Today my mind won't let me rest; my thoughts are relentless. Thankfully, not tortured but vying for my attention. But even in my inability and struggle to prioritize, my heart has led me to write these words that I so badly need to express to you.
As thoughts of the many areas of my life which require (and now demand) order swirl through my mind, I'm overwhelmed with assigning priority. It all needs to be done and I often find myself working on one area of disorder while struggling to ignore the cries for attention from all the others. I constantly have to remind myself that reality dictates that both physical and mental focus are capable of, and best applied, to only one task at a time. Thoughts of guilt only serve to prolong the agony of disorganization.
My desperation to bring order and "normalcy" to our life as a family often finds me compulsive and obsessive in my day to day choices. Hyper-focus, at the expense of all other functionality, feels like the only method to the end which I seek.
More than once, as all these thoughts compete, my heart has gotten involved to remind me of the one area of my life which has suffered the most. Today it has demanded expression and won't allow me to rest until these heartfelt thoughts are put to paper. Thus, this letter to you.
I am so sorry for not being the wife, friend and lover that, in my most lucid moments, I know I want and am capable of being. It seems so unfair that your hard work and unconditional love for me and our children has gone unanswered and unrewarded in more ways deserving of the good man you have been and continue to be.
You are a man with whom God is well-pleased, I have no doubt. Your tenacity and refusal to be defeated, despite the difficult challenges, are admirable examples to which many people aspire. How blessed your children, grandchildren and I are to have you lead and to walk with through this life. Although imperfect, as all human beings are doomed to be, I still consider you the "cream of the crop".
At this time and place in our life (and, regrettably, for some time now) I'm unable to be the mate and partner that I want, and presently can only imagine, to be. It won't, and actually can't, happen as quickly as my heart desires. I'm hopeful that what I have shared with you today will give you encouragement and determination for continued commitment to our marriage vows and our future together as a family.
Thank you for your godly patience, Sweetheart. I know, without a doubt, that we can fulfill all the potential and beauty that God intends and desires for our life as a couple. "A house divided against itself cannot stand," but as a team of three, with God, Life is Beautiful and will be more of what we hope and envision it capable of being.
I love you ~
Friday, February 10, 2012
quoteflections: #178 The Seeds of Today
What a fitting addition to my personal blog! A great reminder ~
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Swirl ~ ~ ~
Such a pretty word and, upon further reflection, one filled with sensation. Used either as a noun or a verb, my association of it's beauty remains the same. As with many things, the word has potential, both positive and negative.
My minds eye brings me to a place in time as a young girl, standing in my backyard, arms outstretched to my sides as if wings. Face to the heavens, eyes closed as I whirl and swirl feeling the sensation of freedom with a lightness in my heart and mind. My stomach feels the excitement but is a bit tentative about the end result of this frolic.
How interesting that what was once an exciting and welcome sensation can become, in adulthood, overwhelming and confusing. By nature, youth offers freedoms which only come with youth . Ignorant of the experiences and responsibilities that await us as we add years to our life, we play, unaware. With each candle added to our birthday cake (if we are so blessed) there are also new possibilities, opportunities, understandings and challenges, both positive and negative.
The young cannot help but be curious about and dream of the future. As an adult, I soon began to understand and appreciate why God doesn't allow us to foresee what lies ahead. Many of us would choose not to go there. But in His wisdom He reminds us that,
"No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it." I Corinthians 10:13 ~ The New American Standard Bible (NASB) ~ St. Joseph's Edition
Still filled with positive associations, the word is now capable of connoting a particular negativity in my mind, literally. Swirl, when used in the context of describing my ADHD brain, brings with it a sensation of discomfort and confusion. Too many ideas in the vortex of my mind: not a very pretty picture let alone, sensation. The dizziness which I once considered so much "fun" no longer holds the same attraction, in more ways than one. And yet, as with most situations in life, I do have the freedom of choice to discontinue the swirl. Not quite as simple as falling to the ground to wait for the world to stop spinning, yet worth the hard work that calming the overload which an over-abundance of ideas and choices often present. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
But swirl is still a pretty word. ~
My minds eye brings me to a place in time as a young girl, standing in my backyard, arms outstretched to my sides as if wings. Face to the heavens, eyes closed as I whirl and swirl feeling the sensation of freedom with a lightness in my heart and mind. My stomach feels the excitement but is a bit tentative about the end result of this frolic.
