Suracha

Test of success

2010-04-09T17:01:00.000-05:00

So after hours trying to figure out why I couldn't access my blog, I think I figured it out. So now this is a test to see if I have the email thingy down.

We are traveling to Indiana to celebrate 90 years of a wonderful lady - my mother In law. And as a bonus, see my parents. Then to just put the icing on the cake, J is with us and we get to see Gus.

I love being Mimi! The innocence and wonder in a childs face. Whether it is in discovering their fingers or losing a tooth, it just draws you in.

I want that joy and sweet abandonment in me as I experience life.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Heros

2010-04-09T01:21:00.003-05:00

This is in honor of the heros in my life
Paul for stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Sarah for gently pushing me to keep trying.
Chana for showing me the silly.
Joseph for being organized like I would love to be!

First Steps

2009-06-21T23:18:00.003-05:00

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. Those two adages being accurate - I decided to post to my blog. As you can see from my last post - it is about time. I have lots of thoughts and ideas - but getting them down here - well that is another story.

Oh, I have good reasons! Okay, excuses. But, alas, they are just that, excuses. Basically, it has not been a priority.

So what has been happening in my life? Well - basically, I returned to work as a nurse. December 29 of last year, I started working in home care again. I absolutely LOVE my job - but... isn't there always a but? Well, mine is that the job is full time and it seems that is all I do.

I know it is a matter of time management and not procrastinating. Just haven't got it mastered yet. In my dreams, I am organized, don't procrastinate.... oh, yeah, skinny, a great singer, and, and.... Yet, I am still me. And I have not fully aclimated to the new (6 months is still new, right?)schedule and become self-disciplined enough to "Fly" so as to have my life and home in order.

Okay, it is late - I have to get up early - to finish work from last Friday, sigh - is there no end?

In the mean time - any who read this - be blessed in the Lord - for no matter what messes we create for ourselves - HE is good - ALL the time! uh huh!

A New You

2008-12-27T17:06:00.000-06:00

I thought I would share something I wrote for our church bulletin for the New Years edition.

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

I love the new year—it represents a new beginning. Old things are done. Whatever happened be it good or bad in the past year is over. We can look forward with renewed hope.

We all have areas in our lives we would like to change—speaking kinder to those we encounter, being more diligent in working towards our goals, praying more, losing weight, finally breaking the chains of addiction, , keeping our room cleaner, being more generous in our giving, being the mom, dad, husband, wife, daughter, son, employee, etc., that I should be … This list goes on and on.

One of the biggest lessons in the Old Testament is God’s faithfulness and mercy. Time after time, the children of Israel disobeyed, openly rebelled, turned away to serve other gods, and just rejected the Almighty God. Yet, for every time they failed and then repented, He showed them mercy and accepted them back. Not only accepted them, but went to great means to avenge any wrongs done them. The heartaches, battles lost, and sorrow were exchanged for great things—great victories, great blessings.

It is no different for us today. Bad things happen, some of our own doing, some just a consequence of life. But each new year allows us to step back, refocus and start again.

This fresh start usually involves some repentance. There is nothing more refreshing than a clean house. A couple years ago, we purchased a new sofa for our living room. Before it was delivered, I not only wanted to sweep the wood floors, but vacuum and mop and polish them. Much to my dismay, that was the time our family became sick and I was unable to do this. I could not rest on the new sofa, though, until I knew the floor was spotless underneath it. The same is true in our lives. The old grudges, sins, weights, failings—time to get rid of them. We can not really move forward with the “new man” until the old has been thoroughly cleaned.

So what are your dreams, goals, desires? Do they include drawing closer to God? Maybe it is time for a total recommitment. Possibly you have never repented or been baptized in Jesus Name or have you neglected to receive the Holy Ghost - the Spirit that brings the new life? Whatever your situation, there is no time like today to start again. Time to make all things new.

In with the New

2008-11-15T19:04:00.003-06:00

Someone once asked me what my favorite holiday was. Unequivically, New Years! I love the concept of new, fresh, starting over. Likewise, Monday is my favorite day of the week. I love Sundays for the refreshing in the Holy Ghost and the presence of God - but it is also so busy as to get bumped from the number one spot. So that leaves Monday, nice quiet, slow paced Monday.

So is it any surprise that anticipation is building for another "new" in our lives. We should be in our new church within about three weeks. To that end, there is all the final work to be done - cleaning.

So we have started spending some time at the new facility. Cleaning, scraping, vacuuming. It is unreal how much dust can accumulate in a space. I mopped one floor four times and it still did not look acceptable by my standards.

On the other hand, as a space is completed and it begins to shine and the furniture is set in place - all of a sudden, this is so very real.

Makes me think about this journey we are on. We have been hearing for years, "Jesus is coming back." And yes, we believe it, but it is easy to relegate it to "someday." But as we see the happenings in our world and we recognize them as fulfillment of prophecies in the Bible - it is becoming very, very real! Time to really kick in and get to work - time to clean (up our act), make sure everything is where it should be in our lives. Is everything working? Is the power on in our lives?

I watched as we polished the outside of things. We scraped the windows, washed the walls - getting everybit of dust removed that we could. The carpet layers were making sure this covering was secure - no visible seams. The tile layers made sure there was a good sealer present on the grout so moisture wouldn't get in and undermine thier work. And we cleaned. Then someone else would be in to fix something, and guess what? We had to clean again.

