3.31.13

Today started out with posting the final Lenten Devotion for 2013.  From Pastor Mary.  As Lent ends, I think about all that I did and how happy I was doing it.  It really was an amazing experience, much like this past year... I made decisions that I could live with.. and though sometimes, it was hectic... it was my hectic.   I stepped up and did things I thought I never would or felt I couldn't do.  A year ago my children attended church for the first time...a year later my 11yr old son, served as an usher and my daughter sang a solo that was proposed just one week ago. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX7Wz_coBYs&sns=em We saw sister Helen,  then we went out for breakfast, finally we came home and did nothing.  This is the first Easter we did not go anywhere or do anything.  It gave me a lot of time to reflect on a spectacular sermon.  There is a running joke between a friend and I about zombies and cemeteries.. today Pastor Mary spoke about the fact that when our loved ones are deceased they are not in the cemetery, they have moved on...  I go to the cemetery where my mom is, and I feel nothing.  I feel closer to her sitting here and thinking about her... yet I cannot walk in a cemetery without being "weird-ed out" I don't know... maybe one day I will "grow up"...lol A friend spoke about spreading her sisters ashes today with 7 other people.. the wind blew and she was the only one the ashes blew onto... I told her I truly believe that was her sister's way of saying no matter how we think we are "letting people go"... they tell us they are always here.   Walking into the church this morning, I looked at my daughter who was tired and not feeling well and asked her if she wanted to sing (she told us on Friday... she was NOT)... I felt my mom there in the choir loft as she sang.. I did not feel her in the pew with us.. but in the loft..
May we all remember Many people are with us...to be Marvelous to each other Monday morning...

3.27.13

When you do something unexpected,  for nothing more than to help make someone feel happy... it's so much fun!!! With all the coldness outside... it is nice to bring a bit of serenity inside... To brighten someone's day and to see her so excited over something so simple... really is priceless!!!! Thank you, to my partners in crime (Hilary and Frank) for taking part in the mission last night...
Today was filled with MANY challenges... but all throughout the day.. I remembered the reaction to the surprise and it helped to make it less challenging.  Knowing I would have dinner with a friend was something to look forward to.... deciding to go to the inlet for the first time since Sandy... well was a HUGE hurdle tonight. For me to suggest it.. shows how much....

3.26.13

"And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.
John 6:39-40

Mission Accomplished... Yes, I will tell what this actually means tomorrow... but for now... today was filled with getting things done... I am really grateful for my side kick who helped to accomplish many tasks today... Kellie it's like being with Mary Poppins.... You just never know how much fun your going to have with you... Thank you.
Tackled the Good Morning, Good Friday scavenger hunt list... I must say I think getting all but one item.. pretty darn good...as the kids (we shall see who watched noggin) would sing... "I used my noggin today"....  Pleased with myself and helped take the load off of other people.... feeling pretty good... really happy and ready to start my Wednesday, in a wonderful way.... Worship with Pastor Mary... woo hoo!!!    I am grateful for this opportunity as always it's possible because of Carol and I am sooo thankful to you!!!!
May we all awaken and find it a wonderful Wednesday!!!

3.25.13

Each night I log on and I begin to type... and sometimes words actually form.  Last night I had high hopes again.... but exhaustion set in.  Today someone responded to an older post and said how my blog helps people... I commented that it has been difficult to write and she said she did not write me to tell me to write... but I took it as the Holy Spirit giving me the encouragement to write again... Thanks PB!!
I am grateful to many people who helped to make yesterday not only manageable but fun.  Thank you especially to Carol and Kellie... without you both... I would have been crazier than normal!!!
All the kids had fun dying their eggs and it was nice to not feel totally responsible for it all... It was nice to have help, Kellie-Thank you!
What made the day was Mackenzie going to have "Easter" with her friends.... I am sorry I missed it, but am so grateful to you all for giving her a little bit of normal, Urbans- Thank you!!!
This morning tho she was still very tired and shy (not really cooperative)  I am really torn as a parent as to how to handle this... She is being asked to sing a solo on Easter Sunday and it's a song she knows pretty well.   She went to practice "singing into the microphone" today.. and lets just say.... well watch for yourself..lol.... I had to bribe her to even sing it... I felt bad... the music director asked her to do this, rode her bike in the yucky weather (she said this to Mackenzie to try to get her to sing) and I had to make it earlier so I could get stuff done before having to be at work...  She finally sang it... but then when we got in the car.. she REALLY sang it... seriously.  I know if she does not do it.. it will be an issue with her.. and if she does.. we never know what we will get... she could sing it really awesome... or we could get this Mackenzie...

