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April, 2007 Hooked on EBAY !Greetings all and any bloggers who might pass thru my little corner of the world wide web! I hope this finds you all well and enjoying the beginning of summer!
Yesterday my girls and I aquired a brand new swimming pool! It is not in-ground, I just cannot seem to find the money tree to pay for such a large investment, but this one works great. It is above ground and very large, 4 feet high! Mommy has her own float and has declared that NO ONE is to try to take it from me if I am in the pool...lol
Really, the girls had such fun yesterday and I can tell this will be another great summer of splashing and playing and all good things to come.
So, I have been on my computer non stop for days on end. You see, I am now an official ebayer! Yep, hooked on EBAY! I have found my way to being a seller. You know it REALLY is easy to list and sell. I guess I had this block that I was not going to be able to understand it all, but turns out it is so very user friendly. I have even made a few dollars already. Not enough for a built in pool, but I am on my way!
Chloe has been playing T-ball, what a hoot. All the 5 and 6 year olds, with the attention span of a second, out in the field is quite a fun show to watch. However, I must say our team was the BEST at hitting the ball. Not that it is competive, no one is ever out and everyone gets a hit no matter how many swings. Last week they all rec'd awards. Chloe was the only girl on her team, but she did not seem to notice. Guess it is the age thing. I have posted a few photos of my little slugger.
For some reason I cannot remember how to post a photo in the middle of a blog....if anyone can re-educate me that would be nice.
While watching the games I met a great friend, Lori, she has a son Chloe's age and a daughter Annie's age, so Annie had a great time and made a new friend. REally Annie is usually shy and uneasy around new friends, but for some reason this child has created a very comfy space for Annie and I am so happy to see my girl open up and interact so very vivaciously! Now Chloe never leaves me worrying about that. She is friendly and overly open to any new child....ha ha
I have also found a new Church that I really enjoy, and most important my girls love love love it! They are currently undergoing private sessions with the pastor for a Dedication and then Baptisim to follow. Of course I have dedicated them and Baptised them myself but for them to do so formally is so very important and I am excited about it all.
I even have a job there. I am a greeter! If you knew me in person you would say, "but of course!"...you see, mommy and Chloe are very much alike....FRIENDLY and not shy!!! things are falling into place nicely.
We are plannig a trip up north in July for a family reunion on my mom's side. We number well over 150. It is to be in the Poconos for four days and yes, we are all looking forward to that trip. My girls have no idea just how large of a family they are a part of.....soon they will get to meet them all!
My dog is getting better, although she still drags her back paw in the house, outside she still wants to tun and jump to catch the ball....even begs me daily if I do not do so.....see, I really have three kids who want mommy to play play play!
Well, that is my update and also an explanation as to why JC has not been strolling down blogger lane.
I will try to stop in and visit when I can....but you can always look me up on Ebay Lane....insert big smile
I must say, I am in such an attitude of grattitude for so much these days. We are healthy, we have family, we have our own home and car, we always have food and friends abound....yes, God is good and I am grateful.
As I do, I send you all wishes of joy, love, laughter and many many Blessings of Sonshine!
Peace out,
IN HIS GRIP
JC April, 2007 WARNING! WARNING ! DANGER WILL ROBINSON!I hope this blog finds all you crazy bloggers well. I have missed you, but lately my home has been sharing a flu/virus...it has gone full circle, hopefully this is the end of that visitor.
I would like to warn all you mothers, fathers, young ladies, teens. Last week I was looking at my stats and saw that Baidu.com was where a visitor came from. Now I have seen this many many times, but never linked into that page.
To my surprise, it is a search engine, I think in either Japanese, or Chinese, it also has some english. Now this is the scary part:
when I clicked and the page came up, exactly on the search that brought someone to view my space...
it was: FREE PICTURES OF GIRLS. This is shocking and really calls for action.
As of now, I will be deleting all pics of my girls that are up close.....and then perhaps I will test and see.
So, all you, with precious pics of your loved ones, go to baidu, then think about what I found and perhaps you too will remove your photos of your girls. IT is rather disappointing, as I like to share my pics, as the girls grow and the experiences we go thru, but either I make my space private or remove the pics....hmmmm, perhaps I will not act so quickly and ponder on the "space private" mode.....what do you think I should do?
Be Blessed, thanks for stopping by,
IN HIS GRIP JC April, 2007 My Thoughts On the Death PenaltyI first blogged this in August of 2005....now, almost two years later, due to horrific news I have just learned about someone I grew up with I feel led to reprint this blog.
FIRST, SET BAMBI, THUMPER AND ALL THE ANIMALS BEING SUBJECTED to testing RIGHT THIS VERY MINUTE AS WE BLOG AND READ FREE !!!
OKAY, NOW AFTER THE INNOCENT ANIMALS ARE ALL RELEASED FROM A TORTURE I FIND SO INHUMANE THAT JUST THE THOUGHT OF IT MAKES ME SEE RED:
(i once gave a speach during a course in college on this and unfortunatly have too much knowledge and saw too many pictures on animal experimentation ...so whenever i speak of this i cannot turn off the vivid pictures and stories i read from my mind)
The death penalty is too good for any person who is ABSOLUTY guilty of taking the life of another...like ted bundy, jeffry damer, the btk killer, and right now esp. john cooey, the monster who committed a murder here in florida that is so horrendous i cry whenever i think of jessica and her family.
the ones we KNOW are guilty.
They should not be allowed to be put out of their misery in one single moment, that is too good, they must give back something to society....so i say let us do the testing on them...
instead of forcing a rabbit to drink draino , call in one of the above (i know two of them are already dead), anyway call in one of them and have them drink the draino, maybe even give them a painkiller, as if that would help, or even be considered for the annimals who are subjected daily to torture of worse kind...then at least the families of the victims will get some (gosh, i hate to say revenge) but that is how i feel, let them at least feel that their loved one, who cannot be brought back, the one who was killed without mercy, they are the ones who suffer so much, when a death row inmate has one single moment and then, poof ! they are asleep....NO, NOT FAIR....they must pay!
if you do not know what is truly done during animal testing then please visit a peta site, do the research, rent the movie Project X, then think, what the heck did these poor innocent animals do to deserve this. then think of john cooey, again that monster, i say death is too good, to easy, he/they must must must give back so perhaps somewhere down the line a life might be saved from these tests, while no innocent lives (animal or human) need be taken in such a way.
death is just too easy.
perhaps if these monsters knew that the punnishment will fit the crime they might, though i doubt they would, but perhaps they might think twice before they steal a precious life and victimize that innocent, and their families who are left behind.
that is my thoughts: in a sentence, set the innocent animals free and test away on the monsters, lather, rinse, repeat....
wow i am exhausted because i get so upset when i think of these crimes..
This one goes out to Judy, a beautiful, girl who was taken from this world by a monster, a man that pledged to honor, respect, and love her for all his life. I knew them both very very well in my teenage years and I am so very shocked and saddened by this tragic event.
JC
April, 2007 What now? "The joy of the Lord is my strength." ~ Nehemiah 8:10 It;s a beautiful morning...I feel like singing all day! The sun is risen, the girls are at school and I am in such a divine place.
Lately, I have been reading a book, as I shared recently, "The Purpose Driven Life", and at first I started to blog each day's lesson and thoughts, sharing this journey. Then I decided this was too private, and if I really wanted to be honest with myself and God, I had to keep this between Him and I.
So, each day, I have been absorbing new knowledge, meditating, listening and of course waiting. Waiting for what God has in store for me. Now, I have not finished this book and the journey, but this morning I am at such a glorious place I decided to journal here about it.
Last eve, Greg wrote on his Blogquest about "Be Still and Know that I am God."....I have always loved and tried hard to be still and listen...wait upon the Lord....you know, "okay Lord, what next?"
It came to me last night that at the darkest moments of my life, as I have fallen to my knees in sorrow and pain, I have always looked up....sometimes in just shock, sometimes in anger, but mostly waiting, and saying, (usually alone and aloud)...."Okay God, okay, what, what now? What do YOU want from me now, what do I do now?"
One time in particular was when my husband, whom had just come from rehab, up and disappeared as I went to take a shower, off to use his drugs and drink again. I knew that was it....I could not save him and it was time to move on....up until that moment I was praying and hoping, holding out, waiting for the pain to end, my marriage to mend and all to move forward in a loving, Blessed way, as man and wife.
But that day was different, I KNEW. I knew I could not fix him and he did not want to be fixed yet. I had to move on. He had given me all the okay reasons to seek divorce, which I so did not want and had tried desperately to avoid...but that day, as I walked into the living room and saw the note....telling me he was sorry, but he could not stop his journey, of what to me was pure hell and for him I am sure as well.
So, as I fell to my knees in sorrow and pain, I LOOKED UP...."Okay Lord," I cried quite loudly, "What? What now? What do You want me to do?"...and then I was led to go to my room and pick up a book I had recently been studying. This was the book that had brought me to a new understanding of my identity as a Christian. It has a list that I would read daily afirming all the wonderful identies, Blessings and promises that I held as a Chlid of Christ. Up until that book entered mylife, about a year before, I knew Jesus, knew He was God, that He had died on the cross for me, and in accepting Him I was saved... but I did not really know Jesus. I did not have an intimate relationship with Him until the previous year or so.
So, that day, I asked God again, "What now Lord?" and as I read again the list of whom I am in Christ, a peace, a calm and an elation, an actual joy enveloped me and I was so moved and elated I really was almost drunk with happiness....could you imagine, at such a terrible time, I was so very happy too.
Of course I was sorry when the divorce went thru, and I cried many a tear...still do feel sad that I have yet to find a husband whom I can count on forever....
However, I was okay. So, that was over ten years ago, and I am still alone as far as a partner in life...and perhaps one day, but in His time, not mine.
So, now this journey that has led me to today. I have been finding in my quiet time, that there is a purpose for my life. For all of our lives. Each and everyone of us was born, thru Him, by Him, with a predestined purpose. I am seeking mine. As it always is with God, when we ask, or seek, He does lead the way. So over the past few weeks so many events, conversations, meetings, moments and meditations have brought me so very far.
As of now I know this....I have a purpose. I was born not just for my purpose on this planet. My purpose goes into the next life, my eternity with God. Whatever my exact purpose is, I now know that it will come with me as I pass on. Yes, of course I am a mommy and that is a great purpose...perhaps that IS my purpose to raise my daughters to find their purposes...perhaps something more.
Most of all, now I realize that being saved does not mean, okay here is my time on earth, get thru it and THEN, wow, HEAVEN! My glorious life begins.
