Yesterday I shared about our good fortune of going to a live Kenny Loggins concert with my sister and her husband. Today I am reflecting on what events were on either side of the evening of the concert, and how important it is for me to continue to SEIZE THE DAY, doing my best to fit in the things that are important to me.
This past Thursday, five of my friends from grade school met at Lake Oconee for a girlfriend sleepover. There are actually eight of us and we call ourselves "The FFs". (Friends Forever) Just hanging out with these friends made me so thankful for friends...what a gift they are to me. Each of us is different in our own way, and we each bring something special to the table of friendship. Our friendships have lasted and strengthened through the years because we have chosen to build on our similarities instead of focusing on our differences. WE laughed, we cried and we came to solutions to some of our latest issues in life.
As the rest of the group stayed one more night, I drove home for the concert.
Yesterday, our daughter came home from college in the middle of her exam schedule. She wanted to be here for her cousin's bridal shower.
Last night gave my daughter and I an opportunity for some one on one time as we grilled steaks and watched a movie together.
Sunday brought an opportunity to worship in our church and then hurry home to host a beautiful wedding shower for our niece. This was a wonderful event and the food and fellowship was enjoyed by all.
I say all this to say, I feel very rich tonight!
Someone once said,
"If you want to feel rich, just count all the things that money can't buy."
In reading this, I hope you, too, will spend
your
days
in ways
that make you feel rich!
LET'S SEIZE THE DAY AS WE ENJOY THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE:
FAITH~~~~~~~FAMILY~~~~~~~FRIENDS
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
CELEBRATE ME HOME
Last night, my husband and I had the good fortune to join my sister and her husband for a live concert with Kenny Loggins. These loved ones are in the midst of grieving the recent passing of their 25 year old son, Brad, and these plans were made in hopes to take some time out from being a full-time advocate for their son, who was injured in an accident on June 24, 2008 when he suffered a TBI. (see previous blog entitled, REMEMBERING BRAD for the whole story)
This concert was held in an open amphitheatre on the south side of Atlanta. The rain earlier in the day had subsided, leaving behind a wonderful, cool Spring night.
Some of our favorite greatest hits through the evening included: RETURN TO POOH CORNER, FOOTLOOSE, I'M ALLRIGHT, YOUR MAMA DON'T DANCE, and many more.
But when Kenny Loggins began the old tune CELEBRATE ME HOME, the crowd went wild.
As I sat there listening intently to the lyrics of this old familiar song...I thought again of my sister's son, our nephew, Brad, and sang this song in my heart to him...we spent ten long months not knowing if he would ever return to his normal self and we often wondered when he would get to go "home". As I took in the words while Kenny Loggins belted them out, it was confirmed to me that Brad is no longer on an uneasy highway, we can now celebrate him home.
Some of the lyrics of CELEBRATE ME HOME go like this:
It's time I found myself,
Totally surrounded in your circles
Whoa, my friends
Please celebrate me home,
Give me a number,
please, celebrate me home
Play me one more song,
That I'll always remember,
and I can recall,
Whenever I find myself too all alone,
I can sing me home.
Uneasy highway,
Traveling where the Westerly winds can fly,
Somebody tried to tell me,
But the man forgot to tell me why
Celebrate, celebrate
Celebrate, celebrate
Celebrate, celebrate
Celebrate me home
This concert was held in an open amphitheatre on the south side of Atlanta. The rain earlier in the day had subsided, leaving behind a wonderful, cool Spring night.
Some of our favorite greatest hits through the evening included: RETURN TO POOH CORNER, FOOTLOOSE, I'M ALLRIGHT, YOUR MAMA DON'T DANCE, and many more.
But when Kenny Loggins began the old tune CELEBRATE ME HOME, the crowd went wild.
As I sat there listening intently to the lyrics of this old familiar song...I thought again of my sister's son, our nephew, Brad, and sang this song in my heart to him...we spent ten long months not knowing if he would ever return to his normal self and we often wondered when he would get to go "home". As I took in the words while Kenny Loggins belted them out, it was confirmed to me that Brad is no longer on an uneasy highway, we can now celebrate him home.
Some of the lyrics of CELEBRATE ME HOME go like this:
It's time I found myself,
Totally surrounded in your circles
Whoa, my friends
Please celebrate me home,
Give me a number,
please, celebrate me home
Play me one more song,
That I'll always remember,
and I can recall,
Whenever I find myself too all alone,
I can sing me home.
