December 2011 Begins!

Well folks, it's December 2011!  This month came to us cold, which is usual, and snowy! Yes, that's right, SNOW! We are receiving our first snow of the season today.  It's always fun to watch the pretty snow fall.  It's just so peaceful and calm.   Forecast calls for 1-3 inches of accumulation, but who knows.

This is a VERY busy time of year...as it is for many.  Filled with Church & School Christmas programs, Community Choir performances for our Christmas Cantata, decorating, buying/wrapping gifts, making gifts, baking goodies, trips to Silver Dollar City to enjoy the lights and Christmas atmosphere, Christmas gatherings & parties with friends and family, singing Happy Birthday to a very special VIP, and on top of that trying to finish the long remodeling process and moving!  I DON'T KNOW  IF IT'S ALL POSSIBLE TO FIT IN THIS YEAR!!!  My head is spinning. 

But, the most important thing out of any of the above is to remember the reason for the season.  None of the above has any importance whatsoever if the true meaning of Christmas is forgotten!  It's so easy to get wrapped up in wrapping gifts.  Instead wrap up in the love of Jesus and all He has done and is doing for us. 

I wish each and every one of you a very blessed and happy holiday season.  Most importantly....MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Until next time . . .

November's End

This month has zoomed by like a rocket!  It is November 29th!  Where oh where did November go? 

We had a nice (small) Thanksgiving with my immediate family.  This was the first time in my life I've spent Thanksgiving without my grandma.  Since she is in the nursing home we didn't get together with the rest of the family.  So, for lunch it was just myself, mom, dad and Renee (my sis).  The girls (my nieces) were with their aunt this year.  The nice part about this change in tradition was we didn't have to rush around to be anywhere.  Dad and I worked on my house for the better part of the morning.  Then, when we would normally be eating lunch, we took a load of stuff to my sister's new house to start her move.  Next, came the wonderful and beautiful feast prepared by my momma!  It was yummy!!  Afterward we moved another load of stuff to Renee's new place.  All-in-all it was a good day.  I did have a couple tear moments though when thinking about grandma, but we all got through.

Friday morning we left for St. Louis for MYF 2011; Missouri Youth Fellowship otherwise known as Missouri State Youth Convention.  This year's theme was 'Think Venti' or 'Think Big'.  It was an awesome convention.  The speaker (Megan Hutchinson) was wonderful.  You held on to her every word.  Our worship leaders (Alanna Story) were equally as wonderful.  They really led us into worship!

Note:  had a great drive to/from St. Louis without getting lost!

Now onto December to-do's.  There are SO many.  I think I have something to do several nights of every week and every weekend; school Christmas program, church Christmas program, caroling, Silly Stitchers Christmas party, MOVING, and probably something I've forgotten.  If you're out and about you should try to attend one of our Christmas Cantata's:

Sunday, December 4th @ 2PM:  Lilly Ridge General Baptist Church, Gainesville
Sunday, December 4th @ 6PM:  1st Baptist Church, Gainesville
Sunday, December 11th @ 2PM:  1st Christian Church, Gainesville

Until next time . . .

Visit with my Grandma

I took some time today to go to the nursing home and visit my grandma.  It's hard to find the time to go out there since I never go to West Plains.  But, I know our days are numbered so I want to soak up as much granny-time as I can get.

Grandma is 91 and has dementia.  I think I'd be forgetful, too, at 91 years young!!  She does pretty good.  She still knows who most of us are.  Those of us she remembers, she knows our names and who we belong to.  When she sees dad she always says, "Hi Gary, that's my baby!"  He's her baby boy :)  You ask her if she loves you and she says, "UHHH HUH!"  Of course, she has her good days and bad.  Yesterday, now that was an awesome day!!  She spotted dad and I as we came down the hall and knew right off who we were.  This was a happy moment.  She was full of hugs and kisses.  We sat and chatted for a good visit.  She cut up with us, laughed, joked, smiled...all things she hadn't really done on any other visit.  She acted like the granny I grew up knowing.  Such a sweet memory added to the memory bank :) 

I'm thankful for that time with her and doubly thankful she was having a good day!

Until next time . . . 

Well Hello November!

Wow, I can hardly believe it's November 1st already!  Where did this year go?  Did anyone see it or enjoy it as the year zoomed by?!  It's strange how it feels like we were just coming into March, the fields were greening up, the leaves and flowers were budding.  Now, we're near the end of Fall, and a spectacular display of color I might add!  The leaves are turning brown and the fields and flowers are going to sleep for the winter.  Oh, the cycle of life! 

This is the time of year for hayrides, bonfires for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, woodsy smells of Fall & Autumn.  Next to Spring, it's my favorite!  It also seems like a very busy time of year.  It's almost as if we're little ants trying to get as much done as possible before the cold of winter sets in!  haha

Even though the year has been fast, October was an enjoyable month.  Work continues on my house remodeling.  Thought sure I'd be moved by now, but still have a few weeks work.  It's hard to get things done rapidly if weekends is the only real time I have to work on it.  Hopefully I'll be in by Thanksgiving.  Mom informs me I have to cook the turkey so I best be in!!  Haha

My sis has since purchased a home and a couple acres.  She's been painting; that's all she really has to do in order to move!  So, both Collins girls will be moving around the same time. It's strange, but a good change in our lives!  She's moving about three miles north (off the C Ridge) and I'm moving one mile south (still on the C Ridge).  I'm excited for my sis.  She bought a really cute place that has so much potential. 

Christmas cantata is in the works.  It's a beautiful piece this year.  It has several Chris Tomlin and Christy Nockels songs in it!  It's AWESOME!!!  Can't wait til it all comes together.  I love to sing!! 

Somewhere in all this busyness I found the time to date.  Yes, that is what I said; date.  But that's all you're getting right now.  And don't give me a hard time about it!  I don't like people to fuss!  hahaha  We're really still just friends, but it has to start somewhere.  It's been a long time since I've been on a date (nine years!) so I've forgotten how!  I guess all I can be is my goofy self and see how it goes.  That's who I am. 

Have a wonderful November and Thanksgiving season.  More and more we have so much to be thankful for.

Until next time . . .

 

Go West young man

.....or in this case young woman! Well, using up the last of the 2011 vacation days. In approximately seven hours I along with my mom, good friends Debbie and Tammy are Colorado bound!!!! So excited! Little anxious though because they're under a winter weather watch for Saturday:/ We'll be careful though.

Expect snowy mountain pics in a few days!

Until next time . . .

Hello OcToBeR!

Wow, it's October 2011.....and already the 3rd!  Time just keeps zooming by.  It's almost been a month since my last post :( 

We've been having lovely Fall weather.  The trees are really beginning to turn brilliant hues of orange, yellow and red.  The air is filled with that autumn crispness; you country folk know what I'm talking about.  The sky is that brilliant blue that goes on forever.  And the smells, oh the smell of Fall is one I wish I could put in a jar to enjoy year round.  The sound of crunching leaves, squirrels knawing on nuts and storing for winter, the last round of frogs singing before they go silent for winter, and leaves blowing in the wind.  Beautiful, beautiful season Fall is. 

So much to do this month before winter gets here.  Leaving for Estes Park, CO in four days for a five day trip, continuing work on the house to get moved in, moving (yes, hope to move by the end of the month) still trying to sell my mobile, church events, spooky corn maze, visiting with family, and the list goes on.  Oh, and work! Can't forget that!

Hope you all have a fabulous Fall season.  Enjoy each day.  Smile.  Remember God loves you! 

Until next time . . .

Speak now or forever lose your freedom of speech?

