You Tube

Our church has an email prayer chain. It's FBCPrayerwarriors and one of the members sent everyone a link to a YouTube video that moved me to tears. If you would like to see it, the url is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eMpdl_b5Bk


If that doesn't work for you, (and I had trouble with it) do a search for Dancing With Jesus from Texasbarnabas. Let me know what you think about it.

Shake it Up!

A whole lotta shakin' goin' on....at work. Our nurse just gave her two week notice. In a three person office, this is major stuff. I felt it was coming. I could see (hear) the writing on the wall. It seems that two offers of more money and shorter hours were too enticing to ignore. So, the fear sets in. How long will we be without a much needed third person? Will whoever is hired fit in?

I have to be honest and admit that if something else with more money and better hours was offered to me, I'd be gone. Who wouldn't? (It doesn't help that I was screamed and cursed this afternoon on the phone by someone seeking drugs.) Not much out there for someone with no education though. And considering I have only lived in this town 6 years, but I've changed jobs 4 times, well, I don't really want to look for something else.

I'm praying that God will bring someone perfect in, and that in the meantime, I will be able to cope with doing two people's jobs. The hours are long already, being 8:00 to 6:00, and I REALLY don't want to have to go in earlier and leave later, just to keep up.

Calf Rope!

I give up. This is where I put my elbows on the desk, shake my head, and lower my forehead into my hands. In our clinic, during the chaos that sick folks can bring, one of the few things that calms my stressed out nerves is music. Unfortunately, I must rely on the old fashioned portable radio. That in itself is not the real issue. The problem is, the radio stations that are available in Arkansas, leave much to be desired. The Christian stations play beautiful music that I really enjoy, but they must fill their programming with discussions. I wouldn't be against that, but in a work situation, the last thing I need is more people talking to me. This week, I had the radio tuned to a popular station that plays songs from the 80's, 90's and Today. It shall remain nameless, and I do understand it is not alone in its programming practices. The real thorn in my paw is that they play the same four songs every hour or so it seems. Everytime I raise my ears from the phone or have a second to listen, I hear the same dang song. Over and over and .....well you get the idea. I'm told by some that the reason for this is that the stations are paid to play certain songs. And every time that certain song is played, they are paid yet again. I understand the desire to get paid all you can. It just irritates the living daylights out of me that I can't listen to my choice of music, without having it repeated until I'm sick of it. I've tried playing CD's on my computer, but it bogs my system down and makes my work harder.

Now I realize that in the whole scheme of things, this is not going to hair-lip the Pope, or tear a great rift in the space time continuum. But it's really sad that those of us who work very very hard at our jobs, can't turn on the radio and get a little varity in their listening pleasure.

Obsession

Ok, so I'm obsessed with my new antique furniture. Just bear with me and I'll get over it soon. It's just that the old stuff is so beautiful. I really prefer it to the contemporary furniture that is available today. Not just because it's "old" and I love anything old, but it's made from solid wood, and put together so well. So, here is my cabinet with my some of my Depression Glass collection, and my new dresser.

Here is the dresser. Below is the small flower inset in the top drawer.

New China Cabinet

This is my new china cabinet. It will, of course, look better when I get all my pretty things into it. I will take a pic of the dresser later.

Success of Another Kind

This weekend was mostly a good one for me. Friday was spent doing the yearly doctor thing, and gathering a few needed items from Wally World. Saturday SR took the day off and for my birthday we went antique shopping. We have been looking all over for certain items. Twice we found things I would have been happy with, and the price was right, but the weather was not. We couldn't haul furniture home in the bed of a truck when the rain was pouring down. Disappointment and frustration was the order of those two days. But, God in his wisdom, and His goodness, wanting to give me the desire of my heart, had a plan.

We traveled to Malvern, then up I-30 to Benton, and on to Bryant to shop the Antique and Flea Markets along the interstate. Blackwell's was having a half price sale. Whoopie! We found an absolutely gorgeous antique china cabinet and considered buying it. We kept looking and found a dresser that was perfect. Hmmm, two items. Pricey. Well, I had money saved up, and it was my birthday gift we were shopping for, soooooo, I talked SR into buying both! I was so happy I was in tears. It was all I could do not to walk behind the store owner with a stupid grin on my face when I was showing him what we wanted.

