It is now three days before Christmas. I will be making one more trip into town to finish up my shopping. The decorating is enough to lift my spirits, as I so enjoy white lights and greenery throughout the house and colored lights on my tree. The tree doesn't have any ornaments yet, but in the evening it sure looks pretty all lit up. I still haven't managed to find my Precious Moments figurines, but, as long as they're out on Christmas Eve, I'll be happy. I did get all but one card sent and I baked cookies and put presents in their boxes yesterday. Today, after some shopping, it'll be cookie decorating and present wrapping.
I've often told Mark that he is sometimes like a bull in a china shop. He again demonstrated that the other day when I was away for a time. He was a real sweetie and washed the dishes that I hadn't managed to finish the night before. Unfortunately, he hadn't taken into consideration the little merry miniature nativity figures in the window above the sink. Somehow, he managed to take out the entire display. He did try to put it back together, it was a real mess, to say the least. I found the little shepherd boy in the dish drainer with the clean dishes. And when I finally got all the dishes put away, there was Mary in the drain trap under the dish drainer. Not exactly the place for the mother of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I was thankful for the help with the dishes and the little figures are plastic, so no harm done.
The doggies were creating a real commotion yesterday while I tried to get some things accomplished. All five were barking hysterically out the front window. When I finally went to see the reason for the outburst, I was startled to see five turkeys in the driveway in front of the house. They appeared to be frozen in place, standing in a straight line, equal distances from one another. After they eventually broke their formation, I herded the five dogs away from the windows and into the basement. I didn't see where the turkeys went, but later when we went out for a break, I saw all their really strange tracks left in the snow.
I am looking forward to spending time with friends and family over these next several days. I hope to visit friends in Paris to deliver cookies. I still need to take cards to some of my neighbors and it will be wonderful to spend time with the kids as well as the rest of the family come Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
These past several days have been really difficult for so many. The holiday season is wonderful, but life's problems continue and many times seem amplified during these hectic days. I'm praying for peace and joy for all throughout this season. I only hope life's challenges don't interfere with the specialness of the celebration of Christ's birth. He came into this world for each and everyone of us. When we find ourself in troubling circumstances, remember His wonderful name, Emmanuel, which means God is with us. He is. Ask Him for the strength and support to get through.
Three days left before Christmas, I better get busy. Have a wonderful, safe day, luv, Susan
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
SHORT PEOPLE
We knew this last snow was coming and it did not disappoint. There is a fresh, new blanket of snow covering the ground outside. The doggies and I had the previous snow cover pretty scarred up with our repeated trips to the mailbox and all, so it's nice that we have a pristine new cover. The trees don't look nearly as pretty as they did previously, when they were covered with the snow clinging to their upper extremities. Nor, do they look like they did yesterday, when I drove to town. Then, because of the extreme cold, all the trees sparkled and appeared jewel-like. It was amazing to see. Today, they just look bare, but the ground is white. It still looks like a winter wonderland in Central Kentucky.
I will finish my decorating today. I have two more nativities to put out. I did two yesterday. The first was a gift from Mark's parents. It's been displayed each Christmas season on the dining room hutch for countless years. The second is a Merry Minature display that I always place near my kitchen sink. Both are surrounded by greenery and little white lights. I'll put the creche my neighbors gave me on the mantle this year. That's breaking with the previous tradition of music boxes and bears that always adorned my mantle, but I'm trying to simplify here. The last nativity is the little pastel hand-painted pewter Precious Moments figures I bought when we lived in New England. It really is precious to me and it'll probably be placed somewhere close to the open family Bible. Still a little unsure about where. I'll want to be able to see it throughout the day, but won't want to worry about the figures getting knocked over. I'll figure it out.
I'll complete my decorating with the Christmas tree. After years and years of getting real trees, I opted to go with a hand me down artificial tree from my mom. I did all the time consuming decorating last year with lots and lots of colored lights. After Christmas, I then moved it into a back bedroom and put a big plastic bag over it. I can't wait to see it relit in the great room this year.