Sure, you've heard these common phrases:

• "You have the right to remain silent"
• "Speak now or forever hold your peace"
• "Better to remain Silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt" -Abraham Lincoln

These phrases might not be as familiar, but very fitting:

• "The older I grow the more I listen to people who don't talk much" -Germain G.Glein
• "The kindest word in all the world is the unkind word, unsaid." -Author Unknown
• "The true genius shudders at incompleteness-and usually prefers silence to saying something which is not everything it should be." -Edgar Allan Poe
• and the list could go on and on and on...per Google!

So much nowadays we hear people talking about losing our freedoms.  This and that and the other violates Freedom of Speech.  Freedom of Speech this, Freedom of Speech that.   What does the US Constitution say? 

• Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression 12/15/1791

Sure this is all fine and dandy, but there should still be limits.  People should be taught when to speak and when to listen.  In other words, when to shut up!  I believe we (the people) have taken this, as with many other things, to the extreme.  There is a time and a place to speak and a time and a place to listen.  I feel this is something that is being lost through the generations. 


What does the Bible have to say about speech or lack there of? 

• Proverbs 17:28 (NIV) - Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
• Proverbs 17:28 (NLT) - Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent....I like this one!
• Job 13:5 (NIV) - If only you wold be altogether silent!  For you, that would be wisdom.
• Job 13:5 (NLT) - If only you could be silent!  That's the wisest thing you could do.
• James 1:19 (NIV) - My dear brothers and sister, take note of this:  Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
• and there are more...take a look at Genesis to Revelation in the good ole B-I-B-L-E

So why am I saying all this?  Sure I like my freedoms just like the next guy.  But, there is a time and a place to say or not say certain things.  One is not losing their freedom of speech just because they choose to be silent and not say anything when they so easily could blurt out something.  Is it okay for me to say someone is fat? Or someone is ugly?  Or someone is poor?  Or someone is . . . you fill in the blanks here.  Point is, sure there are overweight/underweight people.  There are (what the world calls) ugly people.  There are (what the world sees as) poor people.  How does God see us?  That's the question we need to be asking.  Genesis 1:26 says, "Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness. . . . . " Verse 27:  "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."


When we speak and say someone is fat, we're calling God fat.  When we speak and say someone is ugly, we're calling God ugly.  When we speak and downgrade those less fortunate, aka (by the world's standards) poor, we're saying God is poor.  The list can go on and on. 


I'll repeat the title heading, "Speak now or forever lose your freedom of speech!"  NO way, sometimes (most of the time) it's best to just leave well enough alone and remain silent.  What do you say?  Which way are you going to go?  Speak now and be a fool?  Or are you going to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry; not caring if our 1st Amendment right is being trampled on? 


I'm choosing the latter and listen the best I can.  Remember, there is a time and and place to say certain things.  Many times things are better off left unsaid and look like a fool than run your mouth and be a complete duffas! 


Little bit of a different post that I normally do, but it's just something that was laid on my heart and running through my mind.


Until next time . . . .

FALL is in the air!

FALLLLLLL!  What a beautiful Fall-like weekend we had.  The weather was absolutely picture perfect.  The skies were crystal blue, the air had a slight crispy-coolness, and the temperature was right where I like it; 70's!


Spent all day Saturday working on my house.  Doesn't appear as such, but we did get quite a lot accomplished.  We finally were able to clean up stuff and through away the deconstruction items; i.e. old lumber, old wall covering, etc.  We brought in the cabinets so we could see where they need to be modified and placed.  Got the ceiling up in the front bedroom and some drywall mud on the wall.  Also put up ceiling fan 4 of 4 on the main level.  Had to take it down twice to get it to work.  Have to take it down one more time to tweak it so it's level.  You know in an old house NOTHING is straight or level...so tweaking is a must! This week I plan to tackle and finish the bedroom with additional drywall mud and paint.  I absolutely love, love, love the way these rooms are turning out!  Everything is finally coming together. 


Mom, dad and I headed to Silver Dollar City yesterday for some R&R.  Yesterday was the last day of the Southern Gospel Picnic.  It was perfect weather for roaming the streets of SDC.  We took in the Saloon show (hilarious!), rode Fire in the Hole, ate homemade ice cream, and ended the evening in Echo Holler listening to the Isaacs.  Great day!


On to Tuesday, September 6th!  So much going on over the next few weeks.  Birthday parties, a wedding, Hootin Hollarin, school board training and annual MSBA conference at Tan-Tar-A, sewing club begins again, trip to Colorado with friends....that's just all that's down so far.  Oh how I love FALLLL!!!


Until next time . . . have a Fall-tastic day!

Hello September!

Fall 2010 on the C Ridge

September 2011 is here!  I can hardly believe we're already nearing the end of the year.  I love Fall though.  It's one of my favorite seasons.  Seems like things slow down a little in the Fall.  I know Winter follows it, but there's so much beauty that goes will it.  Goodness; the crispy leaves, the fallish smells, changing colors, cool mornings, golden sunsets, gentle breezes, windows open, hayrides, and the list goes on. 

Wishing you all a fabulous September and Fall 2011!

Until next time . . .

The Final Count . . . Fogs in August 2011

Well, here it is, the last day of August 2011.  This is also the last day old timers quit counting those fogs in August.  Although statistics don't prove this, old timers used to count (some still do as you can see it was passed to me) the number of fogs received in the month of August.  This was done to predict the number of snows they could possibly receive in the coming winter season.  My grandpa always counted; thus my mom learned to count; thus she passed those old tales on to me :)  It's fun!

Every winter when it starts snowing one will often hear my mom saying, "Well that's one snow down only xx number to go and we're finished!"  hahaha

According to my counting I tallied 5 big thick fogs and 2 days of patchy morning fog.  I think there might be a couple more patchy foggy mornings, but I really couldn't tell if it was actual haze or fog.  So, my calculations aren't exactly accurate.  But it will still be fun counting when the snow starts falling.

One old timer, and my neighbor, has already said all indications are showing we're going to have a long, cold and snowy winter.  I guess we'll wait and see! 

Until next time . . .

Nerves of Steel . . .

I'm sure you've heard the saying "you've got nerves of steel."  Well, today I wish I had nerves of steel.  All I have are nerves of 'I wanna throw-up!'

I think I sort of have a lunch date today.  Now sit down and don't overreact girls!  It hasn't been called a date.  Just lunch with friends. But we won't mention the fact that one of these friends might be interested in me.  I said sit down! haha  I have forgotten, is it technically a date when a fella comes and picks you up for lunch? 

Goodness, why do things have to be so difficult?  I mean, I pray for that 'someone' who God has intended for me.  I pray that God has someone for me.  I know he's out there.  Not saying this person is that someone, we've only just met.  But why does it have to be so nerving trying to get to that 'someone'? 

Needless to say the saying 'nerves of steel' does not apply to me today.  I'm actually telling myself I might would rather stay single than have to deal with getting to know someone again.  Although I don't really mean that, but it's just easier being single.  Never thought I'd hear myself say that.  I think I've become way too independent over the last several years. LOL 

Until next time . . .

Fog #5

Good Monday morning!!

Just sending out an update on the Fogs in August . . . . . Fog #5 was drifting around this morning.  It was a little on the hazy side up at my place, but got really thick down by the river.  But nonetheless, it was foggy.

Note:  we had a hazy morning Friday morning, but I didn't report fog. 

That's it for now....short and sweet today.  Have a great Monday!

Until next time . . .

Note to self! Adventures of Bug Man and Girl with the Party Cube

I have a knack when it comes to opening my big mouth at the most inopportune times!  But, those times tend to turn into laughter; for the most part.

