Saturday, January 31, 2009
Just the Girls
Last night a group of my girl friends from my small group bible study met for a pajama party. We all wore our flannels, brought either a sweet or savory snack and hung out together...just the girls....for a few hours. We laughed so much and ate way too much. We also worked on a service project for our church. There was a bit of grumbling that went on with this service project but we got the job done pretty quick. Anywhoooo.....the gal who hosted the party had "googled" a list of fun questions to get to know each other a little better. We passed around the bowl and would each answer our question or someone else's question. This was really fun and I would tell you some of the stories..........but I can't. :-) I can share with you some of my stories that I had forgotten and are quite funny. I can't even remember what question that was asked that reminded me of these two stories....that would have been helpful.....but the stories themselves are about bad dating experiences way back when I was a teenager before I met my hubby.
Story #1 I went out with this guy that was allot older then me. He was from a wealthy family and a great guy. We flirted a lot at the restaurant where I worked so when he asked me out on a date.........I thought there is no way my folks would let me go. But they did since he was such a nice boy....man. We went out to eat locally and afterwards he took me to see the family ponderosa that I had never seen before. I was quite impressed. He then turned to me, took my hand in his and told me that "someday" this would be all ours. WHAT! He told me his intentions were honorable...that he was dating me because he was looking for a wife. Looking back on this....this is a really sweet story but not to a 17 year old that wasn't looking for a husband....yet. We never went out again...much to the disappointment of my mom as he was a good catch. I remember praying and telling God that I was done looking for Mr. Right and that he would have to pick him...not me. A week later I went out with my husband and we have been together ever since. So it just wasn't God's timing for me to "swoon" over this older guy.....I saved all that up for Troy. :-)
Story #2 When I was a junior in high school I couldn't find a date for the prom to save my life. In my home town the gals asked the guys to the junior prom. This was very hard for me as I had never asked a guy out in my life. Well that year I got to practice three times. Ugh! Talk about humbling. The first guy I asked said yes. He was an old boyfriend of mine who had gone off to college. An hour later he called back and said his live in girlfriend (whom I think he married) wasn't happy. So I asked another guy from my hometown and he said yes. Then I found out he was dating one of my friends....so I called it off. He needed to take her to the prom...not me. Guy number three I met at a dance. He seemed nice, was a little older, shy but could dance country western like nobodies business. :-) I had to ask my parents permission to ask this third guy since he was from out of town. As "luck" would have it my parents knew his parents and said sure you can call and ask him. He said yes. I was thrilled. I was going to the prom with a guy no one knew and we were going to have a great time dancing the night away. Oh the bliss of it all. It's amazing how ones perspective can change in an instant. The week of my prom I got paged over the intercom at school to say I had a phone call in the office. Both times it was this guys MOTHER calling to ask.........first what color was my dress so she could make sure that his corsage and clothes matched mine and number two call was to ask if I was allergic to any flowers. Hello doesn't this seem weird to anyone??? When I told my mom she laughed and had a funny look on her face but she didn't elaborate. I didn't ask why either. Big mistake. The day of the prom arrives and about two hours before my date is going to pick me up a big Cadillac car pulls into the driveway of our home. Driving is this guys mother and my date is in the passenger side. She proceeds to get out with his tux, a blow dryer and suit case, camera etc to take movies and still shots. I start running to my room thinking what is going on? She comes in and she wants to be a part of ME getting ready and she wants to take pictures.....like we are getting married or something. She she is talking 90 miles a minutes and I am thinking this cannot be happening to me. My dad hightails it out of the house while my mother attempts to chat with lady who will not stop talking. My date...........says nothing! I got ready on my own...thank you very much. I came out and she pinned the corsage to my dress, kisses me with her ruby red lips and leaves a mark...the whole time pictures are being taken and of course there were movies of this event too and still my date says.........nothing. I don't remember much about what I said or did but I do know that I was ticked beyond belief. I had quite the temper and I am sure it showed. Finally the time to go arrives and I think.........is she taking us to the prom too? Oh and did I mention that this GUY is out of high school. Okay now where was I............oh yes we are on our way out the door and I am really hoping it is just the two of us. Whew it was. She was going to stay and keep my parents company till we got back at midnight. :-) We didn't or I should say I didn't speak. He tried. We didn't dance. I couldn't. He took me home. I said good night to him and his mother and thought............never again. Looking back on it I was quite a brat to him and as I grew older I felt really guilty. I ran into him about 8 years or so ago and knew I needed to apologize for my behavior. But before I could he did....he said he was sorry he had to bring his mom. He lived in her house, didn't have a car of his own and he either let her come or he couldn't have come. I told him how sorry I was too and thankfully that was that.
