Thursday afternoon I had picked up my oldest son Joe along with his 3 children to give him a ride to his karate studio, and then to babysit the kids until my daughter-in-law got off from work and was able to pick them up on her way home. Joe's car broke down AGAIN this week, and they have heard that the repair on it is QUITE large. At this point in time, paying their living expenses alone is about all they can manage. They both work hard, but with 5 children their responsibilities are large. I help out where I can and in the meantime, I guess I will help out getting Joe to work. It does just seem as if this particular child of mine can't seem to catch a break and stay on top of his enormous pile of responsibilities. He is forever and always the optimist and just keeps moving along despite set back after set back. This latest one is causing me to struggle somewhat and wonder why it seems he is always the one dealing with life's calamities. But all of this isn't even what it was I wanted to post about today. It was about the conversation I had with his 9 year old daughter Lindsey on the way home. Lindsey is 9 years old going on 15, haha....It seems as if you see that a lot more frequently in today's world than even when my kids were growing up. But Lindsey is always thinking and planning and dreaming about not only who she is, but what she might want to do with her life. I'd personally like her to see her just enjoying her childhood more, and stressing less about what lies ahead, and wanting so much less for that process to be hurried up. But here is somewhat how our conversation went...."Grandma, daddy told me today that when we die and close our eyes that will immediately be in heaven with Him. Do you believe that too?" And I of couse answered, "Yes, I do Lindsey." The Bible tell us in 2Cr 5:8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. That means that when we die and close our eyes here, we will immediately open them to see the face of Jesus if we belong to Him." And then she said, "Well, I belong to Him. Daddy told me that if I haved asked him to come into my heart and live then I am saved. That is right isn't it?" And I told her, "Yes, Lindsey that is how it works." Now here is where she became quite advanced as far as I am concerned and let me know that as young as she is the Holy Spirit has definitely been at work in her little heart. She then said, "Grandma I don't think that just because I am saved it means I can act however I want to." And again I had to say, "No, you’re VERY right. Christians are saved, but the things they do AFTER they are saved are signs as to rather or not their hearts really belong to Him. We should always try to do the things we know He wants us to do." And she said, "Today at school there were some girls who were making fun of Maddie, and I felt so sorry for her." I said, "Why were they making fun of her?" And she said, "She has a brace on her leg because her leg will ALWAYS be broken." Now of course I have no idea what is really wrong with this little girl’s leg, but that was Lindsey's concept of the situation. And I said, "Well that does seem really mean. And it does seem like a weird thing to make fun of. She obviously can't help that her leg is hurt. Sometimes other kids are just plain mean." And she said, "Well, I told the other girls to stop. That is wasn't funny and it wasn't nice." I said, "Did they stop then?" She said, "Kind of, but they seemed mad at me." I went on to tell her that doing what Jesus would have us do is not always the kind of thing that makes others happy and makes us popular. Sometimes it does make people angry, and might even make them not like you. It is hard to stand up for what you know is right, and that it will get harder and harder the older she gets. She ended up saying, "Well I know that is what Jesus would want me to do, but now I think these girls will probably talk about me behind my back." And you know what? They probably will. Living a life for Him is hard even when you are only 9 years old. How I would like to protect ALL of my grandchildren from things such as this. But I obviously can't. We live in a fallen world and there is sin clear down in elementary school. But praise God that we do know the end of the story and who is triumphant in the end. I told Lindsey, "Well, you can happy knowing today that you pleased Jesus. It doesn't matter what these girls think. And if there are days when you fail and you know you haven't pleased Him, all you have to do is ask for His forgiveness and He forgives us. Every day is a new day to please Him."
2Cr 5:9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.
How wonderful it is that this simple truth is true for all of us as well. Living our lives every day to please Him as best we can, asking forgiveness when we fail, and KNOWING He loves us always and forever. Just doesn't get any better I am thinking...
I am asking that you might keep my son's car situation in prayer. I do believe that the Lord has it in His hands and will work "something" out. I look forward to seeing what that might be.
To enjoy other Spiritual Sunday posts click HERE. May you all have a wonderful week-end.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
LIFE'S BLESSINGS...
Well I have to say that looking for the blessings this week at The Way We Are will be easy as usual. Though we did have a few minor problems, God as always is soo faithful. How I praise Him for the watchful eye He keeps on all of us.
1Peter 5:7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
We got a call Sat. night from my oldest son Joe's wife Leah. It was nearing 8:30 and I had just lowered myself down to the couch with my snuggly blanket (it was both rainy and cold) and my hubby was lighting a fire and was turning on the Olympics, when we heard her somewhat frantic voice on the other end of the phone. She was crying and told us quickly that my little year old grandson Cody had caught his finger in a bicycle chain and she was on her way to the emergency room with him as his finger was completely flat and black. I quickly told her to come by and get me and I would go with her. My son Joe was at work and she had left little Jeffie and Lindsey (who were sleeping) at home with my oldest granddaughter Annabel. We met her outside with a flashlight hoping to get a good look at his finger, but he of course wanted NO ONE touching his hand let alone his finger as he sobbed in his car seat. I got in the car and we sped off. Now their insurance is in transition, and at this particular moment the kids were without any insurance. It will be effective again on Friday which means they only went 1 week without it, but just goes to show you that you just NEVER know what can happen. After she is told me this, I decided that we would have to take him to county as I really doubted the local hospital would treat him without insurance or cash on the spot. We drove to county hospital which was a much larger distance. Cody sobbed most of the way frazzling both of our nerves. Looking back now I don't know why we didn't just head to an urgent care center. All I can say is it just never occurred to me for some reason. He did FINALLY doze off, though when he moved his hand once, the crying started briefly back up. I began to pray wondering just what laid ahead for this little guy. Well, upon arrival at the emergency room we got Cody out of the car and had to go through a complete security check to get in, and let me just say I have NEVER seen soo many people in my entire life waiting to see a doctor. There were easily over 200 people. The place was truly packed. Every single seat was taken and people were waiting outside and standing all around. I began to realize we could be there for the night, and I might have to literally stand for a few hours. With my arthritis I had no idea if that would even be possible. My heart literally ached for all these poor people as well, as some of them looked truly miserable. At this point my little grandson caught my eye and smiled. I held out my arms and he eagerly came to me. I told my daughter-in-law, let’s go into the lighted bathroom here and get a REALLY good look at that finger rather he wants us to or not. So upon getting in there and getting a GOOD look, I felt myself for the first time relax. While it was definitely swollen and somewhat purple, he was moving it easily it seemed, and no longer seemed to be in such pain. He let me handle it with complete trust. I told my daughter-in-law, "I think it will be just fine. I don't think it is broken. It is no longer flat, and the black you were seeing is just some grease I think. Let's just wash it well with some peroxide and ice it a bit and give him some Motrin and see how he does. If he starts back up with his crying you may have to come back here tomorrow or take him to the doc's on Monday if it is not looking good." Well that is just what we did and Cody was indeed fine. He did wake once during the night Leah said, but another dose of Motrin and a little bottle and he was quickly back in dreamland. His finger the next day upon examination by Grandma seemed to be a lot less swollen and less purple and he was running around his usual happy go lucky self. How grateful I was.....How I love that little man. Poor little guy. I have a feeling this little sweetie will have his fair share of mis-haps and emergency room visits as he is indeed his father's son. haha. He is just always busy, always going where he shouldn't. Grandma is babysitting right now and he is sleeping soo peacefully in his swing, you would never suspect the energetic ball of speed he is when he is awake, but let me assure you, he is...lol
I am also grateful to report that my youngest son James's trip to Costa Rica with his high school group went VERY WELL. They had a marvelous time and accomplished all they had set out to do. My son did get sick on the last day as they were ready to travel home. So not good. But he did manage to travel and felt much better upon getting home. I was also grateful that his little family was able to spend the week with Larissa's wonderful parents at their mountain cabin enjoying the snow. You can find some cute pics of their week HERE on my daughter-in-laws blog.
And I am also grateful that work has picked back up (to almost too much, haha) for my middle son John. He works as a Graphic Artist for a company in Hollywood that designs and makes the standees that you see in movie theaters. Wouldn't have thought that the economy would affect the movie industry as they always seem to have soo much money, but it did indeed for a while. At least at his end of it anyway. John managed to free lance quite a bit in the interim, but it is nice to have something to count on. He is going to do another standup comedy night this Monday night, so that is looking promising too.
