Thumper's Mom's Advice

Thumper's mom had it right all along, "If you can't say something nice about someone, ......." You know the rest, don't you.."don't say anything at all". Today, I wish I could have followed her advice. In the heat of the argument, when I knew I was right (and maybe I was--that's neither here nor there), I pick words and say things that will "score the most points" damage-wise. And yes, I can do a lot of damage when I am provoked. When the points are totaled and the "winner" walks away, that's when it hits--"'The winner' didn't win anything!" The "winner" lost self-control, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, peace, joy, and love. The Holy Spirit reminded me of this and I was able to apologize to my dear daughter. Our relationship has been restored, but I would have given anything if I just would have been quiet and respected her wishes. Yes, "If you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all."

State of Contentment

Thanksgiving! Yes, it should be a state of mind everyday, but thank goodness, we don't have to prepare that much food everyday! We had a big group for both the dinner and supper. (13 for the noon meal and 19 for the evening meal).I made 6 pies, 6 dozen rolls, a 3-tier birthday cake for Grandma Ruth plus a creative breakfast dish that combined left-over stuffing and eggs and milk (I think it is called a fritta or something like that). My brother melted cheese on top of his little square and said that made it even better. As you can probably tell, I love to cook and love to bake even more. I did manage to jog, non-stop for about 30 minutes. (I am practicing for my next 5K.)

It was a joy to go back to my little community of St. Francis, Kansas (far northwest corner of the state of Kansas). They do things a little differently there. Friday night, the Sr. Center sponsored a soup supper (your choice of potato/cheese or chili soup and a cinnamon roll). This was followed by a "treasure hunt" (numbers are distributed in the local paper, numbers are posted in the different businesses and you take your number, go into the business, and claim your prize.), and a Christmas parade (with floats). I also visited with a high school classmate and a great teacher and principal. All in all, it was a great vacation from my Texas.

I am so glad that the Lord is with me where ever I go. I am also glad that He has helped me to learned to be content in whatever "state" I am in. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

What A Wonderful, Wonderful Weekend

I have not been a good blogger. I am sorry. I will do better after next week. I can blog a couple of times this week, but then I won't have access to a computer for a few days. We are going to Kansas to celebrate Thanksgiving and then on to Nebraska on Saturday to celebrate my Grandmother's 100th birthday.

This was one of those perfect weekends that I never wanted to end. It started with a 5K race, called "Dorothy's Dash" (an event to raise funds for M.S. race sponsored by the town of Flower Mound). Several of the clients that I train and I ran in the race. Art, Nancy, Kim, Jim, Dottie, Angie, and I all ran. Everyone did very well--some even winning a first, second or third in their age group division! Linda, one of my dearest friends, was our cheerleader and official time keeper and guide. That feeling of being together, working for a common goal and seeing it come to pass, has got to be one of best "highs" that a person can have.

The rest of Saturday involved doing fun things with friends and family (going to see a movie--The Queen; eating out at On The Border). Sunday was really great, too.
Mike, one of our pastors, gave a great message about our relationship with God and how it can be summed up in one word, "Father". If you ever want to listen to any of the messages, they can be listened to from the Crossroads Bible Church website. The rest of my Sunday afternoon was spent pre-shopping for Christmas presents.

I just had a wonderful, wonderful weekend! How was yours?

Thank You Vets--Thank You Jesus!

One of my clients shared something that really touched me today. She had seen an older gentleman sitting on a bench, wearing his Veteran's hat. She was inspired to visit with him, and asked, "Are you a veteran?" He said, "Yes." She then said, "I just want to thank you for your service to the country--I appreciate what you sacrificed." The man teared up and said, "I've been waiting for 60 years for someone to tell me that." My client gave him a big hug and they visited a little longer, she gave him another hug and she teared up. Gratitude is a big deal. In Luke, Jesus tells us the story about the 10 lepers. He told them to go and "show themselves" to the priest and they would be cleansed (from the leprosy). All 10 left, going in faith, and because of their faith, they were made well, but only one of the 10 came back to thank Jesus. Jesus used his actions to teach us that gratitude is the right thing to do--especially when it's a really big thing that was done for us. Veterans, thank you so much for being willing to die for this country and the principles of freedom that make it a one of a kind place to live. Lord, Jesus, thank you for dying for me, for making it possible to spend an eternity with You, learning about how wonderful You are!

A Boat, A Storm, & A Savior

It has been quite an interesting last week. I have felt like a boat on an ocean--experiencing extreme highs and wave-crashing lows. Lows--concern over the future of our nation (Will terrorist feel we are now and easier mark? Will our taxes go up even more? Is their such a bipartisan division between "right and wrong" that it's almost as though we are from different planets?) Highs--getting to work with physically handicapped individuals at my job--one with MS and another older client with imbalance and stability issues. As a trainer, I get to work with mostly well folks, but, at one time, I wanted to be a physical therapist, and now, it's come full circle. To see the difference the training makes in the attitude and well-being of the client is such a reward- a true high. I just have to remember that when things get "scary" on the boat of life, the Lord is on board and the storm will subside. If I trust Him with my life, He will give me peace and purpose--no matter what the waves around me create. Pessimism and criticism are two wolves waiting to devour whatever they can--they feed often and they feel well--especially in these days and times. The only way to stop feeding them is to pull out the big guns--love,joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentlness, faithfulness, and self-control. When these are prevalent in our life, the wolves leave and the sunshine breaks through the clouds.

Anyway

This has come to be one of my favorite poems. I hope you like it, too.

ANYWAY....

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies,
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you,
Be honest and frank, anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight,
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous,
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow,
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough,
Give the world the best you have, anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it between you and God;
It was never between you and them, anyway.