Uneasy highway,
Traveling where the Westerly winds can fly,
Somebody tried to tell me,
But the man forgot to tell me why
Celebrate, celebrate
Celebrate, celebrate
Celebrate, celebrate
Celebrate me home
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
THE ATTIC IS CLEAN, THE HEART IS LIGHT
Today was the day that I finally ventured into the attic above the garage where we park our three cars. This project had been looming in the back of my mind since January 2009. After driving through our community and seeing garage sale signs everywhere and then talking to my walking buddy, Kathy, this afternoon about her plans for a sale this weekend, I knew the time had come.
This attic was filled pretty much to the max and I had not cleaned it from corner to corner in several years. In celebration of our ten year anniversary in this home, I decided about 6 months ago to unclutter every corner, every closet, all spaces would be cleaned and uncluttered. This attic would be my final project. Whooray!
So I headed upstairs with lots of empty boxes and garbage bags. I found boxes of maternity clothes (my "baby" is 17 now), baby items for both genders in every size imaginable, dishes, files from my years of teaching, books and more. A few hours later, I came out with plenty of dust and dirt all over myself, but feeling wonderful! Other than about 1/2 dozen boxes that still need to be sorted and the items I'll place on our front porch for a donation next week, the attic is clear of clutter!
There will be lots of trash on the street tomorrow when the garbage truck comes around.
Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was quoted as saying "Three Rules of Work: Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."
I agree with him! Uncluttering my home these past months has helped to unclutter my mind and my soul. It has truly been therapeutic, cathartic to unclutter our home, our safehaven, our place of refuge. I feel much freer...Jan Denise, an American Columnist, Author and Speaker, says it like this: "I've been getting rid of some clutter-anything that does not serve a positive purpose in my life-and making room for things that feel happy to me. Because I get to make my life whatever I want it to be. I get to make the room feel however I want it to feel. I get to make the closet as full or as spacious as I want it. And, if I have more clutter to get rid of after Christmas, I'm not going to wait a year, or two or three to do it."
After all, this life is not a dress rehearsal and we only get one chance.
What do you need to free your mind, home or heart from today?
This attic was filled pretty much to the max and I had not cleaned it from corner to corner in several years. In celebration of our ten year anniversary in this home, I decided about 6 months ago to unclutter every corner, every closet, all spaces would be cleaned and uncluttered. This attic would be my final project. Whooray!
So I headed upstairs with lots of empty boxes and garbage bags. I found boxes of maternity clothes (my "baby" is 17 now), baby items for both genders in every size imaginable, dishes, files from my years of teaching, books and more. A few hours later, I came out with plenty of dust and dirt all over myself, but feeling wonderful! Other than about 1/2 dozen boxes that still need to be sorted and the items I'll place on our front porch for a donation next week, the attic is clear of clutter!
There will be lots of trash on the street tomorrow when the garbage truck comes around.
Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was quoted as saying "Three Rules of Work: Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."
I agree with him! Uncluttering my home these past months has helped to unclutter my mind and my soul. It has truly been therapeutic, cathartic to unclutter our home, our safehaven, our place of refuge. I feel much freer...Jan Denise, an American Columnist, Author and Speaker, says it like this: "I've been getting rid of some clutter-anything that does not serve a positive purpose in my life-and making room for things that feel happy to me. Because I get to make my life whatever I want it to be. I get to make the room feel however I want it to feel. I get to make the closet as full or as spacious as I want it. And, if I have more clutter to get rid of after Christmas, I'm not going to wait a year, or two or three to do it."
After all, this life is not a dress rehearsal and we only get one chance.
What do you need to free your mind, home or heart from today?
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
BIRTHDAYS
My heart friend is having a birthday tomorrow and a few of us were able to meet for lunch today to celebrate Sara's presence in our lives. As a fifty something woman, I find it more important than ever to remember birthdays and the special people each day represents.
My group of friends from Druid Hills High School and I really did it up right last year when we all turned fifty. The first thing we did was we decided that we would celebrate each birthday throughout the years with balloons, bells and whistles! Then we planned a fiftieth birthday trip to visit one of the group in Colorado. While there, we went horseback riding in the Rockies and took numerous mountain hikes through the countryside. Then when our last friend in our group of eight had her fiftieth in December 2008, we decided that we would do it all again this year for our fifty-first. What a great idea! And so in March, 2009, we began again with Mary's birthday celebration. And the plan is to do the same thing again for our fifty-second, our fifty-third and so on! NO telling what we'll do for our sixtieth!
