Gina's Journey

Murmuring thanks...

2011-09-12T18:11:00.001-07:00

Joy lies in the habit of murmuring thanks to God for the smallest of graces. I falter, but this is the habit to wear for a lifetime. -Ann Voskamp

Temptation

2011-09-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

I love apples. I really can relate to Adam's fellow garden dweller, Eve, ya know, the one in the Bible? The one who decided to taste the forbidden fruit. Remember her? I always seem to relate to the villain. But, that's for another day.

OK, so over the weekend I had a bag of apples looking all lonely and asking for greater purpose. I answered the call and decided to take this once forbidden fruit to another level.

Can you say Praline Apple Muffins?
Just so you know, anything with the word "Praline" makes my ears perk up. And my mouth water. And baked apples smell like a home should smell in the Fall. So there wasn't much convincing to be done to get me to ask my husband to go to the store to get the only missing ingredient I needed to make these little marvels.Let me just say right now, they are definitely worth the 20 minute prep time, 15 minute bake time, and the minor burn on my wrist. Word of Advice: Pot holders are better than dish rags for removing a hot muffin tin from the oven. Oh, and the Mister said it was worth the trip to the grocery store for Sour Cream...even though I found a container after I already sent him. Lord, I love that man.
If you are ~~human~~ breathing, you will agree these muffins are sinfully delicious. These muffins are great for breakfast. These muffins are great for lunch. These muffins are great for your coworkers breakfast and lunch. At least that's what they said today.

Here's the recipe. Now, go on, give into the temptation. This is one sin, you won't regret.

*Praline Apple Muffins

1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, divided
1 (8 oz) container sour cream
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups finely chopped, peeled Granny Smith apples (about 3/4 lb)
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake 1/2 cup pecans in a shallow pan 6-8 minutes or until toasted.

2. Beat sour cream and next 3 ingredients at low speed with electric mixer until blended.

3. Stir together flour and next 3 ingredients. Add to sour cream mixture, beating just until blended. Stir in apples and 1/2 cup toasted pecans. Spoon batter into well-grease muffin tin. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup chopped pecans.

4. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean.

5. Cool on wire rack 10 minutes.

6. Bring butter and brown sugar to boil in 1-qt heavy saucepan over medium heat; stirring constantly; boil 1 minute. Remove from heat, and spoon over top of muffins.

7. Enjoy.

*This recipe was adapted from recipe in September 2009 issue of Southern Living.

All I want is....

2011-02-08T17:39:00.001-08:00

Kindness

2011-01-19T18:47:00.001-08:00

Chew On This

2011-01-19T18:46:00.002-08:00

Wear It Proud!

2011-01-19T18:46:00.000-08:00

Yes, that's him. William Griffis Morgan. Second born son from my first husband. HA!

I recently ordered some photo buttons from a site that offered pictures of Airmen/women at basic training. Apparently the company's sales are so good they don't even have to actually post the proofs. You just blindly enter your loved one's name and Flight number and 10 days later (or less) a package arrives and you pray the contents are photographs of that special one.

Suckers, we Moms are.

Well, my package came yesterday.

And what a sight for sore eyes!

I would recognize that face anywhere. My little boy.

OK...he's 21, but bear with me here.

You would have thought I'd won the Lottery. Seriously. I tore into that package and proudly pinned that button on and have worn it since.

I even wore the button to school today and bragged at every opportunity.

One former Marine/teacher asked me if I was I going to wear it to his graduation, insinuating that I would embarrass him.

I know. Can you believe it?

Would I wear it to his graduation?

I answered, "Is the Pope Catholic?" "Are cheetos fattening?" "Does your skull have a brain?"

He may be a tough old Marine, but apparently he hasn't ever been a MOM!

After all, we are talking about the MOM that went into premature labor with that boy...labor that lasted no less that10 hours...while battling a 103 degree temp!

Who's tough now, Mr. Marine?

I kid. Sort of.

But really, I can't believe it's almost time to pack up and fly out to San Antonio for Griff's graduation from Air Force Basic Training.

So very proud of my boy!

Gotta go. Trying to figure out how to pack this 8 x 4 banner with Griff's name on it.

Gratitude

2011-01-17T18:58:00.000-08:00

Gratitude is simply being, breathing in and allowing the joys of the day to wash over you.

The Gratitude List continues...

691. Hungry guests
692. Loving Parents
693. Pudding in parfait glasses
694. Walking on a Winter day
695. A smile
696. Cheerios

My Own Little World

2011-01-04T19:00:00.000-08:00

It's been a while. But, I am back. It's a new year. Whether 2010 was good or bad for you, a new beginning is here. A clean slate.

Many are promising themselves to lose weight, stop smoking, exercise more, etc. Me? I really have no profound resolutions, just really long to find peace.

I recently sat down to write a letter (not on the computer, but with a real piece of paper and pen) and found that it was almost impossible to leave out the word "I" and all those other personal pronouns.

Funny, that makes me think of a country song my kids used to irritate me with.

I wanna talk about meeeiiiieeee!

They knew my least favorite music was country and my least favorite musician EVER was Toby Keith. Sorry if that insults anyone. But those kids of mine, especially the boys received so much joy from breaking out in that song or any of his other hits(?) Aaaaahhhhhhhhhh! Makes my skin crawl right now thinking about his voice!

Back to what I was saying ...

I long for peace. One way to begin this search is to first get out of my world, my life, my problems. Connect with others. To do that, I will have to take my eyes off myself and my little world. Become more self-less.

Mother Teresa once said, "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."

Where this admission, this simple resolution will lead me I'm not sure, but I am willing to take this path.

Happy New Year.

Build Me A Son

2010-11-28T12:51:00.000-08:00

Our son, Griff left for Air Force Basic training this afternoon. Yes, our hearts are swollen with pride and my eyes are swollen with tears as we witness this boy of ours once again, make us proud. He is such a fine man!

He came into the world determined and strong, literally fighting for every breath the first month of his life. He has always seemed to make the most of every situation, rising to the occasion. His sensitivity, compassion, wit, intelligence, creativity, and humor are just some of his great qualities. Love that boy!

Definitely not the scrap-booking type, I surprised myself and pulled off a collection of personal words/notes from friends and family along with quotes and scriptures and compiled them into a handmade patriotic-themed scrapbook. OK, I admit daughter helped a ~~little~~ lot! Thanks, SJ!

For the first page of the scrapbook, I printed out this favorite poem of mine by General Douglas A. MacArthur. I remember the first time I discovered these words. I was only twenty-one years old, not even a mother yet...the same age Griff is as he leaves for service to his country today. Somehow I tucked the poem away in my collection of quotes and poems and remembered it this week. As you read it, remember all the dedicated men and women who are serving our great country today. May God bless them and God bless the U. S. A.

Build me a son, O Lord,
who will be strong enough to know when he is weak,
and brave enough to face him self when he is afraid;
one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat,
and humble and gentle in victory.

Build me a son whose wishbone will not be
where his backbone should be;
a son who will know Thee- and that
to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge.

Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort,
but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge.
Here, let him learn to stand up in the storm;
here, let him team compassion for those who fall.

Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goals will be high;
a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men;
one who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep;
one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.

And after all these things are his,
add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor,
so that he may always be serious,
yet never take himself too seriously.

Give him humility, so that he may always remember
the simplicity of true greatness,
the open mind of true wisdom,
the meekness of true strength.

Then I, his father, will dare to whisper,
"I have not lived in vain."

The Mystery

2010-10-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

Always beyond the gates.

Outside the city.

To the desert. The wilderness.

Beyond the limits of my control.

For that which I seek does not dwell

in temples of stone made with hands,

or sanctuaries of words made with pen or mouth.

Just because I write a fence for the Mystery

doesn’t mean I’ve captured it,

for my fences are always full of holes,

and the Mystery has already moved

while I turned to construct the compound.

The Mystery is wild and will not be owned,

but has condescended to freely dwell

in the smallest of vessels.

I dove into a cup and found

an ocean without shores.

-David Hayward

Fall

2010-10-18T17:18:00.000-07:00

Atlanta Botanical Gardens tree photography - courtesy of Savannah-Jane

Awakening to sunlight

Streaming through the window

Leaves fluttering, falling from the birches.

Trees undressing, disrobing,

Becoming naked and bare.

This is Fall.

And I fall.
Into His arms.

Helpless.
Realizing His presence.
Warming my face.

And grace falls, cascading like the leaves.

Taking off, stripping me of my shame, my guilt.

gina 2010

"Don't resist helplessness—

it's the power of your prayer life."

-Bill Thrasher

Hmmm...

2010-10-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

I can’t stand your religious meetings. I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religion projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes, your public relations and image making. I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to me? Do you know what I want? I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it. That’s what I want. That’s all I want.”
[Amos 5:21-24 - The Message]

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

2010-10-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

This is the basic Pumpkin Bread recipe I used for the Pumpkin Muffins today. Note that I glazed the muffins with a delicious spur of the moment topping that made me fall to my knees and ask for forgiveness. Seriously.

1 cup sugar
1.2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup pumpkin
1.2 cup corn oil
2 eggs
2 cups sifted all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1.2 tsp salt
1/2 nutmeg
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/2 cup pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine sugars, pumpkin, oil, and eggs in bowl; mix well. Add sifted ingredients; mix well. Stir in pecans. Pour into well-oiled 5x9 inch loaf pan. Bake until loaf tests done, Remove to wire rack and cool.

"Fall to Your Knees and Ask for Forgiveness" Glaze topping:
Stir ingredients together on low heat til butter melts. Pour mixture on top of muffins and then sprinkle with chopped pecans. YUM!

8 oz. evaporated milk
1 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp. butter... the real stuff

Home....a dearer spot than all the rest

2010-10-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

Last weekend daughter and oldest son came home. A weekend spent at home. Ahhh...Family, food, laughter, friends, and dirty clothes filled the house. Really miss those kiddos! Yep, I know, I need to get a grip. They are grown now. And, good news...they know how to wash clothes.

But occasionally, you know, they need to think of home. Be reminded of their Mom, who birthed them without pain medication, lovingly nursed them, changed their diapers, stayed up all night when they were sick, drove them 10,000 miles weekly to and from school, dance, soccer, fed them at least one home-cooked meal a week,washed at least 5 loads of clothes daily, and, of course raised them to be the fine young adults they are today. With a little help from the Mister. Just Kidding. He helped a lot. He always did the dishes. Really.