Heck no, NOW, right NOW I am to strive to fulfill my destiny, my purpose, my God given gift to be used starting here on this place we call earth. I know my purpose is about others, not about me....and what I can do for others....isn't that really the most important thing? Took me until my first daughter was placed into my arms to realize any love outside of self....another blog, see my annie story for that. It is so important for us to see all around us our Blessings, be content and seek moments, meetings, chances when we can be used by God....oh how very exciting, okay, "WHat now God?" I am so elated and excited as I am led unto my journey and I rest in peace knowing that whereever he leads, I shall follow.
I recently went to a new Church, a Church that is just beginning....and I am feeling excitment that He has led me there to serve, to be a part of the groundbreaking of a strong community....
I continue to read my book, doing one lesson each day and listening, reading, absorbing, seeking HIM and His will for me...
I have been Blessed recently with so many different things that are NOT by chance, but MEANT to be EXACTLY in my life RIGHT NOW and I just want to share that this is a very new, bright beginning for me, my journey and my love in HIM, with Him, thru Him....I JUST KNOW THAT HE IS REIGNING GREAT THINGS UPON ME>>>>RIGHT NOW!
Goodness, it feels so right to share this...I hope the day Blesses you all wtih joy, love and laughter....for me this is in abundance and it is wonderful! Oh the comfort in knowing that HE IS GOD, and I am,
IN HIS GRIP
JC
"Happiness is not a destination. It is a method of life." -Burton Hills March, 2007 Not Ready for Goodbye : (I have a very special friend. This friend is so close to me and I love my friend very much. We have shared the same bed for over ten years now and she is a part of our family. I recently thought I was going to lose her. I am not ready to lose my friend, not ready to say, " goodbye, thank you friend, you have been so very loyal and loving, but now it is time for you to move on". I am not ready and thankfully I did not lose this friend: yet. Perhaps by now you have figured out who this friend is. She is my best buddy, I have loved her from day one and she has loved me right back. We have slept together, played together, ran together and we are so very close. Everywhere I go in my house she is by my side. Yes, she is my little doggie: "Bear Bear". http://profile.imageshack.us/user/jcsamebook/images/detail/#137/sliferg7.jpg I have always been an animal lover…. And when I say I love animals, I really LOVE LOVE LOVE all creatures, great and small, except the spider, that is a whole other blog. I guess it started when I was little and grew up with a dog-named "Shep". She was so very protective of me when I was a child. My father tells of one day, when I was around three, he picked me up and placed me on the back of the car, to tie my shoe. Well Shep did not approve, she was concerned for my safety and apparently felt I might be in harms way. She bared her teeth, and they were big teeth, and growled loud and low at my dad. I asked him when he first told me this story, "what did you do?". He replied, "I put you back down, VERY SLOWLY!" Yes, dogs have been a part of me and held my heart from the very beginning and I have since become a lover and champion for all animals. I have a blog titled my views on the death penalty and you might want to peruse it to read my strong convictions in fighting for these beautiful creatures who cannot fight or talk on their own behalf. I have always been the one to find that little bird, who fell from the nest, the homeless dog that was at the brink of death or the little kitty no one seemed to want. I have always had an animal in my life. So, back to Bear Bear. Well, about ten days ago, in the evening, I had played ball with her as we usually do around sundown. She loves to play ball. She is a big baby when I do not play and will cry and stand outside in the back, ball in mouth, refusing to come in if I do not give her a few minutes at least every day…..My sweet doggie, I just love to see her running towards me with a big grin holding that ball in her mouth. She is great at catching it in mid air without a bounce too! My super doggie! Okay, so around 9pm that night Bear Bear started to limp, drag and finally fall down unable to move her back right paw. I was very upset and concerned; my girls were asleep, so my neighbor and I took her to an ER night clinic, while her hubby stayed with the girls. Thank heaven for good friends and neighbors all in one! The doc wanted to keep her, give here x-rays and then give her hourly injections for four hours. You see, by the time we got back to see the doc, it was already 1am. Well this clinic closes at 7am and all animals must be picked up by then. This was a $450.00 choice, plus all this, to leave at now, 2am to return five hours later to pick her up. So, I opted for plan B. The doc thought either she had a stroke, or that a vertebra was slipped, herniated or pinched. He wanted to give her steroid injections to see if she would respond that night. I decided to take her home after one shot of steroid, one shot of anti-biotic, as the steroids bring the immune system down. I decided to wait on the x-ray as well. I feel I made the right decision. First, had it been a stroke, at that time, nothing could be done. He had felt all over, she had no point of pain so if it was her vertebrae, then the meds would help and I could wait, with her at home, with me, then go to a less expensive, less "money spending oriented" vet. One I knew and trusted. I must say I was very discouraged as I really did think it was a stroke. I knew that if so, there was not much to be done and I do not have thousands of dollars to spend on her. As much as I love her, I am also realistic, she is ten years old and if it was neurological, well, then I fear that was a no go for my baby. Oh how I cried that night, as I stated in the beginning, I am not ready to say goodbye to my doggie. The next day she was no better, but she was no worse as well. I was so very upset and concerned. Not only for me, but also my girls. They too were not ready to lose their beloved pet and I was not able to imagine the pain of having to do the "best thing for her". So I took her to my day vet and he was optimistic and gave us steroid pills. He said if I see improvement then we know it is not neurological and since he had really felt her all over he knew there was no break and was pretty sure it was a back issue. Now this was a Friday, and he said I could come in next Tuesday, (Monday was a holiday), and then see how she is doing. Well I am so very happy to write Bear Bear appears to be better. It took a few days, and we really can see some improvement. She is not herself yet, but she is definitely not paralyzed…when she did her potty I knew this was so, and that is and was good news. Now she is still dragging her paw, but can give a few bunny hops along the way…she is compensating I guess. For a while I did not realize she was shaving her nails and then a few days ago my daughter found blood on her foot. The poor thing was down to the "quick" on one of her nails. So now she is sporting a very fun, brightly colored and some are even decorated, sock on her back, right paw. One day she had on Betty Boop sock! It is funny, I knew I loved my doggie, I knew she was a member of the family, but until that night I had not realized how much harder it will be to lose a pet now that I am a mommy. Thank God we are not crossing that bridge today…so I shall not waste time on worrying. (If you read my last few blogs you will know I am striving to live life in the HERE AND NOW)…see, this is one more lesson that can be applied right away and is proven to make life that much lighter. So, please keep Bear Bear in your prayers, we are lifting her up everyday as a family, but there is strength in numbers. I do so hope to report soon that she is running, jumping and catching the ball in mid air once again! February, 2007 Not by chance.Albert Einstien once said: "God does not play dice." How true Mr. Einstien. Isaiah 44:2 : I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born. "Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." ( Psalm 139:16)Now I know that everything in my life is so very significant. They were all thought up in the mind of God, and they are all geared toward shaping me for a particular service that no one but I can perform. God uses everything in my life – whatever I’ve experienced, whatever I’ve learned – to make me into a person fit for that which I can do in his Kingdom here on earth. I am so very happy to learn that!
In paraphrasing Isaiah 46:3, God says, "I have carried you since before you were born; I have taken care of you from your birth. Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I made you and will take care of you."
It is such good news to know that He is with me ALWAYS....and amazing that each and everything in my life was preplanned by Him...even right now, as I type this blog, He ordained me to do so: and this before I was born!! That is such a powerful truth that I cannot comprehend the understanding, so I will just take on faith as He is God, not I. I will not understand everything, but just knowing it to be true takes life to a whole new level!
So many times, in between all the good thoughts, I have beat myself up over and over. Disappointed in certain choices I had made, paths I have traveled and relationships I have done wrong. Now, well I know the beginning is to forgive myself, thus done I am certain that even the mistakes I have made are meant to be and will bring me to my place in His cosmic plan.
When I add in the lesson yesterday, about each thought being held captive to Jesus I see why I made the same mistakes over again. Shoot, as I kept dwelling on the negative things in my life, mistakes and traumas, I was bringing to me the same bad stuff...I cannot think bad thoughts about me, my life, my today and my tomorrow, it is a cause and effect.
I now must find out who I am and what my true purpose for this life is...I am so elated and excited as I find all these truths. I am released from bondage of self and find that I feel that much lighter just knowing this. I am now going to accept all areas of what makes me be me...be it the physical, the mental or emotional...even geographically speaking, all my past choices and works: that is the me I am meant to be right now! I know I can not remain passive about this, just set and live as if the race is run, no more to work on...that would be so silly. Now I can move on, letting go of my past, looking to TODAY, learning and loving thru each and every moment...like a previous blog: BE HERE NOW...that is my mission and I can do that! So in closing I am reassured that I was created by God for God, not by God for me. Plus I know I am exactly who I am supposed to be today. As for tomorrow, well, I will get there when it comes. My mind is open and my heart is willing...I will continue to run the race, my eyes on the Mark! Darn, I feel good now!!! A poem by Russell Kelfer sums all this up:
You are who you are for a reason.
You're part of an intricate plan.
You're a precious and perfect unique design,
Called God's special woman or man.
You look like you look for a reason,
Our God made no mistake.
He knit you together within the womb,
You're just what He wanted to make.
The parents you had were the ones he chose,
And no matter how you may feel,
They were custom-designed with God's plan in mind,
And they bear the Master's seal.
No, that trauma you faced was not easy,
And God wept that it hurt you so;
But it was allowed to shape your heart
So that into his likeness you'd grow.
You are who you are for a reason,
You've been formed by the Master's rod.
You are who you are, beloved,
Because there is a God! Oh the joy of knowing we are all, IN HIS GRIP JC February, 2007 Do You Want to know a secret....Let me whisper in your ear...I'm in love with you." Remember that Beatle song? Guess you can see I have always been a fan of the Beatles and feel they really have given some strong and truthful messages to live by...see my blog on the Beatles to read more of this.
WARNING: This is a long blog, but I felt inspired to keep it going.
I write this mostly to encourage myself but hope another might enjoy it and find some light from it as well.
Now, this blog is about the secret. If you watch Oprah, then you might of caught her recent show labeled "THE SECRET". I saw it and for the most part I was intrigued. Of course those present to bear witness left out the most important secret: We all will NEVER get to heaven on our works. We are ALL sinners and only thru the Son will we get to the Father. I know, this is not really a secret but let's take it further. Oprah's secret stated that we need not only to ask, but we must use all our energy, thought included, to bring forth successful results. They stated that we draw to us what we most think about....so if you dwell on the negative, expect just that....if you dwell on sickness, well it is just like signing up for bad health of some kind. The secret is to "Hold every thought captive to Jesus"...only allow your mind to go where HE would go as well.
Also on the show they stated that we MUST believe and see ourselves in the place we so desire. For instance if you desire sucess and wealth see and vision yourself there....use your mind to think about you in that position....hmmmm. Now the Bible tells us to "pray believing and knowing that it is done". Is this true? YES ! We can pray and know that what we ask is done....HOWEVER, yes there is a but....we MUST know that all prayer must align with HIS WILL, not ours. So if I ask for the lottery it is doubtful that I will indeed win due to my proper thought and prayers....not unless He too wills this for me.
