Life As A Dog by Skyler

Yep, that's me over there in that picture!  I'm writing this blog today and it's all about what it would be like for you to be my size, less than a foot off the ground and experience the world around you like me - a lovable pint-sized pup.  At my house, I think it would be pretty good.

Just imagine, no worries.  On beautiful sunny fall days like yesterday, I could stand in my driveway and just hold my little nose up in the air and just smell and take in all of the wonderful things.  "Skyler", stern look at master, "NO" I don't have to potty, I just want to smell the world around me.  A bird sings and it catches my attention for a moment as a look in one of the really big trees in my yard.  There's that crazy squirrel!  I want to chase him, but somehow, the warm sun on my back and the breeze bringing all of those wonderful smells past my twitching nose, just seem to be more important.

I learned a long time ago, to obey my mom.  I don't run away anymore.  I'm getting kind of old and I don't have such a great heart anymore, but on days like this, I feel like a pup again.  I can imagine running and playing, chasing the ball around the yard and standing patiently and waiting for my cookie for being a good dog outside.

Oh, did I mention that I have itcheeeees.  Guess I'm allergic to grass or something, no fleas on me, no siree, but grass  just makes me itch.  Don't much like walking on it these days either., and when it's wet, we won't even go there with that thought.  Don't like to get my feet wet unless it's in a nice warm bath.  But I do love to stand on that warm driveway on days like today.  It just feels so good.  I don't have a care in the world, but just standing her, sniffing and taking in the world as I soak up those warm rays of sunshine.  Ahhh, this is the life.

Mom's home!  Yeah, that means one thing, hugs and SUPPER!  My  little cup of Beneful with water on it so I can chew it easier.  My mom knows how to treat a fabulous canine specimen like me.   Here comes the peanut butter blob.  She thinks I don't know that there's nasty tasting stuff rolled up in that peanut butter, but that's okay, it all makes me feel better.  A year ago, they didn't even think I would still be here.  I was so sick.  All of that good medicine from my doggie doc has kept me going and they just call me the little miracle.  I don't get much exercise, but I have managed to shed a few pounds here and there, so that has helped me too. I'm not ready to give in and close my eyes for the last time.  I've got a lot of sunny days to enjoy and breezes to sniff.

I have a pretty good vocabulary too, for an 18 pound dog.  If I hear the words "go for a ride in the car", whoa, that means I'm gonna get to go for a ride some where and if my boy is in the car and headed off to that big building he goes to everyday, that means, we are stopping at that place with the big red box that talks to you and magically, when you pull up to that open window, there's FOOD!  Those girls inside that window think that I'm just soooo cute and sometimes, they have dog cookies for me.  I give them a cute little bark and wag my fluffy tail and they just melt to pieces.  I always get an "aw" out of them when I do that.  Oh wow, wonderful smells have just come into my car, oh, I just don't think I can stand it. My boy gives me a little piece of crust from his food, and my mom, well she thinks of everything.  I'm probably the only dog in the whole world that has his very own "to go" cup permanently in the car.  They get big tall bowls of water with sticks in them and I have my perfect puppy sized to go cup that fits right down in that little hole in the middle of the seat, so I just stand there and lap up my "to go" water!

Some people call me spoiled rotten.  No way, I'm just lucky!  I've got a bed in every room, and I get to sleep on the bed with my folks at night.  It's so cool.  They can let the air out to make it softer.  So I just lay my head on my own squishy pillow and get covered up with my pint sized little blanket and go to sleep.  It's great.  Some mornings, I even sleep later than my folks!

I have my own bank lady too.  We go there sometimes and there is another magic box that appears and if I bark and wag my tail, I get cookies there, too!  Those ladies are so nice to me and they remember me every time I go with Mom.

Okay, so maybe I am a little spoiled, but I'm not a guard dog!  I'm a lover and I don't have a care in the world except to get my tummy rubbed, get carried around, play with the squeaky in my favorite bobo toys, eat my supper, ride in my car, sleep on my pillows, eat, play and watch my television (I love television, especially those shows that are on in the daytime with all of the people yelling at each other and doing that kissy face thing).  I don't know where they all go though, they just kind of disappear.

Ahh, life is good and it's another breakfast time.  Another day to stand outside and soak up the rays, smell the smells, scare my squirrel and just love the good life as a dog.

Don't you have something to do?  Most people types do.  But remember, always be sociable!  I don't think people would think to much of you if you walked up and rubbed their tummy and scratched behind their ears, so just give them a paw and shake it good.  Or better yet, a good hug and a kiss on their nose, nah, stick with the paw.  You don't want them to think you're weird!

Wiggles, wags and doggie kisses to all of you!  Where's my cookie!
Skyler

That Button Nose and Little Bow Mouth

Twenty-five years ago, my husband and I became parents for the first time.  It was an expected moment that we had 8 hours to prepare for, literally.  We were "next in line" for an adoption.  Prior to this particular day, there had been multiple attempts, but in every case, things just didn't work out.  Needless to say, we were a little apprehensive about the whole process and afraid to get our hopes up, for fear of being heartbroken yet one more time.

If you are one of my regular readers, you know by now, just exactly where I stand in my faith.  Back in those days of waiting and wanting a child so much, the heartache and sadness sometimes became overwhelming and after many, many attempts, we redirected our lives and began to adjust to a life without children, God's gifts.

