Life's a BEACH!

Well, I just got back home from the most relaxing week I've had in a long time. My friend Victoria invited me to go along with her family to the Outerbanks of North Carolina. And although it was a LONG HAUL... it was WELL worth it! It was so nice, I'm glad I had taken the whole week off to enjoy it with them.

Most of the first day, we spent on the road. But, we did get a good start, so we arrived at the Bodie Lighthouse by about 2:30 in the afternoon. Kicked around there before checking into our beachhouse at 4:00. Got checked into our house - complete with 5 bedrooms, 5 1/2 baths, game room, elevator, hot tub, private pool and outside showers!! With the house being built on stilts and then having 3 huge stories atop of that, on a strip of land not any wider than a mile across... you can only imagine the view we had of the ocean on one side and the sound on the other.

I got the bedroom/bath in the lower level, so I had that and the game room and second kitchen area all to myself. Then we got some good local seafood for dinner and some groceries for the week and just got settled in the rest of the night.

Monday, we took it easy and just basically enjoyed being on vacation. A little pool time. A little beach time. A little game time. And a LOT of lounge time.

Tuesday, I suppose we were a bit more ambitious. We took off for Roanoke Island to see what we could find there. Hit a few of the shops. Headed over to the Museum to check out the 'Lost Colony', but decided we were more hungry for food than knowledge. So, we got a good hearty lunch on the waterfront and missed out on the 'Lost Colony' story.

Wednesday, we headed back up to Roanoke to find out about the 'Lost Colony', but we didn't beat the rainstorm that hit that afternoon. Basically drove 30 min's for some good ole Micky D's. :) Tried to drive around and just kind of see what all was there, but the rain wasn't about to let up, so headed back to the house. Of course, they hadn't had any rain there. But, it did ease over, so we just stayed in and enjoyed some more game time. Never did make it back to the 'Lost Colony' presentation. I'm assuming they're all still lost though. We never heard otherwise. :)

Thursday was so frustrating. All you hear about is Ocracoke Island. Ocracoke Island. Ocracoke Island. So, we cut out a whole day to check it out and see what all the hype is about. Drove 45 min's down to the end of Hatteras Island to catch the ferry to Ocracoke. Got into what can only be described as a parking lot to sit and wait our turn for an available ferry... An hour and a half!!! Sitting. In the car. In the sun (I can't imagine doing this in the heat of the summer). FINALLY made it onto a ferry that took us close to an hour to get us to the island! By that point, we were just hungry, so grabbed a little something to eat at a local deli, headed over to see their puny lighthouse, and pretty much chalked it up to a lost day.

The one fun thing that day was - on the way down, we stopped in at the Hatteras Lighthouse and climbed to the top of that. 257 steps, I think? And boy am I outta shape!! But, the weather was so awesome and it was such a view from the top, I'm glad we got to do that.

With the exception of the one rainy afternoon, we really had some great weather. It truly couldn't have been better. High 70s / Low 80s with a nice breeze off the water, pretty much anytime and anywhere you went. That alone would be enough to keep me there!!

So, Friday, we wrapped it up by just knocking about the shops back up in Roanoke and had an awesome lunch at the little Full Moon Cafe there. Hit a couple of shops on the way back and enjoyed a good dinner that night at the little Asian place at the end of our street - The Board Wok. :) Walked home and then fit in one more walk on the beach.

Before you knew it, it was time to pack up and head back.

We hated to leave. The climate. The beach. The house. The climate. The good food. All the things we didn't get around to seeing. The climate. ... Did I mention the climate?? It was all just so great. I'd go again in a heartbeat.

But, you know, it's funny. Half of the way home, I was trying to think of how/when to get back out there and who else would enjoy it as much as I had and what I could do to live there :) ... (Victoria suggested me running a peanut shop, but I just don't think that's my calling). But, I think it was just the Georgia heat getting to me, because as I drove out of my all-too familiar Social Circle, in the home stretch of my drive, I looked out over the field there and it was the most beautiful sunset I'd seen in some time. And do you know, we tried and tried every night to catch a pretty sunset over the sound... and never really found what we were looking for. It took getting back to, of all places, the outskirts of Social Circle to catch that gorgeous sun setting.

And I thought back to this as Pastor Rob told a story of a golfer and his caddy playing at Augusta National. Both guys, totally enamored and overwhelmed by the meticulous landscape of the Augusta Course, the golfer tells his caddy that the staff there makes sure that there's not so much as a weed anywhere on their course. Several days later, the caddy runs over to the golfer and says "Guess what I found!" The golfer asks "What?" ... "A weed!" he replies. And the golfer responds "I guess you're always going to find what you're looking for."

And although we weren't able to find the sunset we were looking for over on the islands, it was waiting for me at home. Reminding me that God's blessings are all around, if we look for them. Getting back to my church home. Playing with the kids at Nanny's. And even getting back to a job that I enjoy (of course, I say this prior to seeing what they've left for me to do!)... And that will always rank higher than any beachfront property.