In the book by Rick Warren, "The Purpose Driven Life, he states: "You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense. For everything, absolutely everythig, above and below, visible and invisible...everything got started in HIM and finds its purpose in HIM. Col: 1:16
Many people want to teach and proclaim to "look within" to achieve our purpose on earth and then strive to achieve these goals and such. Many self-help books, even Christian ones, usually offer the same predictable steps to finding your life's purpose: Consider your dreams. Clarify your values. Set some goals. Figure out what you are good at. Aim high. Go for it! Be disciplined. Believe you can achieve your goals. Never give up.
Of course, thes recommendations often lead to great success. However, you could reach ALL your personal goals and still miss the purposes for which God created you....now, this is a secret and one MUST know God first and look to Him, not within ourselves to truly know the why and what of our true purpose here on earth. The Bible says, "Self-help is no help at all. Self sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self." Matthew 16:25.
So how do we find our purpose? It is thru revelation...the Word of God. The Word is forever, always was and always will be. We should think and dwell on Him and His Word and if we pray, well ask Him to show you His will, not yours, His purpose, not ours.
None of us here were an accident. We are all hand made by God to be exactly who we are...now what we do with our lives, well that is up to us. Kind of...unless we turn it over to Him, ask Him to show us the way, the why and the wisdom to understand and fulfill His reason for our lives.
God's purpose for your life predates your conception...wow! He planned it before you existed, without your input! We get to choose so many different things in life,: our career, spouse, hobbies, and such, but we do not get to choose your purpose. Our purpose of our life fits into a much larger, cosmic purpose that God has designed for eternity. ETERNITY ! That is forever......and ever....that is too much to understand with our human brains, but it IS the TRUTH.
A secret of our lives is that without God our life makes no sense...none at all. It is not about me or you. "Everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him."
I have felt many times like I was living in darkness and dwelled on the downside...playing the ol tune: Poor poor me. That is a victim's mentallity. We are all victims....some worse than others...but once we have accepted this, angered it, grieved it and confronted it...it is time not to continue to be the victim...then they win, and we lose, but to choose to now be the one that is in control, with God of course as our father, pilot We then choose to leave the darkness and walk in the light. Then to go further we not only speak words, we walk them as well. It is important not to just "talk the talk", but we should all "walk the walk".
I think here on blogtown it is easy for me to write words of wisdom and truth. For the most part this is great and so very enlightening to others ...but the blogger him or herself should hold themselves accountable to such and of course hold everything accountable to HIM....see, the secret is not so secret at all...it is simple rather than complicated.
I have directly used some quotes from the book by Warren mentioned above...I am currently re-visiting this book, taking a 40 day commitment to read one chapter a day of the book as well as a Psalm. The Psalm is my own choice as, in my case, I find Psalms so very enlightening and uplifting. My favorites are :
Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord
and He will give you the desires of your heart" Now that is some uplifting truth to stand on and know to be in His will. Of course my desire of my heart must start in Him...striving to keep a personal relationship with Him, ever seeking His face...and then as I find my own desires, they should line up with His will, not mine.
Psalm 57: 2-5 " I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose, for me. ....God sends His love and his faithfulness" There it is, He wants us to find our purpose in life, not earthly achievements such as money and things, but for His plans for us throughout eternity.
Finally, when I am down I always go to this particular Psalm: 103:2 "Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisifies your desires with good thigs so that your youth is renewed like the eagles." Isn't that so very encouraging and uplifting? I love this one.
Now I have learned that one of the most comforting thoughts that can penetrate my mind is yielding to the will of God, for he who created me knows what is best for me. This is how we gain peace in the midst of the storm. He has every detail of our lives under control. Whatever we pray for, whether it is healing or a house , when our will is in harmony with His will, we will recieve what we request and perhaps even more.
I have met some who choose to pray "Speaking healing, contentment, protection and such. " That is their way. As for me, well I stand on His Word, praying and as I do I KNOW it is already done, there fore I thank Him daily for He will deliver....I thank Him because as I ask and seek Him, it is already done...that is powerful knowledge. We all know that God can work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called upon His purpose. Romans 8:28...There it is again, our purpose must be His first.
That said, we all know we must accept the fact that bad things happen, even to those who love Him, but in such times I find it is helpful to remember our lives are forever and the 100 years or less we live on earth is but a bleep in our true existance and we can endure such trials and tribulations. I blogged on this as well,here is the link, my own way of remembering not to get stuck on the things of this earth. Not fun, but we can get thru it all. Of course some do this with such grace we often wonder how the heck they can continue to go on under such a path their lives have taken...I for one admire and strive for this strength and mindthought...it is there that we will find our peace...accepting our hardships as well as our Blessings.
Some pray to be healed, physically, but His will does not promise such. For some, yes He will deliver them from such, but for others it is to be. However, they are already healed if they accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour...they were healed over 2000 years ago when He took the cross for us. We are all healed in a matter that is most important....thru Him, with Him and in Him. We must trust in Him.
When I was a child my family would take a summer vacation for a week or two to the shore. I loved the ocean, still do, however I was always so afraid to go out too far, I always had to have my feet touching the ground. However, when my father was there He always held my hand and then I knew that I was safe and would venture, with him to the deeper waters. I knew my daddy would always protect me, keep me safe and I no longer felt afraid. I had faith in my father and knew I was "IN HIS GRIP" That is how I choose to walk with God, In His Grip and trusting Him to keep me safe. Now you know the why of my salutations on blogs and comments. Of course bad things will happen to me on earth, but ultimately I trust that he protects me from evil that tries to keep me from Him...see, He holds me, but I choose to hold back...that is everyone's choice...it is a good choice I feel. It is faith, trust and thus we achieve grace.
Grace is recieving that which we do not deserve. IE:Being saved thru the Son, not due to our works, but thru our faith. He died so that we shall live, what a gift of grace !
Then we also achieve mercy.
Mercy is kinda the opposite. Mercy is not recieving that which we deserve. Wow, I am so glad of that one...casue I have fallen short many times and will never be perfect....but He is a loving God, Father and forgives us our sins...He shows us mercy. Once again, Jesus took our punishment and opened the doors to heaven upon the cross. "As He opened up His hands for the nails, the doors of heaven opened and it rained mercy . Thank you Lord !
I know I have really gone on here...as I have done so for myself really...I am studying so very hard these days, growing in Him, striving to be a better child of God, follower of Christ, Christian soldier and also exemplify for my daughters a kind loving, Christ centered life. I so want to keep on His path and also want them to walk their entire lifes on the path He wills for them. So I share this because I think it is good, I write this to remember what I am learning and also will read this to keep my thoughts captive to Him...do not dwell on evil, but on Him, that which is good and thus you will be Blessed.
I wil end this with one more quote:
John1:14-15
This is the confidence we have in approaching God that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears you - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him.
I pray His will be done and I pray the same for you! That is how to find true happiness.
Happiness: a bi product of healthy living.
I hope at least one person is intrigued here and might be inspired to seek their purpose in life and strive for His will in their lives rather than praying to bend His wil to theirs.
I hope to continue to share my new enlightments achieved thru this new study I am undertaking as I go along...I am using blogtown as my journal of sorts...keeping myself aware and accountable..I hope you enjoy it and it Blesses you as it is me.
As I continue to say, and now you know the origin for me, (yes, the shore and my dad on earth)
we are all,
if we choose, (key words here)
IN HIS GRIP
now that is an excellent recipe for safety!
For now: I am encouraged to just try and keep my thoughts and doings in a positive Godly manner, not allowing any thought to stray from Him...and I know this is hard to do. I used to share with others, many years ago, and up until now kinda forgot this. Whenever you ask, remember to Thank Him for it will be...also, when you fear or worry, do not fret or dwell on this, but just change your thoughts to anything you know to be true of Him....anything: we know He was born of a virgin, we know He was a carpenter, we know He performed miracles, we know He died on the cross at age 33, any such fact about Him. Or pick up the Bible and read at least a few pages. I have printed out those I wish to really keep in the front of my mind and taped them all thru my house. Thus I am contstantly reminded that life is really all about living for God, not me...and He loves me and has great plans for me....How very exciting!
Okay, I will exit here, I have just reached a high level of excitement just typing this and for this I wish to Thank Him and read a few more verses, I am indeed hungry for His Word....and you?
Peace be with you all,
JC
Peace JC January, 2007 Iam still here....just not here : )I have no idea if anyone still comes by to see if I am here or have updated...but I have been reading a few blogs and read a comment where one stated since he had not done a blog in too long msn deleted his space...so here is a new blog, just in case.
I first wish all a very Happy New Year ! My family, friends and myself have just enjoyed one of our best Christmas Seasons as well as a super dooper New Years Celebration...life is good.
I do not know why, but my blogging desires are just not here at this time. Of course I think of many of you...some more than others. I have left a few, very few messages to say a temp goodbye....but cannot find time to visit all....perhaps over the next month or two the least I can do is stop in with a brief hello, I am thinking of you....okay, I will try.
At this time my life is very well...I am focusing, as usual, on my girls...but also getting into a frame of mind, heart and lifestyle to "BE HERE NOW". This is a very old concept, I think back in college when I read "Diary of a Yogi" and other such alternative lifestyles, in search of self, I first came upon that concept. It really is so very simple and exactly the best way I know I can enjoy life to it't fullest.
There is no reason to look back, that is over. There is no reason to fret about tomorrow or even overplan...life has too many uncertainties to guarantee that my "plans" can come to be...so I am living here, now: in the present.
This is a Biblical concept, but also one of many varieties of theory. It really is keeping life simple. Like my girls do. They just go thru today, sometimes not even aware of what day it is, if there is school tomorrow or even what the next hour may bring. Awww to view and live life like that of a child. Just like the Bible tells us to do....sure does make for a much happier state of mind. I have always been of the school of thought that happiness is a bi-product of healthy living...I still do think this. Now, as I go thru each day, even each hour, or minute if necessary, well this just comes into play. It is so much easier to take things lightly, not to worry, not to overplan, overthink, overdo......like John Lennon said:
LIFE IS WHAT HAPPENS WHILE YOU ARE BUSY MAKING PLANS!
right on John!
So for now I am off to spend time enjoying whatever I am about to do...perhaps go play a game with the girls, perhaps pay my bills, perhaps call a friend, perhaps do some housework, cook, read, ride my bike, walk the dog....whatever, but I know that it will be exactly as it should be....simply living life day by day, doing the next right thing.
Hugs to all,
and as I always remind both myself and any who happen to arrive to read any new or old chapter I have written here:
we are all,
IN HIS GRIP
peace out,
JC October, 2006 Memories...from the corner of my mind.Greetings to all and any who pass thru my space.