I will never forget the series of events that changed our lives in such a wonderful way.  On a midweek afternoon, I received a phone call at the office where I worked and it was the Obstetrician that we had registered with for a private adoption.  He told me of this young woman and then simply said, "she is here, now, sitting in my office, and she would like to talk with you.  Is that okay?"  I know my heart skipped a beat.  I wanted everything to be done anonymously and was told that wasn't a problem.  From him came the promise that this would be and remain totally anonymous.  So, shaking and nervous, I took the call and spoke to this young woman, who carried in her womb and under her heart, the future joy that was to be our daughter.  We both fought back tears during our conversation and she told me that the doctor had shared our story with her and of all of the potential adoptive parents that she could have chosen, she chose us and she wanted to let me know, that this time was going to be real.  I don't think I accomplished anything else that day.  Tears welled up in my eyes every time I thought about her voice, her words, her accomplishments.  It was the beginning of what was to become a whirlwind weekend.

She wasn't due for a couple of weeks, so we really thought we had time to adjust to the idea that soon, very soon, we would be bringing home baby.

At four am the following Monday, just 3 days from the phone call, we got yet another call, and this one was from a nurse at the hospital letting us know that this young lady was in labor and wanted us there when the baby was born.  Wh wh what!  She's in labor!?  So much to do.  Have to call the office.  What about the work to be done there?  Didn't matter, absolutely didn't matter.  We were about to be part of a miracle and begin our lives as "parents", something that we had prayed about for a long, long time.

Names, oh my gosh, we hadn't even talked about names.  What if it's a boy, a girl...

Showered, dressed and we headed out the door to be there to hold our baby for the first time when he/she was only moments old.

 When we arrived at the hospital, we were quickly steered into a room just down the hall from the birthing center.  Eight am, and we both have nervous stomachs.  Anxious doesn't even come close to describing it.  Wondering, family called, more tears, more waiting, more wondering, nervous.  No way to describe the emotions that we were experiencing that morning.  Conception to birth in just a few short hours.  We experienced it all.  And then, at around 12:57 pm, in walked a nurse with this tiny bundle in her arms and the beautiful words "it's a girl, and she's just beautiful".

Yes, she was, and still is and makes us proud every moment of every day.  She is an incredible artist and is working on a degree in design for theater.  She smiles and lights up a room, and does her poochy lip and usually gets her way.  So, this year, we celebrate her quarter century milestone.  Baby girl, with that little button nose and that beautiful little bow mouth, you light up our lives today and always.  We are so proud of you, proud of who your are, what you have accomplished, the love that you radiate, the gifts that you use to brighten up not just a room, but the world around you.

We should have picked up on her artistic skills when she was little.  At the age of 8 months, she was creating masterpieces with orange jello, canteloupe and scrambled eggs at Shoneys on Sundays before church.  Growing up, instead of making mud pies, she made in her words "toxic waste".  Santa brought her a pint sized child safe tool set with working power tools and she learned how to design, create and assemble treasures made out of wood while working along side her daddy.  We frequently had snakes and lizards in a jar in the garage, because they caught them together.    I won't ever forget the one morning early before school, we discovered that all of the kittens belonging to the neighborhood stray (which lived outside of our house), had fallen prey to other creatures, and as this heart broken little girl got on her school bus, she sobbed over the loss of her kitties.  By the time she got to school, I had called her teacher and milk and cookies and an extra hug or two awaited her when she got into her classroom.

Such a tender, loving heart surrounded by the most beautiful little girl ever, and we proudly call her ours.

Yes, we have two incredible children, both adopted and both have completed our lives in their own unique and special ways.  God has been very good to us, very gracious and entrusted to us the love and lives of two very precious gifts.  God is good, very, very good, all the time.

One story shared today, and that is hers.  It's a special time for her.  So, today, sweetheart, this is all for you.

God bless you as He has blessed us with your life.  God keep you safe and give you wonderful days ahead as you head towards the next phase of your life.

Blessings to all of you today!  I'm going to reminisce a little and look at some pictures of that cute little button nose and bow mouth that have been a part of my life for 25 years.

Love y'all!
Kaye

Threes Then Fours....What's Next?

Ever have one of those crazy days when you knew from the moment your feet hit the floor, that it was just going to be weird, no matter what you did?  I'm having one today.

It started with my trip to the office.   We have a kamakazi squirrel on our street.  There he sat in the middle of the opposite lane on my road, starring me down.  I looked at the little dickens, just sitting there.  Don't you dare run out in front of me.  Stare down with a squirrel, not sure who won, but it was definitely weird, as this little guy didn't run out in front of me.  He waited until I was right next to him and, no, he didn't run, he lept from his perch on the yellow line right into the side of my car - splat!  Oh no, I expected to look out my window and see knocked out squirrel lying there, and I wasn't about to give him mouth to mouth!  Instead what I saw was this ornery little rodent do a perfect back flip off my car door and land standing on his back feet.  He just sat there and looked at me like he was saying "why did you do that?".   Just shook my head and headed on to the office.  Little did I know that the rest of the day probably left God holding his sides laughing and me just shaking my head amazed at what was going on around me.

So, I traveled on.  I'm driving through beautiful downtown Austell, Georgia at the required 35 MPH (you don't dare do 35.5 because you WILL get a ticket).  What to my wondering eyes should appear, but a gentleman walking down the middle of Veteran's Memorial Highway pushing a vacuum cleaner.  Okay, well then, that was different.  Not a daily happening!  Two blocks down the road, and low and behold, I have yet another eye-opener as a rather large man on a motorcycle pulls out of the side street.  Not unusual you say.  Just wait, it gets better.  His helmet has a set of longhorn steer horns protruding out each side of his helmet nearly a foot in each direction.  Okay, maybe I need a cup of coffee.  Surely, I am dreaming all of this.  Couldn't be that lucky.

