My kids being the youngest on the Rath side and quite a few years off from Cullen, the last one born prior to them, are a bit "younger" in the mix of grandchildren, spanning from nearly 20 to 9. On my side, we have Caroline at 7 and then 4 boys 5 and under in the span of 14 months (mine being the bookends) and our (maybe) last little one of Alicia's is Jonah at 18months. We are just getting reved up there...
So it was a special treat for my two to spend four days at Grandma's house without Mom and Dad (we jetted off for a quick business trip to Vegas and flew out of Nashville to take the opportunity presented). We traveled down over the weekend and spent a few days all together, then flew out and left Grandma to fend for herself for four days. And other than a slight hiccup for her on the night we were to return just before bedtime when Jack thought I was calling and it wasn't me and he decided he had to talk to Mommy...which Mommy could not be reached being in the air on our way back and not to land until 11:30pm that night with an hour and a half drive back, imagine that juggling show for Grandma, phew!...they had an awesome time and are still talking about all they got to do. There was caramel corn, Reds baseball, swimming, kayaking, the library, soda fountain for milkshakes and even VBS to boot. I didn't get many pictures, but I did manage to record this video after we returned of the Memory Verse that they learned at VBS.
Grandma - this one is for you! Thank you for giving Cory and I that bit of time (even if it was for work) but mostly for spending time with Jack and Duke! We've been playing the Ten Commandments CD in the car every morning, Jack's favorite seems to be "Don't Bow Down to Idols". I asked today if they knew what the "Honor Your Mom and Dad" commandment meant. The response from Duke, "I don't know"...I have my work cut out for me but this tidbit makes me believe I'm headed in the right direction.
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Highlands Kids Here We Come!
Saturday while Cory was spending the late afternoon in one of the deer blinds waiting to see what might visit his newly planted apple orchard and I was cooking up one of our last family meals before the holidays ended and our daily work/daycare schedule started up again, the boys were getting their "sillies" out. We managed nearly an entire day home without turning the TV on so far and I was stretching it out to see how long they'd go before I needed the break of 30 minutes of Curious George or The Gruffalo.
What happened next was something that made my heart leap for joy. At least leap for hope of joy.
As a family we've been members at Church of the Highlands for going on 9 or 10 years now I think. Those of you close to us know it was the vehicle that probably the biggest influence in changing our lives. (And that's BIG). From Dinks to 40 with preschoolers faster than Earnhart and Gordon race around the oval at Talladega. And although I grew up Catholic, for me it was this place and the people we have connected through it that brought me to a relationship with God. It's not just the awesome messages given by Pastor Chris, but the place it has taken in our everyday lives. (Of course any of my co-workers will tell you I still have a ways to go, but improvement is better than nothing!)
While we attend Sunday services, the kids get to participate in their own activities in the Nursery-Duke's in The Fire Station and it's the PreSchool "Clubhouse" for Jack. I used to be on the Dream Team and work video back in the early days of the church but since the move to the Grants Mill campus and having the kids, it's not been feasible for me to get back yet to helping on Sundays. I've often wondered what really goes on for the kids, other than just playing and puzzles and the L'il K and Veggie Tales videos.
Well, apparently they sing too - at least in the Clubhouse, where there is a stage and chalkboard, and the kids sit in the "audience". I should have picked up on it, but it took some music to make it click for me.
As I'm cooking away in the kitchen, suddenly I hear Jack telling Duke to "get in the audience" as he climbs up on the fireplace his "stage". Then out of the mouths of babes I hear, well, you can hear it yourself...
For those of you that are wondering, it's Hillsong Kid's "One Way (Jesus)" and I knew I recognized it when Jack first started singing it but as soon as I figured it out, I was grabbing for my iTouch and iTunes and downloading it for the car.
And the feeling I had as I listened to them ask me to play it for the 10th time was...finally, I'm doing something RIGHT! They are ready for Worship time at Highlands!
note to viewers: The "dots" in Duke's pants are two flashlights they got for Christmas. I apologize for the graininess from the poor lighting. But Duke's moves near the middle are entirely worth watching the full 1:36, that kid has some flexible joints!!
What happened next was something that made my heart leap for joy. At least leap for hope of joy.
As a family we've been members at Church of the Highlands for going on 9 or 10 years now I think. Those of you close to us know it was the vehicle that probably the biggest influence in changing our lives. (And that's BIG). From Dinks to 40 with preschoolers faster than Earnhart and Gordon race around the oval at Talladega. And although I grew up Catholic, for me it was this place and the people we have connected through it that brought me to a relationship with God. It's not just the awesome messages given by Pastor Chris, but the place it has taken in our everyday lives. (Of course any of my co-workers will tell you I still have a ways to go, but improvement is better than nothing!)
