Yep, I have to do it. Before we head to KY I need to give a little props - scratch that, a LOT of props to my man!
I had expressed to him that we needed to clean house, do laundry, pack and some other similar activities all before we headed out of town. I work throughout the day, so we knew most of it would have to be done Tuesday night (last night). I had prepared myself that Kelly would probably do a load of laundry or so during the day, but the majority would be up to my delegation and push on Tuesday night.
My, oh my, how my man surprised me!!! I walked into the house last night with the smell of fresh fragrance and vacuumed rugs. I looked around thinking, "he has cleaned a bit", and then Kelly came out of the kitchen with a glass of white wine poured for me! Wow.
He had vacuumed, emptied the dishwasher, taken out the trash, put dishes in the sink in the now empty dishwasher, done multiple loads of laundry, folded those clothes when each load was complete, and tidied up the kitchen and living room. It was PERFECT!!! I barely had to touch anything until we changed our sheets this morning for our house sitter and I laid out my clothes for the long weekend.
Awesome! Thanks honey, you're so wonderful to me! God has blessed me more than I could have imagined with you!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thanksgiving Thankfulness
For some, especially those married, the holidays can bring about a stress. Where will we go for Thanksgiving, can we see both families during the holiday? What about Christmas, will we see both during that time? Do we do Christmas Eve at one place? What about Christmas day? But they want to see us, and what about them? Can we make it to both, or all? Etc.
Questions like the above are asked by many. Will we see his side of the family, will we see hers? Will we see both, or just one? It can be a struggle. I've heard many friends and family go through these questions with a stress and concern. They want to make sure everyone feels loved and they also have their own desires of where they want to be and when. It can be hard.
I am so thankful for my setup. What a blessing. I find myself stress free right before Thanksgiving, looking forward to celebrating my thankfulness for my family and friends.
Kelly and I set up the "program" from the point of our engagement... and I've been so thankful for the stress free nature of it all. We are blessed with a family that does not pressure us. Sure they want to see us, but they understand that the holidays can be a juggling act, and they want what's best for us!
What's the plan we go by? Thanksgiving in KY, Christmas at home. Always (well, until kids come into the picture, I hear that rearranges something, okay, lots of things). We'll talk another day about Christmas, it'll be here before we know it. For now, I'll discuss Thanksgiving.
Kelly's mom, grandparents, aunt, cousins and some siblings live in Lexington, KY. I love making our yearly trip up there for Thanksgiving. The weather is usually cold, and the leaves have either fully changed colors or began to fall. I feel right at home, and enjoy the time to catch up with my in-laws. Good eats and great company makes for lack of room to complain.
We leave tomorrow for our visit. We'll arrive late Wednesday night and stay until Sunday evening. My posting might be limited (or non existent) until we return.
For now here is a pic from my first Thanksgiving in Kentucky, the year we got engaged, 2006.
Left to right: Randy (cousin, now married - can't wait to meet his wife, Meredith), Myself, Kelly, Aunt Terri (Randy's mom), and Laurie (my mother in law)
Questions like the above are asked by many. Will we see his side of the family, will we see hers? Will we see both, or just one? It can be a struggle. I've heard many friends and family go through these questions with a stress and concern. They want to make sure everyone feels loved and they also have their own desires of where they want to be and when. It can be hard.
I am so thankful for my setup. What a blessing. I find myself stress free right before Thanksgiving, looking forward to celebrating my thankfulness for my family and friends.
Kelly and I set up the "program" from the point of our engagement... and I've been so thankful for the stress free nature of it all. We are blessed with a family that does not pressure us. Sure they want to see us, but they understand that the holidays can be a juggling act, and they want what's best for us!
What's the plan we go by? Thanksgiving in KY, Christmas at home. Always (well, until kids come into the picture, I hear that rearranges something, okay, lots of things). We'll talk another day about Christmas, it'll be here before we know it. For now, I'll discuss Thanksgiving.
Kelly's mom, grandparents, aunt, cousins and some siblings live in Lexington, KY. I love making our yearly trip up there for Thanksgiving. The weather is usually cold, and the leaves have either fully changed colors or began to fall. I feel right at home, and enjoy the time to catch up with my in-laws. Good eats and great company makes for lack of room to complain.
We leave tomorrow for our visit. We'll arrive late Wednesday night and stay until Sunday evening. My posting might be limited (or non existent) until we return.
For now here is a pic from my first Thanksgiving in Kentucky, the year we got engaged, 2006.
Left to right: Randy (cousin, now married - can't wait to meet his wife, Meredith), Myself, Kelly, Aunt Terri (Randy's mom), and Laurie (my mother in law)
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Disappointment
I've never been so disappointed with my dog. Seriously.