Why do the media have to keep saying that we, who still have shopping to do, have waited til the last minute. Waiting til Christmas Eve is last minute. A week to go makes perfect sense to me. I consider myself on schedule, thank you.
The UpperRoom reading today was about Zacchaeus, which is found in Luke 19:1-10. It was always such a fun story to share with small children. We always enjoyed singing the song about the wee little man. The writer compares fellow Christians along our way as the trees that some of us use to see Jesus, similar to Zacchaeus climbing the sycamore tree. It's a beautiful analogy and I can think of many friends and family who have been there showing me Jesus through the years through their kindness, compassion and love. I only hope I do the same.
It also comes to mind that Zacchaeus was short. We all fall short of what God wants us to be. God did not send Jesus into the world for the righteous people, but for those of us who don't quite measure up. It was the lost and the uninformed of His love that God sent His Son. He came for me and you. He came for us, all. Thank you, God, for loving us so much that you gave us, the most precious gift of all, our savior.
This is a special time of year. I'm going to dwell on Christ's birth in a manger today and everyday this special season. You have a wonderful day, stay safe and warm, luv, Susan
I will finish my decorating today. I have two more nativities to put out. I did two yesterday. The first was a gift from Mark's parents. It's been displayed each Christmas season on the dining room hutch for countless years. The second is a Merry Minature display that I always place near my kitchen sink. Both are surrounded by greenery and little white lights. I'll put the creche my neighbors gave me on the mantle this year. That's breaking with the previous tradition of music boxes and bears that always adorned my mantle, but I'm trying to simplify here. The last nativity is the little pastel hand-painted pewter Precious Moments figures I bought when we lived in New England. It really is precious to me and it'll probably be placed somewhere close to the open family Bible. Still a little unsure about where. I'll want to be able to see it throughout the day, but won't want to worry about the figures getting knocked over. I'll figure it out.
I'll complete my decorating with the Christmas tree. After years and years of getting real trees, I opted to go with a hand me down artificial tree from my mom. I did all the time consuming decorating last year with lots and lots of colored lights. After Christmas, I then moved it into a back bedroom and put a big plastic bag over it. I can't wait to see it relit in the great room this year.
Why do the media have to keep saying that we, who still have shopping to do, have waited til the last minute. Waiting til Christmas Eve is last minute. A week to go makes perfect sense to me. I consider myself on schedule, thank you.
The UpperRoom reading today was about Zacchaeus, which is found in Luke 19:1-10. It was always such a fun story to share with small children. We always enjoyed singing the song about the wee little man. The writer compares fellow Christians along our way as the trees that some of us use to see Jesus, similar to Zacchaeus climbing the sycamore tree. It's a beautiful analogy and I can think of many friends and family who have been there showing me Jesus through the years through their kindness, compassion and love. I only hope I do the same.
It also comes to mind that Zacchaeus was short. We all fall short of what God wants us to be. God did not send Jesus into the world for the righteous people, but for those of us who don't quite measure up. It was the lost and the uninformed of His love that God sent His Son. He came for me and you. He came for us, all. Thank you, God, for loving us so much that you gave us, the most precious gift of all, our savior.
This is a special time of year. I'm going to dwell on Christ's birth in a manger today and everyday this special season. You have a wonderful day, stay safe and warm, luv, Susan
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS
It is another frigid, snow covered day in Central Kentucky. Even though we don't expect any additional precipitation today, the four or so inches out there will probably stick around, as we continue to be in the deep freeze. Schools in the area are canceled and our little country church hasn't had services for two weeks. But, it is beautiful and I've been able to do a little catching up due to the fact that I am unable to do my usual trips to town. Yes, I even put away the Thanksgiving decorations yesterday, as well as the Halloween stuff that never left the big "fall decorations" box. I really look forward to arranging some of my nativities today in their various locations about the house.
I didn't expect to venture out yesterday beyond the mailbox by the road, however, the dogs had different ideas. Because the gate was left wide open yesterday morning, it was too much of a temptation for our newest dog to do some holiday visiting. I really wasn't in a mood to share Christmas cheer with the neighbors, but I did venture out, always keeping Pudge in sight. We managed to leave our footsteps in the snow across several yards before I convinced him to stop long enough to swoop him into my arms. Riff and Roy, also decided to make their way down the road, and we all ventured back home together. The four horses were having their breakfast across the road and kept a close eye on us as we paraded up then back down the road.
