Lent... or Lint!

So yesterday was Ash Wednesday. What exactly does that mean? I'm not trying to cause problems and I certainly don't mean to question your beliefs or practices.... just wondering.

When I was growing up, in a Preacher's family, we never celebrated Lent. My friends that lived across the street were very religious and diligent and did give up something for Lent. The daddy even fasted! WHOA! I remembered being very impressed and confused about the whole thing and tried to ask questions, but no one could explain it well enough that I grasped the principle...

Like WHY did I have to eat my yucky veggies just because there were starving children in Africa. I would have gladly sent them all to them. How did it help THEM if I ate something I didn't want?

So... how does it help if I give up chocolate or Facebook or coffee or cokes for Lent? Again, please don't think I'm judging or being critical - I just am truly not understanding the reasons.

Truthfully, as a child I thought they were all talking about this.... lint...

That really confused me. I for SURE didn't want to give up something important to me for this pile of trash!

Seriously, I do understand now. We are supposed to be connecting to the suffering of Jesus. That He gave up heaven for us. We should be willing to willingly give up something - live the sacrificed life.

Somehow, all this seems to bring me much guilt and condemnation. Almost like broken New Year's resolutions affect me. I've never been able to reach the goal and about 2 days into my "giving up" I forget and do it anyway. Yes, I repent and then start again, only to fall flat again and again. I finally just give up and forget Lent.

I was reading my friend Pam's blog, Lace and Southern Grace, and she was saying that she is not giving UP anything, but she is giving! I love that!!!!

A GREAT idea and concept. I agree with that. I can do that! Our sacrifice should be more about giving, doing for others and concentrating on Jesus and not on ourselves.

The other way I was always concerned with "me" and my religious activity. I think we should live a fasted LIFE, not Lent. It should be a lifestyle and not something we give up for a short time (albeit 40 days can seem like a lifetime). If we are counting the days down until we can eat chocolate or drink coke, then has it really made a difference?

Just sayin....
For me it works to forget Lent - but not forget the principle of living a sacrificial life of praise and giving and serving.

So, for Life this year, I want to give of myself. Give more time to study the Word and in prayer. I want to give love and joy. I want to help where I can. I want to be more thoughtful and kind. I want to live in the Fruit of the Spirit. I think this will glorify Jesus and be more of what He would want more than me failing to keep my word and promise to give up chocolate, etc....

I am not trying to set the standard for what you do or believe... please hear my heart. I'm just sharing what I feel I need to do.

Blessings on you for however you chose to prepare for the Resurrection of our Lord.

Olympic Random Dozen

My answers to Linda's Olympic Random Dozen

1. If you could compete in one Olympic event (not necessarily winter sports) what would it be?

I would be a gymnast. I used to do gymnastics and dreamed of being that graceful and talented.

2. Do remember a specific Olympic moment from the past?

The year the Olympics were in Atlanta, our 2nd son and his best friend won tickets to the Olympics. They were seniors in high school and on their way off to college.

3. Have you ever known anyone who competed in the Olympics?

Yes, we got to know a track gold medalist when we were students at ORU. I thought it was Jackie Joiner Kersey, but Hugsum said it was not. Anyway, whoever it was, she was a Christian and we were in a Bible study together.

4. If everyday activities were Olympic-worthy, which activity would you have a gold medal in?

Child care and training...

5. Do you know anything about your ethnic heritage?

Yes. My maternal grandmother was mostly Cherokee Indian and Grandaddy was French/English. My Paternal grandparents were Scotch/Irish and French. My great great something grandfather was born in a covered wagon in Tennessee. We have lots of relatives in Oklahoma because one of the "greats" came out here as a circuit riding Methodist preacher.

6. Do you enjoy sleeping late?

I need an interpretation, please. I have no idea. If I get to sleep until 7 then I feel like I've slept late. I have vague memories of sleeping much later than that...

7. Have you ever performed CPR on anyone? Do you know how? (Yes, that's two, I know. Whatevs.)

No... No... except for the fact that one of the grandchildren got choked on a piece of candy this morning and my daughter snatched her up and turned her upside down. I used to do that when mine were little. But, haven't had to do anything like that in a very long time. Don't want to ever have to do it.

8. Name one country you'd like to visit and explain why.

I would love to go to Israel again. It is like coming home. It fits and feels wonderful. It is awe inspiring. It is emotional. It is beautiful and meaningful. I would go back in a heart beat.

9. Have you ever fixed up a couple romantically?

I tried to fix my children up, but it never worked out (thank goodness!). Never was able to fix anyone up.

10. What is the last book you read?

Right now I'm reading "You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes" by Lisa McKay... a GREAT book and I recommend it to everyone.

