We don't have pets and haven't dealt with a lot of "life/death" incidences. However, just Wednesday night we were driving along the outer road parallel to the interstate, when a baby dear came across our path. It was about 5:45pm and in a very rare location for seeing deer, so thankfully the two cars in front of me were already stopped to make a turn. The deer ran headfirst into the fence separating the outer road and interstate, then jumped straight up and over it. Within seconds, the deer was hit and skidded around and bounced between three lanes of traffic. To say the least, it was disheartening to watch and my boys were completely distraught.
Of course, this has been the conversation topic for the rest of the week every time we are driving. Besides the typical kid questions of "Will he go to heaven, Mom?" to "Did he die right away?"...questions have also been "What happens if that was a person that got hit on the highway?" "Would they go to heaven?".
Interesting for them to personalize the situation, but I took it as a teaching moment about safety, listening and following directions (ie from mom when they may not know danger is nearby), as well as teaching on how precious LIFE is to us AND how important it is to always be living our life making right choices to follow God.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Blog Tour of Israel
Hello, My Blogger Friends!
For some of you that are on this blog site, I think you will find my friend's personal blog of interest. Thanks to the wonderful world of eNetworking with Facebook, I have found over 60 friends from college! One of my most recent contacts is actually living in St. Louis with his family. Right now he has gone on an archaeological dig in Bethsaida, Israel.
I am sure he will appreciate your prayers while he shares of his travels. You can find him at www.johncarnett.com.
Enjoy!
For some of you that are on this blog site, I think you will find my friend's personal blog of interest. Thanks to the wonderful world of eNetworking with Facebook, I have found over 60 friends from college! One of my most recent contacts is actually living in St. Louis with his family. Right now he has gone on an archaeological dig in Bethsaida, Israel.
I am sure he will appreciate your prayers while he shares of his travels. You can find him at www.johncarnett.com.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
The Buzz on The Bee Movie
This weekend the boys and I rented two Redbox movies: The Bee Movie Santa Claus 3.
Yes, I know it's spring...but we still hadn't seen the 3rd SC movie...and it was great!
The Bee Movie was hysterical!! The boys talked me into keeping it for one more day so they could watch it 3x...LOL!
Mind you, if you aren't a Jerry Seinfeld fan, then you won't be as impressed. But if you are, then you will enjoy the comical reactions from an animated bee character.
As with all DVDs, we like to watch the extra clips and interviews with the cast. There were several great cast members that added to the dynamic of the humor. What I love about the newer tech/computer animated movies is the way they can make the cartoon character resemble the voice character!
Overall, we give the movie a B+++!
Yes, I know it's spring...but we still hadn't seen the 3rd SC movie...and it was great!
The Bee Movie was hysterical!! The boys talked me into keeping it for one more day so they could watch it 3x...LOL!
Mind you, if you aren't a Jerry Seinfeld fan, then you won't be as impressed. But if you are, then you will enjoy the comical reactions from an animated bee character.
As with all DVDs, we like to watch the extra clips and interviews with the cast. There were several great cast members that added to the dynamic of the humor. What I love about the newer tech/computer animated movies is the way they can make the cartoon character resemble the voice character!
Overall, we give the movie a B+++!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Just holding it together...
It's been a very tough year...and tonight was one of the roughest yet. I love my best friend T...who calls and prays for me even when I am emotionally spent and physically exhausted.
As the evening went on...I was struggling to get even a breath that wasn't laboring. When I finally kissed the boys goodnight...and decided I was not even in the mood to watch mindless TV...I turned to read through my "emails". As much as I love my friend L...when she cleans out her emailbox...it fills up mine as she forwards many inspirational and humorous emails. Perfect for a night like tonight where I needed to mentally escape.
Wouldn't you know that God uses that method to speak to me? The third email I opened told a story of a preacher and his unique example of showing just "How GREAT our God really is!" Of course, my first instinct is to check out the validity on google/snopes...and I was amazed at my findings. I'm still in awe.
So as I sat here trying to catch my breath and feel like I am utterly falling apart at the seams...I am reminded that I can't ever really fall apart...because HE is just holding it all together for me!!!
Please check out the links and watch the video of Louie Giglio....it will be the best few minutes of your day.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laminin
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=laminin&um=1&ie=UTF-8
As the evening went on...I was struggling to get even a breath that wasn't laboring. When I finally kissed the boys goodnight...and decided I was not even in the mood to watch mindless TV...I turned to read through my "emails". As much as I love my friend L...when she cleans out her emailbox...it fills up mine as she forwards many inspirational and humorous emails. Perfect for a night like tonight where I needed to mentally escape.
