Today Chloe is over 30 days sober. I think more like 36 to be exact.
Chloe spent the last 29 days at a residential treatment facility in Pine City, MN. 93 miles away from home.I have watched my daughter go from lackluster to serene and clear. She is in such a great place! It's amazing to talk to her; to hear her talk about the future!
I am so proud of Chloe, and the work she is going through to find herself. I cannot imagine how hard it has been for her to be away and in that facility for these last 29 days.
There has been so many people lifting her up in prayer! It's phenomenal to see God work in Chloe.
We went to Chloe's graduation ceremony last night. It was fantastic to see the varied women at the facility rally around Chloe, and give her advice and support!
On Friday Chloe comes home. I am so excited to have her back home. I have really missed calling her whenever I want to. I have missed going out to coffee. I have missed just chilling out at home together.
Please keep Chloe in your prayers as she transitions back into life. Pray for strength for her as well as opportunities to move forward in her life. Her number one goal at this point is to find a job.
Thanks to all of you who have been lifting Chloe up in prayer of the past 30 days, and earlier!!
Our God is Great!
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
When it Rains.....
When it rains, it pours.
Not only am I on day 5 of being sick, but yesterday our water heater went out. Hole in the bottom, needs to be replaced. Because I don't know this type of stuff, I called Jon (the ex), and asked him where I should go to get a new one. Lo and behold, his company has them and installs them. What an answer to prayer. He also said he would give it to me at employee pricing. So, this morning Jon and Seth drained and took out our old water heater, so that the technician who is to put in the new water heater, wouldn't have to clock hours to charge me for it. Nice, right? Seth hung around and worked with Don, the technician. While they were working on the installation of the water heater, the furnace came on.
Our furnace is is old and when it starts up, it makes a ridiculous sound. I know this, and it's been like this for a long time. Don, being a professional, decided he had better take a look at the furnace, because it shouldn't sound like that. His inspection revealed that there are several holes in the heat exchanger. (If I said that wrong...go ahead and laugh!) Don immediately disconnected the heater and put a CONDEMNED sticker across the heater.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME??
After the technician left, Jon called me and apologized, but asked me what we wanted to do. Honestly? What were my options? You hear the stories on the news: the families who die from Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Unsafe levels of c02. What options do we even have?
I sent a quick email to Angela, who said she was going to lunch and would call me when she got back.
In the meantime, the house is getting colder and colder.
So here I am in my raspy sick person voice, telling Jon that I guess we don't have a choice. We need to replace our 20 year old heater. Of course I'm not feeling well, I'm stressed about all this money that we have to come up with. So, I'm crying on the phone, telling Jon that I guess we have to replace the furnace. I was just sobbing on the phone. Not exactly my finest moment.
SO, now I have two gentlemen in the basement working on tearing out the old furnace and getting ready to put in a new one.
Such are the joys of home ownership. I don't know how I will be able to afford all this, but I do know that there were no options.
So, I guess the way to look at this through the lens of divine intervention. Had Don not heard that noise, we could have all not woken up some morning.
SO, while we are not looking forward to paying for a new furnace and water heater, but realize that these are the joys of home ownership!
Never a dull day!
Not only am I on day 5 of being sick, but yesterday our water heater went out. Hole in the bottom, needs to be replaced. Because I don't know this type of stuff, I called Jon (the ex), and asked him where I should go to get a new one. Lo and behold, his company has them and installs them. What an answer to prayer. He also said he would give it to me at employee pricing. So, this morning Jon and Seth drained and took out our old water heater, so that the technician who is to put in the new water heater, wouldn't have to clock hours to charge me for it. Nice, right? Seth hung around and worked with Don, the technician. While they were working on the installation of the water heater, the furnace came on.
Our furnace is is old and when it starts up, it makes a ridiculous sound. I know this, and it's been like this for a long time. Don, being a professional, decided he had better take a look at the furnace, because it shouldn't sound like that. His inspection revealed that there are several holes in the heat exchanger. (If I said that wrong...go ahead and laugh!) Don immediately disconnected the heater and put a CONDEMNED sticker across the heater.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME??