Dexter is now 8months old... he sleeps without a kennel, but when we leave the house he usually stays inside his kennel during those hours. We have been doing our best to work him out of the kennel completely. Our other dog, Kodi - 8 years old - does not use a kennel. We let him chill in our bedroom or wherever he likes while we're away from the house. So our desire is to have Dexter do the same.
A couple days ago we left Dex out of his kennel while we ran a few errands. We were gone for about 2 hours. We came home to find everything still in it's place, minus a piece of paper Dex got hold of - but that's small potatoes.
So today we attempted to leave Dexter kennel free during our church outing. We left at 920am, went to Sunday School, Church, lunch and a quick visit to South Campus to finish off a couple details about the Men's Soccer Team Equipment. We were home by 2:30pm... so Dexter had 5 hours of testing time. On our way home we were optimistic but still realistic about what we would possibly find on our return home.
The result was far worse then a I imagined.
See below:
One image is torn up carpet. Yep. We have carpet (old, nasty carpet, nonetheless, but it's still there) in between our kitchen and bathroom... Dexter devoured it. The second image is what hurt the most... this is what is left of my pillow case. My Hotel Collection pillow case! Not Kelly's side... nope he took on Mom's pillow case. Thankfully the pillow itself was left in tack, he just somehow took the pillow case to town, while it was still on the pillow.
Here you see a picture of our back living room coffee table. The dog chewed it raw. What the heck!? And the final picture is where I put Dexter after giving him a "telling to"... he knew mom was upset.
I find myself being overly disappointed and also a little heart broken. It hurt so much to discipline him so, but MAN did he deserve it! What a little punk he was during our absence! I guess the most disappointing part is the feeling of: "Will we ever be able to leave him out alone like Kodi? Will we ever get rid of using a kennel?"
Ahhh, the joys of puppy ownership.
Dexter is now 8months old... he sleeps without a kennel, but when we leave the house he usually stays inside his kennel during those hours. We have been doing our best to work him out of the kennel completely. Our other dog, Kodi - 8 years old - does not use a kennel. We let him chill in our bedroom or wherever he likes while we're away from the house. So our desire is to have Dexter do the same.
A couple days ago we left Dex out of his kennel while we ran a few errands. We were gone for about 2 hours. We came home to find everything still in it's place, minus a piece of paper Dex got hold of - but that's small potatoes.
So today we attempted to leave Dexter kennel free during our church outing. We left at 920am, went to Sunday School, Church, lunch and a quick visit to South Campus to finish off a couple details about the Men's Soccer Team Equipment. We were home by 2:30pm... so Dexter had 5 hours of testing time. On our way home we were optimistic but still realistic about what we would possibly find on our return home.
The result was far worse then a I imagined.
See below:
One image is torn up carpet. Yep. We have carpet (old, nasty carpet, nonetheless, but it's still there) in between our kitchen and bathroom... Dexter devoured it. The second image is what hurt the most... this is what is left of my pillow case. My Hotel Collection pillow case! Not Kelly's side... nope he took on Mom's pillow case. Thankfully the pillow itself was left in tack, he just somehow took the pillow case to town, while it was still on the pillow.
Here you see a picture of our back living room coffee table. The dog chewed it raw. What the heck!? And the final picture is where I put Dexter after giving him a "telling to"... he knew mom was upset.
I find myself being overly disappointed and also a little heart broken. It hurt so much to discipline him so, but MAN did he deserve it! What a little punk he was during our absence! I guess the most disappointing part is the feeling of: "Will we ever be able to leave him out alone like Kodi? Will we ever get rid of using a kennel?"
Ahhh, the joys of puppy ownership.
Friday, November 21, 2008
My day today.... wow.
Today at lunch half of our company had the luxury of being taken to Bonefish, on the company's dime. Lunch was delicious. The other half of the crew will go on Monday. Needless to say, after the lunch outing, many of us had eaten and drank enough to keep the toilets busy for the rest of the afternoon. On my way home from the restaurant, I discovered my intense need to use the facilities and go number one. I make my way quickly to the bathroom after we arrive back at the office... quickly do the normal routines of a girl bathroom activity, but see right before I sit that the toilet water looks very high. Finding my need for release greater than my curiosity, I sat anyway and peed. Once it was time to flush, I realized why the water was a bit higher... the toilet did not flush in full rather it did a half way kind of flush only taking half of the toilet paper with it. I grab the plunger, gave it a couple hard plunges, but it only did a half way job there after... so I took the lid off, piddled with that, plunged a bit more, and felt the toilet had gotten to a sufficient point - no more toilet paper in the bowl, new water in there and all, even though it didn't do it's good full form flushing routine. So I left the bathroom after putting the lid back on the toilet, washing my hands... and headed back to my desk.