...(Though the beach does run a close second.) ;)

Maybe 33 won't be so bad after all...

Well, after the week I had last week, I was thankful just to make it to my 33rd birthday! And even though I had to work, I must say I had a wonderful birthday after all.

I was reminded all day (and week) long through cards and phone calls, just how many people God has blessed me with over the years ~ each one bringing something special into my life. Lynn had a balloon waiting for me at work. Sally brought me my favorite Truffle cake, special made in Athens. Jeremy and Jodi had a wonderful cook-out at their house and an entertaining night of bowling (of which I incidently won the second game ~ thank you very much!) :) Mom got me a Bruster's ice cream cake (YUM!) per my request. I got some great new books to read and movies to watch and ITunes to figure out (hopefully with some help from Jodi) and some very sweet cards. I have truly been blessed. And I thank God for each and every one of whom He has blessed me through. But, I think the one that takes the cake would have to be Miss Savannah. I was honored that her very first ballet recital fell on my birthday and I got to go catch that before work. And I'm so glad I did. For what better present could I ever ask than to have my sweet non-conformist niece stop the recital, take center stage just to tell everyone that she loves her Aunt Jess (among others... for the 'rest of the story', check out www.jodiyork.com)! That little gift will be sure to stay with me for some time! So, thank you Savannah, and Aunt Jess loves you, too! :)

Two people are better than one... If one falls down, the other can help him up. But, it is bad for the person who is alone and falls, because no one is there to help. ~ Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Amen to that!!
How much comfort we find in the idea of having someone there to pick us up and help get us back on our feet again! And I think, a lot of times, that's exactly what us single women feel like we're missing out on most. Having to deal with the good, the bad and the "ookey" (just for you, Dianne!) all on our own.

Last night, I had a case in point. Having been fighting off some sort of illness - be it cold or semi-flu of some kind - I went to bed relatively early. Well, about 2:00 am, I got up to go to the bathroom and blow my nose (again!) and noticed I was rather warm, so decided maybe I should take some Motrin to just bring my fever down a bit. Thought: "It couldn't hurt." So, headed off to get my purse in the living room, in the dark. Once I got to the Motrin, I realized I was so hot and weak, I had to sit down to try to open the bottle. Fumbled with it in the dark and wasn't able to open it, so dragged myself over to the stove light. Finally, I managed to open the bottle and dump a couple little pills into my hand... slowly turned around to the sink to get some water and honestly only had enough energy just to cup my hands under the faucet just praying water would come out! Didn't have it in me to actually turn it on! So, gave it up and headed back around the counter... to then pass out in the middle of the room! Scary? Yeah, you could say that. Even for a veteran passer-outer like myself... as I had never passed out alone before!! However, thankfully, I didn't get hurt and just forced myself back up to get some water for the pills that were still in my mouth, waiting to be washed down. Got the water successfully this time, dragged myself back toward my bedroom, got to the doorway, and again passed out! Well, now having been there, done that, I wasn't so much scared this time, but rather irritated that I just couldn't 'get there from here'! Sat up thinking "I bet I'll be sore from that tomorrow!" and finally was able to drag myself back to bed... where I actually felt much better and 'secure'. (Of course, I didn't sleep all that well, feeling that I should probably check in on myself every so often, just in case!)
But, what a night!! Now, you must know, that I am not one who wants to be coddled when sick. I'd rather be left to myself until better and back to normal. But, last night, I must say I had truly been wishing I had someone here with me to check on me and at least make sure I made it to morning!! But, in my 'single-mindedness' (that is, frustrated with being single) I forget, that I do have Someone Who watches over me. Day in and day out. In sickness and in health.

Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. ~ Isaiah 41:10

And for that, I am thankful.

(And just so mom can sleep better tonight, I have felt much better all day today! Put in a full day's work and feel fine. I'll just know to take my medicine much earlier next time, or at least keep it by my bed!!) :)

Proof that I am NOT

a Morning Person!

*

*

***********

***********

Do not judge, lest you be judged. ~ I'm sure I've heard something along those lines at some point in my life. And today that's all I could think of, as I was just talking about how crazy all these other people were the other day, and then today was humbly reminded... I have no room to talk!!

*

For starters, I had to get up at 7:00 (not something I'm accustomed to) to make sure to get L'il Bit to the vet on time for her 'procedure'. Doing good on time, I was all but ready to go when I dropped my curling iron (on the absolute last curl, thankfully!) and smashed it in the sink. I mean, it had seriously curled its last curl.

*

Then, I had to get my sweet girl all crated up and ready to hit the road (poor thing... of course, she couldn't have been sweeter all night last night, even though she hadn't had food or water! Made me feel bad taking her after that). But, she did okay. Got her to the vet. They tacked on several more charges (bloodwork and what-not...) and I went on my way. With plenty of time left to get to work, I decided to go get my over-due oil change.