While we attend Sunday services, the kids get to participate in their own activities in the Nursery-Duke's in The Fire Station and it's the PreSchool "Clubhouse" for Jack. I used to be on the Dream Team and work video back in the early days of the church but since the move to the Grants Mill campus and having the kids, it's not been feasible for me to get back yet to helping on Sundays. I've often wondered what really goes on for the kids, other than just playing and puzzles and the L'il K and Veggie Tales videos.
Well, apparently they sing too - at least in the Clubhouse, where there is a stage and chalkboard, and the kids sit in the "audience". I should have picked up on it, but it took some music to make it click for me.
As I'm cooking away in the kitchen, suddenly I hear Jack telling Duke to "get in the audience" as he climbs up on the fireplace his "stage". Then out of the mouths of babes I hear, well, you can hear it yourself...
For those of you that are wondering, it's Hillsong Kid's "One Way (Jesus)" and I knew I recognized it when Jack first started singing it but as soon as I figured it out, I was grabbing for my iTouch and iTunes and downloading it for the car.
And the feeling I had as I listened to them ask me to play it for the 10th time was...finally, I'm doing something RIGHT! They are ready for Worship time at Highlands!
note to viewers: The "dots" in Duke's pants are two flashlights they got for Christmas. I apologize for the graininess from the poor lighting. But Duke's moves near the middle are entirely worth watching the full 1:36, that kid has some flexible joints!!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
One of Two Accomplished, but Sort of Wish It Had Been the Other
Resolutions, what are they really other than goals we set for ourselves that we have about a 50% chance to succeed at, if that, because once February hits we usually are on to some other distraction.
Last year I set two for myself, and accomplished one of them, although I dearly wish I had been as diligent about the other since I am on the upper end of the place I started at last year! Needless to say, that goal is still on the list for 2010. One big step toward it for me is I did actually join a fitness club again in December and logged 17 miles for the last three weeks in December and a couple already for January, so perhaps my shot at hitting the target is a step ahead of where I was last year.
I've been struggling with what other personal goals (resolution is such a self defeating word in my opinion), to set for 2010. There are several areas of my life I'd like to improve upon, NEED to be improved upon.
I've blogged on it before, we are blessed with an amazing church and pastor, and once again he blasted the start of 2010 with exactly the message I needed to hear. You can download the podcast, video or audio, or watch on the website.
It's all about The Rule of Five, 5 activities I will do every day that will improve my life. They don't have to take up all of my day, just something I do every day to raise my level of personal discipline. (God knows I'm handing the discipline right and left out of this house these days, but very little of it am I forcing upon myself!) It's about the process, not the result, get the process in my life every day and the results will naturally follow - and I agree on that point whole heartedly.
So, I have 3 of my 5 determined so far and am still searching deep for the other 2. Feel free to share what you would have for your five, maybe it will inspire me to find my other 2!
Last year I set two for myself, and accomplished one of them, although I dearly wish I had been as diligent about the other since I am on the upper end of the place I started at last year! Needless to say, that goal is still on the list for 2010. One big step toward it for me is I did actually join a fitness club again in December and logged 17 miles for the last three weeks in December and a couple already for January, so perhaps my shot at hitting the target is a step ahead of where I was last year.
I've been struggling with what other personal goals (resolution is such a self defeating word in my opinion), to set for 2010. There are several areas of my life I'd like to improve upon, NEED to be improved upon.
I've blogged on it before, we are blessed with an amazing church and pastor, and once again he blasted the start of 2010 with exactly the message I needed to hear. You can download the podcast, video or audio, or watch on the website.
It's all about The Rule of Five, 5 activities I will do every day that will improve my life. They don't have to take up all of my day, just something I do every day to raise my level of personal discipline. (God knows I'm handing the discipline right and left out of this house these days, but very little of it am I forcing upon myself!) It's about the process, not the result, get the process in my life every day and the results will naturally follow - and I agree on that point whole heartedly.
So, I have 3 of my 5 determined so far and am still searching deep for the other 2. Feel free to share what you would have for your five, maybe it will inspire me to find my other 2!
Monday, February 2, 2009
From Here to There
I know I've mentioned to several of you about the message series we are in the midst of at Church of the Highlands, "From Here to There". I think just about every church starts of the begining of the year with a theme centered around change - changing habits, changing perspective, making changes, etc. What better time of year other than January can you reach out to people when they are bound to be making resolutions for the rest of the year.
What I find intriguing about this series is that rather than focusing on resolutions (which for me are exactly the same as the previous year because I never actually get them accomplished), Pastor Chris is focusing on the journey. I know where I want to go, but I never seem able to focus on how exactly to get there.
