12-31-15
Paisley
Re: End of the year video of Paisley
Ok...I found a few words: This is a year end video chronicling the adoption of Paisley, my great niece.
When the process started, I worried. I should not have. God erased all my worries one by one in big and miraculous ways. The most personal worry I had was that I wasn't sure I would love Paisley...enough. And that, my friends, turned out to be the biggest and stupidest worry of all.
I've learned a great deal over the course of the past two years but the most important thing I learned was that God is greater and I have the capacity in my heart to love a child born a world away as if she were my very own.
My very own.
I wouldn't have believed that two years ago. My prayer going in to 2016 is that God will continue to open my heart to bigger and greater things.
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Uh Oh
12-22-15
Uh Oh
So, this morning, I'm walking across the bedroom and, inexplicably, my toe gets caught in the bottom of my pajama pants. It was only because of my superior athletic ability that I was able to avoid a fall.
2015...is this really the kind of stuff you're trying to go out on? Come on. You are better than that.
Uh Oh
So, this morning, I'm walking across the bedroom and, inexplicably, my toe gets caught in the bottom of my pajama pants. It was only because of my superior athletic ability that I was able to avoid a fall.
2015...is this really the kind of stuff you're trying to go out on? Come on. You are better than that.
Christmas 2015
12-7-15
Christmas
Got my list, checking it twice (more than that, actually, because I can't remember much of nothing without my list), wrapping some gifts, listening to Christmas music, drinking coffee, checking FB to see what all you people are up to today, thinking about some people I know who have gone through some really hard things this week and some people who have gone through some really joyous things this week. I am trying to take it all in, appreciate it all more and thank God for the past and the future plans He has for me.
My Grown- up Christmas List:
* love
* grace
* mercy
* peace
* forgiveness
* joy
* gratefulness
* compassion
* kindness
* more of Jesus
Christmas
Got my list, checking it twice (more than that, actually, because I can't remember much of nothing without my list), wrapping some gifts, listening to Christmas music, drinking coffee, checking FB to see what all you people are up to today, thinking about some people I know who have gone through some really hard things this week and some people who have gone through some really joyous things this week. I am trying to take it all in, appreciate it all more and thank God for the past and the future plans He has for me.
My Grown- up Christmas List:
* love
* grace
* mercy
* peace
* forgiveness
* joy
* gratefulness
* compassion
* kindness
* more of Jesus
Christmas Wish
12-2-15
Christmas Wish
Honest-to-goodness exchange this morning went a little something like this:
R: you need to give me some ideas for Christmas.
Me: well, I kinda gave you a hint earlier...
R: yes. I picked up on that.
Me: good.
R: I gave you a hint about what I'd like, too...
Me: I AM NOT GETTING YOU AN ALPACA FOR CHRISTMAS!
R: 😕
Christmas Wish
Honest-to-goodness exchange this morning went a little something like this:
R: you need to give me some ideas for Christmas.
Me: well, I kinda gave you a hint earlier...
R: yes. I picked up on that.
Me: good.
R: I gave you a hint about what I'd like, too...
Me: I AM NOT GETTING YOU AN ALPACA FOR CHRISTMAS!
R: 😕
Thanksgiving 2015
11-25-15
Thanksgiving
Things I Love About Thanksgiving (in no particular order):
1. No gifts! Be ye not mistaken: I love a gift as well as anyone and almost as much as giving a gift. Alas, there is much extraneous-ness that goes along with giving gifts that you don't have to deal with at Thanksgiving. I enjoy that the day is not about giving things but rather giving thanks.
2. Food! It's no secret that I will enjoy a delicious meal that is mainly prepared by people who are not me. I will rock a fruit tray and I will enjoy the bounty set before us particularly on Thanksgiving Day.
3. Long Weekend! My brain and body is half past ready for this weekend of no work. It has been a mad rush to get here and I'm sure we will hit the ground running come Monday morning, but, with all that is within me, I am going to do my best to put the cares and stress of the work-a-day world on the back burner.
4. The Weather! Could it be any nicer? It is hit and miss with Thanksgiving weather and tomorrow looks like it will be a bullseye!
5. Family! Normally, the majority of my family gathers on Thanksgiving. Some years we are closer to the majority than others. I love seeing those I don't see nearly enough. The older I get, the more precious, if possible, my family becomes. It's a great reward for all the other stuff that comes with age that is less than rewarding. This year, for the first time ever, instead of gathering at F and B's for the day, we will gather at my brother Steve and Kathi's home. It is a bittersweet change but the Tallassee contingent has always been so gracious to travel to us on holidays and it is equally gracious of them to host us this year. We are so completely fortunate to have Mother and Daddy willing and able to make the trip! It promises to be a great day.
There is much to be thankful for this and every year. I wish your family health, peace, and love as you celebrate tomorrow.
Happy Thanksgiving!
11-27-15
More Thanksgiving
The Day After...