Before I had answered my second email, my coworker Traci arrived at my cubicle. "Heather, did you just use the toilet? Did you have to plunge?"
"Yes? Is everything okay?" I responded.
"Uhhh, no. I peed and left a tampon in there, and when I went to flush, it started to rise. I plunged and plunged but it's not doing right. Can you come help?"
So back to the bathroom we went, where we met another coworker walking out with a worried look on her face, "don't go in there something is no right".
We quickly let her know that we were aware of the problem and that's why we were there. She followed us back in.
Evaluating the scene, the toilet was filled about 7/8 of the way full... with toilet paper and tampon floating around like boats in choppy waters. I quickly took charge and grabbed the plunger. I plunged a couple times, stopped when I saw no change to the nature of the water level and asked my coworkers what they thought we should do. We evaluated the situation a bit more... and took the lid off the toilet. There we discussed the toilet flushing process and talked through how we usually flush the water out of the top of the toilet, which in turn ends up taking away the water in the bowl first and refilling with fresh water. I quickly announced that while I was bending over the toilet with my feet close by, I did not want to attempt to flush it again.
Traci caught my drift, and boldly stated, "Watch you feet", as she pushed the lever down.
Automatically the water rose with the quickness of a hurricane coming onto the ocean shore... water flowed abundantly over the toilet seat, pouring all over the bathroom floor with a splash...
"ahhhh!!!!" the three of us screamed, as we jumped back as far as we could.
As the water settled, I stepped into the waters, and went back to work. "What do I do?"
We realized at this point that we might need to ask a male for assistance. I attempted the slow, deep plunges a couple time, but saw my actions were in vain.
(Side note, as we're actively discussion and attempting to find the solution to this problem, a fellow male coworker found his way in the room outside of the bathroom... he hears all the commotion and can see one coworker standing in the door way. He stops and listens...)
"Who do we go get?" we asked each other.
While the girls discussed finding a male helper, I began attempting to catch the tampon in the plunger, in order to throw it away so the male helper would not have to see the product. This was a hilarious act in itself as I imagine I looked like someone trying to catch a large goldfish out of a tank with a plunger. Not happening!
Thankfully one of my coworkers discovered the male outside the doorway and asked, "What do we do?"
"Short quick plunges," we were instructed.
The girls yelled back to me, "Heather, short quick plunges!"
So I went at it... pushing the plunger down in short bursts, unsure as to the correct technique, but only following what I had been told.
"Faster! Faster!" Traci yelled. Fully unaware as to how the scene was unfolding.
I continued to quickly push down the plunger in those short burst as fast as possible, and began to get the giggles.
And soon, like magic, the water, toilet paper, tampon disappeared and only a toilet bowl remained... slowly water - at a normal height - began to rise, and we cheered with an accomplished celebration! yay!
Now on to correcting the water laden floor problem, Traci quickly grabs a mop and begins pushing the water forward. With this particular mop, all that did was slush the toilet water up to the wall, which gravity then pushed back down towards us. Thankfully our other coworker asked, "Uhh, Traci, where do you think that water is going?"
We laughed and realized that paper towels were going to be our only practical solution. We put down the towels and used the mop to collect them throughout the floor, wiping it clean. Wow... we made it. That was a bit of work, huh?
Needless to say, due to the loud nature of the event my coworkers and I experience, and because of the hysterical technique I was asked to use to find a solution to the clogged/overflowed toilet... news spread quickly throughout the office. We've laughed about it all afternoon, and everyone has commented as we shared out story. Funny stuff.
If you need any details on the way to help your toilet out in a circumstance like this... a coworker graciously shared this link with us after hearing our story: http://www.howtodothings.com/home-garden/how-to-plunge-a-toilet
Happy toileting!
Before I had answered my second email, my coworker Traci arrived at my cubicle. "Heather, did you just use the toilet? Did you have to plunge?"
"Yes? Is everything okay?" I responded.
"Uhhh, no. I peed and left a tampon in there, and when I went to flush, it started to rise. I plunged and plunged but it's not doing right. Can you come help?"
So back to the bathroom we went, where we met another coworker walking out with a worried look on her face, "don't go in there something is no right".
We quickly let her know that we were aware of the problem and that's why we were there. She followed us back in.
Evaluating the scene, the toilet was filled about 7/8 of the way full... with toilet paper and tampon floating around like boats in choppy waters. I quickly took charge and grabbed the plunger. I plunged a couple times, stopped when I saw no change to the nature of the water level and asked my coworkers what they thought we should do. We evaluated the situation a bit more... and took the lid off the toilet. There we discussed the toilet flushing process and talked through how we usually flush the water out of the top of the toilet, which in turn ends up taking away the water in the bowl first and refilling with fresh water. I quickly announced that while I was bending over the toilet with my feet close by, I did not want to attempt to flush it again.