I'd like to say that lessons were learned from that early morning outing, but, I actually got in an extra workout when Pudge decided to head out again later in the afternoon. I'm happy to say that Riff and Roy were safely snug in the basement this second time. I don't expect any repeats today, our hill, going up and down repeatedly, became quite the challenge. Like I said, I did, indeed, get a good workout.
Kentucky played one of it's most storied rivals Saturday. If you've spent most of your days in Central Kentucky, you have no idea what the rivalry between Indiana and Kentucky means. Because we lived 21 years in a community on the Ohio River, we got to experience the IU/UK feud first hand. This borderline battle was made even more fierce because of the personality of the biggest bully of all college sports, Bobby Knight. I find it quite amusing that we now have our own Knight, and Bobby has been out of the picture for this duel for quite sometime now. It was a good game, it had a really nice ending for us Wildcat faithful. It was especially fun, knowing that I had family at the game. Unlike football, it's a rarity for us to make it to the basketball games.
So, I have finally begun to chip away at my Christmas activity list. I've finished my cards and have even started my shopping. I can't fault my family for wanting to give so many gifts for Christmas. After all, that's what Christmas is all about. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) I hope you have a wonderful, warm and safe day today. luv, Susan
I didn't expect to venture out yesterday beyond the mailbox by the road, however, the dogs had different ideas. Because the gate was left wide open yesterday morning, it was too much of a temptation for our newest dog to do some holiday visiting. I really wasn't in a mood to share Christmas cheer with the neighbors, but I did venture out, always keeping Pudge in sight. We managed to leave our footsteps in the snow across several yards before I convinced him to stop long enough to swoop him into my arms. Riff and Roy, also decided to make their way down the road, and we all ventured back home together. The four horses were having their breakfast across the road and kept a close eye on us as we paraded up then back down the road.
I'd like to say that lessons were learned from that early morning outing, but, I actually got in an extra workout when Pudge decided to head out again later in the afternoon. I'm happy to say that Riff and Roy were safely snug in the basement this second time. I don't expect any repeats today, our hill, going up and down repeatedly, became quite the challenge. Like I said, I did, indeed, get a good workout.
Kentucky played one of it's most storied rivals Saturday. If you've spent most of your days in Central Kentucky, you have no idea what the rivalry between Indiana and Kentucky means. Because we lived 21 years in a community on the Ohio River, we got to experience the IU/UK feud first hand. This borderline battle was made even more fierce because of the personality of the biggest bully of all college sports, Bobby Knight. I find it quite amusing that we now have our own Knight, and Bobby has been out of the picture for this duel for quite sometime now. It was a good game, it had a really nice ending for us Wildcat faithful. It was especially fun, knowing that I had family at the game. Unlike football, it's a rarity for us to make it to the basketball games.
So, I have finally begun to chip away at my Christmas activity list. I've finished my cards and have even started my shopping. I can't fault my family for wanting to give so many gifts for Christmas. After all, that's what Christmas is all about. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) I hope you have a wonderful, warm and safe day today. luv, Susan
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Getting In The CHRISTmas Spirit
What a beautiful morning it is outside!! The sun is shining on what is left of the snow, and it just sparkles. We are going to have a little mini heatwave today as the temps skyrocket up to 32 degrees. These past few days have had us in a deep freeze. Unfortunately, for me, the five white fuzzies can go out and simply enjoy their limited freedom and not freeze off their furry little bottoms. I, however, put on many layers and still feel like I'm gonna start breaking off extremities, I'm so frozen. It's especially nice when all five fuzzies go out, do their business and are ready to come right back into the warm house....yes!