*

Anticipating the long, usual wait, I swung back by my place to pick up my Games magazine to work on. Headed on up the road and got all checked-in. ...30 minute wait is all? Wow. That's great. So, I got crackin' on my crosswords. About 25 minutes into it, I realized my right shoe heel kept clunking on the floor... then I thought, Wait... what shoes did I decide on this morning?... THEN I REALIZED... I never DID decide!! I had put one of each on to see which I liked better with my outfit and then just kept on going!!! And not ONCE did I think about it until sitting in that chair at Big 10 Tires. I decided... play it cool. Odds are these guys in the waiting room won't notice. Then, the workers called in the room "Ms. Simmons... we're gonna need to change your air filter... it's really dirty."

*

Now, if you know me, you know that those are NOT the words I want to hear from my mechanics!! To me, it spells out loud and clear "Yeah, Ma'am, I see that you are someone who CLEARLY doesn't know a thing about cars, so why don't we just get an easy $20 from ya." I was so irritated. I generally use this place because I've always appreciated their honesty, but the usual guys weren't there. And these guys were obviously out to get all the money they could get from me.

*

So, then, not only did I have to 'play cool', like I meant to wear two mis-matched shoes (pictured above -the lovely brown ones- you can tell just how different they are!) I also had to show that I was not at all happy over the whole air filter scam.

*

They finally finished. I finally got my keys. I clicked and clunked myself to the car and thought: What nerve! What makes them think that they can fool me into a dumb air filter, anyway?! ... to which I could only reply to myself: Well, look at your feet for starters, you MoMo!

*

But, thankfully, I had time to swing back by my apartment and could swap shoes. Not only for the sake of my pride which had flown out the window with all my money, seeing as I'd already been to the vet's office, back to my apartment, and up to Big 10) but I had also neglected to put my other cat's food and water back out for the day! (Since the little one couldn't have any, I had to have it all put up.)

*

Oh, well. Now you can see why I'm not all that good at the matching-up picture puzzles, Mom! :) ...and why I am NOT a morning person!!!

MAY DAY! MAY DAY!

Was today a little bit crazy for anyone else??

For starters, it was like 90 degrees outside! Hello... what happened to SPRING??? (I've got a show on now about Alaska - to cool me down. Ice sculpting... very coooool. I'm ready to buy my ticket right about now! It's 11:00 and still 80 here in the Deep South. Yuck. I am definitely not ready for that.)

But, the heat wave is just the 'tip of the iceberg', you might say! :) I think today (at least where I was) it was evident that we are in the presence of a FULL MOON. We had so many unusual people today? I thought maybe it was just me, but Judy agreed. They were all strange today.

I asked a guy who appeared to be a surveyor on the property what they were doing exactly... to which he responded: "Trying to locate the ground." (???) I was tempted to say "Have you checked beneath your feet?" But, I refrained. :)

Then we had a lady, who was obviously bitter about her husband (who was from Minnesota - by the way, where there is apparently "not one nice person" and at all "nothing to do") moving her to Nashville (the "nastiest town in the South"). Judy said "Well, you've got all the country stars up there" to which she answered "Well, actually not really. They all live outside of the city... and besides not one of them is nice. Dolly Parton is a horrible person." (I wanted to ask her if there was anyone on God's green earth she DID like! And really how many times had she really had run-ins with Ms. Parton?? But, again... held my tongue.) Well, apparently, she does approve of Mr. George Strait, but he lives in Oklahoma. I think if I were her husband I would be shipping her off to the Sooner state... sooner rather than later! What a gem, she was!

Then, Dominick came down to the shop at 5:00 and asked how the day was. I said "Crazy!" He agreed. Said as they were having lunch on the front porch, they watched as a lady fell asleep while talking on her cell phone!!! And I just wonder how long before the person at the other end realized it was a one-sided conversation!!!

_____________________________________________

On second thought, maybe I don't want to head for Alaska... they've got even longer days there, and I'm not sure I could've taken this day for much longer!!

"DO WHAT?!?"

It's funny... I was just perusing my favorite blogs and on http://nspiredbyfaith.blogspot.com/ she tells of a sweet story that took place on her farm today and named it: "Cows need Girlfriends, too". (Intrigued, right? Yeah, it's pretty cute and very sweet. Hope it had a happy ending...)

But, it just made me laugh, because after the day I've had with my rapidly-growing kitten, I'm reminded that Cats need Boyfriends, too! This girl is PITIFUL!

I knew I'd been needing to go get her spayed, but you know me... Queen of Procrastination! We haven't quite been yet. And I guess my little girl's getting all grown-up on me! Last night, when I had the back door open, I wondered why she was so talkative to everyone outside. And then at one point, I even heard a child say "Look at that cat... it looks like it's going to jump!" (Oops! I live on the 2nd floor, but in my defense, she doesn't normally have that tendancy!) So, I called her back in, closed the door and we went on to bed. Well, knowing what I know now, I'm surprised she didn't jump! She carried on ALL NIGHT LONG! She's even been trying to 'warm up' to her big sister, Sammi, which obviously does not go over well.
So... I guess now I'll actually find the time to take the poor girl in to get doctored up. But, until then... wish us both LUCK!!! It looks like we're in for a LONG weekend!