Life continues to be a series of ups and downs, good and bad. My mom has been quite sick with a REALLY bad cold and has asthma quite badly. She has been weak and overwhelmed all week. My step day was recently diagnosed with Diabetes and is struggling to get his blood sugar under control and a new way of eating figured out. Together they take care of each other, but it is hard. My son Joe's car has broken down and the repair bill is orbital. I have NO IDEA where the money will come from to repair it, but praise God, I KNOW He does. I feel the beginnings of ANOTHER cough starting. And on and on it goes. But at the end of the day God is forever and always on His throne and everything is in His mighty hands. He cares for us and loves us with an everlasting love and for this too I am soo grateful. I pray you all have a wonderful week, and may God bless you all.
1Peter 5:7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
We got a call Sat. night from my oldest son Joe's wife Leah. It was nearing 8:30 and I had just lowered myself down to the couch with my snuggly blanket (it was both rainy and cold) and my hubby was lighting a fire and was turning on the Olympics, when we heard her somewhat frantic voice on the other end of the phone. She was crying and told us quickly that my little year old grandson Cody had caught his finger in a bicycle chain and she was on her way to the emergency room with him as his finger was completely flat and black. I quickly told her to come by and get me and I would go with her. My son Joe was at work and she had left little Jeffie and Lindsey (who were sleeping) at home with my oldest granddaughter Annabel. We met her outside with a flashlight hoping to get a good look at his finger, but he of course wanted NO ONE touching his hand let alone his finger as he sobbed in his car seat. I got in the car and we sped off. Now their insurance is in transition, and at this particular moment the kids were without any insurance. It will be effective again on Friday which means they only went 1 week without it, but just goes to show you that you just NEVER know what can happen. After she is told me this, I decided that we would have to take him to county as I really doubted the local hospital would treat him without insurance or cash on the spot. We drove to county hospital which was a much larger distance. Cody sobbed most of the way frazzling both of our nerves. Looking back now I don't know why we didn't just head to an urgent care center. All I can say is it just never occurred to me for some reason. He did FINALLY doze off, though when he moved his hand once, the crying started briefly back up. I began to pray wondering just what laid ahead for this little guy. Well, upon arrival at the emergency room we got Cody out of the car and had to go through a complete security check to get in, and let me just say I have NEVER seen soo many people in my entire life waiting to see a doctor. There were easily over 200 people. The place was truly packed. Every single seat was taken and people were waiting outside and standing all around. I began to realize we could be there for the night, and I might have to literally stand for a few hours. With my arthritis I had no idea if that would even be possible. My heart literally ached for all these poor people as well, as some of them looked truly miserable. At this point my little grandson caught my eye and smiled. I held out my arms and he eagerly came to me. I told my daughter-in-law, let’s go into the lighted bathroom here and get a REALLY good look at that finger rather he wants us to or not. So upon getting in there and getting a GOOD look, I felt myself for the first time relax. While it was definitely swollen and somewhat purple, he was moving it easily it seemed, and no longer seemed to be in such pain. He let me handle it with complete trust. I told my daughter-in-law, "I think it will be just fine. I don't think it is broken. It is no longer flat, and the black you were seeing is just some grease I think. Let's just wash it well with some peroxide and ice it a bit and give him some Motrin and see how he does. If he starts back up with his crying you may have to come back here tomorrow or take him to the doc's on Monday if it is not looking good." Well that is just what we did and Cody was indeed fine. He did wake once during the night Leah said, but another dose of Motrin and a little bottle and he was quickly back in dreamland. His finger the next day upon examination by Grandma seemed to be a lot less swollen and less purple and he was running around his usual happy go lucky self. How grateful I was.....How I love that little man. Poor little guy. I have a feeling this little sweetie will have his fair share of mis-haps and emergency room visits as he is indeed his father's son. haha. He is just always busy, always going where he shouldn't. Grandma is babysitting right now and he is sleeping soo peacefully in his swing, you would never suspect the energetic ball of speed he is when he is awake, but let me assure you, he is...lol
I am also grateful to report that my youngest son James's trip to Costa Rica with his high school group went VERY WELL. They had a marvelous time and accomplished all they had set out to do. My son did get sick on the last day as they were ready to travel home. So not good. But he did manage to travel and felt much better upon getting home. I was also grateful that his little family was able to spend the week with Larissa's wonderful parents at their mountain cabin enjoying the snow. You can find some cute pics of their week HERE on my daughter-in-laws blog.
And I am also grateful that work has picked back up (to almost too much, haha) for my middle son John. He works as a Graphic Artist for a company in Hollywood that designs and makes the standees that you see in movie theaters. Wouldn't have thought that the economy would affect the movie industry as they always seem to have soo much money, but it did indeed for a while. At least at his end of it anyway. John managed to free lance quite a bit in the interim, but it is nice to have something to count on. He is going to do another standup comedy night this Monday night, so that is looking promising too.
Life continues to be a series of ups and downs, good and bad. My mom has been quite sick with a REALLY bad cold and has asthma quite badly. She has been weak and overwhelmed all week. My step day was recently diagnosed with Diabetes and is struggling to get his blood sugar under control and a new way of eating figured out. Together they take care of each other, but it is hard. My son Joe's car has broken down and the repair bill is orbital. I have NO IDEA where the money will come from to repair it, but praise God, I KNOW He does. I feel the beginnings of ANOTHER cough starting. And on and on it goes. But at the end of the day God is forever and always on His throne and everything is in His mighty hands. He cares for us and loves us with an everlasting love and for this too I am soo grateful. I pray you all have a wonderful week, and may God bless you all.
The sleeping angel
Such a happy boy!
I picked Jeffie up at his bus stop today instead of going directly to the school to get him. He was soo excited for Grandma to see "his" bus...His cute smiling little face says it all. Such a big boy...sigh....His KG year is already half over!
To enjoy the other Thankful Thursday posts click HERE...Many thanks to these wonderful ladies for hosting this every month.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
LOVE AND COMPASSION
Today is Spiritual Sunday and I had decided to skip posting anything this time and just visit all the other blogs. I will admit this was stressing me a bit as this would be the first time I had missed a single week since I began participating in this several months ago. I even hung in through the holidays, haha. It is one of my very favorite days in the blogging world as I am soo blessed by what the Lord is doing and laying on the hearts of others. I will admit as well that I wonder sometimes if maybe I spend a little bit too much time on the computer. So I have been praying and seeking the Lord's will on this for a few days now. I do believe that possibly the enemy has been trying to convince me that I don't really have anything of any significance to say anyway, and that my time might be better spent in other pursuits. And while I can EASILY believe this, I just can't settle into to letting it go either. I have felt myself growing and being strengthened by visiting the spiritual and inspirational blogs of others, there are just soo many of you with hearts for the Lord and an wonderful understanding of the scriptures, that I had considered like I said, just reading the posts and not writing my own, at least for a while. And yet, here I am...haha. I prayed about this last night after I went to bed asking the Lord that IF I was to post something I would sense it in my spirit upon awakening. And here I am...So now I am staring at this keyboard and screen and wondering just what it is that I should share. And the thing that keeps coming to my mind is NOT really something I want to talk (type?) about, but I decided I would try.
In my previous post (which you might have to read to understand this, and sorry it is long) I was feeling some frustration over a situation that is going on with my daughter. I found myself almost angry over the way things had happened, and feeling somewhat justified over it as well because afterall I WAS right. But AFTER I had written and posted that post, I decided to pray about the situation and give it to the Lord (where I might add, it BELONGED in the first place). And I have to tell you what happened to my anger and frustration. It's gone. It has been replaced with a feeling of compassion for this other woman and an understanding that I don't have a single clue as to what is really going on in her life or in her heart. I have no idea as to rather or not she might have been a WONDERFUL teacher whom the kids not only learned from but also loved. Now I still feel that she should have the education that she needed in the first place, I honestly do, but my daughter did point out to me when I was ranting my annoyance to her, and say, "Mom, what did you want them to do? They had NO ONE else, and she was WILLING to try and put herself through all the effort it would take to work FULL TIME and still accomplish what she had to do to get her license, AND in the meantime provided the kids with a teacher" Now I heard her say that of course at the time, but it didn't really penetrate my heart. All I could think of is, "It's not fair, it's not right." And it isn't!! And yet, as the Lord has worked on my heart I have thought of many other angles that are possibilities as well. Who knows what this woman's (or other's like her) situation growing up might have been. Maybe she was in a position like so many others where working where she had been educated to work just wasn't a possibility and she NEEDED a job. Maybe she gave it her very best effort and now is facing defeat and is truly saddened by having to give up this dream. My point is I guess I have NO IDEA what her abilities or where her heart is at. I still feel that the requirements should be met by every teacher BEFORE they begin working. But now I also feel compassion now for a woman who I don't know and who is going to find herself without a job come June. And so what I have learned? That I need to pray more, listen more, and have His love and compassion for everyone around me. These verses in first Peter sum it all up.
