ineffable attraction, good fortune will come his way. When deep friendships exist, formalities and elaborate preparations are not necessary.”
‘I Ching’ quote
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Find the "No Whining Zone"
November 24, 2008
I hate to break this to you all, but I don't have a nice, sappy Thanksgiving message to share with you. As a rule, I really don't do the whole sappy thing anyway. When I send family members heart-felt cards, they wonder what is wrong with me. I usually “zing” them with something like telling my brother he is what every family wants for Thanksgiving…a turkey. That is what they expect from me. And believe it or not, that’s how they know I love them.
What can I say? We’re a wacky bunch. Our family Thanksgiving this year will consist of me, my father, my brother and his wife, her sister and mother, my brother’s 2 daughters, my brother’s ex-wife, her new husband and, if history repeats itself, probably my brother’s ex-mother-in-law and possibly some of his ex-wife’s new in-laws. Yeah, never a dull moment around that Thanksgiving table I assure you!
So now it’s time for some Thanksgiving Tough Love from Shannon.
Stop complaining. Get off your butt and DO SOMETHING!! Yeah, I’m talking to me too here, not just screeching at the masses.
If you can read this e-mail message, be thankful. That means you either have a computer at home, at work, or access to a computer. That’s a pretty big deal in some places, even though we tend to think of it is commonplace.
If you have a job, be thankful. Even if it’s not your dream job, it’s paying the bills and putting food on the table. Not everyone has that these days and in the future, it’s likely that a lot more will not have that to count on. I thank God regularly for my job and most of y’all know I’m not happy in my job for the most part. If I can put on my big girl pants and get over it, you can too (or big boy pants…just work with me here).
If you’re uncomfortable with something in your life, be thankful. That means that God is moving in your life. He’s with you and He won’t let you down. EVER. Count on it.
If you have aches and pains, be thankful. I hate merely saying I have arthritis, much less waking up with daily back pain, but you know what? I did wake up this morning. I got up out of bed all by myself and was able to feed and dress myself and drive myself to work. I promise you that there are people in the world who feel MUCH worse than you or I do today and are miserable because they can’t do things for themselves. I’m oddly grateful for the aches and pains some days because it means I have feeling. I might have strained a muscle, but at least I was able to do the activity that caused the strain.
I could go on and on, but I actually do have some work to do so I can keep the job that pays the bills and puts food on the table. Just remember that we ALL have a LOT to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. I challenge us all to make this a “No Whining Zone” for…well, for however long you can keep it up! And when it’s impossible to keep it up, take a break, let it out, and start all over again.
But remember that you are never, ever the person in the worst situation out there. Someone has it worse than you or I do and someone is looking at your life or mine and thinking what a sweet deal we have. Kinda makes you think, doesn’t it?
I hate to break this to you all, but I don't have a nice, sappy Thanksgiving message to share with you. As a rule, I really don't do the whole sappy thing anyway. When I send family members heart-felt cards, they wonder what is wrong with me. I usually “zing” them with something like telling my brother he is what every family wants for Thanksgiving…a turkey. That is what they expect from me. And believe it or not, that’s how they know I love them.
What can I say? We’re a wacky bunch. Our family Thanksgiving this year will consist of me, my father, my brother and his wife, her sister and mother, my brother’s 2 daughters, my brother’s ex-wife, her new husband and, if history repeats itself, probably my brother’s ex-mother-in-law and possibly some of his ex-wife’s new in-laws. Yeah, never a dull moment around that Thanksgiving table I assure you!
So now it’s time for some Thanksgiving Tough Love from Shannon.
Stop complaining. Get off your butt and DO SOMETHING!! Yeah, I’m talking to me too here, not just screeching at the masses.
If you can read this e-mail message, be thankful. That means you either have a computer at home, at work, or access to a computer. That’s a pretty big deal in some places, even though we tend to think of it is commonplace.
If you have a job, be thankful. Even if it’s not your dream job, it’s paying the bills and putting food on the table. Not everyone has that these days and in the future, it’s likely that a lot more will not have that to count on. I thank God regularly for my job and most of y’all know I’m not happy in my job for the most part. If I can put on my big girl pants and get over it, you can too (or big boy pants…just work with me here).