So we've had a round of rodents at the office; i.e. mice!  Just ask my dear friend Sara, she loves them! tehehehe  Anyway, the Bug Man (as I call him) comes around ever so often to spray and check party boxes; aka little black boxes filled with yummy mouse poison.  I call them a party in a box because the box is in my cube.  Yes, you know it...my cube is where the party is! haha Then they daringly take that stroll from my cube to Sara's and croak!  Again, just ask Sara.

I'm getting off track.  Wow, that is so unusual isn't it?  ANYWAY, today was bug-man day woohoo.  I got a little excited yesterday when I heard someone in the office say the Bug Man was coming in on Friday.  That meant he would be in my cube to check out the party box.  We have the best little chats when he's here.  So today, sitting in my cube chatting with Sara and I tell her someone is behind her.  IT WAS THE BUG MAN!  Immediately the giggles were upon me; not embarrassingly uncontrollable either.  Come on girls, I held it together.  We proceed to chat with Bug Man about this weeks rodent events.  Fun times.  At some point in or chats today, just after I said I was going for coffee and he told me that stuff is bad for me, he informed me coffee makes him pee.  Seriously, he said that!

He checks the party boxes and goes along his merrily little way.  Or so I thought!  After a few moments I stroll to Sara's cube and proceed to tell her I just love bug man days because he sure is a cute little thing!  It wasn't even two seconds later and there he was squatting by her cube door to refill the party box located at the back of her cube!  Oh my goodness!  Me and my big mouth! LOLOLOLOL

So, note to self:  Self, next time you say (out loud) the Bug Man is a cute little thing make sure he's not still lurking around your cube, ok!
It'll be at least 60 more days before the next bug man day :(  Oh well, until then.  What a great, fun way to end the week.  Happy Friday folks!

Until next time . . .

Fog #4

Good morning!!! 

It sure was a beautiful and peaceful morning today.  There was thunder rumbling in the distance and lightning twinkling afar.  Stepped outside and what do I see?  Fo-og!  (said in a fog horn type voice) teehehe :) Yep, Fog in August #4

Have a great day folks!

Until next time . . . 

Rise and Shine!!!!

Good morning fellow bloggers! 

It's an early morning for me!  7:45 am and I've already been up nearly three hours!  Woah, shocker I know.  Well today started my new carpool route.  I've been looking forward to it for several weeks now.  It is certainly going to be an adjustment, but one I think will have positive rewards; i.e. off work by 3:30 every day and saving about $30 a week in fuel!!  That's way positive at $3.50 a gallon (average). 

Everything was so quiet and still this morning, with exception of the thunderstorm brewing in the north.  I left the eastern windows open on the house so it'll probably rain.  But, that is quite alright as we desperately need it. 

Well, I'm going to get back to my yogurt and granola...yes, I'm still doing okay eating healthy.  Do you know how loud granola is to chew when there's absolutely no noise in a big office building?  Let me just tell you it's loud.  Sounds like a herd of people walking through the woods stepping on crunchy leaves! ha

Have a great Tuesday and week!

Until next time . . .

Fogs in August #2 and #3

First of all . . . . Happy Friday folks!  Wishing you a wonderful weekend :)

Well, fogs in August #2 and #3 have appeared.  Don't know if that's a good sign or not.  But, in keeping with tradition and remembering legends of old wives' tales I'm still counting.

I think in the old days, you know back when old wives' tales were thought of.  Before hi-tech technology and meteorological forecasts....settlers had to have some way of predicting the weather, planting seasons, etc.  I mean, even with all our technology a weather forecast is still a prediction.  So, I think folks of days gone by knew what they were talking about.  They counted the moons and their phases.  They noticed that time of year when it's blue blazing hot in the summer and wake up one morning to a dew soaked land and fog.  Probably thought, "wonder what that means?"  That set the legend into motion I'm sure.  They had to have a way to predict what their winter would be like. 

Kinda like with wooly worms.  We should start seeing them soon, if not already.  The black on them apparently tells us we're in for a harsh winter while the lighter brown means less severe.  Last year's woolly worm nailed our winter season spot on! 

Or here's another one, since we're winding up summer (THANK THE GOOD LORD!) and heading into early fall (WOOHOO!)  Tarantulas! If you'll notice, now remember what I'm about to tell you.  Tarantulas begin crossing the highway when there is a major change in temperature and weather between the summer and fall months.  Usually when you start seeing them that indicates fall-likeness or the new season is about two weeks away.  Check it out this year and see. 

Ok, back to fog; afterall that's what we started out discussing.  The number of fogs doesn't always match the number of snows, but in years past it's always been close.  Plus, it's fun to count the fogs and then count the snows.  If you're like me, it's fun to be on the countdown and predict when winter is winding down. 

I didn't see fog #2, but scouts did . . . but here's a look at #3

Fogs in August #3 - August 12, 2011

Happy fog counting!

Until next time . . . 

Another year of . . . Fogs in August #1

Good morning bloggers!!
(said the way Ty Pennington opens his Extreme Homemaker Show :)

What a beautiful day it is!  I was up and outside just before 6 AM this morning and it was absolutely gorgeous!  The sun was coming up over the horizon, there were clouds and I just knew the sunrise was going to be a beaut.  And, it did not fail me.  Just as the sun was starting to peak above the horizon the clouds took on a pink hue and blanketed the eastern sky.  Then here came the yellow and orange.  OH!  I could have stood there forever.  But, the work train would be leaving soon so onward I had to go. 


As I was walking out the door to head off to work I noticed something I hadn't seen in a long time.  You know the feeling you get when you've gone all winter with no thunder/lightning storms and then the first one of the season you think, "oh, that's thunder..haven't heard that in a while."  Well, what I was viewing was no different.  In fact, I had to stand there a moment and think real hard what month we were in.  Ok, so what did I see that caught my attention?  What did I see that made me take a step back and soak in the moment?  FOG!  It was so foggy!  It wasn't foggy when I was out at 6 AM, but my goodness how things change in 30 minutes. 


I gazed out across the pasture, the cows were still munching on their hay rolled out to them the night before, and in the stillness I said, "huh, that's fog!" Then I thought for a minute about the meaning of this fog.  I literally was saying, out loud to any critter or farm animal who was listening, "that's fog, it's foggy, isn't there something special about fog this time of year? Wait a minute, it's foggy.  Is it August?  It is August! Fogs in August equal frost in May? No, that's thunder in February frost in May.  Fogs in August predicts the winter snows!  Yes, that's it.  It's the first fog in August, oh my snow!"  hahahahaha


You ask, "Were you really having this conversation, Lindsay?"  Yes, yes I was.  I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that it was foggy and it was August.  I was so excited!  And of course I snapped a picture.  The moment wouldn't be complete without one :)

8.9.11 Fog in August #1
complete with cows munching :)

So, here's to Fog in August #1 2011 . . . . let's see how many more we get :)


Until next time . . .

Misc . . .

Happy Friday blogger friends!

Don't quite know where to begin today.  Seems like there's been a lot going on in every direction.  This 'trying to sell my house' adventure has been anything bu an adventure.  But, I'm keeping the faith that the Lord has a buyer for me; without me sacrificing too much on the value of the home.  Everybody wants something for nothing!  I tell ya, this has been a learning and growing time in my faith and patience.  We can't be given patience, we have to learn it and earn it.  Let me tell ya this has been and still is a learning and earning process!