Apparently I am not the only one that finds this series inspiring, because we are now maxed out in two of the three Sunday a.m. services, including the overflow auditorium upstairs and therefore are adding a fourth, at 1pm in addition to the Sunday 6pm service. And that's just our main campus! It's so wonderful to see each Sunday the lives that are changed through these messages and it makes me want to reach out and share with others what we are experiencing. Of course, for those of you that are local and are reading this, PLEASE, by all means, come to one of our services! This experience at Church of the Highlands began for Cory and I seven years ago - just a year after the church opened with just 300 members, and now we are 11,000+ strong, with 4 (I think: Grants Mill, Riverchase, Tuscaloosa and Auburn) campuses and I can't count how many services. Plus there are over 700 weekly small groups - lunch groups, moms groups, mens groups, sports groups, work groups, outreach, etc. that you can join at any time to get connected. It's nothing short of God's miracle on earth that so many have found a relationship with Him through this amazing church and the people that have made it there home.
Back to the message series...each of them have spoken to me in one way or another, but today's really hit at a time I needed to hear it. (For some reason, this happens quite often, hmmmm....)
The theme verse to this series is Proverbs 29: 18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish..." and with it is this thought:
Everyone ends up somewhere.
Few people end up somewhere on purpose.
What I find intriguing about this series is that rather than focusing on resolutions (which for me are exactly the same as the previous year because I never actually get them accomplished), Pastor Chris is focusing on the journey. I know where I want to go, but I never seem able to focus on how exactly to get there.
Apparently I am not the only one that finds this series inspiring, because we are now maxed out in two of the three Sunday a.m. services, including the overflow auditorium upstairs and therefore are adding a fourth, at 1pm in addition to the Sunday 6pm service. And that's just our main campus! It's so wonderful to see each Sunday the lives that are changed through these messages and it makes me want to reach out and share with others what we are experiencing. Of course, for those of you that are local and are reading this, PLEASE, by all means, come to one of our services! This experience at Church of the Highlands began for Cory and I seven years ago - just a year after the church opened with just 300 members, and now we are 11,000+ strong, with 4 (I think: Grants Mill, Riverchase, Tuscaloosa and Auburn) campuses and I can't count how many services. Plus there are over 700 weekly small groups - lunch groups, moms groups, mens groups, sports groups, work groups, outreach, etc. that you can join at any time to get connected. It's nothing short of God's miracle on earth that so many have found a relationship with Him through this amazing church and the people that have made it there home.
Back to the message series...each of them have spoken to me in one way or another, but today's really hit at a time I needed to hear it. (For some reason, this happens quite often, hmmmm....)
The theme verse to this series is Proverbs 29: 18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish..." and with it is this thought:
Everyone ends up somewhere.
Few people end up somewhere on purpose.
Week 1 focused on this thought, and a visiting pastor, Craig Groeschel, from Oklahoma City, challenged everyone to uncover our core values.
Week 2 moved to spiritual goals and understanding how to improve our relationship with God. Pointing out everyone is at some stage of hot, cold or lukewarm and the danger of these is the lukewarm - those that know God, but are drifting from that focus and rather than having a consistent relationship with Him; my friend, my father, my everyday buddy. And this is one area I have found I firmly agree with and for me I pray regularly that anyone in my life that finds themself in this place be moved by my example to go the next step. Many believe in God, but have no actual tangible relationship with Him - without the relationship, I'm sorry to put it bluntly, you do not know God. There is no deadline you have to meet to change that, but I encourage anyone that is in this place, please, make it a priority to make God an everyday part of your life, talk to Him, ask Him for help, thank Him for what he means to you and does for you, make Him a part of your everyday!
Week 3 I missed due to a sick child, BUT, there's always the internet video to watch - which I plan to do this week now that things are considerably less hectic. The theme - Work Life! I can't wait to see it as this is an area that creates constant stress not just for me, but others I work with that I feel close to and want to help them grow in. And, of course, muddy waters run deep, with Cory and I both working for the same company, work life is very intermingled in our home life.
Week 4 Financial Life was the focus last week, and all I will say on this was Cory and I spent the better part of this week revisiting our budgets and accounts and he has already met with the accountant on our 2008 taxes and I met with our financial advisor on moving some of our funds around and adding to our retirement and college savings plans. So, enough said, we were moved by it!
Today's message wasn't available to link to this blog at the time I posted it, but I encourage everyone that reads this blog entry to listen this week. The message was on Relationships and defining goals in this area.
