All Things Cherished

Hurts Everyday

2011-12-02T08:30:00.000-05:00

As I went downstairs for the familiar routine of letting CiCi, my beloved Chihuahua, out and turning on the lights. Suddenly, the thought hit me, hit me hard: Is that part of the problem? I want to have that wonderful feeling of looking forward to the end of the day and being with someone who loves me and whom I love?

Yes, it is what I want, what I crave.

Sadly, I have not found that. I'm 44 years old and I have not found that.

I'm at the point where I do not believe I will find that.

And that hurts. Hurts everyday.

I Am Back . . . Please Join Me

2011-11-01T07:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks to so many that have left me comments and personal emails regarding my whereabouts. I appreciate all the concerns. Sadly, my health has taken a big turn for the worse this past year. Also, since I started homeschooling my children (and remember, I am single mother) it has been very difficult to find time for me and things I want to do.

But, here I am.

I have LOTS of family news, book reviews, Christmas ideas, quotes & 'other thoughts of the day," health updates, and all kinds of cherished thoughts to share with you.

Please accept my sincere apologies for being MIA. Now onto blogging...

Jesus is My Savior

2011-04-01T17:55:00.001-04:00

Jesus is my Savior, a photo by Rooted. on Flickr.

7 Ways to Keep Your Brain Cells Working

2011-03-18T18:00:00.000-04:00

1. Play complex puzzles and games, such as Scrabble or Chess.

2. Learn a foreign language.

3. Study music.

4. Solve math problems without using a calculator.

5. Write letters or poetry.

6. Engage in thought-provoking discussions.

7. Study and memorize scripture.

Thought of the Day - 3/16/11

2011-03-16T18:23:00.000-04:00

True happiness is no real mystery -- it is within you, you merely have to remember to be happy. Think back to what made you feel relaxed and worry-free, and integrate those things into how you treat others, then it will all come back to you.

16 Things You Did Not Know About Sleep

2011-02-26T13:42:00.002-05:00

Via: Psychology Degree

Thought of the Day - 2/21/11

2011-02-21T20:29:00.004-05:00

'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free. 'Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be. And when we find ourselves in the place that's right, 'twill be in the valley of love and delight.
~ 19th century Shaker hymn ~~

Thought of the Day - 2/20/11

2011-02-20T20:26:00.002-05:00

It is better to give no excuse than a bad one.
~~ George Washington ~~

Thought of the Day - 2/19/11

2011-02-19T20:22:00.005-05:00

In early America, Benjamin Franklin was wiser, Alexander Hamilton more brilliant, John Adams more literate, Thomas Jefferson more sophisticated , and James Madison more politically savvy. But each of these prominent men cited George Washington as their superior. Why? I think Washington was esteemed and respected more than any of his contemporaries because he was human.

Thought of the Day - 2/18/11

2011-02-18T20:19:00.003-05:00

Character is like a tree and reputation is like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.
~~ Abraham Lincoln ~~

Thought of the Day - 2/17/11

2011-02-17T20:16:00.002-05:00

One kind word can warm three winter months.
~~ Japanese proverb ~~

Thought of the Day - 2/16/11

2011-02-16T19:59:00.000-05:00

Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity. It must be produced, discharged, and use up in order to exist at all.
~~ William Faulkner ~~

Thought of the Day - 2/15/11

2011-02-15T19:57:00.004-05:00

Smile.

Thought of the Day - 2/14/11

2011-02-14T19:50:00.003-05:00

Whoever said a child can't teach you something?

Thought of the Day - 2/13/11

2011-02-13T19:48:00.002-05:00

No act of kindness,
no matter how small,
is ever wasted.
~~ Aesop ~~

Thought of the Day - 2/12/11

2011-02-12T19:46:00.005-05:00

It is okay not to do it all.

(I have a difficult time with this one.)

Thought of the Day - 2/11/11

2011-02-11T19:44:00.002-05:00

Make plans, but allow for changes.

I Hate Nights

2011-02-11T09:36:00.003-05:00

I Hate Nights

As the evening winds down,
the chores are done,
the computer is off,
the phone calls have ended.

I feel the depression closing in,
feel the oppression of my scattered thoughts,
feel the confusion of unexplained dreams,
feel the loneliness of being a single mother.

I hear my tears as they hit the pillow,
hear my thoughts as though a group of angry bees are buzzing in my head,
hear my labored breathing as the panic attack ensues,
hear the rustle of sheets as I struggle to hide my head in shame.