Anyway, I decided to skip church today. I baked pumpkin muffins and glazed them with melted butter, milk and brown sugar. (Lord, forgive me)

Well after a little coaxing, the Mister and Max (the last four-legged child at home) volunteered to taste them and give their unbiased opinion. After sharing two muffins and chasing them with cold milk, they reached their decision.

On a scale of 1 to 10 they were ranked an 11.

Because these muffins have been officially tasted-tested and approved by a panel of unbiased consumers, and the fact that I am the best mother my children will ever have, I decided to send a little bit of lovin from the oven to those who now do their own laundry.

Because home is where their heart is. And where they can get their favorite meals, ignore dishes in the sink, and be served in (clean) underwear.

“Home, the spot of earth supremely blest, A dearer, sweeter spot than all the rest.”

-Robert Montgomery

Time

2010-10-02T21:45:00.003-07:00

Welcome October

2010-10-02T21:44:00.000-07:00

O hushed October morning mild,

Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;

Tomorrow's wind, if it be wild,

Should waste them all.

The crows above the forest call;

Tomorrow they may form and go.

O hushed October morning mild,

Begin the hours of this day slow.

Make the day seem to us less brief.

Hearts not averse to being beguiled,

Beguile us in the way you know.

Release one leaf at break of day;

At noon release another leaf;

One from our trees, one far away.

Retard the sun with gentle mist;

Enchant the land with amethyst.

Slow, slow!

For the grapes' sake, if they were all,

Whose leaves already are burnt with frost,

Whose clustered fruit must else be lost--

For the grapes' sake along the wall.

-Robert Frost

The same leaves ...

2010-09-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

The same leaves over and over again!

They fall from giving shade above

To make one texture of faded brown

And fit the earth like a leather glove.

Before the leaves can mount again

To fill the trees with another shade,

They must go down past things coming up.

They must go down into the dark decayed.

They must be pierced by flowers and put

Beneath the feet of dancing flowers.

However it is in some other world

I know that this is way in ours.

-Robert Frost

Love never fails.

2010-09-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

Their smooth, fresh faces, mask the hidden, dark scars, and the broken places. They come each day. Into my life. From different homes. With different stories.

How to begin? How to become the teacher they need?

Study every standard, memorize every objective, each essential question?

Differentiation?

Utilize flex-grouping?

Create lessons plan?

Accomodate for their needs?

Become proficient in technology?

Yes, all these are important components, but I must not forget the most basic and neccessary need of these I spend my days with now.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (NIV)

My Little Girl

2010-08-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

After an incredibly long week at school, my reward was walking in the door Friday afternoon and seeing her beautiful self. Those green eyes, that dark hair, and that sparkling smile. I took her face in my hands, kissed her on her cheek, and then the tears erupted. My daughter. Oh how I missed her. Only two weeks, but two weeks too long.

This weekend was spent chatting, catching up, shopping, laughing, and cooking together. It went by too fast for me. She packed up this afternoon and went back to school. And more tears fell. From my eyes and hers.
How precious time spent with her is to this Mom.
How proud I am of her. My little girl,

Gotta hold on easy as I let you go

Gonna tell you how much I love you

Though you think you already know

I remember I thought you looked like an angel wrapped in pink so soft and warm

You've had me wrapped around your finger since the day you were born

You beautiful baby from the outside in

Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again

Go on, take on this whole world

But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl

When you were in trouble that crooked little smile could melt my heart of stone

Now look at you, I've turned around and you've almost grown

Sometimes you're asleep I whisper "I Love You" in the moonlight at your door

As I walk away, I hear you say, "Mom, I Love You More"

Your beautiful baby from the outside in

Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again

Go on, take on this whole world

But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl

Someday, some boy will come and ask me for your hand

But I won't say "yes" to him unless I know, he's the half

That makes you whole, he has a poet's soul, and the heart of a man's man

I know he'll say that he's in love

But between you and me

He won't be good enough

Your beautiful baby from the outside in

Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again

Go on, take on this whole world

But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl

(Tim McGraw)

Second Act

2010-08-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

This one takes a wife, has a child and makes a home.

And that one finishes college and takes a job.

Now she packs the boxes full and readies for college life.

Years of parenting in this way, this mode now shifts.

Days of childhood,

a memory.

Another frequency, another channel and I adjust.

Sometimes overlapping, static and I hear myself say out loud,

'How is it that the quiet in this house is so deafening?'

A blink and they are grown.

Time for the second act.

It kills you to see them grow up.

But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't.

~Barbara Kingsolver

Overcoming self

2010-08-02T22:21:00.000-07:00

Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self. -Francis of Assisi

Here I am unpacking, laying it all out...again. That place, that call, the one I tried to shut out, close off, supress.

Strange, now. It feels natural, like home, really.

Young eyes, eager, nervous look to me. I sense the anxious. I know their insecurity.
One struggles with reading. And that one, another disorder, a deficit.
This one has trouble hearing. Voices in the backgroud distract. I notice. The box that helps her to receive these noises, these muffled tones, she wears on her hip.

My eyes meet hers. Small talk, yet profound. She speaks. I listen.

This girl.

This teacher.

Two worlds collide.

Another journey begins.

685. sharpened pencils
686. stacks of new books

687. freshly waxed floors

688. my lunch box

689. desks in rows

690. flowers for teachers

Savor

2010-07-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

He who distinguishes

the true savor of his food

can never be a glutton;

he who does not

cannot be otherwise.

- Henry David Thoreau

Savory Soup

Soak your favorite dried beans the night before making soup. Rinse the next morning and cook beans in chicken broth. Season to taste. (I added a pinch of salt, fresh rosemary, basil, and a bay leaf)

Once beans are tender, add sauteed ingredients and simmer on low for at least two hours. Serve with your favorite warm, crusty bread.

ingredients to chop/slice/sautee in olive oil:

1 bulb garlic

2 tsp. fresh thyme

3 stalks celery

4 carrots

5 green onions, with stalks

When you see something as true and beautiful and valuable, you savor it ...When we see Jesus for who he really is we savor him. -John Piper

savoring more true, beautiful, and valuable gifts....
673. cooking with my niece
674. fresh, crisp vegetables
675. laughs shared with my sister
676. a daughter healing
677. sweet peaches
678. a dinner invite from sister in law
679. iced tea
680. C. S. Lewis quotes
681. a long soak in the tub
682. a new magazine
683. surprising daughter

Small wonders. Daily joys. Overflowing riches.

2010-07-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

659. geraniums
660. friends and family who pray
661. a new day
662. my dear husband
663. a smile from a stranger

664. children's books on sale
665. a churn of ice cream and family to share it with
666. a meal shared with my father in law
667. watching grandaughter dance
668. music
669. ice water with lemon slice
670. a daughter's smile
671. phone calls from both sons
672. a visit with my parents

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream

2010-07-18T19:04:00.000-07:00

Because it's the middle of the sticky-hot, humid, miserable summer, and because my daughter made a pound cake today, I hinted to my dear husband that it was time. Time for ice cream.

Apparently, it was good timing.

Unbenounced to me, back in 1984, the month of July and the third Sunday in July (that's today) were designated by President Ronald Regan as National Ice Cream Month and National Ice Cream Day. I look for any excuse to celebrate and love having my friends and family over, so I was extra excited that the entire country was eating ice cream right along with me and my family today.When it comes to national holidays, this one is the sweetest, we can all agree.

Now, you may be shocked to find out that ice cream is not really one of my favorite sweet pleasures. But, I will admit, my husband has a tried-and-true simple recipe that's sure to please even me. But, the biggest fans and greatest supporters of Guy's Almost-Famous Ice Cream are my Daddy and my grandaughter, Malli.

My Dad is basically an ice cream connoisseur, having tasted ice cream from all over the world, and in possession of a well-stocked freezer filled with many varieties and flavors. And he will readily attest that this ice cream is a perfect 10.

Upon grandaughter's first taste of the delicious concoction, she uttered the word, "WOW," and she was only 18 months old at the time! The picture above is of the two of them getting down with some of the sweetness today.

Since I love you and want you to experience the sweet life, too I have decided to share Guy's Almost-Famous Ice Cream recipe, with his reluctant permission. But you have to promise to reply in my comment box and let me know what you think. Or else.
Just kidding.

Guy's Almost-Famous Ice Cream

3 cans sweetened condensed milk
2 cans evaporated milk

1 pint carton whipping cream

1 pint half and half

2 cups sugar

Vanilla Flavoring

(or Vanilla Bean if you have it)

Mix ingredients well and pour into ice cream freezer can.

Add whole milk to fill line on freezer can.

Insert the dasher and mix well by turning dasher back and forth.

Freeze in an ice cream freezer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Figs

2010-07-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

I have a beautiful fig tree in my yard planted by my late mother-in-law. For some reason, I have never ate a fig from that tree. Or any fig tree for, that matter. I'm odd like that. I have been known to consume Fig Newtons, if that counts for anything.

My mother has picked figs off the tree in my yard and made fig preserves once or twice but I have never been inclined to do that either. I don't know why.
Well, today I turned over a new (fig) leaf. And I am smitten.

First, a little education for the fignorant among us. (me included)

After ~~hours and hours~~ a few minutes of research on google.com, I learned some interesting things about figs For instance, this small, pear-shaped fruit, has long been revered for its apparent aphrodisiac properties. Note: My Guy has now read this and is outside in the 105 degree sweltering heat picking more figs for me. Hmm...I am beginning to see why some things should be kept a secret. And remember Adam and Eve? Yep, they clothed themselves with fig leaves.

Now for some seriously interesting nutritional information about figs:

-they have the highest overall mineral content of all common fruits.

-figs are an excellent source of potassium

-they may help to control blood pressure

-figs are also high in calcium, which protects bone density

-the fruit is also a source of iron, vitamin B6 and the trace mineral manganese

-they have higher quantities of fiber than any other dried or fresh fruit. (Insoluble fiber protects against colon and breast cancer, while soluble fiber helps lower blood cholesterol. Figs offer both types in one compact package. Since Americans on average eat less than half the minimum amount of dietary fiber thought to be necessary for good health, figs are a sweet and easy way to increase intake. Diets rich in fiber may also help manage weight. Additionally, figs’ fiber makes them a mild laxative.)