We need to examine our lives. Check the inside and outside. Polish, clean, seal. Make sure there is no cracks for sin to seep into our souls. Make sure we are spotless. Invariably something will come along and we will have to cleanse again. It is all part of the process.

You see one day soon we will be meeting Him. There will be an inspection and everything must be in order. I want to pass that inspection most of all.

By the way - December 7 is the projected move in date. Check out our website at www.upc1.org

There is hope

2008-11-14T11:12:00.000-06:00

Let me preface this by saying after I blogged today, this was in my inbox. My, aren’t friends helpful to the cause? I guess we should keep all things in perspective and balance.

”Health Benefits Of Being Overweight”

A new report suggests that being overweight is not as

harmful as is commonly believed, and actually confers

some surprising benefits.

Being five to ten pounds overweight could protect

people from ailments ranging from tuberculosis to

Alzheimer's disease, research indicates.

Those carrying 15 to 25 extra pounds are better able

to recover from adverse conditions such as emphysema,

pneumonia, and various injuries and infections, states

the report.

Thirty to forty pounds of flab could help fend off

breast, kidney, pancreatic, prostate, and colon cancer.

And an extra fifty pounds on the scale may improve

eyesight, reverse baldness, cure the common cold,

and reduce global warming.

In general, the report concludes, overweight people

are happier, more successful in business, smarter,

and friendlier.

The study was funded by a research grant from

McDonald's, Burger King, Jack in the Box, Taco

Bell, Domino's Pizza, Starbucks, Haagen Dazs,

Sara Lee, and Krispy Kreme.

Inspiration

2008-11-14T10:09:00.002-06:00

So my dear daughter has guilted me into updating here. But isn't that what daughters are good at? Guilting their mothers? It is an inherited thing, although I am sure I don't do that to my mother. Okay, maybe to get visits. But, it is reciprocated! Boy if that is not a lousy rationalization. Time to move on....

I guess the newest and greatest thing in my life right now is success! You see, July 29, I embarked on a new journey. I was going to get healthy. Of course, a primary focus was weight loss, but beyond that, making healthy choices.

Although I have not hit the "50" mark, it is very close and if I am not going to be totally useless in a few years - I had better do something NOW!

So, we (yes, my dear husband has joined me in this quest) are drinking water instead of other drinks. Okay, yes, coffee remains - but it is decaf now. We are eating fruits and vegetables (at least 5 a day). Limiting drastically the simple carbohydrates - especially white flour items, and being conscious of calories taken in. This is accomplished mainly through portion control and making wise choices through out the day.

The nice thing about this is it allows for treats periodically, just not a massive amount of them.

So what have I discovered on this journey?

1 - Hunger is good. Oh, not starvation hunger. But I get hungry now. I never did before. I always ate frequently enough that I can say I never felt that feeling of needing to eat. Now, when I get hungry, I know it is time to eat. And, guess what? It is usually right at meal times too - meaning enough hours have passed that this is a natural sensation.

2 - I love fish! No, not just tolerate it - not even just like it. I love it. I am selecting fish as an entre' when we go out now. Okay, my favorite is the Guiltless Grilled Salmon at Chili's, sans beans, with double broccoli. Oh, my makes me hungry just thinking of it! I now fix it regularly at home - much to the dismay of my son. So, I limit that for his sake.

3 - I love water. At first I added flavoring to it and guzzled the stuff. But I found it left a dry taste in my mouth and didn't seem to quench my thirst. The plain water now is so refreshing. My usual plan is: 2 bottles of water before work, then at least 2 - 3 more the rest of the day.

4 - It really isn't hard to make these right choices. Okay, sometimes it is, like last night with a huge pan of Sis. Emma's banana pudding at the ready! And I was dishing it up for everyone at the dinner. So, I put 2 tablespoons in a cup and left! That way, I didn't get tempted to dip in for more after I tasted it and went to heaven! ha ha.

So what has been the results? Forty-seven pounds gone thus far! Woo Hoo! I can climb a flight of stairs without getting winded. I can put on my shoes without getting short of breath! I am beginning (note that word!) to think (note that word also!) about exercise. I have actually done some strengthening activities, just not faithfully or regularly. I believe this will come.

Oh, and my man? He is now at goal! And my does he look fine! He got his old wardrobe back. All the pants I had removed from his closet to give away? Well they are back and no belly paunch. And, he is thinking along the healthy lines too. Making choices to include vegetables and fruits, also.

Okay, there is other stuff going on, but I will save it for another day. After all - if I am to meet the expectations of my daughter, I must continue with this.

Be blessed in the Lord today, and rejoice!

2008-03-04T17:25:00.003-06:00

March - in like a lion.... that is definitely the case here! Several trips, lots of projects and a busy schedule all keep me looking over my shoulder to see what I missed.

We went to northern Indiana last week - to see Paul's mom, see our daughter and son in law (on leave from Iraq). Of course I said I didn't want to go if there was snow - After being assured it didn't look like there would be much - we got 2 - 4 inches every day. Argh!

So we got home, and got right back into the swing of things here. Saturday was a birthday party for a friend, Sunday was church and jail service in the afternoon, and Monday was a trip to Nashville airport and some shopping.

The good part of this is that I did find an outfit for the wedding. Oh, yeah. Chana and her husband Keyonsay are reaffirming their wedding vows on the 15th of this month. A year ago, when they married, they just went to the court house. So they are having a wedding this year. Chana and her friend Ronance came by and picked up the flowers to make the girl's bouquets. I still need to sew two little girl's dresses and the capes for the bridesmaid's dresses.