Traci caught my drift, and boldly stated, "Watch you feet", as she pushed the lever down.
Automatically the water rose with the quickness of a hurricane coming onto the ocean shore... water flowed abundantly over the toilet seat, pouring all over the bathroom floor with a splash...
"ahhhh!!!!" the three of us screamed, as we jumped back as far as we could.
As the water settled, I stepped into the waters, and went back to work. "What do I do?"
We realized at this point that we might need to ask a male for assistance. I attempted the slow, deep plunges a couple time, but saw my actions were in vain.
(Side note, as we're actively discussion and attempting to find the solution to this problem, a fellow male coworker found his way in the room outside of the bathroom... he hears all the commotion and can see one coworker standing in the door way. He stops and listens...)
"Who do we go get?" we asked each other.
While the girls discussed finding a male helper, I began attempting to catch the tampon in the plunger, in order to throw it away so the male helper would not have to see the product. This was a hilarious act in itself as I imagine I looked like someone trying to catch a large goldfish out of a tank with a plunger. Not happening!
Thankfully one of my coworkers discovered the male outside the doorway and asked, "What do we do?"
"Short quick plunges," we were instructed.
The girls yelled back to me, "Heather, short quick plunges!"
So I went at it... pushing the plunger down in short bursts, unsure as to the correct technique, but only following what I had been told.
"Faster! Faster!" Traci yelled. Fully unaware as to how the scene was unfolding.
I continued to quickly push down the plunger in those short burst as fast as possible, and began to get the giggles.
And soon, like magic, the water, toilet paper, tampon disappeared and only a toilet bowl remained... slowly water - at a normal height - began to rise, and we cheered with an accomplished celebration! yay!
Now on to correcting the water laden floor problem, Traci quickly grabs a mop and begins pushing the water forward. With this particular mop, all that did was slush the toilet water up to the wall, which gravity then pushed back down towards us. Thankfully our other coworker asked, "Uhh, Traci, where do you think that water is going?"
We laughed and realized that paper towels were going to be our only practical solution. We put down the towels and used the mop to collect them throughout the floor, wiping it clean. Wow... we made it. That was a bit of work, huh?
Needless to say, due to the loud nature of the event my coworkers and I experience, and because of the hysterical technique I was asked to use to find a solution to the clogged/overflowed toilet... news spread quickly throughout the office. We've laughed about it all afternoon, and everyone has commented as we shared out story. Funny stuff.
If you need any details on the way to help your toilet out in a circumstance like this... a coworker graciously shared this link with us after hearing our story: http://www.howtodothings.com/home-garden/how-to-plunge-a-toilet
Happy toileting!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Trace Adkins - You're Gonna Miss This
My daddy sent my sisters and I an email last night:
The words that came to mind once I finished this beautiful song and video was: One day at a time, right? Let God bless us with the HERE AND NOW.
Thanks Daddy for sharing!
Hey Ladies,
Ya'll pay special attention to this Trace Adkins video. Saw and listened and thought of each of you.
Love you,
Mom & Dad
The words that came to mind once I finished this beautiful song and video was: One day at a time, right? Let God bless us with the HERE AND NOW.
Thanks Daddy for sharing!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Road to Recovery
The saying goes, sometimes things must get worse in order for them to get better.
Kelly's leg is a case in point. Updated picture of what his hamstring area looks like externally today. I'd have to agree that it's probably torn. Yuck. Heat and Ice, Ice and Heat continues.
Kelly's leg is a case in point. Updated picture of what his hamstring area looks like externally today. I'd have to agree that it's probably torn. Yuck. Heat and Ice, Ice and Heat continues.
Friday, November 14, 2008
The Shack
I am off to my next reading adventure: The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity by William P. Young.
So far, I am enjoying this book. It's an easy read, and quick to get through. The quote on the front of the book from Eugene Peterson intrigues me, so I hope it lives up to the promise. He says, "This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress did for his. It's that good!"
I have a quote for the day. It's a quote that sits below the title of the first chapter of the book.
Two roads diverged in the middle of my life,
I heard a wise man say
I took the road less traveled by
And that's made the difference every night and every day
- Larry Norman (with apologies to Robert Frost)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Worthless and Unproductive
I have been absolutely worthless the last couple of days.
Leaving sick from work on Wednesday, I made my way home at 930am. Since 10am yesterday I have taken two doses of NiQuil, slept over 24 hours, eaten a bit, piddled on the computer, and have watched TV.
