Words from DUG

Easter (EP)

2012-02-05T12:30:00.000-05:00

I really like this post and what people shared in the comments. Easter will be here again very soon. Do you know what that really means? Click here to read today's encore post from April 15th, 2011. I look forward to your thoughts and comments, and remember to enter my giveaway!

Are You Offended? (EP)

2012-02-04T18:30:00.000-05:00

Today's encore post was a guest post that I liked back on July 14th, 2010. Click here to read it. I look forward to your thoughts and comments, and remember to enter my giveaway!

Ichthus (EP)

2012-02-03T09:30:00.000-05:00

If you know what it is, then you know what you are about to read. If you do not, then maybe you will learn something interesting today. Today's encore post is from April 30th, 2011. Click here to read it. I look forward to your thoughts and comments, and remember to enter my giveaway!

It Figures (EP)

2012-02-02T20:30:00.000-05:00

Why is it human nature to have a negative reaction? Today's encore post, from January 8th, 2011, touches a bit on that. Click here to read it. I look forward to your thoughts and comments, and remember to enter my giveaway!

Why Regret? (EP)

2012-02-01T11:30:00.000-05:00

Do you have regrets? Why? Today's encore post is from May 24th, 2010. Click here to read it. I look forward to your thoughts and comments, and remember to enter my giveaway!

Gossip (EP)

2012-01-31T19:30:00.001-05:00

Gossip is great, right? It helps you learn so much about yourself that you did not know. Hehe. To take a serious look at gossip visit today's encore post from March 7th, 2011.Click here to read it. I look forward to your thoughts and comments, and remember to enter my giveaway!

Be Kind to Jerks (EP)

2012-01-30T07:30:00.001-05:00

If we are not, then we only become like them. Click here to read today's encore post from January 14th, 2011. I look forward to your thoughts and comments, and remember to enter my giveaway!

Father's Love Letter (EP)

2012-01-29T13:30:00.000-05:00

It is so beautiful how the Bible works together with itself to give us such a message of how we are loved. See some scriptures telling a story in today's encore post from July 15th, 2010. Click here to read it. I look forward to your thoughts and comments, and remember to enter my giveaway!

Church (EP)

2012-01-28T15:30:00.000-05:00

Are you a Christian who does not go to church? Does that ever leave you feeling lonely? Today's encore post from April 6th, 2011, takes a look at why it is healthy for your spirit to be a part of a church body. Click here to read it. I look forward to your thoughts and comments, and remember to enter my giveaway!

Life as a Talk Show Guest (EP)

2012-01-27T05:30:00.001-05:00

Yes, you read that correctly. Sometimes it is funny to look back at life and wonder, "What was I thinking?" Whatever you do in life, though, remember to be yourself and be real. Today's encore post is from May 18th, 2010. Click here to read it. I look forward to your thoughts and comments, and remember to enter my giveaway!

T.H.I.N.K. (EP)

2012-01-26T12:30:00.001-05:00

Since I have seen people posting something similar to this on Facebook this past week, I figured that I would share this post from June 9th, 2010. Click here to read it. I look forward to your thoughts and comments, and remember to enter my giveaway!

Ice Cream Hangover (EP)

2012-01-25T17:30:00.001-05:00

How does someone who does not drink alcohol wound up sick from it? Today's encore post is from August 9th, 2010. Click here to read it. I look forward to your thoughts and comments, and remember to enter my giveaway!

What Would You Say? (EP)

2012-01-24T08:30:00.000-05:00

Everyone needs compassion. Would you give it? Today's encore post is from June 7th, 2010. Click here to read it. I look forward to your thoughts and comments, and remember to enter my giveaway!

Like at First Sight (EP)

2012-01-23T11:30:00.001-05:00

Why do adults make it so difficult to accept one another while young children can make a new friend with just about anyone? Today's encore post is from August 6th, 2010. Click here to read it. I look forward to your thoughts and comments, and remember to enter my giveaway!

Encore Presentations

2012-01-22T16:44:00.001-05:00

Since I decided to get back to blogging, it seems that a few things in life have kept me too busy to actually focus long enough to write much. However, since people are reading again, I do not want to leave my little blog sitting quietly. Thus, I decided that for the next couple of weeks, while I am getting other things situated, you (whoever you are reading this right now) will have the opportunity to read some posts that I choose to make an encore appearance. Fun, right?! I hope that you find them interesting or encouraging. Starting tomorrow, look for a different post each day. Personally, I will be looking forward to your thoughts and comments, and, as always, please spread the word!

Like my blog on Fb at http://www.facebook.com/wordsfromdug

Check out my current Giveaway here.

Bible Verses for Women

2012-01-13T17:17:00.001-05:00

Are you a woman looking for some Bible verses for women that are relevant to you? There are so many women who do not realize how much of God's Word is actually intended for them. As a matter of fact, if we want to get right down to it, all of the Bible verses for women can be found between Genesis 1:1 where, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth," and Revelation 22:21 where, "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen."

My List of Bible Verses for Women.

That is right, Ladies, it is all there for our learning, for our guidance, and for our benefit. All Bible verses are for women as well as for men and children. Together, let us look at some specific Bible verses and what they mean to you.

Specific Bible verses for women.

Genesis 2:18 tells us that "The LORD God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.'” From almost the very beginning of scripture, the Bible tells us that woman was created for man. We were created to be man's helper, man's partner, man's companion. Man was not created to live alone, and woman was created for him. How special is it to know that women were created for such a grand purpose?

In Psalm 32:8 we are told that "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you." The Bible make it so simple. No, it [life] is not always easy, but our guidebook is simple. The Lord God tells us exactly how we can live a life in a relationship with Him. Do you live in a relationship with God? Do you want to?

“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.” If you are looking for Bible verses for women, Titus 2:3-5 is about as direct as they come.

Many women either are or will be wives, and there are Bible verses that offer guidance for women in this area. In Proverbs 12:4, we are taught that, "A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones." If you are a wife, are you a wife with whom your husband – and the Lord – can be pleased?

“In the same way, [all of] the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything." Do you live your life the way that 1 Timothy 3:11 tells us? Take a good look at yourself. Are you a woman who is worthy of respect? If not, then how can you change your ways to become that woman?

You may be a woman who is struggling with something right now. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us to "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." If we let it, that Bible verse can be quite encouraging! Do you know that God is willing to be right there with you in your times of need if you will invite Him to be? Of course, He wants to be with you in your times of joy, too!

If you are lonely, be encouraged that you are never alone when you are in Him. Isaiah 43:1b encouraged, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine." Wow. God knows YOU. He knew who you were going to be before you were born. He loves you. He wants you in His family.

John 3:16-17 is a passage that you may already know. It tells us that "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." Could you imagine the extent of that love? Could you ever love someone so much that you would let them torture and take away your own child for their benefit? Pause for a moment....

Can you even comprehend how powerful that love is? Not likely. Yet God loves us so much that, as these Bible verses tell us, He made that sacrifice...yes, even for the women. Do you know Jesus? Please tell me if you would like to. He definitely wants to know YOU.

”Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." 1 John 4:7-11 makes it clear that we are called to love one another. These are good Bible verses for women because for women, who by nature can be catty, this can be a challenge, and we need to be reminded. You may be thinking that you are a very caring and nurturing person, and you might be – to your family and friends – but do you also love the people that you do not like?

Romans 15:7 adds that we are to “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”

Please share this list of Bible verses for women!

While there are so many more Bible verses for women, this list includes some that I felt lead to share with you. Are you someone who was seeking Bible verses for women? Did you find something here that spoke to you? I do hope that you have been pleased with what you have read here and look forward to your comments. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I am here to share God's Word with you, and if I do not know an answer, I will do what I can to find out for you.

P.S. Remain encouraged because "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion."

GIVEAWAY...a detour from the alphabet posts.

2012-01-11T16:32:00.000-05:00

As I am restarting my blogging [again] after about seven months away, I need to entice my readers to return and frequent my blog [again]...and hopefully attract new readers. Words from DUG is a Christian blog. While I may not always discuss faith-based topics, my faith will be the main focus of this blog. Hopefully I can learn something. Hopefully I can teach you something. Hopefully you can teach me something. Either way, hopefully you enjoy reading and commenting on what I decide to share.

Now....

Do you like chocolate, strawberries, pound cake, bananas, pretzels? Do you like cheese, broccoli, breads, steak cubes, apples? Do you like fondue? Would you love to have this adorable, heart-shaped fondue set (napkin not included).

Here is how you could possibly nab it:

1. Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect by scrolling down slightly on the right and clicking to join my followers. Post a comment telling me that you did this.

2. Follow this blog's Facebook page. Post a comment telling me that you did this.

3. Follow this blog via NetworkedBlogs. This makes it easier to know when I post because a notice will show right on your Facebook News Feed. Post a comment telling me that you did this.

4. Refer friends. When they follow this blog, ask them to comment on this post to let me know that you referred them.

5. Browse around and post a comment here to tell me one entry that you like on this blog. Of course, be encouraged to post as often as you would like on any other posts, as well!

Here is the fine print, even though it is the same size print:

When I get up to 100 followers at each of numbers 1, 2, and 3, then I will give away the gift above (or sooner if I choose, but that is not likely). Starting with the first commented posted, the comments will be numbered one through ?, and I will use random.org to determine the winner. The winner will be posted here on the blog. If the prize is not claimed within seventy-two hours, then I will choose a different winner the same way, and so on until the fondue set has been claimed. I will only ship the fondue set to an address in continental USA.

L = Letterboxing

2012-01-10T17:54:00.000-05:00

Yes, I skipped K, but I can go back to it later, right? Since more and more people have been asking, I figured that it was probably about time to add a post to my little blog about letterboxing. That is right. You know that you have been wondering. Now you will hopefully get your curiosities satisfied so that you do not wind up like the proverbial cat.

World English Dictionary

letterboxing (ˈlɛtəˌbɒksɪŋ)

— n
1.	a method of formatting film that enables all of a wide-screen film to be transmitted on a television screen, resulting in a blankstrip of screen above and below the picture
2.	a type of treasure hunt in which a box, known as a letterbox ,is hidden in a remote rural location and clues are provided as to its whereabouts

Sooo...we will go with the second definition today.

There are so many fun and fantastic aspects to letterboxing, but the gist of it is that it is a scavenger hunt. What I enjoy about letterboxing that it is something that I can do with my guys. It is family-friendly and a good activity for any age. It gets us outside in the fresh air. It gets us exercising. It gets us thinking and puzzle solving. It gets us doing something together.

Are you still with me? Do you think that you might like to give letterboxing a whirl?

To play, you would need your own "signature" stamp, a journal, an ink pad, and a pen. Oh, and you will need a trail name. Your trail name can be whatever you choose. Some people choose a name indicative of a hobby or a twist on their real name or something else.

Clues can usually be found on the internet, though some are word of mouth (WOM). We mostly use AtlasQuest, yet there are also other letterboxing web sites. Here is how it works:

1. Get a clue. (Yes, I told you to get a clue.)

2. Follow the clue, and find the location to which it takes you.

3. When you get to the end of the clue, you will hopefully find a letterbox.

4. When you find the letterbox, there should be a rubber stamp and a logbook inside of it.

5. Stamp your signature stamp into the logbook to indicate that you were there. Some people put the date and the city and state from which they traveled to find the box (even if it is in your own town). It is neat to look through a logbook and see from here people have come.

6. Take the stamp from the letterbox and stamp it into your journal. To me this is like collecting passport stamps of all of the letterboxes that you have visited. Some people like to write next to the stamped image in their journal the name of the stamp, the person who planted it, the date they found it, or any number of other things. It is your journal, so you can write or not write what you choose.

7. Pack the stamp and logbook back into the secure, hopefully weather-safe container, and re-hide it exactly where you found it. If you can, hide it better than you found it.

This may seem like a lot, yet that is simply because I have attempted to walk you through finding a box with as many details as I think will help you understand. In reality, once you find a box, the process of numbers 4-7 might take you about three minutes.

