This is always a somber week for me and I'll explain why tomorrow. I'm posting this video with lyrics today because like me, there are a lot of people hurting. I know some of my bloggy friends are going through "stuff" and I hope that this will encourage you. No need to comment or spill your heart... just know that I'm praying for you and love you and that when you feel you are lonely and you feel you have no where to turn.. you just Cry Out To Jesus!!!
Love you all!!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Believe
Chris came home with this craft from Sunday School yesterday. Such a simple thing that God has asked us to do... just believe in Him. Webster defines the word believe as "to accept as true, genuine, or real." I started thinking about what things did I believe at one time or another to be true or real. The strength of the economy, that America was a "safe" country, money in my 401k or social security so I could retire comfortably, that a particular set of circumstances would bring happiness, etc. But these things were of the world and not eternal. What eternal things should we believe in? That Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave. That Jesus is coming back again someday. I'm so thankful that by believing in God, I not only please him, but it is the pathway to salvation. Is God true, genuine and real in your life today? Saturday, April 25, 2009
Today Is The Day
Today is a gorgeous day in South Jersey. It's going to be in the high 80s today. By all indications, it's going to be an awesome day. Enjoy this song by Lincoln Brewster. Have a blessed weekend!!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Please Pray
We got a call in the middle of the night that Domingo was rushed to the hospital. He had 103 fever. Steve drove down to be with his family. The fever has come down a bit but Domingo has an infection in his right lung...they are admitting him to the hospital. Apparently they believe the infection is pneumonia.
Please join us in prayer that the infection will go away quickly and that he'll be able to continue his stroke rehab as soon as possible. Thanks to everyone for lifting us all up in prayer.
Please join us in prayer that the infection will go away quickly and that he'll be able to continue his stroke rehab as soon as possible. Thanks to everyone for lifting us all up in prayer.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
That's News To Me!
Am I the only person alive that didn't know that you should not put fabric softener in when washing your towels??? Honestly, I've always used it in the washing machine and I've used the dryer sheets too because I figured it would make the towels nice and fluffy..just the way I like them. I recently learned that the fabric softener actually makes the fabric lose absorbency. So what's a girl to do to get her towels nice and fluffy?? Apparently, using a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle works well. I'm trying it now. I guess I must have been day dreaming during that instructional lesson with mom.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Angel on the Wing
Even though I willed it not to happen, it inevitably did. I awoke in the middle of the night and prayed that it would go away. Lord, I can't take it anymore. Please help me. Words that I'd uttered a million times before, but spoken with more conviction this time. I was at the end of my rope... and I didn't want to go through the next 24 hours feeling this way. I didn't know how I would accomplish the task before me.. this thing that had my life turned upside down. What is the culprit, you ask? It is an all-consuming, terrifying, paralyzing fear of flying. And I was leaving for my vacation in 8 hours and didn't know how I was going to make it.
I'm sure several of you would just poo-poo me and say, oh please. Is that all you are scared of? It's not that I was scared, but I was gripped with a terror that something was going to happen to me and that I would not make it back. I wasn't always like this. I started flying as a child with my family and always loved the adventure..never once thought of the danger. It was only a few short years ago that my happy-go-lucky attitude towards flying changed. I don't know if it was Sept. 11 or if it was getting married and having a family that triggered it... but whatever it was, it paralyzed me.
I'm sure you've seen people like me on airplanes. I'm the one gripping my husband's arm for dear life, moving my lips in earnest praying during take-off, during the entire ascent and not releasing my death grip until we are in "smooth" air and the pilot assures me that it is now safe to unbuckle my seatbelt and to breathe again. My family jokes about it with me and anyone unfortunate enough to be traveling with me gets to see me in all my glory. My father-in-law once traveled with me and Chris and he saw a side of me that he didn't know existed. It's a side of me that I hate... a side that I had finally decided to give completely over to God because this fear...this terror.. is not of God and it needed to be handed over.
The night before I left for Florida, I knew I would have my panic attack. I expressed my concerns to my husband who lovingly assured me that all would be fine. I fell into a restless sleep only to awake at 2:30 am. The panic and fear returned with a vengeance and I just started praying for the next hour. I cried out to the Lord and told him that I wasn't going to let this dictate my life anymore. I proclaimed that I was a child of the Lord and that his protection would go with me and that there was nothing to fear. I had a breakthrough during that hour and I was able to go back to sleep after my long talk with God.
