So often we take our friends for granted. We just assume that they will always be there, in the same place, doing the same things, living life around us. Sometimes they make it through awful storms, only to leave us in the most bizarre manner.
Many of us lost a friend this week. Lois was an encourager. She was someone I have truly cherished being around for the last 8 years. We didn't do a lot together, but I was privileged enough to see her quite often. She was so warm, and instantly I knew that she was someone that would be a blessing in my life. A quick wit, an open heart, and true kindness were what I loved about Lois. She loved her family and friends and they loved her. Even though she fought a physical battle ( and won), in the toughest times it didn't change her heart, or her wit, or her love of life and people. She knew where her strength came from.
Just two days before she left us, she sent an encouraging post to me and I will cherish it always. I have talked about stained glass in another post, and tonight, I am grateful for the beautiful, colorful piece in the window of my heart that is Lois.
What joy you must feel tonight being in our Father's presence, my friend!
A special place
A porch swing can = Forever!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Have you ever....
As a child, you do things without giving them a whole lot of thought. Things that give you great joy, but you wouldn't do them now, because, "What would people think?"
If we are bold enough, we should try these sometimes as an adult....and don't worry, you won't get hurt.
Have you ever (as an adult):
-Walked barefoot in the rain?
-Ate watermelon on the porch and spit the seeds?
-Skipped to the mailbox?
-Dressed up a dog or cat?
-Drank something out of the pitcher in the refrigerator and put it back?
-Drawn a picture for you spouse, child or parent and put it on the refrigerator?
-Made a macaroni necklace?
-Tried lying in the grass and looking at cloud shapes?
-Sung loud to to the radio or cd in your car with the windows down?
-Ridden over a bumpy road or a bridge while singing one note, just to hear the funny sound?
--Knelt down and said your prayers like you did back then?
Things to ponder, I think I will try one or two this week..just because!
If we are bold enough, we should try these sometimes as an adult....and don't worry, you won't get hurt.
Have you ever (as an adult):
-Walked barefoot in the rain?
-Ate watermelon on the porch and spit the seeds?
-Skipped to the mailbox?
-Dressed up a dog or cat?
-Drank something out of the pitcher in the refrigerator and put it back?
-Drawn a picture for you spouse, child or parent and put it on the refrigerator?
-Made a macaroni necklace?
-Tried lying in the grass and looking at cloud shapes?
-Sung loud to to the radio or cd in your car with the windows down?
-Ridden over a bumpy road or a bridge while singing one note, just to hear the funny sound?
--Knelt down and said your prayers like you did back then?
Things to ponder, I think I will try one or two this week..just because!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
I am writing to express my interest.......
.....and so starts the 57th cover letter for a resume! What fun it is to market yourself...ugh! What I really want to say is: " here I am, 50, overweight, I love people, love kids and will work for peanuts! If you need a warm body to work Monday through Friday 8-5, here I am...BUT, you have to be nice to me, because I will be nice to you."
Job hunting is a humbling experience when you have been gainfully employed for awhile. It pulls you out of your comfort zone, you have to dress and act a certain way, and hope that people can see the real you, though all of your nervousness and pretense. Very frustrating....no wonder tele-commuting is so popular...no body to have to impress.
Just a little whiny today. But as my daddy always said, "Buck up honey, six months from now you will be worrying about something else!" Gee, Daddy, I hope so...If not, I am going to fling myself in the woods next to our house and hope that PA ROSS gets me on the way to the bay!
Happy Tuesday, Friends!
Job hunting is a humbling experience when you have been gainfully employed for awhile. It pulls you out of your comfort zone, you have to dress and act a certain way, and hope that people can see the real you, though all of your nervousness and pretense. Very frustrating....no wonder tele-commuting is so popular...no body to have to impress.
Just a little whiny today. But as my daddy always said, "Buck up honey, six months from now you will be worrying about something else!" Gee, Daddy, I hope so...If not, I am going to fling myself in the woods next to our house and hope that PA ROSS gets me on the way to the bay!
Happy Tuesday, Friends!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Pollyanna
I have often been referred to as this. Pollyanna, for those of you who might not be acquainted with her, is a character that always sees the silver lining, the glass half full, pretty much annoyingly bouncy and happy. The dictionary defines Pollyanna as; " an excessively or blindly optimistic person."
I am told it can be quite annoying to those people who are not of the Pollyanna type. Sorry.
But even Pollyannas have their days. That is why I am so grateful that God knows we will have these times and understands. He lets us know that He is not leaving us stranded in the sadness or despair that can grip us like a theif in the night.
He gives us courage to stand, Faith to believe, Friends to pray with, Love to carry us through, arms to hold us, and his grace to carry us through. The hard part is letting go of the familiar pain and embracing what He has to offer as we walk through these days. He promises the hard days won't last forever, for that I praise Him, too!
