I’m Not a Teenager

August 27th, 2013

teen-brain

 

I'm far away from my teen days.  However, I have a teen daughter and when I look at this picture I'm reminded of how closely we think alike.

Take the large yellow section for instance.  I'm a lover.  Everything I do, I do it with love.  Unless I'm PMS'n and then there might be some fury mixed in but you can bet…..if I love you, I LOVE YOU!  My youngest babe thinks she's in love right now.  If it's not love, it's a giant crush.  He's cute, I admit…but as a mom, I feel it's only right to be honest with her….he's just a boyfriend.  Let the big mushy love stuff simmer while you grow up and find who it is God wants you to be.

Look how tiny the judgement gland is.  Can you find it?  It's way up there in a little bitty space that looks more like a thin line.  I have issues with failing to use good judgement sometimes.  I do things or come up with ideas that I don't ponder long enough and end up regretting later.  I can't think of anything too awful that I've messed up but there are times that I let my good intentions get me into trouble.  I'm learning still everyday….

Don't try doing something you think is wonderful for your teenager [who is moving into her own apartment soon] without consulting her first.  You both might end up disappointed.  It's better to just let them make their own decisions and find their own treasures.  Parents are old and out of style, right?

Now check out the coolness part.  For me, I'm totally comfortable there.  Then again, I'm almost 47 years old.  I no longer allow my insecurities to rule by happiness.  It doesn't wreck my life if someone doesn't like me or find me attractive.  When I was younger, those things mattered way more.  I just wish there was a way to tell those behind me that it really gets better the older you get.  I'm enjoying my life so much more now than I ever did before.  I like me and I like who I am.

The funny thing about growing up is learning the answers to life's little problems.  As you can see by the photo that doesn't take up much space in the brain of a teen.  I guess getting older works that spot into shape.  I hope both my girls will see (maybe not now…but very soon) that I do have some good answers to life's problems.  I'm not so out of date that I can't help them get through something they are going through.  I've been where they are and I made it out alive & well.

I'm preparing my heart for the next few weeks.  Both my girls are moving to college in a town not far away.  It's a huge step for them and even bigger for me.  My nest will literally be empty!  I keep thinking I'm ready and then I remember they will BE GONE and I get a lump in my throat.  Will my heart be okay?  I just don't know.  I'm a big girl….it's time I start acting like it.

God

Thank you for the time I've had being a mom to my kids.  Never have I taken a moment for granted.  Let the lessons and love I've shared with them help them as they navigate the real world.

Amen

 

 

Miley Don’t Shock Me

August 26th, 2013

I didn't watch the VMA awards last night.  I had better things to do.  Suffice it to say, if you watched you probably could've had a better time doing something else too.

They stink!  The performers (or so called, artists), the presenters (more of the who's who in pop culture) and the lowly paid "dancers" who help keep the show as cutting edge as possible.  All of them are pretty much pathetic.

I realize that I'm "older" and out of touch on many levels but when it comes to recognizing talent, I can hold my own.  Today's music (and I love music) has evolved into something more along the lines of sex on stage.  Everything from the lyrics (or rap) to the costumes and then ultimately to the performance revolves around some sort of sexual inference.  To be honest, that doesn't equal talent.  Matter of fact, it pretty much spills lack of talent if you ask me.  Which you didn't, but since this is my blog I can blast raunchy performers if I want to.

They are ruining tv & radio for everyone!

The only reason I'm even mentioning this situation is because of the crazy hype going on regarding Miley Cyrus' performance last night.  Buzz buzz says that she stepped across the line with her porn like performance.  Really?  Just last night?  Seriously?  These people aren't in this business to be ignored.  Or to live in a normal home and drive a car with a car payment like you and me.

They push as far as they can for the fame and the money.  When they get that….they want more.  The cycle just goes on.  And guess what?  They get it!  Because people buy their garbage and scream at their shows how much they love them.  No raunch is too much!

So, parents of little girls and boys who admire these "performers" stop saving up and standing in lines to buy tickets to these filth mongers.  Would you go out and buy your kids a porn video?  Then, why would you waste your money and your kids innocence on the trash they're dishing out everyday?  Our society is falling deeper and deeper everyday into a hole of grossness that makes me sad.

Sad because nothing is shocking anymore!

Miley's half-naked attempt at "shaking what the Good Lord gave her" as dance moves while jumping up and down on a #1 finger puppet failed to shock me.  It did disgust me and by the looks on the faces in the audience….they weren't impressed either.

What is next?  Actual sex?  On the runway?  Geesh!

Stop calling these people talented.  Stop feeding their frenzy.  Our eyes and ears deserve better.  But more than that so does our heart!

Lord Jesus

You are so holy and upright.  This kind of crazy behavior must cause you to shake your head.  How grateful I am that you still love us and want what's best for us, even when we do things that aren't very honoring to You.

