Tag Archives: Television

I Can Only Imagine

 

 

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.

2. Link back here and invite others to join in.

3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you

need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them

in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And

the heart of this community..

 

OK, are you ready? Please give me your best five minutes on:::

 

Imagine…

 

 

 

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The song blared from my car radio. The song was “I Can Only Imagine”, by  Mercy Me. The tears came into my eyes, I tried hard not to blink, for fear that once started, they would be difficult to stop.

 

“Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine…….”

 

This song came out the year before my husband died. It became really popular the year he died. The  song was on the radio, the band members were interviewed and the words were memorized.

 

The truth is, at that time in my life, I could relate to that song in ways that most could not. I pictured my late husband kneeling before Jesus, utterly speechless in His presence.

 

I would not see my husband’s face again or hear the sound of his deep voice….not on this side of heaven.

 

But, there was comfort in the lyrics to this song, because I knew where my husband was. At that very moment and for all the moments to come.

 

He didn’t have to imagine anymore. Not then. Not now.

 

He knows.

 

English: Author: Joonga (I made it myself)

 

 

 

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Going Home

The Gypsy Mama

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

Oh and Ahem, if you would take pity and turn off comment verification, it would make leaving some love on your post that much easier for folks!

OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on:::

Home…

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Home.

The word, to many, means family and friends because…

home is where they love you.

No matter how old, or how far away, one can always go home…

even if it is only in his/her memories.

Today on this five minute Friday I’ve decided to share some of my pictures.

Pictures of home.

 

 

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Crisp Autumn Days

I’ve not been online much, this past week. I did not leave, just had a lot going on. I took a break to visit with family and to catch up on some things. Just this weekend I was telling my husband that, lately, time seems to be getting away from me. I never used to be like that but, now I find myself forgetting to do something on my list,  trying to do too much at once, or even procrastinating altogether. Life doesn’t ever really slow down for any of us, does it?

This is the first time in over a week that I have a few moments to sit and actually blog. I miss it when I can’t write. Even though I haven’t blogged this past week, I did take many beautiful autumn pictures with the intent of posting some of them for you to see. I could stay outside all day at this time of year. The crisp air and the vibrant colors take my breath away. It’s as if God has one big show, a last burst of color before the muted shades of winter appear.

Today I am thankful for crisp Autumn days:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Happy Birthday To Me

日本語: 黒ゴマソフトクリーム。秋田県角館市にて。 English: Black sesam...

Today is my birthday.  I was born in 1968.

1968. What?!  How can that be? That was such a long time ago…..

In honor of my special day, I thought I’d write a list. (Doesn’t everyone do that, on their special day?)

Forty-four things I’ve learned about life and myself:

1. Days can seem long, but life is short.

2. Time doesn’t stop…it doesn’t even slow down.

3. Relationships are what is important. We are each made for relationship.

4. God is sovereign. He is in control. Always. Nothing surprises Him.

5. I don’t need to have all the answers.

6. Messy won’t kill you…it might aggravate, irritate and you might need to fumigate…but, it won’t kill you.

7. I’m glad I’ve journaled over the years.

8. It’s fun having friendships that have lasted the years.

9. I don’t need negative people in my life. Hurt people, hurt other people. I don’t need that.

10. Every person can reach their full potential.

11. Some of the happiest people I know, don’t know that they have “special needs“…they just enjoy life…and that makes me enjoy life.

12. Children are a gift from God Himself.

13. Being a mother is the closest I will ever come to understanding unconditional love.

14. Birthdays are fun. I like them. I feel special….and I get to eat ice cream.

15. I love ice cream. I refuse to feel guilty about it. Ice cream is good.

16. Dogs are the best pets ever. Loyal, furry friends.

17. I have learned to like cats. Even if I clean up puke nearly every other day. Darn them, for looking all fluffy and cute!

18. Chickens make me happy. Even if they try to peck at me.

19. Sheep freak me out. They look like aliens.  I try not to hurt their feelings…they can’t help it that they look like aliens.

20. Llamas are my favorite “new” animal. I’d like some one day. Just to watch.It lowers my blood pressure to watch them graze.

21. The city life is great for convenience, but I truly love the peacefulness of living in the country. Open spaces and quiet places…..

22. I haven’t been to a high school reunion yet. I wish I could. I think it would be interesting.

23. People watching is an art form, especially during trips to Walmart.

24. Sleep is important, and cannot be overrated. The body needs it and it helps me to not be cranky and want to gag and tie up my family members.

25. I enjoy watching ID TV. I wonder about myself sometimes…..that I should enjoy shows where people are serial killers, identity thieves, housewives that have snapped, or jilted lovers gone wrong…terribly wrong.  When our dogs dragged home some bones last year, I knew they could not be part of a deer carcass….they were probably the remnants of some poor soul that had been dumped on our road. This was completely fabricated on my part, but see how my mind works?  I’m weird, I know.

26. I like to walk. Walking is therapeutic.

27. The scales at the doctor’s office are always wrong, and we all know it.

28. I am a bad gift wrapper, but I don’t care. It’s a gift that someone is getting…should they really care if it is duct taped together?