On to Jasper news . . . . well puppy boy has been such a good pup for several weeks now.  He's 1 1/2 and so we're on the downhill run of the puppy phase chew & destroy!  I guess Tuesday night Jasper had a mean streak come over him . . . oh yes, he was very bad.  My dad took his glasses off to take a swim in the pool; laying them on the table beside the pool.  Do you know where this is going?  Sad to say, but it's true.  Jasper for some unknown reason decided at some point to grab the glasses and take off!  We searched the yard for an hour or so in the dark, no luck.  Dad searched the entire yard at dawn the next day, no luck.  Funny thing is, Jasper knew he had done something wrong and was in trouble.  Dad got home later the next evening and stuck his old glasses in Jasper's face.  He looked at Jasper and said, "find my glasses!"  Jasper turned and took off through the yard; leading dad right to his glasses!!!  WOO!  But, Jasper did leave his mark on them and break a lens.  At least we don't have to replace lenses and frames!  I have to say it . . . what a smart dog!! lol

On to remodeling news . . . remodeling is starting to pick up again.  We 86ed a door project and decided to put in a new window instead.  I think I'm going to like that better anyway.  Back bedroom is complete and ready to move in.  Bathroom is complete and ready for a good move in cleaning.  The to-do list is still long, but we're making progress.  I (hopefully) will never remodel again (an old house anyway), but this has been and is an awesome experience.  I'm getting to work with my dad and will remember forever my dad helping me.  Plus, with it being an old house I'm learning such great ideas to incorporate when I build new.  Old houses have such awesome character.  Whenever I build I hope to put the old with the new; i.e. use old ideas to make it look old and rustic in a new creation. Old with the new reminds me of my travels; that's all Rome is - old with the new! 

OHHHHH I almost forgot....you know I posted a few weeks ago that I'm working to get my life back.  Meaning I'm learning to eat healthy.  Well, since I started (July 5, 2011) I have lost 10 pounds!!!  And, that has been without taking my walks...it's been too hot to walk.  Can't wait to be eating all my fruits and veggies and start walking again!  Woohoo!!  I have a long way to go, but 10 pounds is 10 pounds and I already feel better :)

Ok, that's all for now.  Have a great August my friends and have a great weekend!

Until next time . . .

It's hotter than Blue Blazes!

Have you ever heard the expression "It's hotter than blue blazin!"  Well, that's hot!  If you have seen a fire close or seen a cutting torch you would have seen this blue fire.  It's the fire that's closest to the center.  The hot point.  The hot point beyond all hot where everything it touches melts even before contact.

Well, it's not that hot, otherwise none of us would survive.  I imagine that's what Hell is like and I want no part of it!!  If we think it's hot outside at 108 degrees . . . you fill in the blanks.

The point I'm trying to make is . . . it's HOT out there!!!!!  This has been one of the (longest) hottest summers I can ever remember.  High heat temps are expected to be broken today.  So, stay inside as much as possible.  If you must be out, stay cool as possible.  Remember to HYDRATE!!  And, don't forget about the pets :) 

Today is Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Have a great day friends!

Until next time . . . . pray for cooler temps and rain!

So close . . . yet so far!

Do you have good luck or bad luck?  Well, sometimes I tend to think I'm luckier about some things than others.  Winning things . . . . not so much luck.

 The past few weeks KTLO radio station has been registering people for a chance to win two tickets to the 2011 Goin Coastal Concert featuring none other than Kenny Chesney!  Also, Zac Brown Band, Billy Currington, and Uncle Kracker.  Earlier this week, July 19th to be exact, I boogied up to High Country Motors to enter in the drawing to be held today, Friday July 22nd.

They narrowed down all the entries by having daily drawings.  They would draw and you had xx number of minutes to call in to be put in the grand prize drawing.  Yesterday morning they drew my name....and I didn't hear it!  Luckily someone my sister works with heard it and they told me.  So, I called the station and they put me in the grand prize drawing!  I was so excited.  A rush of enthusiasm and energy just filled me!
So today was the day.  I even dressed for the occasion and wore my 2005 concert tee from the "Somewhere in the Sun" tour.  About 11:30 they drew names to go from the top 25 names to the top 10.  After a phone call from friends and family calling to say, "Lindsay, do you know you're in a drawing for some grand prize?" or "Lindsay, they're fixing to go the top 10." My niece called me and says, "You're in a drawing. Did you know that? Who's it for?" When I told her Kenny Chesney tickets I think she could have melted! haha

So I rushed to the car to hear the top 10 drawing.  My name wasn't drawn :''(  So, I wasn't so lucky.  But hey!!!  I was a little lucky and felt great being in the top 25.  How awesome it would have been to go to one of his stadium concerts.  It would be an epic concert for any true Kenny fan.  But, it was great just being in the top 25 out of hundreds of entries.

Afterall . . . . I have seen him already six times, one of those being May 1994 (his first year on a major tour..my sister got his autograph and will not give it to me. She doesn't even like him!) and the last being April 1, 2011.   I guess we'll have to try again for next year's tour!!

Until next time . . . .

via Jasper . . . I knew where I was the whole time :)

July 14th, 2011 started out just like any other day . . . with the exception it was my sister's 30-something birthday and my dad was out of town for a meeting.  I got up, drove to work, worked, drove home just like any other day.  A bit after I arrived home my mom stopped by to see if I'd seen the dogs; which I hadn't.  She checked some cows and then we went to see where the dogs usually retreat on hot summer days; beneath the porch of mom's antiques cabin.  Well, Ben and Tucker were under the porch, BUT Jasper was no where to be found.  On top of that Tucker would barely come out from beneath the porch.  You see, it is highly unlike Jasper to be away from the other dogs during the daytime.  We had just been told earlier in the day a cougar (mountain lion) had been spotted a mile down the road.  So, needless to say my heart hit my feet when I couldn't find my pup. 

Mom knew immediately I was on the verge of tears.  I think she was a little scared too of Jasper's whereabouts.  So I head out on the four wheeler going up and down the road and mom gets in the truck to take the highway route in case he followed her out to work that morning.

I drove up and down the road for about an hour stopping here and there calling for him.  Nothing.  As I continued to drive tears streamed my face as I prayed Jasper was okay.  I know he's only a dog, but he's my buddy; my baby.  So after about an hour my mom and I meet up with neither of us having any luck.  I told her I hadn't checked my other place yet so that was my last resort.  My new place, the one I'm remodeling, is a mile down the road (across the hollar) from where I live now.

As I'm driving down the road I'm still calling and praying for Jasper and I admit crying.  I continued to call for him the closer I got to my other house and no sign.  Just as i got to the corner of my yard I see Jasper standing on the porch as if he's there waiting for me to get home from work!  I was relieved, thankful, and a big ole ball baby; tears rolled!  I said over and over, "Thank you, Jesus!"  Mom pulled in the yard behind me and I just cried as Jasper ran to me.  He was so excited to see me.  He doesn't know how excited I was to see him!  My mom laughed at me for crying, but at the same time she was relieved we found him.

So, Jasper really wasn't lost after all.  He knew where he was the entire time.  We don't know why he went there exactly other than he may have followed mom out that morning.  Mom said he was sending me a message to make me hurry up and get the remodeling done and get moved into my new place.  Jasper loves that porch and yard so he's ready to live there!  At least that's what we think he would be saying if dogs could talk :)

Until next time . . .

Day 1 . . . I'm getting my life back!

Well, today is the day.  That makes me think of a song:  this is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it!  I've started and ended many 'diet' plans over the course of my life; seldom being successful.  Today, I pray this is a turn around not only in my inability to start something and succeed, but also to start this weight loss journey and regain control of MY body and health before it's too late.