I nailed my Thanksgiving prediction of a great day yesterday! The weather could not have been nicer. Just simply gorgeous. The food was fantastic! Kathi, our hostess with the mostest, truly outdid herself. It was all wonderful! Turkey, sweet potato casserole, vegetable casserole, some other potato casserole, green beans, cranberry sauce, fruit, veggie tray, rolls, a variety of desserts...and I probably missed something but that represented my plate (s). So so yummy!
The youngest generation was represented by Heather and Jamie's beautiful daughters (see my profile picture of a shot of them from the "playhouse". They are as beautiful inside as out. Just pure sweetness. Addie wrote Granddaddy (my dad) a precious thanksgiving note complete with love and good luck wishes (perhaps she was concerned with Thanksgiving travel warnings???) and she drew me a picture with a sweet note. Treasure! She, to me, reminds me most of her mother. Each of the girls remind me of Heather, of course, but, right now, just watching and listening to her takes me right back to the early 1980's. Taylor and I spent some quality time playing ping pong and Nicole joined us, too. I critiqued their gymnastics and was the videographer. They all three gave me the tour of the playhouse and shared how they play together designing clothes and pretending to have a design business. Awesome. At one point their grandparents and great grandparents were sitting outside talking and me and Taylor and Nicole walked around the drive and saw them. I said, "look! It's an old person meeting" and, without missing a beat, Nicole said, "shouldn't you be up there?". I kinda loved that humor and the impeccable delivery and timing. One other quick note: these girls are precious to me, as are all of my greats. One thing that stood out to me yesterday was how they asked me questions. They told me a lot of stuff, but they also asked me stuff...what I thought about different things, what I liked better, how could they do something better, etc.. Think about that. It's kind of extraordinary actually. Mark the words: these young ladies will do great things in life. Of this I'm sure.
We all headed out to the barn after lunch and watched the guys shoot guns. Well, and me. I feel protected with my brothers and nephews....mostly with Jamie though. 😉
It was time to head home too soon. We had a wonderful day!
If anyone needs me today, I'll be right here, in my jammies, probably with a cup of coffee...or something. Might be watching a movie, might be taking a nap, might be reading a book, might be staring into space. Just completely enjoying this blessed day off work.
For this and so much more, I remain grateful!
Thanksgiving
Things I Love About Thanksgiving (in no particular order):
1. No gifts! Be ye not mistaken: I love a gift as well as anyone and almost as much as giving a gift. Alas, there is much extraneous-ness that goes along with giving gifts that you don't have to deal with at Thanksgiving. I enjoy that the day is not about giving things but rather giving thanks.
2. Food! It's no secret that I will enjoy a delicious meal that is mainly prepared by people who are not me. I will rock a fruit tray and I will enjoy the bounty set before us particularly on Thanksgiving Day.
3. Long Weekend! My brain and body is half past ready for this weekend of no work. It has been a mad rush to get here and I'm sure we will hit the ground running come Monday morning, but, with all that is within me, I am going to do my best to put the cares and stress of the work-a-day world on the back burner.
4. The Weather! Could it be any nicer? It is hit and miss with Thanksgiving weather and tomorrow looks like it will be a bullseye!
5. Family! Normally, the majority of my family gathers on Thanksgiving. Some years we are closer to the majority than others. I love seeing those I don't see nearly enough. The older I get, the more precious, if possible, my family becomes. It's a great reward for all the other stuff that comes with age that is less than rewarding. This year, for the first time ever, instead of gathering at F and B's for the day, we will gather at my brother Steve and Kathi's home. It is a bittersweet change but the Tallassee contingent has always been so gracious to travel to us on holidays and it is equally gracious of them to host us this year. We are so completely fortunate to have Mother and Daddy willing and able to make the trip! It promises to be a great day.
There is much to be thankful for this and every year. I wish your family health, peace, and love as you celebrate tomorrow.
Happy Thanksgiving!
11-27-15
More Thanksgiving
The Day After...
I nailed my Thanksgiving prediction of a great day yesterday! The weather could not have been nicer. Just simply gorgeous. The food was fantastic! Kathi, our hostess with the mostest, truly outdid herself. It was all wonderful! Turkey, sweet potato casserole, vegetable casserole, some other potato casserole, green beans, cranberry sauce, fruit, veggie tray, rolls, a variety of desserts...and I probably missed something but that represented my plate (s). So so yummy!
The youngest generation was represented by Heather and Jamie's beautiful daughters (see my profile picture of a shot of them from the "playhouse". They are as beautiful inside as out. Just pure sweetness. Addie wrote Granddaddy (my dad) a precious thanksgiving note complete with love and good luck wishes (perhaps she was concerned with Thanksgiving travel warnings???) and she drew me a picture with a sweet note. Treasure! She, to me, reminds me most of her mother. Each of the girls remind me of Heather, of course, but, right now, just watching and listening to her takes me right back to the early 1980's. Taylor and I spent some quality time playing ping pong and Nicole joined us, too. I critiqued their gymnastics and was the videographer. They all three gave me the tour of the playhouse and shared how they play together designing clothes and pretending to have a design business. Awesome. At one point their grandparents and great grandparents were sitting outside talking and me and Taylor and Nicole walked around the drive and saw them. I said, "look! It's an old person meeting" and, without missing a beat, Nicole said, "shouldn't you be up there?". I kinda loved that humor and the impeccable delivery and timing. One other quick note: these girls are precious to me, as are all of my greats. One thing that stood out to me yesterday was how they asked me questions. They told me a lot of stuff, but they also asked me stuff...what I thought about different things, what I liked better, how could they do something better, etc.. Think about that. It's kind of extraordinary actually. Mark the words: these young ladies will do great things in life. Of this I'm sure.