-figs are a good source of flavonoids and polyphenols, plant-based antioxidants that fight free radicals in the body.

-dried figs also contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids, which may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and improve immune function

-figs are one of the most perishable fruits and must be eaten within one to two days of harvest.

(As the old saying goes, nothing good lasts forever.)

So, after I have studied up and tasted the former forbidden fruit of my past, I guess I'll learn to make some fig preserves for those long winter days when it's just me and the Mister. Romantic, huh? Just don't count on me walking around adorned with fig leaves, honey.

Offering

2010-06-28T17:05:00.000-07:00

Through Him then, let us continually offer

up a sacrifice of praise to God,

that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.
-Hebrews 13:15

651. flowers from seed I planted

652. a trip to the ocean

652. healing tears
653. long talks with those I love
654. music
655. oldest son's new job
656. fresh garden vegetables
657. wise parents
658. rain

659. Malli's sweet laughter

Thirsty

2010-06-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

Blessed are they which do

hunger and thirst

after righteousness:

for they shall be filled.

Matthew 5:6

Daddy

2010-06-19T22:40:00.000-07:00

A Dad is someone you never outgrow your need for.

He was just twenty years old when he married my mother. Said they had less than $50 to their name. Struggles and work he was familiar with and success would be his reward.

Determined, driven, my Daddy.

I was the second child, the second daughter. I wondered sometimes if he had wanted a son instead of me. That blue-eyed, blonde, curly-headed girl.

In my younger days, I remember a serious-minded towering figure. I remember eating the fish he had caught, car rides standing next to him as he drove, and the security of his arms around me when I was afraid of his bird dog.

In my teen years, he was gone a lot, working, climbing the ladder of success. I remember missing him. Wanting to be his little girl.

Mostly though, I remember a deep desire, a longing to make him proud. To be assured that he accepted me.

Acceptance. Approval. Acknowledgement. It seems like that's what everyone wants, really.
To know we are valued.

These days he calls me often. Just to talk. But one day, this week, he called and said these words that I will never forget...

I have a busy day, lots of appointments today... but before I get started, I just wanted to tell you I love you.

Words I will never get too old to hear.

Thank you, Daddy. Happy Father's Day. I love you, too.

Happy Birthday Malli

2010-06-18T20:27:00.000-07:00

Perfect love sometimes does not come until the first grandchild. ~Welsh Proverb

Dear Pioneer Woman,

2010-06-09T19:01:00.000-07:00

Healthy baked muffin-doughnut/donut

Unhealthy fried doughnut/donut

In recognition of National Doughnut/Donut Day, I took it upon myself to come up with a healthier version of the delectable doughnut/donut. (Can you tell I am still obsessing over which way to spell the darn word?)

After ~~forcing~~ asking my daughter to help me mix up the healthy recipe at midnight, the results are now in. The healthy baked doughnut/donut tasted like a muffin. That's right. A good healthy, hearty, moist muffin, which, is o.k. IF you want a muffin. But a muffin is not what I ordered, thank you very much! So it was back to the drawing board, so to speak. After much thought and deliberation the panel of judges...me, my daughter, my son, and my niece...voted to make this recipe instead. As a last resort. Redeeming the wasted time spent on the "healthy" recipe.

Now, suffice it to say, I have always been pleased with your Pioneer Woman recipes. Never been disappointed with any of the high-caloric, fat-packed, amazing food you whip up. (Although I have strong suspicions you don't eat the food you cook...I saw your skinny butt on T. V.)

But seriously, I must say the labor involved, the trouble of mixing the dough, allowing it to rise, rolling it out, cutting it out, getting the hot oil just the right temperature for frying was more painful than the last root canal I had. My poor daughter was breaking a sweat.

Aggravating, Ree. Really. No hard feelings. It was just NOT my idea of fun.

Just to remain fair and open-minded though, I sampled not one, but two of these little devils. And honestly, they were not fall-on-the-floor great. Better than the healthy baked muffin-doughnut/donut impostor, BUT just not worth the trouble.

Maybe one day, when I have all the laundry caught up, the weeds are all pulled, and Facebook goes out of style, I'll give it another try, but for now I am just gonna google for the closest Krispy Kreme.

Unless, and only unless, under one condition...you accept this cordial invitation to visit me in my neck of the woods and give me some and cooking tips....starting with Doughnuts 101.
I'll even wear my yoga pants, just to make you feel welcome.

I love you. Still.

Sincerely,

Gina Morgan

Jam-packed day!

2010-06-06T14:25:00.000-07:00

There is a list a mile long of things I want to do with my hubby of almost twenty-five years. Postponed dreams, a bucket-list for our marriage, whatever you want to call it. You see, not too far into our marriage children began to arrive on the scene. Life was jam-packed with activities that centered around our kids.
And we have no regrets. Parenting is an incredible gift.

Just twenty-two months after we said "I DO" we began the years of diapers, laundry, preschool, T-ball, laundry, dance lessons, PTO, laundry, braces, baseball, football, basketball, laundry, homework, piano lessons, laundry, soccer games, dance recitals, laundry, cars, dating, proms, laundry, and the endless energy each of those milestones require. And did I mention laundry? Occupying and diverting our attention to the importance of raising our wonderful kids was a sacrifice, but such a tremendous blessing. Years of loving, nurturing, disciplining, and now the harvest.

We are definitely blessed.

The children are grown: one Air Force-bound with a family of his own, one graduated college, and another beginning college. Lately, I find myself dreaming and planning ways to do some of those postponed things together as a couple. I think we owe it to ourselves. And to each other.
So, while I work on that list of things we need to do, places we need to go, I will share one of the things we did today that actually wasn't on the list at all.

We made blueberry jam! Picking the berries we grew ourselves and then made some delicious jam.

This season, this harvest of fruit reminds me that we reap because we toil. Along this journey, our marriage, and in even on our personal spiritual path there will be seasons of cold, even dry times. The fruit of our labor may be hidden but we must forge ahead. Galatians 6:9 says Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Two are better than one,

because they have a good return for their work.

Ecclesiastes 4:9

See how our garden grows!

2010-06-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

National Doughnut/Donut Day

2010-06-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I can get a little O. C. D . about the spelling or pronunciations of words. Take the word for
small cake of sweetened or, sometimes unsweetened rich, light dough fried in fat, typically shaped like a ring.Whether you spell it "donut" or "doughnut" we have to agree this celestial concoction is one of the greatest culinary inventions ever. In our town, we have a family-owned bakery that sells a pretty amazing doughnut/donut. I am a die-hard Krispy-Kreme fan, myself.

Today is National Doughnut Day and I feel somewhat obliged to participate in this worthy holiday. I remember the first doughnut I ever had. Must of been around 1967. I was around six years old. My mother made them from scratch at home. They were truly magical! Warm sugary little bites...a little crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Ahhhhh!
So, now you know... I have my mother to ~~blame~~ thank for my addiction to food. Never mind that she has never ever struggled with her weight.

Moving on. Since we have established that I am a dedicated, unofficial member of the No Carb Left Behind fan club, having met all the requirements for membership, and possessing the love handles to prove it, I feel a certain duty, a responsibility of sorts to womankind to come up with healthier versions of tasty foods. It's true, I admit, I get weak in the knees when it comes to mere visions of donuts/doughnuts. For Carbs' sake, I have been known to drive 100 miles for a Krispy-Kreme. The thoughts of butter, bread or desserts can literally throw me into a feeding frenzy that rivals a Great White vs Baby Seal attack.

But, alas, now that I am on this self-assigned mission to discover healthier ways to make and partake of the delicious foods I ~~am addicted to~~ have come to appreciate, I have definitely met an overwhelming challenge head-on today! The challenge? To create a delicious, delectable, doughy, delicious, damn-good doughnut. Sorry, Mom. I get carried away when it comes to carbs.

First, to appreciate the worthiness of this self-assigned project, like all good educators, one must do hours and hours of research. But, since it is summer and I am on a vacation, I will provide you with a wonderful link I found: History of the Donut. You can thank me later.

So, study up, leave your thoughts or experiences with this small cake of sweetened or, sometimes unsweetened rich, light dough fried in fat, typically shaped like a ring in my comment box.
I''ll be back later with the scientific results of this sweet baking assignment.

Date night

2010-05-29T21:17:00.000-07:00

Friday night and husband invites me to a movie. "Maybe Robin Hood," he suggests.

Truth is, it's not about the movie...he would honestly rather dine on movie popcorn and a coke

than a steak and potato most weekends. No kiddin!

First we stop off at Lowe's. Isn't that how every hot date begins? He lovingly asks me, "would you rather wait here or do you want to go in with me?" Since I consider this a date, I agree to join him. He even opens my car door for me. My heart is all a-flutter!

Once inside, I am drawn to the garden section. No surprise to anyone who knows me.

So, I do what any good woman does. I wave my date off and say "you know where to find me when you get ready to check out."

So much for romance, eh?

And that's when I found it... a new friend... a kindred spirit. The most beautiful, breathtaking sight I have laid eyes on in a long time. A succulent container garden. Lord, help me, I am stricken. After staring at its beauty and envisioning it as a new member of my growing succulent family for well over ten minutes, my Lowe's/movie date walks up and asks, "you ready for some popcorn? " Then he recognizes that look in my eyes. He really should know better by now. Never leave me unattended in the garden section.

Now I honestly can't think of anything more romantic than a guy buying his woman succulents. Roses. Pshhh! But, succulents? That's just hot! And sexy, in my opinion!

Here's more information on succulents, just in case you are smitten like me, or are suffering from insomnia...

Succulent plants store water in their fleshy leaves. They are water-retaining plants adapted to arid climate or soil conditions. Succulent plants store water in their leaves, stems, and also in roots. The storage of water often gives succulent plants a more swollen or fleshy appearance than other plants. Water retention? Swollen? Fleshy? I can so relate!

And, oh, what about the movie, the popcorn you ask? Well, we didn't make it Friday night. We decided to wait til Sunday afternoon and went out for Mexican instead. I really love my man!

