A successful relationship requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. Always with the same person, but deeper and deeper every time. Each time on a whole new level you together open in love and discover the truth of your beloved anew. There is no limit to the beauty of your beloved. If you think you've reached the end, stop generalizing.
Thought of the Day - 12/7/09
God sees.
The problems we encounter that no one else seems to understand.
God sees.
The pain we feel.
God sees.
The tasks we perform for which no one thanks us or pats us on the back.
God sees.
Thought of the Day - 12/6/09
We can choose to accept the things we cannot change and learn to act on the things we can change. We gain self-respect when we decide to stop blaming others for our dilemmas and start taking responsibility for our own choices.
Thought of the Day - 12/5/09
The joy that you give to others is the joy that comes back to you.
~~ E. B. White ~~
Thought of the Day - 12/4/09
Having a dream is what keeps you alive. Overcoming the challenges make life worth living.
~~ Mary Tyler Moore ~~
Thought of the Day - 12/2/09
It's never too late -- never too late to start over, never too late to be happy.
~~ Jane Fonda ~~
Thought of the Day - 12/1/09
Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.
~~ Thomas Edison ~~
Thought of the Day - 11/29/09
Being strong can be feminine. I don't think feminine equals being weak.
Thought of the Day - 11/28/09
Just living is not enough . . . one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.
~~ Hans Christian Anderson ~~
Thought of the Day - 11/27/09
If you want your dreams to come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up.
~~ Debbie Tenzer, friend of mine ~~
Counting My Blessings
This holiday season, remember the things that matter most. Here are 20 things to inspire gratitude.
I'm thankful for...
- Sticky kisses.
- Our nation of abundance.
- Chocolate.
- Reruns of my favorite shows.
- Loveys.
- Your child's many talents.
- Naps.
- The babysitter who is willing to come over a second time.
- The prepared food counter at the supermarket.
- Baby wipes. What would we do without them?
- The Internet. When it's 3 AM and the baby is coughing, you can quietly look up croup, and have a chat with another mom who's hovering over a sick baby.
- Videotapes or DVDs. Sometimes that 30 minutes of respite is all that stands between you and total insanity.
- Photo albums.
- Antibiotics. Imagine having to worry that every disease might turn into something life-threatening.
- Vacuum cleaners. It's nice to know you can clean the cookie crumbs and pet hair if you really wanted to.
- A king-size bed and snuggling.
- Smile, especially when your child knows he did something wrong.
- Friends who understand everything without a single word said.
- Family.
- The sublime disorder of a home full of children and laughter and love.
Remember to count your blessing and be thankful for what you do have.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thought of the Day - 11/26/09
Love is just a word . . . until you find the one to give it definition.
Thought of the Day - 11/24/09
The Parents Affirmation of Imperfection
It is perfectly okay for me to be imperfect. This means that it's okay that I have already made a lot of mistakes as a parent and that it's okay that I will make other mistakes in the future. What's not okay is for me to pretend that I am perfect and to thereby hide my mistakes from myself. Instead, I will catch my mistakes with a smile rather than a kick and learn what they have to teach me. That way, I won't make the mistakes too often, and I'll become a better parent. But, I'll never be a perfect parent and that's okay, because my goal is excellence, not perfection.
Thought of the Day - 11/23/09
A happy childhood is one of the best gifts that parents have it in their power to bestow.
~~ Mary Cholmondeley ~~
Thought of the Day - 11/22/09
May we never let the things we can't have, or don't have, spoil our enjoyment of the things we do have and can have.
~~ Richard L. Evans ~~
Thought of the Day - 11/21/09
Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets so love the people who treat you right and forget about those who don't. Believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance take it; if it changes your life let it. Nobody said it would be easy, they just said it would be worth it.
~~ Jeffrey Watts, friend of mine ~~
Thought of the Day - 11/20/09
Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence.
~~ H.L. Mencken ~~
Thought of the Day - 11/19/09
Self-confidence is the name of the game. Keep in mind, confident people are unflappable. If you don't want to share something, just take it off the table. What you disclose (or choose not to) is entirely up to you. If others don't respect your privacy, you may have to resort to hiding things.
Thought of the Day - 11/18/09
If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.
~~ Thomas Edison ~~
Thought of the Day - 11/17/09
People say that you are going the wrong way when it is simply a way of your own.
Leaving
The body sags in sadness and dejection,
The eyes shut in depression,
The smile turns unhappy,
The joy of conversation has ended,
The rapture of intimacy is now over,
The heart burns with loneliness,
The brain is anxious with neglect,
Then . . .
The memories sustain until I see you again.
The brain defends until I see you again.
The heart champions until I see you again.