You can listen and watch as soon as it's posted, sometime surely by tomorrow, and I hope you do, and although for Cory and I, it's the marriage relationship that we constantly need freshening and a reminder to focus on, really all relationships need to nurtured in some way. Here are four preconditions we discussed that you need to do before you can even consider getting to where you want to be in your relationships:
Am I willing to change?
Am I willing to put others first?
Am I willling to let go of the past?
Am I willing to lvoe as Jesus did?
I hope that if you are struggling with a relationship in your life, that you will give this message a listen and see if it moves you to conversation with the person you want to improve your relationship with. Cory and I talked more productively on the way home from church today than we have in a month and it was much needed. We are looking forward to continuing this work in the week ahead!
Week 2 moved to spiritual goals and understanding how to improve our relationship with God. Pointing out everyone is at some stage of hot, cold or lukewarm and the danger of these is the lukewarm - those that know God, but are drifting from that focus and rather than having a consistent relationship with Him; my friend, my father, my everyday buddy. And this is one area I have found I firmly agree with and for me I pray regularly that anyone in my life that finds themself in this place be moved by my example to go the next step. Many believe in God, but have no actual tangible relationship with Him - without the relationship, I'm sorry to put it bluntly, you do not know God. There is no deadline you have to meet to change that, but I encourage anyone that is in this place, please, make it a priority to make God an everyday part of your life, talk to Him, ask Him for help, thank Him for what he means to you and does for you, make Him a part of your everyday!
Week 3 I missed due to a sick child, BUT, there's always the internet video to watch - which I plan to do this week now that things are considerably less hectic. The theme - Work Life! I can't wait to see it as this is an area that creates constant stress not just for me, but others I work with that I feel close to and want to help them grow in. And, of course, muddy waters run deep, with Cory and I both working for the same company, work life is very intermingled in our home life.
Week 4 Financial Life was the focus last week, and all I will say on this was Cory and I spent the better part of this week revisiting our budgets and accounts and he has already met with the accountant on our 2008 taxes and I met with our financial advisor on moving some of our funds around and adding to our retirement and college savings plans. So, enough said, we were moved by it!
Today's message wasn't available to link to this blog at the time I posted it, but I encourage everyone that reads this blog entry to listen this week. The message was on Relationships and defining goals in this area.
You can listen and watch as soon as it's posted, sometime surely by tomorrow, and I hope you do, and although for Cory and I, it's the marriage relationship that we constantly need freshening and a reminder to focus on, really all relationships need to nurtured in some way. Here are four preconditions we discussed that you need to do before you can even consider getting to where you want to be in your relationships:
Am I willing to change?
Am I willing to put others first?
Am I willling to let go of the past?
Am I willing to lvoe as Jesus did?
I hope that if you are struggling with a relationship in your life, that you will give this message a listen and see if it moves you to conversation with the person you want to improve your relationship with. Cory and I talked more productively on the way home from church today than we have in a month and it was much needed. We are looking forward to continuing this work in the week ahead!
God Bless!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Yes, We are Alive!
I know, I took far too long of a break from this blog, but even us Type A personalities need to decompress once in a while. I had no intention of it lasting nearly a month, I promise. And I have many a picture to upload and post, but with the up and down internet around this place lately I must save that for later.
Simply put, we are really just getting back into the swing after the holidays. We had a wonderful extended break, having left for Wisconsin to visit my family on the 19th and not returning to work until today - yep, that's 3 weeks of time away from work and the usual pace of life. And we all needed it. Even a special last week for me - the kid's daycare was open on short hours last week on Mon-Wed as well as Friday, so I took advantage of the freedom and was able to run errands I've been holding off on without having to haul kids in and out of the car, finish up some home projects (or really start some that have been put off for too long!) and Cory and I were able to spend some time around the house during the day ALONE!
There is plenty to report on, which I will shortly, including
So, now that I have you on the edge of your seat...stayed tuned for more, coming soon!
Simply put, we are really just getting back into the swing after the holidays. We had a wonderful extended break, having left for Wisconsin to visit my family on the 19th and not returning to work until today - yep, that's 3 weeks of time away from work and the usual pace of life. And we all needed it. Even a special last week for me - the kid's daycare was open on short hours last week on Mon-Wed as well as Friday, so I took advantage of the freedom and was able to run errands I've been holding off on without having to haul kids in and out of the car, finish up some home projects (or really start some that have been put off for too long!) and Cory and I were able to spend some time around the house during the day ALONE!
There is plenty to report on, which I will shortly, including
- The new deco in the bedroom
- Rearrangement of the living room furniture (not like there's a lot that can be done, but...)
- Pic's from the Christmas holiday
- Sterling Creek Lake - it's full and beautiful (though a bit muddy yet, will take a few months to settle)
- Jack's latest terrible two's antics, including but not limited to flinging his placemat (with full plate of food and cup of milk included) onto the floor TWICE! and my ingenious reaction to make him clean it up himself (no major tantrums since, could I have succeeded in this discipline tool?????)