What a worthless couple of days... I would say that I've been bored, but every time I hit the place of possible boredom I fell asleep again. The hubby joked today that I've gotten my quota for sleep hours, but I think at least the extra, super extra rest has helped kick whatever sickness I might have had... I am happy to say that as of a couple hours ago... I am beginning to feel much better! If this keeps up, I'll be certain to make it to work tomorrow and be ready for all the weekend activities planned.
HGTv - yes I'm still addicted - entertained me throughout the awake daytime TV hours. Can't get enough of it. Wish I had all the tools and know how of those folks - wow!
Below is just a random photo of me from Robin's wedding weekend (Sept 08). It seemed to fit with the thought of being worthless and unproductive for a couple days.
Leaving sick from work on Wednesday, I made my way home at 930am. Since 10am yesterday I have taken two doses of NiQuil, slept over 24 hours, eaten a bit, piddled on the computer, and have watched TV.
What a worthless couple of days... I would say that I've been bored, but every time I hit the place of possible boredom I fell asleep again. The hubby joked today that I've gotten my quota for sleep hours, but I think at least the extra, super extra rest has helped kick whatever sickness I might have had... I am happy to say that as of a couple hours ago... I am beginning to feel much better! If this keeps up, I'll be certain to make it to work tomorrow and be ready for all the weekend activities planned.
HGTv - yes I'm still addicted - entertained me throughout the awake daytime TV hours. Can't get enough of it. Wish I had all the tools and know how of those folks - wow!
Below is just a random photo of me from Robin's wedding weekend (Sept 08). It seemed to fit with the thought of being worthless and unproductive for a couple days.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Kickball - NOT for the faint of heart!
Kelly and I are in a weekly coed kickball league. We love it! A great time to express your competitiveness, but not so competitive as soccer because you haven't played this your entire life. Good time to joke around, hangout, and play a team game. A good time all around. For two seasons now we've played with The Underdogs.
Our first season, the Underdogs played mediocre during regular season play, but won the tournament to take home the Champion title.
This year... we were undefeated during season.
Our tournament was Saturday... believe me when I say in the title of this post that KICKBALL IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART!!! Starting at 11am, we played five kickball games throughout the day. The championship game completed about 5:00pm. It wore us out! Unfortunately we did not come home with the championship this year. We got the runner-up place, due to shooting ourselves in the foot.
The injury list for the McGugan family was compiled after the games:
Heather - sore all over her body, hurt to laugh for days, walking was slow and painful all over, and her left butt check kills because of all the squatting she did by pitching for five full games.
Kelly - possible torn hamstring- OUCH!!! The back of his left leg (where the hamstring is located) is black, blue, and brown. During the finals, Kelly kicked what would have been an "in the park" home run. He rounded first, felt the hamstring pull, rounded second and heard a pop. He then clumsily and painfully hobbled to third, where he stayed until the next hitter brought him home.
Moral of the story - kickball is not for the faint of heart, OR we're getting old. I chose the former.
So, the U of Memphis trainer told us that a good indication of Kelly's hamstring being torn, would be bruising. We did not see anything Saturday, nor Sunday... but by Monday, something bruise like showed up. But today (Tuesday)... wow. See below:
Some pictures from our tournament:
Me - acting like my goofy self. I don't take pictures by myself very seriously. I'm marking the score.
Our first season, the Underdogs played mediocre during regular season play, but won the tournament to take home the Champion title.
This year... we were undefeated during season.
Our tournament was Saturday... believe me when I say in the title of this post that KICKBALL IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART!!! Starting at 11am, we played five kickball games throughout the day. The championship game completed about 5:00pm. It wore us out! Unfortunately we did not come home with the championship this year. We got the runner-up place, due to shooting ourselves in the foot.
The injury list for the McGugan family was compiled after the games:
Heather - sore all over her body, hurt to laugh for days, walking was slow and painful all over, and her left butt check kills because of all the squatting she did by pitching for five full games.
Kelly - possible torn hamstring- OUCH!!! The back of his left leg (where the hamstring is located) is black, blue, and brown. During the finals, Kelly kicked what would have been an "in the park" home run. He rounded first, felt the hamstring pull, rounded second and heard a pop. He then clumsily and painfully hobbled to third, where he stayed until the next hitter brought him home.
Moral of the story - kickball is not for the faint of heart, OR we're getting old. I chose the former.
So, the U of Memphis trainer told us that a good indication of Kelly's hamstring being torn, would be bruising. We did not see anything Saturday, nor Sunday... but by Monday, something bruise like showed up. But today (Tuesday)... wow. See below:
Some pictures from our tournament:
Me - acting like my goofy self. I don't take pictures by myself very seriously. I'm marking the score. The girls of the Underdogs - Back Row: Luci, Kelly, Me, Andi. Front Row: Missy, Brook, and Dana.