Since I'm sporting a screaming back, I only worked long enough to tackle the phone messages, send the emails and do the banking.  The latter was to be my fourth unusual experience for the day.  Pulled into the drive thru at the bank at 9:25.  Popped the deposit into the shush shush tube and was promptly greeted by the teller with a hello and be right with you.  (At this moment, I would like you to hum the Jeopardy theme in your head as you read on).  Three minutes pass, then five.  Not a teller in sight, then all of a sudden, I see three of them, and for some reason, they are ALL counting and banding money.  But where is my deposit?  Doesn't seem to be in any of their hands, and further more, there aren't any other customers in the lobby or the drive thru.  Okay, BUZZ,  BUZZ.  "Yes, may I help you?"  "I've been sitting out her now for 10 minutes.  I am your only customer, where is the deposit for my employer?"  "Oh, they are still working on it!" "What, are you kidding me.  It was 3 checks and they were all endorsed properly."  "Sorry, sorry.  It will be right out."  So, 15 minutes later, I got a receipt for the office deposit, attitude and no explanation.

My first thought was threes, it's the rule of threes, but I was already beyond that.  Good, well at least maybe we are done with the weird stuff for the day.  Monday on Tuesday.  Breathe easier.  Should be smooth sailing from here, except for my aching back.  I should be so lucky.  I should only be so lucky.

We are going to change that weirdness rule to fours and maybe even fives or more!  Ever been in the middle of a high speed car chase?  It's fun, let me tell you.  Blue lights, sirens, police vehicles turning corners on two wheels, blocked streets.  Funny thing about this police chase, we didn't see a car with bad guys that was being chased.  Kinda weird, don't you think!  So, my #1 son and I are thinking, maybe we'll just take a different route to his bank.  Now, we are changing it to the rule of of Fives or more because it is getting stranger by the moment.  We round the corner to use our favorite neighborhood shortcut, and low and behold, there are more police cars of every description, blue lights, etc, sitting on curbs, blocking streets, policeman waving people on as the look in their passing cars.  Okay, this is just beyond weird.  As we approach the bank entrance, we realize that all of the lanes are closed, so maybe, just maybe, the bank got robbed or something, so we decided to pursue a different branch.  Not in the mood to be caught in the crossfire today!

We did finally make it safely to another location, without police cars, longhorn helmets and mobile vacuum cleaners.  On our journey back home, we again encountered the blue lights and car checks, so this time, me being me, I pulled up and smiling at the nice police officer, sweetly asked "what's going on?  Is there any need to be concerned for our personal safety?"  "No ma'am, not at all, just a jewelry heist and we think the thieves are back in this neighborhood somewhere."  Gee, nice to know it wasn't an ax murderer or something.  I had no idea that there were that many blue lights in my county.

So, my strange sequence of events has so far ended at 5+  for the day.  However, it's only 3:45.  Who knows! But I want to turn back to not the rule of threes, but the Power of Threes, and that would be the Trinity - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  The Three Persons that make up One God.  I take them with me where ever I go, and call on Them most definitely, in every situation, but most especially in times of great need or fear or simply when things get a little weird, like today.  However, it's not just about asking for help, it's also about giving praise and saying thanks, and I have a lot of that to do, especially after the wonderful weekend that we just had celebrating my Daddy's 80th.

Life is made up of all kinds of situations, from the sublime, to the beautiful, to the magical, to the miraculous, and yes, to the weird.  They all kind of lump together in our lives to make each day an experience for us.  We  just don't know what those experiences are going to be though, until they happen.  Only God does.  Today, I think He decided to make my day a little more interesting.  He has such a wonderful sense of humor.  Let me tell you, He succeeded as He does with everything that He does.  So, here's praise and thank you's for the miracle of the weekend, the wonderful time we had sharing with family and friends and little ones, and for the series of events, that have so far today, been quite entertaining!  Praise Be To God!  He is GOOD, VERY GOOD, ALL THE TIME!

Smiling over my aching back and treasuring my "moments", be blessed, be the miracle!

As always, In His Glory!
K

Words

Sometimes, just saying Thank You doesn't seem to be enough.  They are two words, that maybe, we don't use as much as we should, or maybe we over use them and they have lost the depth and heartfelt meaning behind them.  But they are two words that can mean the world to someone when they have done something special for you or for someone else that is special to you.

With those two words, often, there is emotion, sometimes tears, sometimes laughter, sometimes both.  When it comes to people stepping up to the plate or going the extra mile (or hundreds of them), you find out (if there was ever any doubt) just who your good friends and wonderful family members are.

Thank you comes with hugs and smiles.  It walks away with those special people and stays with them as they journey back home.  It lingers with friends as they settle in and relax after going the extra mile over days and days of preparation.

Thank you is part of saying I Love You!  Thank you is memories.  Thank you is, well just sometimes not enough to let those that were part of something special know just how special they are to you.

So, to my wonderful family and friends that helped, that journeyed, that brought smiles and memories and made a very special day for a very special man, just that more wonderful, Thank You, from the depths of my heart, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.

Happy 80th Daddy!  Thank you again to wonderful friends and family for being there, for making it special, for your helping hands.

Love y'all!
K

Junior Mints and Elephants and Watermelon Ice

Sunny mornings, gentle breezes, butterflies, bird songs....hmmm, just some of the calming reminders and memories of warm, summer days and appreciating the world around me.   So many things to be grateful for.


Today, going to be 93 again.  But the wonderful news is that God is blessing us with 60's in the mornings and 80's in the daytime for almost a week!  Glory Hallelujah!   That's almost opening the windows weather to air at the house, well, maybe in the early mornings.