Today, the house was cleaned so it is ready for company - and my sewing room is straightened (you can't sew in a mess). So now it is time to get to work. I do have a couple quilts to attach borders to, though as they are scheduled to go to the quilter this week.

The sewing classes from a couple weeks ago went well. Here is one of the patterns I had one of the ladies do. it is called the split nine patch and really looks great - and so easy. One lady had never sewn before and did an excellent job on hers.

So that is what is happening at the Spites. Of course we leave Thursday to go to Virginia. Joseph graduates from his Advanced Training course with the National Guard. I believe he will officially be a helicopter mechanic. It will be good to have him home, though, after being gone almost 7 months.

I will have more projects to post after the wedding. And of course some pictures of the kids.
So till later - blessings on all.

My Space

2008-02-14T20:52:00.004-06:00

Okay, I had some friends signed up with My Space and suggested I should to. So, I think, why not? What a mistake! Fifty million emails - somebody tagged me, somebody added me, sombody wants me to join this or that.... It was never ending - so I unlisted myself. After all - I already was quite involved in My Space! I didn't need the online version.

So here are some pictures of My Space.

This is the closet. My daughter, Sarah organized it for me. All the bins hold either fabric or projects. Each are labeled with what is in them. The fabric stash is divided by size.

My layout/cutting table is to the left. The PVC extensions on the legs save my back from major pain.

this is my sewing machine table. Although not large, it works quite well. To the right of the table is a small book case. On top of this, my threads and notions are kept quite handy.

Now this has changed somewhat, but basically it is similar - just more. You can see a dresser on the left of the above picture. This is the dresser we bought with the crib when Sarah was born (24 years ago). The top folds down into a changing table or makes a small shelf when in its current position. It holds my fusible products and odd fabrics.

I will need to take more pictures of the current lay out, I thought I had, but can't find them. So enjoy the short tour. There is also my favorite Queen Anne chair in here - great when a quilting buddy comes over for quality bonding time.

Purse of the month

2008-01-30T16:59:00.001-06:00

Okay, so I joined a purse of the month club. Like I don’t already have too many projects going. Anyway, I missed the class for the first month, so just picked up the pattern and made it at home. I just finished it and here is the finished product.

I am really pleased with it – especially since I really closely followed all the instructions. Well, except for…. Yes, I did make minor adjustments – but nothing that changed the end product. It will be perfect for all the junk I carry – my Bible, notebook, camera, Nemnays for Jadyn (M & M’s for the uninformed), and whatever else I may need for that day.

I can also carry a small project to do by hand during waiting times. I have found if I always have something to do, I don’t mind waiting at all. In fact, I anticipate a wait so I can do a bit more on a “hand project.”

Tomorrow is Thimbleberries day. Two ladies will be coming over to work on our Thimbleberries, BOM. I do enjoy our times together – last time, it netted me the embroidery machine (notice the initials on the purse).

And since this is a rambling post – thought I would share a bit from the anger management class I taught last night. Last week’s lesson was on Trust. Trust is the foundation upon which any relationship is built. Love, on the other hand, is what holds or binds it together. We often think of love as a feely emotion, but actually when we have loving ACTIONS, the feeling of love follows. This is not always the case in the reverse.

Not feeling much love for someone? Try acting or showing your love. It is amazing how the feelings change.

Next week’s lesson is on forgiveness. This is what maintains the relationship. All three are much needed: Trust – Love – Forgiveness.

Time for dinner, so I will chat later.

10 Random facts, habits, or goals about myself

2008-01-26T20:20:00.001-06:00

1) Suracha is a made up name from my teen years.

2) My husband and I sit each night in front of the fire in the fireplace and read our Bible following the BREAD chart.

3) I place a glass of ice water beside my bed each night, winter and summer.

4) I have become obsessive about quilting.

5) Someday I will lose weight.

6) I am very content and happy with my life.

7) I am in love with my husband.

8) I often wear one or two pairs of glasses on the top of my head.

9) I am a gadget queen – doesn’t matter what kind – cooking or sewing.

10) I cannot seem to keep my desk cleared off.

2008-01-22T22:24:00.000-06:00

Best laid plans of mice and men, often go astray. Alas as we near the end of January, I am not seeing a whole lot of the good ol' resolutions in progress. Well sort of. It seems I have been eating better (healthier) and consequently have lost five pounds.

Of course fasting will do that every time. So what about the fast? Well we started a 30-day prayer and fasting focus. The fast has been different than in the past as it has been a progressive fast. The first week started with fasting the 3-C's - caffeine, carbonated beverages, and chocolate. Thie first week, we received 3 gifts of chocolate! It figures.

So my main focus this month has been more spiritual. Trying to keep things in perspective. Our "Ladies Day" is this Saturday and I so want it to be an inspiration and encouragement to those ladies who attend. It has been powerful the past two years and I desire that again. Things seem t be falling nicely into place. Will write about it afterwords.

Other than that - I am taking an Angel Block of the Month class at Spring Creek Quilt Shop. It is so enjoyable, just being around lots of ladies working towards a common goal. But we are doing fusible applique then securing it with a blanket stitch. The class was on the 11th and I finished the block yesterday. it really looks nice and I will post a picture soon.

