TGIF
My friend Dave yelled at me for not having pics of my family on here. Well, buddy, there ya go. Thats us at our last camping trip. Happy now?
Speaking of Dave..... read his blog today www.dave225.blogspot.com His memories of his mom Anna Dee are wonderful.
Friday ramblings:
I am sick. I feel like someone turned my throat and sinuses inside out, scrubbed 'em with a Brillo pad and shoved 'em back in. Ick. I'd rather be (A) really really sick or (B) not sick at all. This half-assed kind of sinus-ey sort of throat sore and burning nasty feeling wanna take a nap stuff really makes me angry. And whiney. *wimper wimper*
We are leaving tomorrow for San Antonio and New Year's Rockin' Gull Fest '05. I hope that (A) I feel better by then and (B) that everyone can come and that (C) we have a hilarious good time. Which reminds me....... I gotta run by the store for cheese dip fixin's.
I got some cool new work out shoes and, of course, now I feel like crap and don't want to work out. *wimper wimper* But at least I got the shoes, eh?
Happy New Year to all -- be safe, don't get too drunk and if you do, please don't drive! Let's pray that 2006 will be a blessed year for us all.
:o)
Up In Flames
We've had no rain in like, 3 months here. Yesterday it was 85 degrees and the wind was blowing like 30-40mph. There is a burn ban out and we were under a "fire warning" because the conditions were so bad for grass fires. So I'm at work at the bank and I get a text message from my friend Tish (mentioned in my blog yesterday). They just built a new cabin style house out in the country outside of town. She messages me: "Huge grass fire at the house! Gone to get the girls out! Please pray for us!"
So I started praying for them but figured they'd be safe cuz she was getting the kids out of there. She messaged me again that she got the girls out and was going back to spray water around the house to wet everything down. This was like... 2:00pm.
I got done at the bank at 3:00pm and as I was driving home, I saw the smoke from that direction (they are like.... 10 miles to the southwest of town). It was TREMENDOUS. I was thinking, crap that's a lot of smoke. So I stopped at the house and grabbed Jimmy and said, "Let's head out that way to see what's going on and help Tish if she needs us." So we are driving out that way, and watching the smoke and thinking it's alright, the smoke seems to be further south away from their home site.
Then we turn on the highway headed out that direction and we are like.... Hmmmm, that smoke looks more like it is close to George's back yard (George is Rick's father -- lives on the land across the road from them). Then we turn off onto the gravel road that goes toward the house and we are thinking.... Hmmmm, this is NOT GOOD the smoke is RIGHT THERE..... then we turn left onto their little tree-lined winding driveway that leads up to the home and it is BURNED completely all the way to the road!!!
So we got up there and found that the house was okay -- they had stopped the fire about 20-yards from the home, but people were scurrying around everywhere putting out "hot spots". The wind was blowing like a son-of-a-B and everytime a spot would get stamped out, the wind would blow and it would flame back up. The area is thick with trees so it is hard to get a fire truck in thru there to put it out. The trucks had pretty much moved south, following the actual fire and trying to keep it from burning houses and hay fields down the way. So Jimmy grabbed a shovel and a 5-gallon bucket of water and took off. I grabbed a hoe and took off with Tish (she had a shovel) and we went off into the trees to try and cover up "hot spots" and keep the trees from burning higher up and spreading. It was hard work -- the ground is super hard from being so dry. We really couldn't do much with the wind blowing like it was. At one point, I was trying to cover up this pile of smoldering brush and it wasn't working. The wind blew up and the tree next to the pile caught flame and it just started climbing up higher and higher. Luckily Jimmy came along at that moment to help, then a water truck came in and was able to back up to the tree and spray it down.
We ran back and forth doing this until about 8:00pm. At dark, the wind died down and the spots started to stay out and not flare up anymore. As of this morning, things were quiet and calm.
My friends were lucky -- their home was saved. Praise God.
The town of Cross Plains was not so blessed. Cross Plains is about 30 miles north of Brownwood, on the other side of the lake. Yesterday afternoon, a grass fire broke out near the town. As of this morning, 50 homes have been destroyed, as well as the Methodist Church. There has been one death and rumor is that several people have been taken to the hospital with burns from trying to fight the blaze.
