One Word Wednesday

Smooch!!

Crosswalk Verse of the Day

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 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.  Romans 13:12...

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What does the armor of light look like? Does that mean we glow? When people see us, do they see light or darkness? Do we speak of sad and depressing things, or do we look at the world through the eyes of thankfulness and the joy of the Lord? 

The armor is to help us battle the darkness. Do I put it on every day, or let it collect dust in the corner, dusting it off periodically when it suits me? I really don't want to answer that one.

Have a great Sabbath Sunday!

Thursday Thoughts

In my daily devotional from Dr. Charles Stanley,  "Right Relationships" was the topic.

Hebrews 10:23-24

"23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful ; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,"

 Dr. Stanley asked the question, "Do you have certain relationships that motivate you to pursue God more fervently?" I would have to say that until recently, I didn't. I hate to admit that, but for some reason, some failure in me, I haven't had a close friend since before my daughter was born. I think my solitude began when my husband began working from 3:00 to 11:00 p.m. regularly, and no longer had weekends off. That demolished any social life we'd had. I spent my days tending the children and taking them here and there for dance or ball practice. There were intermittent periods where my husband was able to move to a regular day shift, but still did not have weekends off. By that time, I was so used to being alone, that it just seemed normal to me.

Even when I went back to work when the kids were older, there wasn't any one person I had regular contact with that was a close friend. Certainly no one to "encourage you, to pray for you, and to prod you toward a more complete faith" as Dr. Stanley writes. 

We moved from one town to another, in hopes that my son's depression would lessen, and I would have a less isolated life. Thanks be to God, my son flourished and his life was greatly blessed by our move. I can't say mine wasn't blessed, as I am happier here, but still no friend or friends that I am close to. I've developed a bit of a social anxiety disorder, as a result of this I suppose. So now it's extremely difficult for me to reach out to someone or even to be comfortable at a social gathering.

Enter blogging. 

Some folks would dismiss blogging as a time killer, a hobbie, an unnecessary activity. For me, it's my only real social activity.  Through the internet, not only have I connected with classmates I haven't seen or heard from since graduation, but I have made some very good friends. They lift my spirits, they seem to actually care about what's going on in my life, and some prod me to be a better Christian. I would rather have a long distance relationship with a friend who I may never get to meet face to face, than to have someone in my personal presence, who is a bad influence, or who couldn't really care one way or the other what's going on with me.

I have several new friends that are online, but one in particular has made a world of difference in my Christian walk. (T in MO) I also have a very special friend (D in GA) that I have actually met with twice. These two women would be people who I would make time for, who would make time for me, who would support me in whatever is going on, if we were in the same place.  I wish we could meet for a "coke" at the local Hardees or McDonald's, or run to Hobby Lobby together, but I will have to be content with talking to them via the keyboard. I am just happy to have these two women in my life and I'll take them any way I can get them.

So, yes Dr. Stanley, I do have certain relationships that motivate me to pursue God more fervently. And I have certain relationships that lift me up and give me encouragement and support. I may not be able to reach out and touch them physically, but I can't reach out and touch my Lord Jesus Christ physically, now can I? He's here with me, just the same. *happy face*

Thoughtful Thursday

I haven't been blogging as much lately, simply because I've been so busy living life! I decided not to fret about it, but just blog when I can and when I have something to share. When your life is pretty much the same every day, it becomes a little difficult to come up with an interesting blog post. But, this is a way for me to document that simple day to day life, so all the posts don't have to be earth shattering news. *grin*

So, today I am posting two photos. The first is LMW with his "Cheeeeeze" face for the camera.

He spends more time trying to get the marker apart than actually coloring with it. And most of the "color" winds up on his hands and shirt. Thank goodness for washable markers!

The second is my shadow box from all things beach vacation related. I think about that almost every day, and hope I can go back next summer.

I created it from things I picked up on the beach, bought at one of the local souvenir shops, or took a photo of. I'm tickled pink at how it turned out, and relieved to have it done and on my wall.

Happy Thursday to you all. *Big Smile*

What I Like About Fall

Here are some things I like about Fall. They are in no particular order.

1. The Ozark Mountains in full display of Autumn's colors and God's glory.

SR and I usually take at least a day trip to northern Arkansas once a year. Don't know if that will happen this year, since we have Little Man to watch.

2. High School Football is in high gear. There was a time when I was all about Friday night football. That's when my son was playing. I'm not so much about it now, but it still stirs the memories and blood when I think about it.

 Rison High School, my alma mater and first love.

Sheridan High School, our town team now.







3. Timberfest in Sheridan. This is an annual celebration that draws lumberjack competitors from all over the country.

4. The nip to the air in the evenings and early mornings.

5. Arkansas Razorback Football. WOOO PIG SOOIEEEEE!

6. Anticipating the holidays.


What I'm not a fan of.....

The warm (hot actually) afternoon temps in south Arkansas.

Halloween. Now, don't jump on me ok? I've just never been a fan of spooky things and kids making themselves sick on candy. Not to mention all the craziness that happens in the name of  "fun", but if you are ok with it, go right ahead. You won't bother me. *grin*

The need for rain during the dry months of September, October and November.

The agonizing over what to buy for Christmas gifts. I have to start early or I wind up sick from fretting.

Now then. Tell me what you like about fall.

One Word Wednesday 10-05-11

Peaceful.

Happy Girl

There is a young woman who works at our local Walmart. She is perpetually happy. So much so, that for a long time, I would avoid her line because it just got so annoying. Then I realized how hard it is to be happy all the time. How hard it is to treat each customer as if you are tickled to see them. And I decided to purposely choose her every chance I get.

She always asks how you are, and is smiling. She always asks you about your family and will tell you a little about hers, but not much. She takes her time checking you out. I like that very much in this fast paced world.
She always folds the receipt neatly, and before handing it to you, tells you to have a very blessed day. She lifts spirits in her own small way and I know God smiles at her constantly.

Her name is Jamie, and she's a happy girl. I heart her.