I love beautiful blue skies with those wonderful cloud shapes.  Sometimes, the pollution and the gunk in the air along with the total absence of any hope of rain, just gives us a murky sky with skinny little clouds that look like just that "skinny little clouds".  But lately, we've been finding whole menageries in the sky and watching them drift into each other and make new shapes.  I'm such a dork sometimes.  I get excited by some of the most simple of things, but the neat part about it, is that excitement just kinda hangs around for awhile and makes me smile.  So, I guess sometimes it's a good thing that I'm a dork.  I'm sure there are hundreds of other words to describe that one type, but I just like "dork".


Today is Friday, and just happens to be the day before we have my Daddy's big 80th birthday bash.  There are all kinds of friends and family coming, some even from points far away.  It's going to be so cool.  He is so excited about seeing everyone and I think about being the center of attention.


Saturday, we are having a feast!  And with thanks going out to my dearest friends, and family members, it's going to be spectacular!  No one, absolutely no one, will go home hungry!  I promise.  Sunday promises to be filling as well.  Brunch with all of the trimmings from berries to shrimp n grits!  They will be so full, they are going to want to stay another night.


Today's little story is going to be just that, little, but chocked full of wonderful memories, giggles, dreams and peace.


My titles are often elusive and you may not be able to figure out where I am going until well into the blog.  That's not going to be a problem today.  


Junior Mints and Elephants - when my son was much younger, if we were all out driving and spotted some great clouds, he wouldn't always see the elephants and puppies, or the alligator with its jaws open.  He saw things in a much simpler way and one of my favorites was when he looked out the car window and up at the sky and simply said "oh, look, that one looks like a Junior Mint!".  To this day, we still all "see" a Junior Mint when we study the clouds for artwork.  Even in the simplest of things, God sends us a giggle and an ooo and awe.  Just makes me smile, and we had one of those Junior Mints moments a couple of days ago.  I'm still smiling!


Watermelon Ice - missing someone is heart wrenching.  The grief and sadness can be overwhelming.  The "whys" don't make sense to us.  We fear closing our eyes because of reliving that "moment" when they were "gone".  If you stop and think about it, there have been moments and situations in all of our lives when someone that had passed on was able to let us know that "it's okay.  I'm okay and you will be fine.".  Sometimes, it's a hanky in a coat pocket, or the smell of a particular perfume, or seeing an unusual bird that just doesn't fit into the scenario.  Those are the "take your breath away" instantaneous moments that warm your heart, make you smile and quietly send love to the one that has a permanent spot in your heart.  Dreams - sometimes tough to deal with and we wake in tears or feeling distraught, but sometimes, when it's time, those dreams can leave us with wonderful things to take over the sadness and wake us up with a giggle and a smile.  So, here's to someone's dream, watermelon ice and being who you are.  Keep smiling and know that in that bright blue sky with God's floating menagerie, that there are special people looking down on us and giving us "little" wonderful moments to let us know that it's okay.


Time to Power Clean and start cooking.  Y'all be blessed today and always and don't look so far for your memories and your peace.  They are right in front of you.  Close your eyes, listen, remember the smells, the silliness, everything and then just smile!


Love y'all,  God bless you each and every day!
K

The Blue Vase

There is this really pretty vase in my cupboard.  I just love it.  It's kind of a Dutch Blue motif with scroll work and flowers.  It was part of a set of two that I gave to my grandmother many, many years ago.  They were actually mini-urns.  She gave them back to me a few years before she passed away, and I always cherished them because of the sentimentality and the wonderful memories that they brought back when I used them.  So, for years, they sat on my window-sill and they contained potpourri or the occasional small bunch of flowers.

Accidents happen.  There is no escaping that.  It's a known fact.  We're all familiar with Murphy's Law.  Trust me, it has knocked at my door many, many times, and just when you think you've had all that you can handle, it delivers yet another blow to your otherwise normal life, and then, well, you can pretty much figure it out from here.

Suffice it to say, things fall, they break, sometimes beyond repair.  If you're the type to try and "fix" things, you  scoop up the pieces, run for the Crazy Glue gel, tweezers and magnifying glass and set up trying to restore what was once "whole".  You might get it to where it looks "okay", but it will never be perfect again.  Water seeps through the cracks, and our once beautiful piece looks so sad.

Kids are the same way.  For that matter, people, no matter what age they are, are the same way.  You can criticize and belittle until you have beaten them down to nothing more than those pieces of that broken vase.  Just like that vase, it takes a lot to put the pieces back together.  Sometimes, an awful lot, more than some people are willing to do to help restore someone to what they once were.  That is just so, so sad.  Have you ever known people like that?  I'm sure you have.  We've all been exposed to them at some point in our lives.  The hard part for each of us to admit to, though, is that there have been times in our own lives when we have been the one delivering the wrath and "breaking" the "vase".  Some of us learn and try to make things better, others cannot see beyond their own wounds that maybe go back for years and years, and simply think that the way they are handling things with this or that person, is the right way, the only way.  Destruction begets even more destruction, and that is not just sad, but heart-wrenching.

I couldn't ever have children, but God blessed my husband and I with two absolutely amazing adopted children, both of whom, I not only adore, but love beyond all reason and would lay my life down for either of them if it came to that.  There were moments when they were growing up, that I lashed out and yelled and maybe said things that hurt and belittled.  I wasn't and am still not the "perfect" parent.  But, as I have said in a previous blog, children don't come with instruction manuals, and parents make mistakes, just like their kids.

I have my own two children, but over the years, I've had countless other kids that lovingly called me "mom" or "momma #2" and they found our home a comfy place to be.  There were always good things to eat and plenty to do and always someone that would listen, to even the most trivial of topics.  They may not have been important to me, but they were to the kids sharing them, whether mine or someone else's.  I love kids.  They are one of the greatest gifts we can ever receive from God.  In each one's own special way, they are blessings and leave a mark on your life, but more importantly, your heart.