I seem to have acquired quite a lapse since my last entry. I have no real reason other than lack of thoughts to share, inspiration and then most of all BUSY BUSY BUSY ! For this of course I am grateful...I love to keep busy with my girls.
As fall is here I find myself thinking of autumn up north and all the joy, beauty and yummies that came with it.
We certainly had our share of apple trees and orchards all around us. The area I lived in was full of oak trees and many other beauties that would change year round. The leaves would transform into kalaidascopes of red, orange, yellow and brown....and as they fell to the ground the scenery was awesome ! I remember playing for hours and days in the piles of leaves my dad had raked on his few hours off work each day...yet, never do I remember him telling us not to do so again. He always enjoyed us playing in the yard and he too would join in the fun. Of course there was always the story of the one child that was related to a friend of a friend's aunt thru marriage...that had covered up in leaves and been run over...so of course we were told over and over, not to do this anywhere near the road !
There was one particular place that jumps to me. It was Tyce's or Tice's Farm in Montvale, NJ. It was an apple orchard that took us into a wonderland of fall. The place decorated with large pumpkin patch's, scarecrows, bales of hay corn and all the other thoughts and decor that comes with fall. They made their own donughts and apple cider and it was the best I have ever had....this because of the fun that came with it. I have such fond memories of my childhood...I was very Blessed in so many areas as a child and this is just one memory I cherish year after year.
Now, as a mom myself, I continue to strive to create for my children such times to enjoy and remember in days and years to come. We have our home decorated with our own carved pumpkins and many other fall decor....tastefully of course ! We have been to the pumpkin patch, will attend the Fall Festival tomorrow and then on to Oct. 31 and a day of costume and candy !
As I have named this space, my life is a book and I have many chapters, I have great news and updates in my book. I have had the opportunity to go back, remember and reunite with a special person from those chapters gone by.
I recently have had a very enjoyable reunion with a friend that I have seen nor spoke with for 30 years ! WOW ! Talk about weird, yet fabulous. At first we kinda just kept looking at each other and laughing. He was a year older than I and we were close friends that hung in the same crowd. I have such great memories of him and his car, our friends, the laughing, the crazy fun, the adventures we shared...
I have found my friend to have become such a good, kind, sensitive and quite successful man...and of course this makes me so very happy. He is the proud father of an adorable 9 year old who I am sure has here daddy in the palm of her hand....isn't that the roll of us girls with our dads ? ( insert a smile here)
My girls and I hope to meet her in the future...I think they will get on so very well. What fun to see the next generation together as we, the first from this group reminisce.
Remember, I have not seen him since high school ! At first at the airport when he was waiting for me to pick him up, it occured to me, what does he even look like. When I last saw him he had long, wavy, auburn hair...the kind I would love to find naturally on my head today ! ha ha
Well, after slowing down at each man I saw I thought for sure I found him and asked "Are you Michael?" Then the second I heard his voice I knew my friend and it was awesome.
My children adore him and it is so good to be back in touch with my childhood friend...not to mention as he still lives in the area we grew up in I certainly have rec'd the "updates" on many friends and school mates that I remember. Some from Kindergarden up and some from Jr. High and then those that came later in "HIGH School"....yes, playing with my words....and laughing here....oh the memories I will never share and those I have and will....some good, some not so good, a few sad times and decisions made wrong...but most of all the memories are so very enjoyable. A few are kinda fuzzy and we have had great fun filling in the gaps...some not quite matching up which makes it more fun...a matter of perspective or one who really did forget the facts ? hmmmmmmm
So Michael, I imagine you will read this....this one goes out to you....my long lost dear friend...."thanks for the memories...." those that we shared and those we will share as we continue on this road of life. It is so very good to have you back in my life.
I would love to continue here, updating and sharing but life calls and at this exact time the phone is ringing as well as I have the girls calling me too. After all, I do exist to serve them don't I ? ha ! So this is where I will end. I do hope you are all well, enjoying your Blessings and continue to create the memories...they sure can last a looonnnnng time !
IN HIS GRIP JC September, 2006 Mothers, moms and mommies.I was chatting with Patti, who is such a great listener...I hope..LOL
Anyway, my comment became a blog so here it is..the easy way
to publish an entry !
HAPPY SATURDAY ! At least I hope it is happy. My kids are swimming
in the back yard as I type and the sound of their
laughter and screams make for such a great feeling.
I love knowing they are happy. I especially love when they
are not beating the crap out of each
other : )
So, I have made a deal. Actually it is kind of a dare....yikes !
I am sure it will be fun...now the deal folks is between Patti and I
so just know it involves meeting new people...just hoping where ever we go
there will people in our age range...which do you think would be worse:
walking into a room of 20 year olds or walking into a room
of 70 year olds..WHOAH NELLIE, oops, I have the wrong room and run LOL
I am going to the Church my mom has been pushing
me to go to forever....she tells me, over and over,
Heidiann her hairdresser met her
new husband there...so at least mom will be happy.
You know last year I was engaged.
I had been dating him for the last, on and off,
5 years prior...he was a very nice guy,
generous and loved my kids as well.
However there was one problem...when
I kissed him, which only happened about
four times...well it felt like I was kissing
my father....YUCKY. So then I would be very uncomfortable
around him, always afraid he would want to kiss me.
So, I realized if kissing felt that way,
imagine getting married and fulfilling
my wife duties in the bedroom...NO WAY !!
Now that has to be good for me to
sign up for a lifetime with someone...
and I knew if I married him my life
would seem sooooo long. So, I ended
it. Now my mom loved him. She was so
disappointed in my choice. She actually
seemed mad at me. Finally I told her
okay, I will marry him, but you have
to have the sex part...LOL she stopped
after that! I now have three, two from my
previous marriages, very lovely and quite
large, engagement rings...I do not wear them
of course that would be crazy...but one day
I can give the two larger ones to my two girls
and the other I will make into a ring or something
for me.
Moms are funny aren't they? My mother
has this way of getting across a point,
or shall I say her opinion, she might walk
into my home, see the new color I had
it painted and she would say. "That's nice
if you like it" okay mom, now take the
knife out of my back pleeease..then, suppose
something in my life goes wrong, not too
serious, but enough to make me complain,
mom will always say, "That is what you wanted"
Yeah, like I wanted my heart ripped out
over and over for years. This in reference to
my wanting to be a foster mom, and falling for
the department of children and families line
telling me from jump street that this was my
child forever. Then my brother, who has his degree from U of F,
major was broadcasting, communications...so he started out as a dj
and worked his way up to the top...well they did a clean sweep and my
bro was laid off...and mom says: "This is what you wanted"...Holy Cow
did she really say that? That is what I was thinking as I witnessed
my brother being shot thru the heart with a verbal arrow. The thing
is, mom does not mean harm....she just hoped he would be a doctor,
lawyer or some other "Professional" choice ! That was years ago
and my bro is now doing very well, owns his own company in LA and
he and his family are flourishing in His grace...now THAT is what he
always wanted!!
I have a Video Recorder, of course, what
parent does not...well my parents have
been here for many a holiday and visit..
and EVERY filming of mom she says,
"Okay, JC, that's enough" every one.
I did feel better when my brother and
his family from California came, as John
was using his Video thingy and sure
enough mom said, "Okay, that's enough
John!"
Mom is from a very Irish family and
has 4 sisters...they are all pretty much
the same or so it seems, and when it
comes to "touchy love" you know holding
hands, arm around you, like I do with my
girls...well let's just say mom is not very
comfortable in that area. I do not
blame her, that is how she was raised.
However, when it is really bad, like the day
I came home from the final court for Annie, when
the judge ruled she was to go back to her bio parents
that day....well, mom was out the door immediately and
went right to me and hugged me, and my tears were
mixed with hers...she has a very good heart. She
exemplifies the spirit of giving and servitude for
not just her children and family members, but to
basically anyone who is in need. She has been
"baby/man-sitting" for the past 3 years for a
woman whose husband suffers from Alzheimer and at
times the wife needs a break...so mom is there,
everytime. To this day, whenever I am sick or in a sticky wicky
mom is the first one I want....once a mom always a mommie!! To this day, when I am having a bad day, where she used to disagree with everything I said,
now she listens and offers soothing words...guess she knows I
am in a delicate way....I would not be the best part of me, if my mom
was not who she is....she taught me such good things...about love,
family and Jesus as our Saviour... She really is and was the best mother and I hope I can be to my girls as she was to me
and my brother. However she is a doodle.
When I was say, 10 or 11, our teacher asked us
all to find out what country our family came from; now,
just like my girls I am adopted, so I knew that although mom's
family came from Ireland, and dad's from Scotland, I was not
of the same...so I asked mom and as she does have a good
sense of humor, she replied, "well, you are some kind of
oriental..that is all they told us" ! I AM NOT ORIENTAL,
but mom did not know this was a school project...anyway
I go into the bathroom and I am looking at my face, thinking
wow, I did not know this about myself, well I guess my eyes
do have a small way about them that could be oriental and
my hair is quite dark, okay I am oriental. It was years
later when the subject came up I found out I was italian. Mom
went hysterical when I told her I had gone to my teacher, a nun, as
I went to Catholic grammer school and told her I was oriental,
"My mom told me I was from a family of such origin".....funny
mom eh?
Crazy woman that she is, I love
her more than ever of course. Funny
thing, I never truly understood her love
for me until they placed Annie in my
arms...wow, what a feeling. For the
first time ever I had a love that was
totally unconditional, and no matter what,
I would always put this child, and now
her sister, before me. I finally experienced a love that
was totally about another person....It really opened
up my heart and my understanding
of our parents and just how much
they love us. When the girls are
unhappy, I feel their pain, I so want to protect
them and keep their lives full of good, not any bad, but
that is not realistic, so I do say one thing, I tell them
that life is not fair, this, because mom never told
me that and I did not like it when the truth came
barreling in!
I want them to enjoy life and remember all
good things about their childhood. Even something
so little like say there is only one pop tart left
and I was just about to eat it, one of the
girls comes in and says, "I want one too"...of
course I give her mine and she never knows
the difference....
Now, heaven forbid someone should offend or
hurt my child as I am a she-bear in that area.
When Annie was in Kindergarden she came home
and said a boy kept playing with hair at nap time and
she had gotten in trouble when she told him to stop....and
Annie does not like getting into trouble...she is very
sensitive.....anyway, at open house that year, I asked
Annie, now who is pulling your hair, she pointed to
this very cute little 5 year old boy, who was showing
the classroom to his mom and dad....and this ol she-bear
walked right up , said excuse me, and proceeded to
tell the boy, please stop bothering Annie, playing with her
hair, especially at nap time...it is not nice and she does
not like it at all....can you imagine? What was I thinking
to act this way.....truth is I was thinking no one was
going to hurt my kid....not as long as I am around.
Kinda like Marie, in Everybody Loves Raymond !