When I look at my child(ren) acting like this.. I think what would my mom say or do if she were here? Would I be a better mom if she were around? I know-what's the point of thinking like this...? I will stop and be grateful for where my life is... Really I am grateful- Thanks Be to God!!!!

3.21.13

You know it can't be all that good.. when I can't really talk.. this has been happening the last few days.  I just can't seem to say what I want or need to say.   I was able to write some.. and for that I am grateful.  I started this blog as a way to show how grateful I am, for the blessings I have in my life... everyday we should be saying thank you.. and even when I feel overwhelmed or defeated.. I am really grateful.

Tonight my friend posted on FB about her friend's child... "REST IN PEACE sweet Cayson. You gave an amazing fight for 7 months. You will NEVER be forgotten. (his mom's name was here) you friend, are in my thoughts......you're sweet boy is flying high with Cullen, in a superhero cape ♥..."

Tonight I ask you Lord to welcome Cayson into your ever so amazing arms and hold his parents and loved ones so close as you welcome yet another baby for Cullen to play with.
Amen

In Memory of Heaven Angel, Cullen (pic) with his Earth Angel Grady and now another Heaven Angel, Cayson.. please make a donation to March of Dimes http://www.marchforbabies.org/cullenveals&bt=24

3.20.13

What an amazing feeling to be able to experience something with someone you care about.  To have a friend who is interested in being a part of the things you enjoy and want to do them with you, is priceless.  It meant so much to share this experience and be with my faith family as well.  Tomorrow take time to thank three terrific people... tell them!!!

3.19.13

Today started with this message: "Good Morning, May the verses we sang, put an extra "warm" feeling on this chilly day.  And the dampness be a reminder to come in and be present to the Lord." Today I took my little girl and my friend and we spent the morning just us girls.  We had a nice breakfast and then went ice skating.. Mackenzie's first time on the ice and my first time not falling on the ice (only fell once).  It was an amazing morning and I am so appreciative that my friend shared this time with us.  It is a lot easier to go ice skating with another set of hands to hold or to take pictures/videos... My big girl did a fantastic job... really, really proud of her...  All three of us had an amazing time... it was an awesome morning and really great to see a real smile on my baby's face again...and on mine.

3.18.13

Good Evening! This morning, I reminded many by sending this message, "May the "luck" or Blessings we received yesterday remind us just How Beautiful is the Body of Christ, and carry it over through out this week... Make it a magnificent Monday morning!" I sure hope your Monday was....
Last night Pastor Mary spoke of a Bible verse where people were complaining about the food that was given to them... Ironically she said something along the lines of how often is this heard at your dinner table?..  Yes, Pastor Mary.. tonight it was!!! Really... I actually made a pretty good meal and I heard complaints over the (two little pieces on each plate) candied sweet potatoes with fluff on top.. Oh well... MORE as well as desert for me...
In all seriousness.. it was the fact that I created a meal in less than an hour that I was pretty proud of... and it tasted awesome!!!!! I joked about it being an Easter dinner for us... especially with our Easter table..lol  This did make me think about the children we helped to feed on Saturday and that exposing my children to more and more of these types of things are the right thing to do...
Here is something else to keep in mind.. As the nice weather (I know hard to imagine with snow coming down again)... starts to emerge.. Walk a thons, bike rides, and marathons will be all around... perhaps with all the money you saved during Lent.. you might be interested in donating to a good cause.. if you do not have one already in mind.. here is one near and dear to me... March of dimes... please look at this picture and realize this is someone I know... They lost their one twin five hours after birth and really battled to get their other son to where he is today.... There are countless children everyday who are in similar predicaments .. please help support a wonderful cause.. and help the Team Cullen Steiner = reach their goal... you can access their link directly through this link... please help support a wonderful cause through a team honoring these amazing Angels.... One in Heaven and one on Earth... http://www.marchforbabies.org/cullenveals&bt=24
Take three to tie a string around your toes to take time to teach a new thing to two people tomorrow.