HOWEVER, there is one thing that I have not yet mentioned. Letterboxing is a fun past time, and it can bring joy and adventure to your personal or family activities. What you do not want to do, though, is ruin it for the next person who goes to look for the box after you. With that in mind, it is important to be stealthy when you are hunting and retrieving a letterbox. The idea is to not let people who might be around you see or know what you are doing.

People who do not know what letterboxing is simply would not understand why you are digging behind that trash can or burrowing through the leaves at the park or sneaking off on some clandestine mission with someone else's wife.

In addition to the thrill of the hunt, this obsession...err...addiction...umm...hobby has given us so much more. Letterboxing has taken us to some beautiful places that we did not know existed and may never has seen otherwise. We have been to some events where we have met some super people. We have made some friends that, chances are, we would not have met outside of letterboxing.

Plus, part of the fun of this surreptitious hobby is that you get to be part of a sort of secret society, and doesn't that make you feel special?

J = John

2012-01-09T18:22:00.003-05:00

Sometimes it is interesting to look deeper into a person, their purpose, and they journey. Today I am sharing a bit more about John the Baptist. Lisa and Mikel guessed that my "J" blog entry would be about Jesus, and they are partly correct. What I want to discuss today is John's role in the birth and the life of Jesus. To some of you, this will probably be review, yet I hope that some of my readers will learn even a small new thing about John the Baptist.

Elizabeth was a socially respectable, Jewish woman from a family of priests. Elizabeth and her husband, Zachariah (or Zacharias) prayed for years for a son or daughter, yet it seemed that Elizabeth was barren, and they grew old without being blessed with a child.

Zachariah, being a descendant of Aaron, spent his life in the priesthood. The two loved God and lived to please him. Even though they did not have any children, Elizabeth and Zachariah served God faithfully because they believed that He knew best.

How do you feel when you beg God for something for so long, and you do not seem to get what you want no matter how much you ask?

They thought often of the promise that God had given to the Jews died many years before that someday God would send a Savior to the world, a son of David.

At that place and time, the priests did not always work in the temple. They took turns, so to speak. When it was Zachariah’s time to serve, he left his home in Judah and went to Jerusalem. His duty at the time we are discussing now was to burn incense on the golden altar, in the holy place. This was the first room in the temple where only priests might enter.

One day while Zachariah was offering the incense, there appeared an angel on the right side of the altar. The angel was watching Zachariah, and he had never seen an angel before. Zacharaiah was afraid.

How would you feel if an angel was suddenly there with you? Do you think that you would know it was an angel?

Luke 1: 13-24
¹³ But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. ¹⁴ He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, ¹⁵ for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. ¹⁶ He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. ¹⁷ And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

¹⁸ Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

¹⁹ The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. ²⁰ And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

²¹ Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. ²² When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.

²³ When his time of service was completed, he returned home. ²⁴ After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.

Elizabeth had a young cousin named Mary. During Elizabeth’s sixth month of pregnancy, Mary came to visit her and shared her own news of pregnancy.

Luke 1:39-45
³⁹ At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, ⁴⁰ where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹ When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. ⁴² In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! ⁴³ But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? ⁴⁴ As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. ⁴⁵Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

It was to Elizabeth that Mary sang her song of praise. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months.

Have you ever been so grateful to God for Him including you in His plan that you actually sang out your praises?

Around the time that Mary returned to her home, Elizabeth, in her old age, gave birth to a son.

During the time of Zachariah’s silence, he wrote on a tablet to tell people things that he could not speak. His writing tablet may have been a small slate which could be erased and reused, or it may have been wooden. As far as I can find, we do not know for sure.

Luke 1:59-60
⁵⁹ On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child*, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah, ⁶⁰ but his mother spoke up and said, “No! He is to be called John.”

The townspeople would not take Elizabeth’s word for it.

Why do you think they did not believe her?

Luke 1:61-66
⁶¹ They said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who has that name.”
⁶² Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. ⁶³He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.”⁶⁴ Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. ⁶⁵ All the neighbors were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. ⁶⁶ Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.

*Genesis 17:11, Leviticus 12:3

John grew up and became strong in spirit. He lived in the wilderness until the word of God came to him. Then he went into all of the country around the Jordan preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Luke 3 refers us back to the words of Isaiah, the prophet (Isaiah 40):
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.’”

Malachi 3:1 also foretells of the coming of John the Baptist:
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty.

John preached to many people. Even tax collectors and soldiers came to be baptized and asked him what they should do. His teachers were so good, and people wondered if John might be the Messiah.

Luke 3:16
“John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

Matthew 3:13-15
¹³ Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. ¹⁴John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” ¹⁵ But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. ¹⁶ And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; ¹⁷ and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Mark 1:9-11
⁹In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. ¹⁰ And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. ¹¹ And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Luke 3:21-22
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened ²² and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

John 1:32-34
³² And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. ³³ I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ ³⁴ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

Why was Jesus baptized? Why was Jesus’ baptism important?

The story of John the Baptist continues, leading up to his imprisonment and beheading by King Herod. My intention for today was to focus on the story leading up to his birth and how he paved the way for Jesus, his own kin, which was the incredible purpose for which God gave him to Zachariah and Elizabeth, who so loved the Lord themselves.

Did we leave off with I for Ichthus?

2012-01-07T12:31:00.003-05:00

J will be heading your way soon!

Can you guess what it will be? If you comment at the blog with the correct answer first, then I will send you a giftee.

-Dug...getting back in the game.

Family Movie Night Saturday

2011-06-10T09:26:00.004-04:00

When the opportunity to preview this movie presented itself, I immediately accepted because I had seen the movie advertised and was interested in watching it. Since we do not have cable, I might not have been able to watch "Field of Vision" otherwise.

Starting out, the movie is like many others: kinds, parents, school. Then the story starts building when a new boy starts school at the high school. There are several stories happening at once that are all brought to a point where they fit together at the end. I like when movies are like that, when all of the sudden, in the last five or ten minutes, everything makes sense.

There were three main child characters in this movie, and I thought that every one of them fit their part and did a fantastic job. If the quarterback was someone that we knew in real life, he would be an excellent role model for our son. It also tickled my funny bone to see Corky Sherwood Forest as the mom/guidance counselor.

There are several good lessons in this movie without them being overly-pointed-out lessons. Doing the right thing, no matter what the cost, is not easy for adults, let alone for children. Bullying is something that more of our children endure than we may realize. What other lessons will you see? You can find out on Saturday.

My only "off" view of this movie is that in the real world, we do not have a camera to give us clues and put together pieces for us. It was creative and neat how the writers did that, and it would be handy to have one if they were real. However, it takes away a bit of the reality of the movie's situations.

For more reviews and information, check out the following links.

Website: http://www.familymovienight.com/field-of-vision/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/familymovienight

Mom's for Family TV: http://www.moms4familytv.com/

Dove Foundation Review: http://www.dove.org/reviewpopup.asp?Unique_ID=883

My opinion? If I were to grade this movie, I would give it a B+. It is a good movie. I encourage anyone who has or knows or is a child to watch this movie when it airs on Saturday, June 10th, at 8:00 EST/7:00 CST on NBC. Make plans with your family, invite some friends, gather some snacks, and plan to have a Family Movie Night this weekend!

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

G = Giveaway Winner!

2011-05-02T19:48:00.000-04:00

We had a fantastic giveaway in April, and now we have an [hopefully] excited winner!

I do not know how to show the Random.org True Random Number Generator here, but the number that was chosen from 1 to 29 was 25. The 25th comment was posted by Shasta.

Shasta said...

Following you via GFC

April 30, 2011 10:57 PM

Shasta, please email Miranda, the Scentsy Consultant, with your name, address and telephone number at graham_miranda@hotmail.com within forty-eight hours to claim your prize.

Thank you so much to everyone who participated, and Miranda will have a special treat for any one of you who would like to host a Scentsy Catalog Party and get some free goodies for yourself!

I = Ichthus

2011-04-30T12:13:00.002-04:00

You may know it as the Jesus fish. You have seen it on vehicles, on clothes, on jewelry, on business advertisements, and possibly many more places. Do you really know what it is, though?

ψάρια (ikhthýs) is a Greek word meaning "fish." You may know that fish are a prevalent thing in the Bible, both actual fish and fish used as a metaphor. Some say that the Greek word in capital letters is ΙΧΘΥΣ, which can also be used as an acronym meaning, "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior."

I found the following explanation here.

Iesous (Iasoos) is Jesus. The first letter is ‘iota’, Ιησους.
Xristos (Christos) is Christ. The first letter is ‘chi’, Χριστóς.
Theou (Theou) is God. The first letter is ‘theta’, Θεοῦ.
Yios (Huios) is Son. The first letter is ‘upsilon’, Υἱός.
Sotare (Sotare) is Savior. The first letter is sigma’, Σωτήρ.

Today many Christians display this symbol as a proclamation that they are followers of Christ. Additionally, some display it as reminders that Jesus calls us to be fishers of men, to share Christ with others.

I have read several places that this symbol was originated in the first and second centuries when Christians were being commonly persecuted, tortured, and put to death during the reign of Roman emperors that despised them, possibly starting with Nero, under whose reign both Peter and Paul are thought to have perished.

How did this symbol come to be? It is said that when two people met, one of them might casually draw an arc in the sand or dirt with their toe. If the other person was also a Christian, they would just as casually draw another arc with their toe, thus creating the fish symbol. If that was done, then both people know that they were safe to acknowledge that they were Christians and talk freely amongst themselves.

If you are curious to know more about the ichthus (or ichthys), I encourage you to research it. So many every day things have such interesting backgrounds about which we could learn so much if we want to!

Oh, and for a neat bonus, I discovered the ichthus wheel. When you combine the Greek letters of ΙΧΘΥΣ, they make a six-spoked wheel. Apparently, this symbol can sometimes be seen with the ichthus and the Greek letters.

H = Happiness

2011-04-29T09:54:00.000-04:00

What is happiness? Happiness is different for different people. For me, happiness comes with a decision. Am I happy? Yes. Is it that easy? Most of the time, yes.

You may be thinking that I am an idiot. A person cannot just decide to be happy. Life is hard, and there is so much pressure and stress and difficulty, and a person cannot just be happy.

I would beg to differ. Much of the time, it is that easy.

Many of the things in life that cause us stress, frustration, aggravation, are not that big of a deal. We make them a big deal. We make mountains out of mole hills. The next time something upsets you, pause and ask yourself, "Is this really a big deal, or am I making it one?"

Yes, many of us do have big things in our lives that are painful or stressful or difficult. How we handle those situations and our outlook on those situations is up to us.

Do not begin to think that I do not have those things in my life because I can assure you that my husband and I have our share of difficulties and sorrows this year. The fact of the matter is, though, that I do not grab hold of those experiences and let them dictate my mood. After all, is being miserable and wallowing going to change the situation? No. It is not going to accomplish anything but making myself unhappy. Therefore, I can choose to be happy, and I can either do what I can do to change a difficult situation or accept that I cannot change it and ask God to help me do what I can to get through it, to be at peace, to be content, to be happy.

If you still do not believe that you can simply decide to be happy, try it. The next time something causes you to be in a foul or unhappy mood, ask yourself, "Is this really worth feeling this way?" Maybe if you accept that being miserable will not help the situation and choose to be happy, you will find that you actually can be.

I am just saying.

G = Giveaway

2011-04-25T07:33:00.001-04:00

G also stands for God. God makes so many beautiful things in our world and blesses us with the senses to enjoy them. Thank you, Lord.

One of our senses is smell, and so many people enjoy candles and air fresheners and other smelly things. Do you like beautiful scents and creative home decor? If so, then this giveaway might be for you. My buddy, Miranda, is offering a giveaway available only to my blog readers!

First in the giveaway will be this lovely Scentsy Plug-In Warmer. Miranda asked me which warmer I thought would be good for this giveaway, and since this was Easter weekend, the angels seemed to be the likely choice.

With Scentsy Plug-In Warmers, you still get amazing fragrance in even the smallest spaces. Available in a range of colors and designs, each plug-in features a detachable base, making it quick and easy to change fragrances.