The next day, although I was physically exhausted from being up half the night, I was calm, cool and collected. I did not fear... I did not panic and I did not cling onto Christopher for dear life during take off or landing. It was as though I could almost see the long white gowns of the angels on the wing. That's how secure I felt. That's how it feels when you surrender your fears to God - you can almost see him walking beside you, helping you along the way.
Fears are real. Panic attacks are real. I've experienced them both but I'm thrilled to testify that God cares about our fears and can replace fear with peace. Psalm 56:3 "When I am afraid, I will trust in you."
I'm sure several of you would just poo-poo me and say, oh please. Is that all you are scared of? It's not that I was scared, but I was gripped with a terror that something was going to happen to me and that I would not make it back. I wasn't always like this. I started flying as a child with my family and always loved the adventure..never once thought of the danger. It was only a few short years ago that my happy-go-lucky attitude towards flying changed. I don't know if it was Sept. 11 or if it was getting married and having a family that triggered it... but whatever it was, it paralyzed me.
I'm sure you've seen people like me on airplanes. I'm the one gripping my husband's arm for dear life, moving my lips in earnest praying during take-off, during the entire ascent and not releasing my death grip until we are in "smooth" air and the pilot assures me that it is now safe to unbuckle my seatbelt and to breathe again. My family jokes about it with me and anyone unfortunate enough to be traveling with me gets to see me in all my glory. My father-in-law once traveled with me and Chris and he saw a side of me that he didn't know existed. It's a side of me that I hate... a side that I had finally decided to give completely over to God because this fear...this terror.. is not of God and it needed to be handed over.
The night before I left for Florida, I knew I would have my panic attack. I expressed my concerns to my husband who lovingly assured me that all would be fine. I fell into a restless sleep only to awake at 2:30 am. The panic and fear returned with a vengeance and I just started praying for the next hour. I cried out to the Lord and told him that I wasn't going to let this dictate my life anymore. I proclaimed that I was a child of the Lord and that his protection would go with me and that there was nothing to fear. I had a breakthrough during that hour and I was able to go back to sleep after my long talk with God.
The next day, although I was physically exhausted from being up half the night, I was calm, cool and collected. I did not fear... I did not panic and I did not cling onto Christopher for dear life during take off or landing. It was as though I could almost see the long white gowns of the angels on the wing. That's how secure I felt. That's how it feels when you surrender your fears to God - you can almost see him walking beside you, helping you along the way.
Fears are real. Panic attacks are real. I've experienced them both but I'm thrilled to testify that God cares about our fears and can replace fear with peace. Psalm 56:3 "When I am afraid, I will trust in you."
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Jean Quest For Boys
So, I'm having an issue with my son's jeans. They are wearing out so quickly!! He now has 2 pairs with holes in the knees. It's been very hard to find some sturdy jeans that will endure the wrath of a 5 year old. So, for all you mom's out there with boys -- where do you get your jeans? One pair that wore out was from JC Penney, and the other from Children's Place. Any other ideas??? All thoughts welcome. And no, I am not considering putting a patch on the jeans. LOL
Monday, April 20, 2009
Clean Is Not What It Used to Be
We looked at a couple of rental properties these past few days and came to the conclusion that clean is not what it used to be. Oh my Word!! Maybe it's been a while since you had to look for a new home for you and your family. Let me assure you -- it's not a fun or easy task. You first have to do an exhaustive search through various websites to find homes in your price range and that have the features you want. If there's no picture, I automatically rule it out. You can usually get a good feel for the place based on pictures. Then comes the actual visit. Trust me.. just because it as advertised as "move in ready" does not mean any sane person would actually want to move into these homes. Yuck!! Here is some unsolicited advice from me to those people trying to entice me to rent their homes:
1) Two words --- Pool Cover! We saw one home that advertised that it had a pool. What is should have said was that it had a pool that was condemned by the board of health. No one wants to see brown water, leaves, dirt and questionable objects floating in your pool. One look and it didn't matter what the rest of the house looked like. No way
2) If you don't have time to do a thorough cleaning job, at least wipe down your counters and stove top. The burner's on one stove were so filthy that the whole kitchen became uninviting.