Thankfully everyone at the pj party had silly stories like mine that we all shared in the laughter. There is just something about telling a funny story from your past that brings out all sorts of memories. These gals are some of my heart friends whom I have grown to love and treasure so much. I am a better person because God allowed them into my life. For that I will always be grateful. I am so glad that we had this time together .................with just the girls. Be Blessed until next time.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Plank or sawdust?
"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 7:4-6
This scripture out of Matthew has always amused me when I visualize the question posed in this verse? However this question is no laughing matter when you take time to ponder it's true meaning. Last night at our small group gathering we discussed what we thought this scripture was all about. I am still having trouble wrapping my mind around the whole meaning. I keep thinking there has to be more to it then what it states. But does it? I always thought it meant that if you were advising someone about some sin in their life that you had to make sure you too were not in that same sin. But now I think it means that I am not to judge that person's little speck when I myself have a huge plank of sin that I don't even see. First I need to deal with my own sin in my life by repenting to God. Then as God takes that sin away and gives me a right heart to speak to my brother I will see their sin for what it is....God alone will give me the insight to be able to do this. I have more pondering and praying to do about this because I am just not sure I have the whole concept right. However I am sure that God will give me the answers I seek. Be blessed ya'll and watch out for your planks....you could poke an eye out. :-)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Can Salsa change the world?
Here's the recipe for my homemade salsa....maybe you too can start a family favorite to share.....who knows you might change someones world! Be blessed until next time!
Pamelita’s Salsa
In a blender combine…
1-2 (8oz) cans of tomatoes
1-2 fresh jalapeno peppers (or you can used canned jalapenos)
2-3 cloves of fresh garlic
1-2 tablespoon of dehydrated onion *
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1-2 teaspoons dried cilantro *
Salt to taste
Blend to the consistency you like. *Adding fresh ingredients instead of dry will change the taste but is optional. Serve with tortilla chips.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Learning about Forgiveness
I am so thankful to our savior Jesus Christ who saved me from my sins...past...present...and future. He gave me a wonderful parents who love me so much. He gives me so much grace and has even shown my mom how to forgive, change, and give grace. Praise God for this.
I also learned that I need to be upfront with my mom. I need to show my emotions and don't act tough. I need to show her love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control....hmmmm those sound like the fruit of the spirit. Amazing!
It's funny how God works................guess what we are studying in our bible study group..........yep you guessed it....forgiveness. God is so good. So as Jesus said in Matthew 6:12...."Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." Good advice don't ya think! Forgive me for making this post so long. I am sure there is a quicker way to say what I did but then that just wouldn't be me. Until next time.........be blessed.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Two steps forward and five back
My second frustration was I just couldn't seem to get things right with my sewing projects. I am making a table cloth or I should say I made the table cloth top and I thought I would sew a back to it. I measure out the fabric and start to sew. One side is an inch too short. I have to shorten the adjoining sides. Then the next side is four inches too short and I think how in the world did I do that. I finish up the last side and there are puckers everywhere. So the table cloth is NOT going to have a back. I will just finish the edge. Ha! Tomorrow I will try again.
I am also making a baby blanket for a friend who just had a baby girl. I cut out four sunbonnet sue appliques and put decorative stitching on all four. Two of the girls face one way and two were supposed to face the other way. When I went to sew the squares together I had only made one facing to the left and the other three were facing to the right. How did I do that? And why didn't I notice it when I did it? But I thought oh well that is okay I will just use the two that are facing one another. I sewed strips of fabric around the blocks and had the biggest quilt top that looked just ridiculous. By this time I am thinking I just need to stop but I didn't. Instead I cut it down around the sides but it is too long now. Sooooooo I cut some of the middle out and sew the two sides back together. Do they go back together just perfect. Oh no way!!! I am not sure how this happened and for those of you who are reading this you probably don't understand a thing I am saying. But that is okay. This is therapy. Ha! I can either start all over. NOT. Or I can fix this. I had some leftover fabric.............what to do....what to do....I think. Then it hits me...just applique a heart over the two spots where they don't meet just perfect. It will all blend and it does. But I still know the flaws are there. Oh well that's what I get for not stopping.
And as I reread this there are many typos...some I found and some you will find.....