The warmer for this giveaway is called Heavenly and it has a creamy base encircled with angels. Matte porcelain finish with gold highlights. The Heavenly warmer retails for $20.00 and measures approximately 3" x 3.5" in size.

Now you may be wondering what to put in the warmer to make the yummyscents that you will enjoy.

Refresh your home with Scentsy’s authentic wickless candles. Simply break off portions of your favorite Scentsy Bars and add them to a warmer for long-lasting fragrance!

Scentsy Bars are available in more than eighty scents, and the person who gets the Heavenly warmer will also be treated to April's sent of the month, Flutter, which resembles delicate orange blossoms and whipped almond cream float above a bed of bright lemon verbena. Scentsy Bars are just $5.00 each or 10% OFF during the month of April!

By now you may be saying, "Okay, Dug, we got it. Now how do we GET it?" Hehe. Okay, okay, I will tell you.

Mandatory:

1. Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect on the right side of this blog and/or NetworkedBlogs. Leave a comment for each.

2. "Like" Miranda's Scentsy page on Facebook and comment to let me know.

Optional for more entries:

3. Follow Words from DUG on Facebook and comment to say that you did.

4. Comment on this post and tell me what you would do with the Scentsy Plug-In Warmer and Scentsy Bar.

5. Comment on as many of my alphabet blog posts from April as you would like and get an entry for each letter under which you comment, leave a comment here for an entry.

6. Browse Miranda's Scentsy web site and leave a comment to tell me what is your favorite kind of product.

7. Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment saying that you did.

8. Place an order at Miranda's web site and comment to tell me that you did.

9. Phone Miranda at 713/480-7684 to book a Scentsy catalog party and leave a comment below with your date.

10. Tweet or blog or post on Facebook about this contest using the URL for this page, and enter comments to let us know that you did.

WOW! There are sooo many opportunities to enter, and this is a gift that you will be able to enjoy for a long time. Thank you for playing and for helping me help Miranda spread the word about her Scentsy business. I hope the best for each of you!

F = Failure

2011-04-23T08:03:00.000-04:00

You may or may not know that I set a challenge for myself to do 111 focused kind deeds in the last 111 days of 2010, starting on September 11th. These were to be deeds that I found that were not something that I would naturally do. I did not achieve this challenge, so I set a new challenge to do 100 deeds in the first 100 days of 2011. That ended on April 10th. Again...failure.

The fact of the matter is, as several of us discussed previously, it is difficult to find other kind deeds to do for others when you are normally inclined to help where you can, anyway. Oh, well. In a way, this challenge was a success, though, because it pointed out that we do not have to achieve everything that we attempt, and it is okay if we sometimes fail.

How many of us cause ourselves stress because we take on too much? Oftentimes, some of what we try to do is not even important.

Today I am going to try to not stress over the little things.

Tomorrow is the day when we celebrate the greatest kind deed ever done.

Monday I might have a treat for you.

E = Easter

2011-04-15T10:48:00.002-04:00

Easter is so close. Some people think that Christmas is the most important Holiday for Christians, yet Easter is the reason that we have Christmas in the first place. Christ came to this earth for the purpose of sacrificing himself for us. The Resurrection is what it is all about.

How beautiful the heart that bled

that took all my sin

and bore it instead.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, -Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 6:32

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8

for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. -Romans 10:13

How many people do not realize how simple it is?

How beautiful the tender eyes
that chose to forgive
and never despise.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. -Romans 8:1-2

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. -John 3:17

How beautiful the radiant Bride

who waits for her Groom

with His light in her eyes.

To my readers who are believers, I would be happy to read scripture that you feel goes with the last stanza that I posted above, so please comment to share some.

To my readers who are not believers, I hope that you will take the time to consider to message and the importance of Easter, and, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

How Beautiful by Twila Paris

Sung by Lisa Kosier

Signed by DUG

D = Dactylology

2011-04-07T18:09:00.003-04:00

If you know me, this will not surprise you. Many of you know that I have a passion for the deaf and sign language. I have heard/seen it said that if you put into a group all of the people in the world who are deaf, they would make up the fourth largest group of people who are not being reached for Christ.

At Grace Community Church on Hilton Head Island, I used to sometimes sign for worship, and many people appreciated and enjoyed it. Sometimes the pastor would ask me to stand up in the middle of a sermon and show the congregation how to sign something because he thought that it was neat to know, too. For a short while, I taught some basic sign language to other members of the church who were interested. It was a blessing for me to be able to share ASL with others on the chance that they may cross paths with someone who does not hear. Deaf people appreciate it when a hearing person makes an effort to be able to communicate with them.

One day a woman in the church asked me with a bit of a snippy tone, "Why do you do sign language? There are no deaf people here."

I responded, "Why do you think that is?"

Later, I found out that there was a deaf woman attending the church for several months. She finally left because she was not getting out of it what she needed. See? How often might we have missed opportunities to reach out and not even known it? This was before my time there, or I would like to think that I would have worked to help meet her needs.

Dictionary.com defines dactylology as the technique of communicating by signs made with the fingers, especially in the manual alphabet used by the deaf.

While living on Hilton Head Island, Hubby and I had the privilege of meeting some folks from Deaf Ministries International. This organization was started in 1979 and works in twenty countries in Asia, Africa, South America and the Middle East, helping to establish resources and facilities to bring the message of Christ, and aid, to deaf people.

I will not spend a lot of time talking about Deaf Ministries International, but I will say that, from what I learned about them, I admire what they are doing and would encourage you to support them with prayer or however you can. Are you wondering about the picture of the pigs? You will have to check out the Deaf Ministries International web site to satisfy that curiosity!

C = Church

2011-04-06T13:58:00.000-04:00

How many of you go to church, and how many of you make excuses not to go even though you claim to have a relationship with the Lord? There are 168 hours in each week. Can you really not spend one or two of them at church? There are many explanations that people give for not going to church. Most of them are nothing more than lame excuses: they do not want to get out of bed, they do not want to tithe, the people at church are not any better than they are, and on and on. There is one excuse that sort of bugs me, though.

I have a personal relationship with God, and I do not have to go to church to worship Him.

That is correct. You do not have to go to church. If you truly have a personal relationship with God, though, then why would you not want to do what pleases Him? God wants us to fellowship with one another, to worship Him, to be a family -- His family.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." -Hebrews 10:24-25

Did you know that Jesus Himself attended what we call church? Luke 4:16 tells us that "He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom."

Jesus...went to the meeting place...as was his custom. Hmmm.

There are also practical reasons for being a part of a church family. "Family." You need people in your life with whom to fellowship and worship and learn and feed your spirit. You need to be surrounded by Godly love and support. You need others.

In addition to attending a church on Sundays, my family and I are a part of a Life Group on Fridays. This is a small group of people that has the opportunity to dig deeper in the Word and build relationships on a more personal level. Our Life Group has a Bible verse that is "our" verse.

"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." -Acts 2:42

If you are someone who has reasons not to go to church, yet you love the Lord and want to be a part of His family, please let me encourage you to find a church home. You may be surprised when you find new relationships, renewal for your spirit, and possibly a place where you will actually enjoy being.

One last thing. Matthew 18:20 tells us, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." What better company could you hope to find?

B = Beef

2011-04-05T02:27:00.000-04:00

While walking several weeks ago, on a Saturday morning while the men were at their Bible study, a friend and I discovered a restaurant at DoMo. It looked like a finer restaurant, which would be different from what we usually see around here. One cannot really tell by looking through the windows at 7:30ish in the morning, though, what a place is really like. We both agreed that it might be a treat to dine there one evening and find out.

A week or so ago, I found Epic Chophouse's Facebook page and, from there, found the restaurant's web site. Last night, for the first time that I can remember since Boy was born, Hubby and I had (drumroll, please)...an adult date night. Yes, Boy is three. By what I have said so far, you can guess where we went to dine, right? Yes! We went to McDonald's.

Not.

I do not normally do reviews on this blog, yet a bunch of my local peeps read it, so what better way is there to spread the word?

We dropped Boy off with SaraBeth and headed downtown to Epic Chophouse. We did not use it, but they have free valet parking right outside the front door. Yes, free. Is that not a pleasant perk?

We were seated immediately, and I must say that I liked our table. It was in a corner and cozy and private. The one thing that I would have liked better would have been if Hubby was able to sit next to me instead of across from me. Yes, we are those people, the people who sit on the same side of a booth together.

Terra, our serving, assured us that she would be taking "very good care" of us. I kept thinking that Terra looked like Ashley Johnson. Different hair, similar face.

From the beginning, this restaurant had even small touches down. The gentleman seating us pulled out the table for me. I imagine that he would have pulled out the chair if my seat was not against the wall. Our orders were taken without us having to wait. Our drinks were refilled even without us needing to ask. Oh, and I was only charged for one cranberry juice, not three like many places would have done. The little things are noticed. Our food arrived exactly as we ordered it.

Hubby ordered a bone-in rib eye and was surprised at how small was the bone. (That is a good thing.) I asked him how was his steak, and he said that it was, "Fabulous!" Then he added, "Succulent."

My order was for prime rib, warm and red. It has been difficult to get really good prime rib around these parts. I will now say that I believe that was the best, most delicious piece of beef that I have had at a restaurant since moving back here from Hilton Head Island two years ago. It was thick. It was tender and delicious. It was beautiful. After it was half eaten, I decided that I should have taken a photograph of it.

Epic Chophouse also serves a selection of seafood, pasta, chicken, duck, and several specialties.

While we were eating, Jim (the owner?) happened by, and we got to meet face-to-face. Since we had spoken on Facebook and on the telephone, it was one of those small treats to put a name with a face. He was friendly and engaging, jovial even.

At one point, an employee was passing our table, and stopped to tell my husband that he had dropped a $20 bill. That was honest.

The one thing about which I was not crazy was the staff wearing jeans. I am not a big fan of jeans, and, in a restaurant like that, I might have expected to see black slacks. However, that is me, and I realize that a business needs to appeal to its clientele. The attire there seemed to be nice-casual. Anyone should feel comfortable there.

By the time we finished dining, I said, "I am done. Stick a fork in me."

Hubby said, "I don't think you would like that."

Hehe.

Since the night was so beautiful, after we finished our supper, and while we were waiting for dessert, which we had to order, Hubby and I stepped outside for a bit of fresh air and to stretch and let our food settle...and we needed room for dessert. While we were outside, an employee rushed out after us, not because he thought that we had left without paying, but to let us know that I had forgotten my wallet. Another kind and honest gesture.

Back inside. Cheesecake for Hubby. Chocolate cake for me. By then, really full.

Attentive staff, but not overbearing. Prime beef. Friendly management. Reasonable prices for the quality of food. Excellent experience. It would seem to me that anyone who has anything negative to say about this place...has not actually been there. If you are within driving distance of DoMo and have not been to Epic Chophouse on Main Street, GO. Treat yourself. Savor the meal. Enjoy the experience.

Now we are trying to figure out how we could eat there every night. Maybe we shall sell the car and set up an Epic Chophouse fund. We will be back.

By the way, can anyone give us a ride?

Epic. First. Date.

A = Abstemiously

2011-04-01T08:27:00.003-04:00

For Fun Friday this week, I am posting a word.

Abstemiously.

What is so special about this word? Remember that this is Fun Friday, so try not to put too much thought into it.

If, however, you would like to delve beyond the fun and find out more about this word, abstemious is characterized by abstinence or sparing or moderate eating and drinking. How can that relate you your life? You can answer facetiously, yet it would be interesting to read people's various perspectives.

Why Do We Blog?

2011-03-24T11:40:00.003-04:00

A while back, someone asked me why I blog. I am curious now, why do YOU blog? People have blogs about countless topics and for a wide variety of reasons, and it might be neat to find out what are some of them. With that in mind, I have decided to created this meme.

The Question: Why do you blog?