The people of that community could sure use some prayers.
Jesus Fish
Happy Tuesday ya'll!
How was your holiday weekend? Ours was great and relaxed. Here's a recap:
Saturday: I worked from 9 to 12 at the bank, then came home and did a couple of chores. Jimmy & I went to Home Depot to get gift cards for his brothers. We contemplated going to Walmart for a split second. Looking at the parking lot convinced us otherwise -- it was PACKED! I feel sorry for anyone in there on that day. We then went by Blockbuster but did not find any movies we wanted to see in particular. Then we went next door and ate CiCi's Pizza (LJ was working that day). While eating, we realized the Cowboys were playing football so we hurried up and went home to finish watching the game on the big screen. I don't remember who won at this point. I guess it was not important.
After the game, we went to our friends home (Rick & Tish). They have just built a new smaller home and sold their larger one and moved in. It is really cute -- it is like a hunting lodge. The walls are cedar planks and the ceilings are tin. It is really cozy and "country" style. Things are kind of scattered right now because they have a bit of finish work to do and unpacking, etc., but overall it's really cool. Rick's sister Liz was in from Ohio so we all went over to their parents' home for Christmas Eve dinner. That has sort of become a tradition between our families and it is a lot of fun.
Sunday: Jimmy & I got up around 8:30 -- we finally woke the boys at about 10:30 and had to make them get up and open presents so everyone could shower before the family arrived. Teenagers! haha The boys enjoyed their gifts (clothes, gift cards, candy). Jimmy was happy with his wireless keyboard and mouse (which took some doing to get installed. Microsoft! grrr) and he was surprised by his gift of "delayed gratification" -- tickets to the PGA Byron Nelson tournament in May! :o)
I opened my gifts from him: a stack of blank CD's (I burn a lot!).... two beautiful Christian books I had been wanting to read, one of them a leatherbound edition book of prayers....a beautiful gold plated bookmark engraved with Phillipians 4:13.... at this point I was getting misty eyed because I was so touched that he really paid attention and knew what would mean the most to me (like he wouldn't anyways..... he always does but still..... it gets me!) And my last gift was the piece de resistance:
A delicate, gold icthus pendant on a fragile gold chain.
I love that man.
The Fisher clan came over at about 1:00pm and we watched March of the Penguins on the big screen (good movie, very cute). All the kids (8 total from ages 17 to 2) opened presents and generally made the den look like a tornado came through. There was much hollering and laughing. We ate baked ham and trimmings, cheese dip and coconut pie. The clan left by 6pm and Jimmy & I fell asleep on the couch for a bit......
All in all -- a good holiday weekend with much to be thankful for and feel blessed by. I am looking forward to 2006 as a year of growing in Christ, conquering some of my "self" stuff involving my health and above all, remembering to be grateful each and every day for the blessings of God, a loving husband, family and friends that surround me.
Happy Tuesday everyone. Hope your Christmas was as full of cheer as mine.
A Most Happy Christmas Indeed
Luke chapter 2:
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Peace to you and yours this Christmas. May God bless us all.
I'm absent!!
I'm neglecting my blog. It's Christmas time -- there is shopping to do, cookies to bake, presents to wrap, rooms to clean, parties to attend...... *whew* It's a busy time!!!
I'll let ya know how it all went next week ;o)
Merry Christmas! Remember the reason for the season -- Jesus loves you and believes in you even if you aren't sure about Him :o)
Answers
1. What is your favorite Christmas song?
My favorite traditional song is The Christmas Song, as sung by Nat King Cole. It's a true classic and his voice is so smooth. I love it.
2. What is the best Christmas gift you ever received?
This is kind of a hard one, but when my boys were little we used to give them a little money and let them do their own shopping. Whatever they gave me was always a treat. I remember getting salt & pepper shakers and things like that. It warmed my heart to know that they were thinking of what I would like!
3. What is the worst gift you ever received?
Well, this is a hard one, too, because I am grateful for any gift I receive no matter how unneccessary or unattractive it may be. One year I got a really ugly seafoam green sweater. I guess that would be it.