Here is a song that has encouraged a die hard Pollyanna this week, may it make your heart a little lighter:
I am told it can be quite annoying to those people who are not of the Pollyanna type. Sorry.
But even Pollyannas have their days. That is why I am so grateful that God knows we will have these times and understands. He lets us know that He is not leaving us stranded in the sadness or despair that can grip us like a theif in the night.
He gives us courage to stand, Faith to believe, Friends to pray with, Love to carry us through, arms to hold us, and his grace to carry us through. The hard part is letting go of the familiar pain and embracing what He has to offer as we walk through these days. He promises the hard days won't last forever, for that I praise Him, too!
Here is a song that has encouraged a die hard Pollyanna this week, may it make your heart a little lighter:
Lyrics: I know it seems like this could be The darkest day you’ve known But believe you me the God of strength Will never let you go He will overcome I know And the arms that hold the universe Are holding you tonight You can rest inside It’s gonna be alright And the voice that calmed the raging sea Is calling you His child So be still and know He’s in control He will never let you go Through many dangers Toils and snares You have already come His grace has brought you save this far And His grace will lead you home And the arms that hold the universe Are holding you tonight You can rest inside It’s gonna be alright And the voice that calmed the raging sea Is calling you His child So be still and know He’s in control He will never let you go You can hope You can rise You can stand He’s still got the whole world in His hands You can hope You can rise You can stand He’s still got the whole world The whole world in His hands And the arms that hold the universe Are holding you tonight You can rest inside It’s gonna be alright And the voice that calmed the raging sea Is calling you His child So be still and know He’s in control He will never let you go He will never let you go He’s still got the whole world in His hands In His hands He’s still got the whole world in His hands Written by Steve Fee |
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Sayings
Lately I have been doing a lot of thinking about where my roots are.
Without question, I am a child of the South....except for a few years in Kentucky, I am a Southern girl through and through ( Some people even consider Kentucky a part of the South.. ).
Last night, there was a great program on the History channel about the language we use, the dialects, the music, Faith, football, food, and our way of life. Of course, it did have to end with a country singer cursing..(how lame is that?)
I've been reading a book about some of our trying times, how we have been unkind to one another, but also have loved each other through those days.
But today, I want to talk about our unique sayings. They don't really "fly" when they need explanation, so they don't always travel well. But for those of us who have a story for everything, and love a good saying, here we go:
-Already told you about these:
"Cute as a speckled puppy under a red wagon"
"if you lived here you'd be home now"
-"she would argue with a signpost"
--Daddy said that about me more than once!
-"Rode hard and put up wet.'
You look more tired than a race horse-and just as bad!
-"Heebie jeebies"
person or thing that gives you the chills
-"Short end of the stick"
you got a bad deal on what ever it was (i.e, looks, a fight, a bet, etc.)
-"Half cocked."
Don't go raising sand until you get all of the information
-"Two peas in a pod"
made for each other
-"Don't let your mouth overload your behind"
One of my favorites, don't promise more than you can deliver
-"Water off a duck's back"
whatever the situation, you didn't let it get to you, it just rolled right off of you
-"I declare"
oh my!
- “He fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on
the way down.”
no explanation needed-but not nice!
-“Finer that frogs’ hair.”
feeling good
-“That puts a hitch in my giddy-up"
makes you feel good!
-"Don't act above your raising"
Don't act stuck up, because we all know where you came from
-“If I was any happier I’d be twins.”
-"When the Lord said nose, I thought he said rose so I picked the biggest one I could find"
my Daddy's favorite!
This list is by no means exhaustive or complete! Let's keep it going and add your favorite sayings! Should be fun! Expressions, Southern or not, send them on!
Love,
Me
Without question, I am a child of the South....except for a few years in Kentucky, I am a Southern girl through and through ( Some people even consider Kentucky a part of the South.. ).
Last night, there was a great program on the History channel about the language we use, the dialects, the music, Faith, football, food, and our way of life. Of course, it did have to end with a country singer cursing..(how lame is that?)
I've been reading a book about some of our trying times, how we have been unkind to one another, but also have loved each other through those days.
But today, I want to talk about our unique sayings. They don't really "fly" when they need explanation, so they don't always travel well. But for those of us who have a story for everything, and love a good saying, here we go:
-Already told you about these:
"Cute as a speckled puppy under a red wagon"
"if you lived here you'd be home now"
-"she would argue with a signpost"
--Daddy said that about me more than once!
-"Rode hard and put up wet.'
You look more tired than a race horse-and just as bad!
-"Heebie jeebies"
person or thing that gives you the chills
-"Short end of the stick"
you got a bad deal on what ever it was (i.e, looks, a fight, a bet, etc.)
-"Half cocked."