Wouldn't you know that God uses that method to speak to me? The third email I opened told a story of a preacher and his unique example of showing just "How GREAT our God really is!" Of course, my first instinct is to check out the validity on google/snopes...and I was amazed at my findings. I'm still in awe.
So as I sat here trying to catch my breath and feel like I am utterly falling apart at the seams...I am reminded that I can't ever really fall apart...because HE is just holding it all together for me!!!
Please check out the links and watch the video of Louie Giglio....it will be the best few minutes of your day.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laminin
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=laminin&um=1&ie=UTF-8
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
A Must-See if you have School-aged Children
Hey Everyone!
I thought you should watch this video if you have school-aged children. I have personally wondered if this is some/most of the case for my boys at school. Since they seem to have the problems only at school.
I do KNOW that the teachers my boys have are NEGATIVE and really like to dwell on the negative. One teacher, in particular, that both of my boys had, loves to play the "tattle-tale" role...and not just to me, their mom, but to everyone around...including complaining in front of the boys!!!
Not only am I appalled at this behavior, but I recently took a workshop at my company called "MicroInequities: The Power of Small" by Stephen Young (www.insighteducationsystems.com) He mentioned that with the slightest of body language and the choice of wording can really demean another person. I asked him about the teacher situation. He asked me to stay a little longer so that he could share with me. He agreed there is high potential for failing students IF the teacher is not specifically aware of what she says/how she interacts with her class.
I am enraged that one of my boys' teachers had the audacity to say in the first quarter, that "unfortunately, children like this are the ones that end up in juvenile hall and go downward". That told me...SHE ALREADY NAMED/JUDGED/DISCOUNTED ...MY CHILD!!! Of course, she is not going to think about how she talks to him.
So how do I change this? Not sure yet, but you can bet your last dollar I WILL FIND SOME ANSWERS somewhere!!!! These are my children that God entrusted me to raise. I have come close to moving mountains in their lives with His help...and I am going to keep on fighting for my boys!
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?cl=6673814
I thought you should watch this video if you have school-aged children. I have personally wondered if this is some/most of the case for my boys at school. Since they seem to have the problems only at school.
I do KNOW that the teachers my boys have are NEGATIVE and really like to dwell on the negative. One teacher, in particular, that both of my boys had, loves to play the "tattle-tale" role...and not just to me, their mom, but to everyone around...including complaining in front of the boys!!!
Not only am I appalled at this behavior, but I recently took a workshop at my company called "MicroInequities: The Power of Small" by Stephen Young (www.insighteducationsystems.com) He mentioned that with the slightest of body language and the choice of wording can really demean another person. I asked him about the teacher situation. He asked me to stay a little longer so that he could share with me. He agreed there is high potential for failing students IF the teacher is not specifically aware of what she says/how she interacts with her class.
I am enraged that one of my boys' teachers had the audacity to say in the first quarter, that "unfortunately, children like this are the ones that end up in juvenile hall and go downward". That told me...SHE ALREADY NAMED/JUDGED/DISCOUNTED ...MY CHILD!!! Of course, she is not going to think about how she talks to him.
So how do I change this? Not sure yet, but you can bet your last dollar I WILL FIND SOME ANSWERS somewhere!!!! These are my children that God entrusted me to raise. I have come close to moving mountains in their lives with His help...and I am going to keep on fighting for my boys!
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?cl=6673814
Saturday, February 23, 2008
2008 is already GREAT!
Current mood: accomplished
Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes
As my closest friends know...my LIFE has been everything a 4-letter word could describe in the last several years!! However, I am here to celebrate the long-term goals of success! It really DOES happen for those that persevere, don't give up, and push through to the other side.
I didn't post my "goals" for the year like I usually do, but already I am seeing many of them meet reality. After a long and tough divorce that wreaked havoc on my financial situation...I was finally able to pay off my bills yesterday. I also started my 401k plan at work. Being a business graduate, this has always haunted me that I haven't been able to start building toward my future.
After all the stresses in my life which have worn on my health, thankfully I was able to start seeing a nutritionist last fall which has helped me get on track to improve my internal physical health. This has increased my energy to accomplish other goals in my life.