If you’re uncomfortable with something in your life, be thankful. That means that God is moving in your life. He’s with you and He won’t let you down. EVER. Count on it.
If you have aches and pains, be thankful. I hate merely saying I have arthritis, much less waking up with daily back pain, but you know what? I did wake up this morning. I got up out of bed all by myself and was able to feed and dress myself and drive myself to work. I promise you that there are people in the world who feel MUCH worse than you or I do today and are miserable because they can’t do things for themselves. I’m oddly grateful for the aches and pains some days because it means I have feeling. I might have strained a muscle, but at least I was able to do the activity that caused the strain.
I could go on and on, but I actually do have some work to do so I can keep the job that pays the bills and puts food on the table. Just remember that we ALL have a LOT to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. I challenge us all to make this a “No Whining Zone” for…well, for however long you can keep it up! And when it’s impossible to keep it up, take a break, let it out, and start all over again.
But remember that you are never, ever the person in the worst situation out there. Someone has it worse than you or I do and someone is looking at your life or mine and thinking what a sweet deal we have. Kinda makes you think, doesn’t it?
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
September 22, 2008
What do you say when you really don't have anything to say? Do you follow the advice Thumper's mother gave him - if you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all? I'm not sure, but I've been thinking about it today because I don't have anything to say!! No words of (semi)wisdom. No stories to share. Tales to tell. I always pray and ask God to give me whatever He might want me to share with y'all in any given week, but this week He's not sending me any signals. Hmmm... maybe that in itself is a sign?
I've got a few disjointed things running around in my brain about taking things on faith. About making situations work, whether your heart is in them or not. But it's all a mish mash of stuff. So I'll just leave you with the following quotation from Charlie Brown: “If I stand here, I can see the Little Red Haired girl when she comes out of her house... Of course, if she sees me peeking around this tree, she'll think I'm the dumbest person in the world... But if I don't peek around the tree, I'll never see her... Which means I probably am the dumbest person in the world... which explains why I'm standing in a batch of poison oak.”
Yeah, it has nothing to do with anything, but I'll bet it made (some of) you smile.
What do you say when you really don't have anything to say? Do you follow the advice Thumper's mother gave him - if you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all? I'm not sure, but I've been thinking about it today because I don't have anything to say!! No words of (semi)wisdom. No stories to share. Tales to tell. I always pray and ask God to give me whatever He might want me to share with y'all in any given week, but this week He's not sending me any signals. Hmmm... maybe that in itself is a sign?
I've got a few disjointed things running around in my brain about taking things on faith. About making situations work, whether your heart is in them or not. But it's all a mish mash of stuff. So I'll just leave you with the following quotation from Charlie Brown: “If I stand here, I can see the Little Red Haired girl when she comes out of her house... Of course, if she sees me peeking around this tree, she'll think I'm the dumbest person in the world... But if I don't peek around the tree, I'll never see her... Which means I probably am the dumbest person in the world... which explains why I'm standing in a batch of poison oak.”
Yeah, it has nothing to do with anything, but I'll bet it made (some of) you smile.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Searching for Perspective
September 15, 2008
I gotta say, I really love Facebook. I’m fond of MySpace because it’s kept me in close contact with some great friends I’ve had since high school and some great friends I have NOW (you know who you are!), but Facebook is a totally different world. I have found people I used to work with. Friends from college, from grad school. Even friends from middle school!
I just got a cool e-mail from someone I knew way back in the dark ages – also known as high school – after I sent him a friend request. I have a ridiculously good memory for just about everyone I’ve met over the years, but I never assume that other people have quite the same memory skills. So I e-mailed Sam and made sure to tell him why he knew me (since it’s been 20 years). Today, he responded and just brightened up my day. He said, “Hey Miss Mewborn - you are well remembered. The interesting ones are.”