After the technician left, Jon called me and apologized, but asked me what we wanted to do. Honestly? What were my options? You hear the stories on the news: the families who die from Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Unsafe levels of c02. What options do we even have?
I sent a quick email to Angela, who said she was going to lunch and would call me when she got back.
In the meantime, the house is getting colder and colder.
So here I am in my raspy sick person voice, telling Jon that I guess we don't have a choice. We need to replace our 20 year old heater. Of course I'm not feeling well, I'm stressed about all this money that we have to come up with. So, I'm crying on the phone, telling Jon that I guess we have to replace the furnace. I was just sobbing on the phone. Not exactly my finest moment.
SO, now I have two gentlemen in the basement working on tearing out the old furnace and getting ready to put in a new one.
Such are the joys of home ownership. I don't know how I will be able to afford all this, but I do know that there were no options.
So, I guess the way to look at this through the lens of divine intervention. Had Don not heard that noise, we could have all not woken up some morning.
SO, while we are not looking forward to paying for a new furnace and water heater, but realize that these are the joys of home ownership!
Never a dull day!
Monday, January 30, 2012
A Mother's Joy
As I write this post, my youngest son Luke, is in a residential treatment facility in Chisago Lakes, MN.
We've been working on trying to get Luke help for his drug addiction for quite some time. It's been a slow progression on this downward trajectory for many years. Things got quite out of control over the past 10 months, where we realized that he needed more help than we could give him.
Those who know my story, know that I've had a very tumultuous relationship with Luke for the last 8 years. He has had the hardest time moving forward after the divorce, and has let much of his anger fester in his heart. Add this to anxiety and lots of opportunities to make his own decisions, and it was a recipe for disaster.
We had tried this whole rehab thing before in October, but it was not successful. Neither Jon nor Luke were quite ready for it, and things went back to the way they were before, only much worse. So, on Friday, January 20th, we drove Luke back down to Fairview Riverside's locked chemical dependency unit, and we admitted Luke for 5 days. During this time we had no contact with him. We really wanted him to dig deep within himself to see just how far he had fallen.
This seems like it was a good approach to take, and Luke is now at Chisago Lakes for 28 days. He will get out on February 22nd.
While we continue to be cautions, Luke seems to be taking this all very seriously. He is owning his addictions, realizing just how far he has fallen, and working hard to mend relationships that he has been destroying over the years. We see the hand of God all over this! One answer to prayer has been Luke's openness to me. He said that he realizes that he has shut me out and held on to resentment. He told me that he misses me and just wants to spend time with me, make up for all the time that was lost over the last many years. These are words I had begun to think I would never hear from this son. There is no doubt that the Lord is at work in Luke's heart!
Speaking of heart, the heart picture at the top is a craft that Luke made for me. The morning that we picked him up at the hospital to bring him to the rehab facility, he gave it to me. He had made it in the hospital. He told me that the multiple colors of pink and red were to signify the many layers and difficulties that our relationship has gone through. The blue bead in the middle represents Luke. He told me that he was in the middle of my heart.
"But it goes both ways Mom. That blue dot also represents you. You are in the middle of my heart too...forever!" Yes, there were tears.
Luke is working hard daily in the facility. He is committed to sobriety, and reclaiming his life. He greatly appreciates all your prayers, so please keep them coming!
God DOES answer prayers.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Make Crafts
I would like to spend more time making cool crafts.
Now that Ashley is here, living with us, I can see us making cool craft ideas.
I found a website that has a woman making 52 crafts in one year.
Does anybody else have a desire to make fun crafts?
Does anybody want to set aside one Saturday a month to work on some cool ideas?
Now that Ashley is here, living with us, I can see us making cool craft ideas.
I found a website that has a woman making 52 crafts in one year.
Does anybody else have a desire to make fun crafts?
Does anybody want to set aside one Saturday a month to work on some cool ideas?