Once in a while I get a little overwhelmed
when I realize I am responsible for
who they turn out to be in Life! That is a previous
blog.... I so want to lead them to the right path,
not wanting them to learn as I did, the hard way.
Time will tell on that one.
Heck, at least most mothers have a father
that can take some of the blame...LOL
Now for me, well let's just say if my girls need
therapy they really can blame the mom !!
Of course I hate when they get hurt, it hurts me so, but I
admit I love the fact that me, only mommy, can make it all
better...now that is such a strong feeling.
I think we all go thru the different stages of being first mommies,
then as the kiddies get older mom and then as time goes on,
once in a while, Mother. No matter how I address or refer to
my mother, she is a gift, a Blessing and has touched my life in
a very good way.
So, back to the deal,I will scoop out
the group my dear mother has chosen
for me, this at the age of well let us just say above 40..LOL
will I be the same when my girls get older....hmmmm I do
tend to like things my way....
Anyway,
I must go alone as I cannot take any of my friends or family
as they are all married! I wonder if I will walk in and see
"the one"...if He exists. Since Brad Pitt is taken, I do not know, I wonder
if anyone can top those genes...smiling here.
Actually, I used to ask God for the right man, one of His
choosing, and now I think that I have found him...so I continue to pray, but now I pray, that He please
guide me and make me the "right woman"...I want to be
worthy and lovable to him...afterall that is "the other side"...
However I will keep my end of the deal:
I will keep you posted with the outcome, as I am sure it
will make for good material...most likely it will be
funny, which is really the least of my fears...LOL
Happy Saturday to you all!
In His Grip are we. Now that is enough for me...I will need Him
as I go about this experience!! Hopfully I will leave looking like this
:
  not like this:
 Wish me luck!!
August, 2006 Kid's ExpoThis past weekend I took my girls to the kid's expo. It was a great time. The girls climed the rock wall, bounced and bungee jumped way way way up high, doing flips and such as well as face painting, clowns, balloons and many many bouncy, blowup kinda experiences. Now, on of these blow up things struck me kinda different.
I took pictures there and the experience I am writing about is in a few of the posted photos...
Now, all you can see in the pics is the end part as the girls exit. The beginning is an entry that as it is opened, just by pulling it open, kinda like walking into a balloon full of air, personally, I not like going into such as I would get too claustaphobic....any way then it is very very long, full of hurdles, wild floaty things, climbs, slides and such...and air is constantly being pumped into this thingy....and then, as I waited at the end I was struck with a very strange image....
Now, please take a look at the pic and realizing this is closed until a child sticks her head out, and then it opens up and VOILA ! out comes the kid. So before I state my own description of what I called this thingy.....think, look, and AH HA !
the child is kinda being born again....not as we Christians state either....now who the heck designed this thing? It really was some design!
I would love to hear back your thoughts on this one.
I did meet a new Karate school and the teachers...I had heard of this one, it is much much less expensive than ATA, which Annie attended. I am going to start Chloe in the next few weeks. Annie stated she absolutely did not want to go...she enjoyed it at the time, but now Hip Hop is where she is sticking. That's my girl!
We are preparing here for a tropical storm or hurricaine, Ernesto, no one appears to be boarding up here in Central Fl. as of Tues. afternoon...of course as the storm moves we will see if the boards are necessary.
I am lucky as my home came with roll down hurricaine shutters so only two windows would need a board and I have them all ready, from the previous years, just in case.
Other than that, the girls are playing in the back, swimming with a friend, very excited as there is no school tomorrow due to the storm. Then we have no school Friday, teacher day, Sat. Sun, and then Monday no school as it is Labor Day....I wonder if Thursday the schools will open for the one day or if I am now getting the joys of a 6 day weekend!!
Hope your day is a great one.
JC
JC August, 2006 I must confessUPDATE: AUG. 21 8am MTCUTIE is still in need of our prayers. She is leaving the hospital today, finally. However she is feeling much pain and not well in every aspect. Please join me in lifting her up for a total healing asap. Her name is Marissa if you do not know her...most do...and her blog is www.mtcutie.blogspot.com thanks. Now my confession:
So, I just left Ilka's space, which is beautiful by the way, and I started chatting about Hollywood people. Well, I have a confession to make....here goes: I LOVE TO READ ABOUT THOSE PEOPLE, LOOK AT PEOPLE magazine, as well as US, ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT AND ANY OTHER GOSSIP AND SUCH FROM HOLLYWOOD. For the life of me, I cannot figure out why I never did "arrive" in such a lifestyle. I have dreamt about dating Brad Pitt, although what he did to Jennifer was very dirty and I have lost all respect for him now....however one good night would surely give me a lifetime memory to dwell on....LOL I once had a dream about Kevin Costner that was so vivid and so hot and wild and great that to me it is the same as a memory of any other real encounter years ago. Some of my dreams and luckily this was one of them are as real and vivid as a true experience. As far as I am concerned I had a dance in the sheets with Kevin and the memory is as enjoyable and real as any other past encounter in my life. I also confess I am fixated on Brad and Angelina and their lives, Oprah, Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton, and many more of the "stars" yes, I get such a kick being on the outside watching these people live their ultra extravagent lives. Could you imagine having the bank accounts, houses, cars, servants, nannies, assistants, vacations, glamour and glitz....I wonder who would I be if that were I....would I change for the worse...would I be selfish and become a "ME ME ME" person, or would I still be a champion for the underdog.... I choose to believe that I would continue my life in similar fashion to what I am walking right now...loving my children, my family, my friends and above all serving HIM. I imagine I would be able to do all these things in a much grander way, have more foster kids, adopt more, pamper my family and friends, and as for using it all to serve HIM...wow, think of the possibilities....endless! I imagine many of them are sincere in their "causes", Oprah has an Angel Network, Anglina is saving the children of the world, Bono and Bill Gates, well, you know the names....I am just wondering if it is all real or if some of it is done to "please the fans"...so we not only watch them in movies, we actually think they are "great people too".... The book and movie titled, "City of Joy" which I read years ago and watched more than once brought me to a belief that it is actually easier to be closer to God, be grateful to God, to know God when we are born into a live of utter poverty, stricken with disease such as leprosy which many of the people in that book were. The people were so very poor, and so very sick, they had no hope of changing their fates, yet, they appeared to be so grateful to Him for each and every grain of rice they were given. They exemplified a true sense of love, loyalty and caring that is hard found in our world....esp. under such circumstances. Those of us born in the USA, as well as other wonderful counties are said to be Blessed and better off just by our native land. But we have so much...isn't it really too much. I feel it does have a way of getting us pointed in the wrong direction, rather than keeping our eyes on "the mark", we are constantly being bombarded with "things", how we look, what we wear, how we speak, our homes must be just so, our hair, our bodies, our clothes, our cars, our jobs, our kids must strive to be smarter, richer, better....our goals are so very high. All this "stuff" clouds our view of life and what is really important. At least this is what I believe. Could you imagine living in a hovel, or a box, a mud hut, in a city full of garbage, disease, human waste with no jobs, no money, no doctors at our call, no Supermarkets, esp. no Walmarts...all these things we take for granted...is it really good for us in the grand scheme of things....I do not think so. Yet these people in the city of Calcutta, they were lacking so much that it seems to me, when it is said and done, when all of us face the day of Judgement, well, I believe these are the ones that will be given the best acculades, not because they suffered, but because they suffered and still found such joy in the Lord. Now that is truly putting HIM first. Like the Sermon on the Mount:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of rightgeousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
I am not sorry that I took this blog to such a place this eve...my confession was meant as a fun blog...but it is interesting where it took me...I guess it is because I do watch "those" people so much that I feel this way...perhaps it is a reflection of my own journey that needs some re-routing. Now that I have thought about it, and writtent this, well in summery, when it is said and done, I am grateful to be where I am right now. I am glad I am not stricken with a disease such as leprosy, living in a third world country, on the bottom of the hill. I am also glad I am not in Hollywood, living the life of the "Rich and Famous" as well. I cannot ever be sure that if I were one of "them" I would not lose sight of the important things in this life. Would my priorities get mixed and my vision cloudy...I would not want to take that chance. I am grateful to be right here, in the middle, being Blessed with all that I need, not too much, not too little...just enough. I have my precious family, my friends, for the most part my health is good. I own my home, small but certainly nice, and for the most part paid off. I live in a country that offers freedom to all and assistance when we need it...in Calcutta, the city of JOY: this is not the case at all. Yet again, I must point out just how very pure are the hearts of most of these people. So, in this life I have been born into a life that has many more perks than others in the world, I may not live on top of the hill, but I do not live on the bottom either. For this I am grateful. Most of all I am grateful that I can strive to be the best JC I can be, and even though I make mistakes all the time, I know I am forgiven and that one day, no matter how painful, sad, frightening or lonely my journey/life here on earth could become: my eternity will be spent in the Kingdom of Heaven. And I will rejoice in the Lord all the days of my Life.
Just my thoughts this Sat. eve.... IN HIS GRIP JC
JC August, 2006 Summer is OVER !!Well it has been a long hot summer. My girls and I have been kept very busy with camps, trips, company, swimming, beach days, Birthday Parties and much much more. Now, the summer is over and I for one find this to be very welcome.
My little spitfire Chloe started Kindergarden Monday, Aug 7th and Annie went into the 2nd grade! YIKES !
So the second day Chloe came home with a orange sheet of paper which is a "warning" notice....great eh? We have had no repeats since that day. I am guessing Chloe had to learn that "real school" is "real business" and no funny business...LOL
Annie on the other hand is facing some challenges this year already. Seems she was not allowed to play today during recess all because I FORGOT to place MY PAPERWORK in her backpack. I really think the teacher is taking too much out on her, but I told Annie that it would be best if we just move on and today I placed the correct paperwork in her bag. She agreed that if I become the mommy-bear at this time we might have to deal with a teacher-bear for the whole year!
I have had a wonderful visit from my cousin and her soon to be adopted foster son who is 3. He was very stimulated by my girls while he was here and it appears his vocabulary has increased quite a bit in the week they were here.
Last Sat. eve my dad invited myself, my girls, my cousin and her son to join Mom and Him for dinner at a very upscale restaurant in our area. Mom told me to be there at 6pm sharp! Why I have no idea. So, when we started driving I knew it was late and I got kinda stressed, then I went over the wrong causeway and so I really stressed. Well, we arrived about 5minutes late....not so bad, unless you know my father. He is like a General when it comes to time....silly old man...LOL
So when we arrive I came in quick and see my parents are standing at the table, so I come blasting in apologizing and then WHAM ! I get a very loud, "SURPRISE!"....and there was the a large group of my family...yes, a surprise party for my Birthday....it was so nice, but rather embarassing. It is the first time I was ever the victem, excuse me, guest of honor at such an occasion....I enjoyed and I believe everyone else did as well. Cool huh?