After several years of doing the online dating thing...I had taken the last year and a half off. My goal for this year was to "create my own social circle" of friends. When my kids are gone to their dad's house, I want to have a group of friends that I can call up and get together to hangout. Already I have been out meeting new friends and doing things I love to do!
One of the key factors in my outward success, is the fact that God has given me a great job! I am now with a company that is stable and growing, which is giving me the opportunity to further my career vs. working a job. I am eternally grateful.
None of this would be happening in my life without the strength and endurance that comes from within!
Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes
As my closest friends know...my LIFE has been everything a 4-letter word could describe in the last several years!! However, I am here to celebrate the long-term goals of success! It really DOES happen for those that persevere, don't give up, and push through to the other side.
I didn't post my "goals" for the year like I usually do, but already I am seeing many of them meet reality. After a long and tough divorce that wreaked havoc on my financial situation...I was finally able to pay off my bills yesterday. I also started my 401k plan at work. Being a business graduate, this has always haunted me that I haven't been able to start building toward my future.
After all the stresses in my life which have worn on my health, thankfully I was able to start seeing a nutritionist last fall which has helped me get on track to improve my internal physical health. This has increased my energy to accomplish other goals in my life.
After several years of doing the online dating thing...I had taken the last year and a half off. My goal for this year was to "create my own social circle" of friends. When my kids are gone to their dad's house, I want to have a group of friends that I can call up and get together to hangout. Already I have been out meeting new friends and doing things I love to do!
One of the key factors in my outward success, is the fact that God has given me a great job! I am now with a company that is stable and growing, which is giving me the opportunity to further my career vs. working a job. I am eternally grateful.
None of this would be happening in my life without the strength and endurance that comes from within!
Friday, February 01, 2008
Invisible Mom
Current mood: Touched
Category: Blogging
A dear friend sent me this email story of inspiration for moms and I found it a fantastic reflection! Ironically, earlier in the evening I had one of those "ah-ha" moments in a conversation with my oldest son. He is 10 now and showing such wisdom at such a young age. He knew I was having a chat with another single mom friend and he wanted me to share with her that I had been successful in taking care of him and his brother. What insight! I can only attribute that instinct due to the fact I am (with God's grace) building their little lives! ~Joy
I'm InvisibleIt all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the wayone of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on thephone?' Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, orsweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible; 'The Invisible Mom.'
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Canyou tie this? Can you open this?Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number isthe Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but nowthey had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She'sgoing, she's going, and she's gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England . Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip,and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sittingthere, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at myout-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. Myunwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I couldactually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, whenJanice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'Ibrought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe . I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription:'To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of what you are buildingwhen no one sees.'
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which Icould pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - wehave no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expectedno credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith thatthe eyes of God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tinybird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why areyou spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.' And the workman replied,'Because God sees.'I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almostas if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act ofkindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, istoo small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a diseasethat is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keepthe right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of thepeople who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went sofar as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetimebecause there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he'sbringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in themorning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'dbuilt a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to comehome. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'you're gonna love it there.'
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we'redoing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world willmarvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women. Great Job, MOM!
Share this with all the Invisible Moms you know..... I just did.
The Willof God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.
Category: Blogging
A dear friend sent me this email story of inspiration for moms and I found it a fantastic reflection! Ironically, earlier in the evening I had one of those "ah-ha" moments in a conversation with my oldest son. He is 10 now and showing such wisdom at such a young age. He knew I was having a chat with another single mom friend and he wanted me to share with her that I had been successful in taking care of him and his brother. What insight! I can only attribute that instinct due to the fact I am (with God's grace) building their little lives! ~Joy
I'm InvisibleIt all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the wayone of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on thephone?' Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, orsweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible; 'The Invisible Mom.'
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Canyou tie this? Can you open this?Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number isthe Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but nowthey had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She'sgoing, she's going, and she's gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England . Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip,and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sittingthere, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at myout-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. Myunwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I couldactually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, whenJanice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'Ibrought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe . I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription:'To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of what you are buildingwhen no one sees.'
In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which Icould pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - wehave no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expectedno credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith thatthe eyes of God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tinybird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why areyou spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.' And the workman replied,'Because God sees.'I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almostas if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act ofkindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, istoo small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a diseasethat is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keepthe right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of thepeople who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went sofar as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetimebecause there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he'sbringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at 4 in themorning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'dbuilt a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to comehome. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'you're gonna love it there.'
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we'redoing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world willmarvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women. Great Job, MOM!
Share this with all the Invisible Moms you know..... I just did.
The Willof God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.
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