At our guild meetings this month we had workshops both days. So I took my bargello quilt (Sarah's) and received advise on how to fix it. Then I worked on the Angel block. On Monday, I worked on my Thimbleberries quilt from last year. I was able to get another border on. Two more to go.

Here are some pictures of some of the other quilts I did for Christmas gifts. This first one is the potato chip pattern and was for my mother-in-law.

This is the twisted bargello I made for Sarah. I had some problems with it, however, so it is not quilted yet. Right now, the borders are removed also. Once I get them re-attached, I will take it to the quilter.

Finally, this is one of the placemats I made for my best friend, Gail. When she was here in October, she saw this applique pattern (I had made a block for a swap) and fell in love with it. so I made her placemats for Christmas. I did the piecing and quilting myself.

Only a Quilter

2008-01-13T15:21:00.001-06:00

Only a Quilter …
by Tom and Madge Powis
June 2003

We've all heard the classic line that only a quilter would take yards and yards of material, cut it into little pieces and then sew
them back together again. While this statement is true and a little funny to think about, it doesn't even scratch the surface of the
things that only a quilter would do.

Only a Quilter would spend more hours sewing several hundreds of buttons on a quilt to embellish it, but wouldn't take five minutes
to replace a button on a pair of pants.

Only a Quilter would give the gift of a wedding quilt two months after the birth of the couple's second child.

Only a Quilter would put hundreds of dollars worth of fabric into her fabric stash because she might find a use for it sometime, but
wouldn't replace a 50-cent needle on her sewing machine.

Only a Quilter would let three later-arriving patients go ahead of her at the doctor's office because she is on the verge of completing
a block.

Only a Quilter would rush to finish a gift quilt. Not so it's done in time for the recipient's birthday, but so it's done in time for
Show and Tell.

Only a Quilter would make a special quilt to give to her son, who would then have to attend quilt shows just to see it.

Only a Quilter would use freezer paper in the production of something to keep someone warm.

Only a Quilter has a welcome mat at the door to her home and an "Enter at Your Own Risk" sign on the door of her sewing room.

Only a Quilter invites everyone to see her sewing room, then says, "Don't look at the mess."

Only a Quilter says, "I really don't need another project," then offers to make a quilt for a friend.

Only a Quilter will buy more than she'll ever need of one fabric for her stash, but slightly less than is needed of another fabric to
complete a project.

Only a Quilter would give a quilt book to the guild auction then bid on it to get it back.

Only a Quilter would drive 40 miles in a hurricane to attend a quilt show, but call out to have her dinner delivered because it is
drizzling.

Only a Quilter's family would put up with, understand and love a quilter.

Fini!

2007-12-20T17:35:00.001-06:00

Yes – it is done! Label attached and all. I am taking it down to the washer so it will be nice, soft, and cuddly when he opens it! My stitching pal from my local quilting guild gave me a tub of quilt wash – special detergent for quilts – guess I will break it open. When he opens it, I will post a picture on here!

Okay, that is it – just sharing a triumph. Now, I will go trim another quilt and put the binding and label on it. It needs to also be wrapped so it is ready for its recipient – can’t say here yet.

Also, I received a message from my son in law in Iraq. Rob received his Christmas package which included a quilt. The message is a bit garbled, but seemed like he liked it a lot. I can post a picture of that one here. Enjoy!

Another day closer

2007-12-19T23:27:00.001-06:00

FINALLY! All those horrid little lines around all those stars are done! And one seam around the first border. Then it was time to change the bobbin thread, so I gave myself a break – to eat dinner. Yes, I know it is 11:30 p.m. But Joe is coming home tomorrow, and it must be done. So, after checking mail, I will eat a little goulash, yum yum, and possibly do a bit more. I would like to finish the quilting tonight, so I can trim and bind it tomorrow.

It’s a plan anyway. Will let you know how it goes tomorrow.

Crafting away

2007-12-18T14:08:00.001-06:00

It has been a busy time. Of course, as usual, I have tried to do more than is reasonable. But actually this year, I am doing somewhat better.

Since some on my Christmas gift lift may read this, I can not expound in detail – ha ha – but let’s see how I can get around that!

First of all, as some may know, I began quilting last September (2006). My goal at that time was to make a quilt for each of my kids for Christmas last year. Well, I learned pretty much immediately that that was not going to happen. So I quickly changed Sarah’s gift to a coat – which to me screamed, “Sarah.” That left Chana and Joe. When I began making my first quilt, I decided it would be for Chana – I wanted it bright and happy colors and warm and snuggly. That it was, and I believe she still loves it immensely. She told me this Christmas that it was the best gift she had ever received. Okay, whether true or not – I will take it.

That left Joe – well, not being too wise in the way of quilting, I let him pick out a pattern. He told me he would like it to be in red and black. Sounds fine. I gave him a book by Alex Anderson on rotary cutting. One would think that would mean those quilts would be appropriate for a beginner. Hmmmph. Not the case. This quilt had a gazillion stars, which in and of itself is not a problem, it is that the stars could not be assembled as a block. Okay for all you non-quilters – what this meant was that the stars were assembled in rows and since the stars were of different colors, you had to pay special attention to the order of the colors. Again – not a biggie – just that with 120 stars it took a LONG time and it wasn’t mindless sewing – but rather I had to be very diligent and focused.