Monday, July 25, 2011
Summer
Oh how I love summer!
Today, my goal is to read, write and do some cleaning!
Maybe posting this will make me do it!
In other words, get off the stinking computer!
Today, my goal is to read, write and do some cleaning!
Maybe posting this will make me do it!
In other words, get off the stinking computer!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
SBC
Throwing their heads back; mouths open
Trying to catch a breath
Common experiences
Uncommon backgrounds
Centered around a book
Which may or may not have been read
Tears shared openly
Sisterhood across the ages
Limitless friendships
Tied together forever
SBC
Trying to catch a breath
Common experiences
Uncommon backgrounds
Centered around a book
Which may or may not have been read
Tears shared openly
Sisterhood across the ages
Limitless friendships
Tied together forever
SBC
Monday, March 14, 2011
The Beauty of Facebook
Those who know me well, know how much I LOVE the internet, and technology!
Through the beauty of Facebook, I have been able to connect with people that I would NEVER otherwise have contact with. Jodi Picoult and Chevy Stevens are two people in that category.
Tonight I spent several hours working on writing.
At one point, while I was off task, I sent Chevy an email asking for advice. Within a VERY short amount of time, I had a reply:
Kari Henderson Simonson
Through the beauty of Facebook, I have been able to connect with people that I would NEVER otherwise have contact with. Jodi Picoult and Chevy Stevens are two people in that category.
Tonight I spent several hours working on writing.
At one point, while I was off task, I sent Chevy an email asking for advice. Within a VERY short amount of time, I had a reply:
Kari Henderson Simonson
- Chevy Stevens Hi Kari. I set myself little goals, like I am allowed to check at a certain time, or after I finish so many pages or words. I try to get most of my emailing and blog/Facebook stuff done when I'm having my first cup of tea in the morning. Then I have a five page a day rule. I try really hard--unless it's an important email--to stay of the Internet until I've finished my pages. Then after that I can still work, editing or marketing, while allowing myself little breaks to play on Facebook etc. Good luck!
- I feel quite blessed to have so much access to people, whose opinions I truly respect. For those of you who DON'T KNOW Chevy Stevens...check out her book Still Missing!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
WINNING!!!
Charlie Sheen is all over the place. His downfall is the topic of conversation for so many peoples. The man is literally imploding upon himself. I feel afraid for Charlie Sheen. I feel terrible for his children. I wonder what the "Goddesses" are thinking through this whole thing?
I pray that Charlie can survive this! I pray that he can come out the other side with more clarity and deeper understanding about who he is!
I pray that Charlie can survive this! I pray that he can come out the other side with more clarity and deeper understanding about who he is!
Charlie Sheen on 20/20
Charlie Sheen Quotes
Charlie Sheen on Twitter
Charlie Sheen in Major League
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Faith Healers
I was watching Our America with Lisa Ling on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). The subject of the episode was on Faith Healers. It centered around the MorningStar Revivals in Ft. Mill S.Carolina with Todd Bentley. Todd Bentley says he is a normal guy who believes in the power of the Holy Spirit who was given the gift of healing. Some say Todd Bentley is a false prophet. It's up to us, the viewer, to determine what WE think.
Lisa Ling tells that she grew up with religion. She mentions that she grew up going to church and bible camp when she was a young girl. She does a pretty good job of keeping any bias out of what she is reporting. This may be why I like Lisa Ling.
The episode follows a few specific people. A man named Steve, who has suffered a severe brain injury. Steve was in a car crash at 18 and left with a brain injury and a speech impediment. Then in 1995, he fell off a roof and was paralyzed in his lower body. His legs are both paralyzed, and he has come to the MorningStar Revivals Conference to be healed by God through Todd Bentley. He is 100% convinced that he will be healed.
Another story about a mother and daughter. The daughter, Debbie, has brought her mother to be healed of terminal cancer. Her mother could no longer afford the treatments that were above and beyond what her Medicare paid for. She sees God as her only source at this point.