The Rules:

1. Comment below to answer the question with five reasons.

2. Create your own blog entry to continue the meme.

3. Give credit and link back to the original blog post and to the blog where you saw the meme shared.

4. Tag your friends and encourage them to participate.

Part of the fun of this is seeing how many people keep the chain going and seeing all of the different -- or similar -- reasons that people give, so be sure to read other people's blogs to see what they say!

I will start by answering my own question. I originally posted an answer to this question last summer, yet as time goes by, my reasons have grown. Be clear that they have not changed, yet I have even more reasons now. In addition to what I posted last year, here are five more reasons why I like to blog.

Why do you blog?

1. To Learn. I like to learn, and sometimes I learn new things when researching for what I want to write.

2. For Fun. Sometimes I like to do or write or share something simply for the enjoyment or the humor of it.

3. To Read. I sincerely enjoy reading people's comments. It makes me feel good to know that people care enough to read my blog and comment on it, and it is even better when I see people commenting off of one another's comments.

4. To Share. When someone tells me that they have "gotten something" from reading my blog, I feel blessed to know that God used me to touch that person.

5. For Friends. It is neat to meet and get to know people via our blogs. Some of these people have even gotten to be my buddies outside of the blog world. How neat is that?

I am going to tag Da wn, A.Marie, Kathy, Lisa, Julie, Jennyfer, and...if you would like to be tagged, just let me know.

Your turn!

Quiet

2011-03-23T09:37:00.003-04:00

Today is one of those days where everything seems quiet. It seems like the world outside of these walls is not even there. It is peaceful. Do you ever have those days?

I do not mean that it is literally quiet. I can hear Hubby getting ice out of the freezer, the dog's tag jingling as he moves, the air conditioning running, the birds are talking, and other "life" noises are happening. However, everything feels quiet. It is a feeling that everything is calm, everything is good. The worries of life are not affecting me at this moment -- and, yes, there are some doozies right now. I just feel at peace.

It is time to head off and do some cleaning, but I will leave you with this....

Fun Friday -- Pink

2011-03-18T08:18:00.006-04:00

What can you get to know about someone by a color? Recently, I posted on Facebook and asked people to choose a color. With St. Patrick's Day being this week, or because it is my favorite color, did people choose green? No. The color most commonly chosen was pink, so I went around the house and took pictures of things that are some shade of pink. Finding things pink was not easy, though, because, frankly, I am not a fan of pink. Still, I made the effort, and here are some things in my life that are pink.

This is a picture frame that our sweet Boy made for us for Valentine's Day. He is so precious and giving and loving. How could we not adore that beautiful face?

Johnson's Baby Lotion. Since having Boy, this is usually in the house, and everyone uses it.

Pasta. Mmmm. This box happens to have pink on it because a portion of the proceeds was to benefit the Susan G. Komen foundation.

A well-worn pair of pink, plaid sneakers.

Chunky Bible. I also have a blue one, a green one, and an orange one. They are fun and like a big block. Now, that's Chunky!

What home does not need duct tape?

Grams' sweater. Grams died on 9/13/2004, and even though I am not a fan of pink, I kept this sweater of hers. It is getting old and may not fit perfectly, but I wear it and think of her when I do.

Hats. I have lots of hats, dozens of them. I like a hat on my head or a flower in my hair. No, I do not have any pink flowers. I will say, though, that more people should wear hats!

There you have it. Some things "pink" from my life. Whew, that was not so easy. I had to go searching. Who knew that I so much that is pink when I do not even like pink?

If you are wondering why we have pink, of all colors, duct tape, it is because it is left over from the G.A.L.s Wearing Hats duct tape purse party. Here are two purses that I made.

Yes, those are more things pink, but who knows what ever happened to them? Not me.

What about you? Are you a fan of pink? What do you have in your life that is pink? All that I think that I have left to say now is...YOUR TURN!

Christian Blog Crawl

2011-03-17T08:47:00.037-04:00

Sooo...I saw a "blog crawl" on someone's blog, and, while I was not exactly sure what that was, the idea seemed excellent to me. What a neat way to share thoughts and words and lessons and ideas from and with other people on a regular basis. My mind started working, I came up with my own idea of what this could be, and I created the Christian Blog Crawl.

Participating blogs are based on Christian values but do not need to focus on any specific subject. As a matter of fact, we aim for a variety of types of blogs. Please check out all of the blogs listed below, and feel free to return to read and comment on them as often as you would like.

Brvan

http://brvan.com

Faith. Family. Writing.

Certain Christian

http://www.certainchristian.com/

One Man and His Journey with God

My Money Mission

http://www.mymoneymission.com/

http://www.mymoneymissiononline.com/

Taber's Truths

http://www.taberstruths.com/

Spiritual insights for the common man.

Homeschool Circus

http://upatdawnreadytowork.blogspot.com

What else do you call a homeschooling house of six?

Mike Print

http://mikegprint.wordpress.com/

Thoughts on life and faith.

Apologetics Guy

http://www.apologeticsguy.com/blog/

Words from DUG

http://wordsfromdug.blogspot.com/

"A bit of faith, a bit of inspiration, a bit of humor, a bit of the every day."

If you would like to join us on the Christian Blog Crawl list, ask! We commit to posting the above badge on our blog with a link to this page for the list, we commit to reading one another's blogs and commenting on posts, we commit to sharing about CBC occasionally on our own blogs to try to share our readership with one another, and we commit to being encouraging over all. If a blog contains anything that may be questionable or not in line with the Word of God, then please do not ask to be added. Thank you, and happy blogging!

NOTE: Each blog is of the individual blog writer's thoughts. While I am a Conservative Christian, you may find something a bit more liberal posted among these blogs. (If I see it, you may very well see my comment.) While we aim to spread the message of Christ's love by our messages and our actions, we also can learn from other's points of view.

Popcorn? Who Knew?

2011-03-16T09:17:00.001-04:00

Who knew that there was an entire world of popcorn about which we could learn? Seriously! Okay, okay, there is an entire world of just about everything for us to learn. More specifically, I guess the question should be, who would think to make an entire study about it? Well...someone did.

A new blog that I discovered, Walking Home..., had a post about this study and then a contest. Guess what. Wait for iiiit....

I WON!

Oh, My Goodness, I was so excited. Most of us would probably say the same thing about winning anything, right? However, I won!

This is going to be such an interesting study to do as a family. Hubby and Boy both really like popcorn. What neat things will we learn about it and do with it during this study?

Day 1: Popcorn—What Is It?

Day 2: The Story of Popcorn

Day 3: The Flavors of Popcorn

Day 4: The Science of Popcorn

Day 5: Fun With Popcorn

Another fantastic thing about winning this contest is that it introduced me to UnitStudy.com, which I hope to utilize for more interesting and thrilling learning experiences for our family. Thank you so much to Walking Home... for the gift and for the adventure on which my guys and I will be going right here at home!

Why Give God Credit?

2011-03-15T08:50:00.001-04:00

Do you give God credit for everything? I mean EVERYTHING? If so, why?

Now, before you go giving me grief, hear (read) me out.

There are some people who give God credit for everything, and I mean everything, whether it comes from Him or not. Yes, that is correct, not everything comes from God. The enemy also "gives" to us.

Did you ever do something that you were unsure was the right thing to do because, if you had to be honest, you really wanted to do it? Were your motives selfish, or was it really right? Did you justify the decision by saying that you know that it was what God wanted you to do because if He did not want you to do it, then He would not have let you?

"Let you?" That is a bit of a lame excuse because God gave us free will. You are capable of making your own decisions and taking your own actions. Yes, God will most certainly "let" you make mistakes.

I have heard it said that people ask God, if something is not meant to be, to please put up roadblocks. Then, when obvious roadblocks appear, they do what it takes to get around them in order to do what they wanted in the first place. God would have prevented a person from getting around a roadblock if He did not want them to have or do that something, though, right?

We are not marionettes! God does not control us. He does guide us and give us direction. Do we really want His guidance, or do we just want to feel "righteous" for asking?

Think about this:

The evil one tempts you with something that you want. Let us use a car as an example. You want this car. You pray about it and ask God if this is the car that you should buy. When you go back to look at it a second time, you notice a paint drip on the fender and ask why the car was painted. The person selling the car says that it was in a minor accident but is fine. RED FLAG? Your spouse does not think that buying the car is a good idea. CLUE #2? The bank will not approve your loan for the car. HINT #3? You really want this car, though, so you do whatever you can to get the money to buy it. After all, the car was fixed after the accident, so it is probably fine. You buy the car.

You are so excited, and you thank God for making it possible for you to buy that car.

Then it turns our that an axle is bent, the frame was damaged, and several other damages must have happened in that accident that you did not realize when you bought the car. The car is costing you more money that you can afford and lots of stress, and it is causing problems in your marriage because your spouse thought that you should not buy the car in the first place. That car is causing you more trouble in your life than it is worth. Why? WHY? WHY?!

God, why would you let me buy a car that was going to cause so many problems? I prayed and asked you about it, and you did not stop me!

Huh?

Is it possible that God gave you at least three reasons not to buy the car? Is it possible that you did not pay attention to God? Is it possible that the evil one gave you that car because the evil one wanted to mess with your life? Is it possible that the evil one brought that car to you in the hopes that it would make you question God? Is it possible that by thanking God for this car, you gave Him credit for something that the evil one did?

Now I will go back to my original question: Do you give God credit for everything? I mean EVERYTHING? If so, why?

Weary

2011-03-13T17:22:00.001-04:00

February 6th was our son's third birthday. Yay! Happy birthday, Sweet Boy!

February 6th, G'pa died...yes, on our son's birthday.

February 10th, a friend of ours had surgery. Sometimes stress comes simply from being concerned. (I will not say worrying since we should not worry. Hehe.) She is well, PTL.

February 11th, we were supposed to go to a marriage weekend and have our first "adult" getaway since Boy was born. A crisis caused us to not have child care. Trip cancelled.

February 13th, Hubby fell sick.

Boy got sick.

February 23rd, Hubby had surgery.

Then a different friend got very sick, had a lung collapse, wound up in the hospital on February 25th.

On February 26th, my father fell ill. He almost never even gets a cold.

We were back and forth and back and forth to the hospital, almost an hour away, for the friend who was admitted on Friday. She had surgery on March 2nd.

I cancelled my birthday party on March 5th. We had lunch and went to the hospital that day.

On March 10th, one of our dogs did not seem to be doing well. Hubby took him to the vet on March 11th. X-rays and tests. On March 12th, more tests. Parasite? Cancer? Auto-immune? Tests.

On March 12th, the friend who had surgery for her lung phoned. Back to hospital with a fever of 103. (Foreigner's "Hot-Blooded" came to mind as I typed that.)

Aaah...those are merely the highlights and not even everything that has gone on since last month.

Today I am weary. With all that has been going on, my heart is tired. I feel like I am always trying to be there for others, praying for them, thinking about them, running around, taking care when I can, helping where I can, extending a hand, reaching out....

I tend to be one of those people who tries to see the bright side of things. God has a plan. There is a reason for everything. Sometimes, though, and lately, I simply feel tired. Sometimes I wonder, What is the plan? Sometimes I feel lonely. I am trying so hard to be there for others. Is anyone trying to be there for me?

Then I feel guilty and ponder, Am I selfish to wonder that? (Insert dramatic groan.)

Saturday Search

2011-03-12T11:22:00.003-05:00

Rather than me putting my thoughts out there today, it might be neat to read yours! With that in mind, I invite you to share anything that you want to share today in a few sentences or less. Experience, humor, scripture, embarrassment, prayers...anything. Go!

You May Not Mind Your Manners...But I Do.

2011-03-10T08:09:00.001-05:00

People are rude. It is as simply as that. I miss a time when I did not exist. I miss an era where people knew their neighbors, cared about the people around them, did for others, and were not as self-absorbed as they are today. In my mind, that time is the 1950s. Maybe it is earlier.

In my mind, and from what I gather by reading and watching old programs, people had manners in the 1950s. I dare even say...etiquette...courtesy. Here are some things that, in my mind, are different about the time from when I did not exist and now.

THEN: Supper was a family event. Families supped together each night. They talked about their days. No one left the table until everyone was finished eating. Children would not even think of asking to leave the table. Then, quite possibly, they even helped clear the table.