The sea is so wide and my boat is so small...

2010-05-29T19:07:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted anything on my blog. Life has just been incredibly eventful lately and I have great difficulty gathering any sound thoughts when life is uneventful so, well, just consider yourself lucky to get anything even half sensible out of me these days.

The "merry month of May" has been an emotional roller coaster for this Mom.
Our first son graduated from college, our second son is staring Air Force Basic Training in the face, and our daughter graduated from high school. On May 10th, oldest son, Taylor graduated from Emory University with B. A. in Political Science. The weekend was filled with friends and family gathering in Atlanta to honor and celebrate this honored one of ours. On Mother's Day we attended the Baccalaureate Service at the Glenn Memorial Church. During the service, I was touched by the singing of a choral anthem arranged by David Brunner entitled "Simple Boat."

Dear Lord, be good to me.

The sea is so wide and my boat is so small.

-Irish Fisherman's Prayer

Regard your body as a vessel,

A simple boat for going here and there.

Make of it a wish-fulfilling gem

To bring about the benefit of beings.

May I be a guard for those who are protectorless,

A guide for those who journey on the road.

For those who wish to go across the water,

May I be a boat, a raft, a bridge.

-The Way of the Bodhisattva

It is true, children grow up. There is a big world out there for them to explore, to experience, to conquer. They leave the harbour. I see Taylor stepping into another boat now ... taking risks, challenges with great confidence. Eyes focused and set on more goals. Griff is counting the days until he leaves for Basic Training. A young man with the many responsibilities that come with a wife and a baby ready to set sail, determined and motivated to excel. And that daughter, the baby, now graduated from high school, Eyes set on a new horizon. A vast sea with endless opportunities.

The words from "Simple Boat" speak to my heart, reminding me of the purpose of this journey I am on. The reason I am. I pause, think of the years of tireless loving, guiding, nurturing, training, disciplining my three children. Such wonderful years. Does it all matter? Did I make a difference? How insignificant I feel at times, yet how I matter still. I do have purpose. A role. Even when what I have always been comfortable doing suddenly alters, changes, even ends. The sea is so wide and my boat is so small...May I be a boat, a raft, a bridge.

What it's all about

2010-05-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

Pre-K class picture 2003-2004

Hey! Just wanted to let you know that if everything goes well I will be graduating from SGC on Thursday morning at 9:00AM and I owe it all to you and my Mom. I just want you to know that you are the reason that I went back to school. My Mom helped me make the final decision but it was your confidence in me that made me realize that maybe I could do it. When I worked with you and saw how you taught, you made me realize that I wanted to be just like you. I know that those words may sound stupid but that is how I felt. Not only did you give my confidence, you inspired me and made me want to do more in my life. You are a wonderful person and I will never forget what you have done for me. I will also cherish your friendship forever. I know that we don't get to spend a lot of time together anymore but I do think about you a lot. Your confidence and words of encouragement were what kept me going. Although the moment will be bittersweet because my Mom will not be here to see me, I am very proud of myself for what I have accomplished and you are why I was able to do that. This world needs more teachers and people like you. I know that I should probably be in the bed because it is almost 12:00 but I wanted to let you know what you and your friendship means to me. I love you and you will always hold a special place in my heart.
Love ya lots,Brenda

Diary of a Wimpy Teacher

2010-04-27T19:38:00.000-07:00

This month’s book for my Book Club was Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Now before you go and judge me, let me clarify something. This Book Club is for adults. It’s just that we like to stretch our minds, our horizons and we like stretch pants, too. But that’s another matter. What I am trying to say is we like to read all sorts of genres...even children’s books. And I must say, I found this book surprisingly entertaining…especially since I am ~~stuck~~ teaching in a middle school setting right now for the remainder of the year. Eighteen days and counting!

Since I ~~escaped~~ semi-retired from teaching five years ago, I have landed some interesting jobs. Specifically, I have worked as a secretary, nurse, babysitter, tutor, part time GED instructor, Pre-K substitute teacher and 3rd grade substitute teacher.

However, to date, I have never been as challenged as I have been since ~~getting suckered into~~ accepting this current teaching position.

Middle school is not for wimps!

Where else will can you be mowed over by a rolling backpack, critiqued for your choice of clothing, ignored, referee drama, counsel a broken heart, and administer medication to self all before 8:30 am? I'm talking about ME here! I tell you it's a battlefield!

The first day of this job, realizing I was not in my comfort zone, my oldest son texted me and said "Don''t worry, Mom you''ll do fine. If you feel out of place, insecure, strange or just plain awkward you are not alone. Middle schoolers are hopelessly awkward. You are in good company." Such wisdom and truth in those words.

Greg Heffley (main character in Diary of a Wimpy Kid) says "Middle school may be the dumbest idea ever," Nell Minow , a movie critique says "The reason that middle school is so agonizing is that it is the time when we first realize that we would really like to be cool at the same time we are struck with the horrifying realization that we have no idea how to get there. It is a time of agonizing self-examination, growing uncertainty about everything we thought we knew, diminishing willingness to rely on our parents, and the terrifying conviction that everyone else seems to have it figured out. It is the time of the great hormone divide, where boys who look like they are 10 share a classroom -- and a locker room -- with kids who look like they could be in college. It is a time when we rethink everything we thought we knew about who we are and what we want from our friends. So much suddenly seems GROSS and EMBARRASSING. Everything suddenly seems so disgusting we end up projecting all of those feelings onto some weird object like a piece of moldy cheese, which then assumes urban legendary status with the power to cooty-fy anyone who touches it. And in the middle of this we are also expected to live through algebra and PE."

So, what to do as I walk among the aliens middle-schoolers? How to survive?

I think the best thing to do is find the humor, the joy in the madness. Knowing that "One day middle school will end and become high school. And after that, it just becomes life. And all those things you think are important now won't be anymore." (character 'Angie Steadman' from the book Diary of a Wimpy Kid)

Simply

2010-04-24T20:03:00.000-07:00

Fear less, hope more;

eat less, chew more;

whine less, breathe more;

talk less, say more;

love more, and all good things will be yours.

-Swedish proverb

One thing I have been practicing for ~~a while~~ two years now, is living more simply. Buying less. Consuming less. Not that I intentionally chose this path, this detour. But, I must say, this quiet way, this way I trod is certainly a lot less stressful than the other path I was traveling.

Learning to live more simply is a process. There has been a lot of grace along the way. Lessons I am learning here are priceless. I am realizing just how rich I am for the first time ever and believe me, my bank account has nothing to do with it.

Living simply means appreciating daily living. It also means giving up things/practices that prevented or hindered peace in my life. Letting go of clutter in my closet, as well as in my mind.
Letting go of things I thought I had to have. Forgetting about what others might think. Forging ahead.

Simply.

Thankful

2010-04-19T17:15:00.000-07:00

It isn't what you have in your pocket

that makes you thankful,

but what you have in your heart.
anonymous

Right on!

2010-04-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

It is not any longer possible that we sit in some command center telling other people how to go forth. I'm speaking in particular to those of you who are clergy. You cannot preach about, encourage or motivate or mobilize people into mission unless you model what missional proximity looks like. You cannot sit in some ivory tower spending days and days preparing sermons which are seeking to motivate people into mission unless you yourself are prepared to embrace that similar commitment to proximity. Do you follow what I'm saying? I'm not just talking about proximity like our building is on the street corner on the main street with a gigantic sign and everyone knows that we are there. I'm talking about personal, relational, and geographic proximity to people. -Michael Frost

Handy Man - Part 2

2010-04-12T17:14:00.000-07:00

My handy-man Guy shoveling in the dirt for the garden!

One of the benefits of working at a new school is the fact that I get to meet a lot of new people. One of my new acquaintances is Mrs. Chancey. Today I congratulated this sweet, blushing bride after she announced it was her wedding anniversary.

As she talked about her sweetheart, her face lit up and she even blushed a little. It was obvious that she was deeply in love. Was it their first anniversary? Fifth? Tenth? Twenty-fifth? Guess again. Today she celebrated forty years with her husband. Forty years and still madly in love! I think that it is just the sweetest thing to listen

to someone share about their love, their committment, their marriage. When we have more time one day, I'd like to hear more about their long-lasting romance.

After almost twenty-five years of marital ~~bliss~~ survival with my husband, I have come to one conclusion. The secret to a happy marriage is good communication. That means a lot more listening and a lot less talk. For two stubborn, headstrong people, I would say that has been one of the major hurdles in our relationship. But, there is hope. By the looks of things lately, I would say we are geting better in that area. Here's a recent exchange between us.

Me: "Guy, I need a raised-bed garden. I want flowers. I want vegetables."

Guy: "OK, darling. I'll get right to it."

At least, that's the way I remember the conversation.

Handy Man - Part 1

2010-04-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

Guy building frame for raised-bed garden

my Guy...

likes working with his hands

can engineer and contruct anything with incredible ease

listens to my ~~wonderful~~ hair-brained ideas

transforms my dreams to reality

i love my handy-man

stay tuned to discover what handy-woman (aka Me)

and handy-girl (aka daughter) add to handy-man's creation!

"That's My King" by S. M. Lockridge

2010-04-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

Dr. S.M. Lockridge preached a powerful message about Jesus. He went through all of the wonderful and awesome things about our Savior. Pause the music on my playlist in the sidebar and click this link to hear the audio of this inspiring message!
That's My King

The Bible says

He’s the King of the Jews

He’s the King of Israel

He’s the King of Righteousness

He’s the King of the Ages

He’s the King of Heaven

He’s the King of Glory

He’s the King of Kings

and He is the Lord of Lords

Now that’s my King!

David says

The Heavens declare the glory of God

And the firmament showeth His handiwork

No means of measure can define His limitless love

No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply

No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing

He’s enduringly strong

He’s entirely sincere

He’s eternally steadfast

He’s immortally graceful

He’s imperially powerful

He’s impartially merciful

That’s my King!

He’s God’s Son

He’s the sinners’ Saviour

He’s the centrepiece of civilisation

He stands alone in Himself

He’s august

He’s unique

He’s unparalleled

He’s unprecedented

He’s supreme

He’s pre-eminent

He’s the loftiest idea in literature

He’s the highest personality in philosophy

He’s the supreme problem in higher criticism

He’s the fundamental doctrine in true theology

He’s the cardinal necessity of spiritual religion

That’s my King!