The reason I decided to venture out with this topic tonight was due to something I witnessed yesterday.  I have the wonderful privilege of helping out some friends with being the "wheels" for their son.  He is a totally cool kid.  Love him to pieces.  Yesterday, he showed the world just how great he is.  Now, I'm not going into too much detail, but just know this.  In a competition vying for a coveted spot on a performance physical fitness team, this young man made me so absolutely proud, I was about to bust at the seams and couldn't wait to tell his parents about what he had done.  He finished the course, ran 2 miles, 8 laps, 15+ minutes, heart pounding, red faced and shuddering at the end, collapsed to the ground to rest.  But, then he looked out across the track and saw one of his comrades struggling and losing ground and confidence.  So, he pulled himself together, ran around the track and paced himself with this other child and coached him and encouraged him and helped lead him to the finish line, but more importantly, to accomplishment.  I just wanted to scoop him up like he was mine and hug the stuffings out of him, but you know, as a teenager, it's not cool if your mother does it to you out in public, let alone, a family friend.  Leadership, spirit, true comradery.  I was proud as punch.  Unfortunately, my joy over his success and show of spirit and encouragement, was momentarily overshadowed when I heard the father of another child publicly berating and belittling him from the track side all the way to their car.  It was all I could do to keep my composure and before I could walk over and speak on behalf of the young man, they were loaded and peeling out of the gravel lot at the park.  People, don't ever do that to your kids, but sure as shootin', don't do it in public around their peers and the other parents.  I felt so sorry for the young man.  I don't know how old he is, but couldn't have been more than 13 and he looked as if it was all he could do to hold back tears.  Shame on that father.  God bless that child, and I sincerely hope and pray that his life is not always like that.  My only sorrow now, is that I did not go over and say something before they rushed out of the park.

Just so you know, it never hurts to tell someone that they have done a good job, whether it's an employee, a co-worker, one of your children, a friend, a spouse or other family member.  Praise builds confidence and pride.  I know most of us who have had and still have the privilege of raising our children, have, I hope, handed out plenty of "atta-boys" and "atta-girls" to our kids.  Because, amazingly, for every time we take our kids down a notch or two for the stupid reasons, it takes a whole lot more pats on the back and extensions of praise to make up for that one scream-fest or accusation of momentary thoughtlessness or lack of thinking to put them back together.

So, here we are, back at that pretty little blue vase.  I still have it.  I still cherish it.  It reminds me of my grandmother, but the cracks and the yellowed glue smears also remind me of my own imperfections and of all the times that I might have said or done something that put someone in the spot of being "the vase".

When God created me, He knew from the moment I was born that I was not going to be perfect.  I've made mistakes my whole life, and still do, but I spend each moment of each day trying to continually learn from what I've done wrong and make it right the next time.  Sometimes, it takes a few "do-overs" to get there.

One last analogy, and then I will wrap things up.  To my daughter, if you are reading this, sorry sweetie, but it's priceless and I have to share.  Several years ago, Walmart Stores wowed the country with their innovative, talking self-checkout scanners.  There were a lot of glitches in the early days, and one such story is near and dear to my heart, as it involves my daughter and her dearest friend. They were chomping at the bit to do the "cool" self-checkout thing and were just having the best time with it, UNTIL, we got to the bananas and the donuts.  For nearly 5 minutes, those girls steamed when the sweet, feminine voice on the scanner kept telling them to please remove the yellow bananas from the bag and put them back on the scanner.  It took 8, maybe 10 tries, but they finally satisfied that invisible voice and moved on to, OMG, the donuts.  Who knew that something so yummy could be such a pain!  They were hand selected, assorted varieties in one of the pack it yourself boxes that hold a dozen.  Problem was, that the box had a UPC bar code on the bottom and when the girls scanned it, the pleasant voice asked for quantity.  So, they put 12.  The scanner interpreted that to be 12 dozen and we ended up summoning the Walmart employee to use her fancy little employee authorization card to undo our failure and reset the stupid, confounded, self scanner and get that overbearing invisible lady off our backs so we could pay and go.  The girls were beyond embarrassed and to make things just a little bit worse, I used the situation as the basis for a children's sermon at church the following Sunday.  Couldn't help it, it just fit in.  This is where I am going with this.  I call them "do-overs".  The girls had lots of them that day at Wally World.  More importantly, God gives us all lots of them on a daily basis.

He doesn't berate and belittle us.  He probably shakes His mighty head and then He holds out His big, loving arms and gives us a hug, pats us on the head and tells us, "I know you messed up, but I am giving you another chance".  How great is that!  There are not many situations in real earthly life where that happens, but it is really nice to know, that when we don't get it right the first time, that our Heavenly Daddy is ready to give us a hand and a Do-Over!  Even better, He knows just how many do-overs it will take for the lesson to sink in.  I think it's called Forgiveness, and He expects us to do the same.

Okay, I'm done.  Go hug your kids.  If they can't spell Mississippi yet, it's okay and if they persist in trying to make 2 + 2 = 5, that's okay, too.  They will learn.  Encourage them and love them.  Let them know you are proud of them and while you're at it, if you're proud of someone else's kid too, tell them.  I just love it when kids get that silly grin on their faces and blush when they realize that they are being told that they are great.