NOW: How many families do you even know who dine together at supper time? Of those who do, how many have children who dash away from the table as soon as they are finished shoveling away whatever food they are going to eat? How many people are sitting at the table answering texts, reading the news, not even paying attention to the others at the table? It is rude and un-courteous.

Side Note: In the 1950s, "Breakfast is the one meal at which it is permissible to read the paper, mail, or anything else that suits your fancy." -Amy Vanderbilt, Complete Book of Etiquette, 1954

THEN: Children's behavior. Please and thank you were compulsory. If a child did not say them, an adult present would tell them right then and there that there were being impolite. All teachers were addressed as Sir or Ma'am. Boys knew not to wear a hat indoors, and when they were talking with or met a lady, their hats would be removed. A child would open a door and let someone go through it before they did.

NOW: Manners? What are those? "I want, I want, I want." Respect for teachers? According to what I have heard lately...not so much. If a child is disrespectful nowadays, not much seems to be done to discipline them because people are so afraid of the repercussions. Have you ever heard older adults use the expression, "If I spoke to my parents that way, I would get a whipping, for sure!" As for the door thing, pay attention the next time that you go someplace where there are children. Do they hold the door for their mom, or do they rush inside and let the door close behind them?

THEN: Ladies wore hats. If you know me, you know that I adore hats. That is not the point here, though. The point is that ladies dressed like ladies. As a matter of fact, women cared enough to take the time to dress like a lady. "Casual" may have been a pair of slacks or capris.

NOW: Sweatpants, jeans, leggings, bra straps showing, thongs showing out the tops of jeans...sloppy. I know, I know, whatever is comfortable, right? Ugh. What ever happene to a woman looking feminine for her man? What happened to wanting to look pretty for yourself? Why have we become a kind of society where so many people seem to take no pride in their appearance anymore? Did people forget that looking good also helps you feel good?

There is so much more about today's society that is just not cool.

~When a new cash register opens at the supermarket, does the person at the back of the line rush to that register, or do they make sure that the person who is next in line is aware?

~When someone moves to a new neighborhood, do people rush over with a plate of cookies to welcome them or watch from behind a curtain to see who the new people are and make judgments about them?

Oh, I could go on and on. I will not, though. I am not complaining. Life is good, and we have so many blessings here and now. Simply, I am wondering why things are so different now from a time when, in my mind, they were, in some ways, better.

Now, now, someone is bound to take offense at something that I mentioned. If you do, then I would refer you to Are You Offended? Nothing that I said was geared toward anyone in particular. Some ladies dress quite lovely. Some people's children are very polite. Some people still enjoy a good, family meal as quality time together. I mean, I am sure that they do. Right?

Suicide

2011-03-09T08:02:00.002-05:00

Someone that I once knew pretty well committed suicide last week.

Many thoughts were running through my mind. Will he be going to Heaven? Did he think about the people he left behind and how his actions would affect them? Did he really want to die? Did he leave a note?

Yes, that last one may seem off, but Pump Up the Volume, an old Christian Slater movie, came to mind. "Did you at least write a note? You have a reason, don't you? You're not going to be one of those people who kills themselves, and nobody has any idea why they did it? Hey, that's why we need a note, Pal!"

I know that is crass. I am not insensitive to that. If you have seen the movie, then you know that Christian Slater's character did not think that the guy was really going to commit suicide. He thought that the guy was merely having a tough time and feeling down, maybe looking for attention.

Was it like that with our old friend? Did he reach out to anyone? Did they not take him seriously? Did they let him down when he may have needed them most? How alone and miserable must someone feel to go so far as to take their own life?

Back to my first question: Will he go to Heaven? There are an array of thoughts on the matter of whether one will go to Heaven after taking their own life. Some believe that you must ask forgiveness for your sin, and if you are dead, then how can you ask forgiveness? Some believe that once your have Jesus Christ as your Saviour, your sins are paid for and covered. The Sixth Commandment tells us, "Though shalt not murder," or "Though shalt not kill." Does this make suicide a sin?

I will admit that I do not know the word in its original Hebrew. In today's English, Dictionary.com's first definition of murder is, "the killing of another human being." Does that mean that you cannot murder yourself? Dictionary.com's first definition of kill is, "to deprive of life in any manner." Wait a minute, that means something different.

Here is what the Bible tells us.

God's Word says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God," (Ephesians 2:8) and that nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:37-39).

NOTHING can separate from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. That is, as long as we have a relationship with Christ Jesus. Did my old friend have a relationship with Jesus? I am sorry to say that I do not know.

Do we have people in our lives who might be reaching out for help? Are we extending a hand to give them something to grab? Are we sharing the Gospel with them? Are we emphasizing John 3:16? Are we paying attention to what people are not telling us? Are we working to be sure that the people around us are exposed to Christ's love through us?

Most of us are not equipped to deal with a person considering suicide. Hopefully and thankfully, most of the people in our lives are likely not going to even consider it. Probably, though, we do have people in our lives who are feeling bad in some way. What we are equipped to do is to love someone who is sad, to comfort someone who is hurting, to listen when someone wants to talk, to simply be there when someone is feeling alone.

Not only are we called to, but it is also so important that we share the rewards of Christ's love with others. Bear in mind that if someone is in need and is thirsting for something, then the Living Water could sound realllly good.

After all, "How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" -Romans 10:14

Hey, look...this song fits again. Thank you, Casting Crowns.

NOTE: If you know of someone who has a serious problem, and you are not able to be what they need, then I encourage you to find someone who might: a pastor or a doctor or someone professionally trained to handle serious, emotional issues.

Gossip

2011-03-07T11:07:00.002-05:00

A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. -Proverbs 11:13

Gossip is wrong. We know that, right? Gossip accuses people. It charges others with wrong, and people love to talk about the alleged wrongs of others. People love to put others down.

Proverbs 16:27 tells us:

A scoundrel plots evil, and on their lips it is like a scorching fire. (NIV)

Mean people spread mean gossip; their words smart and burn. (MSG)

A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. (ESV)

An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. (KJV)

No matter how you say it, gossip is not good. When it is brought to your attention that you have been a victim of gossip, it may cause you to wonder. "What have I done to this person? Do I even know this person? I actually know this person. I thought that we were friends." ...or so many other things.

If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. -Matthew 18:15

...so if someone had a problem with you, why did you hear the gossip from someone else?

More directly, why did they gossip in the first place? Do people think about the results of their gossip? Do people intend to hurt others? Sometimes, possibly, they do.

"They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows. They shoot from ambush at the innocent; they shoot suddenly, without fear." -Psalm 64:3-4

Oftentimes, I would suspect that people do not think of the results of their actions.

People gossip to feel superior. People gossip to try to impress others by being the person to have "the dirt." People gossip out of jealousy. People gossip for attention.

One of the damaging things about gossip is that it is often untrue or based on other gossip. You remember playing the telephone game when you were younger, right? One person would start by whispering something in someone's ear, and then they would whisper is in the next persons ear, and so on and so on until the last person would say it out loud. Usually, what the last person said out loud was not what the original person said.

Gossip is much like that.

When the message gets to you, what do you do with it? Do you continue to talk about people behind their backs? Do you even bother to find out the facts, or do you continue to spread the gossip?

...OR do you nip it in the bud and say, "I do not want to hear that gossip. If you have an issue with that person, then you need to go talk with them directly."

"The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." -Proverbs 12:18

We can be cruel, hurtful, catty gossipers, or we can be the positive example and treat those around us with respect. Which is the kind of person that you would rather be?

Is This News?

2011-02-28T13:49:00.001-05:00

We were at the doctor's office this morning, and CNN was playing on the television in the waiting room. We were amazed at some of the drivel that we saw. Then they played a video of a baby laughing. I said, "Wh-hat? This is news?!" Then I said, "Well...people complain that the news usually only plays bad news, so I guess this is a cute, happy thing to share.

...but wait a minute. The baby is laughing at the tearing up of a JOB REJECTION LETTER that the dad received. The man is still out of work. Unemployed. In the end, I suppose that it was still bad news being reported. 8^P

Deed 14: We were at a restaurant with the Youth Group last night, and two of us got to the line at the same time. The young man let me go first. When we were at the register, I had him order and paid for his food. He said that I did not have to do that, like a polite, young gentleman, but I insisted. (After all, I still have ninety-six deliberate kind deeds to do in the next fourty-two day!)

WORSHIP HIM WEDNESDAY

2011-02-23T08:11:00.001-05:00

Today is Wednesday, and, for a twist, rather than chattering on with my thoughts, I would really like to read yours. Thus, my post for today will be simple.

What is worship to you?

You Farted

2011-02-15T07:38:00.001-05:00

Does your child ever say something that makes you so grateful that you do not have company or so happy that you are not in public?

Boy was in my arms. There was a noise. Boy looked at my hubby and said, "Poppie, you farted."

"What? No, I didn't. Momma did!"

"No, Poppie, you farted."

"No, I didn't! Momma did!"

"No, Poppie, you did!" It is as though Boy is telling my hubby to stop trying to blame me.

The argument went on for a few more rounds, my husband's face full of shock as he protested his innocence and tried not to laugh.

He was innocent.

Why on earth, you may be wondering, am I posting this today? I am sharing it because it is funny. If you do not see the humor, then maybe you do not have children...or maybe you just lack a funny bone. If that is the case, phone your orthopedist today and make an appointment.

If you are horrified because I used the word "fart," then watch and listen to what Brad Stine has to say about the matter.

What can you do?

2011-02-13T13:37:00.006-05:00

Untitled

one little boy

alone in an alley

unknown

a little girl

on the other side of town

unforgotten

two children

with no families

unloved

no friends

to stay with

unwanted

no one to help them

through the long, cold winter

uncared-for

yet we all know

that they are there...

...unforgotten

While cleaning out a closet and going through boxes, I found an old notebook with poems that I had written in high school. The poem above was one of them, and it brought to mind a recent sermon stemming from James 1:27.

"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you."

We know that there are orphans out there, some on the streets, some at some kind of a shelter or orphanage. Wherever they are, they are children. They may be scared. They may be lonely. The Lord has called us to care for these children. Do we? Do we care for them, with care being a verb? ...or do we pity them, pray for them, hope that "someone" does something to help them?

Isaiah 1:17 tells us to, "Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows."

How can you help? What can you do? How can you know where there are needs? These are all good questions. Doing a simple search, I found MissionFinder.org, which has a section called Opportunities for Service in Christian Orphanages. Well, look at that. There is also Orphanage.org.

If you are in the position and place in your life to give a child a loving, nurturing, happy home, then please be encouraged to consider that. If you are not in that position but have love to share and would like to do something to help, then take the initiative. Find an orphanage, contact them, and ask what you can do to volunteer or give or fulfill any needs that the children there have.

Maybe you belong to a group or a club who can get together and reach out, organize a service project, do some outreach to benefit the children and/or the people who work with them every single day.

YOU can make a difference.

“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me." -Matthew 18:5

Disobedience

2011-02-08T13:37:00.007-05:00

For a while now, my husband has been saying that we needed to go to New York to visit his grandfather. It was important to spend time with G'pa and to introduce our son and his great grandfather. When we planned to go, we wound up not going.

G'pa died Sunday morning. My husband was crushed, and my heart broke for him. The misery was twofold. My husband was remorseful because we did not go and spend time with G'pa before it was too late.

Additionally, my husband was devastated because he had disobeyed God. You see, the reason that he knew that we needed to go see G'pa was because God kept telling him to go. My husband told me this, repeatedly. We both knew. We never made the time and went. Now we do not even have the opportunity.

This was a slap in the face to my husband because it highlighted his disobedience to God. As if He wants to make sure that we do not forget, G'pa died on our son's birthday. Can you even imagine how that must feel to my husband?

As we were absorbing the reality of what happened, and my husband was feeling incredibly remorseful, I felt like he was not alone in the disobedience. You see, even though God was speaking to my husband, my husband conveyed the message to me, and I could have been more proactive in making the journey happen. I even had the idea of asking someone to help G'pa get on Skype so that we could at least speak with him and let him and our son see each other. How simple is that? Did I follow through, though? No.