He’s the miracle of the age

He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him

He’s the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously

He supplies strength for the weak

He’s available for the tempted and the tried

He sympathises and He saves

He guards and He guides

He heals the sick

He cleansed the lepers

He forgives sinners

He discharges debtors

He delivers the captives

He defends the feeble

He blesses the young

He serves the unfortunate

He regards the aged

He rewards the diligent

And He beautifies the meek

Do you know Him?

My King is the key of knowledge

He’s the wellspring of wisdom

He’s the doorway of deliverance

He’s the pathway of peace

He’s the roadway of righteousness

He’s the highway of holiness

He’s the gateway of glory

He’s the master of the mighty

He’s the captain of the conquerors

He’s the head of the heroes

He’s the leader of the legislators

He’s the overseer of the overcomers

He’s the governor of governors

He’s the prince of princes

He’s the King of Kings

And He’s the Lord of Lords

That’s my King

That’s my King!

My King

His office is manifold

His promise is sure

His life is matchless

His goodness is limitless

His mercy is everlasting

His love never changes

His word is enough

His grace is sufficient

His reign is righteous

His yoke is easy

and His burden is light

I wish I could describe Him to you

He’s indescribable

He’s incomprehensible

He’s invincible

He’s irresistible

I’m trying to tell you

The heaven of heavens cannot contain Him

Let alone a man explain Him

You can’t get Him out of your mind

You can’t get Him off of your hands

You can’t outlive Him

And you can’t live without Him

The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him

but they found out they couldn’t stop Him

Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him

The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree

And Herod couldn’t kill Him

Death couldn’t handle Him

And the grave couldn’t hold Him

That’s my King!

He always has been

And He always will be

I’m talking about

He had no predecessor

and He’ll have no successor

There was nobody before Him

and there’ll be nobody after Him

You can’t impeach Him

and He’s not going to resign

That’s my King!

Praise the Lord

That’s my King

Thine is the Kingdom

And the power

And the glory

The glory is all His

Thine is the Kingdom

And the power

And the glory

For ever

And ever

And when you get through with all of the forevers

Then

Amen.

My King

The Bible says my King is the King of the Jews. He’s the King of Israel. He’s the King of Righteousness. He’s the King of the Ages. He’s the King of Heaven. He’s the King of Glory. He’s the King of kings, and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King.

I wonder, do you know Him?

My King is a sovereign King. No means of measure can define His limitless love. He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful.

Do you know Him?

He’s the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world. He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s Saviour. He’s the centrepiece of civilization. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He is the loftiest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the fundamental doctrine of true theology. He’s the only one qualified to be an all sufficient Saviour.

I wonder if you know Him today?

He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He strengthens and sustains. He guards and He guides. He heals the sick. He cleansed the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharges debtors. He delivers the captive. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent. And He beautifies the meek.

I wonder if you know Him?

He’s the key to knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory.

Do you know Him? Well…

His life is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. And His yoke is easy. And His burden is light.

I wish I could describe Him to you. Yes…

He’s indescribable! He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible. He’s irresistible. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hand. You can’t outlive Him, and you can’t live without Him. Well, the Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him, and the grave couldn’t hold Him.

Yeah! That’s my King, that’s my King.

Amen!

Seven Way King

My King was born King. The Bible says He’s a Seven Way King. He’s the King of the Jews – that’s a racial King. He’s the King of Israel – that’s a National King. He’s the King of righteousness. He’s the King of the ages. He’s the King of Heaven. He’s the King of glory. He’s the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that’s my King. Well I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? Don’t try to mislead me. Do you know my King? David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament show His handiwork. My King is the only one whom there are no means of measure can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shore of supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing. Well, well, He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful. That’s my King. He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s saviour. He’s the centrepiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He’s august. He’s unique. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He’s supreme. He’s pre-eminent. Well, He’s the loftiest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the supreme problem in high criticism. He’s the fundamental doctrine of proved theology. He’s the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. That’s my King. He’s the miracle of the age. He’s the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. Well, He’s the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He’s strong God and He guides. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. Do you know Him? Well, my King is the key of knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory. He’s the master of the mighty. He’s the captain of the conquerors. He’s the head of the heroes. He’s the leader of the legislatures. He’s the overseer of the overcomers. He’s the governor of governors. He’s the prince of princes. He’s the King of kings and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King. Yeah. Yeah. That’s my King. My King, yeah. His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Well. I wish I could describe Him to you, but He’s indescribable. He’s indescribable. Yes. He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible. He’s irresistible. I’m coming to tell you, the heavens of heavens cannot contain Him, let alone a man explaining Him. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hands. You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him. Well, Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilot couldn’t find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him. That’s my King. Yeah. He always has been and He always will be. I’m talking about He had no predecessor and He’ll have no successor. There was nobody before Him and there’ll be nobody after Him. You cant impeach Him and He’s not going to resign. That’s my King! That’s my King! Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Well, all the power belongs to my King. We’re around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but it’s God’s power. Thine is the power. Yeah. And the glory. We try to get prestige and honour and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His. Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever. How long is that? And ever and ever and ever and ever. And when you get through with all of the evers, then, Amen.

Remembering Dawie

2010-03-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

Gardens are a form of autobiography.

~Sydney Eddison

An early morning stroll around the yard seemed to shout LIFE at me. And I thought of her. I saw her in my mind. Clippers in hand and a glass of sweet tea not too far from her reach. The flowering forsythia, crabapple trees, pear trees, peach trees, and tulip trees in full bloom and looking forward to the bridal wreath blooms probably by Easter Sunday. All of these were planted by my precious mother-in-law who died 2 years ago today. She had a great love for nature, flowers, and of course her family. She landscaped and designed the yard, as well as the house we now live in. Her talented touch is everywhere. She is gone now, but her life is written in each bloom on every branch of every tree in our yard.

Remembering her today and this beautiful season that ushers in Easter. Hope. Life eternal.

Malli visiting Dawie's grave today.

2010-03-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

This day that they waved

the palm branches,

I'm thinking about

living palms up.

Position of body

dictates position of heart.

- Bob Goff

Giving

2010-03-21T20:44:00.001-07:00

This photograph of a vase filled with branches from a peach tree in full bloom has nothing to do with this post, really. Just real pretty, in my opinion.

Now to get on with what is on my mind. I had a few minutes this afternoon to browse the web and discovered some wonderful projects. Lately, I haven't been real excited about a lot, but these two organizations made me perk up. (see the bottom of this post)

I have also included some favorite verses on "giving" that I revisited today, Profound words.

Anyway, read over the verses, check out the links and let me know what you think. I don't know how involved I can be right now, but I can promise I will definitely offer my support to these in the near future.

For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’

—Deuteronomy 15:11

Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.

—Proverbs 22:9

Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;

then your barns will be filled with plenty,and your vats will be bursting with wine.

—Proverbs 3:9-10

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

—Proverbs 11:25

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.

—Proverbs 19:17

Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.

—Proverbs 21:13

TOMS and International Princess

Psalm 56:8

2010-03-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

my private pain i dare not share

who would listen, who would care

vulnerable, doubting this pain will ease

wondering if anyone really sees

an ache like this deep inside

where to pour out, confide

tears fall upon my pillowcase

swollen eyes, reddened face

hurt so deep like none I've known

pains in muscle, heart and bone

i birthed, i nurtured then let go

tell me heart that it's so

then in my pain, a voice speaks soft, yet loud

lifting this fog, this heavy cloud

my child, believe me, I see all

i stand firm and won't let you fall

rise up be strong i 'll carry you through

just as I promised I would do.

Gina Morgan 2010

You've kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book. Psalm 56:8

That's where I want to be with you

2010-03-08T17:07:00.000-08:00

I went down to the seashore just for a little while

The sand between my tiny toes made me giggle and smile.

The sparkling waves rolled, spilling shells upon the shore

So many little jewels like I'd never seen before.

The seagulls called to greet me flying overhead

I couldn't think of another place I'd rather be instead.

The ocean really is a wonderland to me

A world of beauty for my little eyes to see.

And so I have decided this very day

No changing my mind no matter what you say

Where the sugar white sand meets the ocean blue

That's where I want to be with you.

-Gina Morgan 2010

2010-03-08T16:11:00.000-08:00

Do Your Best And Leave The Rest

2010-03-04T20:19:00.000-08:00

misfits

rejects

hopeless ones

bearing pain, bruises deep

wounds of the past

feeling inadequate

on common ground

we meet

I have been teaching high-school dropouts for about six weeks. Issues abound among these I spend one-sixth of each day with. Baggage plenty they bring in the door. Attitudes and mistrust, too. Self-esteem nonexistent. How is it to be done?

guide

encourage

teach compassionately

discipline respectfully

inspire

motivate

demonstrate lovingly

and leave it

Sobering Up

2010-02-24T18:15:00.000-08:00

Hi. My name is Gina. I am a dietcokeaholic.

I was first introduced to ~~the drug~~ diet colas in my teens. Yes, I admit I experimented with TAB. Longing to keep my figure in check, I sipped on the bitter, saccharine flavor of a drink long forgotten by most. Peer pressure at its best. I was a pushover. It looked so appealing in its slender bottle, but it quickly fizzled out as a choice beverage.

Then came the college years. 1982. Diet Coke arrived on the scene. My first ~~hit~~ drink of the liquid drug was at a Wendy's in Statesboro, Georgia. The juicy burger, the fries, and that amazing Diet Coke... Ahhhhh! It was a love at first sip.

Except for a brief time where I had the urge to keep a stockpile on hand for some reason, I really only drank when I was stressed, wanted to reward myself, or ate a hamburger, a pizza, or Mexican food. Which was pretty much every day!

Since January though, I have been reevaluating my eating (and drinking) habits. In early February, I read an article about Blood:Water Mission which challenged me to give up all other beverages, besides water from February 17 - April 3, keep a tab of what I would have spent, and at the end of the 40 days, donate that money to Blood:Water Mission.