Oh, the other thing – I started this quilt last October (2006) right after I began this odyssey and really didn’t know about needing to be so precise – which is most critical when dealing with half-square triangles (HST) and quarter-square triangles (QST). Last year I got all 480 – 2-1/2 inch blocks of HST joined to QST group done. And the focus fabric block of a square with triangles on each side. Then it became obvious this was not going to be done by Christmas ’06 and it was put away for several months.

Fast Forward to September, ‘07. I begin working on it again, going to set it all together. Not so fast there – all those 480 blocks and the 100 or so focus blocks didn’t go together too well. Oh, no, many were wopper-jawed and needed to be squared up. Yep, I had learned about that this past year. No problem, I had my handy little 2.5 inch square – guess what – they were too small. Now it came to ripping out, excuse me, unsewing. I averaged six good blocks out of every ten. I found it taking nearly 4-1/2 hours to do ONE row! What with unsewing, sewing, pressing, and so forth.

In all honesty, there was a learning curve. By the time I was down to seven rows left, I had it down to a little over two hours. I took it to Quilting on the Mountain and finished the piecing of the star rows. Woo Hoo! I came home and sewed the borders on, sandwiched it and began quilting.

If I thought the stars were a pain, the quilting was even more so! You know all those 120 stars? Yep, they now required quilting all around them. There was no way it looked right any other way. So that is where I am, three days before the boy comes home. I need to get it done, bound and wrapped. He still thinks I am “vaguely working on it.” But it will be done! And it will be the best gift I have ever given my son to.

You see, my very heart and soul has gone into each of these two quilts. No, they would not win any prizes in a quilt show, but the fabrics were selected with each of them I mind. The fabrics reflect who Joe is and his interests. Motorcycles, music, coffee, geometry (order), and the colors he chose. Someone said, forget this one, pick out a new pattern and make him a different one. Not a chance! This is Joe. Merry Christmas, son

This is a test

2007-12-14T12:49:00.001-06:00

This is a test of the emergency blogging system. In the event of an actual emergency, I can post an email directly to this blog. This is just a test.

My Christmas Wisdom

2007-12-14T11:24:00.000-06:00

Welcome December and Christmas! I love this time of year. I decorate, go to parties, see family and friends, buy and or make gifts, and bask in the special services at church. I like to re-read and think about the Christmas story (the first one) and what it really means to me.

But I have also talked with several people who do not find the joy at this time that I do. Of course being who I am, I want everyone to be happy, it stresses me if they aren't. So I began to think about why is it that some are not thrilled with this season. Of course this led to a train thought - so you get the whole track!

First of all – Christmas itself is a celebration of Christ’s birth. We celebrate His coming and why he came – now that itself is enough to ease a bit of the turmoil. Think about it – why did He come? To make atonement, to be the sacrificial lamb for OUR sins – AND those of everyone else on this earth. Now think about all the problems we have – lots of them may be related to choices we made in the past that might have been less than wise, some relate to sins of our past.

Okay – lots aren’t though – what about those? You mean the jerks out there? The mean folks, those out for vengeance of perceived slights? What about the plain old evilness out there? What about life? Well, guess what, he came for that too! He came for those who would use their power to hurt others. For those whose selfishness hurts. He came to bring hope of change.

He also said he would send a comforter. He knew that at times there would just be no way around being hurt and feeling bad; whether physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, or even financially. Yes, He came to speak PEACE – He is the Prince of Peace. He came to be our friend – a friend that sticketh closer than a brother – He will listen when there is no one else – yes, you can tell Him anything.

He is a rock – when it feels like our very foundation is shaking – He stands firm. He is our Strong Tower – when we feel buffeted by life’s storms – we can run to Him – run in Him and be safe. He is our Everlasting Father – when we don’t know what to do, where to go, how we should act or react – He is there to advise. He wraps His arms around us and just holds us.

He is our Jehovah Jireh – our provider – He supplies all of our needs – get this, according to HIS riches in glory. Not according to our standards – but according to His!

So what does all this have to do with where you are right now? How can this help the anguish you feel? First of all, toss out all preconceptions of what Christmas has always been. There is no magic to the date December 25. I have watched for years, families fuss and fight over who actually gets the kids on Christmas morning or who is going to be at whose parents on Christmas Day? This is especially significant when families live some distance from each other.

I made a commitment that as our children grew up and left home, I would not participate in that fuss. We would find a day – any day – when everyone could be together and that will be Christmas! I am not sure we have ever had Christmas on the 25th since they have left the nest. One year it was the 20th, another it was the first Saturday of January. We had as wonderful a time as if it were on the 25th. I planned our Christmas dinner just like we have for years. We observed the same traditions. And that was Christmas in our home. We even did the scripture reading and all.

I usually ask the kids what their plans are for Christmas. When are they going to the in-laws? Other relatives? What is a good date to get together? This year my girls are planning to spend Christmas with my mother in Kentucky. One daughter will leave Christmas Eve late to go to her in-laws in Cleveland TN for Christmas Day. I believe they both plan to be here the 26th or 27th. Of course one son in law is in Iraq and will not be home, but my son has leave then so he will be. I am rejoicing for this.
It has been a very refreshing thing for us to toss out the calendar!

Fine, that is all good, it settles who will get together or not. But what if I just cannot afford any gifts? First of all we nearly always feel we need to go overboard at Christmas. I have watched for years as we overloaded our kids with "things" each Christmas. Things they may have asked for, things I thought they needed, things that were just too cute, things, things, things. Often, they were tired of opening things before they were done. As they got older, of course the price of the items increased too. I remember one year purchasing an MP3 player and a digital camcorder. One was used maybe once, the other did not work after three months. Money, I felt was down the drain. We decided at that time, no more.