4. What is your favorite Christmas memory?
The excitement and anticipation of being a little kid waking up on Christmas morning! My brother and I were always ready to get up early early EARLY. I think one year we got up at 4:00am -- and my parents let us go ahead and open presents. Crazy!! But we couldn't wait!
5. What is your worst Christmas memory?
Christmas 2001. After we had opened gifts and spent the day with family, laughing and having a great time, my father called to give me the news that my Grandpa had passed on early that morning. He waited until the end of the day to tell me -- he didn't want to ruin the holiday for us. I felt kind of guilty that I had been having a good time all the while my father and grandmother were grieving.
6. If money were no object, what is the one gift you would love to buy and for whom? Why?
It seems like everyone in our family could use something -- either a house or a car. I would buy houses for my mother and father and brother. I would buy new cars for my brothers-in-law and their families. I would buy Jimmy a golf course!!! :o)
7. What do you love most about the holidays?
On Christmas afternoon, my brothers-in-law and their wives and children all gather at my house for gift exchange and lots of food and fun and laughter. We watch movies, play games, the kids run around the house all crazy! At the end of the day, the house is a total mess -- but I truly love every minute of it.
8. If you could change anything about the holidays, what would it be?
I would love to see a move away from the commercialism of Christmas -- a move away from gift giving and receiving and having the holiday be about what is on your "wish list". I wish that everyone had loving family and friends to spend the day with in love and fellowship. And above all, I wish that the true reason for our celebrating the day -- the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ -- was in the forefront. How sad that He is being pushed further and further from our culture at a time when we need Him the most!
On Christmas Day, we celebrate the most important gift ever given to all of mankind -- a child. A child who would grow up, walk a perfect path of obedience to our Ultimate Father and die to save us all -- believers AND unbelievers alike.
I wish the entire world would be grateful for Him.
Holiday Questionairre
Take a moment to answer some holiday questions -- I'll give my answers tomorrow.
:o)
1. What is your favorite Christmas song?
2. What is the best Christmas gift you ever received?
3. What is the worst Christmas gift you ever received?
4. What is your favorite Christmas memory?
5. What is your worst Christmas memory?
6. If money were no object, what is the one gift you would love to buy and for whom? Why?
7. What do you love most about the holidays? 8. If you could change anything about the holidays, what would it be?
Monday Aftermath.....
Not much to talk about today.... I am having an interesting email conversation with my friend Heather ( http://www.aztlgrl.blogspot.com ). Seems we share a brain.
The weekend was good but it involved way too much rich, fatty food. Well, the entire last week did. We ate out for dinner Wednesday, Thursday AND Friday. Then my mom came and while we cooked for dinner Saturday -- we cooked fried potatoes, smoked sausage, biscuits and gravy. And Mom bought a carrot cake.
So I spent part of Sunday night in the bathroom with "sugar gut".
*sigh*
I suppose I shouldn't feel bad or guilty. The holidays are a hellish time to be thinking about one's health and staying slim and active. And for the most part, I don't worry about it -- I do what I need to do to stay within range. I just wish I didn't feel the need to make it all or nothing.
I really want some balance. Still searching for it.....
Friday Brain Dribbles.....
It's FRIDAY!!!!!! **....do a little dance .... make a little love.... get down tonite! get down tonite!.....** (Well that implies a lot more than I may want you to know...... heh)
Last night our new big screen Sony HDTV finally arrived -- and not a minute too soon, I think Jimmy was gonna open a can o' whoop ass on a delivery company, so someone was spared! *teehee* It is really cool but it has a lot of settings so it will take at least a week to figure out the best way to set the picture and all that stuff for optimum viewing pleasure. But still -- yay!
Today is open house at the bank so that means there will be....... COOKIES!!
After work today I will brave the wilds of Walmart and finish up my Xmas shopping and buy some groceries. Does your family use a lot of milk? Milk does not stay in our home. It's like it evaporates instantly. Well, no, it gets sucked up by the 3 men in the house. I buy 2 gallons at a time and *WHAM* it's gone in a day or two. That and bread. And cheese. And cookie dough. Okay that's enough, I'm giving you too much info about our eating habits. No wonder I'm fluffy................