Thought of the Day - 11/16/09
Instead of complaining that the rosebush is full of thorns, be happy that the thornbush has roses.
~~ German proverb ~~
Thought of the Day - 11/14/09
Try to believe like you believed when you were five . . . when your heart tells you everything you need to know.
Thought of the Day - 11/13/09
Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.
~~ Robert F. Kennedy ~~
Thought of the Day - 11/12/09
Make every day special.
Have faith in your abilities
Be in prayer for those who are in need.
Remember that nothing is more precious than this moment.
Tell those you love what they mean to you . . . always.
Giving Back
God Bless This Home
God calls us to be generous givers . . . not only with our money but also with
our time and talents. Karla has wanted to use her talents to promote a few charities over the years and now she is.
The house was painted as a blessing for those of us who do have home in order to bless those who don't.
I am honored to announce that from now until December 1st, 100% of the profits from the sales of this print will go directly to Open House Ministries.
(The print is designed to be personalized with your last name
hand-lettered above the front door or you could choose to have it personalized for a friend or family member as a housewarming, wedding, or Christmas gift... a gift that keeps on giving.)
Grateful Heart Giveaway
Karla wants help to spread the word about her new book, Give Thanks!
I know the message in this book will not only be a blessing to the reader but the praise and thanksgiving that goes up because of it will bless the heart of God. As always, Karla's book is superb in its praises for God and your heart will be humbled and grateful.
As you meditate on the scriptures and dwell on God's goodness and grace, you're heart will be stirred to count your blessings . . . and you will find yourself thanking God and giving Him praise maybe even for some things you hadn't thought of before!
Check out Karla's book and her great art at her site.
Thought of the Day - 11/7/09
A fine line exists between devotion and obsession -- so make sure you are not spending too much time on activities that ultimately could be holding you back.
Sing to Me Saturday #8
The reason and meaning behind this song can be found here.
Please join me in sharing songs that touch your heart. Add your link to Mr. Linky below.
Thought of the Day - 11/6/09
Vanity is certainly nothing to be ashamed of, but it's something to indulge in with careful consideration.
Thought of the Day - 11/3/09
The person you might not have been counting on can turn out to be the real deal. This is the one who decides how she can help you and then just does it. She climbs over her fears and yours, and just shows up. One individual's selfless act of coming to your side without your having to ask creates an unexpected space for you to get a sense for how you feel.
If you have just one friend like that, you are lucky an you have a lifesaver. If you have several friends like that, you have a lifeboat.
Taken from Hope Journal written while dealing with cancer, 2003-2004.
Crafters Free Holiday Ebook
The holiday season inspires the crafter in all of us. Whether you’re trying to save money, want to create homemade gifts & decorations, or simply enjoy the art of crafting, this ebook with over 25 quick and easy crafts will inspire you. In this ebook you’ll find Christmas Ornaments, Home Decor, Greeting Cards, Kids’ Holiday Crafts, Gift Giving Ideas, and more. You can pick up your copy here.
Thought of the Day - 10/31/09
Allow even the smallest bit of encouragement to be the thing that keeps you afloat.
Thought of the Day - 10/29/09
Where there is great love there are always miracles.
~~ Willa Cather ~~
Thought of the Day - 10/28/09
You can be proud of being a bit wiser than certain people -- but if you get too cocky about it, you're sure to end up making a fool of yourself.
Thought of the Day - 10/27/09
Single but fine when we go out to dine,
Your always there with us so we don't make quite a fuss!
~~ Cassandra, 8, written for her mother (me) on 10/17/09 ~~
Just Do It
It was probably a busy mom who handed Nike that successful line of advertising, "Just do it." It wouldn't surprise me if she'd thought of it while racing between the grocery shopping and picking up her kids, before heading home to knock out the second half of her sixteen-hour day. We busy moms don't waste a single minute moping or calculating how hard it will be -- we just do it. I believe most families have little awareness of how much Mom really puts into handling the details of their lives. If you need to get something done -- and done right and in record time -- go hand it to a busy mother.
Thought of the Day - 11/2/09
Cancer is the worst thing that you will ever need to explain to your children. Telling them the news of your own impending death is plainly not right. You shudder internally. It shakes you to your core. It helps to read up on what the experts recommend, but in the end, you, the parent, must rely on your intuition, strength, and faith to see it through. Even then, it will be a horribly painful experience, one which there is no way out of, one that you must go through. Like all storms, it must be faced directly, and headed straight for, lest it chase you down. This conversation is not a storm you can outrun.
Taken from Hope Journal written while dealing with cancer, 2003-2004.