1Pe 3:8, 9 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this...
To read the other blogs that have participated today, please click HERE...Trust me, you will be soo blessed if you do.
In my previous post (which you might have to read to understand this, and sorry it is long) I was feeling some frustration over a situation that is going on with my daughter. I found myself almost angry over the way things had happened, and feeling somewhat justified over it as well because afterall I WAS right. But AFTER I had written and posted that post, I decided to pray about the situation and give it to the Lord (where I might add, it BELONGED in the first place). And I have to tell you what happened to my anger and frustration. It's gone. It has been replaced with a feeling of compassion for this other woman and an understanding that I don't have a single clue as to what is really going on in her life or in her heart. I have no idea as to rather or not she might have been a WONDERFUL teacher whom the kids not only learned from but also loved. Now I still feel that she should have the education that she needed in the first place, I honestly do, but my daughter did point out to me when I was ranting my annoyance to her, and say, "Mom, what did you want them to do? They had NO ONE else, and she was WILLING to try and put herself through all the effort it would take to work FULL TIME and still accomplish what she had to do to get her license, AND in the meantime provided the kids with a teacher" Now I heard her say that of course at the time, but it didn't really penetrate my heart. All I could think of is, "It's not fair, it's not right." And it isn't!! And yet, as the Lord has worked on my heart I have thought of many other angles that are possibilities as well. Who knows what this woman's (or other's like her) situation growing up might have been. Maybe she was in a position like so many others where working where she had been educated to work just wasn't a possibility and she NEEDED a job. Maybe she gave it her very best effort and now is facing defeat and is truly saddened by having to give up this dream. My point is I guess I have NO IDEA what her abilities or where her heart is at. I still feel that the requirements should be met by every teacher BEFORE they begin working. But now I also feel compassion now for a woman who I don't know and who is going to find herself without a job come June. And so what I have learned? That I need to pray more, listen more, and have His love and compassion for everyone around me. These verses in first Peter sum it all up.
1Pe 3:8, 9 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this...
To read the other blogs that have participated today, please click HERE...Trust me, you will be soo blessed if you do.
Friday, February 19, 2010
HOW IS THIS FAIR?
I have to start this post by clarifying that I am not someone who usually writes about things that involve politics, states’ rights, or how things are done. Not because I don't care about these things, or have opinions or thoughts, but because I feel VERY unqualified and don't really KNOW enough to be saying much about anything. I seem to have some mental blocks about it. I TRY; I really do, to keep informed, keep up, and be involved. But I can't seem to remember who is who or how things work or why. I rely very much on my husband in these matters as he is really good about all of this and is very passionate (usually enough for both of us, lol) and I totally trust and agree with his opinions as well. Reading back over this it sounds as if I am saying I am a complete glue who lets her husband tell her how to feel, but that isn't really how it is at all. SOME things I too am very passionate about. Maybe I should just write out what I am thinking this morning.
As most of you know, my daughter Melody is 23 years old and is living in New Mexico on the border of Texas with her dairy farmer husband Mike. She graduated from Cal State Fullerton in May of 08 (2 little weeks before her wedding ~ wouldn't do that again, haha) with a degree in Child and Adolescent Development. Her intention from the beginning has been to teach either Kindergarten or the first grade. She chose Cal-State Fullerton in the first place, as it is one of the few universities in the country that offers a credential program that is good country wide, and whose reputation for preparing teachers makes holding a degree from there an excellent qualification for landing a job. I was all for it is well, not only for these reasons, but because it meant she would stay home for college, as Fullerton is only about 25 minutes from our house (with no traffic of course, SIGH) and I was anxious to hold onto her a little longer. She COULD have worked a program at the school where she would have received not only her degree, but her credentials in 4 short years. Another benefit of Fullerton. But after getting into it a little bit, we both decided it would be soo stressful and such an overwhelming work load, that there was really no reason to do it. She was after-all very young still with her whole life to get things done she wanted to do. Looking back now on what ended up happening that might have been our first mistake. Anyway....I think you need to know that Melody has not only always been an excellent student, she is a DEFINITE perfectionist. This can make things very difficult (at best) sometimes. She worked soooo hard to get that degree. Living at home I saw firsthand what she went through. She graduated in 4 years with a 3.8 and on the Dean's list. Her senior year was really VERY overwhelming. She not only worked part time at a school, she also served two internships and finished her final classes AND planned her wedding. In between times she flew out to New Mexico occasionally to see her finance that was super busy himself starting up a new dairy with his dad. Because of the way they do things, which again was why Fullerton is such a good place to get this particular degree, she was required to do the internships for her degree, where most other colleges she would not have had to do that until she was in the credential program. Now, I feel like I also have to tell you at this point, what I really wanted her to do was......WAIT to get married until she had FINISHED the credential program. She COULD have gotten both her credentials (which would have been good ANYWHERE in the country) and had her Masters as well in just another short 18 months. But, at that point in her life, 18 months seemed an eternity to a young woman who was in love and whose finance lived in another state. Sooo she graduated and planned to get her credentials in New Mexico. Well, after the LONG STRESSFUL Senior year she put in, she decided she would take a year off from school and adjust to not only married life, but from moving out for the first time in her life, and 1000 miles away from all of her family and friends. She could substitute teach in New Mexico she found out with the degree she held, and decided she would just do that. That way she could not only pick and chose when she would work, but she could also visit all the campuses to see which one she really like and would eventually want to be hired at. In Lovington where she lives, the schools work quite a bit differently than California. All of the grades are together on one campus. Meaning....all the first grades are on one campus, all the second, and so forth. There are about 8 classrooms on each campus. This worked well for her. She was able to enjoy her newly married life, and yet still managed to eventually work at every single campus including the high school. And this year she began graduate school to get her credentials, or wait it is called licensing there, as she had planned. Anyway, she "thought" she would be able to get it at the university that is there in their town. That was her first WRONG assumption. That university DOES NOT offer graduate classes. Sooo she had to travel 1 hour and 45 minutes ONE WAY through ice and snow to the nearest college that did, 3 days a week ALL last semester. PLUS do a repeat of internships that she had already done in California that DID NOT COUNT in New Mexico. SIGH.... Having completed all that (which by the way meant she was barely able to come home to visit) she also had to re-take 2 state tests (paying a few hundred dollars by the way for EACH test) and pass them which again she had already done (and paid for, or we did actually, haha) in California. She completed that as well. Now, all that is left is an ENTIRE semester of student teaching which she is thankfully doing right there in Lovington for the second grade. OK, I am FINALLY to my point of this whole thing. I am often told I tell WAY too many details, which I probably do, but I feel like you had to get the "feel" of what she has been through to prepare herself for this profession. She is working in essence totally for free 8 to 10 hour days, 5 days a week this semester teaching the second grade, in addition to occasionally going to seminars and classes, and STILL has 1 on-line course to complete this summer. And this course is VERY involved complete with 2, 3 page papers a week, a couple of 10 page ones AND tons of reading. It just seems ridiculous, and yet, it is what it is. Meanwhile, I found out today, that the girl who also lives in Lovington and has been student teaching in KG (which is what Melody really wanted and didn't get) has in actuality been FULL TIME teaching this class for 3 years! Her degree is NOT in the required area, but in business, and she had not taken a SINGLE graduate class, or taken the required state tests. And yet, they were soo desperate for teachers, they hired her on with the stipulation that she complete the graduate classes (plus a few others as well) and take and pass her tests in a 3 year time frame. I guess she is now officially quitting in June as she has not been able to do it. She has flunked the tests 3 times (though there is another in August she could have tried for) and can't get the work done in the classes she needs to. I guess she has only completed in full a couple of them. YET, meanwhile she has been FULL TIME teaching for 3 years!! Now granted it is only in KG, but still. She does not receive the pay of a fully credentialed/licensed teacher either. BUT!!! I just don't get it. How this is fair to all the teachers who have had to do everything Melody has gone through, or much more importantly is it fair to the kids who have had her as a teacher, is what I want to know? WHY is it that teachers or our kids are valued soo little that this could happen in the first place? Can you imagine how ridiculous it would seem to everyone if say for instance Melody had gotten the degree she did, but decided what she really wanted to be was a nurse, so she simply gets a FULL TIME nursing job WHILE she gets the education that she needs to be one!! And yet, it is the very same thing in my opinion. People must just think that anyone can be a teacher, or it is not a valuable enough profession to be concerned about. And meanwhile who really suffers is the children. SIGH....This whole thing just frustrates me soo much. There are just soo many things with our education system that are just plain wrong. And yet, what is it that I can really do about it? Pray for sure I guess. Write a letter or two...but to who and saying what? Meanwhile, Melody is actually perky. She says to me this morning, "Mom, just think, this means there will be an opening in the KG campus where I REALLY want to be in the fall. Isn't that exciting? I am FINALLY almost there!" I guess I should just jump on her bandwagon and be happy for her and all the future students she will have, as I JUST KNOW she will be such a good teacher. And I will... right after I find a way to swallow all this down.