Thought of the Day - 2/10/11

2011-02-10T19:34:00.003-05:00

Love the person in the mirror before anyone else.

Thought of the Day - 2/9/11

2011-02-09T19:31:00.003-05:00

Liver every day up to YOUR expectations, not others.

Thought of the Day - 2/8/11

2011-02-08T19:31:00.000-05:00

Be the silver lining in another's cloud.

Thought of the Day - 2/7/11

2011-02-07T19:20:00.003-05:00

Smile before bed. You'll sleep better.

Thought of the Day - 2/6/11

2011-02-06T19:18:00.001-05:00

What makes you who you are today?

Thought of the Day - 2/5/11

2011-02-05T18:37:00.007-05:00

The way we walk in faith is through our conduct, lifestyle, and choices. The Holy Spirit guides our steps, and we purposefully follow. It is important that we ask for direction and wisdom, except that He will answer and meet our needs, and trust that He knows what is best.

Thought of the Day - 2/4/11

2011-02-04T18:33:00.002-05:00

God won't refuse a heart that is surrendered to Him.

Thought of the Day - 2/3/11

2011-02-03T18:24:00.003-05:00

Becoming a Christian doesn't mean that obedience to the Lord is automatic. It's a lifelong process of growing in our trust and patiently waiting on Him before we act. This requires a steadfast commitment to obey so that we can say no to ungodly choices and yes to God.

Thought of the Day - 2/2/11

2011-02-02T21:19:00.004-05:00

To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.
~~ Elbert Hubbard ~~

Thought of the Day - 2/1/11

2011-02-01T16:55:00.000-05:00

Changing your attitude is the most important thing you can do to create the life of your dreams.
~~ Rick Beneteau ~~

Thought of the Day - 1/31/11

2011-01-31T14:31:00.000-05:00

We face a universe of unlimited possibilities, and we choose which one becomes real for us by focusing on that possibility.
~~ Elle Debenport ~~

Thought of the Day - 1/30/11

2011-01-30T14:28:00.000-05:00

The quality of your life depends on how you love the things you do, how you do the things you love, and how you love the ones who loves you.

Thought of the Day - 1/29/11

2011-01-29T14:26:00.000-05:00

God has put the right people in my life to make me the best that I can be!

Thought of the Day - 1/28/11

2011-01-28T14:19:00.000-05:00

Each day is worth the wait for what the next may bring.

Thought of the Day - 1/27/11

2011-01-27T14:24:00.000-05:00

I may not be a morning person, but I'm always happy when God allows me to see a new one.

Thought of the Day - 1/26/11

2011-01-26T14:11:00.000-05:00

I think that people with sharp tongues should be careful. You might just open your mouth and cut your own throat.
~~ My Friend, Cyndi J. ~~

Thought of the Day - 1/25/11

2011-01-25T14:06:00.000-05:00

I have decided not to entertain ignorance, but to let ignorance to entertain me. Thanks for the show.
~~ My Friend,Cyndi J. ~~

Thought of the Day - 1/24/11

2011-01-24T14:00:00.000-05:00

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

~~ Winnie the Pooh ~~

Thought of the Day - 1/23/11

2011-01-23T13:57:00.000-05:00

Forget about all the reasons why something may not work. You only need to find one good reason why it will.
~~ Robert Anthony ~~

Thought of the Day - 1/22/11

2011-01-22T13:56:00.000-05:00

I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.
~~ Douglas Adams ~~

Thought of the Day - 1/21/11

2011-01-21T13:54:00.000-05:00

To love and be loved is to feel the sun on both sides.
~~ David Viscott ~~

Thought of the Day - 1/20/11

2011-01-20T13:52:00.000-05:00

Don't write because you want to say something. Write because you have something to say.
~~ F. Scott Fitzgerald ~~

Thought of the Day - 1/19/11

2011-01-19T13:50:00.000-05:00

Rejoice!

Thought of the Day - 1/18/11

2011-01-18T13:49:00.000-05:00

Give thanks.

Thought of the Day - 1/17/11

2011-01-17T13:47:00.000-05:00

Let go and let God.

Thought of the Day - 1/16/11

2011-01-16T13:47:00.000-05:00

Stay centered.

Thought of the Day - 1/15/11

2011-01-15T13:45:00.000-05:00

Open to God.

Thought of the Day - 1/14/11

2011-01-14T13:44:00.000-05:00

Embrace forgiveness.