We got both pieces home, I shined them up and they are awesome. As soon as I get them into their perfect places, I will take a photo and share. The china cabinet is more elegant and more expensive than anything I found earlier. So, God knew it was going to be there at that price. Isn't He something?!

Conflicting Emotions

I often refer to earlier posts, and again I will be doing that. I wrote about resigning from teaching Sunday School and that I felt God was calling me in a different direction. Today I got a new "feel" for one of the things He has for me. I agreed right before our church's Mission Celebration, to help with Operation Christmas Child. It had been on my heart for a few weeks and when the opportunity presented itself, I offered my services to the lady in our church who heads it up. She was delighted and has been in touch with me about it a few times.

She called me to meet with her today. My Friday off. MY DAY OFF. Of course, I told her when I volunteered, that I was off on Fridays and would be free to help her. Don't offer if you aren't willing to follow through right? My first inclination was to make excuses. I did have a regular doctor's appointment in Benton this morning, but I agreed to meet her when I came back into town. I had a selfish feeling and really started to regret offering my help. (I REALLY hate to admit this y'all) When I got home, I dutifully called her and we met at the church. The more we talked, the more excited I became. Ideas began flitting through my mind and my heart and before I knew it, JOY filled my heart.

I am so guilty of saying no, simply because I'm selfish and lazy and want my own way. I guess it goes back to the other post about making an idol of my free time. But, God is His mercy, wisdom, and love, takes my reluctant agreement and turns it into blessing. Now, I really hope and pray that He does the same for me on the 23rd, when it's MY turn to lead Children's Church.....

And oh yeah, if you are interested in what Operation Christmas Child is, or want more information, please contact me. It's a wonderful ministry and it's very simple for someone to participate with no strings attached.

Request

Dear Blog Friends, I have a dear friend who lives in Georgia and her family is going through an extremely hard time right now. She has always been there for me when I was down or frustrated and I want to help her all I can. I've blogged about her before and I refer to her as Y. Her daughter, E, found out a short time ago that she is expecting. But the joyous news was shortlived due to the finding of a tumor the size of a football in her abdomen. It is entertwined with her stomach, small intestines and leg. It's inoperable, but a port has been inserted to take chemo directly to the tumor. Apparently she has non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, and will undoubtedly lose the baby. They are relieved that her illness is treatable, but of course heartbroken about the baby. I grieve for them so badly. How do you deal with this kind of news? God will comfort, but we are weak and have trouble letting him take this kind of burden. Please lift this family up in your prayers.

49

I decided to be play it very low-key, on this, my 49th birthday. I usually tease my family about it, reminding them, and play around at work about it. But, for some reason I really didn't want anyone to make a fuss this year. Birthdays in my life have not been a really big deal. When I was growing up, we didn't have big parties every year, or even occasionally as I recall. I can only remember having one party, and it was a "bunkin' party" when I was in the 7th grade I think. When my kids were growing up, I gave them more parties than I ever thought about having, but not really that many, now that I look back. As they got older, they really didn't want them. So, like I said, birthdays have never been a big deal. As it turned out, I received more phone calls and cards this year than I can EVER remember getting. No one in my family forgot about it, and I received cards from people I never expected. I even received flowers from a former co-worker. SR and I are going antique shopping on Saturday to see if I can find something special.

For those of you who sent a card or an email, thank you so much. I love you all. Just taking time from your busy lives, to sit down and send an email, or actually write a card and mail it, is a precious thing to me.

I will now be 49 every year. (probably until I'm 59)

Sweet Success

I have finally added mums to the new pots I purchased for my yard. I just wanted to show everyone what I was ranting about. :)


Now, I want to tackle the backyard. I have plans, but don't know how much help I'll get with them. I may have to drive up to the rock place and load them myself. I don't think I'll be getting them for my birthday as I had hoped.

Best Laid Plans.....

I haven't blogged this week, mainly because we've been so busy at the clinic that I can hardly function when I get home in the evenings. School has begun and all the little kiddies are sick and infecting each other. It's gonna be a long winter.