Just thought you should know..
BTW...she got her sweater/dress we sent her and is wearing it today (or I think she is anyway)...She didn't obey me and snap a picture of herself in it and send it to me so I could see her in it, or I'd post it for you to see. I'm sure she was too busy hurrying in so as not to be late for a job that she is not even being paid for, and few truly appreciate. OK, I am offically done with this story. = ) I miss her soo.
OK, here is her picture. She decided to wear it tonight as they were going out to dinner with friends. It is somewhat blurry as there seems to be something wrong with her camera, though you can get the general idea. She decided to go with her brown boots which are also pretty cute. Notice her little dog Baxter in the second picture. Always by her side, haha She didn't want me to post this on my blog as she said this was after she had worked all day and wasn't really looking her best fo a pic, but she knew I was waiting to see the dress. I ignored her, as she looks great as always I'm thinking.
As most of you know, my daughter Melody is 23 years old and is living in New Mexico on the border of Texas with her dairy farmer husband Mike. She graduated from Cal State Fullerton in May of 08 (2 little weeks before her wedding ~ wouldn't do that again, haha) with a degree in Child and Adolescent Development. Her intention from the beginning has been to teach either Kindergarten or the first grade. She chose Cal-State Fullerton in the first place, as it is one of the few universities in the country that offers a credential program that is good country wide, and whose reputation for preparing teachers makes holding a degree from there an excellent qualification for landing a job. I was all for it is well, not only for these reasons, but because it meant she would stay home for college, as Fullerton is only about 25 minutes from our house (with no traffic of course, SIGH) and I was anxious to hold onto her a little longer. She COULD have worked a program at the school where she would have received not only her degree, but her credentials in 4 short years. Another benefit of Fullerton. But after getting into it a little bit, we both decided it would be soo stressful and such an overwhelming work load, that there was really no reason to do it. She was after-all very young still with her whole life to get things done she wanted to do. Looking back now on what ended up happening that might have been our first mistake. Anyway....I think you need to know that Melody has not only always been an excellent student, she is a DEFINITE perfectionist. This can make things very difficult (at best) sometimes. She worked soooo hard to get that degree. Living at home I saw firsthand what she went through. She graduated in 4 years with a 3.8 and on the Dean's list. Her senior year was really VERY overwhelming. She not only worked part time at a school, she also served two internships and finished her final classes AND planned her wedding. In between times she flew out to New Mexico occasionally to see her finance that was super busy himself starting up a new dairy with his dad. Because of the way they do things, which again was why Fullerton is such a good place to get this particular degree, she was required to do the internships for her degree, where most other colleges she would not have had to do that until she was in the credential program. Now, I feel like I also have to tell you at this point, what I really wanted her to do was......WAIT to get married until she had FINISHED the credential program. She COULD have gotten both her credentials (which would have been good ANYWHERE in the country) and had her Masters as well in just another short 18 months. But, at that point in her life, 18 months seemed an eternity to a young woman who was in love and whose finance lived in another state. Sooo she graduated and planned to get her credentials in New Mexico. Well, after the LONG STRESSFUL Senior year she put in, she decided she would take a year off from school and adjust to not only married life, but from moving out for the first time in her life, and 1000 miles away from all of her family and friends. She could substitute teach in New Mexico she found out with the degree she held, and decided she would just do that. That way she could not only pick and chose when she would work, but she could also visit all the campuses to see which one she really like and would eventually want to be hired at. In Lovington where she lives, the schools work quite a bit differently than California. All of the grades are together on one campus. Meaning....all the first grades are on one campus, all the second, and so forth. There are about 8 classrooms on each campus. This worked well for her. She was able to enjoy her newly married life, and yet still managed to eventually work at every single campus including the high school. And this year she began graduate school to get her credentials, or wait it is called licensing there, as she had planned. Anyway, she "thought" she would be able to get it at the university that is there in their town. That was her first WRONG assumption. That university DOES NOT offer graduate classes. Sooo she had to travel 1 hour and 45 minutes ONE WAY through ice and snow to the nearest college that did, 3 days a week ALL last semester. PLUS do a repeat of internships that she had already done in California that DID NOT COUNT in New Mexico. SIGH.... Having completed all that (which by the way meant she was barely able to come home to visit) she also had to re-take 2 state tests (paying a few hundred dollars by the way for EACH test) and pass them which again she had already done (and paid for, or we did actually, haha) in California. She completed that as well. Now, all that is left is an ENTIRE semester of student teaching which she is thankfully doing right there in Lovington for the second grade. OK, I am FINALLY to my point of this whole thing. I am often told I tell WAY too many details, which I probably do, but I feel like you had to get the "feel" of what she has been through to prepare herself for this profession. She is working in essence totally for free 8 to 10 hour days, 5 days a week this semester teaching the second grade, in addition to occasionally going to seminars and classes, and STILL has 1 on-line course to complete this summer. And this course is VERY involved complete with 2, 3 page papers a week, a couple of 10 page ones AND tons of reading. It just seems ridiculous, and yet, it is what it is. Meanwhile, I found out today, that the girl who also lives in Lovington and has been student teaching in KG (which is what Melody really wanted and didn't get) has in actuality been FULL TIME teaching this class for 3 years! Her degree is NOT in the required area, but in business, and she had not taken a SINGLE graduate class, or taken the required state tests. And yet, they were soo desperate for teachers, they hired her on with the stipulation that she complete the graduate classes (plus a few others as well) and take and pass her tests in a 3 year time frame. I guess she is now officially quitting in June as she has not been able to do it. She has flunked the tests 3 times (though there is another in August she could have tried for) and can't get the work done in the classes she needs to. I guess she has only completed in full a couple of them. YET, meanwhile she has been FULL TIME teaching for 3 years!! Now granted it is only in KG, but still. She does not receive the pay of a fully credentialed/licensed teacher either. BUT!!! I just don't get it. How this is fair to all the teachers who have had to do everything Melody has gone through, or much more importantly is it fair to the kids who have had her as a teacher, is what I want to know? WHY is it that teachers or our kids are valued soo little that this could happen in the first place? Can you imagine how ridiculous it would seem to everyone if say for instance Melody had gotten the degree she did, but decided what she really wanted to be was a nurse, so she simply gets a FULL TIME nursing job WHILE she gets the education that she needs to be one!! And yet, it is the very same thing in my opinion. People must just think that anyone can be a teacher, or it is not a valuable enough profession to be concerned about. And meanwhile who really suffers is the children. SIGH....This whole thing just frustrates me soo much. There are just soo many things with our education system that are just plain wrong. And yet, what is it that I can really do about it? Pray for sure I guess. Write a letter or two...but to who and saying what? Meanwhile, Melody is actually perky. She says to me this morning, "Mom, just think, this means there will be an opening in the KG campus where I REALLY want to be in the fall. Isn't that exciting? I am FINALLY almost there!" I guess I should just jump on her bandwagon and be happy for her and all the future students she will have, as I JUST KNOW she will be such a good teacher. And I will... right after I find a way to swallow all this down.