And that is my day. Hope your day was more productive. Maybe tomorrow will be for me. Until next time be blessed.
Grandson update
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Miracles still happen
My grandson together with his brother have been under a lot of strain and stress for some time. Their parents got divorced years ago and it has been war ever since between the two of them. As adults we think that when children are little they don't hear or see things but they do. He has watched his parents fight verbally for years now. About a year ago there was a change in custody where his dad was the primary custodian. This turned his life upside down as he was no longer with his mom but every other weekend and one afternoon a week. There was a sadness that came over him when this happened but everyone said kids get over things. He will be fine. But he has not been fine and has grown angrier and sadder. Then this illness happened. For the first time in years the parents had to communicate and get along for their sons sake. And get along they have. A miracle happened this week. All parties involved came together for the good of their son not themselves.
Tonight I got a call from his mom and she told me that they had sat down with him tonight to tell him how sorry they were for behaving the way they have. They tried to explain to him how wrong they had been and how it was OKAY to love all of them. His mom said the change that came over him was amazing. He started giggling and smiling. He was hugging everyone and so happy. He told his mom that he didn't think his brother was going to believe they were all friends now. WOW! Is God good or what! This couldn't have happened without love. Harsh words can hurt and they can kill. Only love can truly change lives. I am so thankful that even though this week was hard for the grandparents....and especially for my grandson....it was equally humbling and life changing for the parents. I pray that God continues to show them the right path that they need to walk on. That they need to put their sons needs before their own and to sacrifice whatever prideful feelings they have to get along and raise their sons. I also pray that through this experience they learn to walk with God and seek him out even in the good times. I also pray that my grandson continues to heal physically as well as mentally and spiritually. So remember miracles still happen....you just have to have faith, pray, praise and believe. Then stand back and watch God at work. He is amazing. Thank you Jesus!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
New Beginnings
My other "first" this year is I started a women's crafting group. We met in my home last night for the first time. When I lived in New Mexico I was part of a craft group for over 8 years. Together with some friends of mine we taught several young ladies how to crochet, cross stitch and make quilts. Most of these girls were from the college where I worked (ENMU). I continue to miss them so much. They taught me so much. So I decided to see if a group here would work as well. If last night is any indication we are off to a great start. For the most part no one knew one another till they met last night. All of these ladies are from different areas of my life. It was fun to have them all in one room. We had a light supper and then we all worked on various projects. We had a great time. It was nice for these gals to get out without their hubby and kids to be able to work on long forgotten projects. I am very blessed to have friends in my life like this. Once a month we are planning on making things for different areas of service here in Bay County. I am not sure what needs are out there but we will be checking into it. And that was my day. Be Blessed!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
It's been a long day
Today has been one of the longest days of my life in the year 2009. That's not saying a whole lot I know as it's just the 11th of Januray. But still I am plum tuckered out. Wow I am sounding more southern the more I type. Scary! Okay back to why this has been such a long day.....we got a phone call from our daughter at 6:30am telling us our grandson had been in the emergency room in New Mexico last night and that they (the doctors) had done a spinal tap on my 7 year old grandson. To say that my heart ached for him is an understatement. I am clueless as to what a spinal tap entails but have since found out it's terrible. She said she had never heard him scream like this before. Ouch! So the NM hospital took her and Logan by ambulance to a bigger hospital in Lubbock Texas. The doc's in NM told her that he had Guillain-barre (<---spelling not sure) syndrome. The doctors in Texas did not concur with the doc's in NM and told them they wanted to do another spinal tap. Both Ben (Logan's daddy) and our daugther said they would have to sedate him as they didn't want him going through that again. Sounds terrible doesn't it. After getting off the phone and then explaining to Troy what she had just told me I prayed and prayed and prayed. From the onset of the call God's peace never left me. I was upset but only of the fact that Logan was in pain. No good Grammy wants to see her precious baby hurting right. I knew God was in control and that all would be well regardless of the outcome. Then I called people, emailed friends and posted a facebook plea for prayer. What amazed me is how men and women handle tramatic situations differently. I knew from past times that Troy would want to be alone. I knew he would NOT want to talk about it. What amazed me is God gave me the grace to leave him alone when all I wanted to do WAS talk about it. So instead God and I talked. I could feel His comfort and peace and knew all would be well. But around 9 or so I started to cry because I kept thinking of Logan and the pain he was in. Troy heard me and thought I was looking to the negative instead of the postive. Which is funny coming from him because he is Mr. Negative and I am a pollyanna about most things. But he was right I needed to look to all the good that was in this situation. He was in the hospital with trained people looking out for him. He had many in Florida and all over the USA praying for him who loved him and good was going to come of this. Most importantly God was with him and in control. I just had to trust him. So on to church we went to worship and be filled. In the middle of the service Dessa called to tell us Logan was doing better. The doctors were not going to do a spinal tap on him because he was doing so much better. They were just watching and waiting etc. At 1:30 she called again saying he was doing even better. He wanted pizza for lunch and the doc's were going to let him have some. :-) The doctors still don't know what's wrong but he is on the mend. They will keep Logan in Lubbock for 2-3 days in case of fever etc. The doc's seem to think he had a bacterial infection that attacked his muscles. I have no clue what's happened. All I know is he was very sick one moment and better the next. That couldn't have happened without God right in the middle. Praise God for that! I have got to be honest with you.........it was really hard praising God in the midst of all this but I did and I am so glad God gave me the grace to do so. Regardless of how this turns out good has come of it. My daughter and ex-son in law are talking civil to one another and that's huge. Who knows all the good that will come. It will be awesome to see.
