Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
SUV victim
Why in the world are people still buying large SUV's? And why are the drivers of these machines women? Women who can't reverse in one swipe, instead it takes them 2 or 3 tries before reaching clearance. If you are gonna own it, own it. Men, please quit buying these vehicles for women, they are only making our species look more and more stupid.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
tonight, tonight, tonight....
today, a rainy saturday, turned into a beautiful evening. quiet, nice dinner, candlelight, meaningful conversation and music with , yep, you guessed it....me, myself and I.
I am reading a new Erwin McManus book, Wide Awake, its about discovering dreams and living life to its fullest of God's design. I can only read one chapter at a time because its so much to digest. And I am a pea-brain.
You see, in the last 6 months or so, I have really be searching for what's next...What directions do I go? Who is it that God wants me to become? Because life is about evolving right?
There are so many things I want to accomplish. And at any given time, I can list about 7 careers that I want to pursue, 4 business ventures I want to launch, 3 hobbies I want to begin, 8 cities I want to live in, and about 10 countries I am dying to visit.
Maybe that's the problem. Maybe that's why I feel I am sitting still.
McManus' writing is encouraging....
The Bible is all about change. All the words that describe the spiritual journey are about change. Transformation means change. Conversion means change. Repentance means change. Sanctification means change.
And if you are a follower of Christ, get ready for change, because who you are today is not who you will be tomorrow. Keep fueling your insatiable curiosity.
I am reading a new Erwin McManus book, Wide Awake, its about discovering dreams and living life to its fullest of God's design. I can only read one chapter at a time because its so much to digest. And I am a pea-brain.
You see, in the last 6 months or so, I have really be searching for what's next...What directions do I go? Who is it that God wants me to become? Because life is about evolving right?
There are so many things I want to accomplish. And at any given time, I can list about 7 careers that I want to pursue, 4 business ventures I want to launch, 3 hobbies I want to begin, 8 cities I want to live in, and about 10 countries I am dying to visit.
Maybe that's the problem. Maybe that's why I feel I am sitting still.
McManus' writing is encouraging....
The Bible is all about change. All the words that describe the spiritual journey are about change. Transformation means change. Conversion means change. Repentance means change. Sanctification means change.
And if you are a follower of Christ, get ready for change, because who you are today is not who you will be tomorrow. Keep fueling your insatiable curiosity.
my former outlet...
a few things happened when i said goodbye to MySpace ( in effort to maintain privacy from certain folks). But the one thing I do miss is My Space to write. I write frequently. Privately. But some not so private. So i will use some space to share some writings that are very personal to me. Some of you know what or who these stories are about, some of you won't either way, I hope you enjoy.
So on to the writings below....
So on to the writings below....
One day at a time sweet Jesus
from Sunday, October 29, 2006
I missed her call, checked her voicemail. Its a call from Roxanne telling me her grandmother, whom we called "Ole Yeller" passed away on Thursday night. She then proceeds to ask me to sing at the funeral. For this friend, I would do anything. She knows that.
But then she began to laugh, "You don't know what song I am about to ask you to sing," she said. So I waited, listened to her laughter and not knowing what I was laughing at, I began to laugh myself. Roxanne said "One day at a Time, Sweet Jesus-you know that old song. I think Loretta Lynn sang it." I could hardly distinguish the words from her laughter. I reassured her that I would sing no matter what it was and even though my voice is still hoarse, I would do it the best I could.
It was an honor to be asked to sing at a funeral of somone so precious to my friend. Hopped on iTunes and downloaded "One Day at a Time". Surprisingly, many artists were listed. Who could have guessed that gospel albums from the early 80's would show up on iTunes? The song has the deepest "twang" and a standard country beat with 2 verses and 2 choruses. Totally not me. I knew at this point that I would not be able to sit in sight of Roxanne's face. Not because of her tears, but because she would be laughing while I sang. And you know how it goes- you ALWAYS laugh harder when you are NOT supposed to laugh. i.e Funerals, Weddings, Ceremonies. Fortunately, the song was the very first thing in the service and I was hidden behind a flower arrangement. And although I struggled through it with my damaged vocal chords- it was still an honor and she and I had some good laughs!
As I sat listening to the obituary and the message about death and eternity, I couldn't help but be reminded of my grandfather's funeral. You see, this was the first funeral I have been to since my grandfather's death in January. My mind drifted back to the hospital room, where I grieved over my PawPaw as he lived his last minutes with us. I started thinking about how long it has been since I have seen him. I remember how much pain he suffered, but then I was reminded of how much joy he brought us. Even in his last days at home during Christmas, he still made us laugh. When I was 4 years old, my father died and I don't have one memory of him, so my PawPaw was the first death of someone so close to me. He was the man who taught me how to pick a "good tomato", he taught me how to drive, how to make people laugh, how to eat watermelon, how to shoot firecrackers, how to ride a lawnmower, how to bait a fishing hook. He was the best cook- he cooked the meat for our family gatherings, even though he was vegetarian. I miss his goofy dancing, his kiss on my cheek and his approval when I walk in the room. I remember so many funny stories of him.