Goodnight, y'all!  and God bless.  Oh, by the way, you're great!  Love you!
K

I'll Be There for You!

x

Earlier this morning, I was sitting with my new found friends at the Caribou Coffee,  my new Monday/Wednesday fave place while I wait on someone to finish ROTC.  Today was a little different from the regular M/W routine as my #1 son had to be on set with a a 630 am call.  That meant up at 430 am, leave the house at 520, pick up the other young'en and start my taxi run for the day.  Even the dog complained when I woke him up to go outside at 430 this morning.  Ever heard a dog  whine and say "awe, Mom"?  He did, I swear he did!


Okay, so now we are driving, and I now have two hyper teenage boys in my car and they are discussing such highly intelligent things as Cartman, Ahhhnold sound boards, Simpsons and more.  Oh, goody!  Now, I'm getting some advanced education on what young "men" consider hysterically funny and what I find "acceptable".  Somewhere in there, there must be some common ground, but at 545 in the morning, I don't think I'm going to worry about it, as it's keeping me awake!  Destinations accomplished and time for the caffeine!  Destinations accomplished and now it's my turn.


I'm quite excited about the fact that I can now walk into this charming little bistro and have them greet me with "going to have your usual half and half large today?".  That's so cool!  They remember the face and they remember what I order!  That's so incredibly awesome, and what customer service!  Me thinks that today, I shall leave a small tip!  Like I said, my new favorite quiet place and you just can't beat the free wi-fi!  However, their only fault is that they don't have a cot available for me to sneak in a nap, on what is going to be a long day.  Oh well, that's what reclining bucket seats are for in my car.  Not the most comfortable of solutions, but for a catnap, it will do.


Now, that I'm settled into my own version of Central Perk from Friends, I guess, it's time for me to do some of that daily thought provoking stuff that got me started writing Life's Morsels, and to think this all started with years and years of personal journaling that I never shared with anyone.  Perhaps some wish that I would keep my thoughts to myself, but they don't have to read, either, do they!


Here goes.  Ready?  Well, whether you are or not, last warning, hit the little X or read on.


Were you or are you a Friends fan?  We used to watch it every week and now of course, we are watching the reruns and in some cases, even know the dialogue.  It's all very predictable, as most sitcoms are, but it just kinda jabs at you and you can't help but either laugh or recant the craziness and stupidity of the episode, even now, some 6+ years later after the final show.  The show ran for 10 years, from 1994 until 2004, with over 230 episodes, nominated 63 times for awards and is still probably one of the most quoted shows ever.  I find it profound!


It all starts with that crazy song at the beginning, you know the one..."I'll be there for you, etc, etc, etc.".  All of the Friends are splashing around in the fountain in front of an old apartment building, and for some strange reason, there is a sofa and a floor lamp there as well.  Always thought that was kind of weird, but it's make believe, so they are entitled to a little creative license.


Do you have your own version of Central Perks?  Or are you a Cheers person, where "everybody knows your name"?  Whatever, I hope that you do have someone that you can lean on, count on, confide in, share secrets with, laugh, cry and rant with.  Just kind of makes things a little bit more special.


"But, I'll be there for you, when the rain starts to pour.  I'll be there for you, like I've been there before.  I'll be there for you, cause you're there for me too. "


Those are such neat words and they really have such a special meaning when you start putting some thought into it.  Perhaps I think too much.  Nah, not possible!


As usual, I have some thoughts about this topic that have a direct connection to my spiritual foundation and my "Best Friend".  By now, you know what the answer is here, but if this is your first time to visit Life's Morsels, let me share with you.  


Historically, whether you are a spiritual person or not, you have to admit, that at some point, some where, the existence of mankind started with just two people, whether they fell out of the sky or were created by a Higher being.  Come on now, you know it takes two to tango, so just don't go there with me, besides, this is my blog, and you are the reader.  I know people that believe that when we die, you become worm food, and that the big bang theory is real, and that there is no higher authority, let alone a spiritual life.  They are entitled to believe anything they want, as am I.  My belief is Biblical, and starts with a Big Bang Theory of all its own.  It goes like this "God said bang, and it happened."  Short and sweet.  Give credit where credit is due.  Of course, following in that belief, the original two sinners in this world of ours were named Adam and Eve, and no matter how you try to explain it, we all go back to that one moment that God created Adam and then Eve from a rib bone.  So, no matter what color hair we have, where we live, what we believe, good or bad, we are all connected to each other from the beginning of time, whether it's the theory I support or your own.  My question is this, "why can't we all just get along?", after all, we are ALL related!


I have a name for my very best Best Friend, and it is God.  I don't know if you subscribe, believe or support a Higher or Divine Authority, but I do, but I also know that many of you out there may call Him/Her by another name.  I think that one of the wonderful blessings in life in this country of ours, is the right to believe or not believe in what we want.  That is one of the many freedoms that we have in this country.


But, I also know that there are many of our freedoms and rights that are subject to interpretation, one of which is freedom of speech, which is granted to us by the First Amendment.  I must admit, I become so frustrated with those that tend to hide behind the First Amendment and use it as a means of supporting their "right" to colorfully express themselves.  Not my thing, but  I think people today are desensitized to the use of certain words or phrases.   I especially don't like it when young people, middle school and high school age, take advantage of their "freedom" and routinely and freely express themselves on Facebook and other public forums.   I guess is their way of venting or ranting.  Had I don't that when I was that age, I would have been blowing bubbles for a month of Sundays due to all of the soap that had lathered the inside of my mouth.  So, as a result, I don't much like the use of some words, and in my house, it's a major offense to even think them, let alone use them.  Does that make me prudish?  Maybe, but I don't think so.  If it does, so be it.  I'm not ashamed of the person that I am, inside or out and if someone is comfortable with the perception that is left with others, then they have successfully accomplished their personal goal.  That's okay.  For me personally, I think that there are so many more eloquent and expressive words and phrases that can drive a point home without "those" words.  