Some of the boys of the Underdogs - Kelly (my hubby), Chris, Carper, Lamell, Whitehead, and Mac.
In other news... after the kickball game, Kelly & I rushed home to shower and get ready for a wedding. Here is a pic of us from the reception.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Forgiveness
I am so thankful to be a part of our Sunday School class. Although we continue to be in the beginning stages of becoming a close, tight group - still getting to know one another, the learning process has already begun and I'm reveling in the journey. Each Sunday I become more confident that the Lord brought Kelly and I to this class, and we are going to walk together as a group in the faith.
Today we talked about The Discipline of Forgiveness. The class had more people show up than "big" seats available, therefore the people were plenty and the conversation and input was abundant. It was awesome! :)
A quote from our study sheet stated: Christians are not called to be disciplined; we are called to be disciples. And disciples of Jesus do not love the discipline of forgiveness; they love the people they are forgiving.
Through the Biblical readings (Matthew 6:11-15), the stories and experiences we shared, and the facilitating of the topic by Jay, we hashed out our feelings about forgiveness and how we effectively or ineffectively practice the discipline. Jay put our motivation for forgiveness in perspective by saying that it's not about us or the other person. Rather, forgiveness is about our love for God. Because we love God, we're going to do this, we're going to forgive those that wrong us, and humble ourselves to ask for forgiveness when we wrong another. It's not because we have to, or because we're told to, we should forgive because we love the Lord and want to glorify Him.
After some tough, convicting words out of our Sunday School class, we then made our way into the church service where Dr. Frey preached the Word again. Using Matthew 18:21-35 as a reference, Dr. Frey challenged us to forgive those that offend us and keep on forgiving them because Christ has forgiven us for even greater debts.
In Romans 3:10-12, we are reminded that no one does it right, no one is perfect. We all need forgiveness and we all will need to offer others forgiveness. "As it is written, None is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no, not one. No one understands [no one intelligently discerns or comprehends]; no one seeks out God. All have turned aside; together they have gone wrong and have become unprofitable and worthless; no one does right, not even one!"
I'm humbly reminded again today that I am so thankful for the Lord and His Grace, for without it I wouldn't be able to stand. I do not have it right, and rarely do. I am a sinful woman, but I am thankful that I can crawl back to the foot of the cross and be reminded that I am forgiven.
I found myself needing to write what I learned today. More words penetrated my heart than is written here, but I've learned that when I write something down, and take notes of the key points, I am more likely to hold onto that truth... I hope that to be the case today.
Today we talked about The Discipline of Forgiveness. The class had more people show up than "big" seats available, therefore the people were plenty and the conversation and input was abundant. It was awesome! :)
A quote from our study sheet stated: Christians are not called to be disciplined; we are called to be disciples. And disciples of Jesus do not love the discipline of forgiveness; they love the people they are forgiving.
Through the Biblical readings (Matthew 6:11-15), the stories and experiences we shared, and the facilitating of the topic by Jay, we hashed out our feelings about forgiveness and how we effectively or ineffectively practice the discipline. Jay put our motivation for forgiveness in perspective by saying that it's not about us or the other person. Rather, forgiveness is about our love for God. Because we love God, we're going to do this, we're going to forgive those that wrong us, and humble ourselves to ask for forgiveness when we wrong another. It's not because we have to, or because we're told to, we should forgive because we love the Lord and want to glorify Him.
After some tough, convicting words out of our Sunday School class, we then made our way into the church service where Dr. Frey preached the Word again. Using Matthew 18:21-35 as a reference, Dr. Frey challenged us to forgive those that offend us and keep on forgiving them because Christ has forgiven us for even greater debts.
In Romans 3:10-12, we are reminded that no one does it right, no one is perfect. We all need forgiveness and we all will need to offer others forgiveness. "As it is written, None is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no, not one. No one understands [no one intelligently discerns or comprehends]; no one seeks out God. All have turned aside; together they have gone wrong and have become unprofitable and worthless; no one does right, not even one!"
I'm humbly reminded again today that I am so thankful for the Lord and His Grace, for without it I wouldn't be able to stand. I do not have it right, and rarely do. I am a sinful woman, but I am thankful that I can crawl back to the foot of the cross and be reminded that I am forgiven.
I found myself needing to write what I learned today. More words penetrated my heart than is written here, but I've learned that when I write something down, and take notes of the key points, I am more likely to hold onto that truth... I hope that to be the case today.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Putting It Into Perspective
Thanksgiving is less than three weeks away. Within 20 days, we will be eating and drinking together, giving thanks for the many blessings we have been given. Less than three weeks, wow.
But what that thought really does for me, is remind me that Christmas is getting closer each day. By my count, Christmas is 48 days away.
48 days - or less than 7 weeks!