- Duke's language explosion, not verbal yet but he's picking up on lots of sign language and making some verbal attempts
- My personal goals including my latest attempt at the One Year Bible, losing 20lbs (my new goal weight ends in a 3 and the numbers that precede it are lower digits - and I will NOT weigh 213lbs EVER!)
- The new message series at Church of the Highlands - EXCELLENT kick off to the new year - "From Here to There"
So, now that I have you on the edge of your seat...stayed tuned for more, coming soon!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Real Life
Now that I have some "me" time each day since the kids are now basically on the same schedule, I've begun to regroup and reorganize. Since we moved into this house when Jack was only 3 months old, I really haven't had much of a chance in these past two years to have time to breathe much less get things around here organized. So for the past few weekends, bit by bit, I've tackled a few tasks.
In doing so, today I found message notes from a message series back in October that Pastor Chris did called "Real Life". I remember enjoying it (obviously since, I kept a few of the note handouts) but after reading them again I realize there are probably many others out there that might also benefit from my sharing them. It seems for Cory and I each year around this time we get into a little "funk" in our marriage. Nothing major, but as summer and the freedom it brings ends, and work gets into crunch time gearing toward putting up good numbers come year-end and all the craziness the last few months before the holidays (and nearly every birthday for our families!) bring, I find us both needing sometime to refocus on our relationship - not just as husband and wife, but as Mommy and Daddy, best friends and even our own identities as Cory and Sarah.
So, with that in mind, here's just an outline of the message notes I took, I hope they give someone I love a lesson for constructive study and help to heal and strengthen some relationships. I've also included some scripture references for those I particularly liked, if you are so inclined to look them up and see exactly what the bible reads on each. The theme that Chris used for the whole series was the Song of Soloman. Of course, you can also listen to the actual messages online at the church website, the link is on the right of this page.
Til Death Do Us Part
The Power of Commitment - (Proverbs 20:25) "It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows."
In doing so, today I found message notes from a message series back in October that Pastor Chris did called "Real Life". I remember enjoying it (obviously since, I kept a few of the note handouts) but after reading them again I realize there are probably many others out there that might also benefit from my sharing them. It seems for Cory and I each year around this time we get into a little "funk" in our marriage. Nothing major, but as summer and the freedom it brings ends, and work gets into crunch time gearing toward putting up good numbers come year-end and all the craziness the last few months before the holidays (and nearly every birthday for our families!) bring, I find us both needing sometime to refocus on our relationship - not just as husband and wife, but as Mommy and Daddy, best friends and even our own identities as Cory and Sarah.
So, with that in mind, here's just an outline of the message notes I took, I hope they give someone I love a lesson for constructive study and help to heal and strengthen some relationships. I've also included some scripture references for those I particularly liked, if you are so inclined to look them up and see exactly what the bible reads on each. The theme that Chris used for the whole series was the Song of Soloman. Of course, you can also listen to the actual messages online at the church website, the link is on the right of this page.
Til Death Do Us Part
The Power of Commitment - (Proverbs 20:25) "It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows."
- My commitments show my values.
- My commitments shape my life.
- My commitments determine my destiny.
Anything worth having costs - EXPECT IT TO BE HARD!
- Pay the price. Decide to pay for it up front.
- Give your best. Think about what you can do today to add value to your relationships!
- Live by principle, not by pressure.
- Guard your eyes.
- Keep Christ first - it all begins with God.
Commitment matters when things are tough not when all is well and good.
Trouble in Paradise - When trouble does hit!
Work it Out
- Resolve it as soon as possible. (Ephesians 4:26)
- Seek first to understand. Force yourself to state the other person's issue. It forces you to understand what's upsetting to them. (Proverbs 18:13, this is one I have to work on!)
- Guard your tongue.
- Fight the real enemy.
There are four things that infect a relationship: Withdrawl, Escalation, Belittling, False Beliefs.
The following is the best and most simple process I have ever come across to heal a realtionship - but it is easier said than done unless both parties will believe and put it in their heart to follow it.
First, Forgive. (Ephesians 4:31-32)
Second, Accept - unconditionally, reach out and bring the other in. (Romans 15:5-7)
Third, Serve - do small things for the other that does nothing for yourself (Philippians 2:3-5)
Fourth, Encourage - intentionally look for something to build someone else up (and make it genuine!) (Ephesians 4:29)
Finally, Submit - to one another. (Ephesians 5:21)
If I have learned anything in the past 5 years it's that I do not need to have control. If I trust and believe in God and what he wants for me, I will be rewarded in everything I do. I am on his timeline, not my own and the more I try and control whatever I am facing on my own, the longer he will wait to step in and resolve my struggle. I know, I'm not the same old Sarah and we are all happier for it!