I am feeling so spoiled this morning. Our satellite TV has a new Christmas music channel and it is playing the most wonderful songs about Jesus and the story of His birth. I've always loved the country Christmas songs about the true meaning of Christmas and, of course, all the Christmas Carols, but I'm really getting spoiled hearing so many beautiful songs describing that mysterious holy day when our Savior first came into our world. I've also been listening to the local K-Love station in our area. I think it's 89.9 and it plays these beautiful, inspirational songs as well. I highly recommend your checking out either of these to help you get into the true spirit of Christmas.
My mom and dad went to Nashville recently and were able to attend a taping of the RFD channel's program, Larry's Diner. It was fun seeing them in the "diner" with my sister and brother-in-law. It was especially nice to see my dad presented with a Navy belt buckle in honor of his military service. Also, while in Nashville, my mom and sister went to see the taping of CMA's Christmas special, the day after this year's CMA Awards. That program was aired while we were in Florida, so I recorded it and was pleasantly pleased when I watched it night before last. Thank you Country Music for bringing such wonderful, seasonal music to prime time TV.
Well, I'm still doing my Christmas cards and getting my other lists together. Maybe I'll take down the Thanksgiving decorations today. Give me a break, I didn't put them up til two hours before Thanksgiving dinner. Anyway, I have mentioned before that I am a procrastinator, so I just have to enjoy things sometimes a little later than most.
Yes, it is a wonderful day. We in the Big Blue Nation were able to watch a really good game last night, after several missteps this past week or so. I didn't even know Tyler Hansborough had a brother, yikes!! How many other former foe clones will we face this year, are there any little Laetner's out there? Anyway, life is good for the Big Blue right now. You have a great day and get in the Christmas spirit. luv, Susan
I am feeling so spoiled this morning. Our satellite TV has a new Christmas music channel and it is playing the most wonderful songs about Jesus and the story of His birth. I've always loved the country Christmas songs about the true meaning of Christmas and, of course, all the Christmas Carols, but I'm really getting spoiled hearing so many beautiful songs describing that mysterious holy day when our Savior first came into our world. I've also been listening to the local K-Love station in our area. I think it's 89.9 and it plays these beautiful, inspirational songs as well. I highly recommend your checking out either of these to help you get into the true spirit of Christmas.
My mom and dad went to Nashville recently and were able to attend a taping of the RFD channel's program, Larry's Diner. It was fun seeing them in the "diner" with my sister and brother-in-law. It was especially nice to see my dad presented with a Navy belt buckle in honor of his military service. Also, while in Nashville, my mom and sister went to see the taping of CMA's Christmas special, the day after this year's CMA Awards. That program was aired while we were in Florida, so I recorded it and was pleasantly pleased when I watched it night before last. Thank you Country Music for bringing such wonderful, seasonal music to prime time TV.
Well, I'm still doing my Christmas cards and getting my other lists together. Maybe I'll take down the Thanksgiving decorations today. Give me a break, I didn't put them up til two hours before Thanksgiving dinner. Anyway, I have mentioned before that I am a procrastinator, so I just have to enjoy things sometimes a little later than most.
Yes, it is a wonderful day. We in the Big Blue Nation were able to watch a really good game last night, after several missteps this past week or so. I didn't even know Tyler Hansborough had a brother, yikes!! How many other former foe clones will we face this year, are there any little Laetner's out there? Anyway, life is good for the Big Blue right now. You have a great day and get in the Christmas spirit. luv, Susan
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Winter Wonderland
Good Tuesday morning! It's been over a week since I've blogged. Mark and I went south to visit his parents in Florida. The weather was hot and sunny, in the eighties most of our visit. It was wonderful to be able to walk the two doggies that accompanied us each day we were there. We so enjoy visiting with Mark's family in Florida when we can. I still struggle with the geographical distances between us and family members who I wish were closer......just a fact of life.
The temperatures did drop the day before we left and I understand that Florida crops are now in jeopardy due to the unexpected extreme cold they're now dealing with. I hope there is no major loss of that wonderful produce for which Florida is so well known. We came away with grapefruit, oranges and lemons and look forward to enjoying them the coming weeks.