Sunday afternoon will be COOKIE DOUGH SUNDAY (geez here we go again with the food. does she ever STOP? No, she doesn't....) I am making White Chocolate Cherry Chunkies to give as food gifts this year. I figure I'll make probably 6 batches of dough to refrigerate, then bake them off thru the week as I run around and deliver 'em. That way they stay fresh. So, Sunday I'll be in my kitchen, covered in flour, butter under my fingernails.
And my mom is coming......... :o)
Happy FRIDAY!!!!!
Sifted Like Wheat
"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." -- Luke 22:31-32I have just finished reading a book called "Jesus, The One & Only" by author Beth Moore. If you have not read her works, I advise you to go immediately and purchase every one of them and get started. She is truly a gifted teacher of the Word of God.I finished this book 2 days ago and it has not left my mind. I finished it in tears, with an ache in my chest. You see -- while I loved reading of Jesus and learning about Him, I came to realize my favorite disciple is Peter. Simon Peter's story shows us that despite our love for the Lord and the purity of our intentions, we are fallible humans at the core. We are destined to make mistakes. Peter made the worst of them -- he denied Christ. Not once, but three times. Yet, in the end, he was forgiven by the resurrected Lord and given commission to feed and defend His flock. How awesome is the power of redemption!Luke 22:31-32 is a Scripture that really speaks to me. In order to understand it, you have to delve into the translation. You see, the word you in verse 31 is plural, while the you in verse 32 is singular. This implies that while Satan asked to sift the disciples as a collective, Christ specifies Peter's own encounter in verse 32. It implies that Christ allowed Satan to attack Peter with more force than the others. You may ask why -- well, rest assured that the Lord never allows Satan to have his way with a Believer unless there is something that needs to be sifted out of him! I have been sifted and, like Peter, in the midst of it I, too, denied my Savior. Perhaps that is why Peter's story speaks to me on such an emotional level. I know the pain he felt.Picture this scene: Jesus has been arrested and taken prisoner. Peter, in a fit of emotion, draws a sword and cuts off the ear of a man taking Jesus. Such is his love for the Lord! But then -- he went to sit and join the soldiers and officials by the courtyard fire, warming his hands. A relative of the man whose ear Peter cut off challenges him and Peter does the last thing he ever expected to do.He denies Christ. He denies Jesus to save his own skin. Satan has most certainly sifted him like wheat.Now I quote from the book:"Peter's repetitive actions went beyond the realm of excuses. Rationalizing his choice to deny Christ and gaining sympathy from the others would have done nothing to help Peter become a man Christ could "crucify" then use. Peter had come face to face with the fact that in him no good thing dwelled. Only then would he be willing to deny himself and exist for the sole purpose of Jesus' renown."The scene ends in Luke 22-61-62 with an invisible sword piercing Peter's heart in a way no soldier's blade could have. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. In Peter's attempt to shield himself from the piercing sword of a soldier, he fell to a far more piercing one -- the look of Jesus into his eyes. Oh, I don't think the stab resulted from a look of condemnation. Rather, I imagine Peter's heart hemorraghed from Christ's penetrating look of unveiled love."I do not doubt that Christ's face was painted with pain when their eyes met in the courtyard, but I think the conspicuous absence of condemnation tore through Peter's heart. I wonder if Christ's fixed gaze might have said something like this: "Remember, Peter, I am the Christ. You know that. I know that. I called you. I gave you a new name. I invited you to follow Me. Don't forget who I am. Don't forget what you are capable of doing. And whatever you do, do not let this destroy you. When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.""Surely nothing leads to repentance in those who are tender like the kindness of God (Romans 2:4). Peter was devastated. As we conclude the chapter, sit just a moment and listen to him cry. Is anything more painful to hear than the uncontrollable cries of a grown man? Peter went outside and wept bitterly. The original language suggests he took on every external form of grief. He wailed. He probably tore at his robes. He may have grabbed a handful of sand and thrown it over his head. The conflict of his soul surged in a tidal wave of grief, betraying his true identity."His belief had not been a sham. His denial had."