3.17.13

This morning we woke up with the snow from yesterday still on the ground... It was a little reminder of what it was like 13 years ago.  However, today is the beginning of a new meaning of this day.. and I couldn't have thought of a better way than to really go outside the comfort zone... I not only read with Mackenzie the Lenten prayer... I then offered to be a communion assistant at the next service and I read the reading... Although my body was shaking during both.. I felt awesome after.  It was definitely a better way to spend today... serving our Lord.  It was pretty cool!!! This evening, I volunteered to read... and again it went well.... So thankful for what today will now mean...a new purpose... May your new start to this week give a purpose to help not hurt...

3.16.13

This sums up today perfectly.... While sitting on the couch with my friend my daughter came out... she wanted to lay with me because the four boys (who were playing nicely all night) were keeping her up.  She came and laid down..I asked her if we had done her prayers (knowing we hadn't because really she wasn't sent to bed yet).... she said no, we started the prayers and in the middle she added the boy, Abdul (spelling) "that we learned about today, (at the feed the need) who does not have parents mommy...." This melted my heart, even tho it was too noisy for her and too many hours for her... SHE GOT IT.... it was AWESOME!!!!
Introducing Jordan to two new friends tonight was also great.. I have never seen four 11 year old boys who just met get along so well...it's cool.  Mackenzie and I had a lot of fun outside with my friend although I learned I do not like snowball fights with ANYONE... I really do stink at aim... (told you NO softball for me, EVER!!!) Although it was a perfect snowfall for a snowman... we had a terrific time... then watching the boys outside having their own fight was really nice as us girls had hot cocco...lol then we all walked over and had pizza.. then the boys played more and then I gave them flashlights and let them play flash light tag after 9... really it was a GREAT day.... morning till night..... I am so THANKFUL for this day and the opportunity to share it with the loves of my life... What an amazing gift we were given this morning....

3.14.13

... It does come with God on our side.  Amen

3.13.13

Sometimes you need a reminder to stop... This morning at 4, I got it. I woke up to horrible pains and thus begun a day of illness.  The children and I stayed in -away from each other.  My friend brought me the essentials to not dehydrate and another friend picked Mackenzie up for her choir practice... then the kids went to dinner with their dad and step mom... so grateful for the kids, even when I am at the moments of wanting to run.  I am grateful for my friends, without all of you, I do not know how I would be able to make it through those days.  and I am grateful for the reminder to thank God for EVERY moment... good or bad.... I thank you, God for the good and the bad of today.... Amen

3.12.13

Dear Father in Heaven,
Today I did three random acts of kindness all before 11.... It was a great start to my tremendous teaching Tuesday.. As we get ready to end this day, and welcome wondrous Wednesday, may we all think of wonderful ways to spread Your Word..... I ask that you help guide me through these struggles and keep my friend in your healing embrace... please help us to discover what you want us to learn and move forward.
Amen

3.11.13

When we put walls up to protect ourselves we do not expect anyone to be able to get over them.  When someone does it makes it  difficult...When you are the person who climbs over, it feels great to show someone you care...
What we do not always realize is that God can go through the Wall and embrace you.   Tonight before a friend went to bed... she told me to give my struggles to God tonight... I was trying to do just that when I received the text.
Dear Father in Heaven,
With all your Grace and unconditional love.  Please help me live through your example of being an exceptional parent and help my children to learn through your Word.  Please guide me to find where I belong in this world doing whatever work you feel will serve You.  May you help me to discover the answers in time to make the choices that are needed.

Amen

3.10.13

There is a "poster" on facebook that reads "Anyone can be a Father, but it takes a real man to be a dad"  Yes, we all know what this means... but as I think about the fact that today is my father's birthday....I am grateful to have another Father.. who I consider to be a real man as the poster reads... Today the Gospel struck a chord as they say...
What words describe the Prodigal Son and his brother.. what comes to mind... How would you relate them to yourself and family members? Perhaps much like I think,  perhaps you are thinking at different times you would fit into both columns... after all, we are not perfect.  The wonderful message though is, no matter where we are, our Father in Heaven is right there with open arms waiting for us.  We are accepted as we are faults and "quirks" and with unconditional love.  May we all make many moments magnificent tomorrow morning as we welcome marvelous Monday.