Made me think....How much money I wasted daily on something that really wasn't even good for my body at all.
And I figured if I saved $2 a day just by forgoing my daily Diet coke (on ice), then I'd save $80 in 40 days. That would be enough to provide clean water for 80 people for an entire year! How cool is that?

So here I am...been drinking water ONLY for a week now. Seven days of sobriety. Honestly, I never realized how hooked I was til I decided to give up something so simple.

Sobering.

Exceeding gifts...

2010-02-22T21:42:00.000-08:00

However many blessings we expect from God,

His infinite liberality will always exceed

all our wishes and our thoughts.

-John Calvin

644. Griff, my youngest son

645. healing burns

646. restored eyesight

647. medical care

648. prayers of family and friends

649. oldest son's humor and wit

650. daughter's selflessness

Life interrupted

2010-02-22T07:47:00.000-08:00

Call it mother's intuition. Or call me a worry-wart, a mother hen, I don't care. But I have been really unsettled about where my son has been working the past month or so. See, he took a job with a local chemical company and well, let's just say I am a little nervous about those kind of places. OK, a lot nervous!

Two weeks ago, he encountered a minor incident where a small amount of the toxic chemical strangely leaked out of a hose and sprayed droplets on his lip and face. Nothing really to be alarmed about unless you are me...his mother. When I saw him, I urged him to look for another job and in the meantime make sure he wore all the protective gear, etc. He rolled his eyes and said "I do wear it...and Moma, I am not a kid anymore, quit worrying!"

Last Wednesday morning began as usual. Husband left for work. Daughter and I talked about her plans for after school and later that evening to celebrate her 18th birthday with her boyfriend...then she left. I was digging through a box of some old photos of the kids when the phone rang. My husband in an attempt to stay calm on the phone asked, "Are you up and dressed?"
I immediately knew something was wrong.

It was Griff. He had been hurt at work. I dropped the phone and quickly dressed into something that was laying on the bathroom floor. The drive to the hospital was a complete blur. After I got to the hospital I learned more specifics of the accident. Griff was processing 30,000 lbs of Sodium Hydroxide, at 170 degrees F, from a holding tank through the mix equipment. When he opened the valve to allow the chemical to flow through the strainer/filter, unfortunately the lid had not been tightened by the previous shift. The pressure created by gravity and the weight of 30,000 lbs. through the strainer/filter caused the lid to lift, blowing off Griff's protective face mask and helmet. The chemical sprayed all over him since he was standing only 3 feet from the leak. Griff quickly removed his clothes, all the while moving to the shower to wash himself off. He stayed under the shower, cold water and outside the building at 5 a.m., for better than a half hour attempting to rid himself of the chemicals which already were attacking his head, his neck, his face, his eyes and other parts of his body.

After four days in the hospital, this mom can finally breathe a small sigh of relief. And at this point, thankfully, there doesn't seem to be any permanent damage done to his eyes. In time, the burns on his ear and neck will fade. Some scarring may linger. But, oh how grateful I am that it was not any worse.

Not exactly what I expected last week to be like.

Not what anyone would wish for.

Interruptions can be like that.

Screeching halt. Brakes on life. Sudden stops that turn our world upside down or right side up, if needed. Looking to Him. Remembering what really matters.

I will remain with you

2010-02-20T22:58:00.000-08:00

Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled.

My Lord, fill it. I am weak in the faith; strengthen me.

I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent,

that my love may go out to my neighbor.

I do not have a strong and firm faith;

at times I doubt and am unable to trust you altogether.

O Lord,help me.

Strengthen my faith and trust in you.

In you I have sealed the treasure of all I have.

I am poor; you are rich and came to be merciful to the poor.

I am a sinner; you are upright.

With me, there is an abundance of sin; in you is the fullness of righteousness.

Therefore I will remain with you, of whom I can receive, but to whom I may not give.

-Martin Luther

A look at love

2010-02-16T22:37:00.000-08:00

God the one and only ---

I'll wait as long as he says.

Everything I hope for comes from him,

so why not?

Psalm 62:5

I had good intentions. Really. I planned to post some lovely romantic thoughts and download some nice pictures taken over the long Valentine weekend. But, well, life and its happenings over-ruled. I still may get around to that later though. It will just have to wait.
For now, I am looking at love from a much different angle than originally planned.

Here goes....

I am pondering a relationship that never disappoints, shortchanges, disregards or ignores me. It's the relationship I have with the lover of my soul: Jesus.

I am so thankful that He accepts me just as I am.
The One that knows every ugly flaw, yet covers me with grace.
The One who hears my every cry, but never tires of listening.
The One who sees every obstacle and makes a way.
He has never disappointed me.

Wish I could say I reciprocate and return that love, but more often than not, I am cold. Doubting. Even lifeless. Hard. Gray, bare limbs reaching much like the birch trees seen on a recent winter walk.

But, today I saw Spring. Not in the actual warming temperatures outside, but a warmth, a thawing, a promise kept in the middle of what I thought was hopeless. In a classroom. A heart with layers of mistrust began to shed, like bark falling from a tree. A shy smile burst through hardened turf.

The long-awaited for spring weather, the greening of the grass, the blooming of every dead bush, the times when I think He has forgotten, He gently whispers, "wait." And He keeps His promise. Now that's love.

Since before time began

no one has ever imagined,

no ear heard, no eye seen,

a God like you who works
for those who wait for him.

Psalm 64:4

The Only Thing That Is Constant Is Change

2010-02-08T18:24:00.000-08:00

Upon those who step into the same rivers
flow other and yet other waters.

All things...are in flux like a river.
-Heraclitus

Just when the new doesn't seem so mysterious and frightening anymore...just when things are becoming routine and somewhat comfortable, the rug always gets pulled out from under my feet, so to speak.

See, tomorrow I will gain, not one, but five new students to the already twelve students I have. Our room is small, space is limited, and many of the students need help on a regular basis.

Stressed? Anxious? YES.
Me and my current students.
So true the saying, The only thing that is constant is change.

Why is it so hard to accept? This constant change. The ever evolving current and stirring waters.

Perhaps change is necessary, less I become like a stagnant pool of water. A community within its self. Harboring, yet too protected. Closed off. Suffocating. Lifeless.
Rather, I should view this place as a life-giving river, flowing, moving, changing, and growing.
Clinging to the ONE who knows my name...the ONE who can calm the waters...the ONE who gives peace like a river.

Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.
  I've called your name. You're mine.

When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.
   When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you're between a rock and a hard place,
   it won't be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
   The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you...
That's how much you mean to me!
   That's how much I love you!
I'd sell off the whole world to get you back,
   trade the creation just for you.

Isaiah 43:2

Bless you!

2010-02-08T08:56:00.000-08:00

picture of daughter, Savannah-Jane last summer

When the first light of sun,

Bless you.

When the long day is done,
Bless you.

In your smiles and your tears,

Bless You.

Through each day of your years,

Bless you.

Irish blessing

The 1000 Gifts List continues. Listing things...joys and blessings recognized. Simple, yet profound.

639. spending day with daughter, at her request

640. sunshine on my face, long awaited for

641. phone call from someone special, encouraging

642. cozy blanket and a good book, comforting

643. students, second chances for us both

Bread of Life

2010-02-06T22:09:00.000-08:00

You satisfy the hungry heart with gift of finest wheat.

Come give to us, O saving Lord, the bread of life to eat.

Robert E. Kreutz

On a quest to find a Starbucks before heading home today, daughter and I stopped off at a wonderful little place called The Bread House & Granary.
I remember reading about it in a magazine a while back and was delighted to actually find it today.
The whole grain wheat flour is milled on site and the loaves are kneaded and shaped by hand.
What is even more exciting to me is that the Bread House "provides healthy products for enhanced bodily healthy and the nourishment of souls while employing , empowering and transforming women through God's healing mercy and grace. GraceWay residents work in the granary and learn new skill sets. These employees give back to the community and begin rebuilding their lives based on the promises and Word of God."

How cool is that? A ministry in the marketplace.

My Saturday

2010-02-06T21:01:00.000-08:00

Today a new sun rises for me; everything lives, everything is animated, everything seems to speak to me of my passion, everything invites me to cherish it.

-Ninon de Lencios

Saturday started early. Not a creature stirring. That is, until the cracked egg landed in the frying pan. Then suddenly, I had company. Max, our beloved miniature, nervous-as-a cat, drama king of a daschund made his way to the kitchen. Those eyes. That posture. Begging, pleading for a fried egg of his own. How could I resist?

He knows just how to get his way. It's not only about the eyes. He resorts to an annoying whine, too that pulls at my heartstrings. Sucker, I am.

(The picture of Max was taken at Christmas, not this morning. Same begging, pleading posture though. Someone give him an Emmy! Or better yet, a fried egg will work.)

More footsteps, too this morning made their way downstairs. These belonged to our beloved, baby girl now a woman that rules this house. Savannah-Jane, that daughter of ours. Those eyes, that heart, that spirit. She prepares her own breakfast and asks, "Mom, you gonna be ready to go at 8:00?" And I answer, "Sure babe!"

How can I resist?

And so it was a day together, somewhat. Visiting that boy she's crazy over. But still, there was the four hours in the car. Alone together. Girl talk. Starbucks. Good times. Pulling at my heartstrings. Sucker, I am.

(The picture of Savannah was taken a while back. OK, fifteen years ago. Same adorable, sweet heart.)

Rain

2010-02-05T22:21:00.000-08:00

The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain.

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I am NOT smarter than a 5th grader!

2010-02-01T20:10:00.000-08:00

I confess. It's really embarrassing, but I have limited teaching skills when it comes to teaching Math above 5th grade. I don't have to have Jeff Foxworthy prove it to me. See, I already know it.
I am NOT smarter than a 5th grader!

Algebraic and Geometric configurations cause me to bite my nails and break out in a sweat.
This explains my desperate need for a manicure and the lovely arm-pit sweat stains on everything I wear these days. See I applied for, and surprisingly got hired for a job as a teacher of 16 and 17 year-old high school dropouts preparing for the GED.

Three weeks into this job I realize that most of these kids are still struggling with multiplication, fractions, and integers which, thankfully, I am able to help them with. Coupled with their academic challenges are some pretty serious personal struggles, too. Parents divorcing, unemployment, teen pregnancy, etc.