It has been an adjustment getting back to Kentucky just in time for winter to lay a beautiful blanket of snow over the entire area. Normally, I can spot my little white pooches out running about the yard. Now, however, they are creatively camouflaged with white on white. I'm just glad they enjoy the snow and get their exercise outside, even when I'm waiting patiently from a much warmer window location inside.
And, yes, it is oh so much closer to Christmas, now that we're back from our Florida getaway. Please don't tell me how much shopping you've accomplished, or about your completed Christmas decorating and all your other holiday accomplishments. Today, I'll be taking down the Thanksgiving decorations and starting on my list of Christmas cards and our Christmas gift giving list. I'm still trying to dwell on the true meaning of the season and trying not to get stressed out over what all there is yet to do, even though I know it's a lot.
I picked up a Rick Warren book at Wal-Mart yesterday to help remind me about what to truly focus on this season. As the author of The Purpose Driven Life, I know I can count on him to help guide me through the season, just as The Purpose Driven Life helps guide me through my life.
On the news this morning, I see that Elizabeth Edwards is nearing the end of her journey here on earth. She has had to face so much adversity during her time here, I hope she has a strong faith in God as she nears this inevitable transition. Before the recent political campaign with her husband and his eventual fall from grace, due to his poor choices, they were faced with their most difficult challenge in their lives, the loss of a child. I am convinced this is the absolute hardest experience one can face in life. Seeing it second hand, I can only imagine the pain it must be each and every day, after losing a baby, whether it is an infant or an adult. God knows the pain all too well, as He lost His son on the cross. It couldn't have been any less painful for Him, than it is for any of us, when this unbearable loss comes into our lives. It is only through His wonderful promise of eternal life, through His son, that we are able to overcome such pain and know that we will see our cherished children again in heaven. I pray that Elizabeth knows this for a fact and that she is getting ever so close to reuniting with, not only her lost son, but also, the son of God as well.
I think I mentioned before that there are now four horses in the field across the street from our house. The two newer horses really perk up and pay attention when they see me come and go. I enjoy hollering and waving to them whenever I'm at the end of the driveway. I'm afraid I got carried away yesterday when I had the dogs out for a break. The horses came ambling across the field, as if in a parade. As they paraded across the field, they picked up speed and Riff and Roy went nuts. They ran across the front of the yard keeping in step with the horses across the road. Well, they didn't stop at the end of our yard and found their way through the fence at the neighbors driveway and continued over, across the road into the field. I'm sure the horses were delighted to experience their antics. I, however, was not amused and got the other three little white fuzzies into the house. By the time I ran back out, Riff and Roy were sitting by the driveway gate, not looking forward to their inevitable scolding. Thankfully, everyone got back safe and sound. I hope the horses enjoyed the excitement caused by the troublesome twosome.
I look forward to putting together my cards and dwelling on the reason for the season today. Between the snow covered landscape outside and the warmth of the fireplace inside, I won't have any trouble getting into the holiday spirit. I hope you find the holiday spirit as well. If you still haven't got it, it can be found in Luke 2:8-20 for starters. You have a great day. luv, Susan
The temperatures did drop the day before we left and I understand that Florida crops are now in jeopardy due to the unexpected extreme cold they're now dealing with. I hope there is no major loss of that wonderful produce for which Florida is so well known. We came away with grapefruit, oranges and lemons and look forward to enjoying them the coming weeks.
It has been an adjustment getting back to Kentucky just in time for winter to lay a beautiful blanket of snow over the entire area. Normally, I can spot my little white pooches out running about the yard. Now, however, they are creatively camouflaged with white on white. I'm just glad they enjoy the snow and get their exercise outside, even when I'm waiting patiently from a much warmer window location inside.
And, yes, it is oh so much closer to Christmas, now that we're back from our Florida getaway. Please don't tell me how much shopping you've accomplished, or about your completed Christmas decorating and all your other holiday accomplishments. Today, I'll be taking down the Thanksgiving decorations and starting on my list of Christmas cards and our Christmas gift giving list. I'm still trying to dwell on the true meaning of the season and trying not to get stressed out over what all there is yet to do, even though I know it's a lot.