There is one friend, however, that I don't ever have to worry about, and as we've discussed a couple of paragraphs up, His name is God, He has a Son, and there is a Holy Spirit.  They are Three, but They are One. I know, it's a little confusing if they are not part of your life and you don't know the whys and wherefores.  But miraculously, it's true!   And He/They are the Great Miracle Makers.  Point being, though, that THEY have dozens and dozens of other names too, in different religious books, sects, beliefs, languages?  Whether you are a believer of one sort or another or a believer of nothing, I hope you have and know "who" your friends are and have the same wonderful appreciation for them as I have for mine.  What would this world be without at least one good friend.


So here's to friends, all of them.  Love them and respect them for who they are inside and out.  Challenge them, and overall appreciate them for who they are and what they believe in, because you are lucky to have them in your life, regardless of how they believe.


Drop into your own version of Central Perk.  Maybe it's a Mickey D's, or the kitchen table at home, or the sofa at a friend's house.  Drop in and be thankful that you have that wonderful spot to share with your friend!


Thought you might be interested in some of the "other" names from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.  Rather interesting.  I've got a whole list at the end of this edition, and there are references where you can find out the story behind each one.


For now, even if "you're stuck in second gear" "and it wasn't your day, your week, your month, or even your year", just be thankful for the One that's there for you.


"But, I'll be there for you, when the rain starts to pour.   I'll be there for you, like I've been there before.   I'll be there for you, cause you're there for me too."  You have to provide your own fountain, sofa and lamp, though!


Have a great Monday,  y'all!
K


if you are curious, the list of names is below...

THE NAMES OF GOD

OLD TESTAMENT NAMES FOR GOD

ELOHIM......Genesis 1:1, Psalm 19:1, meaning "God", a reference to God's power and might.

ADONAI......Malachi 1:6, meaning "Lord", a reference to the Lordship of God.

JEHOVAH--YAHWEH.....Genesis 2:4, a reference to God's divine salvation.

JEHOVAH-MACCADDESHEM.......Exodus 31:13, meaning "The Lord thy sanctifier"

JEHOVAH-ROHI......Psalm 23:1, meaning "The Lord my shepherd"

JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH.......Ezekiel 48:35, meaning "The Lord who is present"

JEHOVAH-RAPHA.........Exodus 15:26, meaning "The Lord our healer"

JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU......Jeremiah 23:6, meaning "The Lord our righteousness"

JEHOVAH-JIREH.........Genesis 22:13-14, meaning "The Lord will provide"

JEHOVAH-NISSI.........Exodus 17:15, meaning "The Lord our banner"
JEHOVAH-SHALOM........Judges 6:24, meaning "The Lord is peace"
JEHOVAH-SABBAOTH......Isaiah 6:1-3, meaning "The Lord of Hosts"
JEHOVAH-GMOLAH........Jeremiah 51:6, meaning "The God of Recompense"

EL-ELYON..............Genesis 14:17-20,Isaiah 14:13-14, meaning "The most high God”

EL-ROI................Genesis 16:13, meaning "The strong one who sees"

EL-SHADDAI............Genesis 17:1,Psalm 91:1, meaning "The God of the mountains or God Almighty"

EL-OLAM...............Isaiah 40:28-31, meaning "The everlasting God"

MORE NAMES OF GOD

ABBA.............................Romans 8:15

ADVOCATE.........................I John 2:1 (kjv)

ALMIGHTY.........................Genesis 17:1

ALPHA............................Revelation 22:13

AMEN.............................Revelation 3:14

ANCIENT OF DAYS..................Daniel 7:9

ANOINTED ONE.....................Psalm 2:2

APOSTLE..........................Hebrews 3:1

ARM OF THE LORD..................Isaiah 53:1

AUTHOR OF LIFE...................Acts 3:15

AUTHOR OF OUR FAITH..............Hebrews 12:2

BEGINNING.........................Revelation 21:6

BLESSED & HOLY RULER..............1 Timothy 6:15

BRANCH............................Jeremiah 33:15

BREAD OF GOD......................John 6:33

BREAD OF LIFE.....................John 6:35

BRIDEGROOM........................Isaiah 62:56

BRIGHT MORNING STAR...............Revelation 22:16

CHIEF SHEPHERD.....................1 Peter 5:4

CHOSEN ONE.........................Isaiah 42:1

CHRIST.............................Matthew 22:42

CHRIST OF GOD......................Luke 9:20

CHRIST THE LORD....................Luke 2:11

CHRIST, SON OF LIVING GOD..........Matthew 16:16

COMFORTER..........................John 14:26(kjv)

COMMANDER..........................Isaiah 55:4

CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL...............Luke 2:25

CONSUMING FIRE......................Deut. 4:24, Heb. 12:29

CORNERSTONE.........................Isaiah 28:16

COUNSELOR...........................Isaiah 9:6

CREATOR.............................1 Peter 4:19

DELIVERER..............................Romans 11:26

DESIRED OF ALL NATIONS.................Haggai 2:7

DOOR...................................John 10:7(kjv)