How interesting that what was once an exciting and welcome sensation can become, in adulthood, overwhelming and confusing. By nature, youth offers freedoms which only come with youth . Ignorant of the experiences and responsibilities that await us as we add years to our life, we play, unaware. With each candle added to our birthday cake (if we are so blessed) there are also new possibilities, opportunities, understandings and challenges, both positive and negative.
The young cannot help but be curious about and dream of the future. As an adult, I soon began to understand and appreciate why God doesn't allow us to foresee what lies ahead. Many of us would choose not to go there. But in His wisdom He reminds us that,
"No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it." I Corinthians 10:13 ~ The New American Standard Bible (NASB) ~ St. Joseph's Edition
Still filled with positive associations, the word is now capable of connoting a particular negativity in my mind, literally. Swirl, when used in the context of describing my ADHD brain, brings with it a sensation of discomfort and confusion. Too many ideas in the vortex of my mind: not a very pretty picture let alone, sensation. The dizziness which I once considered so much "fun" no longer holds the same attraction, in more ways than one. And yet, as with most situations in life, I do have the freedom of choice to discontinue the swirl. Not quite as simple as falling to the ground to wait for the world to stop spinning, yet worth the hard work that calming the overload which an over-abundance of ideas and choices often present. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
But swirl is still a pretty word. ~
Thursday, January 26, 2012
"OPPORTUNITY Calling...
Will you accept the charges?"
After getting a better nights sleep following my ER adventure, I found myself tiptoeing around my subsequent food choices (remember that 'pain' I talked about...); hungry, yet fearful enough of making the wrong choices. Interesting how pain, when most effective, is capable of clearing and focusing the mind. I would venture a guess that age and life experience may partner in this function.
A reasonably intelligent human being, I consider myself a 'wisdom seeker' with the goal of living life to the fullest potential for which I am capable. But this particular (and potentially more serious) health crisis forced me to re-examine just how truly dedicated I am to "wisdom".
The recommended guidelines for healthy food choices have always been readily available for as long as I can recall. "Daily Allowances" and colorful food charts are a vague recollection from my school days gone by. But of course, there is a caveat: one must first really care about those recommended choices. Being of the opposite persuasion over the years: sufficiently aware but more interested in taste and the emotionally soothing effects, naturally translated into disinterest in those guidelines should they clash with my personal "need" at the point of selection.
Not that I haven't often marveled over the years at how my, less than stellar, diet hasn't left my body demanding ultimate restitution for my imbalanced choices. Deep inside I think I've always expected my lack of wisdom, in this particular arena of my life, to finally "catch up" with me. Those many episodes in which my body, unpleasantly, reminded me of it's limitations were effective... until I was sufficiently recovered and the next temptation came along.
Age...yes. I'm convinced this added element has now become the eye-opener of which youth gives little thought. As unbelievable as it sounds I realize now, with many years of life experience behind me, that I, like most youth, thought little of death and it's capability for lack of convention. But to help death along with poor life-choices is a bit too unconscionable, for even me at this crossroad in my life.
My body called for my attention in such a way that it could not be ignored and now the ball is in my court. The big question is, "Will I accept the charges?"
* Note to Health Researchers: "Could you please quit changing the "rules of the game" on us!?"
After getting a better nights sleep following my ER adventure, I found myself tiptoeing around my subsequent food choices (remember that 'pain' I talked about...); hungry, yet fearful enough of making the wrong choices. Interesting how pain, when most effective, is capable of clearing and focusing the mind. I would venture a guess that age and life experience may partner in this function.
A reasonably intelligent human being, I consider myself a 'wisdom seeker' with the goal of living life to the fullest potential for which I am capable. But this particular (and potentially more serious) health crisis forced me to re-examine just how truly dedicated I am to "wisdom".
The recommended guidelines for healthy food choices have always been readily available for as long as I can recall. "Daily Allowances" and colorful food charts are a vague recollection from my school days gone by. But of course, there is a caveat: one must first really care about those recommended choices. Being of the opposite persuasion over the years: sufficiently aware but more interested in taste and the emotionally soothing effects, naturally translated into disinterest in those guidelines should they clash with my personal "need" at the point of selection.
Not that I haven't often marveled over the years at how my, less than stellar, diet hasn't left my body demanding ultimate restitution for my imbalanced choices. Deep inside I think I've always expected my lack of wisdom, in this particular arena of my life, to finally "catch up" with me. Those many episodes in which my body, unpleasantly, reminded me of it's limitations were effective... until I was sufficiently recovered and the next temptation came along.