3) Outside appearance does matter. One house (the one with the pool) had so much crap in the back yard (tree clippings everywhere!!) there would be virtually no room for a kid to play.. unless they got into the aforementioned condemned pool.
Maybe I'm being too harsh...but I have a house on the market and I did my very best to have that house spotless. Maybe the people up here don't have time to watch HGTV and to get their tips from experts on how to display your house. Oh well. The quest continues... one dirty house at a time.
Here are some of my favorite websites for cleaning tips:
http://www.flylady.net/
http://www.heloise.com/
1) Two words --- Pool Cover! We saw one home that advertised that it had a pool. What is should have said was that it had a pool that was condemned by the board of health. No one wants to see brown water, leaves, dirt and questionable objects floating in your pool. One look and it didn't matter what the rest of the house looked like. No way
2) If you don't have time to do a thorough cleaning job, at least wipe down your counters and stove top. The burner's on one stove were so filthy that the whole kitchen became uninviting.
3) Outside appearance does matter. One house (the one with the pool) had so much crap in the back yard (tree clippings everywhere!!) there would be virtually no room for a kid to play.. unless they got into the aforementioned condemned pool.
Maybe I'm being too harsh...but I have a house on the market and I did my very best to have that house spotless. Maybe the people up here don't have time to watch HGTV and to get their tips from experts on how to display your house. Oh well. The quest continues... one dirty house at a time.
Here are some of my favorite websites for cleaning tips:
http://www.flylady.net/
http://www.heloise.com/
Friday, April 17, 2009
Five On Friday
You all know how I love change (can you hear the sarcasm?)... here are five changes happening in our lives:
1) Chris is starting a new preschool on Monday
2) We may have to move (yes, again!) this Fall (landlord wants to put our townhouse on the market)
3) I am starting a new diet and exercise plan again (goodbye my beloved ice cream.. you will be missed)
4) I am teaching the nursery class in church 2 Sundays a month
5) Domingo is entering a new facility today (they took his trach out yesterday which is a total answer to prayer!)
So, some good changes, some scary changes but, in the end, all is in the Lord's hands...which is where I intend to leave them.
xoxo
1) Chris is starting a new preschool on Monday
2) We may have to move (yes, again!) this Fall (landlord wants to put our townhouse on the market)
3) I am starting a new diet and exercise plan again (goodbye my beloved ice cream.. you will be missed)
4) I am teaching the nursery class in church 2 Sundays a month
5) Domingo is entering a new facility today (they took his trach out yesterday which is a total answer to prayer!)
So, some good changes, some scary changes but, in the end, all is in the Lord's hands...which is where I intend to leave them.
xoxo
Thursday, April 16, 2009
House of Style
I don't know about you...but most days it's all I can do to throw on some clothes, try to work my hair into some sort of order and dash out the door. I definitely have noticed a pattern since getting married. Do you remember your dating years? You know.. when you actually had time to take a shower with the door locked without anyone interrupting you. You could relax while carefully applying makeup and selecting nothing but your best outfit (and you had plenty of them to choose from!) You could wear heels back then because you weren't chasing after toddlers and you could use an "evening" bag because there was no need to throw wipes, crayons, cars, little toys, lollipops, a spare shirt, etc. into a huge "mommy" bag. You not only looked good, but you smelled good too. Your favorite fragrance was always close at hand.
After having Christopher, things changed again. My clothes were soiled with formula, spit up and other questionable substances, my hair was matted down with similar mysterious items, my makeup (if any was even applied in the morning) had worn off, rubbed off or was resting somewhere below my neck by the time Steve got home. My nails were brittle, short and in need of a major manicure. I smelled of who knows what.. hopefully Johnson's baby lotion if I was lucky enough to get some on me at all while bathing and dressing Chris.