Just thought you should know..
BTW...she got her sweater/dress we sent her and is wearing it today (or I think she is anyway)...She didn't obey me and snap a picture of herself in it and send it to me so I could see her in it, or I'd post it for you to see. I'm sure she was too busy hurrying in so as not to be late for a job that she is not even being paid for, and few truly appreciate. OK, I am offically done with this story. = ) I miss her soo.
OK, here is her picture. She decided to wear it tonight as they were going out to dinner with friends. It is somewhat blurry as there seems to be something wrong with her camera, though you can get the general idea. She decided to go with her brown boots which are also pretty cute. Notice her little dog Baxter in the second picture. Always by her side, haha She didn't want me to post this on my blog as she said this was after she had worked all day and wasn't really looking her best fo a pic, but she knew I was waiting to see the dress. I ignored her, as she looks great as always I'm thinking.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
A THANKFUL HEART IS A HAPPY HEART
Well it is again Thankful Thursday time, and as I find myself dwelling on the things that have blessed me this week, I realized one of the things I am quite thankful for is for this meme itself. I have found over the course of my life that I control soo much of my own frame of mind at times it is really kind of overwhelming. To most of you that probably wouldn't be a discovery at all, but for me, it is really quite huge. Let's just face it everyone knows there are two kinds of people. Those who see the glass half empty and those who see it half full; or your pessimists and your optimists. I'd like to think that I am the forever optimist, but I wonder how much of my life that has really been true. If you look for the flaws in any given situation, you WILL find them, and likewise if you look for the blessings, trust me, you will find those too. But for me I have found that looking for the blessings produces a joy in my heart that brings about contentment and a comforting peace. A thankful heart really is a happy heart. In scripture we are told to...
Phl 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.
I have always felt that this particular verse gives us permission in essence to mediate or dwell on the "good things" in our lives. The things we KNOW to be true such as His Word and His love. The "lovely" things in our lives, and there are soo many of them. The things that are truly praiseworthy and of virtue. It is just so true that if we put only negative things into our minds and dwell on them, sadness, stress and unhappiness is what we will get back. And likewise of course if we fill our hearts and spirits and minds with Him and the goodness in our lives, we will produce joy, contentment and peace. So much of the Christian walk comes down to the mind. Romans 12:2 speaks of the essential place of being transformed by the renewing of your mind and 2 Corinthians 10:5 speaks of the importance of casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing EVERY thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. What we chose to meditate on MATTERS...
Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
2Cr 10:5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
So, having said all that, this day of making a point of dwelling on my blessings, and on truth and the lovely things in my life, has brought about a deeper joy and contentment in my heart, and has made me so grateful for even the small things that I think sometimes are so easily overlooked. In the verse in Philippians that I am speaking of here, Paul tells us that IF we do these things he tells us to (meditating and dwelling on all the good and of course on Christ Himself) then...
Phil 4:9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and THE GOD OF PEACE WILL BE WITH YOU!
And it is just soo true. Soo, this week I am grateful for....
1. The 3 day week-end that I enjoyed with my hubby which included our "date night" Sat. My husband works in LA which is a good hour or better away every day (if the traffic is good, MUCH longer if it is not) one way of course, which means LONG LONG days for him. He has been doing this for soo long he is used to it in a way, but it does mean for very limited time during the work week where we can really enjoy each other. We look forward to those week-end mornings where we can sit and leisurely chat our mornings away over a cup or two of coffee, and 3 days to do this was just heavenly.
2. The play The Color Purple we went and saw on our date, which was our combination celebration of our anniversary and Valentine's Day. We saw at 2:00 in the afternoon, which turned out being just the perfect time. It was soo good. The singing was just spectacular, the cast members outstanding, and the company was perfect. We both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Then, we went to Old Tokyo and had dinner at a cute little restaurant in the middle of the square and had fantastic Sushi which I have been craving for a while. It wasn't exactly diet friendly, but a gal has to take a break every once in a while right? After that we did a little browsing through the cute little stores and found just the most perfect dress for our daughter Melody that we just went ahead and bought it, and her daddy is shipping it overnight to her today, and so she should have it tomorrow. It was just soo cute, and simply was calling her name from the hanger, haha. My husband knows I have had a hard time with her being gone in general and how much pleasure I took in shopping for her, that I know he KNEW how much fun I would have surprising her with that. She is working this semester as a student teacher for the 2nd grade, and REALLY could use the dress for work. I am anxiously awaiting her to get it, put it on, take a picture of herself in it, and post it somewhere so I can see her in it. I am thinking really cute with black leggings and your black knee boots Mel. We finished the evening off with a stop at our local Golden Spoon frozen yogurt which is not only delicious, but IS very diet friendly! And if all this wasn't enough, on Valentine's Day the next day he gave me a dozen red roses and just the nicest card. I was feeling a little spoiled by the end of the day. AND! I just have to mention this too. My oldest son Joe is a hopeless romantic at heart and has ALWAYS loved spoiling the women in his life on Valentine's Day. He NEVER forgets me. This year he brought me roses from his own garden, and balloons. Soo sweet.
3. And finally this week I am grateful that I was able to grab an afternoon and take my 5 year old grandson Jeffie out to spend a little one on one time with him. He told his daddy this morning, "I never get to do things with Grandma anymore daddy. Can she pick up just me today without Cody?" haha We used to do a lot of little things together because I took care of "just" him before his little brother was born. But with the addition of Cody to my care, he is right, it has been awhile. So we started with lunch, then got him a fresh new haircut, and then we went and saw the movie The Tooth Fairy....A silly movie which he found quite funny. We finished the afternoon off with another stop at Golden Spoon. Such a perfect afternoon.
I could go on and on as I can think of many other blessings, but I will spare you as again I have written such a long post. I DO try to be more nipped (as Jimmy would say) but I just don't think it is in me. I thank those of you who are praying for my son Jimmy who is on his trip to Costa Rica with the high school group from his church. I haven't heard anything, which I am praying means all is well. I will end this with another one of my favorite verses from Philippians...
Phl 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
You will be soo happy if you do, and fill your hearts with His peace as well.
To find other thankful hearts, click HERE.
Phl 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.
I have always felt that this particular verse gives us permission in essence to mediate or dwell on the "good things" in our lives. The things we KNOW to be true such as His Word and His love. The "lovely" things in our lives, and there are soo many of them. The things that are truly praiseworthy and of virtue. It is just so true that if we put only negative things into our minds and dwell on them, sadness, stress and unhappiness is what we will get back. And likewise of course if we fill our hearts and spirits and minds with Him and the goodness in our lives, we will produce joy, contentment and peace. So much of the Christian walk comes down to the mind. Romans 12:2 speaks of the essential place of being transformed by the renewing of your mind and 2 Corinthians 10:5 speaks of the importance of casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing EVERY thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. What we chose to meditate on MATTERS...
Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
2Cr 10:5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
So, having said all that, this day of making a point of dwelling on my blessings, and on truth and the lovely things in my life, has brought about a deeper joy and contentment in my heart, and has made me so grateful for even the small things that I think sometimes are so easily overlooked. In the verse in Philippians that I am speaking of here, Paul tells us that IF we do these things he tells us to (meditating and dwelling on all the good and of course on Christ Himself) then...
Phil 4:9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and THE GOD OF PEACE WILL BE WITH YOU!
And it is just soo true. Soo, this week I am grateful for....
1. The 3 day week-end that I enjoyed with my hubby which included our "date night" Sat. My husband works in LA which is a good hour or better away every day (if the traffic is good, MUCH longer if it is not) one way of course, which means LONG LONG days for him. He has been doing this for soo long he is used to it in a way, but it does mean for very limited time during the work week where we can really enjoy each other. We look forward to those week-end mornings where we can sit and leisurely chat our mornings away over a cup or two of coffee, and 3 days to do this was just heavenly.