Age...yes. I'm convinced this added element has now become the eye-opener of which youth gives little thought. As unbelievable as it sounds I realize now, with many years of life experience behind me, that I, like most youth, thought little of death and it's capability for lack of convention. But to help death along with poor life-choices is a bit too unconscionable, for even me at this crossroad in my life.
My body called for my attention in such a way that it could not be ignored and now the ball is in my court. The big question is, "Will I accept the charges?"
* Note to Health Researchers: "Could you please quit changing the "rules of the game" on us!?"
Friday, January 20, 2012
Rita, Meet Your Body...
It's amazing what just the right kind of pain can drive a person to; like...a commitment to healthier eating...maybe? That's actually a very novel idea for me. Always one to struggle with weight issues through the years, I easily recall the many times that I "swore" I would "never do that to my body again!" Looking at my track record I must concede that this particular oath seems to have gotten misplaced (or disposed of all together) in my long-term memory. : (
Sight, aroma or emotional craving have been convenient memory blockers for the unkind treatment to which I've subjected my personal and, even more importantly, essential vessel for this earthly journey.
I know very few people who cherish even the thought of expelling (for lack of a nicer term) their stomach contents. That's the type of impression this, typically, uncontrollable physical process most often leaves. It felt sincere each time I made my adamant proclamation. Unfortunately, there is too much evidence to the contrary to challenge that sincerity: physical appearance, pictures, varied and escalating clothing sizes to name the most compelling.
But back to the heart of the matter:
"pain n.
1. An unpleasant sensation occurring in varying degrees of severity as a consequence of injury,
disease,or emotional disorder, *or over/indulgent eating.
2. Suffering or distress."
NOT to be confused with:
"4. pains Great care or effort: take pains with one's work."
The human condition dictates that pain be a part of our life-experience (thanks a lot, Adam and Eve!). Childbirth itself bears witness to just how much the human body can endure (love you, Anna and Lauren!). And now I'm beginning to believe that pain truly is capable of impressing the importance of certain life-style changes. That's how convincing six hours in the ER with a 'twisted gut' is capable of being!
My short-term memory still seems to be in good working order. Now, let's see just how well my long-term memory serves me this time.
* literary license my own
Sight, aroma or emotional craving have been convenient memory blockers for the unkind treatment to which I've subjected my personal and, even more importantly, essential vessel for this earthly journey.
I know very few people who cherish even the thought of expelling (for lack of a nicer term) their stomach contents. That's the type of impression this, typically, uncontrollable physical process most often leaves. It felt sincere each time I made my adamant proclamation. Unfortunately, there is too much evidence to the contrary to challenge that sincerity: physical appearance, pictures, varied and escalating clothing sizes to name the most compelling.
But back to the heart of the matter:
"pain n.
1. An unpleasant sensation occurring in varying degrees of severity as a consequence of injury,
disease,
2. Suffering or distress."
NOT to be confused with:
"4. pains Great care or effort: take pains with one's work."
The human condition dictates that pain be a part of our life-experience (thanks a lot, Adam and Eve!). Childbirth itself bears witness to just how much the human body can endure (love you, Anna and Lauren!). And now I'm beginning to believe that pain truly is capable of impressing the importance of certain life-style changes. That's how convincing six hours in the ER with a 'twisted gut' is capable of being!
My short-term memory still seems to be in good working order. Now, let's see just how well my long-term memory serves me this time.
* literary license my own
Thursday, January 19, 2012
"Life" happens...
reminding us, yet once again, that despite our best laid plans we can always expect the unexpected.
As I wake each day and thank God for a new day of life I linger in the warmth of my bed contemplating the possibilities, the choices of where my time might best be spent. Growing up in my childhood home my sweet little Italian Mama regularly reminded us that each new day is a gift from God and confirmation that He still has work for us to do on this earth. (Thank you, Mama.)
Now clear and secure of my intended destination, I'm never short on possibilities for the day. Inspired by my success of the previous day (Tuesday) I woke and daydreamed of the array of possible accomplishments I might proudly journal at day's end. So, as I shook myself from my reverie I fired up the old computer to practice the action which I hope to turn into a habit. Putting my 'day dreams on paper', as one author so eloquently describes her commitment to writing, seems to flow easily after waking from my own personal daydreaming session.
The writing itself leaves me with a great sense of satisfaction opening the door to my next endeavor: continuing my Christmas quest while simultaneously ordering and clearing the chaos from our home. The first feeds the second. So, as I put my final thoughts to (cyber) paper and contemplated my next 'intention' a trip to the emergency room later in the day was beyond my imagining.