I thought a lot about little Logan today. When we lived in NM he was at my house every day. He could barely walk and he couldn't talk then. But he could sure dance when his grandpa played music and he loved getting into my tuppeware cabinet. He thought he was getting away with something. That little toot is such a joy and was a handful way back then. He is a blessing from God. I was there when he was born and watched him open his eyes for the first time. I was and am smitten with that boy. I am so thankful that there will be many more moments with him................God willing.
So today has been a very long day. One of pain, hurt, tears, prayer, laughter, joy, love, peace, comfort, worship and on and on and on. Thank you God for today. Thank you for grandchildren who are treasures. Thank you for You. Be blessed ya'll! Oh dear here comes that twang again! :-)
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Great Saturday to move
The couple that we helped move is part of a young couples home bible study group that my husband and I mentor. The people who helped were other young couples from this small group. Today was such a good day for all of us to band together and help one another. I know I learned all sorts of things about the two girls I worked with. We were able to share life today and for that I am truly thankful and blessed. I think the guys had a great time too. I feel like we really accomplished a lot for the Kingdom today...........and yet all we did was move some stuff. God is so good.
Friday, January 9, 2009
My cup runneth over...
Thursday, January 8, 2009
One step at a Time........
I am a mentor mom for a group called MOPS. MOPS is a Christian based organization for mothers of preschoolers. This group is made for moms to have a safe place where they can meet other moms and to share their journey of motherhood together. Plus it gives moms 2 and 1/2 hours of free time while their children are supervised by well trained care givers. Today was our first meeting of the 2009 year. We had 8 new ladies joing the group. Wow! It was wonderful to see all the moms back together. By the sounds of the voices.........everyone was glad to see one another.
We started the meeting out with brunch, followed by stories from mom's of their children's "humorous" musings. I can't share with you those stores of course but I can share one of my own from years gone by. When my youngest child was about 11 we had the "sex" talk. He had come home from school all excited about what he had learned. For once I felt like he had really listened to what the teacher had to explain to him. Amazing!!!! He had heard everything there was to know about having babies from the fertilization of the egg, to why women have monthly cycles..... etc. He asked me why mom's and dad's do that and I told him it was to have children. He looked so disgusted at me and said...."you mean to tell me you and dad did that THREE times?" Ha! And that my friends was the end of the discussion because all I said was "yes" and he said "yuck." This wasn't the first such talk I had had because he is my third child but it the first that was quite this humorous.
I really enjoy mentoring young mom's. God has gifted me to love them. There were so many mistakes that I made with my children so I am able to honestly give words from the heart for (just about) any situation. There are also many things that God graced me to do right. Those are fun to share. Today I saw a new mom leave her child in daycare for the first time and I witnessed how much anxiety she had over doing this. My heart ached for her. But I realized that there has to be that first timemoments for this mom or any mom. This is the first of many first moments......first crawl, first steps....first words....first sign of independence. Then there is the first day of school.........and on and on and on. I am blessed beyond belief to be a mom. I am blessed to be a helper to these young moms who sometimes don't know how to handle those first moments of anxiety. It's easier when there is a friendly face walking beside them........one step at a time. I have a passion for young moms. I feel called to serve them. Christ calls us to follow him.....I know He has called me to serve in this area at this time in my life. There will be many "first steps" but I know with Christ in me.........wow...........the skies the limit. Be blessed.