I spent a few minutes thinking, “I’m interesting? I was interesting back then? Cool!” Then it hit me and I thought, “I wonder if that is GOOD interesting or BAD interesting???” I guess it depends on your perspective! Since he accepted my request, I’ll go with it being good. :o)
Perspective is a really big thing in my life right now for some reason. The more I think about it the more it creeps into my daily life when I least expect it. I'm reading this really good book called "Thank You for Being Such a Pain: Spiritual Guidance for Dealing with Difficult People" by Mark Rosen. I've read it before, but I think it's time for a refresher course because who doesn't have difficult people in their lives, right? Right.
It has taught me that everyone does what they do for a reason and if we don't know their reasons, then it is hard - or impossible - to deal with and understand the situations that come up. Even worse, if you have difficult people in your life, you have to realize that for someone out there, YOU are the difficult person. Yipes! My sweet little angelic, perfect self (yes, I am laughing as I write that) is someone's royal pain in the patootie? Wow. Go figure. :o)
But again, it's about perspective. I’m working to learn to appreciate those differences and understand how my actions have ripple effects. I'm still struggling with God's plan for my life as I try to figure out where I am supposed to be - geographically and metaphorically (or something like that) - and what I am supposed to be doing in terms of a career that will make me happy and fulfilled. I pray. And I pray. And pray. Then I pray again and in the end, I pray even more.
I’m not sure why God isn’t sending me any answers. Or is He? I’m thinking His perspective is vastly different than mine. What I interpret as silence from Him is probably hugely different in reality. I know He is working, but I can’t help wanting a big, flashing neon sign to help me along the path.
So I’ll keep praying and waiting and remember to be thankful for this amazing life God has given me. I’ll try to learn my lessons so I can move on to the next chapter of life. And I’ll probably eat a lot of peanut M&Ms because, well, they are just darned good!But that’s just MY perspective and if you don’t share it, well, cool! More M&Ms for me!! Woohoo!
I gotta say, I really love Facebook. I’m fond of MySpace because it’s kept me in close contact with some great friends I’ve had since high school and some great friends I have NOW (you know who you are!), but Facebook is a totally different world. I have found people I used to work with. Friends from college, from grad school. Even friends from middle school!
I just got a cool e-mail from someone I knew way back in the dark ages – also known as high school – after I sent him a friend request. I have a ridiculously good memory for just about everyone I’ve met over the years, but I never assume that other people have quite the same memory skills. So I e-mailed Sam and made sure to tell him why he knew me (since it’s been 20 years). Today, he responded and just brightened up my day. He said, “Hey Miss Mewborn - you are well remembered. The interesting ones are.”
I spent a few minutes thinking, “I’m interesting? I was interesting back then? Cool!” Then it hit me and I thought, “I wonder if that is GOOD interesting or BAD interesting???” I guess it depends on your perspective! Since he accepted my request, I’ll go with it being good. :o)
Perspective is a really big thing in my life right now for some reason. The more I think about it the more it creeps into my daily life when I least expect it. I'm reading this really good book called "Thank You for Being Such a Pain: Spiritual Guidance for Dealing with Difficult People" by Mark Rosen. I've read it before, but I think it's time for a refresher course because who doesn't have difficult people in their lives, right? Right.
It has taught me that everyone does what they do for a reason and if we don't know their reasons, then it is hard - or impossible - to deal with and understand the situations that come up. Even worse, if you have difficult people in your life, you have to realize that for someone out there, YOU are the difficult person. Yipes! My sweet little angelic, perfect self (yes, I am laughing as I write that) is someone's royal pain in the patootie? Wow. Go figure. :o)
But again, it's about perspective. I’m working to learn to appreciate those differences and understand how my actions have ripple effects. I'm still struggling with God's plan for my life as I try to figure out where I am supposed to be - geographically and metaphorically (or something like that) - and what I am supposed to be doing in terms of a career that will make me happy and fulfilled. I pray. And I pray. And pray. Then I pray again and in the end, I pray even more.
I’m not sure why God isn’t sending me any answers. Or is He? I’m thinking His perspective is vastly different than mine. What I interpret as silence from Him is probably hugely different in reality. I know He is working, but I can’t help wanting a big, flashing neon sign to help me along the path.
