Missin' Home
I remember the day we moved in. It seems like so long ago...as does the day I moved out.
The years in between hold more value now than I ever imagined.
The Christmases, the movie nights, the family time around the table....
The hugs, the fights, and the love behind them all.
Your walls embrace the memories that hold our family together.
Memories I never intend to forget.
No matter where I am or end up, you will always be Home to me.
Be Who You Are
I don't understand why people spend so much time and energy trying to be something they're not. It's disheartening, quite frankly. Isn't it tiresome being dishonest and deceitful all the time? It may last for a little while, but hear this: it will eventually haunt you, your relationships, and your attitude. It will rot you from the inside out. And believe it or not, people really would rather have the Truth. They want Honest. And they want Real. Even if it's ugly.
Be Who You Are. At least start with that.
Shhh....
I used to talk a lot more than I do now. As I've gotten older, I've come to realize how much more important Listening is.
Listening is much more than simply hearing the words that someone utters. It's getting a sense of who they are, how they view life, what makes them happy, what & who they love, what they're afraid of, and more. It is even concentrating on what is not directly said.
Listening requires wisdom, and an understanding of human beings. It requires respect, selflessness, and the ability to give someone your full attention without thinking about what your response is going to be.
Make it a point to listen more this week. You'll be surprised at how much you learn. You may even find that your problems aren't nearly as big as you thought they were and that you may even have the ability to help someone else with what they're going through.
Take the focus off yourself.....You just never know.
Best Friend for Always
Someone once said, "It was nice growing up with someone like you - someone to lean on, someone to count on... someone to tell on!"
That about sums it up for you and me.
Growing up, you teased me and pushed me around because that's what big brothers are supposed to do. As we got older, you turned into my protector and confidant. Now, we are both adults and you are one of the most important people in my life.
We have laughed till we cried.
We have survived the death of a parent.
We have resurfaced after quarrels that would sink any friendship.
And, one of my favorite things about us, we have a combined sense of humor that no one else comprehends.
We can be in a room together not saying a word and undoubtedly know what the other is thinking. I love that. And I love You.
Happy Birthday Toddy....my Best Friend for Always.
If I knew then...
I'm not one to dwell on the past, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that sometimes I wonder where I would be and what my life would be like if I had chosen different paths.
I was thinking today: How many times have I made significant decisions based on the outcome I desired? And, how often did it really work out the way I thought it would?
When I look back at my life, I don't always see rhythm, orderliness, or beauty. And, I definitely do not see perfection. Knowing which choice to make and which direction to take has not always been crystal clear to me. So, how in the world am I supposed to discern what God wants me to do?
The answer is simple. God first; then Me. If I am making decisions based primarily on what makes Me happy, then my priorities are twisted and I will stumble at every turn. Matthew 10:39 says (paraphrased in The Message) "If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me."
I haven't always made the right decisions....but, I am grateful from whence I came. Would I change some of my choices if given the opportunity? Absolutely, but I don't regret the lessons I have learned and the challenges I have overcome because they have all been used to shape and mold me into Me.
I know God has big plans for Me. I am, no doubt, a work in progress. But to Him, I am His work of art; His poem; His masterpiece. And that gives me Hope.
Contentment is a Choice
Confession: I have not been truly content in a long time.
It hit me this weekend. It's not like I didn't know; I just haven't been willing to admit it.
My discontent has nothing to do with wealth or material possessions....it has more to do with proximity, and I could blog for an hour explaining why.
In searching my soul this weekend, I have re-discovered that contentment is a state of heart; unaffected by circumstances & surroundings. I have little-to-no control over things, but I do have control over my heart and my attitude.
My challenge to you: Instead of longing for the indefinable 'something better' or 'somewhere better'.... Consider who you are and be satisfied with that. Consider what you have and be satisfied with that. Consider where you are and be satisfied with that.
If contentment can't be found within yourself, you'll never find it.
My PawPaw
This was written by my beloved PawPaw, a year before he passed away. It was just part of an article about him that was published in a book of memories from old-timers in southern West Virginia. He wasn't the most eloquent writer, but he was quite the comedian and I can almost hear him telling this story. I am so proud to be the granddaughter of this fine man, and on this Veteran's Day, I'm grateful for his service to our country.
In 1943, I turned eighteen and Uncle Sam sent me a greeting. I was examined November 10th and left for the Army on December 1st. After basic training at Fort Sill, I was sent to an artillery outfit in Texas and a about a year later, I was abroad a ship headed for Europe. I went into combat in the Battle of the Bulge and crossed the Rhine River on March 13th in support of Patton's Ninth Armored. After the war ended, we were sent to Berlin as Military Police. This was a turning point in my life, for I got to know and love the German people. Also, I got firsthand knowledge of what good-for-nothing leadership can do. Jefferson was right when he said "Power corrupts and total power totally corrupts."
While in Berlin, I got to know my wife. She was not in Berlin; she was going to college with a friend who corresponded with me. In the letter, my friend wrote, "If you were home, I know a nice girl you could date." Quickly I wrote back and asked her to give my address to the girl and to write and enclose a picture. She did, and I still carry that picture in my wallet today. I came home in April and we were married in August of 1946. We started out from scratch and we are still scratching! I tell people, "She left a couple of times, but I went with her!"
My grandparents fell in love before they ever met in person and were married almost 64 years. They loved each other unconditionally and yes, he really did carry that picture of her in his wallet all those years.