Day 1 of HMR (Heath Management Resource):  I will just point out that I don't plan on staying on the HMR plan for the extent of my weight loss journey.  I'm mainly using it to help me get started on the track to healthy eating.  Nonetheless today is the beginning of the rest of my life!  I've said it many times and many times I've failed.  BUT, with my prayer, your prayers for strength I'm letting God lead me this time.  Weird statement I know.  I let God lead me for everything except for what or how much I put in my mouth!  I'm turning my weight issue over to God.  Sounds really crazy maybe.  He isn't the one responsible for making me 'fluffy'.  Well, he's not the one who causes people to sin, but we still turn things over to Him don't we?  My weight loss journey is no different.  It's through Him that I will succeed this time.  The determination is there, but oh the willpower!

I won't tell my starting weight until I'm finished.  That's a number that only myself, God and my doctor know!  When I'm finished I will tell how much I've lost.  Let me just say I have a long road to go.  I CAN DO IT!!!!!!!  I have to keep telling myself that.  I'm going to use my blog to keep track and a record of my progress. 


Ugg, I never let anyone take a head-to-toe picture of me.  Thanks Sara for snapping my mug. . . So, here's to Day 1! 

July 5, 2011:  Day 1

Until next time . . . 

I'm a Lightning Bug . . . metaphorically speaking!

I spend a lot of time porch-sitting; especially this time of year.  I enjoy listening to the creatures around me; i.e. whippoorwills, owls, crickets, cicadas, deer, and the list goes on.  I catch myself in these moments with my eyes transfixed on the sky.  The night sky is so fully of twinkles.  Once I'm fixed with my eyes on the heavens I find myself getting into conversations with God.  I enjoy conversing with Him :)  Of course my porch sitting would not be complete without my pup!  Jasper is usually close by; either chewing on my arm, laying up next to me or stretched out in the yard waiting for me to go inside so he can high-tail it to mom and dad's!

As most of us know this is the season of the lightning bugs.  I get so excited seeing the first signs of twinkles usually in March.  I love watching them dance around and seeing their different 'blinks'.  They are night time nature paparazzi!  Now, I don't know the purpose of lightning bugs other than to give us a pretty show in the spring/summer night skies.  I have always heard they blink to find a mate.  Each twinkle is different.  Some are steady paced, some are really fast, others have a slow and constant twinkle; all unique.  Just like people. 

In April and May the skies are usually filled the twinkles.  They are all scrounging around to find their mate I guess.  Needless to say their options are plentiful.  On about this time of year (late June) the twinkles become less and less.  You'll still see solo twinkles here and there. 

Ok, so how is this a metaphor?  And how am I like a lightning bug?  Well, remember a paragraph or two above we talked about them twinkling to find a mate, lots of options, now they're solo.  As I was doing some porch sitting the other night I found myself feeling like that lone lightning bug twinkling out there and not another lightning bug was around reciprocating their twinkle; they are single!  Not that that's a bad thing.  It just struck me as funny.  While all the others have gone off and gotten married and now have children, I'm still out there patiently waiting for that other lightning bug to reciprocate my twinkle. 

So, I'm that twinkle you see who's still out there when all the others are gone for a season.  I'm waiting on another twinkle in the distance.  I just go on twinkling and living my life.  If not this year, there's always lightning bug season next year! 

Until next time . . .

Days you think about, but never want to get here :(

This is a bit of a somber posting today as I sit and reflect on memories.  When you're a little girl and you hear of older people going into nursing homes you never think your grandparents as old. Therefore, you never think they'll have to go.  Well, the time has come.  I have one grandparent still here with me; my dad's mother - my Grandma Bertha who is 90 years young.

A little history:  My mom's mother (Hazel) passed away 5/6/88 when I was nine, dad's father (Leemon) passed 12/19/94 when I was 15, and mom's father passed 9/8/95 (Lue) when I was 16.  Goodness, seems like forever ago.  I still remember the last time I saw each of them before they went home to live with Jesus forever.  Shortly before Gma Hazel passed she took me to the back of the house by myself and gave me a little blue porcelain elephant; still have it and treasure it to this day.  She made me a new dress or two for every occasion as well as birthday cakes.  And boy could she make the pies.  Her pie crust was so good it would make you slap your momma!  Gpa Leemon was a man like no other; kind, whitty, always smiling.  Hmm, maybe that's where I get the smilies :)  I still look back and am very thankful mom and dad let me 'skip' school to spend time with him during his last days.  He was in the hospital 60 something days before he left us.  So thankful.  Oh, and Gpa Lue . . . what a corker!  He accepted the Lord when I was a little girl.  Still remember going to his baptism at the creek.  I remember being so happy that he accepted Jesus.  He would visit us frequently to go to 'singins' at various churches.  I usually went along with him.  I'll never forget how he greeted me EVERY TIME he saw me . . . his first words were, "Watcha been up to Puddin Head?"  Oh, the memories.

Bertha Collins - on her 90th birthday (2010)

All this brings me to my Gma Bertha.  She's the grandma you never thought would be old.  Her memory has failed her a lot over the last several months.  She's still pretty sharp though at some things!  You can't get much past her.  One thing that has always remained true is her love for the Lord.  She tells everyone she sees that the only way she's lived alone since Gpa Leemon passed is because the Lord has been with her.  She has said everyday of her life and every time I've been in her presence, "boy my nose itches!"  I even recorded her saying that...so if you're ever around me when I get a text message you'll hear her saying that :)

my granny and me on her 90th birthday (2010)

 Effective last week the Dr ordered her to not be home by herself anymore.  With most of the kids living in Dora the only option had to be put into practice; nursing home.  She came home with my parents last week and spent much of the week with them as her room was prepped.  Thus, I got to spend my evenings with my granny :)  She even got to go to church with us on two Sundays.  That was special :)  So this past week Gma has gotten to go check the cows, attend church, pray with us, laugh with us, help us put the pool up (she was the foreman - lol), and ride the four wheeler!  All memories that will forever be tucked in our hearts.

my granny just before her 90th birthday (2010)
she and my grandpa always kept he prettiest yard and flowers :)

Now she has started a new chapter and we must start this chapter with her.  She moved to the nursing home Monday, June 20, 2011.  What a hard day.  What makes this new stage in life a little easier is knowing that she will be well cared for.  But, I have to admit it's a little weird for me to think she's there and not sitting in her house where she has always been during my 32 years of life.  So yes, I'm a bit sad :(  I'm sad that even though she's still with us we'll probably never again have family gatherings at the house I grew up knowing was my grandparents'.  I'm sad that she has to be in a place she's not familiar with; even though it's the best thing for her.  I'm sad that she doesn't understand why she can't go home.  But, I'm happy that she still knows, despite the fact that her memory is failing, her loving Lord! 

Over the last few months as my family has been going through things concerning my grandma there have been certain things come into better perspective.  As long as we're here on this earth our family and friends need to know how much we care about them.  So, if I've been a little more emotional or dramatic (as my mother puts it) lately now you know why.  My friends reading this . . . I hope you know just how much I cherish our friendship.  It's those friendships that get us through this life and help make times like this a little easier.

I'm going to wrap it up by saying this . . . during your prayer time please remember my grandma as she transitions and learns to live this new lifestyle.

Thanks friends!

Until next time . . .

Pupiversary :)

One year ago today this (at the time, three months old) bundle of furr came pouncing into my life.  And nothing has been the same since!  I can honestly say life has been sweeter with my pup in it.  You say, "he's just a dog, Lindsay."  That he is, but he's very special.  He makes me laugh, cry, smile, and yell from time to time.  Boy has this little feller made me angry a time or two!  Let's just say he loves to chew, gets bored occasionally and destroys things that don't belong to me.  lol  But most of all, Jasper has brought me such joy.  He's my puppy.  He knows I love him :)  Anyway, these are just a few of the many pictures I've taken of Jasper this year. 