I watched the hour long story waiting, wondering how this story would end up. Would these people be healed? Would the average person watching this show be turned off to the power of God? The REAL truth behind the fact that PRAYER DOES WORK? The fact that FAITH can move mountains? God does heal....he does heal through others.....I believe it 100%! I also believe that God doesn't always heal. How can a man promise miracles?
When Steve gets up to Todd Bentley, after three days of waiting, I sense how much Steve's faith could heal him. Unfortunately, he is NOT healed. He has not given up his faith. He is still waiting on God. Waiting for his time.
What about Carol, the mother with terminal cancer, will she be healed? I am so expectant I want her to be healed. At the end we find out that Carol's cancer had steadily been getting worse.
Lisa could have taken the road of: these people are quacks, but she didn't. She said she learned something there. She learned that lives could be genuinely changed. That hope could transform, and that faith could empower!
What is YOUR take on faith healers? If you have seen Our America, what do you think of Lisa Ling?
Lisa Ling tells that she grew up with religion. She mentions that she grew up going to church and bible camp when she was a young girl. She does a pretty good job of keeping any bias out of what she is reporting. This may be why I like Lisa Ling.
The episode follows a few specific people. A man named Steve, who has suffered a severe brain injury. Steve was in a car crash at 18 and left with a brain injury and a speech impediment. Then in 1995, he fell off a roof and was paralyzed in his lower body. His legs are both paralyzed, and he has come to the MorningStar Revivals Conference to be healed by God through Todd Bentley. He is 100% convinced that he will be healed.
Another story about a mother and daughter. The daughter, Debbie, has brought her mother to be healed of terminal cancer. Her mother could no longer afford the treatments that were above and beyond what her Medicare paid for. She sees God as her only source at this point.
I watched the hour long story waiting, wondering how this story would end up. Would these people be healed? Would the average person watching this show be turned off to the power of God? The REAL truth behind the fact that PRAYER DOES WORK? The fact that FAITH can move mountains? God does heal....he does heal through others.....I believe it 100%! I also believe that God doesn't always heal. How can a man promise miracles?
When Steve gets up to Todd Bentley, after three days of waiting, I sense how much Steve's faith could heal him. Unfortunately, he is NOT healed. He has not given up his faith. He is still waiting on God. Waiting for his time.
What about Carol, the mother with terminal cancer, will she be healed? I am so expectant I want her to be healed. At the end we find out that Carol's cancer had steadily been getting worse.
Lisa could have taken the road of: these people are quacks, but she didn't. She said she learned something there. She learned that lives could be genuinely changed. That hope could transform, and that faith could empower!
What is YOUR take on faith healers? If you have seen Our America, what do you think of Lisa Ling?
Monday, February 28, 2011
What Makes You Angry?
What Makes You Angry? This was the writing prompt that I used today with my high school students. I always write when my students are writing. As I wrote each hour, I added to what I had written before. I started out with big picture, governmental, societal issues that make me angry. Then, I moved to injustices that have happened to me, personally, which I never seem to get closure on. By the time I got to my last class of the day, my final writing was very eye opening to me. Don't get me wrong, not eye opening like I didn't know I DO this, but just eye opening about what a whiner I can be. It went like this:
Not getting my own way makes me angry. Truth is, deep down, I really like to get my own way. Let's face it, don't we all like to get our own way? I wonder if this is actually a true statement, aren't there some out there who truly like to give and give? Well, not me. I think to pout, either internally or externally (or both sometimes) when I don't get my own way leads me to rather passive aggressive behavior....childish, ridiculous behavior. Performances not quite fitting to a 44 year old. I pout, pull away, pretend. Why? I truly only hurt myself in this process. To top it off, I am not very good at holding grudges, so then it just turns into short term pouting. Even less effective!
So, there is my confessional...a full day's worth of pondering things that make me angry.
So, I pose the same question to you: What Makes You Angry?