Some days I wonder if I am making a difference. I wonder if their lives will improve. I'm not sure.
.
But one thing I am certain about is that we do have a common denominator. (math pun intended)

See, I have had my own struggles. I remember being their age. I know what it meant for that one person to offer help. Advice. Just an encouraging word.

Yet I can't forget, the very first day on this job. A seasoned teacher/Catholic nun told me, "Just remember, you can't save the world, Jesus already did." Good, practical advice for one that tends to take on the burdens of the world.

So, I do ask that you pray that this job, however long I am at it, will honor the Lord. That somehow they might see Him in my humble actions. That maybe their lives will be changed. I know mine has already.

Savoring Grace

2010-01-25T20:24:00.000-08:00

As we become curators of our own contentment on the simple abundant path...we learn to savor the small with a grateful heart. Sarah Ban Breathnach

636. a shoe-shopping trip with granddaughter

637. moments in the kitchen with daughter

638. homemade pizza with my parents

Capturing the Light

2010-01-20T21:22:00.001-08:00

i spent a few moments with my amazing granddaughter yesterday.

just she and i.

in the yard.

the weather was mild.

the sun was bright.

she told me.

covering her eyes and saying "hot".

the kittens followed her around.

we blew bubbles.

she discovered her daddy's old toy dump truck.

and loved it.

she rolled it to me.

i rolled it back.

over and over.

the world stopped.

my worries left.

simple moment, yet so memorable.

i captured the light.

it dawned on me.

it is important to take time for the little things.

one day they will be the most important things.

Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows.

 James 1:17

New territory

2010-01-19T19:37:00.000-08:00

Setting out.

Venturing into new and unfamiliar territory.

The unknown can frighten me.

Looking at these files.
It's more than paperwork.
It's lives etched with sorted pasts.

Eyes eager and hearts bruised.
Second chances.

Common ground.

I humbly ask for your thoughts and prayers as I begin teaching a group of young people...actually high school dropouts...starting tomorrow. They are taking a GED class to prepare them for the GED test.

I am nervous and I am sure they are, too. We really are more alike than different though. Searching for purpose. Belonging. A second chance. I have been there and still go there at times. Don't we all?

To me that is grace...receiving another chance. And that is all I need.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
-2 Corinthians 12:9

2010-01-17T21:50:00.000-08:00

I look to a day when people will not be judged

by the color of their skin,

but by the content of their character.

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Eggplant Italiana

2010-01-17T20:57:00.000-08:00

Although reportedly my ancestors were from Scotland, Ireland and Wales I like to believe that somewhere there is a little Italian blood in the mix. I mean my name is Gina, after all! And there's the obvious fact (at least to my family) that I could eat Italian every day of my life.

I played it safe for years. Cooking and serving up spaghetti and sometimes lasagna to my family and friends. Many a starving teen from our neck of the woods have filled up on Gina's specialty spaghetti and meatballs. And that was about as creative as it got.

But things are changing. I have stepped out. I am getting brave, risky, and trying out new Italian recipes along with my budding culinary expertise of a daughter.

Last week we concocted a delicious and simple Italian meal for a dish we call Eggplant Italiana. I wish I had a picture to share, but instead I will provide you with some nice Italian music. And, of course the recipe....

Eggplant Italiana

eggplant, peeled and cubed
onion, chopped
bell pepper, chopped
cherry tomatoes, chopped
garlic clove, minced
olive oil

Sautee above ingredients in olive oil. Pour your favorite sauce (I use Del Monte ... it's cheap) over this mixture and heat well. Serve over your favorite pasta. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese and sprinkle on top before serving. Enjoy with a green salad, fresh garlic bread, and your favorite beverage.

Sunday in the country

2010-01-17T20:22:00.000-08:00

Sunday in the country at my parents' cozy home

gathered 'round with family
a sister, a brother, our children,

nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, grandparents

good food, sweet tea, sweet times, and bare feet.

Haiti on my heart

2010-01-16T05:43:00.000-08:00

Here are more photos sent by my friend. Like so many others, safely tucked away in our corner of the world, I can't help but think of these precious people who have lost so much. Overwhelming.

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Helping Haiti

2010-01-15T21:21:00.000-08:00

The situation in Haiti is desperate. The impoverished Caribbean nation was rocked by an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale on Tuesday and the ensuing devastation has been of dreadful proportions.

A young college girl from our hometown is unaccounted for at this hour. She had just arrived in Haiti with a team from her university to do mission work, I heard.

I received some pictures taken with a cell phone from a Trinidadian friend today. Images etched in my mind and especially my heart. Unforgettable.

I cry for this nation. This people. And I am feeling so helpless. What can I do? My feeble prayers, although uttered with good intentions, need hands put to them. I want to help somehow.

I did a little research and these are my favorite charities that are helping out with relief.
Please consider giving of your resources. It will make a difference.

American Red Cross
Doctors Without Borders
Compassion International

Some days we forget to look around us...

2010-01-11T20:43:00.000-08:00

Some days we can't see the joy that surrounds us
So caught up inside ourselves
We take when we should give

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be
And on this day we hope for
What we still can't see

It's up to us to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There's so much to be thankful for

Look beyond ourselves, there's so much sorrow
It's way too late to say, I'll cry tomorrow
Each of us must find our truth
We're so long overdue

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be
And every day we hope for
What we still can't see

It's up to us to be the change
And even though we all can still do more
There's so much to be thankful for

Even with our differences
There is a place we're all connected
Each of us can find each others love

So for tonight we pray for
What we know can be
And on this day we hope for
What we still can't see

It's up to us to be the change
And even though this world needs so much more
There's so much to be thankful for
Josh Groban

For everything

2010-01-11T20:33:00.000-08:00

Raggedy Ann and Andy made by my mother, stitched with love.

1000 Gifts thankful list continues ....

626. a visit from my first best friend

627. leftovers

628. laughing hysterically with my daughter

629. holding hands with my husband

630. playing with Malli

631. old toys played with once more

632. sweeping

633. water

634. talking on the phone with my boys

635. apples and peanut butter ... together

Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything.
Ephesians 5:20

A beautiful mess

2010-01-08T21:28:00.000-08:00

I have an amazing husband and precious family. They know I need to cry. They even supply the roll of absorbent paper towels. Messy.

At the risk of sounding like some pitiful, self-absorbed, whining, middle-aged basket case, I tell you it has been that kind of day, er week, really.

Unorganized. Messy. Sticky. Intertwined. No beginning. No end. Unpredictable.

I will spare you the details, but let's just say after crying my self into a severe migraine things are still not much better. There is still the mess. The clutter.

Processing life and its twists and turns can be overwhelming at times. Accepting that most of life is uncontrollable truly unnerves and frustrates this obsessive-compulsive personality.

So after tears shed, words heard, fears revealed, hands held, and long embraces I emerge once again on these wobbly legs. To stand. Among the mess.

Life isn't perfect.

But Love is.

I decided I am having company tonight. An invitation. And I am not picking up any of the mess before the guest arrives.

Everything is sprawled out.
The ugly mess.

I invite Love into my home.

Take residence.

Have free run of this house.

Make yourself welcome.

Make yourself at home.

in this beautiful mess.

I John 4:18

Exercise

2010-01-04T14:10:00.000-08:00

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything

that happens to you, knowing that every step forward

is a step toward achieving something bigger and better

than your current situation.

-unknown

I went back to the gym today. It has been awhile. When I logged into the blasted computer, it even reminded me how long it had been. Sometimes I despise technology!

See, I know how important exercise is. I really love it once I get there and it makes me feel so much better physically and mentally. It's just a matter of sticking to it...getting into the daily routine of doing it.

They say three to four weeks is all the time you need to make a habit automatic. If you can make it through the initial conditioning phase, it becomes much easier to sustain. A month is a good block of time to commit to a change since it easily fits in your calendar.

Well, that's my challenge. To stick to this exercise regimen for four weeks, long enough to make it automatic. Like brushing my teeth.

Reminds me of how my attitude of gratitude needs to get back in shape, too.

I know you will agree, its a lot easier to feel thankful when everything is going smoothly and you are handed blessings. But what about those times (and they seem too often for me lately) when we are faced with ongoing trials and challenges. You know...debt, unemployment, depression, relationship troubles, illness, etc?

Well, again a daily commitment...a routine.

I didn't go to the gym to show off my new running shoes. No, I went because I need to make this an integral part of my life...to firm up my muscles, tone up and trim down, get this heart muscle going so I can enjoy this life and not sit on the sidelines.

So, along with this new physical workout I recommit to being more aware of the blessings in my life. Making it a daily practice.

And the 1000 gifts list continues....

612. clear sky

613. warm, blazing fire

614. warm, worn bedroom shoes

615. socks

616. broccoli sprouting

617. sweat

618. heart pumping

619. crushed ice

620. food to cook for family

621. smile from a stranger

622. unharvested cotton field

623. phone call from oldest son

624. love ~~note~~ text from husband

625. a dust ruffle for daughter's bed found on sale

Two for One

2010-01-03T18:59:00.000-08:00

I made some oatmeal raisin cookies. I just had to answer the call to make one more naughty thing before "D" (diet) day...which starts at, well, tomorrow!

I had oatmeal cookies on the brain all day, well, really since last night. See, I was in Publix...the only supermarket worthy of being called super in my book, when I happened upon their wonderful buy Two for One display. Each week they offer name brand products...things you really, actually will use and want at two for the price of one. Love it. One of the many items in this weeks' offer was Quaker Oatmeal in the round cardboard box...really, is there any other? I tossed two of these beauties in the buggy. And later, tossing in my dreams were delicious homemade oatmeal cookies.

This afternoon, husband drove out deep in the forest, well it is way out ... even more isolated that we are ... to get some firewood. He didn't have to actually chop any because my sweet parents gave us some from their stash. Ahhh....the first noted blessings of the New Year....my generous parents and free firewood. But, wait I can't stop there. My mother sent home some freshly-baked oatmeal cookies ... only two, strangely.

I got to thinking... how funny that she made oatmeal cookies today and I have been wanting some all day. Hmmm...great minds think alike, I guess. Well, since two measley oatmeal cookies were not enough to satisfy this one and I really wanted to offer some to my husband and lone child left at home I proceeded to get out the two for one oatmeal, mixing bowls, hand-held beater and whip up some of my own.

