Happy Birthday Jeremy!

(Jeremy and his girlfriend, Meghan dressed up for Homecoming)

My son, Jeremy just turned 18 today. I can't believe how fast time flew by. He will be graduating from high school next June. It just doesnt seem possible that he will be getting his drivers license and driving his first car in a matter of weeks. Even though we've had our typical Mother-son issues over the years, I am so proud of him. He always has a way of making me laugh, a quick wit about him & I really think he will go far in life!

He wrote the following in his recent blog that I would love to share with you all. I am delighted to know that just when I thought he wasnt paying attention to what I say-- Im finding that our personal belief system & values, although sometimes conflict, actually parallel one another at times. That really means a lot to me & Im so proud to be his Mom :)

"In 6 days, I'll be 18. One year older, 365.25 days wiser, more calloused from pain, more open minded, smarter, more experienced in life. It doesn't happen over night. Experience is what makes us who we are. You aren't your age, you aren't your friends, you aren't your family. You are the choices, deeds, thoughts, and ideas you manifest into the world. Leave your mark, leave little bits of yourself. Bodies decay, money gets spent, material objects get broken and lost. Ideas, dreams, and memories can last forever. Sometimes, that is all you have. Life is a chaotic and confusing experience. Live through it. Impact all the people around you. Leave pieces yourself in this world. Stop looking at all the minute details, and look at the bigger picture. Live everyday as if it were you last. Regret only what you didn't learn from. The meaning of life is however you interpret it." ---Jeremy Pearson.

What Is the World coming to???

Billboard Promotes Extramarital Affairs

"A billboard in Los Angeles that reads: "LIFE IS SHORT, HAVE AN AFFAIR" has caused a stir in the City of Angels as well as on the Internet. The ad is for a dating Web Site that caters to married people. Protesters argue the sign promotes adultery and should be taken down."

I went to the AshleyMadison.com & this is what they said on their website: http://www.ashleymadison.com/app/public/risque.p

Sigh! Pretty sad isn't it???? If we aren't in the End of Times now, then signs like this make me think that we are a lot closer than we think we are!

The Benefits Of Struggling (The Man & the Butterfly)

BENEFITS OF STRUGGLING

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared, he sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through that little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress.

It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. Then the man decided to help the butterfly, so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit ofthe cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily.

But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time.

Neither happened!

In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly . What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been.

And we could never fly.

Live like you were dying...

I just love this song by Tim McGraw! It reminds me of how we really need to embrace life, as today could very be our last on Earth. I pondered this as I spoke to a dear friend, Jesse; who is awaiting a kidney transplant. I found out that we have the same blood type, and I hope to get tested soon to find out if I am a potential donor. I've known Jesse and his family for 30 years now; and I would be so happy to be able to give him a second chance at life -- just as the Lord has given me. :) Friends mean that much to me & I often think of the scripture, "What greater love than to lay down ones life for a friend."

I've also experienced a close brush with death myself-- back in April 2004; I had a life threatening blood clot in my left leg that had spread from my upper thigh; all the way down to my ankle. I was so BLESSED that I sought medical attention in time, had it surgically removed & I am alive today!!!!!!!! :) :)

It really makes you stop & think, to stop and smell the roses--- as our lives are truly a gift from our Creator! :)

Live Like You Were Dying
Tim Mc Graw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6BLG4TfX2Q

He said I was in my early forties
with a lot of life before me
when a moment came that stopped me on a dime
and I spent most of the next days
looking at the x-rays
Talking bout the options
and talking bout sweet time
I asked him when it sank in
that this might really be the real end
how�s it hit you when you get that kinda news
man what�d you do

and he said
I went sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named fumanchu
and I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I gave forgiveness I�d been denying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.

He said I was finally the husband
that most the time I wasn�t
and I became a friend a friend would like to have
and all the sudden going fishin
wasn�t such an imposition
and I went three times that year I lost my dad
well I finally read the good book
and I took a good long hard look
at what I�d do if I could do it all again

and then
I went sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named fumanchu
and I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I gave forgiveness I�d been denying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.

Like tomorrow was a gift and you got eternity to think about
what�d you do with it what did you do with it
what did I do with it
what would I do with it?

Sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named fumanchu
and then I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I watched an eagle as it was flying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying

:Fear::

I am currently reading a book by Joyce Meyer: "The Confident Woman" & this story caught my eye as it gives an accurate description of how fear works. It seems so monstrous and horrible, but the more you confront it; the smaller it becomes. I like the way that Joyce says in her book that we can feel fear but to confront it & "Do it afraid." This applies to all aspects of our lives. :)

" I once heard a story of a village where the children were told by their parents: "Whatever you do, don't go near the top of the mountain. It's where the monster lives." All the previous generations of children heeded this warning and avoided going near the top of the mountain.

One day, some brave young men in the village decided that they had to go and see the monster. They wanted to see what was really like and defeat it. So, they loaded up their packs and provisions and set up the mountain. halfway up, they were stopped in their tracks by a huge roar and a terrible stench. Half the men rain down the mountain, screaming.

The other half of the group continued on their journey. As they got farther up the mountain, they noticed that the monster was smaller than they had expected-- but it continued to roar and emit such a strench that all by one of the men ran back down the mountain into the village.

"I am going to get the monster," the one remaining man said to himself, and he took a step forward. As he did so, the monster shrank until it was the same size as the man. As he took another step toward the monster, it shrank again. It was still hideously ugly & continued to emit a stench, but the man was so close to the monster now that he could actually pick it up and hold it in the palm of his hand. As he looked at it, he said to the monster,"Well, then, Who are you?"

In a tiny, high -pitched voice, the monster squeaked: "My name is Fear."

Life is A Gift!

Life Is a Gift

Today before you think of saying an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who Has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to God for a companion.
Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who went out to heaven Early.
Before you complain about your children - Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.
Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn't clean or sweep - Think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance you drive - Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the
unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another
Remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one maker.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your Face and thank God you're alive and still around.
Life is a gift, live it, enjoy it, celebrate it, and fulfill it.

RELISH THE MOMENT, IT MAY NOT COME AROUND AGAIN !

The Blind Girl

**The Blind Girl**

There was a blind girl who hated herself because of her blindness. Not only did she hate herself but she hated everyone else, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her boyfriend.

One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she could see everything, including her boyfriend.

Her boyfriend asked her, "now that you can see the world, will you marry me?" The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend was blind too, and refused to marry him.

Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and later wrote a letter to her that simply said. "Just take care of my eyes dear."

This is how the human brain changes when our status changes. Only a few remember what life was like before and even fewer remember who to thank for always being there even when times were painfully unbearable.

True Faith

Yesterday; I had a discussion with a good friend about how today's youth are desensitized by the world today by the worlds belief system. One thing that we both agreed on is how today's teen generation don't chose to believe is that Christianity is not appealing to them. Todays teens are subject to peer pressure and we noticed how things have changed since the 70's-80's, when we both still were in school. Times were easier then, compared to what teens deal with today.

Perhaps today's teens (and the older generation as well) don’t think faith is mainstream. I don’t think it gets the popular vote. Real faith does not win mass-market appeal. True faith is a challenge of wits. It’s the mover and shaker of the status quo. Faith kicks us out of our safety net and into the world. If nothing’s on the line, then there’s no faith required. That’s dangerous, but all the more exhilarating when God shows up and shows himself to be true to his promises.

My life...

I was listening to the lyrics of a Switchfoot song on my way home the other day. The lyrics,"This is your life, are you who you want to be?" is what caught my attention. Okay, on the 17th; I will be another year older. I guess you can say that this made me stop and examine my life.

Well, I can honestly say; despite some trials and a few set backs-- I feel pretty darn blessed! I feel like my life is where I am exactly supposed to be at right now. I feel fortunate, cause there are some who still struggle with this issue. Not only that I am a wife, a Mom, and a friend to many-- I know who I am in the eyes of God & as the woman that God created me to be. I know that my identity doesn't matter what my address is or what I possess.

I strongly believe that my life would be totally different if I didnt follow God's Word & be under the covering of being planted in my church. After all, if you sow into the worlds beliefs & values-- you naturally reap the consequences. It just works that way supernaturally. Of course, even at 40 something, I'm still learning & growing. I look back on my life & Im amazed how far that Ive come. Life is a journey & the journey has been a long one, but thankfully; it still continues. Ive grown through those trials and setbacks. I wouldn't trade them for the world, cause I noticed how strong I have become because of them.