So I’ll keep praying and waiting and remember to be thankful for this amazing life God has given me. I’ll try to learn my lessons so I can move on to the next chapter of life. And I’ll probably eat a lot of peanut M&Ms because, well, they are just darned good!But that’s just MY perspective and if you don’t share it, well, cool! More M&Ms for me!! Woohoo!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Missing Pieces or Missing Peace?
This is another in a series of posts so I can archive some of the things I've sent to the Singles ministry folks at my church.
August 11, 2008
I once met a plumber named Jack who, while working on my dripping shower and answering my questions, said something I have remembered and used quite frequently since then: "I don't have issues, I have a full subscription." Well, ain't that the truth!! I have enough issues for at least THREE full subscriptions let me assure you.
One in particular is at the top of my list these days (and many of you have heard about it ad nauseum so I won't rehash the boring details) and I can't get it out of my head. I've had a few discussions on perspective in the past week and it all has me thinking about how situations look so different to different people. What is horrible to me is looking great to someone else, but they are on the outside and I am on the inside. Or vice versa. We all decorate our prison cells differently I suppose.
A little perspective came to me yesterday listening to Pastor Clay. I'd been ruminating on the idea that there is a missing piece to my current puzzle that I just can't seem to locate and yet I know it is right in front of my face. It's like having amnesia or something and I simply can't connect the dots. Needless to say, I'm so Type A that it is driving me insane. Desperation is an ugly thing my friends (and so is Marilyn Manson...I'm just saying...)
But yesterday a thought played through my head - is there a piece missing or are you missing peace? So simple and yet so very profound for me. I'm struggling with it mightily I assure you because finding peace and contentment is not something I do easily, if it all. (I moved 4 times in less than 3 years once upon a time.) Clearly, here is one of the issues in my subscription and I'm thinking God isn't going to refund my money just because one of the issues isn't my favorite.
So here's to finding peace and any missing pieces. And heck, maybe even some Reese's Pieces if that's up your alley. Peace out!
August 11, 2008
I once met a plumber named Jack who, while working on my dripping shower and answering my questions, said something I have remembered and used quite frequently since then: "I don't have issues, I have a full subscription." Well, ain't that the truth!! I have enough issues for at least THREE full subscriptions let me assure you.
One in particular is at the top of my list these days (and many of you have heard about it ad nauseum so I won't rehash the boring details) and I can't get it out of my head. I've had a few discussions on perspective in the past week and it all has me thinking about how situations look so different to different people. What is horrible to me is looking great to someone else, but they are on the outside and I am on the inside. Or vice versa. We all decorate our prison cells differently I suppose.
A little perspective came to me yesterday listening to Pastor Clay. I'd been ruminating on the idea that there is a missing piece to my current puzzle that I just can't seem to locate and yet I know it is right in front of my face. It's like having amnesia or something and I simply can't connect the dots. Needless to say, I'm so Type A that it is driving me insane. Desperation is an ugly thing my friends (and so is Marilyn Manson...I'm just saying...)
But yesterday a thought played through my head - is there a piece missing or are you missing peace? So simple and yet so very profound for me. I'm struggling with it mightily I assure you because finding peace and contentment is not something I do easily, if it all. (I moved 4 times in less than 3 years once upon a time.) Clearly, here is one of the issues in my subscription and I'm thinking God isn't going to refund my money just because one of the issues isn't my favorite.
So here's to finding peace and any missing pieces. And heck, maybe even some Reese's Pieces if that's up your alley. Peace out!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Originally shared August 3, 2008
I love television that makes you think. Well, I love TV period – it’s nearly always on if I am at home. I like the noise of it, even if I’m not paying attention to what is on. But when it makes me think, that’s even better.
Oddly enough, it was a horror show called Fear Itself that got me going this week. Last week I was getting ready to turn off the TV and go to sleep when I got caught up in the show. There was family waiting for their father/brother/husband (he was different things to different people, lest anyone think this was some TV version of “I am my own grandpa”) to come home because he had been lost in the mountains for 10 days. He did return looking frostbitten, emaciated, and extremely creepy. Yeah, that’s all it took. I needed to know how this story was going to end.