Here in Florida we have begun hurricaine season....thank the good Lord no action yet. However I am quite prepared, just in case. It is a terrible ordeal if one waits until a hurricaine watch is declared to stock up on certain items...so my pantry, my garage pantry and under Chloe's bed is chock full of "stuff" ! Now if a hurricaine or the bird flu arrive, we can last in here for at least a few months. Just imagine that.....a few months, in the house, just me and my girls....and perhaps mom and dad....I better add some tylenol pm to my list....smiles here.
I see I have missed some crazy changes here on msn spaces...any tips would be appreciated.
I do hope you all, if any one is reading this, have had a great summer and that as the fall months approach we can all enjoy some cool, breezy weather.
Please remember Marissa, aka MTCUTIE...www.mtcutie.blogspot.com she has undergone a very big surgery that has not gone as well as hoped for...she really needs our prayers. I am not sure if you will be able to access her space, might be private, but most of you know her by now and if not...take my word she is a wonderful, sweet, deserving friend. Please pray for her to mend quickly and for strength and encouragement during this difficult and painful time she is walking.
I remain forever, grateful to all you fellow bloggers....I still love blogtown even if they continue to change it everyday. I hope to make a round of visits soon....even if only one a day....but until then, I send you all cyber hugs and best wishes of joy, continued joy, health and many days of Sonshine.
Be Blessed
IN HIS GRIP JC June, 2006 Part II My Best Boyfriend EverOkay, we left off with Zap, my young, 3-4 year old,grey cheeked pocket parrot and I arriving in Florida where I now live.
This is the funny part.
As stated in Part I, Zap and I were very close. Very, very close.
One day, when he was about 5 years old, I was playing with him, he was hanging out on my arm, neck and hand. I was giving him affection back....did you know birds love to be held, petted, gently rubbed under thier feathers....well they do....they love it.
So this one day in particular I was holding Zap in my hand, he was laying down and I was rubbing his neck, head and belly. Well, as I was giving him such attention he was also holding my fingers with his feet/claws, whatever you wish to call them....and he was also doing just like a cat or dog, rubbing with his head, body back. Now this time he really seemed to be enjoying our time together....okay here goes...he started to rub back and rub back and back and suddenly he threw back his head, rolled it side to side and at the same time his little manhood, for the first time ever, exposed, popped out and as he rolled his head back and forth, his tongue going in and out in and out, a large drop of fluid (you can guess what kind of fluid) came out....and then he went limp....and just like a man, kinda dozed off to sleep.
OMG.!!! .I could not believe what had just happened. I had just had a very intimate experience with a little seven inch high, green, gray and orange, feather covered bird!!!!! Shocked are you.....just imagine how I felt!
Well, of course Zap tried to repeat this experience with me again and again....but I would gently move my hands away from "that area" and continue to give him affection as I always had. Zap continued to try and wiggle his way back, just like a man, he must of thought no really meant yes....LOL
Then, in the next few weeks my precious bird started to pluck his own feathers out. This went on long enough that he was getting a few bald spots and I was concerned.
So, I went to the only bird expert in the area, about a two hour drive and together we went into the Bird Vet's office.
I explained that he was pulling his own feathers out, that he had never done this before.
So the man asked me if anything unusual had happened lately......"UH YEAH ! "
And with a very red face I shared with this man, my intimate experience I had shared with my BIRD !
The Vet was very professional, kept a poker face and listened to me very attentively.
He then went on to explain that Zap loved me, and that Zap thought of me as his "mate" and was "frustrated" and thus in frustration pulling out his own feathers........ooookkkayy.
The Vet then went on to say,"Now young lady, I do suggest you continue to spend quality time with your bird on a daily basis, but not quite the QUALITY you shared on that "special day"!
Was I embarrassed? You bet.....I was mortified. But I kept my calm and went on to write this "Bird Specialist" a check for $65.00....and then took my little man, in his travel cage out the door.
Could you just scream out loud?.....I did, once I was in my car alone....and then I just laughed and laughed.
Well, Zap continued to try this for the next 14 years we had together. But he knew after a while that we "were just friends, not lovers" and for the most part was content with normal bird and best friend, yes still tactile, but on a platonic basis, love and chatter. He really was a great little bird.
When I started fostering children Zap did get less attention, for this I feel bad....but just like my dog, once the babies came I could not spend as much time one on one with my critters.
So, Zap lasted 20 years.....and then one day, the children were playing with water pistols and one of the kids got very rowdy, and stuck the plastic gun into the cage to shoot Zap.
He fell off his perch, but seemed okay. I took his cage and put it in a room away from the kids and to this day I regret not taking just a few more minutes to pick him up and love him one last time....because the next day, when I went to give Zap his breakfast I found him on the bottom of the cage....he was gone.
I was so very sad, I cried like a baby....my little man, the only man I ever stayed with past four years, was gone....and I was really really hurting. Heck it still hurts, I miss him right now.
I called my dad and he came over and together we made a resting box for Zap, with a very soft lining and I buried my little boyfriend in the backyard. I said a few words, and my dad, being such an understanding father stood with me....then I placed a very special stepping stone on top and to this day the stone is still in place marking the spot where a sweet, loving, loyal, smart, beautiful friend is buried.
Goodness, I am so sad right now....I really did and still do love Zap.....he was A GREAT BLESSING.
You know God made all creatures, great and small....and this one was so very special.
I sure look forward to seeing him again in the Golden City....I do not care what they say, if my critters are not there it will not be heaven.
JC
p.s. I will get out a few pictures of Zap and have them scanned and post them for you to see.
June, 2006 The Best Boyfriend EverI first saw him from afar. He was beautiful and I had to get closer.
It was in San Diego, at a flea market, a place I would visit at least one Sunday a month while I lived there. Now, he did not notice me, but I was instantly attracted to him. I had to meet him. I had to touch him. I so wanted to get close to him.
So I did.
I walked up to the man who was covered with aprox. 10 to 15 grey cheeked pocket parrots and I knew then and there I was in love. My little man was among the 15 and the instant I put my hand out he hopped aboard. We bonded instantly. He quickly walked up my arm to my shoulder, nestled in close to my neck and puffed up and started chattering away. It was instant love on both our parts.
Now, I had known a friend many years ago who had such a bird, and at the time I had made a mental note that one day I too would adopt such a bird. Apparently this day, that day at the flea market was the day destiny wanted me to find the longest love I have ever had with a man as a one on one relationship. I purchased him then and there, as well as a cage and other necessary items for my new boyfriend.
I did not name him right away....I am that way. I like to get to know my pets first before I give them a name....so, his name came a few days later. I had read this book back in the early 80's....it is currently a movie. Perhaps you have heard of it: "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". I read all the sequels as well and really enjoyed them....I have yet to see the movie and really do not have any urgency to view it. But at that time I really loved the book and one charactor in particular was Zappoid Beetlebrox something or other. He was an alien from a planet that were so very narcistic that they had evolved into a being with two identical heads so as to admire themselves on a constant basis. At least that is how I remembered it...well, this little bird earned himself the name Zap for that reason. He was in love with the him in the mirror. He was mesmerized by himself.....so much that if I had not removed the mirror I think he and I would not have had such a close bond and mutual love for each other. I had read up on these birds and it was stated that in order to keep a good bond with the bird the mirror should be removed to gain his love and attachment.
He was a little larger than a parakeet, but was a parrot. A parrot uses his feet to eat and climb, whereas a parakeet just stands and pecks his food. Zap was a sweet little man. We bonded so very well. Each morning as I ate my daily breakfast of instant oatmeal, he too would get a small amount to eat. Then I would leave him in his cage, hanging by the window while I rode my bike to the gym. The door was always open and he had full range of the house.
I had trained him to "poop" upon command....all I had to do was say the word "potty zap" and he would drop a load. Now this was necessary because birds like him go about once every 15 to 20 minutes and I did not want that all over me, my clothes or home. So I started holding him out over the cage and saying "Potty Zap" and eventually he got the idea. Of course there was the occasional accident, but hey, who among us has not had some sort of accident at one time in our early years.
Now, I was living with a real boytoy at the time and he worked during the day, while I had a job that was in the later part of the day.....usually 4 to 12midnight. So whenever my boytoy, let us call him B., whenever B. would leave for work in the morn I would get Zap and he would snuggle with me in bed. He loved to sit in that warm, soft place, yes men go on get on with the jokes here....right under my neck. If I was laying on one side and rolled over, he would just walk across my body and get comfy on that side. No, I never rolled the wrong way and squished him....if I had this story would not be so long.
Yes we loved to cuddle Zap and I.
Now for birds it is a show of affection to be allowed to eat food from their mate's mouth...I am sure you have seen a mother bird chew up food for their younguns....so whatever I ate, if Zap was with me, I would chew some up and then open my mouth and my little man would sit on my shoulder take a bite from me and be so very happy. Sounds kinda gross, but I never felt that....remember I did not eat from his mouth, just shared my food with him. Plus, he was better than floss as he cleaned my teeth for me : )
Most people do not know this, but many birds die of malnutrition. See, birds do not get enough nutrition from just bird seed...they need much more. My Zap had a very good diet. I always gave him his favorite; a slice of apple a day, of course our oatmeal plus as part of every meal I ate at home....he was actually a cannibal as he also ate chicken....and he really loved it. My crazy bird ate his own kind!!
Now, back then I was very athletic....I would ride my bike up many hills to the gym in the morning. Work out at the gym, ride my bike back and then shower at home and hit the beach or bay. I lived in two different places during my time in San Diego: one was directly on the beach and the latter was on the Bay, Bayside Walk (if anyone knows the area of Mission Beach), one block from the beach as well.
Then I would run in the deep soft sand for no less than 30 minutes, that is a great work out for the lower half of one's body....I am sending myself verbal flowers here...but it really paid off...I was quite right and tight!
Zap loved the runs. I always put him on my shoulder allowing him to latch onto my bathing suit straps and he would hang on for dear life as I jogged the sand....once in a while, very few times, he did fall off, it was soft sand, and I always scooped him up again and either put him pack on my shoulder and he continued to hang onto my suit strap or I just held him loosely in my hand.
Then we would spend the rest of the afternoon together sun bathing, me on my chair, he on the top of the chair. Basking in the sun, his little cup of water conveniently placed for his enjoyment.
I hung with a certain group back then, it was such a great time in my life....many were surfers, including my boy B. and Zap just stayed put no matter what. Of course if I was going far and no one was going to be staying with the chairs and towels I would run him back up to the house we were renting on the bay. I would never risk the chance of losing him so I kept a close eye on him at all times.
Many times I took B's surfboard and put Zap on my back and would paddle out onto the bay, where there was a wooden anchored dock...it was funny cause if I put him on the dock and swam around my little man would get hysterically upset and squawk up a storm....guess he was worried his girltoy might drown or something. Oh I really loved my babyboy.