How it feels great to be 21 again-- with 21 years of experience. (wink!) I give God all the glory for this, after all... this is my life, by His design, of course! :)

Love one another

Ahhh... another Valentines Day is upon us. Hearts, flowers, cards & candy seem to run amuck as we browse through the stores. Even the television ads are trying to intrique us with their latest bobbles to give to one's honey that says "Be Mine". But, wait a minute! I believe that Valentines Day is not only a day for couples, but a nice reminder to love another--from our creator. After all, God IS Love (1 John 4:8)

Shouldn't we be showing our love for one another all year long instead of concentrating one specific calendar day? We can do this by loving one another--Everyday. As we can see by the newscast every evening, the world is in dire need of it. Love is the healing balm of our wounds. So what do you say? Lets start by taking a step up & looking past one's iniquities (we all have them!) race, religion, and sexual orientation. After all, no man is an island... we all need love.

Age is just a number

Its now February-- my birth month. Isnt it funny how the older people wished they were younger and the young wished that they were older?? Recently, I had this conversation with a good friend, whom Ive known since we were 12.

Back then when I was a pre-teen; I remember thinking, okay... 40 is old! But now that I am more than just 40 something... I have to reexamine that a bit. I still feel young, even though my body is going through the normal aging process. :) I still have a whole lot to learn, but I feel a lot wiser, especially than when I was in my 20's & 30's. :) Im not afraid to get one year older, cause I know that with each year that passes by--at I will learn something more than I did when I was just one year younger. :)

I thought this article had a nice spin to it about the topic of Aging:

Age Is Just A Number
by allinspiration.com

Many people experience growing anxieties as they get older. And often, the main source of those anxieties is just that fact itself - they are growing older.
With each passing birthday, each landmark age that we reach, we moan and groan. It is as though we have one eye on death, and are counting down to it with each passing year, fearing that we are running out of time. In truth, it doesn't really work that way, because we don't really know when we are going to die. Rather than complain that each passing year means we are closer to death, that we have one year less, shouldn't we rejoice that we survived death, that we have had one year more?

Age does bring with it certain physical and mental deteriorations. Obviously you can't run that fast anymore, climb the stairs that quickly, or finish your mental sums as promptly. But age brings with it experience and wisdom, and an improved way of looking at the world. Revel in it.
Just because you are getting older, it does not mean that your quality of life will depreciate. It does not mean you must stop learning, and it certainly does not mean you have to be become less happy. In fact, studies have shown happiness levels to be unrelated to age.

Seize the day, and live every moment. Your life is in your hands. And if there are certain things you had always wanted to do, but feel it is too late now, remember:

"Better late than never, better now than later! "

Its all about Attitude

I was reading this in one of my magazines that I subscribe to & thought this is a fresh new way of thinking to start out the new year; as life is just to short to sweat the small stuff. As I get older, I have come to realize that what you put out into the universe, eventually comes right back to us, even with our attitudes:

"I have come to realize the impact our attitude has on our lives. Attitude is more important than facts.
It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past, we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. And so it is ...we are in charge of our attitudes."

There is Just something about a new calendar

One thing about the New Year that I love is getting a brand new calendar. In fact, it has become a tradition for my husband to get me a calendar as a Christmas present every year. I love the idea how the days are like blank slates... the year is fresh and new, just waiting for the days to be filled in. Joy! Everyone gets a fresh start to start over again in their lives, leaving their past mistakes, bloopers & not so great days of their lives behind them.
This devotional caught my eye today about slowing down & enjoying the journey. Now, that is a great concept. I heard someone say that the the days are long, but the years are short. So very true-- 2006 just whizzed past us & all of a sudden, my not so little anymore baby is 5 now & my oldest and middle sons will be turning 20 and 18 this year!!!!! I intend to slow down & enjoy the journey that the Lord has placed before me in 2007....

How about you? Happy New Year!

Slow Down and Enjoy the Journey
Today's Scripture
"This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)
Everyone wants to live joyful and victorious lives. That's what God wants for you, too, and He knows the best way to get you there. But He also wants you to enjoy the trip! Here are two things to remember today that will help you slow down and enjoy this day God has given you. First, God is in control! He is directing your steps according to His plan. Second, God has your best interest in mind at all times. That means His plan for you is good, one that is designed to help you be the person He created you to be. So relax and enjoy the journey! Let God take you where He wants you to be in His timing, not yours. Remember, God is never late!
A Prayer for Today
God, thank You that You have my best in mind. Give me patience as I wait upon Your timing and make the journey one step at a time. In Jesus' name. Amen.