Now that Christopher is a toddler, I'm once again embarking on a sense of style. One preferably that doesn't have "mommy" stamped all over it. It's hard some mornings to pull yourself together, get everyone fed, dressed and out the door, but it is doable. I'm striving to be more dressed and put together like when we were dating. Taking time with my hair, makeup, clothes, etc. Taking time again for myself. Who knows... maybe I'll splurge and lock the door and take a nice, long relaxing bath tonight. I think it changes your whole outlook on your day when you are put together instead of thrown together which is how I've felt over the last year or so.
I know my hubby loves me no matter the stage of life (or style) I happen to be in. That's the great thing and I'm truly blessed. I know God is more concerned with the inside and I'm working on that too. But I think it's important that I show my husband that I still care about him and that when he gets home from work he is not getting what's leftover but I am still somewhat put together. God's still working on me.. inside and out.
Have a great day everyone!
After having Christopher, things changed again. My clothes were soiled with formula, spit up and other questionable substances, my hair was matted down with similar mysterious items, my makeup (if any was even applied in the morning) had worn off, rubbed off or was resting somewhere below my neck by the time Steve got home. My nails were brittle, short and in need of a major manicure. I smelled of who knows what.. hopefully Johnson's baby lotion if I was lucky enough to get some on me at all while bathing and dressing Chris.
Now that Christopher is a toddler, I'm once again embarking on a sense of style. One preferably that doesn't have "mommy" stamped all over it. It's hard some mornings to pull yourself together, get everyone fed, dressed and out the door, but it is doable. I'm striving to be more dressed and put together like when we were dating. Taking time with my hair, makeup, clothes, etc. Taking time again for myself. Who knows... maybe I'll splurge and lock the door and take a nice, long relaxing bath tonight. I think it changes your whole outlook on your day when you are put together instead of thrown together which is how I've felt over the last year or so.
I know my hubby loves me no matter the stage of life (or style) I happen to be in. That's the great thing and I'm truly blessed. I know God is more concerned with the inside and I'm working on that too. But I think it's important that I show my husband that I still care about him and that when he gets home from work he is not getting what's leftover but I am still somewhat put together. God's still working on me.. inside and out.
Have a great day everyone!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Happy Easter
A few days overdue, but I pray that you all had a blessed Easter. Happy Resurrection Day! He is Risen!!
Also, just a quick update on my father-in-law, Domingo. He is still at the rehab center and we hope to be moving him this weekend to another facility where he will continue to receive therapy. He has come a long way and I was so blessed to see him moving his right hand upon my return from Florida! God is so good and we continue to proclaim Domingo's complete healing!!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
I'm Back !!
At long last, I am back. This is probably the longest blog break I have ever taken. We had a fantastic, relaxing visit with my sister and my father in Florida. If my husband had been with us, it would have been the "perfect" trip. There's something about the Gulf Coast of Florida that is so unlike the rest of the state. It's calming..relaxing..less crowded. Not as many tourists and extremely flat!! You see sunshine, beautiful clouds and not much else for miles and miles.We accomplished everything we wanted except for swimming in my Dad's community pool because it was so windy and chilly the first 1 1/2 days I was there. Otherwise, we went mini golfing, swimming, bowling, shopping, eating, and just really enjoyed every minute together.
Here's a clip of Chris mini golfing (for the first time!)
Maybe he'll learn to use the club next time!
Chris was a great little traveler too. I gave him a Color Wonder for the trips on the airplane and, honestly, he spent the entire 2 hours doing it. It was peaceful. I could actually close my eyes, read a magazine and just relax on the plane... can't say that ever happened before. Must be a sign that he is growing up!! There's much more to share including an awesome testimony which I will be sharing over the next few days. Here are some pictures. You'll have to excuse me as I have a mountain-high load of laundry to tackle, among other errands.
Thanks to the many friends who called me on my birthaversary, sent me cards or reached out to me on Facebook (you know who you are!!) I love you and appreciate you all (even if you do remain anonymous on my blog). Maybe you'll sign up to be a follower one day soon.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Birthday, Annivesary and Vacation!!
Today is what I call my Birthaversary. My birthday and my wedding annivesary. Two awesome occassions on one day. Two Gifts; Two Cards...that was the deal. LOL.
It's going to be busy - today we are driving down to South Jersey to visit Domingo. (Please continue to pray that God works a miracle in his body so he is able to go home after rehab as opposed to a nursing home).