Of course I would keep his wings clipped, as I would hate to lose him. Plus if he ever did fly away he was not equipped, able to fend for himself as he was hand raised. I actually did lose him three times, but thank God was able to retrieve him before any harm came. I will not go into detail about those times as they are stories for another blog.
Now, at the time I still did not know if Zap was a male or female. See his breed is not easily sexed, so it would be many years before I knew for sure he was a he. However his behaviour was very suggestive of being a man, as he really would get very very jealous of any man other than B. that came into our home. I guess he tolerated B. since he was there before Zap.
One time in particular I had gone out partying (those were the days of clubbing), Well B. was gone for that summer, and I was on my own....and of course I loved it!....but was always loyal to B. that is me, I am so loyal that at times I was told I was boringly loyal....I guess that meant the guy really thought he was gonna get a little something on the side since B. was out of town.....and he didn't, cause as I said I am loyal.
Okay back on track...this one evening as the night came to an end, one of my guy friends came home to hang a little more and we were sitting on the couch, listiening to music, I think it was ABC or Don Henley, Eurythmics , you know that 80's music, which I still enjoy....(oops showing my age here)..anyway, my friend was sitting on the couch and I had taken Zap out and he was on my shoulder.....so I sit down on the couch, with about a foot of distance from the guy and I swear it was like fast forward on a DVD, Zap ran down my arm, across the couch up this guys arm and BIT HIM RIGHT ON THE MOUTH...and then, again, still in fast motion, ran down the guys arm, across the couch and up my arm and stands tall on my shoulder.....I was hysterical...the guy, well, not so much....he was really quite ticked off ! LOL
Yes, my little man was very jealous and he could really give a very mean, painful bite with his beak. This guy was so freaked out and I know it hurt cause he was bleeding and yelling and dancing around screaming.....I kinda think if Zap had not been so quick Zap might of been done in that night, not because the guy was a meanie, but anyone with good reflex would knock the crap out of this bird if he bit them so hard....but Zap was safely on my shoulder and squawking away....as the guy yelled and I laughed and laughed and laughed. What can I say? It was very funny. Still is....: )
Now, as time went on, Zap and I became so very close. He was with me whenever possible at the house and if I was not in a bathing suit, which was my usual attire during the day at that time...well Zap would either snuggle on my neck, or puff up, place his beak on my lip and close his eyes to show his love.....oh I miss him so much right now as I type this, tears are coming....he was such a great bird. I was amazed til the end, just how snuggly, loving and trusting Zap was with me. I could lay him on the palm of my hand, on his back, and he would just close his eyes and go to sleep. Up until him I had no idea birds were capable of such affection and love with a person.
Okay, now time goes by and it is time for me to move on. Those were my gypsy days and I had the wanderlust in me.
When I left San Diego my boytoy, B. and I decided to take a year and travel the country stopping where ever we wanted for however we wanted. Our relationship had come to an end, no hard feelings, just had run it's course...and since we were really good friends the trip was a great way to end the four years we had spent together.
So Zap could not go on this trip. I had to board him. I called it bird camp. I had become friends with a certain pet store owner who had many birds he owned that lived in the store so I knew Zap was in good hands. I called it Summer Bird Camp...even though it lasted over a year. He never got a t-shirt, but he should of....smiling here.
Finally, about 18 months had passed, I was settled in South Florida and it was time to go back to San Diego and get my little man. I could not wait to see him. The minute I walked into the store and spoke Zap started screeching as he recognized my voice. God bless him....he really missed me. So we, as in Zap and I, stayed in San Diego for a few weeks at a friends house before we took the plane trip back to Florida. By now B. was history and I had a new Boy....we shall call him J.
Well, whenever I fly across the country I try to stay up the night before so I can sleep on the plane and not go crazy with boredom. I did just that the night before we left. Zap had a small carrying cage, about 16 inches long and 9 inches high. It was like a screen room and I was able to carry it on the plane.
I was indeed very tired, and wanted to get some rest. When I boarded the plane, while we waited for take off, I had taken Zap out of the cage and he was the hit of the show...but the stewardess would not allow this...she told me Zap "Must stay in his cage under my seat at all times during the flight"...yeah yeah okay.
Well, what I did was take my baby bird, (remember these birds can live a long time so he was still a baby to me)...anyway, I took Zap and allowed him to get comfy under my shirt, between my, okay here it goes, laugh now guys...haha...but this is true...he latched onto the part of my bra between my breast and that is where he stayed while I slept during the plane tirp. He felt very safe there and I wanted him to have a nice flight.
I had briefly spoken with my neighboring passenger and asked him to please let me know if Zap tries to get up and show himself while I am napping.
Well, there I was, so very tired, in a deep sleep and suddenly this guy next to me is tapping my shoulder and I can hear him saying, " Your bird, your bird is showing "...well, I was wearing a short denim skirt and in my state of half sleep and half awake I thought, "WTF....my BIRD is showing?, what does he mean, is my skirt too high, has my shirt unbuttoned, am I flashing the plane?" No of course not, it was Zap, he had woken before me and was popping out the top of my blouse and the stewardess had warned me about keeping him in the cage below my seat! Of course I came to and understood, but for a moment I was thinking, "geez I have heard a woman's anatomy called many different things, but a bird?" haha
Other than that we arrived in Florida well rested.
Now, that is not the end of my story about my little man, the best, most loyal boyfriend I have ever had and also the longest relationship...but for now I will stop and make this a two part story. The best part, and the funniest will have to wait until part II.
I so want to honor and share Zap and just how much we loved each other with you all...but for now I must go cook dinner. Darn kids, do they really have to eat every day? !! Laughing here !! : ) I will continue this story soon, as it gets much better.
Later for now,
JC
June, 2006 The Good Ol SummertimeHappy Summer !
Yes, thus far, for me and mine, it has been a very happy, sunshiney, fun filled time. I realize I have not been around cyberville but for a few times since Easter...the real world is so demanding at times.....goodness, what is up with that? Laughing here.
Okay, so I realize that by now perhaps my space has fallen into the land of "hmmmm, remember Jc and that space: SAMEBOOKNEWCHAPTER....but just in case anyone is still here reading I am still here.
I realized this morn, as I watch the girls swimming in the backyard, making my bed, that I really miss this cybertown and all you, my cyber friends....so please know, if I have not visited, it is due to just too much stuff! However, that does not mean I am not thinking of you or praying for you as I have promised....afterall, friendship, a true friendship is not broken for lack of time and or interaction....just know I am here, knowing you are there and all is stll really really good for us!
As for my household I will do a quick catch up and then I hope to write a blog in the next few weeks about my favorite little man, my longest one on one relationship with a male, other than a family member......hmmmm, what can JC be referring to? I hope I got you thinking.
Now, let's see....both girls had a birthday in May. So this year, for the first time, I decided to give the girls each their own party at our house. WHAT WAS I THINKING ?? !! So, first Chloe, her birthday is on the 13th, she turned 5. Her party was on Sat. May 20...it was a at home water party. This year the girls received a joint birthday present of a super duper ten foot tall giant water slide...it is a BLAST ! I know because this mommy has had her fun with their new "watertoy" too!
So, for Chloe's party I entertained aprox. 15 , four and five year olds in the backyard for the day. It really went great. I have to admit I was proud for my own ability to keep such organization during such an event which included, waterslide, swimming pool, swings, backyard toys, ice cream, hot dogs, cake and presents and the numereous times I assisted a young child try to pull down a wet bathing suit in time to make it to the bathroom. Yes, the party was a great success and I know my now five year old Chloe had a great time.
Next was Annie. Her 8th birthday was May 29, and her party was held the following Saturday, May 26th, after Chloe's. Now, one would think, "piece of cake, been there done that!"...well, apparently children change quite a lot between the age of four and five versus six, seven and eight. THEY ARE ALL CRAZY AS LOONS!
Yes, they had fun. Yes, we made it thru. Yes, Annie enjoyed her day and YES, MOMMY WAS EXHAUSTED ! The backyard has taken quite a beating from those two days of crazy, wild , wet, rowdy children and when the grass gave way to mud...well, it became a very messy day. But we all got thru it, the girls were pleased and we have pictures and memories to last for quite a long while. As a matter of fact they better last at least two years, because it is highly unlikely this kind of birthday activities will be repeated anytime in the next two years.....still laughing here.
Other than that the end of school was full of many exciting activities and as I am a "hands on" mom, I was juggled between a graduating class of Pre-K and a 1st Grade year that ended with a Hawaiian day of fun and games.
I was quite touched to watch Chloe graduate in Church from her Pre-K, it was both happy and sad as this means my baby, my final baby will be in real school next year and that brings 9 years of day care and pre k to a final end.....but then again, "that brings 9 years of day care and pre-k to a final end...YIPEE !
Now as for the summer, well, we are involved in no less than three different Vacation Bible Camps, swim lessons at the YMCA, Hip Hop, Karate for Chloe now, many days at the beach, my brother and his family came for a week and my cousin from NY is coming in August, bike riding, festivals, oh yeah, guess which mommy scaled the rock wall, to the top, at the local YMCA family day?....yes, I did and loved it!
So my life is typical of any family with small kids....lots of fun, lots of sun, lots of fighting, laughing, crying, playing, relaxing and spending time in peace thanking God that I am so Blessed to have my little family.
I do hope you are all enjoying the days of summer as I am....oh, one last thought....a "special friend" has been teasing me with the possibility of coming for a visit....hmmm, what kind of chapter in the book of JC might that bring?....time will tell!
Hugs, love and many Blessings I leave to you all,
IN HIS GRIP
JC May, 2006 NO MORE SCREAMING MOMMY !I cannot believe I am able to connect to the internet as I have been having much trouble with my cable. I have had three, yes THREE, as in 3, visits from "special techs" and every team states : 1. the last team here did a poor job, 2. then they do some work, 3. they come and tell me either they have fixed the problem and leave and it does not work or that they are unable to complete the job and another tech team will be out.......COULD I JUST SCREAM OUTLOUD....yes>!!!!!
Okay, that said, anyone who visits, you understand why I have not been here or at any other space lately....and I really miss you. According to my cable guys this should all be up and running in "excellent, high speed mode" by next Tuesday and yet here I am....sooo, I will type away and give an update for me and mine while the darn thing stays connected.
WELL, there has been a rather unexpected change in my children. I found I was becoming the screaming mommy...and I do not want to be the screaming mommy. So, I made a contract with the girls.
First, I called a family meeting and told them that I really do not enjoy being on them all day, telling them the same thing over and over and then ending the day feeling bad for all the yelling that comes with such frustration.
Then, I presented a contract. I listed the "no no" one at a time and then the consequence of each presentation of such behavior....this also allowed further discipline if the child continues to either do the same thing or over acts, "bugging mommy" when I go to the contract to assign the punishment WE ALL AGREED ON....! Yes, we all signed it and the girls actually got so into it they brought up a few more behaviours that are unacceptable as well as more types of discipline ! Silly girls, they let me know the "lever" as Dr. Phil calls it.