Love you all!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
thoughts of mine...
I know pictures are the best, but I'm worn out on editing lately (and I know I need to get some sent to some of you afar via Walgreen's) and so I thought I'd blog tonite on a few things these past couple of weeks that have been on my mind. I'd also share some of Cory's thoughts, but right now I think the majority of them surround the continued digging of a ginormous hole and piles of dirt on our property (time for completion and costs are already somewhat past the estimates, though we do have hopes to finish this week), so I'll just leave it up to him to ask me for the password to blog himself here sometime.
A few weeks ago as I was fumbling through my Favorites I have saved from the web, I came across the website of a company I had bought a few framed "quips"from at the Starving Artists Fair in Racine when we lived there. I have three pieces in very cute frames, first, Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much", "Living without Laughing isn't Living", and my favorite and one I try to keep in mind a lot these days, "Simplify". I love these little sayings, but I also remembered that at the time, the booth I bought them from offered the ability to buy other vellum inserts to change out the quips and thought I'd just check out if the company still existed, and to my suprise, they did - and boy have they grown!
Kindred Hearts, http://www.kindredhearts.com/, is a family company with a great story - they started from a hobby in their basement in Plainfield, IL, just outside of Chicago. Eventually they sold and turned to other interests, including I believe some missions work overseas. However, they missed their passion and returned to take things over again and have grown into quite an operation with two warehouses and products placed in Hallmark stores all over the country! On a whim, after a long day with Jack's broken leg episode, I just wrote a quick note to the company after reading their "About Us" statement and told them how much I enjoyed the three little frames I had bought at that fair so many years ago - and certainly based on their timeline, from the first beginnings of their company along with a couple of "prospects" for them in Birmingham that I thought might be interested in carrying their products. A day later I received a very sweet e-mail thanking me for my comments which was a nice personal touch. I guess working in the industry I do, with such customers such as Bass Pro, Cabela's and Dick's that seem to mystify so many people at our interations with companies on such a large scale, that I like to "connect" with some of the places I choose to buy products from.
Anyway, to my absolute suprise, later that week a package came to the office for me from them...and I was just shocked! It's a beautiful 14"x 28" framed print with a shadow script in the backround of the word kindness...with the following quote:
"People are often unreasonable and self-centered...Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives...Be kind anyway.
If you are honest people my cheat you...Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous...Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow...Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough...Give yor best anyway.
For in the end it is between you & God. It never was between you and them anyway.
- Mother Teresa
This wonderful and unexpected gift is proudly displayed in my bedroom above the dresser where I can see it each morning. Thanks to the Kindred Hearts family!
I admit it - I was OBSESSED with the swimming events this past week of the Olympics! I don't think I managed to get to bed a single night before 11pm (not the smartest move for a mom of 2 under 2). And although I do admit to be fascinated by Michael Phleps and his accomplishments, the real draw was that I have such fond memories of watching the Olympics over the years. I remember being glued to the TV during the Kerri Scruggs vault and Nancy Kerrigan's leg bashing and really, going all the way back to 1984, just before the start of 8th grade when my family took a well deserved and long time coming family vacation to Door County, Wisconsin.
One of my favorite memories of these summer games however will be the Opening Ceremonies. We were relaxing after dinner and before bathtime when they started. I didn't really hear any hype leading up to the event itself, but from the very start I was in awe - and so was JACK! He stopped playing and just sat quiet and open mouthed at the TV watching the amazing lights and drums, synchronized movements. We try not to do a lot of TV around here, especially before bedtime, but I could see he was completely focused at what he was seeing and soaking it all in. If you've seen any part of it, you'll know what I'm speaking to, it was probably the most amazing performance at an Olympic event I have ever witnessed. And although watching the spectacular show was awesome for me, but the most awesome part was seeing the amazement in his eyes! I can't barely wait for the closing ceremonies!
Finally, for those that have seen my previous posts on our church - Church of the Highlands - this week was another message in the Encounter series and it was POWERFUL! If you have a chance, please listen online to the message...my favorite point taken "Faith is your Attitude". Take a minute and listen to what it means to have an attitude of faith in whatever you do and how it can free you from whatever it is that is holding you back from giving your life amazing freedom from your burdens. I know so many of you would benefit from living this attitude (me included!)
http://www.churchofthehighlands.com/messages/2008/08-17-08
A few weeks ago as I was fumbling through my Favorites I have saved from the web, I came across the website of a company I had bought a few framed "quips"from at the Starving Artists Fair in Racine when we lived there. I have three pieces in very cute frames, first, Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much", "Living without Laughing isn't Living", and my favorite and one I try to keep in mind a lot these days, "Simplify". I love these little sayings, but I also remembered that at the time, the booth I bought them from offered the ability to buy other vellum inserts to change out the quips and thought I'd just check out if the company still existed, and to my suprise, they did - and boy have they grown!