This loss is most definitely a lesson on obedience for my husband. However, it is also a lesson on action for me. I knew that my husband had a calling. I knew that it was time sensitive. I could have been less of a "supportive" wife and more of a wife of action. For that, I am truly sorry to my husband.

Yes, this is a tough lesson for both of us, and, yes, I am sure that God will use this lesson to bring blessings to our life and hopefully to others. For me personally, I hope that I can take this lesson to heart and make a change in myself to be more like the kind of wife God wants me to be for my husband, to sense when he has a need, and to take action to help him fulfill it.

2011-01-25T21:55:00.002-05:00

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Be Kind to Jerks

2011-01-14T08:29:00.007-05:00

You have heard it said, "Be kind to others," and "Treat others as you would want to be treated," and other things like that. Have you ever heard it said to "Be kind to jerks?"

Welll...maybe not in those exact words, but you have probably heard, "Love your enemies."

We are called to do good for everyone, not just the people that we like. I read a Bible verse recently that made me chuckle.

"If you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that." Luke 6:33 (In context.)

It is such an obvious statement, yet it is so sagacious at the same time. For those of us who strive to shine as a light of Christ to the world, this especially rings true. What kind of an example of His love are we if we play favorites and only love those who love us?

Wait a moment....

Now, as I type this, my train of thought is wandering to Casting Crowns' "If We Are the Body."

Since that is on my mind now, rather than continuing to type my thoughts, I am going to sign that song for you. Soo...this post started with the intention of talking (err...typing) about being kind to jerks and is ending with a song about being jerks. It may not be exactly where I had in mind to go originally, but it is where I am going now.

If you want to watch the video larger and with some more clarity, you can see it on YouTube by clicking here.

"But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."

-1 Corinthians 12:24b-27 (20-27)

It Figures

2011-01-08T09:47:00.001-05:00

You know about what I am talking.

You pick what you thought was the shorter line at the supermarket, and the cashier has to call a manager for help for the person in front of you. You watch the next line over go through three customers before the manager even gets to your cashier. It figures.

You are running late to something and seem to get every red light on the way there. It figures.

You get a telephone call and forget to take supper out of the oven, and it gets overcooked. It figures.

Something happens that is not what you wanted, and you say, "It figures."

This is one of those expressions that annoys me. Yes, it annoys me. You may ask me why it annoys me. I may ask you, "Why does it figure?!"

Is your life so miserable that it just figures when something does not go your way? Do things go wrong in your life so consistently that you just figure that that is what is going to happen?

I would be surprised if you answered, "Yes," but if you did, and if that much is truly going wrong in your life, then perhaps it is time for you to make a change.

Is it your outlook that needs to change? Is it your attitude that needs to change? Is it where you put your focus that needs to change? Is it where you put your faith that needs to change?

Personally, right now in my life, I do not think that I know anyone who has it as bad as Job had it. Job was a wealthy man. In Job 1 and 2, in one day, he had more go wrong than one might imagine could happen in one day. Job's oxen, donkeys and camels were all stolen. A fire killed all of his sheep. Did Job say, "It figures?" No. In Job 1:21b, he said, "...the Lord giveth, and the Lord has taken away."

On another day, Job was afflicted "with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head." (Job 2:7b) At this point, in verses 9 and 10:

His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!”

He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”

Wow.

This man's had a faith in the Lord that got him through the worst of times. Job lost just about everything possible, yet he maintained the right attitude and a strong faith in God. Does that make you think?

The next time that you are getting frustrated because you let someone pull out in front of you, and then you wind up getting the red light or because you are baking a cake for company in two hours and it comes out lopsided or.... When your instinct is to say, "It figures," maybe instead you can say, "Well, if that is the worst thing that happens to me today, I am doing great."

Maybe you could say, "Hey, at least I am not Job."

Oh, and if you are wondering what ever became of Job after all of that, check it out!

*******

Deed 12: We were at a restaurant this week, the kind where you take your trays back and throw away your own garbage. A group of men had left three tables with their trash on them, so I decided to clean off the tables. A friend who was with me helped me. The people working at the restaurant did not know that we did that, and that is just fine.

Deed 13: We went to the grocery store, and when we went to return our cart, I took a few minutes to gather the scattered carts and stack them neatly to make it easier for the person who would have to bring them back inside.

Deed #10, #11...New Challenge

2010-12-04T23:09:00.008-05:00

As is my usual fashion, I blog for a while and then get distracted by life. As you may know, I have been working on a challenge to myself to do 111 kind deeds in the last 111 days of 2010. Did I do it? Well...yes and no.

There was a Friday when I was at a Christmas Bazaar at a retirement community. I brought my boxes inside and then went back out to help other people bring their products and displays into the building. Then my display got set up after I finished helping.

We had a Christmas Gift Exchange at LOTH, and one of the ladies had to bow out due to a family tragedy. That left someone else without a Secret Sister. Even though I was not participating in the exchange, I stepped in and played the part of that person's Secret Sister.

I could go on and on, and I very well may have reached my goal. However, my challenge to myself was to do kind deeds that were purposeful for this challenge, and that proved to be difficult since it

is my nature to do for others, anyway. Thus, I may also have failed at reaching my goal.

You know what they say, though: If at first you do not succeed, then try, try again.

Update to challenge! Since I have documented eleven deeds, that leaves 100 to go. My new challenge to myself will be to do 100 focused, kind deeds in the first 100 days of 2011. That makes my new deadline April 10th.

Bear in mind that the intention for this challenge is not to come on here and brag about kind deeds that have been done. The intention is to challenge myself to be more focused on other people and doing what I can to bring a smile to their faces or to help them with something or to make their lives just a little bit easier.

PS I am also going to try to get up to 100 Followers of my blog because the more people who I have holding me accountable (and encouraging me), the better I believe that my odds will be of reaching my goal!

Deed #9

2010-12-01T12:41:00.007-05:00

There are a number of families who have made known their desire to be bombarded with Christmas cards this year. Though I do not know these families personally, what easier way could there be to add some Holiday cheer to the season for some folks?

Now the mystery of why I bought stamps at the post office last week even though we did not need them has been solved!

Deed #8

2010-12-01T10:40:00.005-05:00

Are you one of those people who will avoid public restrooms at all costs if it is realistically possible?

I am.

I am horrified by the disgustingness of filth and germs. UGH! If I absolutely have to use a public restroom...there is no resting involved. It is stressful. I try not to touch anything. When finished, I scrub my hands like I am getting ready to perform surgery.

You might be "one of those" people, or you might not. If you are, you know that it is difficult to touch the handle to make the paper towels come out...because other people have touched it, and there might be germs. The horror!

Being on vacation this past weekend, I found myself faced with not being able to avoid using public restrooms. Since I had to suffer, anyway, I decided to try to ease the suffering of the next mysophobe who might be forced to use the public restroom after I left.

I made an effort to lower the paper towels out of the dispenser so that the next person did not have to touch the potentially dirty, germy, yucky dispenser knobs or (handles).

You may have to be "one of those people" to appreciate this. I am sure that someone did!

Deeds #6 & #7

2010-12-01T09:21:00.006-05:00

I am so far behind that I am going to have to be doing kind deeds left and right this month to accomplish my challenge to myself. No worries, though. I can do it!

We went to the mall at NC last week, and there was a woman walking up ahead of us who had a garment bag with a big lump at the bottom. That did not seem right, so I trotted up to where she was and pointed it out to her. This deed may seem small, but even the small deeds matter to the people that they affect. The woman had apparently just bought a new sweater that did not stay on the hanger, and she was grateful that I let her know so that she could open the bag and hang the new garment properly.

Last Sunday, our pastor challenged us to actually see people. When we were at a mall at SC, I made a point to look at people and notice them. When eye contact was made, I smiled at them. I was not obnoxious or silly. I just gave a friendly smile to acknowledge them and hopefully give them a smile (since smiling is so often contagious). My observation was interesting: I think that every single person seemed to nervously turn their gaze away when they realized that I realized that we had made eye contact. I wonder why people are so nervous around...people.

Deed #5

2010-11-09T15:05:00.005-05:00

The guys and I went to a department store on Saturday to look for some slacks for Hubby. While he went to try on the pants, Boy and I walked over the the children's section of the store to look at toys and clothes. Boy played with a few things, and then I decided that it was time to head back to find Hubby.

As Boy and I walked past a rack of clothes, I noticed that something had fallen on the floor. Instinctively, I leaned over and picked it up. Then it occurred to me that this could be a kind deed! As we walked back toward where Hubby was, I kept my eyes scanning the floor, picked up items that had fallen, and hung them back on their respective racks.

No one may have even noticed that it was done, but I felt good knowing that some employee later that day (or night) would have a little bit less work to do.

Deed #4?

2010-10-31T06:52:00.004-04:00

Dawn and I were working a booth for Discovery Toys at a Holiday Bazaar this weekend at the Cannon School this weekend. Yesterday when I pulled into a parking space, I could see a woman, another vendor, struggling to gather all of her supplies together to carry inside in one trip. She may have needed to make two trips. It sort of looked like a comedy skit while she would add one thing to her cart and something else would fall off and then she would pick that up and another thing would fall off.

Thinking about it now, it is one of those things was probably frustrating in the moment but about which she might laugh later.

After parking my car and turning it off, I got out, walked straight toward her, and offered help. She gratefully accepted. Once we got through the doorway of the building, she said, "I can take it from here," and promptly dropped her things again. Well-choreographed comedy. I helped her get her supplies to her booth.

The reason that I put a question mark next to the title of this post is that I would have helped this woman anyway, so I am not sure if it counts for my 111 Deeds challenge to myself. I am a bit behind on my deeds, though, so I am counting it!

Deed #3

2010-09-28T08:41:00.006-04:00

On Thursday, Boy and I went to meet some friends at Chick-fil-A for a play date. I had done temporary airbrush tattoos for a Kids Night there recently and had traded for some free food coupons.

When we were getting ready to leave, a family arrived with a little girl. I asked the (I assume) dad if they would be purchasing a Kid's Meal. He told me, "No."

Then a lady who works there asked if I needed anything. I thanked her and told her that we did not and that I had asked the guy because I had a meal coupon that I would have given him. Then the guy said something like, "Oh, if it is free...." LOL.

At that point, it did not seem like the guy appreciated it, but I gave him the free Kid's Meal card, anyway, in the hopes that it would be a happy surprise/treat for the little girl.

Deed #2

2010-09-20T09:04:00.004-04:00

This past weekend was the Southern Women's Show at Charlotte. Lila (my upline) and I worked the show and met so many people. On Friday, as we were walking across the parking lot to enter the building, I saw three women sitting in a car. they were obviously not exhibitors, or they would not have been sitting outside waiting. Since I had some extra tickets, I walked over to the car and told

the ladies that I was going to give them a gift. It turned out that two of them already had tickets, yet they were very grateful that I gave them an additional ticket so that they could all go to the show for free.

We also met a couple on Saturday who were considering returning on Sunday. I gave them each a free ticket to return. Then the gal's mother did not want to be left out, so I gave her one, too. Hehe.

On Sunday, two gals to whom I had given tickets last weekend visited our booth at the SWS and told me how excited they are about their Discovery Toys party next week. That was a happy thing for me to hear!

Deed #1

2010-09-13T22:45:00.002-04:00

Boy and I went outside and headed down the hill with the intention of checking the mailbox to see if there was any mail. By the time we got to the bottom of the hill, we wound up continuing across the street to the end of the neighbors' driveway where the empty garbage pail was sitting. Boy and I walked the garbage pail down their loong driveway, put it next to the house, and then walked back up the loong hill. On the way back up the driveway, we noticed that the other neighbors' garbage can was sitting at the road. We headed over there and dragged their garbage can down their even longer driveway, we parked it near the garage, and we headed back up the hill toward our mailbox and then home.