Until next time . . .

the first picture :)

Jasper - June 20, 2010

Jasper learns to sit on command :)
It was so cute how he'd get all excited and plop down on the ground!

Jasper's first tractor ride

He's beginning to loose that puppy face

Jasper and his boys getting a tasty snack :) 
They sit without being told if they hear the words, "You wanna bite?"
A 'bite' being a yummy snack

Jasper LOVES water.  He's in it morning, noon and night; even in the dead of winter!

Jasper and I sharing our favorite spot; an evening on the porch :)

when I got him he barely took up half the step, now he takes up the whole thing!

where that four-wheeler and my dad goes Jasper is there also :)

Jasper and his best pal, Tucker :)

Jasper - June 2011

Arrgg, my mind....wilt thou leavest me alone!

Now, before you read this I must say....I'm not throwing myself a pity party, I don't feel sorry for myself, and I don't think life has dealt me a bad hand.  I'm just simply stating a few things! :)

I have this bad habit...one that I keep thinking, with prayer, will go away never to resurface.  It's a habit that I don't have a clue of it's origination.  God is my provider and in Him I truly trust so I don't know why this habit ever surfaces!  My cup runneth over most of the time and if it's not it's half full, but never half empty.  I'm not gloating or boasting, I just know that I know that I know that God IS who He says and He DOES more than enough for me.

I'm an extremely happy person who feels so blessed in her life.  I love God, and desire to serve Him to the best of my abilities.  I have a loving family who cares deeply for me.  I have great friends whom I can talk to about anything, laugh with, joke with, and irritate from time to time.  I have a fabulous dog, named Jasper whom I ADORE!!  He's my baby :)  I even got teary eyed last night (and as I type this) thinking about the lifespan of a lab (7-9 years) and already know how much I will miss him!  I have so much that fills my life with goodness; God, a good job, family, friends, roof over my head, and an awesome support system in my church.

But, never fails...every 3 to 4 years (since I've been out of high school and on my own) I have this terrible habit of being bored with my life and having no clue what or where I'm supposed to be.  Usually during these times I am very spontaneous, or I am easily angered (so unlike me), or I do stupid stuff, or I pick up and move.  This state of mind is very unsettling and it DRIVES ME CRAZY!

Let's have a break down:

• 1997 graduated high school
• 1998 moved to Mtn. Home w/college roommates, two semesters later in 1999 I move back home, college roommates transferred
• 2000 moved back to Mtn. Home into an apartment...that same year had to move because apartment mgr said I was going & doing too much running when I should be saving money!
• 2000 bought my first little home (cutest little mobile you ever saw!) and stayed in Mtn. Home, even changed my residency to Arkansas.  I know, I was a traitor to my Missouri roots :)  hahaha
• 2002 proposed to right before Thanksgiving and he left me a month later to marry some other chick! Don't even get me started!
• 2003 just up and decided I wanted to sell out and move home, in with my sister, so I could go back to college and finish
• 2006 yes...took me 9 years, but I finally graduated with my Bachelor's degree
• 2007 finally decided that it was time for me to be in my own home again, so I bought my second cute little mobile home - this is where I currently reside and someone needs to buy it because it's a dandy little house!
• 2011 very fortunate to have the opportunity to purchase a place where I've always wanted to live - will be moving there in a few months
• In between those years I had four different jobs; the fourth one is where I'm at now and plan to be for a very long time; Lord willing of course!  I'm very settled in the career field.  I lurve my job :)  But the life field, uhhhh not so much!

**goodness, no wonder I don't remember what I did during those years....I was moving all the time!  oh yes, my lovely mother who I love so much reminds me how many times they've helped move me in my adult years!** 

So, in case you're wondering, it's been 4 years this August since I moved the last time, as you can see by the rough timeline.  This spontaneous, bored, and unsettled state of mind has once again resurfaced.  This time it was weird though.  Usually it slowly creeps in and is a slow process to surface.  This time something sparked it and ignited it like a wildfire....causing it to hit me like a ton of bricks!  I'm happy with life so I haven't a clue why I'm so unsettled and why it comes around every 3 or 4 years.  I sure hope this routine isn't like the 7 or 13 or 17 year cicadas..whichever it is..because their buzzing, like the state of mind I'm in, is very annoying!

I keep thinking, if I were married and had children would I get tired of them after 3 or 4 years and just want to pick up and move on?  Scary thought if you ask me.  Truth be known and if I wanted to be 110% honest with myself....that there very sentence is the missing part, I think, to my life.  That's what I think sparks my feelings of unsettledness and boredom.  I have more in my life than I ever wanted except that.  God and I have this talk frequently when I'm praying for my soul mate; wherever he is.  I tell Him I know I'll still love Him and be happy if that piece is not apart of the life plan He designed for me.  I will...but I have to learn how to let Him help me get through these boredom stages in my life.  But, I also have faith that God didn't create me to be single.  He did create me to find my independence; which I have and I needed to find it desperately.  I believe and know there is a God-loving hunky feller out there searching for me.  He's having a hard time finding me.  Probably because I live in the middle of nowhere and work in the retirement mecca of the world!

There are few things that stress me out.  But this, this is the biggie!  This gets me down.  This makes me cry.  This makes me mad.  This makes me wonder why this piece of my life has to be so hard.  This also makes me cling to God more, too :)

Arrgg, my mind!  Thanks for letting me unload my crazy thoughts on you today.  I'm not desperate, by no means.  If I were, I could have already snatched up a couple two or three scuzzos! Not being judgmental, but you all know people who fit that scuzzo description. hahaha  I would just love to go on a date.  Even though the relationship of 2002 was a very hard time for me, I so miss going on dates.  I miss someone to talk to who's not my sister, my parents or my girlfriends.  I miss someone opening the door for me and pulling out the chair for me to miss as I'm sitting down! Hahaha oh dear me!  I miss some one holding my hand and guiding me through a crowd :)  And yes, I miss someone treating me as if I'm the only person in the world when they're staring into my eyes and telling me they love me.  I know, gag right!

Until next time . . .

Ah, the joys of sunshine!

So, the sun has been shining a lot lately; brightly and rather hot I might add.  It's a dramatic difference from what we were seeing in April when we received something like 20 inches of rain in a six week period.  Our watershed (the lakes) are still recovering from all this rain.

Anyways . . . all this sunshine and hot weather has got me to craving one thing I only crave in the summertime . . . SUN TEA!!!  So, I got me a new jug Friday evening.  And come Saturday my tea was cooking away!

the beginning . . . cooking!
like my new red polka-dotted jug :)

Let me back up just a bit to the part after getting a new tea jug and cooking the tea.  I thought I had tea bags in the cabinet.  Oh, I was wanting sun tea so bad, but couldn't find it!  I searched and I searched; finally finding eight bags of Lipton Green Tea.  I thought, "what could it hurt to try?"  So on to sun cooking my tea goes.


Finally, after letting the bright sunshine cook me a jug of tea, it is finished.  I pour a glass, not knowing really how sun baked green tea was going to taste.  Oh my goodness!!!  Much to my surprise I like sun baked green tea much better than regular tea!  It is my new crave; my new obsession; I would love a big glass right now!

it is finished . . . and it's GOOD!!!
**note** green tea doesn't cook as dark as regular tea

If you like sun tea I recommend you try it.  It's oh so good and full of nutritious antioxidants!

Until next time . . .

Where did May go?