I picked up a Rick Warren book at Wal-Mart yesterday to help remind me about what to truly focus on this season. As the author of The Purpose Driven Life, I know I can count on him to help guide me through the season, just as The Purpose Driven Life helps guide me through my life.
On the news this morning, I see that Elizabeth Edwards is nearing the end of her journey here on earth. She has had to face so much adversity during her time here, I hope she has a strong faith in God as she nears this inevitable transition. Before the recent political campaign with her husband and his eventual fall from grace, due to his poor choices, they were faced with their most difficult challenge in their lives, the loss of a child. I am convinced this is the absolute hardest experience one can face in life. Seeing it second hand, I can only imagine the pain it must be each and every day, after losing a baby, whether it is an infant or an adult. God knows the pain all too well, as He lost His son on the cross. It couldn't have been any less painful for Him, than it is for any of us, when this unbearable loss comes into our lives. It is only through His wonderful promise of eternal life, through His son, that we are able to overcome such pain and know that we will see our cherished children again in heaven. I pray that Elizabeth knows this for a fact and that she is getting ever so close to reuniting with, not only her lost son, but also, the son of God as well.
I think I mentioned before that there are now four horses in the field across the street from our house. The two newer horses really perk up and pay attention when they see me come and go. I enjoy hollering and waving to them whenever I'm at the end of the driveway. I'm afraid I got carried away yesterday when I had the dogs out for a break. The horses came ambling across the field, as if in a parade. As they paraded across the field, they picked up speed and Riff and Roy went nuts. They ran across the front of the yard keeping in step with the horses across the road. Well, they didn't stop at the end of our yard and found their way through the fence at the neighbors driveway and continued over, across the road into the field. I'm sure the horses were delighted to experience their antics. I, however, was not amused and got the other three little white fuzzies into the house. By the time I ran back out, Riff and Roy were sitting by the driveway gate, not looking forward to their inevitable scolding. Thankfully, everyone got back safe and sound. I hope the horses enjoyed the excitement caused by the troublesome twosome.
I look forward to putting together my cards and dwelling on the reason for the season today. Between the snow covered landscape outside and the warmth of the fireplace inside, I won't have any trouble getting into the holiday spirit. I hope you find the holiday spirit as well. If you still haven't got it, it can be found in Luke 2:8-20 for starters. You have a great day. luv, Susan
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Be Thankful Always
The holidays are here!! I always want to be ready, but I never am. I enjoy life at a slow pace and this time of year, if you do that, you'll find yourself totally blindsided come the 25th. So, I need to amp things up a notch and try to get in gear for all that is to come.
Okay, Thanksgiving, I can't even begin to list each and everything in my life for which I am thankful, so I'll sum it up briefly in generalities. At the top of the list is He, who sacrificed His earthly existence for me and all His children. Coming in next is family, friends and health. I've got to add little fuzzy white dogs and their health, as well. After that, it is just all the wonderful opportunities I am given each and everyday. Opportunities to see His love all around me and opportunities to show His love through my contact with others. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
More, specifically, I am so thankful for the extra left hand lane on I75 between Lexington and Georgetown. I had never even noticed it before, but it sure came in handy Monday when headed home. As I was passing traffic on the far left, the car I was passing decided to pull over into my lane, also to pass. I can't even imagine what would have occurred had that lane before the barrier not been there. I'm also thankful that the temperatures were cool yesterday and last night, since a gallon of milk was forgotten in the floorboard of the back seat of my car.
And, finally, I am so thankful to have God's word each and every day, and for daily devotionals made so available by publications like the UpperRoom. Today's takes me to 2 Thessalonians, chapter 5. We are urged to be encouraging, helpful, patient and kind. Verse 16 continues with: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Amen to that.