I cheered in high school, and as we would run down the sidelines he would always stand up and yell "Hey Heather" waving his hands in the air. My friends on the squad learned to look for him at every game, b/c they loved to see him act so crazy. The first time Roxanne met my grandfather, he did a kart-wheel for her right there in the front yard . When I was in Miss Mississippi, he told everyone he would meet, seriously-even the check out girl at Kroger. And that was the case for all of his 5 grandchildren, he would brag of our accomplishments to everyone. We wanted to act embarrased, but we loved it! He didn't miss a thing, he was at every event!
My grandmother made him biscuits every morning for 56 years and cornbread every night. I bet she would love to have him at her table again. I am so glad he is not in pain anymore, but I sure do miss him. During his death I was encouraged to grieve .
Grieving takes time, grieving doesn't happen all at once. As I wiped tears from my cheek at Roxanne's grandmother's funeral, I realized that I was doing just that- 10 months down the road, I was still grieving. It was a good feeling though- knowing that I am normal, knowing that I haven't supressed those feeling so far down that i am unaffected, knowing that I could grieve alongside of my friend during her loss, too. I don't consider myself a real sympathetic person, but this day the feeling were so fresh, they were way to close to home.
I missed her call, checked her voicemail. Its a call from Roxanne telling me her grandmother, whom we called "Ole Yeller" passed away on Thursday night. She then proceeds to ask me to sing at the funeral. For this friend, I would do anything. She knows that.
But then she began to laugh, "You don't know what song I am about to ask you to sing," she said. So I waited, listened to her laughter and not knowing what I was laughing at, I began to laugh myself. Roxanne said "One day at a Time, Sweet Jesus-you know that old song. I think Loretta Lynn sang it." I could hardly distinguish the words from her laughter. I reassured her that I would sing no matter what it was and even though my voice is still hoarse, I would do it the best I could.
It was an honor to be asked to sing at a funeral of somone so precious to my friend. Hopped on iTunes and downloaded "One Day at a Time". Surprisingly, many artists were listed. Who could have guessed that gospel albums from the early 80's would show up on iTunes? The song has the deepest "twang" and a standard country beat with 2 verses and 2 choruses. Totally not me. I knew at this point that I would not be able to sit in sight of Roxanne's face. Not because of her tears, but because she would be laughing while I sang. And you know how it goes- you ALWAYS laugh harder when you are NOT supposed to laugh. i.e Funerals, Weddings, Ceremonies. Fortunately, the song was the very first thing in the service and I was hidden behind a flower arrangement. And although I struggled through it with my damaged vocal chords- it was still an honor and she and I had some good laughs!
As I sat listening to the obituary and the message about death and eternity, I couldn't help but be reminded of my grandfather's funeral. You see, this was the first funeral I have been to since my grandfather's death in January. My mind drifted back to the hospital room, where I grieved over my PawPaw as he lived his last minutes with us. I started thinking about how long it has been since I have seen him. I remember how much pain he suffered, but then I was reminded of how much joy he brought us. Even in his last days at home during Christmas, he still made us laugh. When I was 4 years old, my father died and I don't have one memory of him, so my PawPaw was the first death of someone so close to me. He was the man who taught me how to pick a "good tomato", he taught me how to drive, how to make people laugh, how to eat watermelon, how to shoot firecrackers, how to ride a lawnmower, how to bait a fishing hook. He was the best cook- he cooked the meat for our family gatherings, even though he was vegetarian. I miss his goofy dancing, his kiss on my cheek and his approval when I walk in the room. I remember so many funny stories of him.
I cheered in high school, and as we would run down the sidelines he would always stand up and yell "Hey Heather" waving his hands in the air. My friends on the squad learned to look for him at every game, b/c they loved to see him act so crazy. The first time Roxanne met my grandfather, he did a kart-wheel for her right there in the front yard . When I was in Miss Mississippi, he told everyone he would meet, seriously-even the check out girl at Kroger. And that was the case for all of his 5 grandchildren, he would brag of our accomplishments to everyone. We wanted to act embarrased, but we loved it! He didn't miss a thing, he was at every event!
My grandmother made him biscuits every morning for 56 years and cornbread every night. I bet she would love to have him at her table again. I am so glad he is not in pain anymore, but I sure do miss him. During his death I was encouraged to grieve .
Grieving takes time, grieving doesn't happen all at once. As I wiped tears from my cheek at Roxanne's grandmother's funeral, I realized that I was doing just that- 10 months down the road, I was still grieving. It was a good feeling though- knowing that I am normal, knowing that I haven't supressed those feeling so far down that i am unaffected, knowing that I could grieve alongside of my friend during her loss, too. I don't consider myself a real sympathetic person, but this day the feeling were so fresh, they were way to close to home.