Not getting my own way makes me angry. Truth is, deep down, I really like to get my own way. Let's face it, don't we all like to get our own way? I wonder if this is actually a true statement, aren't there some out there who truly like to give and give? Well, not me. I think to pout, either internally or externally (or both sometimes) when I don't get my own way leads me to rather passive aggressive behavior....childish, ridiculous behavior. Performances not quite fitting to a 44 year old. I pout, pull away, pretend. Why? I truly only hurt myself in this process. To top it off, I am not very good at holding grudges, so then it just turns into short term pouting. Even less effective!
So, there is my confessional...a full day's worth of pondering things that make me angry.
So, I pose the same question to you: What Makes You Angry?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Psalm 34:18
Today in my quiet time, I read Psalm 34:18. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.
Yesterday I had a particularly difficult day, on the back of a difficult few weeks. My daughter has decided to live full time with her dad, again. My youngest son is making some decisions that are poor, and I feel his dad should be steering him more closely. When I sit back and reflect on how much my hands are tied, and how I have no control over the situation, I feel crazy. These children who I love so much, are in some ways lost to me right now. As a mom, it's the most frightening thing to just sit and watch. I also end up feeling so sad, lost and alone. I berate myself that I should have been more...tried harder. Some days I just want to move away. Move far away where I am not so close to the pain. Some place where distance makes the heart grow fonder.
Yesterday was a difficult day. I was feeling depressed and alone. Out of the blue I got an text message from my oldest son telling me that I am a good mom, and that he always felt loved by me, and that he loves me so much! OUT OF THE BLUE???? I think not. It was FOR SURE God's voice. I have no doubt that God was saying: Look Kari!! All is not lost. Don't forget about your oldest child!! All is not lost!!
Today the verse from Psalm telling me that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He was close to me last night, in the midst of my despair. I am so certain of this!!
Yesterday I had a particularly difficult day, on the back of a difficult few weeks. My daughter has decided to live full time with her dad, again. My youngest son is making some decisions that are poor, and I feel his dad should be steering him more closely. When I sit back and reflect on how much my hands are tied, and how I have no control over the situation, I feel crazy. These children who I love so much, are in some ways lost to me right now. As a mom, it's the most frightening thing to just sit and watch. I also end up feeling so sad, lost and alone. I berate myself that I should have been more...tried harder. Some days I just want to move away. Move far away where I am not so close to the pain. Some place where distance makes the heart grow fonder.
Yesterday was a difficult day. I was feeling depressed and alone. Out of the blue I got an text message from my oldest son telling me that I am a good mom, and that he always felt loved by me, and that he loves me so much! OUT OF THE BLUE???? I think not. It was FOR SURE God's voice. I have no doubt that God was saying: Look Kari!! All is not lost. Don't forget about your oldest child!! All is not lost!!
Today the verse from Psalm telling me that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He was close to me last night, in the midst of my despair. I am so certain of this!!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Old Friends
Through the beauty of facebook, we all have been able to connect with old friends from our past. What I am really enjoying right now, is the connecting to old friends who I might not have even been that good of friends with. What I am finding out now is that some of these folks are people I would REALLY like to spend time with and get to know better.
I have an old neighbor who I rode the school bus with every day to school, had a crush on her older brother, but didn't really spend a lot of time with her. As an adult, I find her witty, clever and quite smart. I'm actually working on getting together with her...hopefully sometime in the near future.
I also have a couple of Hillcrest friends who I was friends with, but not close friends. I find myself drawn to how they write.
All three of these women are Wonder Women to me. The way they juggle everything in their lives. I am excited when they publish a blog post, or when they post something thought provoking on facebook. Often times they provide me with a chuckle that I need at that exact moment.
What I am mostly contemplating now is how life changes people. People I may not have been good friends with in high school, for many reasons, are now people I am drawn to by the way they express themselves on a computer. They make me want to get to know them better.
This cyber-world, while not new, is a wonderful way for people to express themselves, myself included. We all have a need to feel heard.
These three women especially, I am indebted to their online friendships. While it may seem lame to some, I find them powerful!