11. Do you enjoy sleeping late? NO, YOU write the question! How's that for random??

What news shows do you watch and why?
Well, thanks for asking... I watch Fox news... mainly because that is what Hugsum watches. If it were not for him, I probably would never watch news. I don't like to watch news shows because they beat a dead horse to death! Just keep trying to put a new spin on the same ole same ole...
Besides it just gets depressing!

12. What is your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant?

We just got back from Pei Wei (AGAIN). Right now it is Hugsum's favorite place to eat a good reasonable salad. I got the Vietnamese chicken salad rolls. They were delicious. Most everything there is good.

Now, go on over to Linda's at 2nd Cup of Coffee and see what else people have to say.
Blessings~

A "typical" day at my house...

Here is a shot of my world... The fun, the mess, the activity ....

Valentine's and Birthday Wishes...

I'm a little late in posting yet ANOTHER birthday wish! Yikes, I have gotten so bad this year! I missed our 2nd son's birthday on Jan 12, our oldest son's on Jan 31. I did get grandson #1 covered, but then I missed our youngest daughter's birthday on Feb 14. Yep, she was a Valentine baby.

Here is a picture when she came home from the hospital. Stephen had just turned 6, John 3, Rebekah was about 18 months old... Sarah was my gift of love. Now, she has a baby! At the time this picture was taken, I did not dream of my life and how full it would be... nor could I ever imagine that these four would grow up and have children of their own. But, they did!

I hope that you all had a very good Valentine's day. We were in Oz, of course. On Valentine's eve we went to a special dinner given in the "Cowboy Capital" of Lenepah. It was a nice, different night. A local evangelist put on the event. He gave gifts to everyone and lots of prizes and provided the meal. He did not take up an offering or ask for money.

That night there were about 100 people in attendance. A poll was taken and gifts given to the couples married the longest. There were 2 couples there married over 64 years. Also, 8 couples there married over 50 years!!!! Imagine!!! Not only are these people living a long good life in mind, and body, but also in love and marriage! We were so amazed! Lest you think it was only old people, there was also a prize given for a couple married the shortest time ( about a year). There were lots of little kids running around in their cowboy boots and hats. Even the most well coiffed ladies with fancy sweaters, jackets and blouses had on their jeans and boots...

Sunday morning we had a couple in church who celebrated their 65th anniversary! Like I said, these people have a secret to a long and happy life!

About Valentines Day.... We have a long standing tradition of celebrating. Hugsum always out does himself. He loves to give cards and I get many. He has been known to give roses and candy and diamonds. I love them, but have finally told him not to give candy (PLEASE)! Flowers are hard to carry on trips and hide, so I knew they were not an option.

My favorite gifts are normally just cash... just give me money, honey! That way, I can shop and get good deals and have the fun of the hunt....

But, I need to backtrack. During the summer I got a mini stepper at a garage sale. I paid $5. It sat right in front of my computer. I stood on it most of the day. I had really toned up and loved it. The grandkids also really enjoyed playing on it (of course, supervised) and Posey stood on one side and I would do the other side up and down. She learned to say "uuuuuuuppppppp, dnnnnnnn". (so cute!)

Well, one sad day, I was diligently stepping away when a crunching sound occurred along with a sinking feeling. Yeah, it died. I didn't feel so bad because, like I said, I only paid $5.... then I started trying to find another one on Craigslist. I was not able to find one. Well, I did, but it was $40 - used and the person lived out of town.

I had not mentioned to Hugsum that I wanted another one. I just quietly looked for one. I just really REALLY did want one. I missed it. I had begun to gain weight. I am great at "working out" at home. (I say that very loosely - the working out part). The point is, I will not go anywhere to work out. I just don't enjoy changing clothes that much - nor do I enjoy showing off my athletic "ability" in public for others to laugh. I will, however, exercise in the privacy of my home in my own clothes (gown) for no one else to see.

So, I got up Valentines morning and there by my computer in Oz was a box... yep! Hugsum had replaced my mini stepper with a BRAND NEW ONE!!!! He knew! He figured it out! WOW.... he really did score big!

It has found it's home in front of my computer. Fits perfectly. It makes the trip back and forth to Oz. That is the beauty of it. It is light and portable.

What a wonderful day I had... then today we took the day off and just hung out together. We ate lunch at Cosi, went to the movie (finally got to see Blindside) and then stopped at Pei Wei and picked up our supper.

Great day! Great Valentines Day! Great Hugsum!
Blessings~

Email me...