We were just here...
From April 13, 2007...
we drove up to the church for the funeral and I was still in shock. "it seems we were just here." the shock of my grandmother's sudden death left all of us wishing we had one more chance to eat at her table. you see, its just been over 15 mos. since my grandfather's passing. they left a legacy of humilty, contentment and marital commitment, having been married for 57 years.
Nanny died suddenly from what we think to be a massive stroke. you probably are thinking silently "oh, well she was probably old and sick." nothing could be more untrue. she was well, she was still employed- shuttling cars for a rental company, driving to and from new orleans several times a week. she babysat her 2 yr old great grandchild every friday night. she loved watching sports, soap operas and Dancing with the Stars. she was a young 77- healthy mind and strong willed. she was fiesty with a great sense of humor.she missed my Pawpaw, but tried so hard to not burden us with her emotion. she cooked like no other. you were lucky to eat her food. she taught me hospitality and service. if you entered her house- you were never thirsty or hungry- she took care of you and I will continue what she taught me for the guests at my house.
i miss her, its only been 12 days since she passed. our families are sifting through her house, cleaning and selling. this is the home of our family- every holiday meal and our memories in that house- will be sold soon and we will grieve on yet another level.
her ceremony was perfect. it was sweet, beautiful and there was laughter. she was buried in pj's (that is what she had mentioned long ago) she never quite understood why others were buried in nice clothes, she wanted to appear that she had just fallen asleep. here we were again, carried by my best friend's arm to the same pew, ceremony almost the same order, same pastor, letter of memories read by a family friend, and a church filled with those that loved her and those that love us. my sister chose the song "Come to Me" by Kari Jobe. Perfect. Sung by two very dear friends, Courtney Yancey and Kristi Christian on the piano.
the lyrics...
Come to Me you weary one
And I will give you rest
For My yoke is easy and My burden light
Take me upon you and I will give you rest
Come to Me you broken one and i will give you peace
I will calm your waters and I will whisper peace be still
Take Me upon you and I will give you peace
Come to me you burdened one and I will give you joy
You will rise as eagles and My joy will be your strength
Take me upon you and I will give you joy
Nanny was not sick. She was tired, she was sad, she was lonely after losing pawpaw. the greater plan here- we all see it. our sadness is accompanied by complete understanding of God's purpose and timing. by faith, we are renewed
we drove up to the church for the funeral and I was still in shock. "it seems we were just here." the shock of my grandmother's sudden death left all of us wishing we had one more chance to eat at her table. you see, its just been over 15 mos. since my grandfather's passing. they left a legacy of humilty, contentment and marital commitment, having been married for 57 years.
Nanny died suddenly from what we think to be a massive stroke. you probably are thinking silently "oh, well she was probably old and sick." nothing could be more untrue. she was well, she was still employed- shuttling cars for a rental company, driving to and from new orleans several times a week. she babysat her 2 yr old great grandchild every friday night. she loved watching sports, soap operas and Dancing with the Stars. she was a young 77- healthy mind and strong willed. she was fiesty with a great sense of humor.she missed my Pawpaw, but tried so hard to not burden us with her emotion. she cooked like no other. you were lucky to eat her food. she taught me hospitality and service. if you entered her house- you were never thirsty or hungry- she took care of you and I will continue what she taught me for the guests at my house.
i miss her, its only been 12 days since she passed. our families are sifting through her house, cleaning and selling. this is the home of our family- every holiday meal and our memories in that house- will be sold soon and we will grieve on yet another level.
her ceremony was perfect. it was sweet, beautiful and there was laughter. she was buried in pj's (that is what she had mentioned long ago) she never quite understood why others were buried in nice clothes, she wanted to appear that she had just fallen asleep. here we were again, carried by my best friend's arm to the same pew, ceremony almost the same order, same pastor, letter of memories read by a family friend, and a church filled with those that loved her and those that love us. my sister chose the song "Come to Me" by Kari Jobe. Perfect. Sung by two very dear friends, Courtney Yancey and Kristi Christian on the piano.
the lyrics...
Come to Me you weary one
And I will give you rest
For My yoke is easy and My burden light
Take me upon you and I will give you rest
Come to Me you broken one and i will give you peace
I will calm your waters and I will whisper peace be still
Take Me upon you and I will give you peace
Come to me you burdened one and I will give you joy
You will rise as eagles and My joy will be your strength
Take me upon you and I will give you joy
Nanny was not sick. She was tired, she was sad, she was lonely after losing pawpaw. the greater plan here- we all see it. our sadness is accompanied by complete understanding of God's purpose and timing. by faith, we are renewed
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