Long story short, the man was possessed by an evil spirit that caused him to crave human flesh. Ick. Serious ick. Grady got nastier looking as the show went on (fueling my thoughts of the nightmares sure to come later that night) and the whole thing has stuck in my head for several days now.
Me being me, the extreme over-analyzer of all things, I started thinking about the show and storyline and breaking it down. I wanted to find something more in it other than me losing an hour of precious sleep over some flesh-eating creepy guy.
At one point Grady was telling his wife how cold and tired and hungry he had been trapped in the cave with his friend and that the wind was blowing and a voice telling him to “let me in. All you have to do is eat.” (Like, eat his friend in case you still aren’t following me. Double ick.) Grady was so full of anger and hate – for a couple of plot points that weren’t always clear (and really, think about how anger can cloud your perception of things) – that it was easy for him to succumb to the voice.
I got to thinking about how this man let his anger and hostility and frustration build up inside him. Build so much that it was just waiting there, under the surface, and when he heard that voice saying “just do it”, he was helpless to keep the evil out because the hatred was so strong.
I thought about that more after Pastor Clay’s sermon on self control today. It all tied in there with how this character could not control what was inside him whether it be his emotions or the evil that took him over. He had let things fester for so long that he really had already opened the door to what was happening to him.
I don’t know about y’all, but it’s certainly very hard for this mere mortal to control a lot of what goes on inside me. I have my own personal demons that I fight all the time. I win some and I lose some of those fights, but I try to keep fighting regardless. Sometimes I think it boils down to not lettings things fester inside of us and listening to the RIGHT voices and opening the doors for those and not the wrong ones, like poor Grady did.
For the record, he met his demise, but not before taking a few people out with him. I’d like to think he didn’t know what he was doing and couldn’t be held responsible for his actions because he wasn’t himself anymore. But Grady did make a choice. He opened the wrong door.
Here’s to hoping we all open the right ones this week!
I love television that makes you think. Well, I love TV period – it’s nearly always on if I am at home. I like the noise of it, even if I’m not paying attention to what is on. But when it makes me think, that’s even better.
Oddly enough, it was a horror show called Fear Itself that got me going this week. Last week I was getting ready to turn off the TV and go to sleep when I got caught up in the show. There was family waiting for their father/brother/husband (he was different things to different people, lest anyone think this was some TV version of “I am my own grandpa”) to come home because he had been lost in the mountains for 10 days. He did return looking frostbitten, emaciated, and extremely creepy. Yeah, that’s all it took. I needed to know how this story was going to end.
Long story short, the man was possessed by an evil spirit that caused him to crave human flesh. Ick. Serious ick. Grady got nastier looking as the show went on (fueling my thoughts of the nightmares sure to come later that night) and the whole thing has stuck in my head for several days now.
Me being me, the extreme over-analyzer of all things, I started thinking about the show and storyline and breaking it down. I wanted to find something more in it other than me losing an hour of precious sleep over some flesh-eating creepy guy.
At one point Grady was telling his wife how cold and tired and hungry he had been trapped in the cave with his friend and that the wind was blowing and a voice telling him to “let me in. All you have to do is eat.” (Like, eat his friend in case you still aren’t following me. Double ick.) Grady was so full of anger and hate – for a couple of plot points that weren’t always clear (and really, think about how anger can cloud your perception of things) – that it was easy for him to succumb to the voice.
I got to thinking about how this man let his anger and hostility and frustration build up inside him. Build so much that it was just waiting there, under the surface, and when he heard that voice saying “just do it”, he was helpless to keep the evil out because the hatred was so strong.
I thought about that more after Pastor Clay’s sermon on self control today. It all tied in there with how this character could not control what was inside him whether it be his emotions or the evil that took him over. He had let things fester for so long that he really had already opened the door to what was happening to him.