After a severe bout of upper abdominal pain (and all the fun things that go along with it) the previous Friday night, followed by two days in bed making use of home remedies, Monday proved to be a fairly productive day. Tuesday was starting out that way but was short-circuited by a return of the debilitating pain. NOT part of my plan. : (
Thanks to my dear daughters and their insistence that they get me to the emergency room last night I awoke this morning to the gift of a new day. And pain-free to boot! As Anna Lou, my oldest, patiently sat with me from 8pm until I was finally released at 1:30am, my best-laid plans were the furtherest thing from my mind. My heart was warmed and I thanked God for seeing the fruit of parenthood and the loving compassion exemplified in the selflessness of my oldest child. As I thanked her for her insistence on making sure that I "would live" and being with me each step of that way, she reminded me of the many times I had been there for her as she was growing up. Patient and loving throughout that more than seven hour ordeal (starting with my text message for more home remedies from our local grocery store and ending upon delivering me safely back home after picking up my medication at our local 24-hour Walgreen's) I couldn't help but think of how very worth it all of those challenging, and sometimes heart-breaking, years of parenting this young woman were.
Not only is life full of unexpected challenges but more importantly, unexpected, inspirational blessings as well.
As I wake each day and thank God for a new day of life I linger in the warmth of my bed contemplating the possibilities, the choices of where my time might best be spent. Growing up in my childhood home my sweet little Italian Mama regularly reminded us that each new day is a gift from God and confirmation that He still has work for us to do on this earth. (Thank you, Mama.)
Now clear and secure of my intended destination, I'm never short on possibilities for the day. Inspired by my success of the previous day (Tuesday) I woke and daydreamed of the array of possible accomplishments I might proudly journal at day's end. So, as I shook myself from my reverie I fired up the old computer to practice the action which I hope to turn into a habit. Putting my 'day dreams on paper', as one author so eloquently describes her commitment to writing, seems to flow easily after waking from my own personal daydreaming session.
The writing itself leaves me with a great sense of satisfaction opening the door to my next endeavor: continuing my Christmas quest while simultaneously ordering and clearing the chaos from our home. The first feeds the second. So, as I put my final thoughts to (cyber) paper and contemplated my next 'intention' a trip to the emergency room later in the day was beyond my imagining.
After a severe bout of upper abdominal pain (and all the fun things that go along with it) the previous Friday night, followed by two days in bed making use of home remedies, Monday proved to be a fairly productive day. Tuesday was starting out that way but was short-circuited by a return of the debilitating pain. NOT part of my plan. : (
Thanks to my dear daughters and their insistence that they get me to the emergency room last night I awoke this morning to the gift of a new day. And pain-free to boot! As Anna Lou, my oldest, patiently sat with me from 8pm until I was finally released at 1:30am, my best-laid plans were the furtherest thing from my mind. My heart was warmed and I thanked God for seeing the fruit of parenthood and the loving compassion exemplified in the selflessness of my oldest child. As I thanked her for her insistence on making sure that I "would live" and being with me each step of that way, she reminded me of the many times I had been there for her as she was growing up. Patient and loving throughout that more than seven hour ordeal (starting with my text message for more home remedies from our local grocery store and ending upon delivering me safely back home after picking up my medication at our local 24-hour Walgreen's) I couldn't help but think of how very worth it all of those challenging, and sometimes heart-breaking, years of parenting this young woman were.
Not only is life full of unexpected challenges but more importantly, unexpected, inspirational blessings as well.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Now About That Commitment...
Tuesday, January 17, 2012 ~
* Step 1 ~ Spent time blogging/researching: 10am - 12pm
* Step 2 ~ Picked Riley up from Daycare for Dance Lessons ~ This facilitated unloading the majority of my
car (Christmas gifts/bargains/etc.)
* Step 3 ~ Wrapped and had Riley deliver belated Christmas gifts to Mrs. Ashley & Ms Katie : )
* Step 4 ~ Wiped down/stored Lighted 'Snowflake' Stakes (2 boxes plus a third that wasn't used this Christ-
mas)
* Step 5 ~ Boxed Lighted, Hanging 'Snowflake' Swags (2 boxes)
* several bulbs will have to changed next Christmas due to 'burn-out'
* Step 6 ~ Wiped down & wrapped all extension cords used for Christmas decor this year
* Step 7 ~ Boxed net lights (3 boxes plus 4th box not used this year)
* Step 8 ~ Boxed hanging 'Snowflake' strand of lights
* Step 9~ Folded & boxed 3ft. silver tinsel tree
* Step 10 ~ Photographed & Cataloged 26" Tinsel Wreaths
(purchased after Christmas sale 2010 but not used this year)
* Step 11 ~ Moved snowflake swags/net lights/snowflake stakes under house
* Step 1 ~ Spent time blogging/researching: 10am - 12pm
* Step 2 ~ Picked Riley up from Daycare for Dance Lessons ~ This facilitated unloading the majority of my
car (Christmas gifts/bargains/etc.)