Last year a friend shared a little poem they used in their family by which to give gifts.
Something to read
Something to wear
Something to play with
Something to share.

Wow - how liberating! This works for big or little folks the same. The share part of it refers to something they would do with someone else; a game, puzzle, dog, etc.
For those who have all they ever needed or wanted, we have made donations to their chosen charities. We have supported an orphanage, a fireman's toy drive, crisis pregancy center, literacy program, a missionary's effort to build a church in the Phillipines.

Then there is that ultimate gift - time. One of the traditions we have at Christmas is to work a jigsaw puzzle. Now this is a very inexpensive activity. You can buy a very nice one for under $10 new, $1-2 at Goodwill, or free if borrowed from someone else. Such enjoyable time has been spent doing this, make some hot chocolate or popcorn, or whatever you like as a snack - and spend several days "together." If you live where there is snow - make it a family outing to go sledding or build a snowman, go to look at the lights, find a live nativity. Stay away from malls and shops that try and tell you how unfit you are as a parent because you can't buy the latest $85 transformer for you kid. Oh, my don't even let me get started on that!

Whatever you do, enjoy it as a family. One thing my children remember with special fondness was having an "orange party" with their grandfather and all the neighbor kids. Grandpa Spite walked into the backyard with several oranges and announced they were going to have an orange party! With excitement over having a party, the kids gathered, "What is an orange party?" the wondered. They sat in rapt attention at Grandpa's feet as he peeled the oranges and ceremoniously handed each child a slice. They were thrilled! (don't expect this to work with older children - ha ha)

Do I feel I am a model of all things right? Not a chance! But I do believe God has gifted me with a little insight in this matter. There is a major peace and a lot of it is changing my mind set. A class I teach on anger management stresses release and refocus. That is so important with any emotion in our life.

So for this Chrismas - I wish for you peace. I believe that is the ultimate gift after salvation that anyone could possess.

Peace be with you, my peace I give to you.

Seasons

2007-09-28T14:57:00.000-05:00

Fall is officially here and with it, a time of refreshing. It has been beastly hot here in middle Tennessee all summer. Heat and me do not go together. So I have stayed in. Of course before the heat hit, I planted a nice garden - tomatoes, peppers, squash, and cucumbers. I was pleased with it, watered it diligently and had a nice yield.

But then it REALLY got hot and - forget it. The same thing with my front flowers - they were beautiful - now weed infested and dying fast.

That is okay - they have been relegated to the priority status of the garage - to be done when the weather is cool.

So now, I am inside and quilting - yep - my new passion since last September. It is amazing the things that can be created with fabric.

Of course while working on a project, I have in my mind who it is for and spend time thinking about that person.

So, with this new inspiration and the need for a project to raise money for our ladies mission project - I decided to do a prayer quilt. I selected fabrics - lots of flowers (it was during the good growing season) and began. As I quilted I prayed - prayed for ladies specifically. The ladies in our church, their families, and needs. The projects supported by our mission funds, and the ladies on an email list I belong to.

Then I auctioned the quilt. After I had the winning bid, I began to pray specifically for the lady and her family who won the quilt. It was a humbling experience and I hope tears don't weaken the fabrics as there were many shed over that quilt. So hear is a picture of The Comfort of Psalms Prayer Quilt.

So how am I finding time for this? Well all my kids are gone. Joe is at basic trainging for the National Guard. Chana married and with her took the little one. So now I am Mimi a couple days a week only and lots of open time.

So it is a new season in my life. I am sure it will bring much joy along with its share of sorrow. There is beauty in every season though. The beautiful colors of summer were gorgeous. To be enjoyed through windows or early mornings when the heat was not too intense. The fall foilage brings beauty and the cooler temps bring refreshment, but the flowers fade also.

That is how I want to look at my life - seek the beauty and the joys and keep focused on them rather than the down side.

It is a mental game, one played through the ages. The Psalmist knew it all too well when he said, "This is the day the Lord hath made, I WILL rejoice and be glad."

Life in the Spring Lane

2006-04-04T14:10:00.000-05:00

Why is it we are always surprised when God works things out perfectly? Well, for the past several weeks I had seen a notice in the local paper about a Bob Ross style art class. It was an all day class so I would need to get a sitter for Boo (grandbaby). Of course I procrastinated, no-one came to mind, etc. So Thursday comes and still no sitter, I think, "I'll ask someone at church tonight while there working." That's fine, except I forgot. So around 10 pm, I remembered, but too late.

"Oh, well. I just won't go." Kind of disappointed. Kind of mad at myself for putting it off.

So we wake up Friday morning, my hubby looks out the window and says, "There's a green Nissan in our drive." Woo Hoo!!! My first born is home! Yes!!! Do a dance! Run through the house, searching for her! She came by on her way from Indy to Alabama and I wasn't expecting her until later that night or Saturday. But she was there and then I knew why I wasn't to go to the class. No guilt over leaving her.

We went to breakfast, ran errands, did some shopping (grocery LOL). Just spent time together.

So anyway, she is gone again but I should be going to her new house in a few weeks.