Start working on those Christmas lists. It'll be here before you know it!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
What an Inspiring Article
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/nov/06/thanks-for-the-memories/
If you have a moment today, take the time to read the Commercial Appeal article above. If only I could affect those around me the way this man did. What a legacy.
Quote from the article above:
"He understands that tomorrow's jobs won't necessarily look like yesterday's jobs. But somebody has to do them, right?
Somebody has to teach. Somebody has to make things go. So figure out what needs to be done and then go do that.
Do it every day, if possible. Do it with joy and kindness and thoughtfulness."
If you have a moment today, take the time to read the Commercial Appeal article above. If only I could affect those around me the way this man did. What a legacy.
Quote from the article above:
"He understands that tomorrow's jobs won't necessarily look like yesterday's jobs. But somebody has to do them, right?
Somebody has to teach. Somebody has to make things go. So figure out what needs to be done and then go do that.
Do it every day, if possible. Do it with joy and kindness and thoughtfulness."
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Eating Up The Chronicles of Narnia
I've been reading through the Chronicles of Narnia series again. I read them in my younger years, and once owned the entire series in individual books. I think I loaned a few of the individual books out and no longer have a full collection. However, Kelly bought me the entire series again for Christmas the year The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe came out in the movies. It's one very large book with all seven stories.
Clive Staples (C.S) Lewis truly created a masterpiece within this series. As much as I enjoyed them in my younger years, obviously enough to read them again, I have loved them even more now. At twenty-six, I am eating up the adventures of each tale, and loving the depiction of Christ Lewis paints through his Aslan character, a lion.
If you have never read this series, I beg you, read!
Read it to yourself, or read it to your children - they too will love the tales, even without understanding all of the analogies that unfold within the words.
If you have read it years ago, take the time and fall back into the adventure. Lewis' description of Aslan throughout all seven stories brings about a better understanding and/or reminder of many of the characteristics of God.
Here is one of my favorite quotes that expresses what I mean...
In the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, (which is not even the best book of the bunch) the children ask:
"Who is Aslan?"... "Is - is he a man?"
The Beavers reply, "Aslan a man! Certainly not. I tell you his the King of the wood and the son of te great Emperor-beyond-the-Sea. Don't you know who is the King of Beasts? Aslan is a lion - the Lion, the great Lion."
"Ohh!" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he - quite safe? I shall feel rather nervious about meeting a lion."
"That you will, dearie, and no mistake," said Mrs. Beaver; "if there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees koncking, they're either braver than most or else just silly."
"then he isn't safe? said Lucy.
"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver; "don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."
In summary, the children in The Chronicles of Narnia ask if Aslan is safe? Aslan is the depiction of Christ throughout the entire series by Lewis. The beavers quckily answer, NO he is not safe, but he's good.
Just like God. God can punish us all if he wanted, codemn us all because we deserve it.
God is good. He loves us unconditionally, and wants what is best for us. And although He could be wrathful in every sense of our existence and has the right to be, He instead pursues us and loves us.
1 John 4:9-10 testifies of God's love for us, "This is how God showed his love amoung us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but htat he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."
Additionally, in Psalm we see many verses expressing God's goodness:
Psalm 4:19 says, "How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of all on those who take refuge in you."
Pslam 107:1 says, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."
I wish I had marked the quotes, each time I thought, "wow. now that's a great example of Christ," or "Wow. what a good description of the Lord." But I didn't, so I guess you'll have to read it to find your own favorites. ;)
Clive Staples (C.S) Lewis truly created a masterpiece within this series. As much as I enjoyed them in my younger years, obviously enough to read them again, I have loved them even more now. At twenty-six, I am eating up the adventures of each tale, and loving the depiction of Christ Lewis paints through his Aslan character, a lion.
If you have never read this series, I beg you, read!
Read it to yourself, or read it to your children - they too will love the tales, even without understanding all of the analogies that unfold within the words.
If you have read it years ago, take the time and fall back into the adventure. Lewis' description of Aslan throughout all seven stories brings about a better understanding and/or reminder of many of the characteristics of God.
Here is one of my favorite quotes that expresses what I mean...
In the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, (which is not even the best book of the bunch) the children ask:
"Who is Aslan?"... "Is - is he a man?"
The Beavers reply, "Aslan a man! Certainly not. I tell you his the King of the wood and the son of te great Emperor-beyond-the-Sea. Don't you know who is the King of Beasts? Aslan is a lion - the Lion, the great Lion."
"Ohh!" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he - quite safe? I shall feel rather nervious about meeting a lion."
"That you will, dearie, and no mistake," said Mrs. Beaver; "if there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees koncking, they're either braver than most or else just silly."
"then he isn't safe? said Lucy.