While this may not seem like a great task, these are long driveways that go downhill. Hopefully we relieved someone from doing a task that they might not enjoy doing, which gave them something about which to be happy this evening.

111 Deeds in 111 Days

2010-09-10T08:02:00.001-04:00

September 11th marks an indescribably horrible tragedy for our country and for so many people personally. Evil attacked. Lives were impacted. Bad happened for so many.

My post today is not about the September 11th, 2001, attacks. My post is about doing good for others. I mentioned 9/11 for two reasons. One is to recognize the anniversary of this tragic event and to express compassion for those involved. The other reason is to recognize that there is bad in this world. We know that there is. However, we can add more good.

No, the majority of us probably will not have the opportunity to impact thousands of lives in one act. That does not mean that we cannot impact one life.

I am reminded of a story. Do you know the one about the starfish? I am posting a video here to share it with you. (This particular video is a recognition for teachers, but I liked it the best of all of those that I viewed on YouTube.)

While each one of us may not be able to make an impact on the masses, think of how one small act could impact even one person. Quite possibly, that person might, in turn, do something good for someone else.

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." -Hebrews 13:16 NIV

Here is my challenge to myself. On September 11th, there will be 111 days left in 2010. My goal is to do 111 good deed in 111 days. Will I reach this goal by the end of the year? I certainly hope to.

I know, I know, we do kind things for one another every day, sometimes without even thinking about it. At other times, though, I suspect that we can so caught up in our own lives and experiences that we do not think of others as much as we should. For this challenge to myself, these will be purposeful and conscious tasks with the intention of making something a bit easier for someone or making someone feel a bit better about themselves or even just adding a smile to someone's face that was not there before.

So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. -Galatians 6:9 TM

If you would like to join me on this journey of 111, I hope that you will share what you do with me. Maybe I will get some new ideas for your good works. Until tomorrow....

Ice Cream Hangover

2010-08-09T08:48:00.001-04:00

Before you do something that you want to do, it is wise to get all of the facts. That seems like a logical statement, right? However, how often do you do something because it is what you want? How often are you just making a selfish decision when it might not be what is the best decision or even the right decision?

When I was young, I used to enjoy doing things with the Boy Scouts. Yes, I am a girl. However, my dad was a troop leader for many years, and there were often activities happening. One weekend, when [I think] I was thirteen years old, I was going to be getting up early Saturday morning to go to a Boy Scout camp with Dad. I was looking forward to it.

Friday night, I decided that I wanted mint chocolate chip ice cream Mmmm...that was my favorite flavor. Mommie made the best homemade ice cream, and I decided that it would be genius to make my own mint chocolate chip ice cream.

I went to the freezer and got a container of Mommie's homemade vanilla ice cream. I want to the refrigerator and found a bottle of some minty-smelling liquid in the back. I went to the cabinet and got a bag of chocolate chips. I went to the drawer and got a spoon. I was set. I mixed the ingredients really well and enjoyed the mint chocolate chip ice cream that I wanted. Mmmm.

The next morning at somewhere around 7:00 or 7:30, it was time to get up to leave for the Boy Scout camp. OH. MY. GOODNESS. I had such a headache and felt sick to my stomach. How much of that ice cream did I eat? Did I eat too much?

As it turned out, I had a hangover. I did not realize that until years later. After all, how would I know? I did not even know what a hangover was. I also, apparently, did not know what Creme de Menthe was.

That is right. I wanted something, so I went about making it happen for myself without asking for help or finding out all of the pertinent facts. Then I suffered for it. (Some of you may have heard me say that I have never been drunk yet once had a hangover. Now you understand.)

How often do you find yourself acting on your own wants and desires and doing whatever you need to do to make what you want to happen happen only to find out that it was probably not the best thing for you at the time, after all? Worse yet, do you get the facts and choose to ignore them because they do not suit what you want?

He who separates himself seeks his own desire,
He quarrels against all sound wisdom.
-Proverbs 18:1

My challenge for you is that the next time you find yourself in a situation where you need to make a decision, if you have even the slightest question about whether or not you might be making the right decision, then seek the facts necessary and consider them objectively. You may wind up saving yourself (and possibly others) some hurt or frustration when you make the right decision because you had the right information.

Like at First Sight

2010-08-06T08:12:00.002-04:00

While we were away, we got to do so much, including watch our Boy continue to be such an amazing child.

Boy is not even two and an half yet, and he had three teenagers doting on him at the pool...the first time that he went there! He called them his ladies. By the end of the second day, the girls and a couple of their guy friends were "hanging out" with Boy. They could not seem to get over how adorable he is, and he certainly enjoyed being a part of their group. They played, they laughed, they booped each other's noses, they "walked" the pool wall, the talked. The last time that he saw them, he obligingly gave each one of his new girl friends a hug good-bye when they asked and then told each of them, "Bye-bye, (name of girl)."

How amazing is it that the children can like someone right away and just enjoy the time with them? How willing are we, as adults, to instantly like someone and welcome them to our lives.

In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Jesus has a special place in His heart for the little children. Could it be because the youngest of us are the least jaded and the least cruel and the least hateful of all of the people? Could it be because the children are the closest to what Jesus would have each of us be with their open hearts and welcoming kindness toward others.

Matthew 18:4 tell us, "Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Who among us could take a lesson from the children rather than trying to teach them one?

Thankful on Thursday - Summer

2010-08-05T08:43:00.003-04:00

Yes, I have been quiet for a couple of weeks. My little blog was getting a rest. We had some time away, some time visiting with friends, some time getting to know more about people, some time getting to know the Lord more. All in all, it was a good time.

One of the things that we did during my time away from Words from DUG was to head down to our place at Hilton Head Island for a vacation. What a beautiful place that island it. The quiet sounds of the forest mixed with the soothing sounds of the beach make for such a relaxing atmosphere.

While I am thankful this summer for our first "real" family vacation since...umm...I do not even remember for sure, I am also thankful for so many things that summer offers.

Summer brings around our wedding anniversary, and my marriage is one things for which I am so thankful. God put together a great team when he matched up my husband and me.

Swimming pools with water that is just the right temperature are another thing for which I am grateful. I love the feeling of clean water rolling across my body as I swim and play.

I have a heartwarming thankfulness for the happy image of my husband and our son playing outside and doing "boy things" and being able to bond as father and son in the midst of the beauty and boldness of summer's vegetation.

I am thankful for sun dresses to wear and sea gulls for Boy to feed and pelicans to admire and dolphins to make us smile and back porches to sit outside and eat and countless other summer time things.

Admittedly, though, I am not grateful for the weeds that seem to have taken over our gardens and mulched area. Two weeks away and a bunch of rain will do that for a yard.

What makes summer special for you? What are some things about summer that make you feel grateful?

Did you miss my blog?

2010-08-04T20:14:00.001-04:00

Did you miss my blog? It will be back tomorrow, so get ready to smile, laugh, be touched, get ticked at me, be inspired, or whatever it is that my blog does for you each day.

Sunshine and smiles,

Dug 8^)

Dickie & Dug -- July 19th (Pt. 3)

2010-07-19T08:22:00.007-04:00

Once they finally found the Chapel in the Village, the guy and gal liked it. Plus, they allowed you to dress in period costume for your ceremony. How fun!

Figuring that people would need to plan months in advance, the couple asked the woman when was their next opening. She looked through her calendar and said, "Eleven o'clock."

Huh?!

"What time is it now?" the couple asked. Looking at her watch, the woman responded, "About ten to eleven."

The guy and the gal looked at one another. "Do you want to?"

"I do not know. Do you want to?"

"Sure!"

"Okay!"

They chose their old-timey outfits and settled on a Cowboy (complete with a hat, trench coat and gun holster) and a Southern Belle (if you know the gal, you know that there was a hat).

They made their way up the stairs to the chapel. Did I mention that the guy was on crutches and wearing a cast-boot through all of this? That is love and dedication.

The ceremony.

Completely in love and happily married, the couple was on track for a life together full of adventure and many stories to come.

Happy Anniversary, Husband!

******* If you want more details about that time, then you are welcome to attend a speaking engagement to hear my husband and me share our testimony.

Dickie & Dug -- July 19th (Pt. 2)

2010-07-18T09:01:00.001-04:00

Once they got together, it was as if the guy and the gal had always been together. Their whirlwind relationship progressed quickly.

On February 22nd, about six months after that first dinner which no one else attended, they had an engagement party in the form of a mock wedding. Dress, flowers, guests, "minister" and all. What a romantic event that was.

Truth be told, they would have gotten married for real by that time, but the gal still had a house in New York that she wanted to sell. The gal did not want to get married until she had her financial obligations taken care of...and, frankly, the guy was okay with that.

The gal's house was sold on July 5th. Yay!

Unrelated, the guy and the gal decided to go to Smokey Mountains of Tennessee for the weekend of July 18th. While they were there, they talked about it and thought that the mountains might be a romantic place for a wedding and were not too too far away for guests who might want to attend. Saturday morning they went looking at chapels in the area to get some ideas.

The guy and the gal could not find one chapel, so they phoned and left a message on an answering machine. They went to another chapel, which looked just like a little church building. Technically, I suppose it was. Was it closed? If I remember correctly, they looked at it through the windows. There were several wedding chapels in the area where the guy and the gal were looking.

After wandering for a bit, the couple thought that they found the chapel that they could not find earlier. The cellular telephone rang. The gal answered it. The woman on the other end said that she was returning their call from the Chapel in the Village. The gal opened the door and said, "I think I am looking at you."

Then...well, to find out what happened then, return tomorrow for the dramatic conclusion.

Dickie & Dug -- July 19th

2010-07-17T08:35:00.001-04:00

The year was 1996. The city was not important. It was a time when the "interweb" was not overly populated. AOL chat rooms were popular and "normal" people typed and got to know one another. There was a local chat room for the area. A local gal decided to throw a party with a friend. They invited the people from that chat room. If I can remember correctly, eighty-seven people were in attendance at that night club. One of those people was the guy.

The gal and the guy met one another, as well as many other people. A group of those people got along well and decided to meet for dinner together the following week. When the evening arrived, the gal and the guy were the only two to arrive for the dinner.

The rest, as they say, is history!

Okay, okay, we will not stop there because one of my readers did ask me to share the story. Also, entire books are written about historical events, so why not a few posts on a little blog that almost no one reads anyway?

When the gal and the guy met, there was an instant attraction. However, the guy was not exactly what you would call "available." He sort of had a lady friend who was out of state. Thus, the guy and the gal became and remained friends. They spent time together, enjoyed one another's company, and eventually became roommates-- in a two bedroom apartment.

As time went on, it became apparent that they guy's lady friend was not going to turn out to be the other half of his future. He probably knew that for while. Then, one day, it hit the guy like a slap to the forehead. The guy had had the "right" gal right for a while, and she was wonderful. He realized that he had loved her since that night when they were the only two to meet for that dinner. What next? I will tell you more tomorrow.

Father's Love Letter

2010-07-15T08:13:00.001-04:00

My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…

Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

Father's Love Letter shared with permission.

Are You Offended?

2010-07-14T08:12:00.004-04:00

Yes, I know. I told you that you could look for this post over the weekend, and you did not see it. Sometimes things in life do not work out on our schedules, and that is okay.

If you have been following my blog, you know that I am welcoming a guest blogger for the topic of being offended. I am excited to share his post with you because when it comes to the right attitude about being offended, he has it. Enjoy!

-DUG

*******
There is an awful lot of offensive behavior going on these days. There must be. Just look at all of the people that are being offended. It seems that everyday you can read a story about someone who was offended. It's terrible.

Let me, just for the record, send a message to all of those offended people:

Get over it!

Seriously, what does it actually mean to be offended? I looked it up. The first meaning pertains to sin or a violation of the moral code. The rest of the definitions were centered around doing something that was unpleasant. I noticed two key things in the actual definition of the word. First, to "offend" is primarily an action of the person undertaking the behavior. I have to DO something before you can be offended. Second, the behavior in question is subjective.

What does that mean? It means that my actions are the catalyst for being offended, but whether or not they are offensive is up to someone else.