This one's for the GIRLS!!!

Tonight, I had the privilege of attending a special function at my church, just for the ladies. Above was our invitation and it left us intrigued by what exactly would be taking place there tonight. But, it sounded like fun, so with the help of my dear friend, Connie who loaned me the five bucks to attend (how sad is that??) I signed up for the experience.

Let me just say... I was NOT disappointed!! They had an excellent response... some 130 or so gals... which was great. And once we got there, we broke into groups of about 12.

I was really fortunate in the group I linked up with. Didn't really know any of them starting out, but they were all very enjoyable and a lot of fun. PLUS... we were the first group to find out what the whole "excursion" was about. They led us outside and there came up a stretch limo. We piled in there nice and cozy and the driver took us to the square in Covington? I thought "Oh, boy! We're going for ice cream at SCOOPS!" :) Nope.

They let us out in front of "Utopia" - the new local spa and salon, thank you very much. I had never been to any spa before, let alone this one, so it was like being treated as royalty! They took us back, a few at a time and treated us to either: pedicures, scalp massages, fingernail polish, or paraffin hand treatments. Wow! I had the scalp massage, which was nice.

Then, we headed back to the church, trying to keep secret where we'd been, so as not to spoil the surprise... and from there, we went to make little jars of body scrub for ourselves. This comprised of: brown sugar, olive oil, and a little bit of fragrance. It was fun. And we mused about us all showing up Sunday in casts after crashing in the shower, slipping around on all that oil!!

From there, we got to hit the food table! And, what a spread it was! Awesome chicken salad croissants, cheese and crackers, fresh fruit and veggies, little tortilla roll-ups, Italian pasta salad, and chocolate-dipped strawberries!!! YUM! And, of course, some fruit punch to wash it down.

Next, we were headed off to make our own little bags of bath salts. We took and filled up little baggies with Epson salts (with a little bit of Rosemary) and baby oil. Mush it up in your bag and you've got bath salts! Nifty, huh!

And we still weren't done yet... From there, we went to a classroom to get inspired about devotional time and pray.

And from there, we finished up at the candle table. We took votive candles and wrapped them in double-backed tape, rolled them in little different beads, then plopped them into glass votive holders... too cute! And fun!!

Like I say, the group I was with could not have been nicer or more fun. But, I think the whole thing overall was just a great success. Pastor's wife had said that this was just the beginning of a new thing that they expect to really take off more than likely all over the nation. Our representatives already had great ideas of what they were going to do, but then went to a conference and got even more ideas! (I can't remember what the national level is called!)

But, I am so glad I went. So thankful to Connie for the five dollars... (I'll be glad to pay that interest you mentioned!) :) It was worth WAY more than that! It was a great evening with some really great ladies. And hopefully, just the beginning of greater times ahead! Thanks, girls!!! I can't WAIT 'till next time! ~

My mind still can't comprehend all that the dear people involved with Virginia Tech are going through this week, even after watching the coverage all day yesterday. It's just not anything that you can really relate to, here in the United States... thank God. The tragedy surmounted any that have taken place before now and I think it could be safely said that this was a truly heinous act of a very troubled person. But, with all the hard feelings resulting from this troubling day, I challenge you. Heed the words in Luke 6:27-38. "...Love your enemies! ... Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Forgive others and you will be forgiven..." It's so easy to get caught up in the finger-pointing and imposing of hind-sight on those who "could've done something!" But, in all of this we're letting the hatred win. In Romans 12:21, we are reminded "Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good."

I realize, it's easy for me to say... I don't have a loved one who was there that day. However, I think we could learn a lot from the 27 Amish gentlemen who attended the funeral of the man who assaulted and killed their innocent young girls.

And once again, I think of amazing Immaculee Ilibagiza... the survivor of the Rowandan Genocide whose family was slaughtered at the hands of her own neighbors and acquaintances. Overcome by thoughts of hate and overwhelming loss, she finally one night hit her knees and cried out "Forgive my evil thoughts, God. Please... as You always have, take this pain from me and cleanse my heart. Fill me with the power of Your love and forgiveness. Those who did these horrible things are still your children, so let me help them, and help me to forgive them. Oh, God, help me to love them."

You know, just months later, she returned back to her homeland, utterly destroyed by the genocide that took place and she actually found it in her (with the Lord's help) to face her family's seemingly heartless murderers. And instead of rage and anger... surprisingly, she found only pity and his undeniable sense of shame. When the time came, she "reached out, touched his hands lightly, and quietly said what she had come to say 'I forgive you'. Her heart eased immediately, and she saw the tension release from the captured killer..." Later, when questioned by the confused and obviously irritated soldier, “What was that all about? That was the man who murdered your family. I brought you to question… to spit on if you wanted to. But you forgave him! How could you do that? Why did you forgive him?” Immaculee simply answered with truth: “Forgiveness is all I have to offer.”

