THE ALABASTER BOX: 2010

Monday, December 13

My 7:16 a.m. Morning

Momma said there'd be days like this. True words for this Monday morning. Here's how it rolled:

Monday December 13, 2010, was going to be a busy day at work. Motions to file. "Motion days" oftentimes stress me out especially if it falls on a Monday because I am usually lacking energy.

The plan: prayer and more prayer. All weekend I have prayed, Lord please give me strength to make it through this day. Please help me to keep the right attitude and not be grouchy. I know surprise, I used the word "grouchy."

Sunday night I failed to set my alarm thinking and knowing that Sheldon would set his. No worries there until I tried to read the blurry numbers on the clock, 7:16 a.m. Not a good thing; jump out of bed and realize that it is true, we have overslept. On such a morning as this, usually it would be a flurry of rushing around like a crazy lady. Thankful that all was calm. Told Sheldon hey we are running late. He had 15 minutes to get ready! He left the house on time. And even though I wanted skip my morning run, I knew I needed that extra boost of energy. So I ran, felt much better about life, prayed and headed to work.

Thankful for prayer. God cares about the little things in life and He has blessed this day. What started at as a frantic morning, is really a lovely day. The motions still need to be filed but thankful for joy and peace. My friend Donna asked, "how is it going?" My response, "Great. And glad to say that I'm in a good mood." Attitude is everything. Without prayer, I know this could day could have been a disaster. Recipe for a busy morning: Prayer and keeping the right attitude.

Wednesday, November 24

Working With All of Your Heart

Love those moments when you can instill in your child a life lesson. Hence, one of my mottos: make every moment count; seize every opportunity. This was one of those "make every moment count" opportunities. Hectic week indeed but I had a scheduled a note on my calendar: paint with Sheldon. Sheldon knew that on Friday we were going out for a family dinner and then heading to the church to paint. He was going paint the inside of the hospitality bar, and I was going to finish painting the baptismal cabinet.

We had just started when he said, "Mom do you think anyone will notice that I painted this?" I smiled and this scripture came to my mind:

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward." (Col. 3:23-24)

We talked about how there may be many instances where no one notices something that you did, but God always notices. There is a joy in working for God's kingdon and what an awesome privilege it is to serve God!

Tuesday, November 16

Consideration

"Keep the other person's well being in mind when you feel an attack of soul-purging truth coming on."~ Betty White

Sunday, August 29

IMG_0915
Originally uploaded by MAPryor

It isn't what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about.” - Dale Carnegie

Wednesday, July 28

Bill Gates Rules of Life

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2 : The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3 : You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4 : If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5 : Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

Friday, July 16

Remember the Sawdust

An amazing chapter is unfolding. The destination God holds in the palm of his hand. I know this is just the beginning of the marvelous works that we are about to experience.

I will endeavor to always remember the sawdust that I held in my hand. It will always remind me of the nights that we worked hard even though we were weary. I will forever be grateful to those who sacrificed their time, talents and efforts to be a blessing to our church.

Like an ocean wave, my heart swells with thankfulness when I recall the ladies painting walls, sweeping floors, cleaning and cooking food. Grateful for the dedicated, strong men who sacrificed their time to reconstruct walls, tear out carpet, tile floors, remove ceiling tiles, re-enforce a platform, and paint walls. Thankful for young people that are committed to serving and being a part of working at the church. Thankful for the many blessings of God!

Saturday, July 3

Bike-A-Thon 2010
Originally uploaded by pentecostalsofoc

A mother laughs our laughter,
Sheds our tears,
Returns our love,
Fears our fears.
She lives our joys,
Cares our cares,
And all our hopes and dreams she shares.
- Julia Summers

Bike-A-Thon 2010
Originally uploaded by pentecostalsofoc

Girls are giggles with freckles all over them. -- Author Unknown

Thursday, July 1

Bike-A-Thon 2010
Originally uploaded by pentecostalsofoc

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” ~ Leo F. Buscaglia

Wednesday, June 30

Bike-A-Thon 2010
Originally uploaded by pentecostalsofoc

"A friend is someone who reaches for your hand, but touches your heart." - Kathleen Grove

Sunday, June 20

Happy Father's Day

mom dad and sheldon ~ 1st Christmas
Originally uploaded by MAPryor

Happy Father's Day! One of God's greatest gifts is a loving, caring Dad. I'll never forget the day we first heard Sheldon's heart beat. We both looked at each other and tears came to our eyes. At that precise moment, we knew we were embarking on an exciting journey called parenthood.

September 7, 1999, at 7:32 a.m., I remember seeing you hold Sheldon for the first time. I'll never forget that special moment. The first night, you were the one to feed Sheldon as I was too groggy on the medication. Again, I marveled at your natural ability to love your son. Then, there was the second day when the nurse brought Sheldon to us and we noticed band aids on his heel. The doctor told us that they were running tests to rule out an infection. The look on the doctor's face was enough to let us know that something serious was going on. I remember as we stood near the window holding Sheldon and praying over him. After a short while, it was time for Sheldon to be examined and when he was returned to us he was wearing a heart monitor. Thankfully, all turned out well and we were finally able to go home.

Whatever situation you face, you always take time to pray. Your faith in God amazes me. You are a prayer warrior. You set a Godly example for Sheldon to follow, and we are thankful for such a marvelous, caring Dad. Thank you for all the time you spend with us. We love you!
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Friday, June 11

IMG_1092
Originally uploaded by MAPryor

In reading over Sheldon's work I found a story called I Am:

I am funny and kind;
I wonder about what it would be like to be famous;
I hear a woodpecker pecking at a tree;
I see a flower blooming in the spring;
I want to be able to drive a car;
I am funny and kind;

I pretend to be a person who jumps off really tall places in the water;
I feel happy about giving and receiving gifts;
I touch a silver laptop;
I cry when I get a bad grade;
I am funny and kind;

I understand I wear glasses;
I say don't worry be happy;
I dream of being a secret agent that works for the U.S. Government;
I try to draw things that I see;
I hope to stay an only child;
I am funny and kind.