"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver; "don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."
In summary, the children in The Chronicles of Narnia ask if Aslan is safe? Aslan is the depiction of Christ throughout the entire series by Lewis. The beavers quckily answer, NO he is not safe, but he's good.
Just like God. God can punish us all if he wanted, codemn us all because we deserve it.
Romans 1:18-20 says, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of human beings who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
He is a wrathful God and "unsafe", but He is good.
God is good. He loves us unconditionally, and wants what is best for us. And although He could be wrathful in every sense of our existence and has the right to be, He instead pursues us and loves us.
1 John 4:9-10 testifies of God's love for us, "This is how God showed his love amoung us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but htat he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."
Additionally, in Psalm we see many verses expressing God's goodness:
Psalm 4:19 says, "How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of all on those who take refuge in you."
Pslam 107:1 says, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."
I wish I had marked the quotes, each time I thought, "wow. now that's a great example of Christ," or "Wow. what a good description of the Lord." But I didn't, so I guess you'll have to read it to find your own favorites. ;)
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Stop to Look at the Clouds
As I've grown up, one of my favorite things, ever, has been clouds. I loved clouds. I loved the beauty of them, and the ability to say, "wow! God is God and I am not" when looking at them.
Over the years, however, as things get busier and busier, I find that I do not stop to look at the clouds often enough. I still love them, but I do not take notice of them like I used to. I think I've let life get in the way. I think that's sad.
Today, while driving to my parent's house for lunch. I stopped to see the clouds. I even had to take a picture or a few. (below)
With all the craziness of the elections today, and the uncertainty of the future that will come from today's votes, it was nice to just look at the beauty God has blessed us with and again say, "Yes, Lord. You are God and I am not! I praise and thank You!"
Over the years, however, as things get busier and busier, I find that I do not stop to look at the clouds often enough. I still love them, but I do not take notice of them like I used to. I think I've let life get in the way. I think that's sad.
Today, while driving to my parent's house for lunch. I stopped to see the clouds. I even had to take a picture or a few. (below)
With all the craziness of the elections today, and the uncertainty of the future that will come from today's votes, it was nice to just look at the beauty God has blessed us with and again say, "Yes, Lord. You are God and I am not! I praise and thank You!"
The Bad Habit Continues
NEWS FLASH: The nasty bad habit has not been broken! With many days, and a week's worth of success, Dexter has done it again! I first posted my gross concern about my not so little puppy on October 21st, and today, 14 days later, I cannot say that he is eating poop free. He has had a relapse! Yuck!
For days, and a little over a week we have watched Dexter's every move. Each time we've let him outside to do his thing, we stand alert and pay much attention to his "tee tee, and poo poo" time. I've worked hard on congratulating him and praising him each time he poo'd, letting him know pooing outside was a great thing and mommy is happy with him when he does it that way. However, I've also had to yell "NO!!!!" a couple times to keep him from turning fully around and chomping on the stuff he just left in the yard. AHHH!
But it's worked, even if I've had to yell and get his attention that it wasn't okay to eat his poo. He was making progress, right?
And then it happened... I looked away for a couple seconds and CHOMP, the disgusting, nasty event occurred again. GRRRRR!
And then yesterday, Monday morning happened... read the excerpt to my sister Robin, who owns Dexter's sister:
"Dex ATE HIS POOP AGAIN! gross. What's his deal? It's disgusting. I'm going to have to call the vet today and get some help. I can't watch him every single moment. And today he pooped in the house & gobbled it up before Kelly could grab him. :( nasty nasty boy."
To my amusement and surprise, Robin quickly responded to my nauseating news flash:
"OH MY GOODNESS!!! Maeby totally pooped in the house this morning and Brent caught her right as she started eating it!!! I meant to tell you!!! UGH...my dog does it too...she just doesn't usually get the chance because we take her out on the leash. I think she's done it more than once in the house and then ate it. EWW. If you figure out a solution PLEASE tell me too! Gross, Gross, dogs."
So what's the deal, huh?I called the vet. I cannot stand it anymore.
Here is what they told me. It's just a habit that needs to be broken!
They suggest buying some Adolph Meat Tenderizer, putting it into Dexter's food 30 minutes before he eats it. Do this for about 2-3 weeks and it should help break the habit. Apparently the meat tenderizer makes his poop taste bad.
AGAIN, doesn't poop taste bad anyway?! Even to a dog???
I'm hoping this works because this has got to stop, Dex is a licker, and I can't have a licker eating poo and trying to lick me! YUCK!
Ps. I asked my sis if I was allowed to post her email on my blog. Here was her reply, "for sure. tell everyone that our dogs are gross :)"
Problem is, they are sooo cute too. Check out these young photo's of them. Awwwww....
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