* Step 3 ~ Wrapped and had Riley deliver belated Christmas gifts to Mrs. Ashley & Ms Katie : )
* Step 4 ~ Wiped down/stored Lighted 'Snowflake' Stakes (2 boxes plus a third that wasn't used this Christ-
mas)
* Step 5 ~ Boxed Lighted, Hanging 'Snowflake' Swags (2 boxes)
* several bulbs will have to changed next Christmas due to 'burn-out'
* Step 6 ~ Wiped down & wrapped all extension cords used for Christmas decor this year
* Step 7 ~ Boxed net lights (3 boxes plus 4th box not used this year)
* Step 8 ~ Boxed hanging 'Snowflake' strand of lights
* Step 9~ Folded & boxed 3ft. silver tinsel tree
* Step 10 ~ Photographed & Cataloged 26" Tinsel Wreaths
(purchased after Christmas sale 2010 but not used this year)
* Step 11 ~ Moved snowflake swags/net lights/snowflake stakes under house
Wisdom for the Journey
" A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."
~ Chinese Proverb
As I crawled into bed early this morning (old habits die hard) I thought back to my day to assess any progress I might have made. 1:30am is not very conducive to clear thinking. Not to mention that, at an earlier bedtime, chronicling those "daily victories" for the sake of encouragement would not impress itself as such a daunting task. *Note to self: Reasonable bedtime essential to all other elements of the journey I deem important for success.*
Journaling has been an activity I have enjoyed, in one form or another, for as long as I can remember. A "sociologist" at heart I deem every person's life a treasure trove of buried interest, insight and wisdom. Typically unappreciated until time has given us more depth and perspective, I find life-journaling to be a gift to future generations. My hope is that the patchwork of my personal life-journal may one day serve as a glimpse into the person my children and grandchildren didn't realize even existed.
Future generations weren't quite what I had in mind as I contemplated whether or not I would have the energy to list my perceived successes for the day. It didn't take long to convince myself that I needed my sleep and that listing my victories would have to wait until 'later in the day'.
There was absolutely no conflict as to whether my day was done but...a nagging thought lingered. Am I really committed to the chronicling of each day's success? Or will I fall into "good intentions" but deprive myself of a valuable fuel for my quest? Knowing myself as I do I had to concede that the latter was the most likely scenario. Patchwork is an honest assessment of my "collection of days"; definitely not a complete portrait of my life but pretty in it's own unique way.
But the journey I am now committed to taking calls for diligence and the need to utilize the useful tools available to reach the destination I so badly desire. 'Success' is a personal matter, individually defined. Easily akin to a 'journey of a thousand miles' each step, regardless of how small, deserves to be noted.
So, today I Commit to applauding even my smallest accomplishments and honor myself with a daily chronicle of my definition of success.
~ Chinese Proverb
As I crawled into bed early this morning (old habits die hard) I thought back to my day to assess any progress I might have made. 1:30am is not very conducive to clear thinking. Not to mention that, at an earlier bedtime, chronicling those "daily victories" for the sake of encouragement would not impress itself as such a daunting task. *Note to self: Reasonable bedtime essential to all other elements of the journey I deem important for success.*
Journaling has been an activity I have enjoyed, in one form or another, for as long as I can remember. A "sociologist" at heart I deem every person's life a treasure trove of buried interest, insight and wisdom. Typically unappreciated until time has given us more depth and perspective, I find life-journaling to be a gift to future generations. My hope is that the patchwork of my personal life-journal may one day serve as a glimpse into the person my children and grandchildren didn't realize even existed.
Future generations weren't quite what I had in mind as I contemplated whether or not I would have the energy to list my perceived successes for the day. It didn't take long to convince myself that I needed my sleep and that listing my victories would have to wait until 'later in the day'.
There was absolutely no conflict as to whether my day was done but...a nagging thought lingered. Am I really committed to the chronicling of each day's success? Or will I fall into "good intentions" but deprive myself of a valuable fuel for my quest? Knowing myself as I do I had to concede that the latter was the most likely scenario. Patchwork is an honest assessment of my "collection of days"; definitely not a complete portrait of my life but pretty in it's own unique way.