Steve, little guy and I will then go out for an early dinner to celebrate. It's the first time we are celebrating an anniversary with the little guy in tow, so I'm just hoping we can find a semi-formal place that is kid friendly as well. As long as it's not Wendy's or McDonald's we're good.
Sunday, l'm off to Florida to spend 6 days with my sister and my dad. Can't wait although I am going to miss my husband terribly. I don't like being away from him for long periods of time and I especially do not like travelling without him.
I'll probably be on break from blogging for a bit. Will touch base with loads of stories I'm sure when I'm back. In the meantime, thought I'd post some pix from our wedding day.
It's going to be busy - today we are driving down to South Jersey to visit Domingo. (Please continue to pray that God works a miracle in his body so he is able to go home after rehab as opposed to a nursing home).
Steve, little guy and I will then go out for an early dinner to celebrate. It's the first time we are celebrating an anniversary with the little guy in tow, so I'm just hoping we can find a semi-formal place that is kid friendly as well. As long as it's not Wendy's or McDonald's we're good.
Sunday, l'm off to Florida to spend 6 days with my sister and my dad. Can't wait although I am going to miss my husband terribly. I don't like being away from him for long periods of time and I especially do not like travelling without him.
I'll probably be on break from blogging for a bit. Will touch base with loads of stories I'm sure when I'm back. In the meantime, thought I'd post some pix from our wedding day.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Five on Friday
Since tomorrow is our wedding anniversary, here are five tidbits from our wedding day:
1) My Oma Nettie (grandmother) was escorted to a seat in someone else's wedding that was taking place at the venue. Thank God she and the person who escorted her (I won't name the culprit) had the wisdom to look around and realize they didn't know anyone so she made it over to the right wedding in time.
2) My wedding cake was bare -- the florist forgot the flowers -- but at least I had flowers for the ceremony!!
3) We were married by Rev. Monica McKenzie --- she was my very first Sunday School teacher as an infant and close family friend. Years later, she met my husband's family while she was pastoring in Puerto Rico. It's a very small world. When we all realized the connection, we knew she would be the perfect person to marry us. It was such a blessing. (She has since gone home to be with the Lord). Steve & I often joke that she must be telling Steve's mom and my mom in heaven all about the wedding and how God brought us together.
4) My husband was served a kosher meal at the reception. (When we were selecting the menu with the owner, Steve had joked that he wanted the kosher meal. I guess he thought Steve was serious -- or was playing a prank back on us!)
5) I tore my slip towards the end of the evening -- at least it wasn't my dress (or the veil again!)
1) My Oma Nettie (grandmother) was escorted to a seat in someone else's wedding that was taking place at the venue. Thank God she and the person who escorted her (I won't name the culprit) had the wisdom to look around and realize they didn't know anyone so she made it over to the right wedding in time.
2) My wedding cake was bare -- the florist forgot the flowers -- but at least I had flowers for the ceremony!!
3) We were married by Rev. Monica McKenzie --- she was my very first Sunday School teacher as an infant and close family friend. Years later, she met my husband's family while she was pastoring in Puerto Rico. It's a very small world. When we all realized the connection, we knew she would be the perfect person to marry us. It was such a blessing. (She has since gone home to be with the Lord). Steve & I often joke that she must be telling Steve's mom and my mom in heaven all about the wedding and how God brought us together.
4) My husband was served a kosher meal at the reception. (When we were selecting the menu with the owner, Steve had joked that he wanted the kosher meal. I guess he thought Steve was serious -- or was playing a prank back on us!)
5) I tore my slip towards the end of the evening -- at least it wasn't my dress (or the veil again!)
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Someone Is Not A Happy Camper
I knew I was in trouble the moment the words came out of my mouth. My five year old is well aware that my birthday is this Saturday. We've also explained to him that Mommy and Daddy were married on that same day, so we will be celebrating my birthday and our wedding anniversary. Usually Steve & I try to get away for these celebrations, but this year we are playing it low key and Chris will be celebrating with us. So, the lightbulb moment for him was when he saw Mommy wrapping a gift for Daddy.