We all headed out to the barn after lunch and watched the guys shoot guns. Well, and me. I feel protected with my brothers and nephews....mostly with Jamie though. 😉
It was time to head home too soon. We had a wonderful day!
If anyone needs me today, I'll be right here, in my jammies, probably with a cup of coffee...or something. Might be watching a movie, might be taking a nap, might be reading a book, might be staring into space. Just completely enjoying this blessed day off work.
For this and so much more, I remain grateful!
This World
11-14-15
This World
I'm sitting here, two cups of coffee down, room service breakfast down, waiting on the football game, anticipating Stephanie's baby shower this afternoon, feet propped up and watching the gulf waters, boats and dolphins float by and I'm thinking about the craziness that is our world today. Part of me wants to worry about what is ahead for my "greats".
This morning (during devotional/praise music time 👼) I read in Hebrews 12: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
So, today, I'm "fixing my eyes on Jesus" and I'm not losing heart. I'm considering Him. I can't think of a better response to the world situation. I don't know what's next, but He does. I can work with that.
This World
I'm sitting here, two cups of coffee down, room service breakfast down, waiting on the football game, anticipating Stephanie's baby shower this afternoon, feet propped up and watching the gulf waters, boats and dolphins float by and I'm thinking about the craziness that is our world today. Part of me wants to worry about what is ahead for my "greats".
This morning (during devotional/praise music time 👼) I read in Hebrews 12: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
So, today, I'm "fixing my eyes on Jesus" and I'm not losing heart. I'm considering Him. I can't think of a better response to the world situation. I don't know what's next, but He does. I can work with that.
Friends
11-5-15
Friends
I mostly travel down Old Leeds Road on my way to work every day. Not long after I hit Old Leeds, depending on how late I’m running, I generally always see two older gentleman who are paused at the top of a street and are talking. I believe what must be happening is that they both start out on their morning walk, at some point meet up and walk together for a portion and where I usually see them is the point at which they depart to go their separate ways again. The following are thoughts or observations I’ve had in the almost five years that I’ve watched this occur- in no particular order:
1. It’s important to exercise and walking is one of the best and cheapest way to do that.
2. The more you do something, the more likely it is that you’ll continue to do it.
3. Get important stuff done as early in the day as you can so you’ll automatically eliminate “tired” as an excuse not to do it.
4. It is alright to start your journey alone.
5. It is more fun to have a friend along the same journey.
6. It is alright if, at some point, you have to venture on alone again.
7. Friendship should be a life priority.
8. Consistency in nurturing friendship, as in most things, is key.
9. Even if you probably don’t have anything earth-shattering to talk about, because it's important, you should talk anyway.
10. Once you find a true friend, don’t take them for granted. They will probably always be there. It's up to both of you to figure out how that's going to work in the real world.
There have been some days when I've just seen one of the men walking. I always wonder for a moment, "Uh-oh. I hope everything is good with Man2." I am always relieved when I see them both the next day or so. I hope I keep seeing them for a real good long time. It's the way it should be.
Friends
I mostly travel down Old Leeds Road on my way to work every day. Not long after I hit Old Leeds, depending on how late I’m running, I generally always see two older gentleman who are paused at the top of a street and are talking. I believe what must be happening is that they both start out on their morning walk, at some point meet up and walk together for a portion and where I usually see them is the point at which they depart to go their separate ways again. The following are thoughts or observations I’ve had in the almost five years that I’ve watched this occur- in no particular order:
1. It’s important to exercise and walking is one of the best and cheapest way to do that.
2. The more you do something, the more likely it is that you’ll continue to do it.
3. Get important stuff done as early in the day as you can so you’ll automatically eliminate “tired” as an excuse not to do it.
4. It is alright to start your journey alone.
5. It is more fun to have a friend along the same journey.
6. It is alright if, at some point, you have to venture on alone again.
7. Friendship should be a life priority.
8. Consistency in nurturing friendship, as in most things, is key.
9. Even if you probably don’t have anything earth-shattering to talk about, because it's important, you should talk anyway.
10. Once you find a true friend, don’t take them for granted. They will probably always be there. It's up to both of you to figure out how that's going to work in the real world.
There have been some days when I've just seen one of the men walking. I always wonder for a moment, "Uh-oh. I hope everything is good with Man2." I am always relieved when I see them both the next day or so. I hope I keep seeing them for a real good long time. It's the way it should be.
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