One more thing, I am especially thankful to have found a copy of Brad Paisley's Christmas CD. I've been wanting to nab one since my sister told me he had one out last year. Well, I found a copy yesterday, so I look forward to listening to it soon.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your friends and family. I'm gonna get busy so I'll be somewhat ready come tomorrow. Be safe and have a great day, luv, Susan
Okay, Thanksgiving, I can't even begin to list each and everything in my life for which I am thankful, so I'll sum it up briefly in generalities. At the top of the list is He, who sacrificed His earthly existence for me and all His children. Coming in next is family, friends and health. I've got to add little fuzzy white dogs and their health, as well. After that, it is just all the wonderful opportunities I am given each and everyday. Opportunities to see His love all around me and opportunities to show His love through my contact with others. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
More, specifically, I am so thankful for the extra left hand lane on I75 between Lexington and Georgetown. I had never even noticed it before, but it sure came in handy Monday when headed home. As I was passing traffic on the far left, the car I was passing decided to pull over into my lane, also to pass. I can't even imagine what would have occurred had that lane before the barrier not been there. I'm also thankful that the temperatures were cool yesterday and last night, since a gallon of milk was forgotten in the floorboard of the back seat of my car.
And, finally, I am so thankful to have God's word each and every day, and for daily devotionals made so available by publications like the UpperRoom. Today's takes me to 2 Thessalonians, chapter 5. We are urged to be encouraging, helpful, patient and kind. Verse 16 continues with: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Amen to that.
One more thing, I am especially thankful to have found a copy of Brad Paisley's Christmas CD. I've been wanting to nab one since my sister told me he had one out last year. Well, I found a copy yesterday, so I look forward to listening to it soon.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your friends and family. I'm gonna get busy so I'll be somewhat ready come tomorrow. Be safe and have a great day, luv, Susan
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Over Fifty? Here's a Reminder for You
I haven't had anything to eat yet today, and it's around four o'clock. It has been two very different and sometime difficult days for me. After hitting the big 5-0 four years ago, I've been constantly reminded that I need to get some medical procedures done. Well, I felt pretty good about not having to have one of them done, cause Mark hadn't yet and he was two years older than I am. I couldn't believe it last year when he asked for a colonoscopy for Christmas. Seems one of his younger friends had one and ,good thing, because they removed some suspicious looking polyps. (Polyps are what can turn cancerous in the colon.) So, Mark had his done and had one little polyp removed and got a clean bill of colon health. Since then, Mark, my family, my insurance company and my doctor have all reminded me that I should get it done.
So, it was scheduled during Mark's week off for hunting season. Yesterday was the day to prep and today was the procedure. Everything went well. Glad to have that all over and done with. As you have to limit your diet to liquids the day before, and nothing at all to eat or drink, after midnight, I still haven't wanted anything solid as of yet. I couldn't wait, however, to come home and have my morning, rather, afternoon tea. That was around 3:00, so I should be ready to eat soon.
While I'm resting, I decided to watch CMT. Usually, it's my beloved country music videos, but as luck would have it, I watched Extreme Home Makeover. I remember really liking this show when it first came out, but just haven't taken the time to watch it regularly. I think I'll start recording it on CMT and watch it when there's nothing good on television to watch. It's really a great show. I like reality TV when it brings out the best in people. This is one of those.
Yesterday I watched some CMT and they had on their top five videos of the week. It was so refreshing to see those five videos and the artists. I remember seeing Miranda Lambert singing the first really "uncrazy jealous girlfriend" that she did. It's called "The House That Built Me". The first time I heard it, I just loved it. The song is so relate-able for everyone who has real sentimental sensitivities about their hometown, their family and their memories of both. I just knew she had to have written it, it was so close to her own story, and seeing the house in the video, they actually had her own home videos in, what looked like the same house...how cool. Well, when I heard it was written by someone else, that was disappointing; but when I heard her tell the story of how the song was first given to her fiance, Blake Shelton, that led to hearing the rest of the story.
He let her listen to it, and she fell in love with it. She told Blake that it sounded like her story. So, he gave her the song to record, she did, and now it's on the list of top forty country songs of the decade. Guess it struck a nerve with lots of folks. Anyway, turns out, it is "her song", just written by someone else.