"Mommy, what am I getting on Saturday"
"There won't be a gift for you honey... this is Mommy and Daddy's special day"
With a horrified look on his face... "No gift for me??"
"Not this time.. just the honor of joining us for a special lunch that day"
Insert fake tears and a sob... "That's not nice Mommy. Everyone should get a gift."
"Look at this way. Mommy and Daddy celebrate their special day on Saturday and then the next day Mommy is taking you to Florida for a week. That's super special!"
The smile returned and he scampered off... I think I'm off the hook for now... until Saturday.
"Mommy, what am I getting on Saturday"
"There won't be a gift for you honey... this is Mommy and Daddy's special day"
With a horrified look on his face... "No gift for me??"
"Not this time.. just the honor of joining us for a special lunch that day"
Insert fake tears and a sob... "That's not nice Mommy. Everyone should get a gift."
"Look at this way. Mommy and Daddy celebrate their special day on Saturday and then the next day Mommy is taking you to Florida for a week. That's super special!"
The smile returned and he scampered off... I think I'm off the hook for now... until Saturday.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
What date is on your calendar?
Today is February 9th in my world. It's not an April Fool's joke. You see, I have a daily devotional Bible that my Dad gave to me and today is February 9th. I'm not saying that I don't read my Bible everyday, I just don't always read this one every day. I have Bibles all over the house so wherever I land to have my quiet time I can pick up the closest Bible and continue. Upstairs I'm doing a study on the Book of Mark and down here is the daily devotional Bible. You would think I would be stressed out from being "behind" in my reading, but the funny thing is, whenever I read the daily Bible, regardless of what the actual day may be, it's always appropriate and timely for what I'm going through. Right now I'm journeying with the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness. Can you relate??? Sometimes it feels like we'll never get to the promised land. But I love the theme of God's faithfulness during this time... he met every need of these people (who complained so much!). I think it's teaching me to stop complaining and start praising more.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Anyone have a pencil?
I'm having one of those weeks where you never quite feel like you can get ahead. I'm a scheduler by nature (as was my mom). If there is an event, it goes on the calendar. Along with it will most likely come a list of things to pack or bake, stores to go to and whatever else would need to get done in order for the event to go smoothly. It's just how I'm wired I guess. I'm flexible in the sense that I know that things change and my calendar has to adjust for certain unforeseen situations. But this week, I'm just on the verge of throwing my calendar out the window and starting a new one for the rest of the year. Yes, I realize it's not even April, but there are so many things crossed out, written over and scribbled on my little calendar (in pen) that it makes me almost physically ill to look at it. We've had some changes to Chris' schedule which changes my schedule and so on, and so on. I like order. I realize we are in a digital age and if I got a blackberry or something I wouldn't have to scribble, I can just delete. I'm not there yet. There's something about holding a piece of paper.
I'm running out to buy a pencil now.
I'm running out to buy a pencil now.
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Midnight Rip
It was 3 nights before our wedding. The clock read midnight. My eyes were shutting quickly and my mind was racing. So much to do... so little time. I had just worked a full day in NYC and had spent the evening with my fiance over at the wedding venue to finalize plans for our special day. All I wanted to do, was wash my face, close the blinds and crawl into bed before another busy day was upon me.
I quickly moved about my bedroom, anxious to just collapse. I had just picked up my wedding dress the day before and it was hanging on a hook on the back of my bathroom door, along with my veil. Up until that night, the veil had been in a bag, but I was letting it hang in the open so it wouldn't wrinkle and would be all set for the big day.
For some reason that night, one of the vertical blinds would not properly close. My bedroom got lots of sunlight, so I always wanted to make sure the blinds were closed so it would remain dark in the room for as long as possible. So, here it is midnight, and I was in no mood to be fighting with the blind. I tried my best to get it to go back in its proper place, but no matter how I tugged on it, it just wouldn't align. I was ready to break the thing off and probably would have if it were my own house. So, I decided the best thing to do was to fully extend the blind which would then put it back in it's proper place. Fine. So, I extended it out, twisted it and then released it.... only to hear a ripppp!