But the journey I am now committed to taking calls for diligence and the need to utilize the useful tools available to reach the destination I so badly desire. 'Success' is a personal matter, individually defined. Easily akin to a 'journey of a thousand miles' each step, regardless of how small, deserves to be noted.
So, today I Commit to applauding even my smallest accomplishments and honor myself with a daily chronicle of my definition of success.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The Fourth Wise Man
Now that I am revisiting the scripture accounts of the birth of Christ I realize that I had forgotten that only two of the gospels, Matthew and Luke, even speak of the birth!
Even more interesting is the fact that only Matthew mentions the journey of the Wise Men!?
I'll be doing a little searching on the net to see if there are any resources with additional information about the legendary 'Wise Men'. I am aware of a movie (which I watched several years ago) entitled "The Fourth Wise Man" which I recall as being very moving in it's premise that there was a fourth man who also made the journey to find the Christ Child. Unlike the three wise men, his journey was one of many years but he refused to give up his quest. That's about the extent of my memory but it seems to 'fit the bill' as encouragement for the journey I have undertaken.
Even more interesting is the fact that only Matthew mentions the journey of the Wise Men!?
I'll be doing a little searching on the net to see if there are any resources with additional information about the legendary 'Wise Men'. I am aware of a movie (which I watched several years ago) entitled "The Fourth Wise Man" which I recall as being very moving in it's premise that there was a fourth man who also made the journey to find the Christ Child. Unlike the three wise men, his journey was one of many years but he refused to give up his quest. That's about the extent of my memory but it seems to 'fit the bill' as encouragement for the journey I have undertaken.
Luke ~ Chapter 2:1-20
The Birth of Jesus. In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled*. This was the first enrollment when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manager, because there was no room for then in the inn.
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manager. " And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest and on earth
peace to those on whom his favor rests."
The Visit of the Shepherds. When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph and the infant lying in the manager. When they saw this they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.
* ('taxed' was the version that we were made to memorize in my fourth grade class at Bertie Rouse Elementary, Picayune, Mississippi ~ I wish I could remember my teacher's name; she was so pretty and nice. She even let me stand up and sing 'Moon River' in front of the class one day! lol)
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manager. " And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest and on earth
peace to those on whom his favor rests."
The Visit of the Shepherds. When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph and the infant lying in the manager. When they saw this they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.
* ('taxed' was the version that we were made to memorize in my fourth grade class at Bertie Rouse Elementary, Picayune, Mississippi ~ I wish I could remember my teacher's name; she was so pretty and nice. She even let me stand up and sing 'Moon River' in front of the class one day! lol)
Monday, January 16, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
Visited Nancy Ratey's website and linked to her blog here on Blogger! Actually found additional links to YouTube to view a couple of interviews with Nancy. One was done at the 2011 CHADD Conference held at Disney World. I suspect this was the interview she was doing prior to the dinner, which I was so generously invited to by Nancy, with her Mom, assistant Jessie, and four other friends (fellow coaches) at The Wave Restaurant there at The Contemporary. As we waited for Nancy to join us and the question was asked as to her whereabouts, Jessie explained that she was doing an interview with someone. BINGO! I think this was it! : )
Her blog for Tuesday, October 4, 2011 couldn't have been more perfect to encourage me on to my New Year 'Intentions': Get Your House in Order; how perfect! God continues to prove that His timing is always right in my life.
After reading her blog I linked to the video interviews and heard a tip which I haven't previously. Nancy suggests printing out a whole year's calendar to be viewed daily. As the day comes to an end mark through that day as 'a done deal' leaving a visual of the remainder of the week/month/year yet to come.
Nancy puts it this way: "People have a hard time seeing themselves in time and space so a lot of times I have them think of each day of the week as a 'domino'. Each domino is an action. If you say "yes" or "no" to one action on one day (say Tuesday) what consequence will that action have on a project that is due, say on Thursday (or whatever day). Every choice that we make has an impact on the next hour, the next day."
She goes on to explain the usefulness of a full year calendar, which she encourages should be a simple matter of printing off monthly calendars from one of many available websites, pasted in order of month to a large display backing then placed on the wall (or any place) where you will visit it daily. This 'visual time marker' will be helpful in reminding you of the time available for intended projects. As each day, then each month that has passed is marked through this will serve those of us with AD/HD as a necessary reminder of available time of which we are so often blissfully unaware.