The Best Decision
On this day 19 years ago, I made the best decision of my entire life -- I walked down the aisle of a little chapel and married Jimmy Fisher.
We had not known each other for very long – just about 6 months or so. We had not met by chance. We learned as we dated that we had spent our lives in each other’s orbit but unaware. When the timing was just right, we were brought together face to face.
A couple doesn’t stay married for 19 years without joy and tears, highs and lows. And we’ve had our share, to be certain. But through it all I have felt in my soul that I was meant to be his partner and he was meant to be mine. He is one of the greatest gifts I have received. I believe he is a blessing to me from God. He is the backbone of our family – our cornerstone.
I have not always been a good partner to him. I have a tendency toward self-importance and selfishness. I have a need to be in control of things and have my way the majority of the time. In the past year, though, I have learned what marriage really means. Marriage is a God given institution; a lesson in loving as Christ loves, giving as Christ gives, forgiving as Christ forgives, accepting as Christ accepts.
I love Jimmy Fisher. I want another 19 years – no, I want another 29, 39, 49 years with him as my partner. I want to serve him, to give to him, to accept him and to love him for all of my days. He is my gift and I am forever grateful.
Fun with Google
If you go to Google.com and click on "images"... then type in something, you get some interesting and funny pictures. I found this one by typing in "funny penguin". Use your imagination, type in some weird stuff and see what you get.Let me know what turns up!!
The Gift for the One who has Everything
Got one of those people on your Christmas gift giving list that you just cannot find a present for? They have everything already -- what more could they possibly want? Here's an idea: scuba gear for their dog.
I don't know what's funnier -- the actual picture of the dog scuba diving, or the thought that someone actually paid good money to take their dog scuba diving. Wonder what the dog is thinkin'.
Anyhoo! My Sunday was a bust. I didn't go to church and we didn't go see the Narnia movie. We stayed home and vegetated. Oh well - nothing wrong with that, I got my laundry all done. I ain't complainin' about that.
I have a bit more Christmas shopping to finish up this week and I'll be done with that. Then I need to decide what baked goodies I'm going to make and give as food gifts so I can get started on them this weekend. I have a really simple recipe that involves puff pastry, cream cheese and chocolate chips. Sound good? It's either that or White Chocolate Cherry Chunky Cookies ( I made them last year, they were a HIT! ) but those cookes are time consuming to make. I'll probably end up doing both. Cuz..... I'm just like that.
Ok that is it for today. I have no interesting life question or funny anecdotes this morning. All I got is a scuba diving terrier.
Measuring Fun (If that's what you wanna call it.... robbie.... *eye roll*....)
:o)It's SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Weighed & measured first thing this a.m. In the past 2 weeks I've: Lost 3 pounds Lost 1.75 inches (1 inch off waist, smaller amounts here and there)What does this mean? It means that when you first go into a workout program, especially one involving lifting weights (I've been using Slim Series a lot and those always have you slinging 5# weights around), your body reacts in the beginning by releasing cortisol (stress hormones) and retaining water.It means that I need to up the ante and push to get those 5 workouts per week done, come hell or high water.It means that slower results are best -- because those are the ones that stick.It means that I want to lose another 12 pounds, another 2 inches off my waist, and more inches elsewhere.It means that I will be patient and keep going forward. Backward is not an option.I'll check the numbers again in 2 more weeks. I know you will all be waiting breathlessly until then.My weekend plans: for today, I get off work at noon and I'm going home to do a cardio workout (gotta get my 5!) then I'm going to the movies at 4pm to see Narnia. It should be awesome. Then I want to go eat Mexican food (grilled chicken fajitas mmmmmmmmm).For Sunday -- church and laundry. What a party! :o)Have a happy weekend -- keep movin'! :o)
Accountability Day is Tomorrow