END....................................Revelation 21:6

ETERNAL GOD............................Deut. 33:27

EVERLASTING FATHER.....................Isaiah 9:6

FAITHFUL & TRUE........................Revelation 19:11

FAITHFUL WITNESS.......................Revelation 1:5

FATHER.................................Matthew 6:9

FIRSTBORN (3)........................................Rom.8:29,Rev.1:5,Col.1:15

FIRSTFRUITS............................1 Cor.15:20-23

FOUNDATION.............................1 Cor. 3:11

FRIEND OF TAX COLLECTORS & SINNERS.....Matthew 11:19

GENTLE WHISPER.........................1 Kings 19:12

GIFT OF GOD............................John 4:10

GLORY OF THE LORD......................Isaiah 40:5

GOD....................................Genesis 1:1

GOD ALMIGHTY...........................Genesis 17:1

GOD OVER ALL...........................Romans 9:5

GOD WHO SEES ME........................Genesis 16:13

GOOD SHEPHERD..........................John 10:11

GREAT HIGH PRIEST......................Hebrews 4:14

GREAT SHEPHERD.........................Hebrews 13:20

GUIDE..................................Psalm 48:14

HEAD OF THE BODY.......................Colossians 1:18

HEAD OF THE CHURCH.....................Ephesians 5:23

HEIR OF ALL THINGS.....................Hebrews 1:2

HIGH PRIEST............................Hebrews 3:1

HIGH PRIEST FOREVER....................Hebrews 6:20

HOLY ONE...............................Acts 2:27

HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL.....................Isaiah 49:7

HOLY SPIRIT............................John 15:26

HOPE...................................Titus 2:13

HORN OF SALVATION......................Luke 1:69

I AM....................................Exodus 3:14, John 8:58

IMAGE OF GOD............................2 Cor. 4:4

IMAGE OF HIS PERSON.....................Hebrews 1:3 (kjv)

IMMANUEL................................Isaiah 7:14

JEALOUS..............................Exodus 34:14 (kjv)

JEHOVAH..............................Psalm 83:18 (kjv)

JESUS................................Matthew 1:21

JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD................Romans 6:23

JUDGE................................Isaiah 33:22, Acts 10:42

KING.................................Zechariah 9:9

KING ETERNAL.........................1 Timothy 1:17

KING OF KINGS........................1 Timothy 6:15

KING OF THE AGES.....................Revelation 15:3

LAMB OF GOD...........................John 1:29

LAST ADAM.............................1 Cor. 15:45

LAWGIVER..............................Isaiah 33:22

LEADER................................Isaiah 55:4

LIFE..................................John 14:6

LIGHT OF THE WORLD....................John 8:12

LIKE AN EAGLE.........................Deut. 32:11

LILY OF THE VALLEYS...................Song 2:1

LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH............Revelation 5:5

LIVING STONE..........................1 Peter 2:4

LIVING WATER..........................John 4:10

LORD..................................John 13:13

LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.....................Revelation 15:3

LORD JESUS CHRIST.....................1 Cor. 15:57

LORD OF ALL...........................Acts 10:36

LORD OF GLORY ........................1 Cor. 2:8

LORD OF HOSTS.........................Haggai 1:5

LORD OF LORDS.........................1 Tim. 6:15

LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS..............Jeremiah 23:6

LOVE.................................1 John 4:8

MAN OF SORROWS.........................Isaiah 53:3

MASTER..................................Luke 5:5

MEDIATOR................................1 Timothy 2:5

MERCIFUL GOD............................Jeremiah 3:12

MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT................Malachi 3:1

MESSIAH................................. John 4:25

MIGHTY GOD...............................Isaiah 9:6

MIGHTY ONE...............................Isaiah 60:16

NAZARENE.................................Matthew 2:23

OFFSPRING OF DAVID.......................Revelation 22:16

OMEGA....................................Revelation 22:13

ONLY BEGOTTEN SON........................John 1:18(kjv)

OUR PASSOVER LAMB........................1 Cor. 5:7

OUR PEACE................................Ephesians 2:14

POTTER...................................Isaiah 64:8

POWER OF GOD.............................1 Cor. 1:24

PRINCE OF PEACE..........................Isaiah 9:6

PROPHET..................................Acts 3:22

PURIFIER.................................Malachi 3:3

RABBONI (TEACHER)........................John 20:16

RADIANCE OF GOD'S GLORY..................Heb.1:3

REDEEMER.................................Job 19:25

REFINER'S FIRE...........................Malachi 3:2

RESURRECTION.............................John 11:25

RIGHTEOUS ONE............................1 John 2:1

ROCK.....................................1 Cor.10:4

ROOT OF DAVID............................Rev. 22:16

ROSE OF SHARON...........................Song 2:1

RULER OF GOD'S CREATION..................Rev. 3:14

RULER OVER KINGS OF EARTH................Rev 1:5

RULER OVER ISRAEL........................Micah 5:2

SAVIOR...................................Luke 2:11

SCEPTER OUT OF ISRAEL....................Numbers 24:17

SEED.....................................Genesis 3:15

SERVANT..................................Isaiah 42:1

SHEPHERD OF OUR SOULS....................1Peter 2:25

SHIELD...................................Genesis 15:1

SON OF DAVID.............................Matthew 1:1

SON OF GOD...............................Matthew 27:54

SON OF MAN...............................Matthew 8:20

SON OF THE MOST HIGH.....................Luke 1:32

SOURCE...................................Hebrews 5:9

SPIRIT OF GOD............................Genesis 1:2

STAR OUT OF JACOB........................Numbers 24:17

STONE....................................1 Peter 2:8

SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.....................Malachi 4:2

TEACHER...................................John 13:13

TRUE LIGHT................................John 1:9

TRUE WITNESS..............................Revelation 3:14

TRUTH.....................................John 14:6

VINE......................................John 15:5

WAY........................................John 14:6

WISDOM OF GOD..............................1 Cor. 1:24

WITNESS....................................Isaiah 55:4

WONDERFUL..................................Isaiah 9:6

WORD.......................................John 1:1

WORD OF GOD................................Revelation 19:13