We may not understand. We may not want to forgive. But, in not doing so we are only fueling the hate and hurting ourselves. Sometimes, forgiveness may be the only thing we have to offer… but I think we owe it to ourselves not to let the evil win… and even to the child of God who, somehow, somewhere got so far off-track and consumed by evil, he just could not find his way back. The killer, in this case took his own life... but I think we still need to remember him and his family in our prayers along with the others who are suffering unfathomable loss tonight.

“Our Father,
Who art in Heaven
Hallowed be Thy name
Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done
On Earth as it is in Heaven
Give us this day
Our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom
And the power
And the glory

Forever and Ever

Amen.”

If you'd like to send your prayers and condolences visit: http://rosa.hosting.vt.edu/index.php/memorial/

And I strongly encourage any and all to read, if they haven't "Left to Tell" by Immaculee Ilibagiza. Learn more about it at: www.lefttotell.com .

Letters to a Few Members of my Community:


My dear hard-working leaf-blowing Amigo:

I understand that you're just doing your job. And I can appreciate that, even when you crank up that loud little leaf-blower by 9:00 am on my Mondays off (granted, my butt should already be up by then anyway!) But, I just have to ask: Really... today? We've got, for the second day now, 50-60 mile an hour winds out there. Mother Nature is practically blowing YOU away! Don't you think she could perhaps manage a few leaves and grass clippings?? And let us both take a break from the dreaded leaf-blower?


My lovely penny-pinching bank teller:

You are so friendly when asking what you can do for me. And yet so loyal and defensive when I say I could just use some coins for dollars. I'm talking a few rolls of each; the likes of what most people would find in their piggy banks at home, or even some in their seat cushions! You hear this and immediately grill me: "Is this for a business?" (No, I just really like to shop with spare change... I find it makes the retailers' days to do so.) "Do they have an account with us??" (Yes, but I mean, c'mon lady... is this really a federal offense to change out money at a B A N K ???) I answer all your questions (same ones every week) and so you finish up and finally ask sweetly: "Will there be anything else for you today?" (Ummmm... No thanks.)

(Although, next time, I may say "Actually, yes, I think I would like to close my account here and transfer it to the lovely home-town bank where they are HAPPY to help us in our desperation for change... though neither the business nor myself have an account with them!")


My fellow church-going mother of two:

I'm glad to see you all come to service. I really am. I just wish I knew why you are habitually late (I mean 30 min's or more) leave out early and still need to leave half-way through the service... every Sunday. I can't help but wonder what you actually take home with you from the visits, considering the time you do actually stay in there, you spend rumaging through your purse or disciplining your two disgruntled children who should be enjoying the other pre-teens down in their own service? Perhaps you are there for no other reason than to refine me and my tolerance of others... and if that should be the case, I guess we shall be seeing a lot of each other... as I've got a ways to go!!!
(Did I mention that they ALL pile in late... they ALL leave out half-way... they ALL leave early... and they ALL insist on sitting at the FRONT of the church... every Sunday???)

GOTTA LOVE:

In checking out my favorite blogs tonight, I came across http://nspiredbyfaith.blogspot.com/ and she had the most hilarious post today. She suggested simply googling your name followed by "needs"... for example, I googled: "Jessica Needs" and here are some of my results (it doesn't help that most of my results are based on Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, and Jessica Simpson!). They are as follows:

"Jessica needs":

~ "A rumor boyfriend" (Very funny considering I was just telling the UPS man yesterday that if he's going to be talking about me all over town, he could at least tell them all I've got a good-lookin' boyfriend!)

~ "Coffee" (Mmm.... no thanks)

~ "To eat" (Many would argue this very truth, but I promise... I really do!)

~ (simply put) "YOUR HELP" ('Nuf said, I suppose!)

~ "A hand at 'yeeah'" (Excuse me?)

~ "New ink for the printer" (That one could actually be taken off... I finally took care of that one last month!)

~ "To think of a power song" (Hey, I've got PLENTY of those already!! I'll save that list for another day.) :)

~ "To be in love" (Can't argue with that one!)

~ "A new prescription" (Well, in the meantime... - j/k)

~ "Money" (Hmm... now that one does sound a bit more like me than those other girls...)

~ "A decent smile, new teeth and a better 'pose'" (Well, I suppose that could help with the whole love thing and possibly even the 'yeeah' thing - depending on what that is exactly!) :)

~ "To keep her mouth shut sometimes" (Perhaps I should be wrapping this up...)

~ "A bit of time to herself to process things" (Yeah... that sounds about right, so I think I'll go analyze some of these findings now and get back to y'all later...)

THIS IS A GOOD WAY TO THINK

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.
Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil.

In the first, she placed carrots. In the second, she placed eggs. And in the last, she placed ground coffee beans.