29. I love to read….but, never feel like I have enough time to sit down and read. When I have enough time to sit down and read, by eyesight will probably have gone by then. How unfair.

30. I could eat Mexican food every day. Hot stuff is good for you. Seriously. Of course, not if flames are shooting out your ears…….

31. Never stop learning. It makes you interesting and entertaining.

32. Remember the good things.

33. Know that bad times will pass. They always do. It won’t be that way forever.

34. A truly strong person is one who can be gentle.

35. Laugh. Laugh a lot. Laugh at yourself.

36. Try to stay organized. It helps life to run a little more smoothly. Do the best you can.

37. I’m not in control of life….even though I’d like to think I am.

38. Tell people that you love, that you love them. Say it over and over again. You need to say it. They need to hear it.

39. Slow down. What is the rush, really? What are you rushing to?  Or from?  There are 24 hrs. in the day for each of us.

40. With age comes wisdom.

41. Beauty is fleeting, but a winning smile and sparkling personality go a long way to making anyone look good, no matter the age.

42. Music speaks to the soul.

43. Flip flops and worn T-shirts are the best summer gear.

44. God is good. All the time.

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Silent Night

Often times it is in the silent, the quiet of reflection that I realize the most profound. It is when the noise stops, the TV is off, the games are muted…that I can ponder.

Mary pondered.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19  NIV

Mary, the chosen one.

She said “yes” to God….her part in His perfect plan.

In the quiet I am sure she was scared…and nervous about what others would think.

She did not feel worthy of the responsibility. The privilege.

But still, she said yes. Yes, to the One who knew her future.

Jesus, humble child. Born into a world of darkness all those many nights ago.

Jesus. The One, whom the angels sang about and that the shepherds were in awe of.

The King nestled in a feeding trough…

and Mary leaned over and kissed the face of God.

This Christmas, like Mary, I want to quiet myself.

Prepare a place for Jesus.

I want to say “yes” to Him, again.

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How are you preparing your heart this Christmas?

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Brain Dump

10th April: Laundry basket

Image by scribbletaylor via Flickr

Saturday morning. It’s quiet in the house. I figured this would be a good time for a “brain dump”.  For the next five minutes I am going to blog about anything that comes into my head. This should be interesting.

Ready? Set. Go!

Today is the first day of October. My favorite month of the year. I don’t even care that it is rainy and gray today AND cold. The high today is only in the 40’s. I like cold though…..I’m thinking of wearing one of my many sweaters, today. I love sweaters! I need to run into town with my hubby. Note to self: remind him to stop by the grocery store, we will be needing some dog food for the outdoor dogs. They eat a lot. The kids have an activity to go to later in the afternoon. Don’t forget. I need to do some laundry. I’m not above putting that off for another day. Maybe the family will just wear their stinky clothes or be naked….but, being naked in 40 degree weather would be a little ifffy…… brrrr…….

I’m watching an old episode of Ghost Whisperer. Jennifer Love-Hewitt always looks young and perky, although I think she is around my age in real life. She still looks young. That is so not fair. I don’t mind getting older, I just don’t want to look so much older. Like I have a choice. Oh, well. To make myself feel better….she has a group of makeup artists. If I had my own make up artists I could look young and perky too. That is what I’m going with.

Um…..my five minutes is coming to an end. This little activity was kind of fun… something light and humorous for a Saturday.

Have a great day, and by the way, don’t feel like you HAVE to do the laundry. I don’t.

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A Different World

September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City: V...

Image via Wikipedia

The day was normal. Just like any other. Elementary school children chattering with each other. My teaching assistant and I were working with our reading groups on that Tuesday morning. A sunny day, nothing out of the ordinary…and then a fellow teacher popped into my classroom to tell me to go and watch the TV in the school conference room. I excused myself, leaving my kiddos with my assistant for a minute.

I stared at the television, not comprehending what I was looking at. The plane, the World Trade Center, the fire and smoke. People everywhere. The second plane hitting the building. News anchors eerily silent as, even they, had no words for what they were seeing. Chills ran across me as I stared in disbelief.

I numbly walked back to my classroom. Knowing that life was different now.

I told my assistant to go to the conference room.

I looked at the faces of all my young students and realized that life as we knew it would never be the same. These children would grow up in a different world than I had.

And it made me so sad.

September 11, 2001

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Vintage With A Twist

Sometimes I wonder if I wasn’t born in the wrong decade…

*I enjoy watching reruns of The Walton’s and their TV lives, circa 1930’s.

*I recently bought a 1934 radio reproduction at a local antiques store. I absolutely love it.

*I think some of the best movies ever filmed were in the 30’s and 40’s.

*I have vintage aprons hanging in my kitchen, that I use.

*Some of my best recipes come from a cookbook entitled New Recipes For Good Eating, circa 1948.

*Buying Christmas ornaments from Woolworth’s Five and Dime store… when stores were small and local.

* I love reading Reminisce magazine from cover to cover.

Sigh.

Before anyone tells me that those two decades were difficult…not fun…and that if I lived in those decades I’d be in my 70’s and 80’s now…..forget it. You are not changing my mind.

