I’m Ready, Are You?

images (35) beach
It occurred to me today that I have just been given the opportunity of a lifetime! A rare glimpse of possibilities that could make a great impact on others lives…

But alas I didn’t finish the post and I have no idea what I was thinking, so maybe it wasn’t such a lifetime opportunity after all?

But really, isn’t each day the opportunity of a lifetime? After all we only have the moment we are living right at this time? So in a way, each day is the “opportunity of a lifetime…” A sobering thought somehow. The last word I uttered could really be my last. The last conversation…could become the last memory someone has of me. The last day…an opportunity to leave a wonderful impact  on someone.

I’m glad I laugh a lot, smile a lot, and say nice things a lot – not always though. Sometimes I ask tough questions, give the ‘teacher look’ or just put my hand up and my head down to stop whatever action is happening at the moment. This train of thought is causing me to consider my days, to treasure those I care about and to not waste any ‘moment.’ Gently holding all yet ready to leave at a moment’s notice. I’m ready…are you?

I’m ready because Jesus is my rock, my source of living, my Savior and my Lord. Because He is the center of who I am and what I am about. Do you know Him? He knows you. He longs to be your Lord, find Him in the Bible. John 3:16 says that God loved  everyone, He loves you, so He sent Jesus, and those that believe in Jesus will have eternal life with Him. Believe that Jesus is the son of God, ask Him to show you who He is and He will!

I Hate Arguments!

20140322 gardenI HATE disagreements,

I DISLIKE arguments,

I DON’T like chaos, messes or bad words. Why I had three boys I will never know, maybe because I originally wanted four boys but just couldn’t make it through another idea of the birthing process again. I know all of this sounds cowardly but if you knew my whole life story you would be shaking your head and saying,

‘You go girl.’

So we have established that I like peace. Peace of mind, Peaceful words, Peaceful thoughts… Boys, my boys, are loving, kind at heart BUT if you cross them, get out-of-the-way.

Tonight the ‘discussion’ concerned a pair of slippers… oi!! My youngest after a 15 minute verbal battle with the middle son, stated it in such a wonderful way. “Well, you know mom, if I would have just agreed with him instead of being stubborn, we would not have had the argument for 15 minutes, but I just decided I wanted to disagree and ‘have it out.'” OI!!! I was mad. I was REALLY mad. I went to my room for a time out. 🙂

Now I realize this sounds like I am a push over, I am NOT. I like a great discussion just like the next person, debates, thoughtful rebuttals and so forth. But arguing just for the sake of carrying on a verbal battle…not for me.

Did I say how much I hate arguments?

What Defines You?

images (35) butterfly in cocooon

Journal Entry – July 20, 2008

It’s not how you behave
when things go well,
but how you behave
when you face trials and disappointments,
that defines you.

 

It’s not how nicely you can treat people
when you face them
but what you say behind their back
when no one is listening
that defines you.

It is not what you think,
but what actually comes
out of your mouth
that defines you.

What Defines You?

That Dog!!!

Dog-dogs-35247719-3706-2480 (2)“Hey… where did my boxers go?” then “RUTH!!” I hear this one-sided conversation at least three times a week at my house. Usually at least once from my husband and the other two times from my sons. I chuckle and laugh, Ruth, the dog, has gotten her revenge again!

Ruth is our Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog, which really isn’t from the retriever family at all. She is part big dog and little dog, she could be registered, but she’s not, she could be well-trained, but she is not…she’s just THAT DOG!! We love our dog! She loves us and shows us this frequently by howling us awake when she hears the neighbors open their doors. Sleeping between us instead of at the foot of the bed – to keep us warm of course.  She also loves to drink water from the wrong drinking bowl…ugh!

Ruth is the most loving animal I have ever had, and I’ve had many pets. I am an only child, so while growing up, animals held a great position in my heart. They were my friends, confidants, comforters, play mates and great running mates! I even had a rooster, yes, this little city gal raised a chicken that was all her own. I also herded cattle, I’ll save those tidbits for another story.

As I write this Ruth is barking at the fireworks associated with the ringing in of the new year, even though it is over an hour away AND I have given her something to help relax her. She never does what she is supposed to UNLESS it is to sit when I tell her sit (only if I have something to give her to eat!).

Ruth always greats each family … (had to take a break to give her the rest of her calming meds – yikes!) As I was writing, Ruth greets each family member with a tiny little lick on the hand or knee or foot, then she saunters on as if to say, “I’m here, watching over you, I love you and I’ll be sure to bark if there is a problem!”

When my husband comes home from work you would have thought that she had not seen him for days the way she prances around, barks, jumps, gets her bone, throws it into the air, does at least three laps and then sits at his feet or on his lap. It is absolutely hilarious! While in comparison when I come home she is happy, licks my hand and might run one lap. I think the difference is, my husband just eats it up, talks to her, revs her up, laughs and carries on like she is the best thing since melted button on toast.

I love my Ruth, the family loves Ruth but…every once in a while (a least once a day) you can hear one of us saying…”THAT DOG!!!”