I have an old neighbor who I rode the school bus with every day to school, had a crush on her older brother, but didn't really spend a lot of time with her. As an adult, I find her witty, clever and quite smart. I'm actually working on getting together with her...hopefully sometime in the near future.
I also have a couple of Hillcrest friends who I was friends with, but not close friends. I find myself drawn to how they write.
All three of these women are Wonder Women to me. The way they juggle everything in their lives. I am excited when they publish a blog post, or when they post something thought provoking on facebook. Often times they provide me with a chuckle that I need at that exact moment.
What I am mostly contemplating now is how life changes people. People I may not have been good friends with in high school, for many reasons, are now people I am drawn to by the way they express themselves on a computer. They make me want to get to know them better.
This cyber-world, while not new, is a wonderful way for people to express themselves, myself included. We all have a need to feel heard.
These three women especially, I am indebted to their online friendships. While it may seem lame to some, I find them powerful!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
My Three Words
An old friend from Hillcrest, Bonny Korsmo Clark , recently wrote a blog post referencing the three words that she would like to define her 2011. Her last words were: Do you have three words for the new year? This got me to thinking. Bonny was like a good Lutheran preacher and came up with three words that all started with the same letter. Alliteration at it's finest!
I, however, will not be quite as clever as that. But, I can think of three words that I would like to own for 2011.
1. Content: Something I struggle with far too often. Accepting what I am unable to change. Being OK with how things are. Beyond just accepting, however, is also the idea of just being able to look around and be content with all the blessings that I have. Through contentment, I can let others know by my words and actions how they have benefited my life.
2. Ambitious: I too often get sucked into the computer and/or the television. I love my DVR too much, as well as Netflix. It's ridiculous. I could come home from every day and sit on my couch until bed time with my computer on my lap. I would like ambitious to be a word that I strive for this next year. Ambition to read more, spend more time in the Bible, take time to continue writing my memoir, go outside (yes, even in this horrible cold weather) and take more pictures, take my puppy for a walk. Go to the gym more.
3. Attentive: I want to be a more attentive partner. More engaged in my life. I would like to pay careful attention to the details of how things are going down each day. I want to show the worth of a person by giving my full concentration.
Hopefully I can achieve these three words!! I am definitely going to work at them!
I, however, will not be quite as clever as that. But, I can think of three words that I would like to own for 2011.
1. Content: Something I struggle with far too often. Accepting what I am unable to change. Being OK with how things are. Beyond just accepting, however, is also the idea of just being able to look around and be content with all the blessings that I have. Through contentment, I can let others know by my words and actions how they have benefited my life.
2. Ambitious: I too often get sucked into the computer and/or the television. I love my DVR too much, as well as Netflix. It's ridiculous. I could come home from every day and sit on my couch until bed time with my computer on my lap. I would like ambitious to be a word that I strive for this next year. Ambition to read more, spend more time in the Bible, take time to continue writing my memoir, go outside (yes, even in this horrible cold weather) and take more pictures, take my puppy for a walk. Go to the gym more.
3. Attentive: I want to be a more attentive partner. More engaged in my life. I would like to pay careful attention to the details of how things are going down each day. I want to show the worth of a person by giving my full concentration.
Hopefully I can achieve these three words!! I am definitely going to work at them!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Reflection
As I sit pondering what 2011 will hold, I can't help but look back at 2010.
It was an amazing year!
Chloe and Ryan graduated from high school. Luke and Isaiah got drivers licenses. Seth and Ashley got married. Huge family milestones. Sources of great joy and celebrations.
A year of heartbreak as well. Children leaving for college, leaving a large hole in our family. Chloe dropping out of college, but having no clue where she wants to go next. Seth and Ashley still living in Georgia, and an economy that doesn't make moving home feasible. Luke pulling further and further away, leaving me with next to no relationship with my baby.
Without my relationship with Jesus, I could not face each new day. Jesus IS my portion!! He fills in all the places of my heart which are empty and cracked. He soothes the ache, and helps me find my joy. In him I am complete.
