Wow, today is my last post for the year. I am amazed that even though I am much busier, I found more time to write this year than I did last year. So, why do I blog? Is it for the comments? No, those are nice but not an absolute necessity. I blog for the simple enjoyment of writing and sharing my personal thoughts. Jack Dann said, "For me, writing is exploration; and most of the time, I'm surprised where the journey takes me." Yes, writing is a journey; it is a creative outlet of personal expression. It is a time that I can simply relax and share what I am thinking. Sometimes my thoughts are inspirational. At other times, it is just sharing a special moment that I do not want to forget.
"Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder. Don't try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It's the one and only thing you have to offer." (Barbara Kingsolver) I believe I'll take this challenge and write about everything that captivates my attention. I'll forget all the rules, and simply write. "Write something to suit yourself and many people will like it; write something to suit everybody and scarcely anyone will care for it." (Jesse Stuart) Yes, I believe I'll write.....
Monday, December 31
Sunday, December 30
I See My Christmas Memories
Christmas comes too quickly and then soon fades away into cherished memories. I see our Christmas tree decorated and chasing Christmas lights twinkling. I see gifts wrapped just waiting to be opened. I see a wonderful husband and amazing dad finding those perfect gifts. I see Sheldon and me decorating sugar cookies. I see co-workers exchanging gifts and hugs. I see a church banquet with great food, funny entertainment, and lots of happy people. I see an extraordinary children's drama conducted by Sharon and Art Lavenant. I see children praying and the spirit of God moving. I see a special gift that was given to us by the best people in all the world--The Pentecostals of OC. I see Bryn, Blake, Bryce, Sarah, and Sheldon gleefully opening gifts. I see friends eating the best red velvet cake you will ever taste. I see Jana, Brian and Mark just relaxing. I see another Scrabble game that was played and once again the men won! Best of all, I see family and friends celebrating another Christmas holiday!
Sometimes I wish Christmas did not have to end. I guess you can say that is how memories are made. Though we cannot tangibly relive the moment, we can dwell on those happy times and always say remember when.
Now, my desk sits where our Christmas tree once stood. The living room is just a little darker, but the memories are still there. I agree with Sheldon, it is a sad moment when we have to take the tree down. I gingerly wrapped every ornament and thought about when and where I bought the little trinket. I even have new ornaments to add to my collection. One is the ornament on this post which was given to me by Alice and a snowflake ornament that was given to me by Jana. I also have special, handcrafted ornaments made by Sheldon. Just more memories to tuck away. Life is so grand and full of precious moments to cherish.
I see a Christmas holiday that is now a fond memory. Farewell Christmas 2007 and hello new year. I know 2008 will be awesome!
Sometimes I wish Christmas did not have to end. I guess you can say that is how memories are made. Though we cannot tangibly relive the moment, we can dwell on those happy times and always say remember when.
Now, my desk sits where our Christmas tree once stood. The living room is just a little darker, but the memories are still there. I agree with Sheldon, it is a sad moment when we have to take the tree down. I gingerly wrapped every ornament and thought about when and where I bought the little trinket. I even have new ornaments to add to my collection. One is the ornament on this post which was given to me by Alice and a snowflake ornament that was given to me by Jana. I also have special, handcrafted ornaments made by Sheldon. Just more memories to tuck away. Life is so grand and full of precious moments to cherish.
I see a Christmas holiday that is now a fond memory. Farewell Christmas 2007 and hello new year. I know 2008 will be awesome!
Saturday, December 29
Blogging Essentials
Just a quick thought for today. I plan on posting my christmas memories very soon!
"Listen to the Exhortation of the Dawn!
Look to this Day!
For it is Life, the very Life of Life.
In its brief course lie all the
Verities and Realities of your Existence.
The Bliss of Growth,
The Glory of Action,
The Splendor of Beauty;
For Yesterday is but a Dream,
And To-morrow is only a Vision;
But To-day well lived makes
Every Yesterday a Dream of Happiness,
And every Tomorrow a Vision of Hope.