2. The play The Color Purple we went and saw on our date, which was our combination celebration of our anniversary and Valentine's Day. We saw at 2:00 in the afternoon, which turned out being just the perfect time. It was soo good. The singing was just spectacular, the cast members outstanding, and the company was perfect. We both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Then, we went to Old Tokyo and had dinner at a cute little restaurant in the middle of the square and had fantastic Sushi which I have been craving for a while. It wasn't exactly diet friendly, but a gal has to take a break every once in a while right? After that we did a little browsing through the cute little stores and found just the most perfect dress for our daughter Melody that we just went ahead and bought it, and her daddy is shipping it overnight to her today, and so she should have it tomorrow. It was just soo cute, and simply was calling her name from the hanger, haha. My husband knows I have had a hard time with her being gone in general and how much pleasure I took in shopping for her, that I know he KNEW how much fun I would have surprising her with that. She is working this semester as a student teacher for the 2nd grade, and REALLY could use the dress for work. I am anxiously awaiting her to get it, put it on, take a picture of herself in it, and post it somewhere so I can see her in it. I am thinking really cute with black leggings and your black knee boots Mel. We finished the evening off with a stop at our local Golden Spoon frozen yogurt which is not only delicious, but IS very diet friendly! And if all this wasn't enough, on Valentine's Day the next day he gave me a dozen red roses and just the nicest card. I was feeling a little spoiled by the end of the day. AND! I just have to mention this too. My oldest son Joe is a hopeless romantic at heart and has ALWAYS loved spoiling the women in his life on Valentine's Day. He NEVER forgets me. This year he brought me roses from his own garden, and balloons. Soo sweet.
3. And finally this week I am grateful that I was able to grab an afternoon and take my 5 year old grandson Jeffie out to spend a little one on one time with him. He told his daddy this morning, "I never get to do things with Grandma anymore daddy. Can she pick up just me today without Cody?" haha We used to do a lot of little things together because I took care of "just" him before his little brother was born. But with the addition of Cody to my care, he is right, it has been awhile. So we started with lunch, then got him a fresh new haircut, and then we went and saw the movie The Tooth Fairy....A silly movie which he found quite funny. We finished the afternoon off with another stop at Golden Spoon. Such a perfect afternoon.
I could go on and on as I can think of many other blessings, but I will spare you as again I have written such a long post. I DO try to be more nipped (as Jimmy would say) but I just don't think it is in me. I thank those of you who are praying for my son Jimmy who is on his trip to Costa Rica with the high school group from his church. I haven't heard anything, which I am praying means all is well. I will end this with another one of my favorite verses from Philippians...
Phl 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
You will be soo happy if you do, and fill your hearts with His peace as well.
Jeff & I before we left on our date.
Cody at the park last week-end...loving life
To find other thankful hearts, click HERE.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY VALENTINE'S GIRL!
Tomorrow, Sunday February 14, 2010 is not only Valentine’s Day of course, but the first birthday of my sweet, youngest granddaughter Donatella Valentina. How adorable is that name?
Donatella (Tella) is the youngest child of my youngest son James and his wife Larissa. She is also the much loved baby sister to Capri and JD. Donatella is one of the sweetest babies I have ever had the pleasure to be around, and I have been around quite a few, haha. She is SUCH a sweet little thing. Easily amused, and easy natured she is quickly entertained and contented. She loves to snuggle and give kisses, and has the biggest, prettiest shade of blue eyes, fringed in dark black lashes, I may have ever seen. And with all the beautiful blue eyed little people in our family, that is saying a lot. Oh how I love her! She has already been walking for a few weeks now, and is a busy, happy baby. Tella loves to dance! Any music within her hearing and she’s got her little body swaying and swinging. It is soo adorable. She is saying a few words already, and like her older sister Capri (and OK, her Grandma too) she seems to have a serious sweet tooth. She is the perfect finishing touch to their little family.
I look forward to watching her grow into all God would have for her, and thank Him every day for this wonderous gift to us all. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DONATELLA, and may the Lord bless you, and keep you, and make His face to shine upon you, now and always. Loving you always and forever, Grandma
This Sunday is Valentine’s Day and I imagine literally millions of people will celebrate this day with flowers, candy, cards, and gifts. Red and pink hearts, Cupid’s with bows and arrows, and sweet little Teddy Bears have been stocked on the shelves of our stores since the Christmas clearance items were also being displayed. I have always loved this holiday, and this year is no different. I tried to set our wedding date for Feb. 14th, thinking what a perfect day to celebrate with a marriage ceremony; however it seems way too many others had this thought before I did, as the church was already completely booked. We settled on the first of February and yet every year for 35 years we have had somewhat of a combination celebration of these two days. For me the short month of February has always gone hand in hand with thoughts of romance and love.
In Scripture we are told that God IS love…
1John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
In the world we all live in, love is usually thought of in the way I have described above. Moonlit walks, candlelight dinners and romantic celebrations come to our minds. And yet REAL love that comes only from God is really very different. God loves us all in a perfect and everlasting way. In this passage of scripture, John’s emphasis on love among the people of God is powerful. Here, he shows why it is so important. If love is of God, then those who claim to be born of God, and claim to know God, must be able to love one another in the body of Christ. Again, John insists here that there is something that is given to the believer when they are born of God; a love is imparted to their life that they did not have before. Christians are not “just forgiven”, they are born anew by God’s Spirit. John is saying when we really experience God it will show by our love for one another. Of course, this love is not perfected in the life of a Christian on this side of eternity. Though it may not be perfected, it must be present ~ and it should be growing. You can’t truly grow in your experience of God without also growing love for one another. John can boldly say, “He who does not love does not know God.” If there isn’t real love for God’s people in our life, then our claim to know God and experience God just isn’t true.
My prayer today is that this love that God speaks of will SO fill my heart and life that there is nothing it can do BUT spill out to others around me. I so want for everyone to experience and know His love in their lives as well. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY to you all, and may the Lord make His face to shine upon you now and always.
I’d like to ask your prayers for my son James as he travels to Costa Rica with a group of the high school kids on a mission’s trip for their church Maranatha Chapel. As most of you know, James is the High School Pastor at this church. The trip already had a shaky start in that they were scheduled to leave EARLY (4:30 am) yesterday morning, but the flight was cancelled due to weather. They are scheduled to fly out again Monday morning at the same early time and be gone for a week. There is much on the agenda for this short week, but the kids are all eager to serve. Please pray that the Lord watches over them all, and that they are able to accomplish just what He has planned for them; I appreciate it so much.
1John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us.
Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD has appeared of old to me,"Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
To join Charlotte and Ginger and the other Spiritual Sunday posts, click HERE.
Friday, February 12, 2010
LACED WITH GRACE POST
Happy Friday to you all! I just wanted to let you know that today it is my pleasure and honor to be guest writing on Laced with Grace. For those of you who don’t know, this a daily devotional blog written by wonderful women who love the Lord. My post is on love, Valentine’s Day, and some wonderful scriptures found in First John. Click HERE to visit me there today. All your comments can be left there, and will be much appreciated as always. If you get the opportunity, check out some of the other posts as well, as I know you will be blessed if you do. I have been reading this blog every day for a couple of months now, and I can say with total honesty, I have been inspired, enriched, and blessed every time I do. Hope you all have a wonderful week-end.
Blessings,
Debbie
1John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
MY THANKFUL HEART
Well tomorrow is Thankful Thursday and again my heart has been dwelling on all I have to be thankful for this week.
I am grateful that the party for the babies went so well last week-end. Good times were had by all and the babies were an absolute joy to behold.
I am grateful for the time I spent with my granddaughter Annabel. She is at such a fun age I feel. Old enough to enjoy a REAL conversation with, and yet young enough that she is still so innocent and eager. I am also grateful that she feels so willing to share her hearts secrets and desires with me. I treasure the talks we have.
I am grateful that we discovered what it is that has been making my step dad lose weight without really trying, and to be soo unbearably tired all the time. I am also grateful that even though his blood sugar was SKY high, he was still OK, and that it is a treatable condition.
I am grateful that my son John’s standup comedy night was such a HUGE success, and that there are to be more in the future. I’ve always known he is HYSTERICAL, and it’s nice to see others can appreciate it too.
I am very grateful that I am to have a fun date night with my hubby Sat. night to celebrate not only our 35th wedding anniversary, but also Valentine’s Day. We will see the play The Color Purple, and then have dinner somewhere nice afterwards. He has somewhere planned, but it is to be a surprise for me. I am thinking it might be Sushi as he knows I have been craving it so. Oh, and BTW, I am soo grateful for him as well.