I don’t know about y’all, but it’s certainly very hard for this mere mortal to control a lot of what goes on inside me. I have my own personal demons that I fight all the time. I win some and I lose some of those fights, but I try to keep fighting regardless. Sometimes I think it boils down to not lettings things fester inside of us and listening to the RIGHT voices and opening the doors for those and not the wrong ones, like poor Grady did.
For the record, he met his demise, but not before taking a few people out with him. I’d like to think he didn’t know what he was doing and couldn’t be held responsible for his actions because he wasn’t himself anymore. But Grady did make a choice. He opened the wrong door.
Here’s to hoping we all open the right ones this week!
Monday, March 23, 2009
In an effort to archive some stuff and to get myself to publish more on my blog, I'm going to be posting some things I have shared with my church group in the past year.
March 31, 2008
There is something to be said for having friends who know you well. Ilike having friends who hear or see certain things and instantly think of me. Today I got an e-mail from someone I work with about twice ayear. All he wrote was, "So are you going to see Bon Jovi in Atlanta onApril 30th?" That's all it took to make me smile and laugh out loud. This person don't know me super well, but he knew of my long-standinglove for Bon Jovi.
I can honestly say that in 20 different states andat least 4 foreign countries, there are people living that when theyhear a Bon Jovi song on the radio, they instantly think of me. They'vetold me so. That's always pretty fun to get an e-mail or message sayingthey thought of me. Always makes me smile.
But I have to ask myself, do these people ever think of me when they arehearing about Jesus? Does my name come to mind when talk of Christianity and being saved comes up? And if it doesn't, can I live with that? It's a pretty clear answer and the real question is, what am I going to do about it...
March 31, 2008
There is something to be said for having friends who know you well. Ilike having friends who hear or see certain things and instantly think of me. Today I got an e-mail from someone I work with about twice ayear. All he wrote was, "So are you going to see Bon Jovi in Atlanta onApril 30th?" That's all it took to make me smile and laugh out loud. This person don't know me super well, but he knew of my long-standinglove for Bon Jovi.
I can honestly say that in 20 different states andat least 4 foreign countries, there are people living that when theyhear a Bon Jovi song on the radio, they instantly think of me. They'vetold me so. That's always pretty fun to get an e-mail or message sayingthey thought of me. Always makes me smile.
But I have to ask myself, do these people ever think of me when they arehearing about Jesus? Does my name come to mind when talk of Christianity and being saved comes up? And if it doesn't, can I live with that? It's a pretty clear answer and the real question is, what am I going to do about it...
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Originally sent June 2, 2008
I don't know about y'all, but I believe that you can find God in some off-the-wall places, if you are open to finding Him there. Last week I mentioned some silly nonsense about finding words from God in a Cher song. I'm sure you all thought I was nuts (well, ok, nuttier than usual) by that comment, but I was actually quite serious. Let me explain...
You see, when I go out walking in the early mornings, I always have my iPod with me. I also tend to talk to God during those walks. Believe it or not, I can focus through noise. Go figure. I'm was walking along one morning last week, having the joy of seeing both the moon and the sunrise in the course of about 15 minutes, and Cher comes on. Now, I love Cher. I have since I was a little girl watching "The Sonny and Cher Show". I got Sonny and Cher dolls for Christmas when I was about 5 and, um, I still have them.
Now, I realize this is Cher singing - she of the crazy outfits and extremely young boyfriends and a farewell tour that still hasn't ended after at least 5 years - and I have no clue who wrote the song, but it spoke to me, so I'm sharing with you.
This is a song for the lonely, can you hear me tonight?
For the broken hearted, battle scarredI'll be by your side
And this is a song for the lonely
When your dreams won't come true
Can you hear this prayer
Because someone's there for you
I listened and I thought about how the words were likely intended, but how they could also be open to interpretation. Because God is there for us, when we are scared and lonely and feeling like our dreams will never materialize. He is always there - we just have to be open to finding and accepting Him.
In my opinion, you never know where God is hiding. You can find Him anywhere I think, if you are looking or even listening. Because sometimes, y'know, He just shows up in a Cher song. And for those times, I am immensely grateful.