Don't go raising sand until you get all of the information
-"Two peas in a pod"
made for each other
-"Don't let your mouth overload your behind"
One of my favorites, don't promise more than you can deliver
-"Water off a duck's back"
whatever the situation, you didn't let it get to you, it just rolled right off of you
-"I declare"
oh my!
- “He fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on
the way down.”
no explanation needed-but not nice!
-“Finer that frogs’ hair.”
feeling good
-“That puts a hitch in my giddy-up"
makes you feel good!
-"Don't act above your raising"
Don't act stuck up, because we all know where you came from
-“If I was any happier I’d be twins.”
-"When the Lord said nose, I thought he said rose so I picked the biggest one I could find"
my Daddy's favorite!
This list is by no means exhaustive or complete! Let's keep it going and add your favorite sayings! Should be fun! Expressions, Southern or not, send them on!
Love,
Me
Monday, August 15, 2011
Need a "Fill Up"
Finally! Everyone is married. Another beautiful wedding, more time with family and friends!
A beautiful Bride, A beautiful groom, picture perfect shower, rehearsal dinner wedding and reception....everyone got home safely..and it is the "day-after-the-day-after"!
There are a few things I am pondering:
...that you can be more tired than you ever thought possible...again!
....That your eyes can hurt from laughing and crying
...that your cheek muscles can ache!
...That it's really not the end of the world if you don't wear pantyhose to your son's wedding! I sure am glad my Mama didn't see that!
...that even though you left lots of stuff at the wedding destination, more stuff comes home!
...that there are marvelous people in this life who, because of their thoughtfulness make your life not only bearable, but joyful....who consider others' needs before their own...always! I love you!
....That no matter how long it is between visits with your friends..you can pick right up where you left off!
...that the sons who needed you so much yesterday, don't need you so much today...and it's really okay when they are blessed with wonderful wives..and another family, too!
...That now, we really are leaving the Wiregrass in our rearview window for a season.
...that you really love your husband and can't wait to focus on him again....baby watch out!
...that the God who put all of the wonderful events of our lives together, will carry us through the "days-after-the-days-after" I love the thought of Him carrying us through our complete exhaustion.
..That I am so glad He knows His plan for us, now that the gnome hats are in shreds, and another chapter is closing.
The Summer of the traveling Hamilgnomes has come to a wonderful end!
Thanks for treaveling with us!
Happy Monday from Alabma's Eastern Shore...
A beautiful Bride, A beautiful groom, picture perfect shower, rehearsal dinner wedding and reception....everyone got home safely..and it is the "day-after-the-day-after"!
There are a few things I am pondering:
...that you can be more tired than you ever thought possible...again!
....That your eyes can hurt from laughing and crying
...that your cheek muscles can ache!
...That it's really not the end of the world if you don't wear pantyhose to your son's wedding! I sure am glad my Mama didn't see that!
...that even though you left lots of stuff at the wedding destination, more stuff comes home!
...that there are marvelous people in this life who, because of their thoughtfulness make your life not only bearable, but joyful....who consider others' needs before their own...always! I love you!
....That no matter how long it is between visits with your friends..you can pick right up where you left off!
...that the sons who needed you so much yesterday, don't need you so much today...and it's really okay when they are blessed with wonderful wives..and another family, too!
...That now, we really are leaving the Wiregrass in our rearview window for a season.
...that you really love your husband and can't wait to focus on him again....baby watch out!
...that the God who put all of the wonderful events of our lives together, will carry us through the "days-after-the-days-after" I love the thought of Him carrying us through our complete exhaustion.
..That I am so glad He knows His plan for us, now that the gnome hats are in shreds, and another chapter is closing.
The Summer of the traveling Hamilgnomes has come to a wonderful end!
Thanks for treaveling with us!
Happy Monday from Alabma's Eastern Shore...
Monday, August 8, 2011
While you slept...
Tonight as i watch you sleep on the couch (a rarity nowdue to time age and distance), I am thinking about a million things. I am thinking of all the nights I have done this before.
There were the nights when I rocked you, and sang to you, and stroked your head.
There were nights when I checked your breathing...just to make sure.
There were nights when daddy and I prayed over you
There were nights when I woke you up to give you medicine, and to rebandage your wounds.
There were also nights when I prayed you were really asleep and not just fooling me.
There were nights I sneaked in your room to put laundry away trying not to wake you.or Caleb.
There were nights, I prayed your brother wouldnt wake you, because it took you so long to get to sleep.
There were nights that I saw you smiling in your sleep and wondered what your secret really was.
There were nights when you fell asleep with your bible on your bed,
There were other nights you fell asleep with your headphones on, your phone in your ear, and the cat at your feet.
There were nights with tear stains on your pillows...not many though.
There were many nights when I wondered who you would marry and what path your life would take.
There were nights with company when you never went to sleep!