This might seem silly, but I am also thankful for Valentine’s Day. I love that there is such a holiday that lets you focus on those you love. I think sometimes it is easy to get carried away with the “idea” of that special Valentine, and that if you find yourself in the position where you don’t have a special somebody, the holiday becomes a nightmare to just get through. I remember feeling this way on a couple of Valentine’s Days when I was in high school. How silly when I think about it now. I think we should focus instead on ALL of those who are in our lives that we love and cherish. God has blessed me with soo many that truly my cup does run over. And right at the very top of my list is the Lord Himself. His love for me and for all of us remains constant and true. His gift of eternal life is the ultimate love gift we all could ever receive. So today, as always, I am grateful for Him, and for His love, and for His free gift to all who believe.
Psalm 118:29 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
I am also grateful for all of you, my blogging friends. I wish I could send a special Valentine to each and everyone of you who has blessed my life through this last year of blogging. I starting blogging last year at this time and never in a million years did I EVER think I would meet so many wonderful people. So let me just say now how much I love and appreciate you all. To join the other grateful hearts, click HERE.
Monday, February 8, 2010
A VERY FULL, BUT FUN WEEK-END
How cute is he? He's "reading" haha at the little table in our grandkid room!
She is DEFINITELY a little Valentine sweetie... Sooo adorable! She is sitting on her "own" new little chair, complete with her name on it.
Well, I have survived my busy week-end, but I am not going to lie, I am DEFINITELY tired today, haha. I have lots to tell you, and soo many pictures. I have spent the day going through all of my pictures, making collages and videos, and in between doing laundry. I "think" I might be happy with them all, so I am ready to share them, haha
I will start with Friday night. Not exactly like I planned, but then whatever really is? Annabel's bus was late which meant we got a late start. Her appointment was at 5, but we did not get on the road until 4:25. Not really one of my better idea's with a 5:00 pm appointment on a Friday night, WAY out in Newport Beach in the first place. Not quite sure WHAT I was thinking. Of course to tip this off, it was ABSOLUTELY pouring rain. I actually contemplated telling her maybe we should just do it another time, but one look at her excited face and I was toast. Sooo we of course sat in bumper to bumper traffic on the 91, which for all of you Southern California's I need say no more. It was somewhat of a nightmare....It was raining soo hard, and was soo dark, and Annabel, bless her heart, was soo excited to see me and had "Sooo much to tell you Grandma" was talking a mile a minute while I desperately tried to concentrate, haha. We pulled into the parking lot at Jessie's shop a FULL hour late. SIGH...Thank goodness my sweet niece was understanding. After she finished, (her hair was ADORABLE by the way, thanks Jess) we squealed (and I do mean squealed) out of there with only 10 minutes to get to the movie theater. Again, her excitement level meant there was no way we'd wait until her next visit to Joe's. Let me tell you it was raining EVEN HARDER if that was possible. I am not real familiar with all parts of Newport and yet thanks to Jess's good directions we did find the movie theater right away. HOWEVER, we had to RUN (yes with my hobbled knees ~ not REALLY running, but VERY fast for me, haha) through the rain and puddles in the parking lot, across the shop area (still in rain) down 2 flights of steps, (is this happening?) and finally up an escalator (mercy) only to find out AFTER of course standing in a LONG line, that not only was that show sold out, so was the next one. We were now drenched, freezing, and REALLY disappointed, AND still had to repeat our tracks back to the car. As we were driving home, Annabel still chattering a mile a minute, we decided that IF there was a movie playing early enough the next morning, and IF her daddy didn't mind and said she could spend the night, and IF Grandpa would come with us, as there would be no time to go back for him afterwards as we had to get to San Diego by 2, THEN we would go the next day. Otherwise, we'd have to wait for 2 more weeks when she again would come to her dad's. Well she got on her cell phone (ever notice how quickly teen-aged girls can work those things?) and believe it or not got everything arranged. We got up early the next morning and had a nice breakfast (Grandpa made her waffles....he is such a softie) and got our stuff together and headed out to the movie. The plan was to drop her back at her dad's house and we would squeal out (yes we would be somewhat late) for San Diego for Donatella's birthday party at her other Grandparents house. Well, the movie was REALLY good in our opinion. We ALL (including Grandpa) enjoyed it soo much. I have not read the book, (surprising as I usually read all of his) and I have heard it is not much like it. But having nothing to compare it too, I loved it. I will read the book now however. Annabel and I both used a few tissues, but it was pretty much what we expected. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed my time with this girl. It seems like yesterday Mel was this age. Time goes soo fast, and intend to enjoy her every moment I can. After dropping her off we headed down to San Diego for the party. It was a very good time, and Donatella was just as sweet as she could be. We thoroughly enjoyed our day. On our way back we stopped at Kristi's (@ Yoursugarrush) and picked up the cakes for the next day. They were absolutely adorable Kristi as usual. The "smash" cakes were MUCH bigger than I was thinking, but sooo cute. The babies LOVED them. Party day was such a rush. We did get up and go to early service (wow that seemed early) and then headed back home to get everything ready. It was such a nice day. Jimmy & Larissa had promised Capri on her 5th birthday in December that she could have a Jumper. On the day of her party it was pouring rain so it didn't happen. Soo then they told her they would get on Donatella's party day, and guess what? Rain again....Sooo, he packed it up and brought it up to our house and the kids all got to enjoy a Jumper on the day. Soo fun. The food was wonderful. I ordered everything from an Italian market near us, and it was soo good. Between that and the tasty cake I am afraid I did NOT do very well with my diet. SIGH...But I am right back on today, so guess I will just pretend that didn't happen. Here are some of the pics of the day.
The adorable cakes
He loved it!!
So did Tella!
Well, that's about it. There were WAY too many other pictures to even put into collages so I put together a little video. Be sure and turn your speakers on and hit the button that says FULL SCREEN. When finished just hit the escape key on your key board. WHEW....I am soo done right now. I think this Grandma needs a little rest. Hope you all have a wonderful week. ENJOY...
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Friday, February 5, 2010
RUN THE RACE
1Cor 9:25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
As I was thinking about the upcoming Super Bowl, this verse came to my mind. I myself am not really into the Super Bowl that much, (or football in general haha), though I try to keep that on the downlow here as my husband (who went to Nebraska on a football scholarship for goodness sake) and my sons are all BIG fans. I guess for that matter, my daughter Melody is as big a football fan as there comes as well. I am not even totally sure what two teams are in it this year, but I "think" it might be the Colts and the Saints. I DO know the two teams my kids were rooting for, the SAN DIEGO CHARGERS for Jimmy, and the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS for Melody, and whichever one my husband was wanting to get in (which was the team with the older quarterback), did NOT get into the Super Bowl this year. I pay enough attention when they are all "discussing" what is happening, to have at least picked this up. So for all of them, the Super Bowl this year is not a giant event, but missing it is still COMPLETELY out of the question, haha. But what I was thinking about is what went into this particular sporting event, or any sporting event for that matter. Months and months of training, hard work, sacrifice and dedication I am very sure indeed. Everyone involved, coaches, players, their wives and even all the fans, have had their eye on the prize, or in this case the Super Bowl, since the beginning of the season. Really for a lot of those players I imagine that this might be a goal that they have worked for and sought after and dreamed about since they were very young boys. There is no way you can get into a game at this level without having done all of that. And while this is DEFINITELY a huge accomplishment, and worthwhile goal, it is still at the end of the day, just a game. And when you think about it, all they really get at the end of all of this, is a trophy and a ring that will no doubt one day tarnish and perish, even if it is passed down from one generation to the next.
Hebrew 12:1 ... and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
As Christians we too are pressing on everyday with our eye on the prize at the end of the journey. God has set before us a race. We must run it; and it will involve effort and commitment. Just being passive never runs a race. God wants us to run the race, and finish it right! Ultimately, how much more important is this race that we all find ourselves in? We must put our best into everyday, and press on regardless of whatever obstacles and hardships the enemy tries to throw at us. And our reward at the end?
2 Timothy 4:8 Finally, there is laid up for me the CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the CROWN OF LIFE which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Yes, our prize at the end of the race is imperishable for sure. It will endure forever and always into all eternity with Jesus Christ our Lord.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY CODY JOSEPH
One year ago today, Cody Joseph Class made his appearance into the world and mine was blessed more than I thought possible.