My heart stopped. What was that??? I turned around to see that my beautiful veil was the victim of my brilliant plan. There were two holes.. in my veil... three days before my wedding. No one to blame except myself. So, I did what any bride-to-be would do with a torn veil at midnight three days before her wedding. I cried... then called my fiance. He was sympathetic and I think relieved to know that his hysterical wife-to-be wasn't injured in a car crash. I think he was more than bewildered as to why I was sobbing about this torn veil. So, he did what any male would do... try to come up with a solution. His suggestion, you may ask? Tape. I know he meant well and grant it, he is not an expert in the field of wedding apparel. I told him that I knew for a fact that tape would not solve this problem. He tried to assure me that no one would notice. But I would know! I couldn't even begin to imagine walking down the aisle with a torn veil. Someone would see it, but more importantly, I would know that it was torn. I finally calmed down enough to fall asleep and figured I would just have to deal with it in the morning. The entire evening I had dreams of me walking down the aisle with everyone looking and whispering about my torn veil.
Thankfully, the problem was solved the next day when my sister's friend (who was a seamstress) was able to repair the veil and no one was any the wiser. Hmm.. just remembered that a good friend of mine used my veil last week in her wedding. I don't think I mentioned this story to her. LOL. Well, I guess she heard it now!!
I quickly moved about my bedroom, anxious to just collapse. I had just picked up my wedding dress the day before and it was hanging on a hook on the back of my bathroom door, along with my veil. Up until that night, the veil had been in a bag, but I was letting it hang in the open so it wouldn't wrinkle and would be all set for the big day.
For some reason that night, one of the vertical blinds would not properly close. My bedroom got lots of sunlight, so I always wanted to make sure the blinds were closed so it would remain dark in the room for as long as possible. So, here it is midnight, and I was in no mood to be fighting with the blind. I tried my best to get it to go back in its proper place, but no matter how I tugged on it, it just wouldn't align. I was ready to break the thing off and probably would have if it were my own house. So, I decided the best thing to do was to fully extend the blind which would then put it back in it's proper place. Fine. So, I extended it out, twisted it and then released it.... only to hear a ripppp!
My heart stopped. What was that??? I turned around to see that my beautiful veil was the victim of my brilliant plan. There were two holes.. in my veil... three days before my wedding. No one to blame except myself. So, I did what any bride-to-be would do with a torn veil at midnight three days before her wedding. I cried... then called my fiance. He was sympathetic and I think relieved to know that his hysterical wife-to-be wasn't injured in a car crash. I think he was more than bewildered as to why I was sobbing about this torn veil. So, he did what any male would do... try to come up with a solution. His suggestion, you may ask? Tape. I know he meant well and grant it, he is not an expert in the field of wedding apparel. I told him that I knew for a fact that tape would not solve this problem. He tried to assure me that no one would notice. But I would know! I couldn't even begin to imagine walking down the aisle with a torn veil. Someone would see it, but more importantly, I would know that it was torn. I finally calmed down enough to fall asleep and figured I would just have to deal with it in the morning. The entire evening I had dreams of me walking down the aisle with everyone looking and whispering about my torn veil.
Thankfully, the problem was solved the next day when my sister's friend (who was a seamstress) was able to repair the veil and no one was any the wiser. Hmm.. just remembered that a good friend of mine used my veil last week in her wedding. I don't think I mentioned this story to her. LOL. Well, I guess she heard it now!!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Five On Friday
Five Books On My Bedside Nightstand:
1) The Applause of Heaven - Max Lucado -- a study on the beatitudes... I'm hooked from page one.
2) The Strong-Willed Child - Dr. James Dobson -- awesome stuff, even if your child is not what you would consider "strong willed"
3) The Total Money Makeover - Dave Ramsey -- You may know Dave from Fox News. Love him and his show. Good, practical advice on finance (with a Christian perspective as well!)
4) One Tuesday Morning - Karen Kingsbury - one of my favorite authors. This particular series is about 9/11. Haven't started it yet, but will do so soon.
5) Perfecting Your Purpose - Dr. David Ireland (my senior pastor) - awesome 40 day journey on knowing and pursuing your God given purpose in life.
Just talking about the books is making we want to go do some reading. Have a wonderful weekend.
1) The Applause of Heaven - Max Lucado -- a study on the beatitudes... I'm hooked from page one.