Yesterday I looked at the calendar and it displayed May 1st.  Today I look at the calendar and it displays May 27th.  Where did May go?

To be honest, I haven't a clue where the time has gone.  Seems I was just preparing for winter and now I'm preparing for summer.  Maybe because we've had weird, rainy, cold springtime it has me all thrown off! haha  I don't know.  I've just had a weird bubble around me seems like all year.  I've been completely forgetful for a good year now.  My mind can't multi-task like it once did.  SO MUCH GOING ON!! 

Blah, blah, blah...I sound like I'm whining.  I'm really not.  I'm just in a confused state of mind I guess.  hahaha  But, aside from all this, the one thing I know to remain true....I am a child of the King.  I am loved by the Risen Lord.  I know I have a home in Glory.  I know I will one day live with Christ Jesus in my home in heaven.  I know that I know that I know. 

When everything goes fuzzy and I don't know which direction I'm chasing my tail and how fast I've gotta go to get there I always know where my life is centered (thanks for that reference friend Sara).  My life is centered on the Rock; no not The Rock-Dwayne Johnson either.  The Rock of my Salvation; my heavenly Father; my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! 

Next week is June and I still haven't figured out where May has gone, but I still know where my Center is!

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Until next time . . .

Hello...it's been awhile!

Hello, hello blogger buddies!  It has been too long since we last visited!  Life has certainly been busy and the blog has been far from my mind. 

So much has transpired since we visited last.  I believe my last post talked about me purchasing a house and property.  This has taken LOTS of my time and energy.  When I'm not at work, I'm at the new place working on it with my dad and mom.  In a nut shell that's where I've been for a month; work-home to work-church and do it all over again.  The remodeling is coming along slowly but surely.  Hopefully I'll be moved in by Thanksgiving! HA!  I hope to be moved in by July 4th. 

More exciting news since we last visited, and I may have already blogged about it.....I was elected as a board member for the Dora R-III Schools!  This is the school where I spent my childhood and teens years; all of my school days actually.  I am thrilled, honored, and excited to be serving my community and district! 

So this is pretty much it right now.  My new place is consuming most of my time, when I'm not at work.  I'll leave you with a few pics of the new place :)

as it looked the day I bought it

dad working hard putting in a new window for the living room

one of three new windows

Until next time . . .

Today is the day!!

When one sees the phrase "Today is the day!!" it can mean many things; a wedding, a new job, a long awaited trip.  For me, today is the day because I never thought it would get here.  Today is the day of an answered prayer!  The Lord is so faithful and good.  And, with Today being the day I have definitely had to learn that patience is a virtue.

So what makes today so special?  It's a Thursday, mid-April.  Today I become a property owner!  Today I purchase that little spot of land that I have prayed over my entire life.  Yes, that's true.  As a young girl I would sit in my parent's field, looking over the hills, and pray that one day I would have the opportunity to own that spot.  Today is the day that a dream comes true and my prayer is being answered!  Thank you Lord for Your faithfulness.  Thank you Lord for Your love.  Thank you, Lord!  Lord, You know all the circumstances surrounding this sale.  I pray You will guide the sellers.  I pray You will watch over and protect.  Thank you, thank you Lord Jesus!

My new prayer, other than protection and watching over my new place, is that my mobile home sells quickly!  Lord, You know I'm going to be strapped until it sells.  Please Lord send someone into my life quickly who needs a dandy little mobile home :)

Amen!  Praise the Lord!!  Today is the day!!!  I'm so excited!!!!

Until next time . . .

What a month!

Wow, it's been a few weeks since I last posted.  The last few weeks have been busy and super fast to say the least!  Let's see, where to begin?

Well, the last time I posted I was getting ready to go on vacation.  This is a vacation that had been two years in the planning and finally arrived!  I traveled once again over the big pond; best known as the Atlantic.  This time my destination was a Mediterranean Journey.  It began in Rome, Italy - then Assisi, Italy - then Florence, Italy - then Pisa, Italy - then an overnight ferry ride across the Mediterranean Sea - and the final stop was Barcelona, Spain.  What an awesome 9 days that was!  Day three of the adventure was pretty awesome.  I celebrated my 32nd birthday in Assisi!  It was great!!

That's all for March excitement to bring us up to date.

April started out on a bang as well.  April 1st, April Fool's day, was a hit!  My dear friend, Jeni, and I got to see Kenny Chesney in concert!  WOOHOO!  That was great.  We had wonderful seats, too.  That was our first Kenny concert in five years as well as our fifth time seeing him together.

On this same day, yes April Fool's, I received a call that I've been working for for months; slightly over six months to be exact.  It was the call to tell me my offer on a property had been approved!  Oh my, this just goes to prove patience is a virtue!  I actually had to call the lady back and make sure she said what she said and that this wasn't an April Fool's joke.

Next big thing, Dora School Board elections - Tuesday, April 5, 2011.  I was one of 10 candidates vying for one of three, three year positions.  I won!!  I am so excited at the opportunity to serve my school.  This same day, I put that property (mentioned above) under contract!  The emotions tied into this day was almost overwhelming.

Now we're caught up.  This week I have been busily getting paperwork, insurance policies, electricity, etc. lined up for my house closing; which is Thursday!  For something that was back and forth and took forever to get through once the deal was accepted it has been going at lightning speed.  So Thursday, April 14th, I will officially become a first time home/property buyer.  The two little mobile homes I've owned don't count really.  This is a spot of land I've dreamed about owning one day.   God and I have had many, many a chat about this.  I told Him when He was ready for me to have it He would make the way.  And He did!!  I'm already picturing my evenings of sitting in the back yard watching that sunset over the Ozark Mountains!  Oh, I can't wait!  Also on this day, I'm having my information school board meeting....so, big day!!

**if you know anyone needing a dandy single wide mobile home send them my way as I now have one for sale!**

They say good things come in threes.  Well, I've had two wonderful things happen.  I told my mom maybe that third big thing would be someone asking me on a date :)  Have no idea who that somebody is, but you never know!  Or, maybe I need to buy a lottery ticket!  LOL LOL

So, that's all my news and we're caught up.  I'm in such awe and amazement of what a big and loving God we serve.  He is so good!  He has blessed me beyond comprehension.  I stand amazed and in awe of Him.

Have a wonderful day!

Until next time . . .

Devastation a half a world away: Japan's Earthquake & Tsunami

My mind is heavy today.  I got up this morning in my same normal fashion; following my same routine, grabbing a sweatshirt and my sneakers to go for a morning walk.  The sun was shining brightly in my bedroom windows which was a much welcomed sight considering we've had several days of gray clouds and cold temps.  I knew today was going to be good day.  I was greeted at the door by my pup as he yawned and stretched.  Off we went for our morning stroll. 

I wake up to the radio and I recall the broadcasters talking about historical earthquakes, but I just assumed they were talking about this day in history.  Little did I know they were referring to today and a day that will go down in history. 

Upon my return from walking I pulled up my facebook to check out the world around me.  A cousin of mine lives in Japan and all I see is EARTHQUAKE as his status so I pulled it up.  Then, I turned on the TV.  This is what was all over the news: an 8.9 earthquake hit off the shore of Northern Japan around 2:45 PM (Japan time) Friday, March 11, 2011.  Shortly after a 13-foot tsunami plummeted the island causing major devastation up and down the 1300 miles of Japan's cost.  It's a good thing I was driving solo today because all I could do was sit and watch the TV.  Next think I knew it was almost 8 am and I was officially late to work.