She let them sit and boil without saying a word.
In about twenty minutes, she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her daughter, she asked "Tell me what you see."

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.
Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft.

The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.

The daughter then asked "What does it mean, Mother?"
Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.

The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I?

Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water; the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level?

How do you handle adversity?

Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

____________________________________

*My women's bible study leader read this to us back in the fall, and I thought it was SO good, so was really excited to see that my great-aunt Delores sent it back around on email and just had to share it!*

"For what it's worth"...

Just for good measure on backing up my last post, Mr. Harvey finished up today's broadcast by speaking about a recently-used tactic in Washington state for stopping bank robbers in their tracks. It's called: SAFECATCH. What does it entail? Well, he says the tellers are trained that when approached by a robber, they are to simply shake the robber's hand and smile at them. The results? Phenomenal... It has reduced the amount of bank robberies in the Seattle area by one half in a year's time. How does it work? Well, as Paul says: "It scares the daylights out of the bad guys!"

To listen to this and other broadcasts by Paul Harvey, visit his website: www.paulharvey.com!

A little bit of kindness goes a long way...

In today's world, sometimes it seems a bit hard to find the good in people. Generally, people are just more distracted, more stressed, more agitated... sometimes it seems they just don't care. But, I have found recently, that the more you take time to notice others and appreciate them, the more they're inclined to respond in kind. Last night, I was at Target and with it being a weeknight, they only had a few registers open, and it seemed everyone was ready to check out at once. Isn't that the way it goes? Well, I was in no particular hurry, so I just hung back and waited my turn. Then, a solemn-faced young black teenager said he could help me at his counter. I appreciated the nice surprise and said "Oh, thank you!" Still stone-faced, but serious about his job, he went about checking out my items. I asked nicely if he could scan one particular larger item from where he was... he said "Yes" and started to soften a bit. Then he asked if I needed the hangers my clothes were on, and I said "You know, I really don't. I generally don't use them and have actually acquired quite a collection at home! Matter of fact, I should bring some back to y'all!" He actually kind of laughed and said yeah, they could use them... He finished up my sale, I took the bags and once again said "Thank you so much" and he responded with a sincere smile on his face saying "Thank you! And you have a great night." A different young man than the one who opened the check-out five minutes earlier.

Funnily enough... today's God's Minute:

Jesus said; "THERE IS NOTHING THAT ENTERS A MAN FROM THE OUTSIDE WHICH CAN DEFILE HIM; BUT THE THINGS WHICH COME OUT OF HIM, THOSE ARE THE THINGS THAT DEFILE HIM." (MARK 7:15 *NKJV)

As Christians we must be careful of the words we speak, and keep them soft and sweet, because sometimes we can defile ourselves with our words. For if we are not careful "OUT OF THE SAME MOUTH PROCEED BLESSING AND CURSING. MY BRETHREN, THESE THINGS OUGHT NOT TO BE SO." (JAMES 3:10) Therefore: "LET YOUR SPEECH ALWAYS BE WITH GRACE, SEASONED WITH SALT, THAT YOU MAY KNOW HOW YOU OUGHT TO ANSWER EACH OTHER." (COLOSSIANS 4:6)
So Beloved, speak only words of kindness, and "SPEAK EVIL TO NO ONE, TO BE PEACEABLE, GENTLE, SHOWING ALL HUMILITY TO ALL MEN. (TITUS 3:2) And "FINALLY, ALL OF YOU BE OF ONE MIND, HAVING COMPASSION FOR ONE ANOTHER; LOVE AS BROTHERS, BE TENDERHEARTED, BE COURTEOUS; NOT RETURNING EVIL FOR EVIL OR REVILING FOR REVILING, BUT ON THE CONTRARY, BLESSING, KNOWING THAT YOU WERE CALLED TO THIS, THAT YOU MAY INHERIT A BLESSING. AMEN." (1 PETER 3:8-9)

I've found that when you have a more positive attitude, it reflects in those around you. You know, I was pleasantly surprised a couple of weeks ago at Publix. I had gotten a big sack of cat food, so it was on the bottom of the cart I don't normally use. As I checked out and spoke to the nice cashier, I had noticed that there were a couple of 'punk hoodlum boyz' behind me in line. I went about my business and finished up inside and the 'boyz' continued to follow me out into the parking lot... and do you know, they were actually kind enough to remind me about the sack beneath the cart! It was so minor, but so unexpected and so thoughtful from two kids you would never have thought would even notice, let alone care enough to say anything! Talk about refreshing!
I think we need to expect more from people... they might just surprise you and rise to the occasion! And if it hadn't been for those nice guys, my cats would have starved that night!! :)

"Be the change you want to see in this world!"