Look well therefore to this Day!
Such is the Salutation of the Dawn!"
Monday, December 17
Here's a Real Cowboy
Meet Cowboy Sheldon and Rocket. Thank you Steve and Debbie Saiz for making this such a special, unforgettable day for Sheldon, Mark and me. We had one FANTASTIC day!
Sheldon has read Black Beauty and War Horse. Thus, he has a fascination for horses, and on Saturday he bravely rode a horse. Rocket is a Tennessee Walker. I'll have to say Rocket is quite spirited when he is led from his stable into the corral. I enjoyed watching Rocket run, leap, and literally roll in the dirt. I was truly amazed. Steve kept telling us that Rocket will become "mellow" once he has had a chance to "exercise" all that excess energy! No way was I going to worry. So, when I saw Sheldon sit in the saddle, I just had to smile with such pride because he was one brave little cowboy.
Hey, and the fun did not end here. We then met Bauer the boxer and Chiquita the poodle. We had fun playing with the dogs. Last but not least, you cannot visit with friends without enjoying a good meal. So, we headed to Ruby's and enjoyed clam chowder, veggies, salad, fried shrimp and fish! Finally, the radar in the Saiz's truck led us to Penguins where the girls enjoyed yogurt. (Sheldon said the yogurt was disgusting, but by the time he had a few bites, he changed his mind.) We are looking forward to our next time of fellowship!
Here we are with Rocket.
Sheldon has read Black Beauty and War Horse. Thus, he has a fascination for horses, and on Saturday he bravely rode a horse. Rocket is a Tennessee Walker. I'll have to say Rocket is quite spirited when he is led from his stable into the corral. I enjoyed watching Rocket run, leap, and literally roll in the dirt. I was truly amazed. Steve kept telling us that Rocket will become "mellow" once he has had a chance to "exercise" all that excess energy! No way was I going to worry. So, when I saw Sheldon sit in the saddle, I just had to smile with such pride because he was one brave little cowboy.
Hey, and the fun did not end here. We then met Bauer the boxer and Chiquita the poodle. We had fun playing with the dogs. Last but not least, you cannot visit with friends without enjoying a good meal. So, we headed to Ruby's and enjoyed clam chowder, veggies, salad, fried shrimp and fish! Finally, the radar in the Saiz's truck led us to Penguins where the girls enjoyed yogurt. (Sheldon said the yogurt was disgusting, but by the time he had a few bites, he changed his mind.) We are looking forward to our next time of fellowship!
Here we are with Rocket.
Thank You
Granny is one of the sweetest ladies in our church. Granny, thank you for your great effort in gathering all the gift cards for the Christmas banquet. We sure do appreciate you.
Also, thank you George, Bernice, Sabrina and Philana for everything that you did to ensure that the Christmas banquet was fun. We appreciate all of your help! Thank you everyone for simply being there.
Also, thank you George, Bernice, Sabrina and Philana for everything that you did to ensure that the Christmas banquet was fun. We appreciate all of your help! Thank you everyone for simply being there.
Wednesday, December 5
One Simple Step Builds Great Momentum
New beginnings commence with one simple step. In order to begin, a plan of action is helpful but not an absolute necessity. Prosperous businesses never just happen. Much time and energy go forth into implementing a plan of action. An idea that has taken action, however, may need a little tweaking to make it successful. You may experience setbacks but remember that setbacks are just set ups for the next line of action.
God instilled in you a desire to begin, to step out in faith and experience exponential miracles. Blind Bartamas cried out and would not be deterred by the negative voices of those around him. He did not listen to the crowd; he would not lower his voice. Instead, he cried out all the louder until he arrested the attention of the Almighty One. Because he dared to cry out, he received a miracle--his vision! The woman with the issue of blood captivated the attention of God when she instantaneously without reservation reached to touch the hem of His garment, and He alone healed her. Her arduous struggle ceased because she dared to begin walking, touching, and believing that she would receive her miracle. Young David picked up five stones and slew Goliath. Jacob was in the pit of despair, but when the opportunity arose, he properly prepared himself, and he saved a nation from famine. Peter stepped out of the boat to find that God was there to keep him from sinking. Just as God was with Peter, He is with you beckoning you to take the first step in faith. As Martin Luther King, Jr., said, "You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."