That is until...REALITY DAWNS and we can't understand where the time has gone! PANIC sets in and we hate ourselves for our ineptitude. But Nancy is quick to remind us in her October blog that there is No Time for Shame:
"The only way to truly overcome the "messy closet" syndrome is to come out of the
closet! That means accepting that your struggles are not a character flaw. It's not you;
it's your ADHD. This doesn't mean, however, that you don't have to take responsibility
for doing something about it. In order to take the first step you must acknowledge it's a
problem and stop blaming yourself."
My enthusiasm is bolstered by this new tool: The Yearly Calendar 'Visual Time Minder' (self-titled)!
Time to get busy creating and assembling!
Her blog for Tuesday, October 4, 2011 couldn't have been more perfect to encourage me on to my New Year 'Intentions': Get Your House in Order; how perfect! God continues to prove that His timing is always right in my life.
After reading her blog I linked to the video interviews and heard a tip which I haven't previously. Nancy suggests printing out a whole year's calendar to be viewed daily. As the day comes to an end mark through that day as 'a done deal' leaving a visual of the remainder of the week/month/year yet to come.
Nancy puts it this way: "People have a hard time seeing themselves in time and space so a lot of times I have them think of each day of the week as a 'domino'. Each domino is an action. If you say "yes" or "no" to one action on one day (say Tuesday) what consequence will that action have on a project that is due, say on Thursday (or whatever day). Every choice that we make has an impact on the next hour, the next day."
She goes on to explain the usefulness of a full year calendar, which she encourages should be a simple matter of printing off monthly calendars from one of many available websites, pasted in order of month to a large display backing then placed on the wall (or any place) where you will visit it daily. This 'visual time marker' will be helpful in reminding you of the time available for intended projects. As each day, then each month that has passed is marked through this will serve those of us with AD/HD as a necessary reminder of available time of which we are so often blissfully unaware.
That is until...REALITY DAWNS and we can't understand where the time has gone! PANIC sets in and we hate ourselves for our ineptitude. But Nancy is quick to remind us in her October blog that there is No Time for Shame:
"The only way to truly overcome the "messy closet" syndrome is to come out of the
closet! That means accepting that your struggles are not a character flaw. It's not you;
it's your ADHD. This doesn't mean, however, that you don't have to take responsibility
for doing something about it. In order to take the first step you must acknowledge it's a
problem and stop blaming yourself."
My enthusiasm is bolstered by this new tool: The Yearly Calendar 'Visual Time Minder' (self-titled)!
Time to get busy creating and assembling!
Matthew ~ Chapter 2
"The Visit of the Magi. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for this it has been written through the prophet:
'And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"
Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage." After their audience with the king they set out And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way."
(NASB)
'And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"
Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage." After their audience with the king they set out And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way."
(NASB)
A 'Wise Men's Christmas'
Epiphany: only one of the many beauties of practicing the Catholic faith. Observed on January 6 of each year, the thirteenth day following the 'twelve days of Christmas', epiphany celebrates the arrival of the three wise men who came from the east bearing gifts for the newborn king. The scriptures seem to indicate (according to my dear Baptist friend) that, in actuality, it was approximately two years after the infant's birth that the wise men arrived at the baby's creche with the finest gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The birth of Christ and their desire to pay homage was of great enough significance and import that the wise men committed themselves to the long and, imaginably, arduous journey.
The visual preparations on the exterior of our home began well before December twenty-fifth but progress was slow and deliberate. This year's decorations didn't go up in unison but were more an experimentation in a balance of my vision and Mike's willingness to fulfill it.
Icicle lights illuminating the full expanse of the front of our home were merely a memory of yesteryear as the effort required called for a much younger and agile 'installer' willing to risk the climb and traverse on our steep hip roof. As much as I loved the twinkle of an abundance of white lights I, too, had conceded that the cost was potentially much too high. A replacement 'Mike Chisum' would be impossible to find; of exceptional quality to begin with I'm just not convinced that another like him could be found. So, the iridescent, lighted snowflakes were hung above the front windows accompanied by the new additions: a three-foot, silver tinsel tree placed to the right of the front door, one strand of hanging snowflakes spanning the front porch, snowflake stakes across the shrubbery beds to each side of our entry steps, net lights covering three of our four ball shrubs (since the fourth box of net lights was buried somewhere in the garage), and a stack of three colorful, plastic, bow-topped Christmas gifts, all aglow with bright white lights. The stringing of battery powered lights (which were eventually replaced with a strand of plug in lights) on my glittery, new door wreath of a muted lime green with red berries, and the outdoor lighting was complete. All these would serve my need for cheerful illumination. Simultaneously, the danger to my beloved husband was greatly reduced assuring another year of wedded bliss. The ease of placing our Christmas flag, poinsettia coir mat, hanging garden Angel 'Welcome' plaque and four window wreaths accomplished days before the lighting, I now had camera in hand ready to document the arrangement to be duplicated for many Christmases yet to come. A couple of subsequent additions to my outside decor and the exterior of our home proclaimed the Christmas season.