I don't know about y'all, but I believe that you can find God in some off-the-wall places, if you are open to finding Him there. Last week I mentioned some silly nonsense about finding words from God in a Cher song. I'm sure you all thought I was nuts (well, ok, nuttier than usual) by that comment, but I was actually quite serious. Let me explain...
You see, when I go out walking in the early mornings, I always have my iPod with me. I also tend to talk to God during those walks. Believe it or not, I can focus through noise. Go figure. I'm was walking along one morning last week, having the joy of seeing both the moon and the sunrise in the course of about 15 minutes, and Cher comes on. Now, I love Cher. I have since I was a little girl watching "The Sonny and Cher Show". I got Sonny and Cher dolls for Christmas when I was about 5 and, um, I still have them.
Now, I realize this is Cher singing - she of the crazy outfits and extremely young boyfriends and a farewell tour that still hasn't ended after at least 5 years - and I have no clue who wrote the song, but it spoke to me, so I'm sharing with you.
This is a song for the lonely, can you hear me tonight?
For the broken hearted, battle scarredI'll be by your side
And this is a song for the lonely
When your dreams won't come true
Can you hear this prayer
Because someone's there for you
I listened and I thought about how the words were likely intended, but how they could also be open to interpretation. Because God is there for us, when we are scared and lonely and feeling like our dreams will never materialize. He is always there - we just have to be open to finding and accepting Him.
In my opinion, you never know where God is hiding. You can find Him anywhere I think, if you are looking or even listening. Because sometimes, y'know, He just shows up in a Cher song. And for those times, I am immensely grateful.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
For the purposes of me archiving things and to share with anyone who might actually be reading this blog, I'm starting to put up some information that I have shared with the Singles ministry at my church in the past year.
December 28, 2008
************************
Congratulations! Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places! You're off and away!
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.
Taken from “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss
Copyright © 1990 by Theodor S. Geisel and Audrey S. Geisel
Hey folks,
Sorry I did not get the weekly e-mail out earlier today, but today was my family Christmas time and, with all due respect, that was infinitely more important than anything else. Then, I was fortunate enough to have several hours to visit with an old friend from high school that I haven’t seen in years who lives in Delaware and he is leaving tomorrow, so time was of the essence there. But now I can settle in to get the weekly info out to you all.
I am always amazed by God’s timing. For those unaware, I was laid off from my job last week, effective February 2. I wasn’t the only one *pauses to wave to Matt* and I fully expect there will be more at my job. It’s scary. Heck, it’s terrifying! But you know what? God has a plan. I honestly believe that. I’ve been dissatisfied in my job for a long time and struggling with trying to be content there because I felt like that is how I should feel. I was always grateful to have a job though, even if it wasn’t my dream job. So I struggled and wasn’t sure which way to go.
About a week ago I prayed about how I can’t ever seem to step out on faith, which is what Kevin is doing by leaving his position with the Singles Ministry. Well, be careful what you pray for!! When I found out late Friday that I was being laid off, it was like a punch in the gut. I thought “Really? Me? Seriously? ME??” Yeah, it was me.
I'm sorry to say so but, sadly, it's true
and Hang-ups can happen to you.
You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on. You'll be left in a Lurch.
You'll come down from the Lurch with an unpleasant bump.
And the chances are, then, that you'll be in a Slump.
And when you're in a Slump, you're not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.
Taken from “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss
Copyright © 1990 by Theodor S. Geisel and Audrey S. Geisel
But after going through the grieving process like we talked about on Sunday morning (Shock, Denial, Sadness, Anger, and finally Acceptance), I really, truly am feeling ok about it all. God is in control. He has a plan for me. And for Matt. And for the other folks that were laid off last week at my job and all over the country. I’m not sure what His plans are for me, but I’m actually beginning to get excited in a way. It was easy to be content with having a good job and it was easy to put off looking for a new opportunity. Now, however, I don’t have a choice. I have to get out there and get going!
I’m still scared and if you ask me in about a month, I might not be having such a positive day. But I’m going to keep my faith and remember that God’s timing is never wrong. It’s always perfect. That doesn’t mean it has to make any sense to us though because as long a God is in control, it’s the right thing.