They turned out pretty good and I must say they are even more delicious with a glass of organic milk by the fire. Two for one. One for two. Whatever. Eat to your heart's delight.

Mmmm...this makes winter almost tolerable. Almost.

Here's the recipe ...

Oatmeal Cookies

1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 stick butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 egg
2 Tbsp milk
2 Tbsp vanilla
1 cup Quaker Oats
1/4 cup chopped pecan
1/4 cup raisins

Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In mixer bowl beat butter for 30 seconds; add sugars and beat til fluffy. Add egg, milk, and vanilla. Beat well. Add dry ingredients to beaten mixture, beating til well combined. Stir in oats, pecans and raisins. Drop by spoonfuls on greased baking sheet. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes.

City Life

2010-01-03T15:59:00.000-08:00

Just in an attempt to even things out, to redeem the whole restaurant experience, we went out to eat last night. And afterwards, we went to the grocery store. Both experiences were moderately pleasant, although I still can not figure out why someone sitting next to me must gag or throw up while I am attempting to enjoy my meal. Yep...it happened again. Fortunately though, no one pushed their buggy into my heels or shared personal tidbits of information while I shopped. So overall, it was an enjoyable evening...even if we did have to drive 120 miles to get it.

Dear, sweet husband of twenty-four years has it figured out. He knows his girl has to have a little bit of city infusion once in a blue moon, and well, it really was a blue moon this past week. So, I got lucky!
We high-tailed it out of here and drove 60 miles to the nearest town with more than five restaurants and even a Publix Grocery Store. Hey, this man knows how to please his woman. After a lovely Mexican meal, (if you can call it lovely with the child choking on her burrito tossed in there), and a stroll through Publix...my personal favorite shopping experience, we put the groceries in the back of the Equinox and threw caution to the wind. (the temperatures were in the low 30s so there was no chance of the organic milk going all organic on us)
Next, we bought tickets to see the 9:00 showing of AVATAR in 3-D (oldest son's suggestion)
Because we had a good forty-five minutes before showtime, we even got to walk through Target...another fun adventure for this retail-deprived gal.
After the movie, (which was better that I thought it would be although it gave me a weird headache) we drove 60 miles home, unpacked the groceries, and called it a night. City life is exhausting.

You can't always get what you want!

2009-12-31T21:22:00.000-08:00

Well, it's the last day of 2009.

I could tell you that it has been a great year for me, that I have prospered financially, that all is well, but I refuse to lie.

That's right.

See, I am thrilled this year is over. Good bye 2009! It has been a real effort to see the silver lining in a lot of trials crap that has been tossed my way.

But let's not go there. Instead let's just recap the last day of 2009.

Dawn breaks. Head aches.

8:00 am Daughter and her boyfriend luckily get the opportunity to drive out of town and go to a real mall. Fun for them. And I am genuinely happy. For them.

10:00 am Oldest son packed and ready to go to Atlanta for a long weekend with friends. Fun for him. And again I am genuinely happy. For him.

11:00 am Perhaps noticing my lack of desire to get dressed and go to our lovely (yes, I am being sarcastic) supermarket, my husband attempts to cheer me up by asking me to go to one of the few eating establishments we are priveledged to have for dinner tonight. I perk up. A little.

11:30 am Laundry to fold. Head ache worsens.

11:35 am BC powder consumed.

1:30 pm I decide to resurrect my mood and my body and go to the supermarket, which is not really that super. Honest.

2:00 pm Dressed for success I head to Harvey's. (Harvey would roll over in his grave if he saw this store)

2:15 pm While cruising through the produce department I am appalled, as always. The choice. The quality. The lack of it, that is. I decide to maneuver around the wilted cabbage and bypass the browning broccoli and grab a few brown bananas, surrendering my health, risking the onset of scurvy, all the time wondering why fresh fruits and vegetables can't make it to this town.

2:30 pm Daughter interrupts my shopping adventure with a text message.

Daughter: R u cooking tonight?

Me: Dad and I are going to eat out.

Daughter: mind if we join you? we will pay for ours.

Me: That's fine. (shocked)

Daughter: OK...we are leaving the mall now. We will be home in 2 hours.

Me: Great!

3:00 pm Wondering what happened to bag boys? The poor cashier had to check and pack my groceries. And I had to restrain myself from popping the rude customer behind me while she openly discussed her sex life on her cell phone in line and proceeded to run into my heels twice with her Harvey's (less than) Super rmarket buggy!

3:45 pm Headaches worsens. Determining a stomach ulcer would be a relief compared to this migraine, I decide to consume my second BC powder in less than four hours.

3:50 pm Unloading the groceries, I drop an entire container of half-and-half that I am planning to use to make for our traditional Banana Pudding for New Year's Day dessert. Yes, I said a bad word. But the dog is happy. I also drop a bag of M&Ms leftover from 2004 while cleaning out pantry as I put the groceries up. Not a good day for mulit-tasking. Dog is happy again. He loves chocolate.

4:00 pm Hot bath.

7:00 pm  Middle son, wife and baby come over. I play with baby. Headache lessens.

8:00 pm Obviously oblivious of the time, daughter and boyfriend finally roll in. She has to show me what she bought and she has to change into one of the new outfits. He decides to change into something he bought. They are adorable.

8:30 pm We invite middle son and family to go with us to eat.

8 :35 pm Baby needs to be bathed and changed. Tick Tock.

8:45 pm Husband says he will pass out if we don't leave soon. But first, he has to check the score of the game. It's the last quarter. Middle son, husband and daughter's boyfriend watch the last quarter of the game.
Headache returns.

9:00 pm Arrive at restaurant. We scan the restaurant and prematurely count ourselves lucky that the crowd has already ate and left.

9:05 pm Hostess missing. Standing in line behind eight unhappy people.

9:15 pm Hostess returns, seats two and disappears.

9:30 pm Hostess returns, seats four and disappears again.

9:45 pm Hungry husband politley asks magical hostess why is there such a wait when ther are so many tables empty.

9:45 pm Magical hostess gets snappy.

9:46 pm Husband decides we will eat elsewhere.

10:00 pm We arrive at 2nd choice restaurant.

10:01 pm Happy Hostess says we are closed.

10:00 pm I scream in parking lot. It doesn't help my headache.

10:15 pm Arrive at 3rd choice restaurant and discover, yes, it is closing, too. Use better judgement and decide to refrain from screaming.

10:30 pm Decide to get a burger at Wendy's.

10:35 pm  Standing in line overhear unhappy cook say, I'm outta here. I ain't cooking no more damn burgers.

10:40 pm Manager appears and states burgers will be cooked. Notice unhappy cook leaves.

10:45 pm Woman in restaurant chokes. Her attentive husband comes to her aid.

10:46 pm I see food and it's not mine.

10:50 pm French fries arrive but no burgers yet.

11:00 pm Mmmm...more french fries and finally....yes, burgers. And free nuggets.

11:30 pm Back at home. Wondering. Hoping. Begging. 2010 will have to be better than this.

11:40 pm Turn on the radio. The Stones are singing You can't always get what you want....

11:45 pm Hot bath.

12:00 midnight I scream...Happy New Year.

12:35 am  Realize....I got what I needed. Another year. Another chance. Another breath. And some nice brown bananas for the banana pudding.

Gifts from the Giver

2009-12-28T22:41:00.000-08:00

600. my wonderful, beautiful, wise parents

601. cold weather that makes me long for spring

602. smell of freshly brewed coffee

603. a warm, toasty fire

604. parents telling stories of their child hood

605. brilliant, handsome sons

606. graceful, beautiful daughter

607. hardworking, loving husband

608. looking at recipes with daughter

609. hearing the dreams and goals of my children

610. encouraging words from distant friends

611. fresh, buttered bread

A fragrant aroma

2009-12-28T11:08:00.000-08:00

In one home a cake bakes in the oven. Aroma fills the air. Food to comfort. Share.

In another home, not too far away a friend sits. Hands folded. Task almost complete.
Checklist studied once more. Words are few. Strength decreases and pain increases.

They sat together, those men of mine offering freshly baked cake. A meager attempt. To offer kindness. Cheer. Words exchanged. Promises to help his wife care for the farm.

Handshakes. Then hugs. And prayer. Hands laid on friend. Words of praise to Father for a life full. Cries for mercy in this hour. The last pages of this life.

An aroma fills the air. Sweet aroma.

....and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. Ephesians 5:2

No gift to bring

2009-12-25T16:15:00.000-08:00

Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store.

Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more."

Dr. Seuss

She remembered the story of the Drummer Boy. She had read it to her children many times. Now played out. No gift to bring.

Twenty-two years as a parent at Christmas time, this was a first. The first time she didn't overspend, stress out, and wrap gifts for her children. Strange. Odd.

Now, before you classify her as The Grinch, let me attempt to explain.

Money was tight. There was no extra. At all. Money to buy food and pay bills was about it.

Living on one income...within their means.

At first, she fretted. Even cried, (yes, she did) that there wasn't money to spend on Christmas for her kids. Embarassed. Depressed. Yes.

She got up the courage to sit down with the children and told them how things are. Difficult. Heart wrenching.

Tough times.

They were amazing. Understanding. Accepting. Encouraging.

Eva Marie Everson writes , "Most of us have been in this place at one time or another. Sometimes its when we are young and in college or just beginning our adult lives on our own. Other times we’re older and have had a stroke of bad luck. Either way, the season comes upon us and we have “no gift to bring.” The skirt under our Charlie Brown Christmas tree is exposed without a single gift resting upon it. It is at this time that we may be reminded of the poor child in the beloved Christmas tune, 'Little Drummer Boy.' Like him — like the baby Jesus and like his parents, Mary and Joseph — we are flat broke....Our tradition of gift exchange began with the gifts the Magi brought to Jesus after His birth. Because of the monetary value, we’ve somehow transferred this sacrifice on their part and have created a new kind of sacrifice. We stress ourselves out by trying to out-give and, in the process, we over-charge and over-spend. In the end, most of our gifts end up looking more like “any other dove” in the temple.But what if we were to give ourselves? Our time. Our talents. What if we were to give them to each other?What if we were to give them to God?"

What if?