The other top five videos of the week on CMT included Carrie Underwood's, Mama's Song, and a new song by Lady Antebellum, Hello World. I've fallen in love with both of these videos and songs. Yes, I fall in love with a lot of country songs. I believe if you're a strong Christian, or any Christian for that matter, you will eventually be drawn to country music. The majority of it is Christian music after all, give it a try, if you're not already a fan, like me.
Enough from me. My son is visiting. He is out in the woods hunting with Mark. I've heard a couple shots, so something is going on out there. I don't have a problem with the hunting because I know these deer are overpopulated and they live wonderful free lives right up until they become venison. Mark only hunts for what we will eat during the year. Besides, I think cows and calves can be just as cute and beautiful as deer and fawns.
I hope my family did well saying goodbye to my Great Aunt Faye and celebrating her life, in Illinois. We still have lots of my grandma's younger half brothers and sisters, but she was nearly grown when the second family for my great grandpa began. Faye was the only one left from his first family, who could really tell us about when they were little. It's nice to know we can reminisce, "when we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus, we will sing and shout the victory." That's from a country gospel song.
I hope you have, or had, a great day. I actually did. My five doggies are keeping me company and Mark's gonna fix supper for us all....I hope. Take care and stay safe.....luv, Susan
So, it was scheduled during Mark's week off for hunting season. Yesterday was the day to prep and today was the procedure. Everything went well. Glad to have that all over and done with. As you have to limit your diet to liquids the day before, and nothing at all to eat or drink, after midnight, I still haven't wanted anything solid as of yet. I couldn't wait, however, to come home and have my morning, rather, afternoon tea. That was around 3:00, so I should be ready to eat soon.
While I'm resting, I decided to watch CMT. Usually, it's my beloved country music videos, but as luck would have it, I watched Extreme Home Makeover. I remember really liking this show when it first came out, but just haven't taken the time to watch it regularly. I think I'll start recording it on CMT and watch it when there's nothing good on television to watch. It's really a great show. I like reality TV when it brings out the best in people. This is one of those.
Yesterday I watched some CMT and they had on their top five videos of the week. It was so refreshing to see those five videos and the artists. I remember seeing Miranda Lambert singing the first really "uncrazy jealous girlfriend" that she did. It's called "The House That Built Me". The first time I heard it, I just loved it. The song is so relate-able for everyone who has real sentimental sensitivities about their hometown, their family and their memories of both. I just knew she had to have written it, it was so close to her own story, and seeing the house in the video, they actually had her own home videos in, what looked like the same house...how cool. Well, when I heard it was written by someone else, that was disappointing; but when I heard her tell the story of how the song was first given to her fiance, Blake Shelton, that led to hearing the rest of the story.
He let her listen to it, and she fell in love with it. She told Blake that it sounded like her story. So, he gave her the song to record, she did, and now it's on the list of top forty country songs of the decade. Guess it struck a nerve with lots of folks. Anyway, turns out, it is "her song", just written by someone else.
The other top five videos of the week on CMT included Carrie Underwood's, Mama's Song, and a new song by Lady Antebellum, Hello World. I've fallen in love with both of these videos and songs. Yes, I fall in love with a lot of country songs. I believe if you're a strong Christian, or any Christian for that matter, you will eventually be drawn to country music. The majority of it is Christian music after all, give it a try, if you're not already a fan, like me.
Enough from me. My son is visiting. He is out in the woods hunting with Mark. I've heard a couple shots, so something is going on out there. I don't have a problem with the hunting because I know these deer are overpopulated and they live wonderful free lives right up until they become venison. Mark only hunts for what we will eat during the year. Besides, I think cows and calves can be just as cute and beautiful as deer and fawns.
I hope my family did well saying goodbye to my Great Aunt Faye and celebrating her life, in Illinois. We still have lots of my grandma's younger half brothers and sisters, but she was nearly grown when the second family for my great grandpa began. Faye was the only one left from his first family, who could really tell us about when they were little. It's nice to know we can reminisce, "when we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus, we will sing and shout the victory." That's from a country gospel song.
I hope you have, or had, a great day. I actually did. My five doggies are keeping me company and Mark's gonna fix supper for us all....I hope. Take care and stay safe.....luv, Susan
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