I know. I know. The Great Depression. World War II. Hard times.  All true, but there was something about that time period…it seems like people pulled together. They were proud to be American. People were happy with a simpler lifestyle. Neighbors knew who you were. ….At least more than in today’s society.

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“Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”  Casablanca (1941)

“Some day you’ll learn that greatness is only the seizing of opportunity – clutching with your bare hands ’til the knuckles show white.”

National Velvet (1944)

“Oh, my Dear Friend, my heart was trembling as I walked into the post office, and there you were, lying in Box 237. I took you out of your envelope and read you, read you right there.”  The Shop Around The Corner  (1940)

“The time to make up your mind about people is never.”  The Philadelphia Story (1940)

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Don’ts For Girls–A Manual Of Mistakes

A mother plays the guitar while her two daught...

Image via Wikipedia

This past Saturday, my daughter and I went to do some antique shopping in Mount Victory, Ohio. I love this type of thing, and can “get lost” for hours, if left to my own devices. I collect antique books. Most of my books are school books from the turn of the last century. On this particular trip I came across an interesting little book called Don’ts For Girls-A Manual Of Mistakes, written by one Miss Minna Thomas Antrim. The book was copyrighted in Philadelphia by the Henry Altemus Company in 1902. From the inscription in the front cover of the book it was given as a Christmas present in the year 1907. When I see inscriptions such as this, I often wonder what the young lady that received this book looked like, or acted like? Obviously, her parents wished for her to be a proper young lady.

This small, hardback book is packed with little nuggets of wisdom, along with some statements that make me giggle. Some of these verses are so foreign to me, being that I was born in 1968–and by that era, times were most definitely different! In my mind and imagination, I picture a twelve year old girl, on the verge of young womanhood…one from a proper Victorian family. On Christmas morning she opened this gift from her parents, and vowed to read the book from cover to cover.

As she gently opened the book and turned to the first page, this is what she read…

*Don’t be ashamed of your parents. They may be unlearned and dull, but they gave you the chance to become what you are. Honor them before all men.  ( I read this to my daughter, and she laughed. I do not wish for her to believe that her daddy and I are unlearned and dull, though I do like the honor part.)

* Don’t neglect little deeds, while dreaming of great ones.

* Don’t be a prig. Girls who are never a little foolish, are always deadly dull. (I like the word prig. I think I might start using that. Can I bring the word, prig, back?)

*Don’t chatter. Babbling is baneful. Gigglers should be punished by solitary confinement. (If one is going to giggle, do it in private!)

* Don’t regulate your behavior by geography. Be as modest at the sea shore as at home. ( I love this one. Anyone that has been to the beach lately knows, that some young ladies need to be more modest–allowing everything to hang out is not pleasant for us that are forced to watch.)

* Don’t be good because you must, but because you should. ( Amen. Enough said.)

* Don’t be anxious to get “in the swim.” Many drown there. (Many of our young people today, still have this problem. Following one’s peers can prove deadly.)

*Don’t fail to lock the family skeleton securely in the closet when guests are expected. ( Doesn’t this crack you up? I bet a lot of Victorian closets were bursting with bones…but, the key to the closet was kept cleverly hidden:)

* Don’t go anywhere with a young man alone. Convention admits no exception of this rule. ( That would save a lot of heartache, wouldn’t it? 🙂

* Don’t listen to anything revolting. There are things in life that should never be made known to a sensitive girl. ( A young Victorian girl would never make it watching the news these days. Or any TV. Or any movies. Or most books. Or…or….or…..)

The book ends with this last page.

* Don’t begin the day with a sigh, or you may end with a downpour.

* Don’t lament because your neighbor’s garden surpasses yours. Keep hoeing. ( I love this one in particular. Plenty of people in our entitlement society, need to read this.)

And last but certainly not least…

* Don’t fuss. If things never went wrong who’d long for heaven? (Amen, to that.)

I hope you’ve enjoyed this brief look into the beginning of the last century. It’s always fun to look back…

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De-Cluttering Life Stuff

Moving in: Day 1

Image by tiexano via Flickr

I just read my friend’s blog, over at Faith Barista.  Bonnie was talking about De-Cluttering. It got me to thinking.

I have always been an organized person….an everything in its place, kind of a gal. I put things back after I use them, so I know where to find them for the next time.

And yet…… I have things that I don’t need. Things I haven’t looked at for a very long time. Why do I keep stuff? Why do I hold on tight to things that really don’t matter?

Is it really comforting to keep things? Or is it a strangle hold?

Does relaxing my hand to let things go, bring peace? Peace… so that I can focus on the things that are truly important?

I believe it might be time for me to pare down—again. I’ve done it in the past, and to be honest with you it was extremely liberating. I can truly live on less, and still be happy.

I will admit it is not always easy. Watching television fuels the, “I have to have it” mentality. Turning off,  “the junk, the possessions, the things”  is a good lesson to learn.

Physically throwing out, or giving away stuff is good. It’s also good to do a clean sweep of my schedule. What is truly important to me? What are the things I really want to do? Are my days so full that I can’t breathe? Or am I able to relax and enjoy the moments? The ones that matter….

Cleaning up and clearing out!

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