Thought of the Day - 1/13/11

2011-01-13T13:43:00.000-05:00

Behold beauty everywhere.

Thought of the Day - 1/12/11

2011-01-12T13:42:00.000-05:00

Change gracefully.

Thought of the Day - 1/11/11

2011-01-11T13:42:00.000-05:00

Step out in faith.

Guerrilla Warfare

2011-01-10T22:11:00.001-05:00

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.
If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat.
If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.
~~ Sun Tzu, Art of War ~~

As rigid and inflexible as rebar, I believed it was your Will I was girded against. My perceived enemy was your defiance, your reckless disregard for authority.

You were not a changeling found lying in your crib, speaking a language we could not understand, while those around you tried to decipher what was swirling through your thoughts. You were older. A man-child consumed by a real boogie man climbing through your window. Your nightmares became my reality. Old enough that my dreams for you, your own dreams, were burnt away as the harsh light of day shone on what was your truth.

Late in this crusade, I recognized it as a battle for your soul. I was pitted against your demons. Demons you could not control, demons I could not conquer. A fight I could not expect you to join, not now, not yet. Waiting for you to grow older, stronger is our greatest advantage, our most powerful weapon.

Not a brutal conflict armed with iron rods and swords, but guerrilla warfare employing stealth, learning the strengths and weaknesses of our mutual adversary. Knowing the enemy, makes me stronger. Gives me a defense to protect you, to loosen the bonds that hold you captive.

Together we are finding how far we can bend without breaking.

For many parents of children labeled ‘special needs,’ that realization, that diagnosis no mother ever wants to hear, often comes while their children are still very young. Many times before they begin formal schooling.

Even as we feel our children grow inside our bodies, we create a future for them. They will be athletes, scholars, politicians, giving of themselves in service of others. Being told that those dreams may never come to fruition is harsh. It is devastating for parents, and my heart aches with them.

Yet, are these small children aware that their lives will not turn out as their parents had hoped? Is it kinder that they know no alternate reality? I am not attempting to minimize these parents’ anguish, I am simply seeking answers. My pain is not greater than theirs, perhaps merely different.

My heartache is compounded in that my child remembers. Remembers how it was BEFORE. Before the diagnosis, before the shattered dreams, before the nightmares.

What I can do to best help him is to know as much as I can about his diagnosis. To arm myself with the weapons necessary to give him his best chance for a happy future.

No matter the foe… know your enemy.

Thought of the Day - 1/10/11

2011-01-10T13:41:00.000-05:00

Get healthy.

Thought of the Day - 1/9/11

2011-01-09T13:40:00.000-05:00

Above all, love.

Thought of the Day - 1/8/11

2011-01-08T13:39:00.002-05:00

Never tell your resolution beforehand, or it's twice as onerous a duty.
~~ John Selden ~~

Thought of the Day - 1/7/11

2011-01-07T13:38:00.002-05:00

Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.
~~ Hal Borland ~~

Thought of the Day - 1/6/11

2011-01-06T13:37:00.003-05:00

New Year's Day is every man's birthday.
~~ Charles Lamb ~~

Thought of the Day - 1/5/11

2011-01-05T13:35:00.002-05:00

No one ever regarded the First of January with indifference. It is that from which all date their time, and count upon what is left. It is the nativity of our common Adam.
~~ Charles Lamb ~~

Thought of the Day - 1/4/11

2011-01-04T13:33:00.002-05:00

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.
~~ Benjamin Franklin ~~

Thought of the Day - 1/3/11

2011-01-03T13:32:00.004-05:00

A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.
~~ Author Unknown ~~

Thought of the Day - 1/2/11

2011-01-02T13:30:00.002-05:00

Many people look forward to the new year for a new start on old habits.
~~ Author Unknown ~~

2011 Goals

2011-01-01T20:19:00.000-05:00

If you know me you know I like the word goals better than resolutions.

Goals
1. The purpose toward which an endeavor is directed; an objective.

2. A specified structure or zone into or over which players endeavor to advance a ball or puck.
3. The score awarded for such an act.
4. A noun or noun phrase referring to the place to which something moves.
5. The terminal point of a journey or race.

Resolutions
1. The state or quality of being resolute; firm determination.