In Henri Nouwen's book HERE AND NOW, he teaches us why birthday parties are so significant. "Birthdays need to be celebrated. I think it is more important to celebrate a birthday than a successful exam, a promotion, or a victory. Because to celebrate a birthday means to say to someone: 'Thank you for being you.' On a birthday, we do not say: 'Thanks for what you did, or said, or accomplished.' No, we say: 'Thank you for being born and being among us.'" Nicole Johnson agrees when she says: "This is the heartbeat of celebrating friendships and family. Rejoicing, honoring, applauding, commending, saluting, toasting the wonderful people in our lives."
So, here's to you on your special day wherever it might fall on the calendar.
My group of friends from Druid Hills High School and I really did it up right last year when we all turned fifty. The first thing we did was we decided that we would celebrate each birthday throughout the years with balloons, bells and whistles! Then we planned a fiftieth birthday trip to visit one of the group in Colorado. While there, we went horseback riding in the Rockies and took numerous mountain hikes through the countryside. Then when our last friend in our group of eight had her fiftieth in December 2008, we decided that we would do it all again this year for our fifty-first. What a great idea! And so in March, 2009, we began again with Mary's birthday celebration. And the plan is to do the same thing again for our fifty-second, our fifty-third and so on! NO telling what we'll do for our sixtieth!
In Henri Nouwen's book HERE AND NOW, he teaches us why birthday parties are so significant. "Birthdays need to be celebrated. I think it is more important to celebrate a birthday than a successful exam, a promotion, or a victory. Because to celebrate a birthday means to say to someone: 'Thank you for being you.' On a birthday, we do not say: 'Thanks for what you did, or said, or accomplished.' No, we say: 'Thank you for being born and being among us.'" Nicole Johnson agrees when she says: "This is the heartbeat of celebrating friendships and family. Rejoicing, honoring, applauding, commending, saluting, toasting the wonderful people in our lives."
So, here's to you on your special day wherever it might fall on the calendar.
Monday, April 27, 2009
FITNESS AND FRIENDSHIP MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
I took a bike ride today by myself from the Kennesaw Mountain Visitor's Park to the Marietta Square, and back, about 3 miles each way. My plan was to ride to the square for exercise, visit our Hallmark store to purchase a few greeting cards and then ride back. I decided to visit dk gallery, a new art gallery on our square, owned by our good friend, Donna. I knew that ordinarily, Donna was not in on Mondays, but I thought I might get lucky and have an unexpected visit with her today.
The weather was beautiful for a bike ride, not too hot and not too cool...just right!
And as my good fortune would have it, Donna was in and not too busy for us to have a visit.
I once heard a quote by Seneca that fits with my day and this very special friend:
"One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood."
I had not had a chance to share about Brad's celebration service and all that had happened in the past couple of weeks, so we shared from our hearts for a little while. Again, I considered how very important friendship and fitness are for the 50 something woman! The bike ride was strenuous enough to make me feel like I had some exercise and my time with Donna was just enough to fill me up with love and friendship.
How about you? Are you making sure that you take care of yourself by taking time out for friendship and fitness. If not, why not?
The weather was beautiful for a bike ride, not too hot and not too cool...just right!
And as my good fortune would have it, Donna was in and not too busy for us to have a visit.
I once heard a quote by Seneca that fits with my day and this very special friend:
"One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood."
I had not had a chance to share about Brad's celebration service and all that had happened in the past couple of weeks, so we shared from our hearts for a little while. Again, I considered how very important friendship and fitness are for the 50 something woman! The bike ride was strenuous enough to make me feel like I had some exercise and my time with Donna was just enough to fill me up with love and friendship.
How about you? Are you making sure that you take care of yourself by taking time out for friendship and fitness. If not, why not?
Sunday, April 26, 2009
OUR PARENTS
The 50 something woman many times finds herself in the midst of taking care of aging parents while she might still be raising her children and/or helping with and loving on some grandchildren, and possibly even holding down a job, all at the same time. I can't identify with the grandchildren season at all yet, but I certainly can relate to the care of aging, and often, ailing parents.
Today, I visited the mother of one of my dear friends. This mom has Alzheimer's Disease. Did you know that 5.3 million people have been diagnosed with this disease in the United States, alone? But when the patient is your mother or father, this can be a very lonely place to be. Mrs. Land, my friend's mother was diagnosed with A.D. several years ago. At this time, she cannot speak and rarely knows her loved ones when they visit her. She cannot walk alone and is cared for 24/7 by a loving staff. This has been a lonely path for my friend, as she has often felt that she was the only one living in a situation as difficult as this.