3.9.13

There are so many aspects of my life right now that are in limbo...
Dear Heavenly Father,
Sometimes some things seem so far away and it is so difficult to wait. Please help me to be able to stop and see what I am  to learn from the journey and realize that the end result will be worth it.
As I prepare to rest (yes, NOW.. that's how tired I am), may we all see the Sensational Sunday Sun and remember the Son who suffered for us.  Amen

3.8.13

Who stands in the way of what you want? Who has control over the things you do? Someone once told me to pray...  I said NO.  Someone once told me to ask God for help.. I said why bother? Someone once said God is there,  I said impossible, because really who would allow things to happen as they had?  MANY people said go to church for YEARS..  I said NO!  I ended up at a Catholic University, I took several religion classes, I was placed in not one but two Catholic elementary schools for experience in teaching.  I was required to take the children to church... I still had no idea what was going on and what most of it meant...
It took a major event... I separated from my ex... no it didn't make me go to church.. it made me want to deal with the  death of my mom.. and my friend kept talking to me about religion...I kept ignoring her.  Finally one day I asked her to continue.  She invited me to attend a service... finally I did... then another church... then I heard what finally made sense.. I then started having conversations that blew my mind.  Not only did I begin to understand, I wanted to understand it.
Someone once told me I should write a book of inspirational messages... I said no...I enjoy sending them to my friends... then I started to enjoy posting them on FB.... Then someone said I should write a blog.... I said no, soon I started up the blog...  Then people told me I am very good listener/ problem solver (as long as it's not my own problems) and perhaps I should look to a career serving in a capacity of helping.  I said I wanted to teach.  Someone once warned me to be careful about how much I get involved/volunteer at the church as once you start... you will get sucked in...I laughed and said I won't....  One day a sixth grader stood up and said how they would be attending church because they did not have enough teachers.... I offered to teach.  I lost my job, then Sandy hit, I spent my days helping those who needed help.  I became a sub and started to help out when I could at the church.  I was asked to read an advent prayer.. and couldn't in front of a church... I was asked to be a communion assistant, I said no.  Christmas Day, I volunteered and served- I even read.  I have since served several times... I have since read several times.
You might wonder, What is the point to all of this.. I had a lot to think about today.. Yesterday's question on whether or not I would change anything I did this year... well really this is all a perfect example of HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED ME.. .all for the better.. I STEPPED outside my comfort zone... I started to get involved in aspects of the church and volunteer to help even more and you know what ... .I LOVE IT.
When I received three emails with similar messages and then read a comment on FB... I stopped....read it twice and called California!!!! Yes, I will share the post   "Have you ever thought of a complete career change or actually thinking of something more in the line of vocation. Your posts and blogs reflect the person you are today and that is so different than who you were a year or two ago. Pray over it." Could I really do/choose to do something in the line of vocation... realistically NO.... I do believe that I have been lead "kicking and screaming through my life" to this point where I finally understand and have embraced God in all the Grace and Understanding,.... I have been told by a number of people that I am giving a gift to others by writing my blog and I am grateful for not only those who say that.. but for those who feel it.  I enjoy providing these words and images... mostly... I am grateful to those who will wake up tomorrow and want to do something for someone else.  After all, Sensational Saturday stops only for seconds for you to step up.... MAKE each step a blessing to someone else.

3.7.13

I just applied to three positions one with a company I worked for back in 06.... I am pretty sure that bridge was broken when I left for the company I worked for ever since... I am going to remember what I heard yesterday and today and keep the faith.
During a conversation, I was asked if I would do anything differently from this past year? I did say I would not have done something... but even with that... all of it... not just this past year but the 34 before it, make up who I am and without them, the path would not have lead me to where I am.  I am thinking about something the very intelligent young man said last night... along the lines of we know what is right and wrong.. we know what will give Jesus more suffering.... but we are human and we will make mistakes... we are forgiven when we ask for it and the real trick is we can learn from it... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtwyEK4I-ZM... Okay I had to refresh my memory as I wasn't old enough to watch it when it came out.. but I love Robert Redford and yes, I did watch this movie... 20 years ago.... Thank you for the reminder....We do have two lives..."A life we learn with & a life we live with after that"  -(The Natural 1984) Tomorrow morning as I walk into a kindergarten classroom, I will once again have a smile on my face as I know they are the greatest gifts from God... a reminder to not give up Hope and to keep the Faith....
As difficult as this year was and the hurdles yet to overcome... I am blessed to have friends and a community of  faith willing to stand beside me.... as I walk down to the fork in the road.. I will try to choose the path that will cause a little less suffering.... Amen