Between Me and the River
Between Me and the River
Living Beyond Cancer: A Memoir
by Carrie Host
"I do have a future, and the picture of that future is made up of a multitude of tiny dots called 'right now.'"
~~ Carrie Host ~~
"Carrie knows that the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness takes a split second to change your life, as well as the lives f your partner, partners, children, and all who love you. Packed with inspiration, advice, comfort, and hope Between Me and the Rive is Carrie's candid and uplifting memoir of how she found the strength and fortitude to triumph over a rare form of cancer, and craft a new and meaningful life."
When I got this book I was really nervous because I have dealt with cancer personally. (I had cervical cancer. My father, my aunt, my grandmother, my godson, and more had cancer.) I was afraid I would cry throughout the whole book. Yes, there were times that I needed the Kleenex. There were many more times where I sat there nodding my head up and down, totally understanding and connecting with Carrie. The book is poignant and tender, honest and insightful.
This is a beautiful, compassionate story about a woman who is supported by friendships, love of family, and dedication of doctors. This powerful, thought-provoking book stays with you.
Excellent book!
Rating (1, lowest; 5 highest): 5+
Thought of the Day - 10/25/09
The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.
Today I Am Thankful - 10/24/09
Today I am grateful for...
My friends:
- Thank you, Alan, for showing up in the middle of the night so I could go take care of a sick and hurt friend.
- Thank you, Mike, who despite your own life's tribulations and being six hours away still calls every day to check on the kids.
- Thank you, Marcy, for starting a new adventure with me.
- Thank you, Rick, for fixing my car despite the fact I didn't have enough money to pay the bill. (Yes, I will be making payments.)
- Thank you, Teresa, for the support of my Christmas passion and helping host our annual Christmas Open House.
Make a BIG Difference!
Big Brothers Big Sisters Makes a BIG Difference
Teachers who were surveyed about children who are matched with a Big Brother, Big Sister, or Big Couple said:
- 83% have improved their academic performance.
- 66% have better self-confidence.
- 32% are better able to make decisions.
- 33% have better relationships with their peers.
- 33% are better prepared for school.
Big Brothers Big Sisters' mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth and to assist them in becoming confident, competent, and caring individuals by providing committed volunteers.
Thought of the Day - 10/24/09
Too much credit is given to the end results. The true test is the struggle that takes place between the dream and the reality. That struggle is a thing called LIFE!
Gas Vouchers
I need your help.
Gas Vouchers Program
The cash earned from this program will benefit SOS/Save our SplashPark (local pool at Memorial Park, Butler, PA) and also help me get a more secure vehicle for my family.
This is an never-ending program at this time. Send your gas receipts to me. Email me at storm2c [at] zoominternet [dot] com for my address.
Duplicates of receipts can be used if you need the original receipt for personal or tax reasons. For security, you can black out the credit/debit card numbers (though the receipts only show the last four numbers).
Anyone in the United States can participate.
Ask family, friend, neighbors, and colleagues for their receipts too.
Receipts/vouchers are turned in on a monthly basis so please mail your gas receipts to me on a regular basis.
I will update you on our progress monthly.
Thank you for your help. The children of Broad Street Elementary School and the neighborhood children thank you.
Have You Ever Been Grumpy
Have you ever been grumpy for what seemed like no reason?
Well, there is probably a reason. It could be that someone triggered something inside of you or someone is mirroring a part of you that you have not accepted. It could simply be that you need to drink more water or you ate a food that your body did not digest properly.
When you feel grumpy for no reason, take a few minutes to do have some meditation time, i.e., One Minute Meditation, with the intention to get clarity. Because there probably is a reason. Before getting quiet, ask what is in the way of my being happy or what does my body need to feel better? Then do your meditation and let go. After doing the meditation, pay attention to what shows up in your life. It may show up now or later . . . be open.
Let me know what you notice.
Thought of the Day - 10/23/09
Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.
~~ Mahatma Gandhi ~~
Today I Am Thankful - 10/21/09
I am thankful today for...
- Lilly because of her perseverance and faith in God.
- Alan because of his humor, help around the house, and kindness.
- Marcy because of her acceptance of me, faults, quirks, and all.
Thought of the Day - 10/21/09
The ONLY difference between a good day & a bad day is your attitude.
(This is a hard one for me to remember.)
Thought of the Day - 10/20/09
Fear is a habit; so is self-pity, defeat, anxiety, despair, hopelessness, and resignation. You can stop all of these with two simple resolves: I can and I will!
Thought of the Day - 10/19/09
God determines who walks into your life. It's up to you whether or not you let them stay, let them walk away, or refuse to let them go.
Today I Am Thankful - 10/18/09
Today I am grateful for...
- Mt. Dew.