This morning was a comedy of errors in my world. I had an outpatient procedure scheduled in Malvern for 9:00. (Nothing major, just something that periodically crops up and has to be checked out.) When I arrived, the order from our clinic (that I personally faxed earlier in the week) was lost. Since we are closed on Friday's I had to call the main clinic and sweet talk a nurse into sending another one. After waiting over an hour when all was said and done, the person who was to actually perform the procedure refused. It seems that I've had it done somewhere else before, and since they didn't have those records for comparison, she refused to do it. Ohhhhh Kaaayyy then. I drove back to Sheridan, and called to make an appointment to have it done at the original facility. Because I am not the nurse or the doctor, they refused to allow me to make an appointment for myself. It didn't matter that I had been there before, and that I had an order from the doctor in my hand, ready to fax. No dice. This is when I sit in the dark with my head in my hands and wonder what is wrong with this picture....

Sooo, I emailed my sister to cry on her shoulder. But does she give me the pity I REALLY want? No, she tells me the truth. WHO WANTS THE TRUTH when you are wanting a pity party? She told me things could be worse, that God is in control and has a plan and to smile, God loves me. Smart Aleck!

I Was Tagged

Ok LeLe, this is for you....
Four Things Meme (whatever that means)

4 jobs I've had in life:
-Assitant librarian
-Secretary to an attorney
-Secretary at family owned propane company
-Medical secretary
(I must have REALLY wanted to be a secretary when I grew up.)

4 places I've lived:
-Rison, AR
-Oceanside, CA
-Shreveport, LA
-Bethlehem, PA
-Sheridan, AR
(Ok, there are more but we won't list them all....)


4 favorite foods:
-Crab Alfredo
-Chinese
-Pizza
-White cheese dip
(Can anyone say "Cheese"?)

4 places I'd rather be:
-Home
-In bed asleep
-Scotland
-An Ozark Mountain hideaway
(did I mention in bed asleep?)

4 movies I can watch over and over
-Last of the Mohicans
-Dances With Wolves
-Braveheart
-cant' think of anything else

4t.v. shows I like to watch:
-Decorating Cents
-Lost
-Miami Ink (I know, that's really weird, but what can I say? I like it.)
-What Not to Wear

4 websites I view daily:
-All blogs I am familiar with
-My email in box
Those are the only two I actually view daily.

4 computers I've owned:
-Compaq Presario
-custom built system (gift from cousin)
-Dell laptop

4 People to tag... no one cause I'm sure they will do this if they want to and are probably already tagged anyway.....

Don't Give Up

In an earlier post I mentioned that I waited too late to purchase a couple of outdoor flower pots for the front of my house. I'm not a great shopper, and don't enjoy going from place to place in search of what I'm really wanting, unless there is a definite need for it right away. As I have to go shopping from time to time for necessary items, I look for things I didn't find the last time I shopped. As I was in the Benton Walmart yesterday, I decided to take a look in the garden center, just to see if maybe there was anything there, that hadn't been the last time. Low and behold!!! The exact two pots I missed buying at the Sheridan Walmart were there on the shelf calling my name. Where did they come from? There were only two of them, and at the same price I remembered. Glory be, I grabbed those jokers and off I went to check out. Maybe the pot fairy took them from Sheridan and placed them on the shelf at Benton.

So, after returning home, I them set up in the front and I decide to put dirt in the one that is sitting upright. I think I'll put a mum in it when it gets a little cooler. I love to have brightly colored mums in the yard for the fall. I have some plastic pots on the outskirts of our yard, that have no flowers but still have dirt. They are just for "dirt storage" and I found one, and brought it around to the front to transfer the dirt from one to the other. As I poured it out, I also poured out a million red ants. Thankfully, I didn't get stung, which is a miracle, but I quickly poured them and the dirt back into the original pot. I searched the garage and yard for something to spray on them. The one can of bug spray I found was nearly empty, and the large sprayer SR uses to combat the pesky things was empty too. Luckily, when he got home from work, he mixed up a good batch of poison and went to work on that pot of dirt/ants. I just hope I didn't get another mound of them started in my flower bed. SR has to spray weekly and sometimes daily to keep them away from the house.

This is Labor Day weekend and I'm also taking Tuesday off. It has an amazing effect on my emotional state. Even Thursday when I knew the weekend was upon me, I was giddy. We are going to Russellville on Tuesday to see baby boy. It's been too long since I could give him a hug.