Once again, we must remember that no matter our circumstances, we MUST make time for ourselves. Time for a power walk, time with friends, and time to BE STILL. When we allow ourselves time for just us, we will be stronger and better equipped to handle whatever the day might bring. If you know someone in your sphere of influence that is dealing with a similar experience as my friend, reach out and encourage them in some way.
Seize the moments to love your parents while you have them.
And recall the happy times if they have passed on.
Yes, remember the happy times...until you meet again on the other side.
Today, I visited the mother of one of my dear friends. This mom has Alzheimer's Disease. Did you know that 5.3 million people have been diagnosed with this disease in the United States, alone? But when the patient is your mother or father, this can be a very lonely place to be. Mrs. Land, my friend's mother was diagnosed with A.D. several years ago. At this time, she cannot speak and rarely knows her loved ones when they visit her. She cannot walk alone and is cared for 24/7 by a loving staff. This has been a lonely path for my friend, as she has often felt that she was the only one living in a situation as difficult as this.
Once again, we must remember that no matter our circumstances, we MUST make time for ourselves. Time for a power walk, time with friends, and time to BE STILL. When we allow ourselves time for just us, we will be stronger and better equipped to handle whatever the day might bring. If you know someone in your sphere of influence that is dealing with a similar experience as my friend, reach out and encourage them in some way.
Seize the moments to love your parents while you have them.
And recall the happy times if they have passed on.
Yes, remember the happy times...until you meet again on the other side.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
LIVE YOUR QUESTION
An anonymous poet once said: "Sometimes when you don't know the answer, live the question."
As a 50 something woman, I have realized more than ever that sometimes the questions that we have in this life do not have answers that are easy to uncover...
WHY did someone have to die so soon?
WHY can't _____ and _____ get along better?
WHY does this habit have such a strong hold on me?
WHY is this loved one living with a disability?
WHY was my husband unfaithful to me? OR
WHY did my husband die so young leaving me with the children?
FILL IN THE BLANK WITH SOME OF YOUR WHYS:_______________________________
As we journey through life, I think it is important to pray and talk to others about the issues in our lives, but sometimes the answers still don't come this side of heaven.
So what do we do?
WE LIVE THE QUESTION. We submit ourselves to the truth that we do not know the answer and we live the question, recognizing that the question may always be with us.
In the book CELEBRATION of DISCIPLINE, By, Richard Foster, the author speaks to this on page 111:
"I said that every discipline has its corresponding freedom. What freedom corresponds to submission? It is the ability to lay down the terrible burden of always needing to get our own way. The obsession to demand that things go the way we want them to go is one of the greatest bondages in human society today. People will spend weeks, months, even a lifetime, in a perpetual stew because something did not go as they wished. They will get mad about it. They will act as if their very life hangs on the issue. They may even get an ulcer, develop health problems over it."
So, today, take a few moments to consider what "questions" have been gnawing at you, and make the choice to simply breathe and live out your days with an understanding that some of the "answers" are not for us to know just now.
As a 50 something woman, I have realized more than ever that sometimes the questions that we have in this life do not have answers that are easy to uncover...
WHY did someone have to die so soon?
WHY can't _____ and _____ get along better?
WHY does this habit have such a strong hold on me?
WHY is this loved one living with a disability?
WHY was my husband unfaithful to me? OR
WHY did my husband die so young leaving me with the children?
FILL IN THE BLANK WITH SOME OF YOUR WHYS:_______________________________
As we journey through life, I think it is important to pray and talk to others about the issues in our lives, but sometimes the answers still don't come this side of heaven.
So what do we do?
WE LIVE THE QUESTION. We submit ourselves to the truth that we do not know the answer and we live the question, recognizing that the question may always be with us.
In the book CELEBRATION of DISCIPLINE, By, Richard Foster, the author speaks to this on page 111:
"I said that every discipline has its corresponding freedom. What freedom corresponds to submission? It is the ability to lay down the terrible burden of always needing to get our own way. The obsession to demand that things go the way we want them to go is one of the greatest bondages in human society today. People will spend weeks, months, even a lifetime, in a perpetual stew because something did not go as they wished. They will get mad about it. They will act as if their very life hangs on the issue. They may even get an ulcer, develop health problems over it."
So, today, take a few moments to consider what "questions" have been gnawing at you, and make the choice to simply breathe and live out your days with an understanding that some of the "answers" are not for us to know just now.
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