- The hugs I got from Joe.
- The late night conversations with Marcy, Teresa, Joe, Mike, and Bobby.
Thought of the Day - 10/18/09
The people that matter in life are the ones who, even after you've treated them like shit in the worst way possible, come back loving you without expectations.
Today I Am Thankful - 10/17/09
Today I am thankful for...
- The ability to read.
- The ability to write.
- Internet service/access so I can blog, write, surf, and chat with friends.
- The power of hugs that can cross the miles via the Internet.
- The power of hugs from my children.
- Telephone service so friends can help me through the rough nights, through the transient global amnesia episodes, through the pain.
Thought of the Day - 10/17/09
Believe in your dreams. Speak them out loud; put them out to the universe and they will be realized.
Today I Am Thankful - 10/16/09
Since the decline of my health and the death of my mother, I have found it very difficult to be thankful for anything.
Today I am grateful for...
- A gracious and patient God.
- New online friends.
- A working washing machine and clothes dryer so I don't have to lug my clothes to a laundromat.
- Facebook which has offered me a lot of happiness, new friends, and games to distract to me.
- The loss of 20 pounds.
Thought of the Day - 10/16/09
Always keep enough love in your heart so that there's no room left for hate.
Thought of the Day - 10/14/09
Tip of the day:
BREATHE! In with the good, out with the bad! Great friends (and good sex) will take care of the rest.
Thought of the Day - 10/13/09
I feel a bit like a duck. Gliding gracefully on top, but paddling like crazy underneath!
Thought of the Day - 10/12/09
Worry not about the hand you are dealt, but play that hand to the best of your ability and you will still be a winner.
Thought of the Day - 10/10/09
Never make someone a priority when that person considers you to be just one of many options!
Thought of the Day - 10/9/09
It's important to have friends. Friends make the good times better and the bad times easier.
Thought of the Day - 10/8/09
It doesn't matter how many friends you have. It's quality, not quantity, that counts!
Thought of the Day - 10/7/09
Don't forget to be your own best friend.
(This one is very hard for me.)
Thought of the Day - 10/6/09
It's not the size of your friends that counts. It's the size of your heart.
Thought of the Day - 10/4/09
Friend
(frend)
n
1. one attached to another by affection or esteem
2. acquaintance, a favored companion
3. confidant
synonyms: acquaintance, ally, alter ego, associate, bosom buddy, buddy, chum, classmate, cohort, colleague, companion, compatriot, comrade, consort, cousin, crony, familiar, intimate, mate, pal, partner, pen pal, playmate, roommate, schoolmate, sidekick, soul mate, spare, well-wisher.
Thought of the Day - 10/2/09
The best index to a person's character is (a) how he treats people who can't do him any good, and (b) how he treats people who can't fight back.
~~ Abigail Van Buren ~~
Thought of the Day - 10/1/09
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
~~ Michael Steward, a friend of mine ~~
Thought of the Day - 9/30/09
I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.
~~ Thomas Edison ~~
Thought of the Day - 9/29/09
I am only one, but still I am one.
I cannot do everything, but still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
~~ Michael Steward, a friend of mine ~~
Thought of the Day - 9/28/09
Life is not about how hard you can hit, but how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.
Thought of the Day - 9/27/09
Remember that no matter how much greener the grass looks on the other side, it took a lot of manure to get that way.
Thought of the Day - 9/25/09
I can't control my destiny. My only goal is just to be. There's only now, there's only here, there is no other path -- no day but today.
Thought of the Day - 9/24/09
Nature needs to step up its natural selection process, cause there are some people in this world that should be in the recycle bin.
Thought of the Day - 9/22/09
To see a world in a grain of sand and a heaven in a wildflower, you hold infinity in the palm of your hand and eternity in an hour.
~~ Paul Myer ~~
Thought of the Day - 9/20/09
When we were kids, we took it for granted that there was always a friend on the other end of the teeter-totter. Now, I realize what that really means. How do people get through life if they have to go to a playground by themselves?
Thought of the Day - 9/19/09
Before you were conceived I wanted you.
Before you were born I loved you.
Before you were an hour old I would give my life for you.
This is the miracle of life.
Thought of the Day - 9/18/09
I do have a future, and the picture of that future is made up of a multitude of tiny dots called "right now."
~~ Carrie Host ~~
Thought of the Day - 9/17/09
Seek wisdom of the ages
but look at the world
through the eyes of a child.
~~ Author Unknown ~~
Thought of the Day - 9/16/09
There comes a point in your life when you realize who matters, who never did, who won't anymore, and who always will. So, I'm not going to worry about the people in my past, because there's a reason they didn't make it to my future.
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