Amen

 

Sick Days Go Away

August 23rd, 2013

I hate feeling ill.  It wrecks all my good intentions.  Especially when I've worked all week and then have to spend the weekend sick.

Just not fair!

The house is coming along great.  Two rooms (important ones at that) are painted and put back in some sort of semblance.  If I had to let a potential buyer in I wouldn't be embarrassed by the way they look.  I'd just have to throw myself in front of the door if they asked to go in my garage.  It's the "catch all" while we work on everything else.

Since we need a new roof (say that like you spend thousands of dollars all the time) we've had 3 different companies come for an estimate.  Two were depressingly high and the last one….almost made me hug the guy.  Thankfully I controlled myself because HE IS AMISH!

I'm sort of sad that I'll be leaving all the pretty new updates behind.  Not sad enough to stay though. wink  A new metal roof in a stylish color to match the house is totally perking my interest.  I can't wait to see it finished.

I'm on my own this weekend with a few of the house jobs.  Hubby is working on a project that's keeping him far away from home and our girls are going on a big weekend trip to Cincy with the bank our daughter works for.  Feeling better would surely help in my accomplishing something, huh?

Sinus infection, sore throat, booming headache and achy body go away!

Here's a few pics of our new den.

 

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Prayer Filing

August 20th, 2013

Do you ever get caught up in the mundane parts of your job? If you're anything like me it's easy to find yourself dreading certain parts of your work. Even if it's being a mom or stay at home wife. Doing the same stuff over & over can be a real drag.

If we let it.

Today, I found myself whining about a task. Filing.

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Don't feel sorry for me, it was easy mindless work. Something we all need every once in a while, right?

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But, when I saw this stack…. my eyes bugged out and my "I'll never get to the bottom of these" jokers came out. Whaa whaa! Then, I got started and my whole outlook changed. With every single paper and each folder I stuck them into, I prayed. No matter the staff member. As I came across a name….I thought about that person and lifted them straight up to God. Some of them I knew situations they were going through and others I just felt needed a blessing or some Jesus love.

After I got going I realized how fast the filing job was zipping along. It was easy. Easy doing the work and super easy to think about the people I love & work with who are deep in the trenches of education.

A funny thing happens when you pray for others (with no prompting). Your heart opens up and God pours in mercy, compassion and loving emotions. I know how hard it is to be your best YOU while working. Jobs can be stressful and when you work with young people…..it can get challenging at times. I would welcome the prayers of a friend, any day.

Wouldn't you?

So, next time you're feeling stuck in a mindless job or like you're spinning your wheels… think outside the bun and pray for someone! You'll start a fire in your heart and spread God's love on those He brings to your mind.

Bitterness Stings

August 19th, 2013

I've nibbled on bitterness recently…

bitter

I'm ashamed of what it did inside my heart…

mistakes

I know all the truths about loving others.  I understand God's command to me and yet I still found myself wrapped up in a war of emotions.  I may have even used my eyes as laser darts to punish my offender.  Possibly.

life truth

Why is it so hard to let GOD HANDLE things?

deserving

I'm reminded of my Lord when I think of true forgiveness.  He had the weight of the world on his shoulders and he still….willingly, lovingly gave the forgiveness He gave.

What is my deal?

get rid

Today, I'm choosing to move forward and let it go.  My soul is battered because I couldn't see how troubling bitterness is to who you are in Christ Jesus.

I forgive…

Operation Sell It

August 18th, 2013

I told you, I'm moving!  If it kills me dead…. I am moving!  While I get it together (Ahem, make my house sell-able) over here and clean out just about every single thing we ever purchased, I may have to go on steroids.   My body hurts all over.  Nothing is left to hurt.

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This is during the painting on Saturday night.  Hubby and I worked all day cleaning out the room and closet in order to claim this room as ours.  It is the master bedroom afterall.  For the last 11 years our oldest child has made it his dude cave.  All I can say to that is…..it was disgusting!

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In his defense, he is a guy and guys usually don't give a flip what their room looks like.  Mama's, they give a flip.

I'm just about to spend my first night in THE MASTER BEDROOM of my house.  It's gorgeous in there!

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I'm really excited that I was able to use many of my mother's beautiful things to finish my room off in style.  Her stainglass lamps, some of her lace pillow shams and I hope to find a home for a few more pretty pieces.

She would be so happy.  I can just see her smiling at her gift.

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I know it's difficult to tell the color.  My mad camera skills aren't really that amazing.  The walls are a velvety taupe color that make the room come alive with A H H H H !!

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Which is just what I was going for.  REST.  I'm not going to miss sleeping next door to the kitchen where the people who aren't paying the bills stay up cooking snacks all hours of the night.  Ya know, because they live on 3rd shift and all.

I can't wait to finish all the other rooms.  My feet, legs & back are saying otherwise.  They can wait.  But selling a house is strategic.  I don't want to miss out on an opportunity to pass my keys off to some other family….so I rest up and get back on the fix-er-upper wagon!

More work to do next weekend…