2) The Strong-Willed Child - Dr. James Dobson -- awesome stuff, even if your child is not what you would consider "strong willed"
3) The Total Money Makeover - Dave Ramsey -- You may know Dave from Fox News. Love him and his show. Good, practical advice on finance (with a Christian perspective as well!)
4) One Tuesday Morning - Karen Kingsbury - one of my favorite authors. This particular series is about 9/11. Haven't started it yet, but will do so soon.
5) Perfecting Your Purpose - Dr. David Ireland (my senior pastor) - awesome 40 day journey on knowing and pursuing your God given purpose in life.
Just talking about the books is making we want to go do some reading. Have a wonderful weekend.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The Gift
Close your eyes and picture the best gift you have ever received. It was probably nicely wrapped and given to you by someone very special. Do you remember how that gift made you feel? Is it proudly displayed in your house, or something that you use every day? Maybe it is very delicate and something that you only bring out on special occasions. Perhaps it has a certain texture, taste or smell. Whatever that special gift is, I'm sure you were very thankful and grateful to the person who gave it to you. Even more so, I'm sure that you treat that gift with great care. Making sure it doesn't break or get damaged. Using it with care. Treating it with all the love that tends to go towards things of great worth. Maybe it's not an expensive item, but because of it's meaning to you, it's very, very special.
The other day I was behind a very beat up old car. It had definitely seen better days. The paint was faded, it had several dents in it and basically looked like it was ready to stall at any given time. On any other day I probably wouldn't have noticed it on the road. However, I was stuck at a red light behind it, and something on the rear bumper caught my eye. A simple bumper sticker with what I assumed would be a worthless message. As I squinted to make the words out, I was surprised to find these words on the faded sticker "Children are a gift from God". I found it so odd that on this beat up old broken down car, would be a message about Children being a gift from God. It looked out of place almost. But then I got it. Sometimes I am like that beat up old, broken down car that looks out of place. My engine (my heart) is not functioning quite right if I haven't had my quiet time with God; I could be in desperate need of an oil change (attitude adjustment) and perhaps a little fixing on the outside (how I speak to others) couldn't hurt. But even in that state, when I'm not looking pretty inside or out, I'm still a child of God and more importantly, God has given me the gift of a child. My son is a gift. How am I treating that gift? Think back to the gift you pictured before. Are we treating our children like a prized possession, taking great care of their needs? Or are we quilty of treating them well on special occasions or when we "feel" like it. Do our moods dictate our actions or are we loving at all times? For some reason, this old car just really challenged me to take better care of my special gift. Not that I haven't been taking care of him, but making a more conscious effort to value, love and let my little gift know that he is loved by me and his Dad and most importantly, by his heavenly father.
May all your "gifts" be blessed today.
The other day I was behind a very beat up old car. It had definitely seen better days. The paint was faded, it had several dents in it and basically looked like it was ready to stall at any given time. On any other day I probably wouldn't have noticed it on the road. However, I was stuck at a red light behind it, and something on the rear bumper caught my eye. A simple bumper sticker with what I assumed would be a worthless message. As I squinted to make the words out, I was surprised to find these words on the faded sticker "Children are a gift from God". I found it so odd that on this beat up old broken down car, would be a message about Children being a gift from God. It looked out of place almost. But then I got it. Sometimes I am like that beat up old, broken down car that looks out of place. My engine (my heart) is not functioning quite right if I haven't had my quiet time with God; I could be in desperate need of an oil change (attitude adjustment) and perhaps a little fixing on the outside (how I speak to others) couldn't hurt. But even in that state, when I'm not looking pretty inside or out, I'm still a child of God and more importantly, God has given me the gift of a child. My son is a gift. How am I treating that gift? Think back to the gift you pictured before. Are we treating our children like a prized possession, taking great care of their needs? Or are we quilty of treating them well on special occasions or when we "feel" like it. Do our moods dictate our actions or are we loving at all times? For some reason, this old car just really challenged me to take better care of my special gift. Not that I haven't been taking care of him, but making a more conscious effort to value, love and let my little gift know that he is loved by me and his Dad and most importantly, by his heavenly father.
May all your "gifts" be blessed today.
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