I can do nothing to offend you. You can do nothing to offend me. The behavior, or words, or smells, or actions are only offensive if someone deems them to be offensive.

But, you say, people often do things with the intention of being offensive.

They certainly do...and the more offended you become by those people, the more power that you give to them.

Think of the most offensive thing someone could say to you.

Do you have it. It is already making you a little uncomfortable?

Now pretend I just said it to you. Are you offended? I only said it because you thought it was offensive.

If you are thinking clearly, there is no way you would give me or anyone else the power to control you that way. When someone says that they are offended, look at the offense in question. It will tell you more about that person than years of small talk.

The next time that you are about to cry out that you are offended, here is what you can do.

First, I have found that most people are not intentionally offensive. When you put that filter on most behavior, and realize that the interpretation of offensive is purely yours, the offense should go away.

Next, look at the source of the offense. In other words look at the offender. Was the offender trying to offend you? Most of the time, you will realize that the offender was not even trying to offend you. Instead, it was you who decided that the behavior was offensive. Then it was you who decided that it should make you angry (or sad or disappointed).

Now, here is the critical part. Do not let that "offense" have any power over you. Sure, you could nicely point out that the action is unpleasant and makes you uncomfortable. You could even draw a line in the sand and refuse to be around someone who commits that offense. Remember, though, that the very nature of offense is that it is your subjective judgement of someone else's behavior.

So...before you go and get all offended, take a look at your behavior. Who are you offending?

Hint, you are at least offending people who are offended by people who get offended.

Written by: "R" HUG

Reminder

2010-07-13T15:07:00.000-04:00

Friends, we have what I think are some great posts coming up this week. In addition to my guest blogger, I have a three part story that one of you requested, a wonderful letter, an embarrassing story and more.

Right now I want to take a moment to remind you that the June/July Contest is still going on, so be sure to check out the details here to see how you can win.

Here are some photographs of that fabulous bag donated by Bonnie. Bonnie makes purses and totes and bags in many themes and beautiful designs, so please think of her the next time you want a creative gift for someone. Here is "Stars R Stripes" from three angles.

Check back tomorrow as I get back into the swing of things here at Words from DUG!

Thankful on Thursday - Bloggers

2010-07-08T08:12:00.000-04:00

As you know, my baby blog is just about two and an half -- months, that is. So far it has been such fun helping her grow, yet, being new (or new again) to the blogosphere, I have been unsure of how to spread the word and grow my readership. There are a few people who have helped me spread the word a little bit, and I want to take today to thank them.

Dawn of Dawn's Learning Toys regularly shares my blog posts on Facebook and comments here often. Thank you, Dawn, for your support!

Jackie of Once Upon a Fairyland has a pretty good readership, and I asked her if she would not mind sharing my blog with her readers. She did! Thank you, Jackie, for giving my blog a shout out here.

Remember that I have a contest going through July 31st for referring new followers to my blog (and for commenting), so go check it out, and you might be the person to win one of the faaahbulous giveaways!

Not Offended Today

2010-07-07T21:45:00.005-04:00

Sooooo...the "offended" post did not get added today, and that is okay. Hopefully no one who was waiting for it will be offended that I did not get it posted. Hehe. It turns out that I will be welcoming a guest blogger to tackle this topic, so it will be a treat for you and me. Be sure look for it this weekend!

Good, Old-Fashioned Manners

2010-07-06T08:56:00.001-04:00

Manners. What happened to them? They are still out there, right? You occasionally see them as they make their way into life. However, have they become the ab-norm?

What are manners? Manners are ways of behaving with reference to polite standards, kindness and consideration from one person to another. Have you noticed that when someone shows basic manners, some people wonder, "What is wrong with you?" or "What are you trying to gain?"

Mind you, I am not talking about etiquette. I am not talking about keeping your elbows off of the table or using the right fork. I am talking about treating people with what should be common decency.

When is the last time that you received a thank you card for something that you did or for a gift that you gave? When was the last time that you sent one?

We sent a box of gifts to a family for an occasion. Not only did they not send a thank you note, they did not even acknowledge that they got them. What is up with that?

After our son's last birthday party, we sent thank you cards for each gift. Granted, he was two, so we "helped" him, yet even from an early age, we try to instill gratitude and appreciation as a basic foundation for his character.

As simple as it is, a thank you seems to be a lost manner in today's society.

People talking with food in their mouths bug me to no end. Oh, and when they spit food at the same time-- ugh. Gag. Really, I can wait eight seconds until you swallow that, thank you.

I cannot fathom why sometimes, when I am eating, and someone asks me a question, they seem to get annoyed that I wait until I swallow my food before I reply. Do we really need to be in such a hurry to talk that we cannot have the consideration to not show people our disgusting, chewed up mush -- and spit it on the table in front of them?

Oh, and do not get me started about people talking to me while they are chewing gum like a cow chewing its cud, complete with spittles squishing out. I know, I know; someone will probably get offended by me saying that, but it is just not polite. If you are offended, then you will be welcome to return tomorrow for my post about being offended.

Speaking of a lack of manners...cellular telephones. These little creations are a tool of rudeness for today's world. I went somewhere one time with a friend that was about a half an hour drive. A few minutes into the drive, she got on the telephone with another friend of hers and yakked about nothing important for almost the entire trip...with me sitting right there next to her with my jaw in my lap, astonished. Why was chit-chatting with that person on the other end of the cell phone more important than me, the person sitting right next to her?

Then there is texting. You know what I mean. Some people text all of the time. Have you been in the middle of a conversation with someone when they kept looking down to text with someone else? Did you wonder if your company was that boring?

Again, manners is simply behaving with politeness toward others. Are we raising our children to understand this? Our son knows to say please and thank you. He even says, "Please nicely." Hehe. He is two. It is cute. We are off to a good start.

As time goes on, though, will our son grow to be the kind of person who disrespects his elders or the kind of person who calls people "Ma'am" and "Sir" as a sign of respect? Will our son grow up to be the teenager who rolls his eyes and hurries past the woman struggling with a stroller, four bags of groceries and two more children in tow because she is in the way, or will he grow up to be the young man who holds the door for her and offers to help her carry those groceries? Will our son grow to be a self-centered product of today's society, or will he grow to be a loving, compassionate, respectful man of God -- dare I say, a man with manners?

No, I am not Little Miss Perfect. I sometimes forget a thank you card. I probably speak with food in my mouth from time to time. I may pass someone in need of help without "seeing" them. However, I will continue to make efforts to have manners, to have consideration, and to do for others when I can. I would rather that people wonder what I am up to because of my kindness than because of something else.

If my post today bothers you for any reason, then I accept that. We cannot all agree on everything. How about if we just shake hands and be friends, anyway. Just give me a minute here....

Why Blog?

2010-07-05T09:59:00.004-04:00

Someone asked me why it is that I decided to start blogging.

Blogging:
Never had so many
had so much to say
to so few
about so little.

Why does anyone blog? I think that I have something to say. I like to talk. I like to share. Right? Hey, I am just being honest here.

Truthfully, though, I also like to encourage. I like to give people a laugh or some inspiration or just a smile. Those of you who know me know that I relish your comments. I know that comments are not important to a successful blog, yet what is a successful blog? Thousands of readers? Advertisers? Awards? Articles? To me, my success is felt when someone lets me know that they appreciate or enjoy something that I have posted. Simple, right? Why would it need to be more?

I could go off on a rabbit trail about success and defining what it is and how it is different for each of us, but I will not.

My baby brother told me about a t-shirt that he saw. My baby brother. That is kind of a joke in our family since he is almost thirty. Anyway, the t-shirt made me chuckle.

More people have read my t-shirt
than have read your blog.

That may very well be true, but I would like to hope that my blog has had a positive affect on more people than your t-shirt.

Happy Birthday, USA!

2010-07-04T19:11:00.004-04:00

Today is our 234th birthday as a free nation. One nation. Under God. The United States of America. We celebrate with parades and fireworks and parties and all kinds of festivities. We certainly have fun with the 4th of July, yet we must remember to also take time to be thankful for exactly why we are celebrating this day -- Independence Day. We are so blessed.

Because I find this interesting, I want to share with you what John Adams, Vice President under George Washington and then President after him, said in a letter to his wife, Abigail:

"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not." (The Book of Abigail and John: Selected Letters of the Adams Family, 1762-1784, Harvard University Press, 1975, 142)

Interesting, is it not? Our family celebrates each year with a big party on the Saturday before the 4th. Food, fireworks, family, friends, fun times. This year was no exception. Historically, the day was almost always observed and celebrated on July 4th. An exception was in 1779, when the 4th fell on a Sunday, and the holiday was celebrated on Monday, the 5th. Do you know why?

In 1791, the 4th of July Observance was first recorded as Independence Day. Do you know anything about that? If so, please share your history knowledge with the rest of us.

The United States Congress make July 4th an unpaid holiday for federal employees in 1870. Is that still the case?

There are soooo many interesting facts and events related to July 4th. Most importantly is what the day represents for us as a nation. My hope is that while participating in all of our various celebrations this past weekend, we as Americans all remembered to take the time to appreciate why we are here celebrating.

Back to us and our celebration, I started the day yesterday heading to march (ride) in a local Independence Day parade to honor veterans with my friend, the Mistress of Mayhem. We "Hatted" ladies certainly bring the fun with us wherever we go.

Next I headed home to meet up with my guys to finish getting ready for our annual party. This year was smaller than in previous years, yet there were quite a lot of events planned for the same night. No worries, though. If you know us, you know that we have fun no matter what. Hehe. Life is too good not to enjoy it.

With a few dozen friends, we ate, swam, took the boat out on the lake, ate more, shot off fireworks, ate more, visited for a while, and said, "Good night," to our last guests at about a quarter to one this morning. I do not even remember going to sleep, so it must have been quickly. Hehe.

Now it is actually the 4th. After a busy weekend of observances and festivities, I am looking forward to a relaxing evening with my guys. Happy Independence Day, My Friends, and GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Taking for Granted or Blessed to be Granted?

2010-06-27T09:05:00.002-04:00

My husband took a picture of our closet. I am not sure why. Maybe he was playing with the camera. Looking at this picture afterward, though, it make me think. Wow. I told Hubby that this photograph made me think of a topic about which I should write.

Do we take for granted what we have, or do we know that we are blessed to be granted what we have?

We have two walk-in closets in our bedroom. This is the smaller of the two.

I measure it and discovered that this closet is approximately 72 square feet. How does that fit into the perspective of being blessed?

There is a family of six at San Antonio de Palopo, Guatemala, who live in a 216 square foot house. That is the size of my closet three times. We barely have enough room in the closet for our clothes, and there is a father, a mother, and their four children living in something equal to just three of this closet. If you live in the United States of America, chances are that your bedroom is larger than this family's home. Are you blessed?

I was reading something written by a woman who was excited by the opportunity to get a rental car. She and her son usually ride buses and trains to get where they are going. She mentioned that riding on a bus can be uncomfortable and loud and put you around rude people and in uncomfortable situations. She mentioned that being in your own car gives you peace.

When you are riding in your car, do you consider it a place of peace? Do you appreciate it? Do you instead complain about the traffic, the cost of fuel, something else? If you have one, do you realize how blessed you are to have a car? Two? Three?

Do you get out of bed in the morning and take a shower? Do you ever soak is a relaxing bath? Is there a faucet where you can pour yourself a glass of water? Do you have a washing machine, or can you go to a laundromat to clean your clothes? Do you cook with water? Do you appreciate how blessed you are to have available, clean water to do all of these things and so much more?

Do you know that there are people who do not have access to clean water? Can you imagine drinking, bathing, washing your clothes, etc. in filth -- and to top it off, having that be normal?

While searching the internet for a photograph to use, I came across the web site for Living Water International. That is not where I found the picture above, however, I am sharing a link with you because it is an interesting web site and well worth checking out.

It is time to start getting ready for church, so I am going to finish this post. Oh. Church. The privilege to go that so many take for granted and so many others do not have. Yet another thing with which I am blessed. What blessings do you see in your life that you may take for granted?