I just got tagged for the “Six Things Meme” by Jodi (www.jodiyork.com), so here are mine:

~ Name six things in your refrigerator.
1. Vanilla Yogurt
2. Apples probably too rotten to eat
3. Grapes I KNOW are too bad to eat
4. A swig of Orange Juice
5. Six-Blend Italian Cheese
6. Three Eggs

~Name six things in your freezer.
1. Two Freezer-burned waffles, I was just contemplating on eating tonight
2. Two Sausage Patties
3. Bag of Sweet Corn
4. Broccoli I had just been wondering how long it'd been in there?
5. Bag of Blueberries from last summer
6. Two definitely freezer-burned Ice Cream Sandwiches (how'd that happen??)

~Name six things under your kitchen sink.
1. Dishwashing detergent
2. Trash Bags
3. Cleaning Supplies
4. Empty vases
5. Flower Pots
6. A plethora of Target bags to be re-used

~Name six things around your computer.
1. Pictures of Family
2. Pictures of Boston
3. Mark Twain book of Quotations
4. Lotion
5. Jotted-in Notepad
6. Blank CD's to be burned

~Name six things in your medicine cabinet.
1. Mousse
2. Hairspray
3. Shea Butter Bar
4. Candle
5. Lotion
6. Thermometer (the only medical thing in there!)

~Name six things on or around your nightstand.
1. Books
2. Bible/Devotional
3. Old Picture of Great-Aunts as little girls
4. Lamp
5. Clock/Radio
6. Sentimental clothes I don't wear, but won't throw out (concert t-shirts...)

My Sentiments Exactly

About two months ago, after having a frustrating day, I got in my car and headed home. Getting on the interstate, I came across Martina McBride on the radio and although I wasn't familiar with the song yet, I knew well enough to crank it up and just enjoy. Sure enough, she hit the nail on the head with the words from "Anyway". Exactly what I needed to hear and be reminded of. Not sure if you've heard it yet, but if not, check it out: http://martinapreorder.echoconnect.com/

Just a few weeks later, a guest speaker at church told of a man who wanted to please God and just do as he should with his life. God brought him to a large rock and asked him to push the rock. So, eagerly, the man started pushing. He pushed the rock with all he had. Before too long, he just got completely frustrated... frustrated with himself in thinking he had failed in some way and perhaps frustrated with God for asking something of him that he just wasn't capable of doing. After all, the rock had not so much as budged, despite his best efforts. Finally, he turns to God and cries out to Him "I don't understand! Why have you asked of me that which you know I cannot do? And if you want me to move it, why won't you help me find the strength to do so??" God gently responds: "I can move the rock... it's just up to you to do the pushing. After all, it's not the rock I'm interested in, but rather what you gain from trying. Just keep pushing."

Life is not easy ~ I think most anyone can attest to that. But, it's in the struggles that you find yourself and that you find your true strength and determination. So, all we can really do is simply do what we can and keep on pushing through!

I'm reminded of another song that goes back to good 'ole Garth Brooks: The Change. Anybody remember back that far? He says:

"This heart still believes

That love and mercy still exist,

While all the hatreds rage and so many say

That love is all but pointless

In madness such as this,

It's like trying to stop a fire with the moisture from a kiss.

And I hear them saying 'you'll never change things

And no matter what you do it's still the same thing',

But, it's not the world that I am changing~

I do this so this world will know

That it will not change me."

Give it all you've got. That's all you really can do. And just watch God do what you can't.

Like Ms. McBride proclaims:

"God is great!

Sometimes life ain't good.

When I pray

it doesn't always turn out like I think it should ~

But, I do it anyway!

Yeah, do it anyway!!!"

______________________________________________

After all, 'His ways are better than our own'. Even when it's hard to understand. All He asks of us is to 'run the race' and trust the results to Him.

*Check out Martina's newest album, available April 3rd!!!

Planning for the Future

by: Mattie Stepanek

Heaven is a wonderful place

When a good-hearted person dies,

His or her spirit rises into Heaven.

And, Heaven is a forever place

That transcends our mortal

Sense of time and space.

There can be many different

Views on what Heaven is like,

Because Heaven is whatever

Makes each person

Eternally and fully happy.

To go to Heaven,

A person must be

Pure in heart, and truly sorry

For any sins committed.

If a person is not clean in heart

When he or she dies,

That person might have

To think and better prepare

For the eternal wonders of Heaven.

So, we should live each moment

Of life in a state of readiness,

And peaceful grace.

~April 3, 2000

In Jodi's blog today, she discussed how she can't begin to imagine how to die could be to gain? How, after all, could she ever manage not seeing the faces of her children... or any of those blessings of life we've come to love so deeply.

The above poem was penned by my beloved Mattie J.T. Stepanek when he was just 10 years old. And I'm sure many of you had caught him on either Oprah or Larry King or the like. If you had, you attest that he was the most profound spiritually inclined little boy you've ever had the chance to see. You could swear he was a 'fallen angel' himself... straight from the heavens above. Sent to inspire, encourage and somehow just let us in on a glimpse of all those uncertainties he was so sure of.