Kindred Hearts, http://www.kindredhearts.com/, is a family company with a great story - they started from a hobby in their basement in Plainfield, IL, just outside of Chicago. Eventually they sold and turned to other interests, including I believe some missions work overseas. However, they missed their passion and returned to take things over again and have grown into quite an operation with two warehouses and products placed in Hallmark stores all over the country! On a whim, after a long day with Jack's broken leg episode, I just wrote a quick note to the company after reading their "About Us" statement and told them how much I enjoyed the three little frames I had bought at that fair so many years ago - and certainly based on their timeline, from the first beginnings of their company along with a couple of "prospects" for them in Birmingham that I thought might be interested in carrying their products. A day later I received a very sweet e-mail thanking me for my comments which was a nice personal touch. I guess working in the industry I do, with such customers such as Bass Pro, Cabela's and Dick's that seem to mystify so many people at our interations with companies on such a large scale, that I like to "connect" with some of the places I choose to buy products from.
Anyway, to my absolute suprise, later that week a package came to the office for me from them...and I was just shocked! It's a beautiful 14"x 28" framed print with a shadow script in the backround of the word kindness...with the following quote:
"People are often unreasonable and self-centered...Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives...Be kind anyway.
If you are honest people my cheat you...Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous...Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow...Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough...Give yor best anyway.
For in the end it is between you & God. It never was between you and them anyway.
- Mother Teresa
This wonderful and unexpected gift is proudly displayed in my bedroom above the dresser where I can see it each morning. Thanks to the Kindred Hearts family!
I admit it - I was OBSESSED with the swimming events this past week of the Olympics! I don't think I managed to get to bed a single night before 11pm (not the smartest move for a mom of 2 under 2). And although I do admit to be fascinated by Michael Phleps and his accomplishments, the real draw was that I have such fond memories of watching the Olympics over the years. I remember being glued to the TV during the Kerri Scruggs vault and Nancy Kerrigan's leg bashing and really, going all the way back to 1984, just before the start of 8th grade when my family took a well deserved and long time coming family vacation to Door County, Wisconsin.
One of my favorite memories of these summer games however will be the Opening Ceremonies. We were relaxing after dinner and before bathtime when they started. I didn't really hear any hype leading up to the event itself, but from the very start I was in awe - and so was JACK! He stopped playing and just sat quiet and open mouthed at the TV watching the amazing lights and drums, synchronized movements. We try not to do a lot of TV around here, especially before bedtime, but I could see he was completely focused at what he was seeing and soaking it all in. If you've seen any part of it, you'll know what I'm speaking to, it was probably the most amazing performance at an Olympic event I have ever witnessed. And although watching the spectacular show was awesome for me, but the most awesome part was seeing the amazement in his eyes! I can't barely wait for the closing ceremonies!
Finally, for those that have seen my previous posts on our church - Church of the Highlands - this week was another message in the Encounter series and it was POWERFUL! If you have a chance, please listen online to the message...my favorite point taken "Faith is your Attitude". Take a minute and listen to what it means to have an attitude of faith in whatever you do and how it can free you from whatever it is that is holding you back from giving your life amazing freedom from your burdens. I know so many of you would benefit from living this attitude (me included!)
http://www.churchofthehighlands.com/messages/2008/08-17-08
Sunday, May 11, 2008
I'm BACK!
Sorry friends, no excuses but life has been in progress and so blogging got put on the side burner! And of course, tonight is a special night for so many - MOTHER'S DAY!
Happy Day to all the mom's out there... so many I know and you are all wonderful. I hope you know without a doubt that you are special just because you are a Mom!
Really what I have wanted to blog about this past week is the new message series at our church, it's one everyone I know can learn and grow from...The Pursuit of Joy! Who doesn't need a little joy in their life? I have so enJOYed the 2 messages so far - so please, please, check out this link and listen to a great, uplifting message from our pastor at Church of the Highlands.
Consider this...are you happy? I hope so! But no matter if you are or if you have troubles, the real question is "Do you have JOY?" Happiness comes from your "happenings" and when those happenings aren't so great, what becomes of you? Do you want to know what it means to have Joy in your life...regardless of your current circumstances? I promise you, anyone that listens to this series will learn and grow. Check it out! More on this later...
http://www.churchofthehighlands.com/messages/
Happy Day to all the mom's out there... so many I know and you are all wonderful. I hope you know without a doubt that you are special just because you are a Mom!