The Pentecostals of O.C. are endeavoring to reach people who are desiring to know God. You must dare to take the first step and not just dream but implement actions to ensure that you are reaching those in your immediate circle of family, friends and co-workers. The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones. (Chinese proverb) God will give you the necessary tools you need in order to begin to see your desire come into fruition. Your plan may sound silly to someone else, but do not cease to dream of what you can do to help someone. Now is the time to step out and take your first step because you "can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth you! (Phil. 4:13)
God instilled in you a desire to begin, to step out in faith and experience exponential miracles. Blind Bartamas cried out and would not be deterred by the negative voices of those around him. He did not listen to the crowd; he would not lower his voice. Instead, he cried out all the louder until he arrested the attention of the Almighty One. Because he dared to cry out, he received a miracle--his vision! The woman with the issue of blood captivated the attention of God when she instantaneously without reservation reached to touch the hem of His garment, and He alone healed her. Her arduous struggle ceased because she dared to begin walking, touching, and believing that she would receive her miracle. Young David picked up five stones and slew Goliath. Jacob was in the pit of despair, but when the opportunity arose, he properly prepared himself, and he saved a nation from famine. Peter stepped out of the boat to find that God was there to keep him from sinking. Just as God was with Peter, He is with you beckoning you to take the first step in faith. As Martin Luther King, Jr., said, "You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."
The Pentecostals of O.C. are endeavoring to reach people who are desiring to know God. You must dare to take the first step and not just dream but implement actions to ensure that you are reaching those in your immediate circle of family, friends and co-workers. The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones. (Chinese proverb) God will give you the necessary tools you need in order to begin to see your desire come into fruition. Your plan may sound silly to someone else, but do not cease to dream of what you can do to help someone. Now is the time to step out and take your first step because you "can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth you! (Phil. 4:13)
Tuesday, December 4
My Little Cowboy--Missing Grandma and Grandpa
We had a great time visiting with mom and dad over the Thanksgiving holiday. As Sheldon mentioned time and time again, they just need to stay longer because a week is just too short.
This picture was taken the day that Grandma and Grandpa flew back to Texas. From the time that Sheldon arrived home from school he kept asking his daddy if grandma and grandpa are still in the air. When they were getting ready to pick me up from work, Mark was able to capture this thoughtful pose. A plane flew by and he was looking up at it...no doubt already missing his grandparents.
Monday, December 3
Dare to Believe
"Ask any successful person and most will tell you that they had a person who believed in them...a teacher, a friend, a parent, a guardian, a sister, a grandmother. It only takes one person, and it doesn't really matter who it is." (Sean Covey)
Where would you be if someone did not believe in you? You never know when your simple words of encouragement will become a marker in someone's life. Some young person will stand and say he believed in me and that is why I stand here today. Your child will someday say my mom and dad believed in me. Dare to believe.
Where would you be if someone did not believe in you? You never know when your simple words of encouragement will become a marker in someone's life. Some young person will stand and say he believed in me and that is why I stand here today. Your child will someday say my mom and dad believed in me. Dare to believe.
Sunday, December 2
Please Pray For Trudy Powers
Blogs are great for urgent prayer requests. Please remember Trudy Powers in your prayers. She is the lady with the red hat. Unfortunately, she was struck by a truck. Currently, she is doing better, but she is still in critical condition.
Trudy is the dearest, sweetest lady! She is always smiling and ever ready to give you a hug. As you pray, please mention her name.
Trudy is the dearest, sweetest lady! She is always smiling and ever ready to give you a hug. As you pray, please mention her name.
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