NOW, THE GREAT NEWS IS IT IS WORKING WONDERFULLY !
I have seen a great change in both girls and for myself, at the end of the day, I feel quite content with the interactions we all shared that day....PRAISE GOD ! The screaming mommy has been laid to rest !
So, with that change came a new maturity as the girls saw I meant business. Of course they tested it out...and as I held up on my end, dishing out the assigned discipline, they realized, "the jig was up"...YIPPEE ! Now, they really do behave in a way that makes me so proud and shows a maturity level that is acceptable for a pleasant household.
Then, Annie finally learned to ride her bike, without training wheels....I was so happy and she of course is elated and proud of this achievement.
So, as we all rode around the block, Annie and I on the street, and Chloe on the sidewalk with her training wheels, we had great fun.
Two days ago Chloe was riding her bike and one training wheel came off....so I took of the other, thinking I would get new ones in the morning. NO WAY ! Chloe announced right then and there. "I CAN RIDE TOO LIKE ANNIE "...ooookkkkaaay, so I get her on, hold her up and run a few steps, let her go and SHE RODE LIKE A PRO !! I am so very amazed at this child and her will and ability to achieve her goals so quickly....she is indeed a smart little spitfire !
Finally, the photos I have placed above: well, we spent an evening at the beach with our photographer and I am quite pleased with the pics. As he was also pleased, he called the next morning, he had been up all night developing and previewing, then he told me to go to my computer, and voila! the above was in my mail box....so I decided to share with you. I give great credit to Ron, my photographer, he has done our family before and each time he really knows what to do, how to arrange us, the proper lighting and presents us with a great keepsake.
Here in Florida we are battling wildfires and it is not pleasant. I previously posted a story about the last time the fires came...actually a funny story in my book...but as they came very close to my parents home this time, well, it was not funny at all.
At this time, I am happy to report all is well.
I hope you are all enjoying spring and hopefully if this connection stays I will take a walk thru BLOGTOWN and visit my friends.
Right now, my girls are making sandwiches in the kitchen, another new ability they have achieved, THEY CAN ACTUALLY GET THE FOOD AND DRINK IN THE CUP AND BOWLS !
However they have come in my room, and stood behind me, they really do think I have not known each time they came and spyed on me, and then giggling ran back to the kitchen....hmmmm, what do you think I might find?
I will let you know !
May you all be Blessed,
IN HIS GRIP
JC May, 2006 A Good LaughUNDERSTANDING GENESIS
In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow and red vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives. And God created the healthful yogurt that Woman might keep the figure that Man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the cane and combined them. And Woman went from size 6 to size 14. So God said, "Try my fresh green salad." And Satan presented Thousand-Island Dressing, buttery croutons and garlic toast on the side. And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the repast. God then said, "I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them." And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And Man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof. God then created a light, fluffy white cake, named it "Angel Food Cake," and said, "It is good." Satan then created chocolate cake and named it "Devil's Food." God then brought forth running shoes so that His children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan gave cable TV with a remote control so Man would not have to toil changing the channels. And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the flickering blue light and gained pounds. Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition. And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fried them. And Man gained pounds. God then gave lean beef so that Man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan created McDonald's and its 99-cent double cheeseburger. Then said, "You want fries with that?" And Man replied, "Yes! And super size them!" And Satan said, "It is good." And Man went into cardiac arrest. God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery. Then Satan created HMOs.
Then God Created Mark Hughes And we all lived heathier and wealthier ever after.
April, 2006 I got the Joy Joy Joy deep in my heart!I thought I might share with you my Easter weekend as it was a very good one with a little humor inside.
"I've got Sonshine on a cloudy day, when it's cold outside I got the month May..I guess you say, WHAT CAN MAKE ME THIS WAY:
MY Lord, talking bout my Lord.
and then He gave me,
My girls, nothing you can take away is my girls!
Both born in may, a Blessing every day!
SO, Easter weekend began on Friday, the girls were out of school I had a few appintments in the a.m, then shopping not only for Easter Bunny duties, but also presents for certain little family members I rarely get to visit.
Somehow, when I returned I agreed to allow first one, then two girls to stay and play with the girls. I WILL NOT BE DOING THAT AGAIN SOON! The same ol, two on one, three on one, two on two....so I broke them two's and that was it. They arrived at 3:30, the dad of one came at 6pm....you know I was watching that clock! Then the other was told to go, as we had had a long day!
I was rather tired.
The next morn I packed the car, picked up mom and dad, and the five of us drove an hour and half to Orlando to meet about 15 other family members who are visiting Disney this weekend and also celebrating my Aunt's 70th Birthday.
I had been told the girls were to swim, but when we arrived it was clear mommy had to get in as well. Well as we were at Disney World...yes, you guessed it, I now have a lovely bathing suit bearing the image of the well known MOUSE!
It was a great day, good fun, food and family. However it was the day before Easter and the girls fell asleep a little in the car, but at home they slept too much.
I awoke them at 8pm for dinner, hoping they would go back to sleep. NO WAY for Annie. She was too excited. I waited, listened to her constant walking into my room and telling me for the 10th time, "I cannot sleep"...I actually thought of the Children's Nyquil at one point. Around 11pm I tiptoed to her room she was snoring and eyes closed....YIPEE!
Well it is a good thing I did not become the Easter bunny imediately...she ran into my room and thought she had slept thru the night! Help me, please, I am exhaused by now.
Finally the little darling went into a deep sleep around 12 midnight...I, after getting all the bags, making baskets, wrapping some gifts and hiding eggs, ate the carrots and around 1AM I crawled into bed.
AT 4:15AM MY ANNIE CAME RUNNING IN SCREAMING;
THE BUNNY THE BUNNY CAME, EVERYONE GET UP:
DID I MENTION THIS WAS ONLY THREE HOURS SINCE I HAD GOTTEN IN MY BED!
So of course I arose and we did the discovery of all the things the bunny had brought, hid etc....and movies of course.
Now, about 8am, I said, "I must sleeeep, be good and I will just get an hour before Church.
Well, I got my hour, but when I came out the house looked as if a party of 20 children had come over and scattered every toy, candy, eggs, wrapper, clothes etc....all over....that was not the bad news.
The bad news was my youngest, my little spitfire, HAD EATEN ALL HER CHOCOLATE! yikes! Had she drank a pot of coffee the results would be less than what she was manifesting....talk about a suger high!
Then we all got ready for Church....we were attending as a family with mom and dad....
Now the girls looked, I am bragging here....so beautiful in their Princess Easter dresses....so cute, I thought too bad I am not getting married this year as they would make for great flower girl dresses....lol
I simply must share, so here they are, you can double click to make them larger...I cannot figure out how to paste on my blog a photo, as I used to, I can only use their add photos, so any help would be great.
So, Church was lovely....so very touching and truly we felt the presence of The Lord, and a great annointing of the Holy Spirit....we were fed, and for me, I was spritually hungry!
Okay, so then off to fellowship with, yes, you might of guessed it:
Suger Donuts....could you imagine that....lol
Okay, now home for two hours of a very bouncing child, who actually could not control any emotion, her body and all thoughts she had she seemed to be commited to sharing....not allowing Annie or I to relax, or get in one word.
Then off to mom and dad's for a relaxing Easter dinner: as we walked into their house I was met with a rush of hot, and it was hot! air! It seems their brand new A/C was not working.....so,
I immediatly turned off the Hot Hot air, duh! and opened all windows...guess my dad did not want to admit it was not going to "kick in"! But really it was too late and dinner was very good to eat, but very very miserabley hot!
Okay, now off for a very large Easter Dessert party at my cousins with 40 or so of my family.
The first thing we did was an Egg hunt for the kids, about 15 children in all....and yes, LOTS OF CANDY! just what we needed.
I admit, I had lost my desire at this time to really fellowship and enjoy the party...I was exhausted and could not control my daughter.
So finally around 9:30pm we arrived home, girls off to bed around 10pm and mommy passed out 5 minutes later!
I am not complaining though! I am Blessed, this I know...as I started this blog with:
I GOT SONSHINE ON A RAINY DAY
and the month of May: well both my girls celebrate their birthdays that month:
Chloe will be 5 on the May 13 and Annie will be 8 on May 30!
I hope you all had great time, celebrating this day, the day Our Lord rose from the dead and opened the gates to heaven for all who accept Him as their saviour! I hope you enjoyed quality time with family and I hope you got at least YOUR REST! +smiles +
well, for now I leave you as I have rambled on,
of course I remain,
joyfully,
IN HIS GRIP
JC April, 2006 The PassionI have not been active here in Blogland lately....life is keeping me busy and I am grateful for that.
However, as Easter draws nearer I feel the need to recognize the Passion of Christ.
This is such an important moment for us, the moment the Gates of Heaven Opened.
It is true that the soldiers held Jesus down and as one held a nail, another the hammer, Jesus held His own hand open...imagine that....it seems to me if that were I, my hands would be full force clenched and I would fight with every inch of strength left in my body after the long walk of Calvary, carrying my own cross.
Ahhh, but that is the beginning of our Miracle....He did not close his hands, he left them open, and as the nails were hammered into his hands, the hand that held the hammer was THE HAND OF GOD.....THE HAND THAT HELD THE NAIL HIS ONLY SON.....the GATES OF HEAVEN opened as He opened up His Hand and it rained down MERCY.......WOW!
For me, this is so mind blowing, so awe inspiring, so much to take in....but for Jesus, this was His fate, He came to die, to take our places upon that cross.
Imagine his head rolling to the side and as the pain of the first blows pound unto Him, His heart is aching, surely His body cannot take this pain, yet He continues to allow this.....why?
Because He loves us, unconditionally....He died for me, for you, for us....he took our place, bore our sins, took our punishment.....that is grace and mercy.
Grace: being given something that one does not deserve
Mercy: being spared something one does deserve
By the grace of God, thru His mercy, we will not have to suffer the cross, and can spend eternity in Heaven with HIM....No wonder it is called the PASSION....
As I write this, as I listen to Max Lucado "He Chose the Nails" I am so very passionate in my grattitude to Jesus Christ, My Lord and Saviour.
I celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, The Christ this Easter holiday and send wishes of joy and love to any of you that happen by my space at this time.
With peace we can all know that thru Him our fates are sealed...to spend an eternity of joy in HIS GRIP. It is now in our hands....we have the choice to make, do we ask Him to enter our hearts so that we may enter the gates....do you open your hand for HIM, or keep it closed, thus sealing your fate......well, as for me, YES YES YES! My hand and heart are open and I count my Blessing to be headed towards a
forever,
IN HIS GRIP
HAPPY EASTER
Peace to All,
JC
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