There were nights when you were so excited about "tomorrow" that you couldn't sleep!
All of those nights are priceless to me now. Times that a mother cherishes, time with just she and her child.;
But now, That part of my life really is over. The love of your life will watch you sleep from now on. She will calm you, take care of you and share your days and nights from here on.....as it should be...as God ordains!
..A man shall leave his mother and a woman shall leave her home.
Good night, Andrew my son, Sleep well!
There were the nights when I rocked you, and sang to you, and stroked your head.
There were nights when I checked your breathing...just to make sure.
There were nights when daddy and I prayed over you
There were nights when I woke you up to give you medicine, and to rebandage your wounds.
There were also nights when I prayed you were really asleep and not just fooling me.
There were nights I sneaked in your room to put laundry away trying not to wake you.or Caleb.
There were nights, I prayed your brother wouldnt wake you, because it took you so long to get to sleep.
There were nights that I saw you smiling in your sleep and wondered what your secret really was.
There were nights when you fell asleep with your bible on your bed,
There were other nights you fell asleep with your headphones on, your phone in your ear, and the cat at your feet.
There were nights with tear stains on your pillows...not many though.
There were many nights when I wondered who you would marry and what path your life would take.
There were nights with company when you never went to sleep!
There were nights when you were so excited about "tomorrow" that you couldn't sleep!
All of those nights are priceless to me now. Times that a mother cherishes, time with just she and her child.;
But now, That part of my life really is over. The love of your life will watch you sleep from now on. She will calm you, take care of you and share your days and nights from here on.....as it should be...as God ordains!
..A man shall leave his mother and a woman shall leave her home.
Good night, Andrew my son, Sleep well!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Gnome hats mended and suitable for travel once again....
One week from today the wedding festivities start....All Hamiltons will be in motion or will soon be arriving at the exact destination. How much fun that will be...one more wedding...one more time together.
Trying really hard not to get lost in the details...but to enjoy this time of celebration. Andrew and Faith..One more Mrs. Hamilton. Finally, the girls will outnumber the boys...I have waited many years for this day! Thanks to Miss Layla, we are in the lead!
But seriously, There couldn't be much that is more thrilling than to have your child find the happiness that will make his life complete on Earth. To begin a new home filled with love, Faith (both kinds) , love, hope and dreams.
Thank you, Lord, for answering yet another prayer prayed from a porch swing long ago,
It swings again!
Trying really hard not to get lost in the details...but to enjoy this time of celebration. Andrew and Faith..One more Mrs. Hamilton. Finally, the girls will outnumber the boys...I have waited many years for this day! Thanks to Miss Layla, we are in the lead!
But seriously, There couldn't be much that is more thrilling than to have your child find the happiness that will make his life complete on Earth. To begin a new home filled with love, Faith (both kinds) , love, hope and dreams.
Thank you, Lord, for answering yet another prayer prayed from a porch swing long ago,
It swings again!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Doppleganger
I really didn't know what that was until the last few years. It is a person of fame or celebrity that we may look or act like.
I have a friend who reminds me of Julia Roberts. People used to tell my husband he favored Robert Urich, the late actor. Anyone ever told you that you remind them of someone famous?
The older I get, the more afraid that I am going to resemble someone I don't want to "be like". We have been watching old seasons of "Everybody Loves Raymond". I am terrified that someone will tell me that I remind them of Marie Barrone! Or Aunt Bea from Andy Griffith! Somebody once told me that I talked like her! :(
In reality, we would all like to be doppleganger's of someone good looking, young and cool! Or at least someone with talent!
Do you ever look at pictures of yourself and only see the worst version of you and think, "Is that what other people see all the time when they look at me?" Heaven forbid!
Just musing today, friends. Why are we so hard on ourselves? I don't know.
I guess we should all really want to have the same "Doppleganger". The one whose image we should all want to be like, the one who we should strive to have...so for today, and everyday, I hope Jesus is my Doppleganger!
I have a friend who reminds me of Julia Roberts. People used to tell my husband he favored Robert Urich, the late actor. Anyone ever told you that you remind them of someone famous?
The older I get, the more afraid that I am going to resemble someone I don't want to "be like". We have been watching old seasons of "Everybody Loves Raymond". I am terrified that someone will tell me that I remind them of Marie Barrone! Or Aunt Bea from Andy Griffith! Somebody once told me that I talked like her! :(
In reality, we would all like to be doppleganger's of someone good looking, young and cool! Or at least someone with talent!
Do you ever look at pictures of yourself and only see the worst version of you and think, "Is that what other people see all the time when they look at me?" Heaven forbid!
Just musing today, friends. Why are we so hard on ourselves? I don't know.
I guess we should all really want to have the same "Doppleganger". The one whose image we should all want to be like, the one who we should strive to have...so for today, and everyday, I hope Jesus is my Doppleganger!
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