So what else? Oh, We went to our first story hour at the library - well my first since forever! But, Boo and I went - she seemed a bit intimidated by all the kids - probably about 40 or so. They had a special storyteller there - Steven James - he did a great job with the kids. Once I figure out the picture thing on here I will post a pic. (Don't hold your breath LOL)

It is officially spring now - I changed the flowers in my door wreath. I also put a quacking duck in it. Hubby just shook his head. Now, I am not a floral designer, but it looks nice. With that and getting my flower beds weeded - just feels right!

So rejoice in the Lord

About my Father's Business

2006-03-12T21:08:00.000-06:00

It has been one busy week and today I am paying the piper. I guess you might say it actually started last Saturday, with a youth party here. We are youth coordinators for the month of March, so that was our first activity. As the party was winding down, we received news of the unexpected death of a man a church.

Sunday was pretty subdued because of the above news. I went to jail - we had a record number come since being in the individual pods. It was a really good service too. We had a memorial service Sunday night for the brother who died.

Monday was my normal home blessing day - Only halfway blessed my home (my bathroom, guest bath, half laundry, kitchen). Oh, went and changed my glasses out - this was a consequence of my own stupidity. I got new glasses, but since I had had so much problems seeing with the previous bi-focals, I decided to get regular, single-vision lense and then a second pair for computer and reading. After all, I always took the glasses off to read anyway - it was a waste of money - or so I thought. You would be amazed at how much you do read just by glancing at things. Well, I couldn't do that. So I went back to the doc to change the lens to bi-focal - Guess What?? The reason I couldn't see was not the bi-focual but my eyes had changed and the script was wrong. Oh, well, that is fixed now.

Tuesday - prep time for teaching. Finished the merit badge on first aid with the boy scouts, attended the committee meeting for B.S. and then went to ACTS class. It was my night to teach and the topic was hallucinogens. It was a really good lesson and I had several comments that it was "for me" from some of the participants. We had a large group again this week - probably about 24.

Wednesday left with our former pastor's wife (age 87 - who I barely knew since we only moved here about a couple years ago and I never knew her husband) to go to Indiana for the funeral. Great weather going. We went to Applebees then decided we didn't want to spend that much on dinner so got up and walked out. She giggled about it the whole trip. Went to the funeral home that night - it was awkward, we knew only the widow and her two daughters out of about 50 people.

Thursday - my daughter dropped my granddaughter off at the hotel - it was so good to see her as I had not seen her all week. Then the funeral and the drive home - AND the horrid storm.

Friday - some visitation for church then we took the youth to Nashville for Spring Fling - we had about 17 go. Got home about 2 am just in time to witness the clean up crew finishing up after a fire on town square.

Saturday - work on varied projects around the house

Sunday - today - crash! didn't go to jail today, slept. My son woke me at 6:10 (church starts at 6!) We went anyway and it was a very sweet presence of the Lord there. Glad I went even though I don't fee real good. Oh, and my hubby left for West Virginia.

Tomorrow is sleep in a bit (hopefully), home blessing and then relax!

Fixer

2006-03-11T13:54:00.000-06:00

Several years ago, our family did some psychological profiling. Can't exactly remember why, but it seems it was during our time of fostering. Anyway, mine revealed me to be a fixer. I desire to fix problems, to make folks happy. I am at extreme unease when people are fighting, bickering or in a 'funk' so to speak.

Great! I am consumed by a need to fix everyone's problems. What a wonderful way to make yourself miserable! You see you can't fix everyone's problems. I can barely fix my own! It's not all bad, I do get a great sense of well being / satisfaction when I am able to help someone. But I must be careful that I am not enabling them to be dependent.

It has created problems in my marriage. If my husband gets a bit too self sufficient, I do not feel needed or even worse abandoned. So I have had to really work on my feelings of self esteem, separating how I feel about me with the actions of others. No easy task and probably one I will be working on for the rest of my life.

Okay, fast forward a bit and regard my involvement with the American Red Cross. Now originally I became involved with this very noble organization (yes, I know they have their problems) because although I had taught CPR for the American Heart Association for about 10 years, I often was requested to also teach first aid. At that time AHA did not offer that option. So I went to the ARC to cross train. I began teaching CPR and first aid with ARC. After 911, I felt I wanted to do more so volunteered on the local (Kosciusko County, Indiana) chapter's disaster team. This was very fulfilling for me personally. I was able to help people and when not doing that, I was involved in trainings, prevention, and public education. I went to many many training sessions to better prepare myself to serve however I may be needed in the event of a disaster.

Besides local fire calls, where I (and the other volunteers) would help families find shelter, food, clothing, and other immediate needs, I was able to help with the floods of Northern Indiana. This, I found to be fulfilling and I derived great pleasure from my involvement.

When we moved, my first contact with the local chapter were a grave disappointment. They seemed to be having problems to the point of possibly closing. I maintained my distance - kind of a wait and see approach. Then came hurricane Katrina. Since I had completed my DSHR certification, allowing me to respond to any national disaster, my phone calls to volunteer where never returned. I was discouraged so decided to check in again with the local chapter. It seemed they were servicing evacuees in our service area, so I gladly went to work.

It would seem there were personnel problems from the start. One of the most prominent volunteers was asked to leave. I understood this as I had personally witnessed and been at the brunt of her rampages against the ARC and the glorifying of herself. But then I also became aware of many, many other problems. The chapter continued to have financial problems, there was internal bickering among volunteers, between board members, and finally with between board members/volunteers and the director.