Wednesday, May 19

The Salsa Fox

Spending time with friends is always fun. Just the other night we decided to have Kathy and Ariel over for dinner. The menu was simplistic: the best grilled hamburgers, chips, salsa and guacamole.

As I was putting the finishing spices on the the guacamole, I thought it could use a little more salsa. So, I shook the container only to realize all too late that the lid was not screwed on. What a surprise as I watched salsa swiftly splash on the floor and graciously splatter the bookshelf. Gasp! I know, my first reaction was that of total shock. It was about 6:20 and my friends were about to arrive in less than ten minutes. Hmm, what to do: meltdown or laugh.

Thankfully, the right attitude trumped, and I promptly began the process of cleaning up the spill. I even thought about doing a little jig on top of this red, gooey mess, but thought better of it as the idea of tomatoes between my toes was not too appealing.

The Bible talks about not allowing those little foxes to spoil the vine. And thankfully, the "Salsa Fox" did not hinder my evening! Sometimes you simply have to enjoy life's surprises and try to maintain the right attitude. I could have become upset and quite possibly my sour attitude would have ruined the whole evening for everyone.

I am glad to report that we had an enjoyable evening, and I am still smiling over the lovely faded new spot that I have on my carpet that will always remind of the night I chose to laugh instead of cry. Hmm, I think new carpet may be in order though.

Thursday, April 22

IMG_0977
Originally uploaded by MAPryor

Growing pains are defined as "pain in muscles or joints sometimes experienced by children and often attributed to rapid growth." Perhaps you have heard your child mention that his legs hurt and if you have no other reason to attribute it too, you may simply respond, "Oh, those must be growing pains."

What about the "growing pains" you experience in your walk with God. No, these pains are not real, but I am using the word as a comparison for many life experiences or lessons. With every lesson and the temporary pain that is associated with it, you can be thankful for the various milestones and the remarkable victories that you celebrate. "We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it. It pays to take God seriously." (Prov. 16:9, The Message) There is something so beautiful when you look back over a situation that caused you much disappointment only to realize that you were about to learn a valuable lesson that you alone needed to experience. Growing pains are good because they remind you that you are maturing in the Lord!

"I will sing for joy in God, explode in his praise from deep in my soul! He dressed me up in a suit of salvation, he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo and a bride a jeweled tiara. For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers, and as a garden cascades with blossoms, So the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom and puts praise on display before the nations. Look, Your Saviour Comes! (Isaiah 61:10-11, The Message)

Monday, April 5

Friend

Thank You For Being My Friend

Thank you for believing in me when I found it difficult to believe in myself...for saying what I've needed to hear sometimes, instead of what I've wanted to hear... for siding with me...and for giving me another side to consider.

Thank you for opening yourself up to me...for trusting me with your thoughts and disappointments and dreams...
for knowing you can depend on me
and for asking my help when you've needed it.

Thank you for putting so much thought and care and imagination into our friendship... for sharing so many nice times and making so many special memories with me.

Thank you for always being honest with me
being kind to me...being there for me.

Thank you for being a friend to me in so many meaningful ways.

--Larry S. Chengges

Thursday, March 18

IMG_0383
Originally uploaded by MAPryor

“The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all men, charity. ~ Benjamin Franklin

Tuesday, March 9

It's Time To Wait

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. (Psalm 27:14)

Waiting is definitely not one of my strengths. Have you ever felt like you just needed that new pair of shoes, but you knew you needed to wait? Waiting does not mean you will not possess what you want, it just could be that the timing is not quite right. However, this is the day that I will wait on the Lord. What is so marvelous is that God already has the provisions that you need and that is why it is vital to take courage in the predicament that you are facing and simply wait on God to give you the answer.

Tuesday, February 16

IMG_1116
Originally uploaded by MAPryor

Silly moments happen everyday. We just need to take time to capture the moment.

Friday, February 12

Recommending A Great Book - Love & War By John and Stasi Eldrige

The book Love & War (Finding the Marriage You've Dreamed Of) by John and Stasi Eldredge is a fabulous. If you desire to see a meaningful change in your marriage, this book is for you. Your marriage is so important and that is why it is essential to take time to read books that will offer a myriad of great advice. You will be empowered with great ideas and tools to help create a stronger marriage.

The following is a passage from this wonderful book, "God uses marriages to bring us the possibility of the deepest joys in life; Satan tries to use it for destruction. Without you, your spouse will not become the man or woman that God intends him or her to be and the Kingdom of God will not advance as it is meant to advance. Your spouse plays the most vital role in your life. You play the most critical role in your spouse's life. No one will have a greater impact on your spouse's soul than you."

The time to make a change in your marriage is now. The investment will cost you some time, energy, and thoughtfulness, but you will reap great dividends! So do not wait any longer, get going and start reading this book. Your spouse will thank you for it!

P.S. You may visit the following site to purchase the book.

Friday, February 5

Sheldon & Grandma 1
Originally uploaded by MAPryor

Looking over pictures today, and this one made me smile. So thankful for Grandma!

Wednesday, January 20

On Mistakes

"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." (Albert Einstein)

I like this quote as it challenges me to keep on trying something new. Your mistakes have away of teaching you some great life lessons. So, do not let your short comings keep you down. If you fail, do not despair but rather try something new, apply your new-found knowledge from your mistake, and move forward! There are boundless opportunities that await, but it is up to you to seize the moment!