2. A resolving to do something.
3. A course of action determined or decided on.
4. A formal statement of a decision or expression of opinion put before or adopted by an assembly such as the U.S. Congress.
5. The act or process of separating or reducing something into its constituent parts: the prismatic resolution of sunlight into its spectral colors.
6. The fineness of detail that can be distinguished in an image, as on a video display terminal.
7. The subsiding or termination of an abnormal condition, such as a fever or an inflammation.
8. A court decision.
9. An explanation, as of a problem or puzzle; a solution.
10. The part of a literary work in which the complications of the plot are resolved or simplified.
11. The progression of a dissonant tone or chord to a consonant tone or chord.
12. The tone or chord to which such a progression is made.
13. The substitution of one metrical unit for another, especially the substitution of two short syllables for one long syllable in quantitative verse.

Goals are attainable . . . every step of the way. Resolutions are not achieved until the completion. I want rewarded (praised, hugged, "me time," ice cream, etc.) for each step, for the ambition, for the effort, for the time, for the conviction, for the destination. If I have these, the hope to meet my goal has a much greater chance of succeeding.

Cameron's Goals"
1. To be more mature.
2. To stop lying.

Cassandra's Goals:
1. To play the trumpet in public for others to enjoy at no cost.
2. To lessen the exaggeration, the embellishing of stories.

Storm's Goals:
To continue my success, my goals are pretty much the same. My emphasis, however, this year is:
1. To trust in God more.
2. Join Ali Edwards in selecting and living by one word.
3. To swear less. When I get stressed or truly frustrated, I swear. My kids hate it. My boyfriend hates it. I don't really like it. Though, it's a great stress-reliever at times. The agreement is I will pay 25 cents for each time I swear.

Smile

2011-01-01T10:54:00.001-05:00

Smile
Charlie Chaplin's Theme Music for 'Modern Times'

Lyrics by John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons, 1954

Smile though your heart is aching,

Smile even though it's breaking,

When there are clouds in the sky

You'll get by,

If you smile

through your fear and sorrow,

Smile and maybe tomorrow,

You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness,

Hide every trace of sadness,

Although a tear may be ever so near,

That's the time,

You must keep on trying,

Smile, what's the use of crying,

You'll find that life is still worth-while,

If you just smile.

Thought of the Day - Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T10:48:00.000-05:00

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.
~~ Oprah Winfrey ~~

Thought of the Day - 12/31/10

2010-12-31T13:29:00.002-05:00

An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.
~~ Bill Vaughan ~~

Thought of the Day - 12/30/10

2010-12-30T13:24:00.003-05:00

Love came down at Christmas,

Love all lovely, Love Divine;
Love was born at Christmas;
Star and angels gave the sign.
~~ Christina Rossetti ~~

Thought of the Day - 12/29/10

2010-12-29T13:22:00.003-05:00

Christmas - that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance - a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.
~~ Augusta E. Rundel ~~

Thought of the Day - 12/28/10

2010-12-28T13:20:00.004-05:00

It is the most human and kindly of seasons, as fully penetrated and irradiated with the feeling of human brotherhood, which is the essential spirit of Christianity.
~~ George William Curtis ~~

Thought of the Day - 12/27/10

2010-12-27T13:18:00.004-05:00

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, - not even a mouse:
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there...
~~ Clement Clarke Moore ~~

Thought of the Day - 12/26/10

2010-12-26T13:16:00.003-05:00

Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.
~~ Oren Arnold ~~

Thought of the Day - Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T12:31:00.002-05:00

Christmas in Bethlehem. The ancient dream: a cold, clear night made brilliant by a glorious star, the smell of incense, shepherds and wise men falling to their knees in adoration of the sweet baby, the incarnation of perfect love.
~~ Lucinda Franks ~~

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T07:41:00.001-05:00

Thought of the Day - 12/24/10

2010-12-24T12:29:00.002-05:00

Oh! lovely voices of the sky

Which hymned the Saviour's birth,
Are ye not singing still on high,
Ye that sang, "Peace on earth"?
~~ Felicia Hemans ~~

Thought of the Day - 12/23/10

2010-12-23T12:16:00.003-05:00

We hear the beating of wings over Bethlehem and a light that is not of the sun or of the stars shines in the midnight sky. Let the beauty of the story take away all narrowness, all thought of formal creeds. Let it be remembered as a story that has happened again and again, to men of many different races, that has been expressed through many religions, that has been called by many different names. Time and space and language lay no limitations upon human brotherhood.
~~ New York Times, 25 December 1937, quoted in Quotations for Special Occasions by Maud van Buren, 1938, published by The H.W. Wilson Company, New York ~~

Thought of the Day - 12/22/10

2010-12-22T12:13:00.005-05:00

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
~~ Thomas Edison ~~

Thought of the Day - 12/21/10

2010-12-21T12:10:00.003-05:00

The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.