I still can’t say I’m any good with taking a step out on faith and God knows that. So I think He gave me a big ole SHOVE out on faith. Be careful what you pray for my friends, because you just might get it!! :o) So whether this is a step out or a shove out on faith, it’s what IS and I’m getting excited about what WILL BE in 2009. I ask for your prayers for me and for Matt and for folks everywhere losing their jobs. We can most definitely use it.
But on you will go though the weather be foul
On you will go though your enemies prowl
On you will go though the Hakken-Kraks howl
Onward up many a frightening creek,
though your arms may get sore and your sneakers may leak.
On and on you will hike and I know you'll hike far
and face up to your problems whatever they are.
You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know.
You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3 / 4 percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
Taken from “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss
Copyright © 1990 by Theodor S. Geisel and Audrey S. Geisel
December 28, 2008
************************
Congratulations! Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places! You're off and away!
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.
Taken from “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss
Copyright © 1990 by Theodor S. Geisel and Audrey S. Geisel
Hey folks,
Sorry I did not get the weekly e-mail out earlier today, but today was my family Christmas time and, with all due respect, that was infinitely more important than anything else. Then, I was fortunate enough to have several hours to visit with an old friend from high school that I haven’t seen in years who lives in Delaware and he is leaving tomorrow, so time was of the essence there. But now I can settle in to get the weekly info out to you all.
I am always amazed by God’s timing. For those unaware, I was laid off from my job last week, effective February 2. I wasn’t the only one *pauses to wave to Matt* and I fully expect there will be more at my job. It’s scary. Heck, it’s terrifying! But you know what? God has a plan. I honestly believe that. I’ve been dissatisfied in my job for a long time and struggling with trying to be content there because I felt like that is how I should feel. I was always grateful to have a job though, even if it wasn’t my dream job. So I struggled and wasn’t sure which way to go.
About a week ago I prayed about how I can’t ever seem to step out on faith, which is what Kevin is doing by leaving his position with the Singles Ministry. Well, be careful what you pray for!! When I found out late Friday that I was being laid off, it was like a punch in the gut. I thought “Really? Me? Seriously? ME??” Yeah, it was me.
I'm sorry to say so but, sadly, it's true
and Hang-ups can happen to you.
You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on. You'll be left in a Lurch.
You'll come down from the Lurch with an unpleasant bump.
And the chances are, then, that you'll be in a Slump.
And when you're in a Slump, you're not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.
Taken from “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss
Copyright © 1990 by Theodor S. Geisel and Audrey S. Geisel
But after going through the grieving process like we talked about on Sunday morning (Shock, Denial, Sadness, Anger, and finally Acceptance), I really, truly am feeling ok about it all. God is in control. He has a plan for me. And for Matt. And for the other folks that were laid off last week at my job and all over the country. I’m not sure what His plans are for me, but I’m actually beginning to get excited in a way. It was easy to be content with having a good job and it was easy to put off looking for a new opportunity. Now, however, I don’t have a choice. I have to get out there and get going!
I’m still scared and if you ask me in about a month, I might not be having such a positive day. But I’m going to keep my faith and remember that God’s timing is never wrong. It’s always perfect. That doesn’t mean it has to make any sense to us though because as long a God is in control, it’s the right thing.
I still can’t say I’m any good with taking a step out on faith and God knows that. So I think He gave me a big ole SHOVE out on faith. Be careful what you pray for my friends, because you just might get it!! :o) So whether this is a step out or a shove out on faith, it’s what IS and I’m getting excited about what WILL BE in 2009. I ask for your prayers for me and for Matt and for folks everywhere losing their jobs. We can most definitely use it.
But on you will go though the weather be foul
On you will go though your enemies prowl
On you will go though the Hakken-Kraks howl
Onward up many a frightening creek,
though your arms may get sore and your sneakers may leak.
On and on you will hike and I know you'll hike far
and face up to your problems whatever they are.
You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know.
You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3 / 4 percent guaranteed.)
KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
Taken from “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss
Copyright © 1990 by Theodor S. Geisel and Audrey S. Geisel
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