I continued to teach classes and tried to volunteer as I was able. But things continued to disintegrate. I found myself avoiding ARC calls. I hated to give up on this as I truly believe in the ARC and its mission. However, the local problems were far greater than I had time, energy, capabilities, or desire to fix.

I have invested hundreds of hours in training and work with the ARC and really connect with their mission, now I find it all gone. If I have any future involvement with them, I will need to start over. This decision has taken several months to reach as it has not been made lightly. I just do not have the availability of time to commit to something of this magnitude.

So I guess this is farewell to a chapter of my life. I am sad, but I look forward with anticipation for where God will place me next. What task will He lay before me? You see, He made me like I am for a reason. The Bible says we are made in His image. I am humbled that He gave me this part of His likeness as my gift.

Suracha

Fear

2006-03-10T09:31:00.000-06:00

What a nightmare trip! I went to Indiana for a funeral on Wednesday and came home yesterday. It was raining when we left, no big deal. However, after passing Louisville, the deluge began. Buckets and sheets pouring from the sky! Visibility immediately went from fair to nothing within seconds. This is not cool when traveling at 70 miles per hour with huge trucks on all sides. Flashers came on and I found the name of Jesus on my lips.

The gut gripping fear eased - immediately. Tension was still there, but that too eased as I continued to call on His name. I was reminded of the disciples in the boat - I knew their feelings of helplessness and fear. Because of hearing their story for years and experiencing the same in my life, in this situation I knew what to do. I didn't waste time trying to figure it out on my own. I just slowed, moved aside and allowed the knowledge of His presence to speak peace - if not to the storm outside, then to the storm inside me. I knew regardless of the storm, His hand was with us.

I remember another similar storm when this was not the case. I pulled over to the side of the road and sat paralyzed in fear. My three babies were with me and I could imagine every horrible thing that could happen to us. So what was different this time? Maybe He has come through so many times that I now KNOW He will be with me. Possibly I am more in-tune with Him right now that He is closer to me (in my mind) than on other occasions. Somehow, I think this latter may be closer to the truth. You see, He doesn't move - but when we fill our lives with lots of clutter and don't have a daily relationship with Him, we don't feel as close.

Think about these earthly relationships. If you need a major favor - who are you most likely to ask? Tom who works at WalMart or Joe, your next door neighbor whom you see and talk with each day as he walks his dog, mowed his lawn when he was sick, or taken a meal to when his wife was ill? It is going to be Joe, the one with whom you have a relationship - not Tom to whom you say hi and exchange pleasantries in the check out lane.

It is no different with Jesus. When you invest in a relationship with Him, when you have a need - you have no qualms with asking - and knowing it will be answered.

Seems that is the 'perfect love' He talks about in His word - the love that casteth out all fear.

Okay, maybe this isn't blog material - Of course I am new to this so I don't really know - but if it helps me think through things and clear things in my mind, I guess it will serve its purpose. And if it stimulates someone else to think through things also (in agreement or disagreement) that's even cooler! ha ha - don't you love that word?

Suracha

Annoying people

2006-03-07T13:06:00.000-06:00

How do we react/treat people who annoy us? Okay - so it is a bizarre subject to start with - but it is heavy on my mind now. You see i once knew a dear man who passed away. He truly was a good man. He would do anything to help you. When my husband moved to his town before the rest of our family, he gave him a bookcase for his books (we had not moved all of our furniture). He loved it when his daughter babysat my granddaughter - he would play with her and drive them where ever they needed to go. He was disabled but kept the house spotless and taxied his family everywhere. He worked at little odd jobs around the church taking care of things without being asked (taking out trash, cleaning the baptistry, turning on heaters, etc).
Yet, he could also be so annoying. He would interrupt your conversation to shake your hand, get up and leave several times through the service, making a scene, and just hover. I found this very annoying because I am someone who needs space. I loved his wife dearly, but I would avoid him.

Now he is gone and as I reflect - I am ashamed. His good points truly did outweigh his bad. Why could I not be more tolerant? So what will I do with this? I would like to say, I will NEVER do that again! Ha - I know "me" too well for that. I do hope, though, that I will be more aware of it and try to be more giving. Is it really so hard to look past those little annoyances and give the pleasure a simple smile and handshake give? I pray that when I feel the irritation rising, Jim will be called to my remembrance and not only will I smile and shake the hand, but in my heart I will commit to love this person regardless of their faults (my perception).

I would like to think I was not out and out rude to him. I would smile (did it reach my eyes?) and return his handshake. But if he didn't approach me, I did not approach him. I loved him, but I didn't always like him. I have prayed for forgiveness - I know I have received it. But my part of that is to turn in a different direction. To do differently.

I guess as I said goodbye to him, I must also thank him for teaching me a little more about people. You see, how often do we do this to those we love? There is no question that we do love them, yet, we allow their little idiosyncrasies to rub us the wrong way. Soon we see more of their faults than their good traits - their blessings. We do this to our husbands, children, parents, friends... This list goes on. No one can ever meet our expectations - it isn't a matter of lowering the standard, but of accepting people and their efforts for just that - efforts.

For with what measure you mete, so shall it be measured unto you. Those are strong words. But also merciful words. We don't want to always have to meet someone else's standard. We don't have to be so driven - we can relax and accept people for who they are - unique and precious in God's sight. Should they be any different in ours?

Suracha