What will 2011 hold?
A beautiful relationship that sharpens me, makes me a better person, and fills me with love and joy. Friendships that stretch me, make me think, make me laugh and make me cry. Parenting a 19 year old to realize her full potential, and applying tough love to assist her growth. Spending more time with my parents, and hopefully my brother. Desperately wanting these relationships to grow as I become more and more aware of how important they are. Learning to let go of my baby, and let God control the situation with Luke. Trusting that he can change the situation. Daily relying on Christ for the strength to do anything.
Yes, 2010 was a wonderful, and painful year. Maybe that's the way they always are. Without the pain, it's harder to appreciate the joy; the truly amazing miracle that life is.
May your 2011 be a year of firsts, lasts, and laughter that makes you pee a little!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas 2010
A beautiful Christmas morning. Wonderful waking up in a house full of love. Kids who still love to discover their stockings.
A dog who can EASILY find her stocking.
Even with all this joy....it's still hard to forget that both of my boys were not with us for Christmas. Seth is far away in Georgia. Luke, well, Luke was in Apple Valley and just didn't want to come. It's hard to believe, but that was the choice he made. While my heart if full of joy and love, it is also heartbroken over distance and a broken relationship. My hope is that if you have broken relationships in your life, that you let your love shine through. Put the hurt behind you and FORGIVE as you have been forgiven.
Mitch Albom says it best:
"Holding anger is a poison...It eats you from inside...We think that by hating someone we hurt them...But hatred is a curved blade...and the harm we do to others...we also do to ourselves."
— Mitch Albom (The Five People You Meet in Heaven
My hope for you is a BLESSED CHRISTMAS filled with LOVE!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Luke
Even though the photos may be gross....look at what my sonny boy got? Proud of you Luke!Nice Job!!
Friday, October 8, 2010
An Old Tale
As the Story Goes – There was a Young Boy, An Old Man, and A Donkey all Traveling on a Long Journey Together.
As they came upon a little town – the Young Boy and the Old man, had walked a long way – Giving their Faithful Donkey a Rest – They decided both would ride the donkey through town to rest their weary legs. As people watched they began to whisper, how could both of them ride that poor donkey, what cruelty to an animal.
Not long after the first town they came upon a second little town – the young boy said to the old man – You stay on the donkey and rest a bit more – While I lead you through town. Once again people started to whisper, how terrible it was – that the old man was making the young boy walk – when he looked so tired and his shoes so worn out.
They journeyed farther, as they came to a third little town, the old man said to the young boy, you have been so kind to give me rest – now it is your turn to ride the donkey – as I lead you through town. Once again, people began to whisper – What an awful, rude, lazy young boy to make the old man walk.
The Moral
Until you have walked a mile in my shoes –
You can’t judge me.
As they came upon a little town – the Young Boy and the Old man, had walked a long way – Giving their Faithful Donkey a Rest – They decided both would ride the donkey through town to rest their weary legs. As people watched they began to whisper, how could both of them ride that poor donkey, what cruelty to an animal.
Not long after the first town they came upon a second little town – the young boy said to the old man – You stay on the donkey and rest a bit more – While I lead you through town. Once again people started to whisper, how terrible it was – that the old man was making the young boy walk – when he looked so tired and his shoes so worn out.
They journeyed farther, as they came to a third little town, the old man said to the young boy, you have been so kind to give me rest – now it is your turn to ride the donkey – as I lead you through town. Once again, people began to whisper – What an awful, rude, lazy young boy to make the old man walk.
The Moral
Until you have walked a mile in my shoes –
You can’t judge me.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Luke's First Day of School
Hard to believe that my baby drove his car to school on his first day of school. I meant to blog on his first day. I ended up having to take a photo with my cell phone camera. Luke is the last one left to get the picture taken on the first day of school with his backpack on! Sad in a way!
So, here he is on his first day of 10th grade!
I love you Luke!
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