Tomorrow will be 2 weeks into my Plan (see earlier blog entry). How am I doing?I'm doing alright. Not perfect, but perfection was not my goal. I've managed to get 4 workouts a week. I want to get that up to 5 next week. Tomorrow morning I will weigh and measure and compare. I am not sure what the stats will show, but I can tell things are changing. When I put my hands on my hips or my waist, it feels smaller. My stomach feels tighter, altho it doesn't really look it. I still have some lumpiness, but it is moving around into different places now, which is a sign that things are changing. My stamina has already increased a LOT -- I can pretty much keep up with whatever workout I choose for the day, as compared to wanting to quit 10 minutes in during the first week. One day, I even did a workout that has YOGA in the first section and I got thru all of it. That's a success when you consider that I haven't even done stretching since.... April? Granted I was sore the next day and couldn't lift my arms -- but still! I did the Yoga! :o)In other news..... Jimmy & I are going to a Christmas party tonight at the home of one of my Sunday school classmates. I think it will be fun, they are a good group and I enjoy being a part of it. I didn't think I was a "member" of the class yet (I've only been going for a month) but they said, "YES you are a member of the class you've been here 2 times in a row!" hahahaa that made me feel good. I hope Jimmy has fun, too. I'm really looking forward to the big party event of the holiday season -- New Year's Eve with my Gulls! It's going to be held at Heather's house outside San Antonio. It's the main party of the year when my group of high school girlfriends (the Gulls) gather and get silly. We've been the best of friends for years and years, some of us since 3rd grade, others joined in later in high school. On the average, I've known these ladies for nearly 27 years. Wow! When you have that much history, you are more like sisters. That's how I think of my Gulls - we are sisters. We've shared a lot of laughter and tears over those 27 years, too. I can't wait for us all to be together again.Happy Friday :o)
Donkey Equestrian and Peach Stew
Good morning.This morning it is 12 degrees out, wind chill is -3. And no, I did not make a typo and leave out any numbers. And yes, I live in Texas. I know. I know. It's crazy.So... what's going on in the life of Tam? Well I skipped working out last night *gasp!* Oh I know, slap me silly already but I did not workout. I'll even make an excuse -- my arms and shoulders were very sore from the past 2 days. It hurts to raise them up, much less raise them overhead. How's that? Not good enough -- I know. I'll have to make it up on Saturday. It was cold, I was comfy on the couch watching TV. I fell asleep during Oprah, woke up all groggy and bleary-eyed and kinda hungry. Jimmy was making peanut butter cookies because he found the dough in the fridge (not because he wanted to eat them -- he just found the dough. Uh huh. Yeah. heehee) He ended up going out in the bitter cold and brought home turkey pot pies. Mmmmmmmm. They were good. We watched some TV (That 70's show, Stacked, Trading Spouses..... yep we have horrible taste in television) then went to bed and watched a bit more TV. We flipped channels around on the Dish Network and found "The Mule & Donkey Show" which is about -- you guessed it -- mules and donkeys. It was so funny, there was a girl riding a donkey doing Equestrian. You know, jumping over the things in the ring. They were like, 2 feet high because a donkey can't jump. It was so weird, that is usually a regal, dignified sport with beautiful animals and riders dressed to the nines and sitting up straight. And here was this girl like that but on a white, scraggley donkey. She'd go over a jump and Jimmy would go "Heeeee hawww" like a donkey sound and it was CRACKING ME UP. That man is one funny dude.Then we found Iron Chef. Did you know that at the beginning of that show, the host yells "Allez Cuisine!" which, loosely translates to "GO KITCHEN!" That makes me giggle. We make jokes about how they so dramatically introduce the secret ingredient. Lights flash, smoke rises up and the host throws out his hands and yells "SQUID!!" or "PINEAPPLE!!!" Just once we want the lights and smoke and to hear the dude yell...."SPAM!!" ...... or "WONDER BREAD!!!...... or "TOP RAMEN!!!!" Last nights secret ingredient was.... "PEACHES!!" The Iron Chef had pan full of peach peels and plum pits simmering in water and Jimmy goes, "Look, he's making trash soup." Bwahahahaha he is one funny man. I love when he makes me laugh like that. :o)Okay I'm giggling my ass off thinking about that donkey. Seriously, that was the funniest thing I've seen in a long time.Giggling is a good way to start your day.:o)
Baby Its Cold Outside!