As soon as I heard all this news my thoughts immediately turned to God.  I knew at that moment that God was speaking to His people all over the world.  I'm sure many were listening just like I'm sure there are so many who weren't.  I threw my hands up and said out loud, "God, I know you're talking.  I'm here in the central US not physically being affected by this, but I still know you're talking.  God, I sure hope people wake up and listen." It was such a 'WOW GOD' moment even though it was a moment of total devastation and destruction a half a world away.  All this has caused destruction right here in the US.  The tsunami affected Hawaii and all up and down the West Coast.

You see, what we have to remember, even though by land we're a half a world away we are still under God's creation, His control, His strength, His power, His promise, His plan!  So when He talks we should all listen because God has no continental boundaries or borders.  If all this 'stuff' going on around us doesn't wake people up I don't know what will; unless many wake up when it's too late.  And by 'stuff' I mean floods, big snow storms, earthquakes gallore every day, war, talks of war, earthquakes, and the list goes on.  It's not global warming folks...it's bonefide GOD WARNING!

All this happening is a perfect definition of fearing the Lord.  I fear the Lord, yes I do.  I don't fear Him out of being scared for my life; it's just the opposite.  I fear the Lord because I believe His promises; promises of good and bad.  I fear the Lord because I have lost friends and family who may never enter the Kingdom of Heaven; I fear for their souls.  I fear the Lord because I believe His plans; even though I don't know the time or place.  I fear the Lord because I believe He is Higher than anything, Stronger than anything, Capable of everything, Lover and Giver of my soul.  I fear the Lord because I believe!

So, everyone who reads this:  Do you believe in our Lord, Jesus Christ?  If you don't see tomorrow do you know without a shadow of a doubt you will spend your eternity with Him in Heaven?  I pray your answers are yes.  Even if I don't know you I still pray for your soul.  As a Christian, we are to love one another and pray for the lost.  That doesn't say love one another if you know them.  That says 'love one another.'  God didn't create us to be lost and disbelieve Him. 

God bless you all!

Until next time . . .

Saying Goodbye . . .

June of 2002 I watched Wendy, our Red Dun Quarter Horse mare, bring Cali into the world.  On Saturday, March 5, 2011, I had to watch them both become part of someone else's family :(  It was hard to say goodbye and let go of two beauties who have been apart of the C Ridge for a long time; Wendy (22) since she was seven and Cali since her birth.  Wendy was the first mare we ever had that we raised babies from.  During her time on the Ridge she mother three fillies; Dusti, Sunni, and Cali.  My cousin purchased Dusti & Sunni last year so they are still close. 

I have to admit I got a little teary seeing them in the trailer.  Afterall, we raised Cali; so it's always hard to see them go.  Later, once we got them in their new barn, I had to have a little time with them to myself while dad and the new owner talked.  I tried to hold back the tears, but I just couldn't.  I know, I know...they're just horses, an animal.  But, when you see something everyday you kinda get used to it and attached.

Wendy (mother) and Cali (daughter)

Cali and Wendy

On this same day, we brought home a new addition to the C Ridge, Lil Dandy, a six year old Bay Rhone Quarter horse.  You're probably wondering, "Why did you get rid of two and bring home another?"  Well, for many reasons.  Cali wasn't broke to ride, therefore could be potentially dangerous and Wendy is getting on in years and we couldn't bare the thought of her passing on the farm.  Therefore, we brought home a broke horse that we can ride.   Even though Lil Dandy is beautiful and has great disposition, it was still a sad exchange.

Lil Dandy

When you have cared for something one always worries that something won't be cared for as good as you did or that they will be mistreated.  We can only hope that Wendy and Cali are well taken care of and loved as we did.  We do know that both mares will make their new permanent residence somewhere in Oklahoma where they will become surrogate mothers, or broodmares.  I pray they are well taken care off.  They will be forever missed on the C Ridge.

Until next time . . .

Christmas in March!!!!

Today is the day . . . to see Chris Tomlin in concert!!! Louie Giglio will also be there speaking along with singer, Christy Nockels and Rend Collective!!!  This will be my third concert, in two years, seeing Chris Tomlin . . . he's my FAVORITE . . .  and second time to hear Louie Giglio.  I guess you can say, "I'M A FAN!"

Little Rock, AR concert with TobyMac, Spring 2010

So, if a few moments I will be on the road by way of picking up my sister and then picking up Shanea (my niece) at College of the Ozarks.  We are being met in Ozark at the James River Assembly by my parents and Dee & Jasmine (my other two nieces).  We all got tickets for Christmas so we are having Christmas in March!!  So excited!!!

Today is also the day of Round 2 District play in for High School playoffs.  Dora Falcons, my home team, will face intra-country rivals the Gainesville Bulldogs to see who advances to the District Championship!  Oh, my fingers are cross.  LET'S GO DORA FALCONS!!!

Until next time . . .

BOOM...RATTLE...SHAKE!

BOOM...RATTLE...SHAKE = LIGHTNING...THUNDER...EARTHQUAKE!!!

With the season change to spring comes vast weather changes; last night was no different.  By the way, that was a second 'thunder in February, frost in May'!  Something we're not used to in this part of the world is earthquakes.  Oh, sure, yes we're near the New Madrid Fault so tremors can be expected, but they are very rare.

Much of the local papers & media have been filled the last few months with reports of small tremors and earthquakes in Central Arkansas, near Guy & Greenbriar.  Over the course of these months we have felt nothing in Northern Arkansas or Southern Missouri . . . . until last night!  4.7 centered in Greenbriar, AR; followed by three in the 3.8 vicinity.

Now, I didn't feel the whole house shaking, stuff on the walls moving that others did, but I do recall hearing some rattling. I just thought it was thunder from the pending storms headed our way!  Never thought anything different.  It felt like one of those deep thunders that rattles your inards.  Didn't know anything about the earth quaken until this morning when it was on the news and facebook was flooded with reports.

I believe God gives us warning signs everyday.  Now, whether we choose to listen is another story.  Yes, yes, yes, I know....people have been speaking of the 'end times' for years.  I do believe the end is near; we're a whole lot closer today that we were yesterday.  Is it in my lifetime?  Who knows.  No one knows; we just have to be ready.  But, I do believe God is trying to shake us up a bit and open our eyes to what's going on around us.  For example; the Oscars.

The 83rd Academy Awards was on last night.  I do not think God is very pleased with the types of filth coming out of Hollywood; just like I'm sure He's not pleased with the turmoil in this world.  The movies might not necessarily be bad, but the people making them are representing and condoning things that are probably not too pleasing to Him.   For example; I was all excited about "The King's Speech" winning Best Picture and getting to see it until . . . the guy giving the speech at the end thanked his boyfriend!!!  Totally turned me off and I probably won't be watching it. 

I realize these are my opinions, but they are opinions based on facts backed up by the truths of the Bible.  If we, as Christians, continue to 'accept' and 'get used' to things unpleasing to God what makes us any better?  I heard someone say over the weekend that they are 'getting used' to seeing/hearing about homosexuality.  I'M SORRY, but I COMPLETELY 100% DISAGREE with that statement.  If we continue to 'get used to' we are accepting something not of God.  I know folks and have friends who live this lifestyle.  I'm not saying they're not nice people because they are good people.  Just being good or nice doesn't give us an eternity in heaven with Jesus.  This goes for all sin.  It's high time to step up.  All it takes is one spark to ignite a wildfire.  Just think what one voice can do. 

I realize sin is sin and I'm not putting myself on a pedestal.  I have my faults that I have to ask forgiveness for.  But, God is pressing us to work for Him, to lead by example, to be a light and spread His Word.  I'm listening God, help me to be brave to do Your Will!

Until next time . . .