Christmas Card

2010-12-20T12:33:00.010-05:00

This is the Christmas card my children and I have chosen for this year. I was lucky enough to do a review for Tiny Prints so I got my awesome, beautifully created, personal Christmas cards for FREE. It can't get any better than that.

Isn't this an unique and classy card? I know I love it. :)

Thought of the Day - 12/20/10

2010-12-20T12:08:00.001-05:00

If you feel good, it is more likely you will enjoy life.

Thought of the Day - 12/19/10

2010-12-19T12:06:00.002-05:00

Life is simple. We insist on making it complicated.

Thought of the Day - 12/18/10

2010-12-18T12:04:00.006-05:00

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character give him power.
~~ Abraham Lincoln ~~

Thought of the Day - 12/17/10

2010-12-17T11:50:00.003-05:00

Practice what you preach. Better yet, don't preach, just practice.

Thought of the Day - 12/16/10

2010-12-16T11:39:00.007-05:00

There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed.
~~ Matamha Gandhi ~~

Thought of the Day - 12/15/10

2010-12-15T11:35:00.006-05:00

You are where you are right now because of your best thinking. If you want something different, change your thinking.
~~ Tony Rush ~~

Thought of the Day - 12/14/10

2010-12-14T11:31:00.011-05:00

When we are unable to find tranquility within ourselves, it is useless to seek it elsewhere.
~~ Francois de La Rochefoucauld ~~

Thought of the Day - 12/13/10

2010-12-13T11:30:00.002-05:00

Time you enjoy wasting is not time wasted.
~~ John Lennon ~~

Thought of the Day - 12/12/10

2010-12-12T11:28:00.007-05:00

What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.

Thought of the Day - 12/11/10

2010-12-11T11:25:00.006-05:00

Always give without remembering
and always receive without forgetting.
~~ Brian Tracy ~~

Thought of the Day - 12/10/10

2010-12-10T11:20:00.007-05:00

Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that.

~~ Norman Vincent Peale ~~

Thought of the Day - 12/9/10

2010-12-09T11:20:00.000-05:00

It's not what you got, it's what you use that makes a difference.
~~ Zig Ziglar ~~

Thought of the Day - 12/8/10

2010-12-08T11:17:00.003-05:00

It is always easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission.
~~ Author Unknown ~~

Thought of the Day - 12/7/10

2010-12-07T11:15:00.004-05:00

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies WITHIN us.

Thought of the Day - 12/6/10

2010-12-06T11:13:00.003-05:00

The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer somebody else up.

Thought of the Day - 12/5/10

2010-12-05T11:11:00.008-05:00

Give whatever you are doing and whoever you are with the gift of your attention.
~~ Jim Rohn ~~

Christmas Tree for the Desktop

2010-12-04T13:19:00.000-05:00

There are 19 trees to choose from. When you click on the tree it tells you how many days are left until Christmas. You have the choice to download the Atomic Alarm Clock if you right-click the tree. Each tree is animated in its own way.

Thought of the Day - 12/4/10

2010-12-04T11:09:00.005-05:00

The only difference between those that think they can and those that think they can't, IS what they think.

Thought of the Day - 12/3/10

2010-12-03T11:08:00.001-05:00

Live your dreams.

Thought of the Day - 12/2/10

2010-12-02T11:05:00.002-05:00

When you give with joy,
joy is your reward.
~~ Ida, Landing, NJ ~~

Thought of the Day - 12/1/10

2010-12-01T11:03:00.004-05:00

Build a bridge and get over it!
~~ Susan, White Lake, NY ~~

Thought of the Day - 11/30/10

2010-11-30T10:58:00.011-05:00

It does not matter how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get up.
~~ Vince Lombardi ~~

Thought of the Day - 11/29/10

2010-11-29T10:37:00.007-05:00

A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks.

Thought of the Day - 11/28/10

2010-11-28T10:35:00.003-05:00

Gratitude consists of being more aware of what you have than what you don't.

Thought of the Day - 11/27/10

2010-11-27T10:33:00.003-05:00

Be sure to put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.
~~ Abraham Lincoln ~~