Mattie had a life of struggle. From beginning to end. Hospital visits all his life. Being hooked up to machines most of the time. Miserably uncomfortable more times than not. And had already lost two brothers and a sister by the age of 3. Two of which he never got to know personally, but still missed tremendously. And yet, he had the spirit of a champion. He still managed to find the good in life and by choice held onto that. Reading his words leaves you believing in more. And his poem that speaks most closely to my view on Heaven is this:

Innocent Visions

One time,

I saw Heaven.

And when I saw Heaven,

It was a girl.

And when I looked at the girl,

It looked like a boy.

And that is because

Heaven

Is everyone,

And everything,

And everywhere,

That is good and special.

~ October 21, 1993

He was just 3 years old when he wrote this poem. But that, to me, is what Heaven will be.

Those things you are blessed enough to experience here on Earth that you just can't seem to get enough of. The things (or people) that you love SO deeply and strongly that it almost aches to take it all in.

I tend to think of this whenever I see a breath-taking rainbow or a moon so bright at night it just takes your breath away. I find myself trying to take them in just as much as I can before they quickly fade into the sky.

Holding that toddler in your lap, while they dream. Feeling and breathing in fresh cool air...

Those, to me, are just some of the previews of what may lie ahead. And reminders that there are things much greater than the land we live in for our limited time here. Greater than our human minds could even fathom.

For more information on Mattie Stepanek: www.mattieonline.com

Am I the ONLY one???

So, I wake up this morning... and I'm already disappointed 'cause some guy is still filling in for Paul Harvey at 8:30 (though I am happy for Paul to get some time off). Then, I hear from my stereo, a couple just jabbering and chattering on about something. I think 'Now, I know I know better than to leave it on 104.7 with the dreaded 'Kevin and Taylor in the Morning' (GAAAAAAAAAG!)" So, I stumble out to make sure, and sure enough... it's on MY morning station... the GOOD one... the one that actually plays MUSIC in the morning. Lo and behold, they actually had the audacity to add a morning show to their station!!! Some husband and wife pairing from Vegas... and I ask you. WHY? ~ Why would I want to listen to some couple going on and on about their personal life and how funny their kids are and blah, blah, blah, blah, BLAH!...
Look, new people ~ I don't know you, and don't take this personally, but I DON'T CARE! I'm sure you are lovely people, but I just want my music... especially in the morning!! (Don't even get me started on Delilah and John Tesh at night!) But, the way I see it: if I had wanted to listen to talk radio, could I not just turn it on AM?? Oh, well. Looks like I'm outnumbered, so will just get to brush up on some of the good 'ole B-98.5 hits I hadn't heard in a while... they actually played some good ones this morning... so, until they get to jabbering on there... looks like it's waking up to Billy Joel, Elton John and Sweet Baby James!

"Other things may change us,
but we start and end with family."

I see you now
As if it were yesterday
Standing at your door to greet us
Laughing and letting us in

I see you now
Sitting on your porch swing
Just chatting about the day before us
Or the times that lay behind

I see you now
Working on a Sunday dinner
Effortlessly preparing
A feast fit for a king

I see you now
Holding us tightly
As we head back for home
And you wave back from your door

I hear you now
Snickering and laughing
With the heart of a child
(With language that would leave
Any trucker or sailor blushing!)

I hear you now

Reading aloud

Every road sign passed

In at least 10 different ways :)

I hear you now

Singing with soul

The old classic country

And some songs hardly well-known

I feel you now

Hugging me close

Patting my butt

And saying "I love you, Dear"

I feel you now

Tugging at my heart

And whispering close

"I miss you, too, Sweetie"

And "I'll see you again!"

Happy Birthday, Grandma!!

How Great is our God

~And how awesome are these guys!!

After having gone to see Echoing Angels at church Wednesday night, I then got to go see Chris Tomlin for the second consecutive year at the Atlanta Civic Center. (Big week for concerts.) :) It was awesome, as usual, too! Joined once again by pals Matt Redman and Louie Giglio, they continued last year's theme of 'significant insignificance' and just brought the house down with their incredible musical talents and passion. Such a dynamic team... I recommend anyone going to check them out. Hopefully they'll be back again next year... I'm already ready for more!!!


And, hey!
Check out their Group effort, The 'Passion Conference's at Louie Giglio's Website:
www.268generation.com

Eastridge Community Church Presents:

ECHOING ANGELS

Last Wednesday night, Eastridge was blessed by having the "new" hit group (formerly Two Bare Feet) Echoing Angels for a private concert. It was pretty rockin' at times, but VERY good. At times it was almost too loud to hear them, but I have thoroughly enjoyed their CD. Check out their website: www.echoingangels.com and you'll find a taste of their music playing on there. I think, like me, you'll soon be HOOKED! :)

Not bad for a bunch of local Georgia boys!! Their best hit, so far, "You Alone" has already been riding in the top 5 with the likes of Chris Tomlin and Casting Crowns! No small feat, by any means.