My sweet little Italian Mama always reminds me that it's 'what's on the inside' that really counts. Something can appear beautiful from the outside but closer examination might reveal an interior of striking contrast. In our home this proved true in the visual sense; the living room, entry into our abode, which served as the heart of our yearly Christmas celebration lay in an array of "organized chaos". Difficult for anyone but myself to interpret, I knew exactly to what this mishmash of displaced objects would eventually acquiesce.
Undaunted by what the appearance might indicate I was determined that, regardless of the date, Christmas would come to the Chisum household. The quest then moved to the interior of our home where the real story of Christmas 2011 and my personal journey to the creche of the baby Jesus actually begins.
And so, as we opened the 2011 Advent Season, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, I was fairly certain that, in my heart and home, this would be a 'Wise Men's Christmas'. While my heart prepared and ultimately rejoiced on the appointed day of his birth, I felt at peace that my personal journey to the actual presence of the baby Jesus was far from over. The journey of the wise men to find the certitude and confidence that arriving at the creche, albeit two years after his birth, would bring now serves as the inspiration for my own personal journey.
The visual preparations on the exterior of our home began well before December twenty-fifth but progress was slow and deliberate. This year's decorations didn't go up in unison but were more an experimentation in a balance of my vision and Mike's willingness to fulfill it.
Icicle lights illuminating the full expanse of the front of our home were merely a memory of yesteryear as the effort required called for a much younger and agile 'installer' willing to risk the climb and traverse on our steep hip roof. As much as I loved the twinkle of an abundance of white lights I, too, had conceded that the cost was potentially much too high. A replacement 'Mike Chisum' would be impossible to find; of exceptional quality to begin with I'm just not convinced that another like him could be found. So, the iridescent, lighted snowflakes were hung above the front windows accompanied by the new additions: a three-foot, silver tinsel tree placed to the right of the front door, one strand of hanging snowflakes spanning the front porch, snowflake stakes across the shrubbery beds to each side of our entry steps, net lights covering three of our four ball shrubs (since the fourth box of net lights was buried somewhere in the garage), and a stack of three colorful, plastic, bow-topped Christmas gifts, all aglow with bright white lights. The stringing of battery powered lights (which were eventually replaced with a strand of plug in lights) on my glittery, new door wreath of a muted lime green with red berries, and the outdoor lighting was complete. All these would serve my need for cheerful illumination. Simultaneously, the danger to my beloved husband was greatly reduced assuring another year of wedded bliss. The ease of placing our Christmas flag, poinsettia coir mat, hanging garden Angel 'Welcome' plaque and four window wreaths accomplished days before the lighting, I now had camera in hand ready to document the arrangement to be duplicated for many Christmases yet to come. A couple of subsequent additions to my outside decor and the exterior of our home proclaimed the Christmas season.
My sweet little Italian Mama always reminds me that it's 'what's on the inside' that really counts. Something can appear beautiful from the outside but closer examination might reveal an interior of striking contrast. In our home this proved true in the visual sense; the living room, entry into our abode, which served as the heart of our yearly Christmas celebration lay in an array of "organized chaos". Difficult for anyone but myself to interpret, I knew exactly to what this mishmash of displaced objects would eventually acquiesce.
Undaunted by what the appearance might indicate I was determined that, regardless of the date, Christmas would come to the Chisum household. The quest then moved to the interior of our home where the real story of Christmas 2011 and my personal journey to the creche of the baby Jesus actually begins.
And so, as we opened the 2011 Advent Season, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, I was fairly certain that, in my heart and home, this would be a 'Wise Men's Christmas'. While my heart prepared and ultimately rejoiced on the appointed day of his birth, I felt at peace that my personal journey to the actual presence of the baby Jesus was far from over. The journey of the wise men to find the certitude and confidence that arriving at the creche, albeit two years after his birth, would bring now serves as the inspiration for my own personal journey.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)