Please remember that my blog is temporarily "open" to all readers. I go back and forth from "private" to "open". If you will give me your email address, I will invite you and then you can read my words of wisdom (hahahahhhhhaaaaaaa) anytime you'd like.
Thanks!
Blessings~

A New Age...

Today is Noah's 4th birthday! He is so proud and so big! He is my first grandchild!

I can still remember "the" call. We were in the middle of a move. We had thought we were moving closer to our daughter and then found we were moving another 4 hours farther away! Not only from her, but from everyone in the family!

We had our truck loaded and we were staying in a motel until "moving day". We had a couple of days and we were enjoying our time. Hugsum and I were walking around Lake Loretta in Albany when my phone rang. We were about to reach the area that is lined with overhanging trees. My daughter called and we were just nonchalantly talking when she said, "oh, guess who's pregnant!". I innocently asked, "who?". She said, "ME!!!"

I immediately began to cry. Hugsum couldn't figure out what was wrong and so I handed him the phone for her to tell him. We began laughing and crying and jumping around.

It began to rain and we ran under the trees and did the happy dance. We danced and laughed and skipped around the lake talking and dreaming about our wonderful new grandchild.

He changed my life. He rocked my world. He took me to a whole 'nother level... He changed me from just "momma" to GRANDmomma! Yeah... it is a wonderful place to be.

He is a sweet caring, loving grandson. He gets so excited and appreciates everything. What a fun fella he is! What a blessing and joy and pleasure! He is so loved!

He had to grow up quickly because before he was 3, he had 2 little sisters. Now, he is a wonderful help and so sweet and gentle with the little ones. Here he is loving his newest little cousin. Here are my oldest and youngest grandchildren together!

I'm very blessed to have seven grandchildren. I love them all and have been just as excited and blessed by the announcement of each one. They add so much joy and love to our lives!

Happy Happy Birthday to grandson #1!!!

Blessings~

Random Dozen and a giveaway from Lid!

1. Are you pleasant when you're ill, or are you a grumpy, fussy patient?

I THINK I'm pleasant. I am normally asleep and don't ask for anything - BUT, I really don't want to be bothered... I mean... just LEAVE ME ALONE!!!! But, I'm sweet about saying, "no thank you, I don' t want/need anything"...

I'm not going to ask anyone in the family, though. I just choose to believe that I'm pleasant. That's my final answer!

2. When you find out that school is canceled (due to inclement weather) what is your gut reaction?

Excitement... It is left over from when I was a little girl and got out of school. Now, the only person in our family who is in school is our daughter, who is in nursing school and I keep her kids... so, I guess I can still get excited.

3. What is one domestic skill you wish you could improve?

Only ONE???? You mean besides cleaning, laundry and cooking??? Maybe gardening...

4. Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day?

I have in the past, but don't so much now. Really I never did very much because it is our youngest daughter's birthday. We tried to not take away from her special day.

5. What song is on your mind today?

"The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round"... only because that is what is on tv right now and the grandkids are watching it.

6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic?

If it is a good love story, then I prefer contemporary. Otherwise, I prefer the classic. I don't care for all the violence and weirdness of many of the contemporary movies today.

7. How well do you "compartmentalize" your feelings? For example, how well can you put aside a really trying moment to deal with the immediate situation which is not related to the trying moment, e.g., putting aside a tiff with your spouse in order to finish wallpapering a room.

I think I do very well. I am good at "stuffing" my feelings. I don't think that is good. It always resurfaces. But, being in the ministry, I usually just don't allow my hurts and pains and anger show and pour myself into whatever else is at hand.

8. What is the first thing that attracted you to your spouse? (Or if you're single, to your best friend.)

Looks... I was totally shallow. My heart jumped and all I could think about was that I wanted to marry him... I feel immediately into lust. But, it has lasted almost 37 years and going strong!

9. When was the last time your heart raced?

At the dentist when they gave me the anesthetic. They warned me, so I was not alarmed so my heart would race even faster!

10. What are your memories of Valentine's Day at school?

We always gave Valentines to every one in the class at school. It was the "rule" so everyone had the same number. You just HAD to give them out - even to the yucky boys! My favorite ones had a sucker with them. I don't remember any Valentine's Days in high school. I was so shy I didn't have a boy friend and we were not allowed to have flowers and candy sent to the school. Well, I don't know if we weren't allowed, or if it just hadn't been thought of yet. We just didn't do it.

11. If you were going to receive candy for Valentine's Day, which would you prefer?

Anything as long as it has NUTS! Don't waste candy on cream filled or nougat. I want that chocolate wrapped around nuts! You can add caramel, but don't forget the nut!

12. Red or pink

RED!


Now, go hook up to Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee. She has a great give away going on and you don't want to miss it!