Cody is the youngest child of my oldest son Joe. He not only looks just like his daddy, he seems to have many of his personality traits as well. He is forever and always on the move, haha. What a little cutie he really is, and how I love him. I love to sit him down in my family room on the mornings I watch him (he is on his way here this morning as I type this...YAY...I get him on his actual birthday) and just watch him go. One moment he is captivated by his train and the sounds and the lights that go on and off, but all it takes is a flash somewhere else that catches his eye and he is off in the other direction. Possibly to the window where the dog jumps. However it is entirely possible as he is in route to the window, he might notice some little "something" that also draws him in and he is distracted in a totally different direction. Every once in a while, he toddles over to me and wants me to pick him up and love on him, which Grandma is quick to oblige him with. He LOVES me to sing for him. Goodness only knows why, as my singing talents are definitely lacking, haha. But he will put his little head on my shoulder, and hum until I begin to sing. He has dozed off this way, soo many times I couldn't count them up. He is always so glad to see me, grinning his huge sweet little smile and practically jumping out of his daddy's arms to get to me, and it never fails to warm my heart and make my spirit fill with joy at my blessing of this little guy. He can say several words...Dada, Mama, kitty, Max (their dogs name, haha), bye bye, and what's this....Now some of these you have to know what he is trying to say, but others (like Max) he says perfectly plain. He is VERY coordinated for his age (just like his daddy was) and can climb on anything and everything within his power. He is a wonderful eater and is quite serious about his food, haha. (kind of like Grandma here). He weighs 24 pounds. I am not quite sure about his height, but he is well above average. A pretty big boy. He has his daddy beat here as Joe was my little elf. lol He weighed only 20 pounds at a year and was shorter than the average 1 year old. I don't think anyone moved quite as bit as much as Joe did, no doubt burning calories galore. Cody has completed their family and added soo much love to the hearts of all who know him....HAPPY BIRTHDAY my sweet little Cody. May the Lord bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you now and forever more!
He and Donatella (whose is my youngest son's Jimmy's youngest daughter and will be 1 year old on Valentine's Day) will celebrate their birthdays together here on Sun with a big party. How fun it has been for this Grandma to have two babies only 11 days apart to enjoy. They are a riot together. lol Every once in a while one or the other of them will "kiss" (or is it a bite, the line is definitely blurred sometimes) the other. Soo sweet. Here are some pictures of my darling little Cody. ENJOY!
Luke 1:14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
Cody is the youngest child of my oldest son Joe. He not only looks just like his daddy, he seems to have many of his personality traits as well. He is forever and always on the move, haha. What a little cutie he really is, and how I love him. I love to sit him down in my family room on the mornings I watch him (he is on his way here this morning as I type this...YAY...I get him on his actual birthday) and just watch him go. One moment he is captivated by his train and the sounds and the lights that go on and off, but all it takes is a flash somewhere else that catches his eye and he is off in the other direction. Possibly to the window where the dog jumps. However it is entirely possible as he is in route to the window, he might notice some little "something" that also draws him in and he is distracted in a totally different direction. Every once in a while, he toddles over to me and wants me to pick him up and love on him, which Grandma is quick to oblige him with. He LOVES me to sing for him. Goodness only knows why, as my singing talents are definitely lacking, haha. But he will put his little head on my shoulder, and hum until I begin to sing. He has dozed off this way, soo many times I couldn't count them up. He is always so glad to see me, grinning his huge sweet little smile and practically jumping out of his daddy's arms to get to me, and it never fails to warm my heart and make my spirit fill with joy at my blessing of this little guy. He can say several words...Dada, Mama, kitty, Max (their dogs name, haha), bye bye, and what's this....Now some of these you have to know what he is trying to say, but others (like Max) he says perfectly plain. He is VERY coordinated for his age (just like his daddy was) and can climb on anything and everything within his power. He is a wonderful eater and is quite serious about his food, haha. (kind of like Grandma here). He weighs 24 pounds. I am not quite sure about his height, but he is well above average. A pretty big boy. He has his daddy beat here as Joe was my little elf. lol He weighed only 20 pounds at a year and was shorter than the average 1 year old. I don't think anyone moved quite as bit as much as Joe did, no doubt burning calories galore. Cody has completed their family and added soo much love to the hearts of all who know him....HAPPY BIRTHDAY my sweet little Cody. May the Lord bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you now and forever more!
He and Donatella (whose is my youngest son's Jimmy's youngest daughter and will be 1 year old on Valentine's Day) will celebrate their birthdays together here on Sun with a big party. How fun it has been for this Grandma to have two babies only 11 days apart to enjoy. They are a riot together. lol Every once in a while one or the other of them will "kiss" (or is it a bite, the line is definitely blurred sometimes) the other. Soo sweet. Here are some pictures of my darling little Cody. ENJOY!
Luke 1:14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
This week I am thankful for this precious little sweetie. I pray the Lord watches over him and blesses his life with everything that He would have for him. I pray that Cody comes to know the Lord at an early age, and lives a life as the Lord would have him, serving Him and loving Him with all of His heart. To join the other thankful hearts this week, click HERE
Monday, February 1, 2010
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
This picture was taken this morning as Jeff was running out to work...We will go to dinner tonight, but in two weeks we are going to LA to see the play "The Color Purple"...soo excited.
35 years ago today, Feburary 1, 1975 I married this wonderful man and changed my life forever more.
Jeff & I met on a blind date in the summer of 1974. I was a mere 19 years old and he was just here for the summertime (or so he thought) having just finished college at Nebraska. I remember like yesterday my girl friend Sue calling me up and saying "Deb, I have a great guy I want you to meet." When she gave me the details, he was from South Dakota and had gone to Nebraska on a football scholarship and was in California for the summertime just to see the sights, my initial reaction was, could be fun...but I wasn't really looking for a summertime romance, and I certainly wasn't looking to move out of state eventually should the "romance" turn into anything more. I liked to think I was more mature than the average 19 year old as I was already a single mom to an 18 month old little boy. I was a brand new Christian as well, and very careful about who I dated as I was not only looking for a husband, but a father for my son. Somehow I had my doubts as to rather or not a "football jock" would fit the description of what I was looking for. She pressed me a little bit and I decided to just see for myself. What a wonderful decision that turned out being. By late summer we were very much love and had more in common than I ever dreamed possible. He too was a new Christian and our relationship right from the beginning was very firmly planted in Him. His relationship with my son Joe, was one I had barely let myself even dream about as being possible. As the summer was drawing to a close I had begun to wonder what in the world I had been thinking of or why God had allowed any of this to happen. How would I ever bare him going back home to South Dakota. By early September (just a few days before he was suppose to leave) Jeff asked me to marry him and decided he would just move permanently to California. 5 months later we were married. Sooo, Jeff & I were basically engaged and married just 6 short months after we met. Looking back now, if one of my kids had decided to marry so soon after meeting someone I might have had a heart attack, haha. But I believe from the bottom of my heart that the Lord picked him out especially for Joe and I and worked out every little detail. Our wedding was small but beautiful. We did not have a professional photographer, but we did have a friend who took some really good pictures for us. I don't have a single 8 x 10 of the event however, and the pictures I do have are in a box in our garage. Why does that sound soo horrible, haha. But my point is I don't have any pictures of our day to show you (without digging around in the garage anyway). Not that I have a scanner right now anyway. Or know how to work it if I did. lol
Through the years I can honestly say that I feel like I have been married to not only my very best friend, but a one of the most wonderful husbands God ever created. He is not perfect of course, (who is?) but most of the time it seems that way to me. I can be high maintence at times I guess is a nice way of putting it, haha, and yet he is usually the picture of patience and tolerence on all my little quirks. He has been a wonderful father to all 4 of our children. He adopted Joe formally shortly after we married. He has been the spiritual leader of our home, and has provided for us all over the years with much more than I ever dreamed of. I have been married WAY over half of my life to this man, and look forward to growing old with him. We still find the same things funny, know what the other is going to say before they say it, (most of the time anyway...or maybe it just is we "think" we do, haha) and can look at each other and smile and know all is well with the world. I thanked God for this man 35 years ago when I woke up that morning, and through the journey of our life together I am still grateful, and will love him unconditionally till the day the good Lord calls me home.
This picture was taken dancing at Mike & Melody's wedding 19 months ago.
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