Really what I have wanted to blog about this past week is the new message series at our church, it's one everyone I know can learn and grow from...The Pursuit of Joy! Who doesn't need a little joy in their life? I have so enJOYed the 2 messages so far - so please, please, check out this link and listen to a great, uplifting message from our pastor at Church of the Highlands.
Consider this...are you happy? I hope so! But no matter if you are or if you have troubles, the real question is "Do you have JOY?" Happiness comes from your "happenings" and when those happenings aren't so great, what becomes of you? Do you want to know what it means to have Joy in your life...regardless of your current circumstances? I promise you, anyone that listens to this series will learn and grow. Check it out! More on this later...
http://www.churchofthehighlands.com/messages/
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Shout to American Idol!
I'm not a die hard American Idol fan. It's a rare thing for me to get both kids to bed and things organized for the next day before 8pm and so I usually miss most of the show, but I do catch it when I can. Last night I tuned in and caught the last hour of the Idol Gives Back show. It was pretty interesting, seeing all the places they plan to honor with gifts, all related to poverty stricken areas. But the last performance of the show gave me a whole new respect for AI and if I knew who made the call to have this season's contestants perform it, I would give him/her a medal. Imagine my shock and suprise as Ryan Seacrest announced they would be singing "Shout to the Lord"! I nearly fell out of my chair that on network television in a prime spot, on a prime show, that a praise & worship song would be featured! It was both amazing and wonderful and much, much overdue! Maybe there is hope for America yet!
On a side note, for those of you that find it in your heart to pray for others in need, I have two families I'd like you to put on your prayer lists for the weeks to come.
First, Penny Paracca, a fellow board member of mine from Birmingham's Children's Hospital Auxiliary has been fighting an unknown illness since October last year. She has been in and out of the hospital, has endured multiple surgeries, fought high blood pressure problems and is now on full dialysis. They aren't certain of the source of each problem or the diagnosis for her. Two weeks ago, she was rushed, unconcious to the emergency room and spent a week on life support before they could wean her off. Her husband, Bill, is the most faithful person I have ever encountered. Throughout this entire process he has continued to believe and profess that Penny will be cured and his positive demeanor and faith is an inspiration. This week however, even worse news. In what seems to be a tragic accident, Penny & Bill's daughter Brooke was found dead in her garage on Monday morning. At this time, they believe she may have slipped and hit her head, fatally. Brooke and her husband have two young boys, 10 & 3. So for this family that has endured so much in the last 6 months, and just had this laid upon them, please say a prayer for their continued faith and healing.
Second, my dear college friend Kerry Curtis wrote tonite to share that she is at her father's bedside in northern WI as he is undergoing chemotherapy for bone cancer. Kerry herself has been dealing with an auto immune problem for nearly a year which had them believing for some time that she was facing cancer. Thankfully that does not seem to be the case for her, although I am sure she is still dealing with other issues due to her diagnosis. Now she has to be strong at her father's side as he fights for his life. Please pray for her strength during this difficult time.
On a side note, for those of you that find it in your heart to pray for others in need, I have two families I'd like you to put on your prayer lists for the weeks to come.
First, Penny Paracca, a fellow board member of mine from Birmingham's Children's Hospital Auxiliary has been fighting an unknown illness since October last year. She has been in and out of the hospital, has endured multiple surgeries, fought high blood pressure problems and is now on full dialysis. They aren't certain of the source of each problem or the diagnosis for her. Two weeks ago, she was rushed, unconcious to the emergency room and spent a week on life support before they could wean her off. Her husband, Bill, is the most faithful person I have ever encountered. Throughout this entire process he has continued to believe and profess that Penny will be cured and his positive demeanor and faith is an inspiration. This week however, even worse news. In what seems to be a tragic accident, Penny & Bill's daughter Brooke was found dead in her garage on Monday morning. At this time, they believe she may have slipped and hit her head, fatally. Brooke and her husband have two young boys, 10 & 3. So for this family that has endured so much in the last 6 months, and just had this laid upon them, please say a prayer for their continued faith and healing.
Second, my dear college friend Kerry Curtis wrote tonite to share that she is at her father's bedside in northern WI as he is undergoing chemotherapy for bone cancer. Kerry herself has been dealing with an auto immune problem for nearly a year which had them believing for some time that she was facing cancer. Thankfully that does not seem to be the case for her, although I am sure she is still dealing with other issues due to her diagnosis. Now she has to be strong at her father's side as he fights for his life. Please pray for her strength during this difficult time.
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