Brrrrr!!!! We may be in Texas but you wouldn't know it by this week. It's cold!!! And gettin' colder. Tomorrow the high is supposed to be 32 degrees and dropping, with a 50% chance of sleet/snow/ice. YIKES!!!
I want to be right there under that palm tree, feeling the warm breeze, with a tropical drink in hand. You know, the kind with the little umbrellas and a pineapple wedge. Just listening to the ocean as the surf moves in and out, feeling the sun on my skin, maybe taking a dip in the water now and then.
*Sigh*................................ but I'm in cold, icy Texas. Oh well :o)
I got this in my email today from one of my new friends at church. She's a sweet lady who reminds me a lot of my late Grandma. Read and enjoy -- it's the truth!
Christians - By Maya Angelou
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm cleanlivin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.
"When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting ofpain.
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!
Happy Monday. Bleh.
Ugh, it's Monday. This week I am filling in at the bank for Robin, who is on vacation. So I'm working at the bank from 7am to 12pm. Yeah. 7am. I am not a morning person really. It takes me a while to get warmed up and going. So these aren't my favorite hours in the world. It's just one week, thank goodness.
The weekend was the way I usually like it -- slow, boring, spent vegetating mainly. We got a Christmas tree put up and decorated. We bought new ornaments and lights this year. We have been using the same old stuff for YEARS and YEARS, I don't know why we never just bought new stuff now and then. Especially lights, because last year, at least 1/2 the lights on our tree did not work. This time we did pretty much everything in purple and silver. Purple is the color of royalty and Christmas is all about the King :o) How appropriate.
We got a new angel for the tree, too. She's beautiful and has all these LED lights on her wings and skirts. Very pretty. I didn't want to spend the $18 for her but LJ insisted because she was too pretty to pass up.
I haven't done much Christmas shopping yet. I need to get busy and get on it. Maybe this coming weeked. It is so hard to buy gifts for the nieces and nephews this year -- they are older now and they have everything!!! I'm thinking of giving them movies on DVD and Christmas candy. Kind of taking the easy way out, but oh well. They'll be happy with whatever they get -- they are good kids that way.
One good thing about working 7am to 12pm is that I can have lunch with Jimmy every day this week. Wooooo! :o) That's a good thing.
Blessed, Chosen, Adopted, Redeemed, Forgiven, Accepted = Loved.
Ephesians 1: 3-14
Random Babblings......
We got an $800 check in the mail for the company today. See? Jesus works.
On my way to work in the morning, I listen to KPSM The Rock 99.3 Christian radio. This week they are doing "Share-a-Thon 2005" where they take donations. I've been listening all week and it's been in the back of my mind to donate something since I enjoy them so much, but I just hadn't made the commitment. Then this morning, they say "Gail from Southside Baptist has issued a challenge -- Southside people call in and pledge!" So I called in and pledged. I figured that was a sign, since I had told Gail (she and her husband lead my Sunday school class) that I listen to The Rock every morning on my way to the office as my "prayer time".
My left shoulder hurts. All the way up into my neck. It's Debbie Siebers' fault. 78 minutes of pumping 5-lb weights and squatting. Who decided I should do that? Oh.... yeah. Me. *sigh*
Today is Day ONE of the Neeeeners challenge -- that is, a bunch of BBer's who put their names down for the challenge to see who workout the most days between now and March 1st. There are rules, like you just count the DAY not the number of workouts (that's so nobody will go nuts and workout like 6 times a day which is just stupid). We all put up $5.00 and at the end, the person with the highest number of days wins the pot. I don't expect to win. It is motivating to know that there's a whole group of folks out there moving and grooving with me, though. That's cool.
Had a neat talk with my oldest son yesterday afternoon. He's a cool kid. He loves his Mom. And his Mom loves him :o)
I have to stop at the store for milk today. One time, Jimmy (hubby) got upset because he wanted a glass of milk and the milk was gone because the boys had used it all up, so he declared that in our house, "Milk is only to be used for cereal!"........... *long pause* ..............."And to dip cookies in!" That's funny.