3.6.13

This morning I started this day in the same funk I went to bed in.    Last night I asked Pastor Mary if she would be at 7am service.  She simply said, "Yes"... I was happy because I knew her sermon would be the start to kicking me in the butt.  Yes,  I was right.  To receive the reminder of: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. " Philippians 4:13 The sermon was amazing and really what  I needed to hear.  I still was not able to attend the coffee hour afterward tho.  It was suggested that perhaps the community would be a good thing.. and I had to say no... instead I went and spent the day with my friend and the two of us enjoyed going to Soup and Scripture...  Pastor Mary's talk was completely awesome.  My friend along with a few other people at the table commented on how everything she said seems to make a lot of sense.  Perhaps the most interesting part, was when Pastor Mary informed me that God is really on my side.... as she was not supposed to be at 7am....  You see there really is wonderful experiences when you allow God into your life.....
I was reminded that this evening was the Healing service and a wonderful young man would be the speaker...  Really unbelievable...The candles are a sign of hope and  the feelings I received when Pastor Mary put her hands on my head, are indescribable... really... an intense overwhelming feeling came over me... I really felt everything will be alright....                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

3.5.13

As I sit here with a headache (turning into a migraine)..  I was thinking about how I need to find answers to some pretty important questions...I had said to someone just prior to this, that I have been avoiding it because talking about it means I am not keeping the faith that something will happen... a few mins later, I heard a faint knock on the glass sliding door..  I got up and turned on the light and looked... no one was there... I walked back to the couch and I saw a new text message from a girlfriend saying: "You have a lot to think about- you will do what's right some how an answer will come- I have faith in you"... so I ask you... was the knock on the door the reminder to have faith and as another friend said "step by step" that's how it will happen?
I kept the faith last year through a lot worse and there was light at the end... so why is it so difficult for me to find the light right now? I know how many people are impacted by a lot worse.. really I do.. I am grateful to not be dealing real problems.
Dear Heavenly Father,
With all your Mercy and Greatness, I ask that you watch over all those who love you and all those yet to.  Please help Robin, Kellie, myself and countless others to find the employment that will help to answer the issues at hand.  Please provide comfort and guidance to all those who are waiting, on their way, already working, or just missing their loved ones serving and protecting our country and watch over all those who prepare to celebrate Betty's life and to my friends as they go through their son's medical papers...
Amen

3.4.13

A month ago I met a new friend.  This new friend has helped me to see things in a different way and it's been great becoming friends.  It is so hard to believe we have only known each other for a month. We joke about how it feels like we have known each other for a very long time.  So thank you for what is a beautiful new friendship!  May each of us take Tuesday by the tassels and thank those who have come into your life...

3.3.13

It has been a few days since I wrote... a lot has gone on... Mackenzie had her first real sleep over (non family) after spending a Mommy and Me day... and came home this morning UPSET that she missed church... YES...  LOVE IT. Jordan also had a first sleep over at his one friend's house.. and both were VERY TIRED...lol  This evening thankfully to JJ we made it to the first of the Communion practices and thankfully to Gail... I had the item I needed to speak about!!! So in the past I have spoken about the Baptism of my children and how honestly I feel that their and my Baptism was really coming to HT.. JJ mentioned that we could get  rededicated to HT... tonight we did.   Jordan sat and listened to many of the families talk about being Baptized at HT and he said WHY wasn't I? I said because at the time we "were Catholic"... He was really upset!!! I said what JJ did tonight was our HT Baptism... It was a really sweet moment standing up there in front of many people I have become friends with and stood there while my friend rededicated the three of us into this Faith family.  It was really great.. She did an awesome job tonight!!!! (I know Pastor Mary would have been very proud of her), one day she will make an awesome Pastor.  I wish Pastor Mary was here tonight... but then  I would not have seen my friend again in this light.. and it was awesome...
May tomorrow morning you make every moment memorable...  for it will be a Magnificent Monday!!!