As 2013 comes to a close I sit and ponder it’s significance in my life, the good, the bad and the ugly, I am seeing more good than any other offering. 2013 saw me spending more time with my granddaughter, it saw a radio show, which I never in my wildest dreams would have ever thought would be in my life, it saw strengthening relationships with my children and with the Irishman.
It saw us moving from an apartment to a home, it saw losses. I lost my companion, Noconna, I gained a companion in Stormie, one does not take the place of the other.
I look back on 2013 and realize that God has indeed blessed me and my home continually throughout the year, it may not be readily apparent to the outside world, but I see it.
I look at the outside world in the past year and I am continually reminded that God is indeed in control and I don’t worry about my future as it is already written.
Today is not only New Years Eve, it is also mine and the Irishman’s anniversary, 6 years ago today was our first date, I guess it went ok, since I went out on a second and third and so on and so on. We have been engaged for 4 of those years, it has not always been roses and rainbows, but it has been a journey and one that we continue to walk down.
I am not the outwardly romantic type, so I will just say this to him: I love you, I love our life together and here’s to many more years of the journey together.
I am looking forward to seeing what 2014 brings to me in a personal way, there are many things I would love to do, I await to see what God wants me to do.
My New Year’s prayer for all of you is that you enjoy good health, that you gain wisdom from experience and remember to express compassion to those around you. There are things happening in other lives that you don’t get to see, no one knows what others go through. However, having said that, no excuses for bad behavior. To the women out there, I say don’t get involved with a man who already has someone at home or in his life. You will regret it on a personal level, this is not a satisfying relationship and is not what God wants for you. I also want to say, get healthy, make better choices in what you fuel your body with. I know I will be trying my best to do this, I will still eat sweets, but within moderation, sour skittles once a month, not once a week, or once a day.
Being battle ready, mentally and physically is our duty to our Lord and Savior, make no mistake, there is a battle coming, whether we will be here to witness it, well, I’ll leave that up to the theologians. I, myself, believe in what my mother called the pan millennium, it will all pan out in the end so it doesn’t really matter. In the meantime I will continue to enjoy my family and friends and my new pup, I shall enjoy this life for as long as I get to have it.
New Career for 2014
I am contemplating a career change for 2014. I really have two options here, ok one. Pop singer is out as, well, in all honesty I don’t have the best singing voice. The other day the man in the car behind me at Starbucks overheard me belting out This Night Won’t Last Forever, I felt compelled to pay for his coffee as recompense for his pain and suffering.
So, singer is out, that leaves one option, yes, you guessed it. Superhero. I’m going with Wonder Woman as I have the outfit already. Think about it, this really is a great career move. As an amazon I will stop aging, the aging process may even begin to reverse itself. Plus I would get to wear killer boots everyday. And a cape. Who doesn’t love a good cape! Not to mention the lasso of truth. Now that is going to be a handy tool.
I could stop crime, fly an invisible plane and wear a great outfit. Oh, and my glasses would be obsolete as Wonder Woman, I would only have to wear them as a disguise. I do believe this is a good move for me.
Barbie
There is much talk these days of creating an obese Barbie; at first I thought these posts were a joke. Who would want to mess with Barbie? She is iconic; no one has had a problem with the way Barbie looks since she was created in 1959. She looks good for her age. I don’t understand why people have issues with the way Barbie looks. Some say her measurements are unrealistic, to this I say; she is a doll, a child’s toy. She is not real. Children play with her, they dress her up, they cut her hair, they take her head off and marry her off to Ken. I married mine to G.I. Joe, he was much more masculine than Ken.
If what some people are saying, that Barbie is giving girls unrealistic views of their bodies, then what will an obese Barbie do? Encourage them to have triple chins? Encourage them to have big bellies? I have seen the picture of the Barbie that is obese and she is hideous. Seriously? Do you want to encourage young girls to be obese? That this is ok?
What about teaching them to be healthy? What about teaching them some form of exercise is acceptable? Why not get them away from the computer screen, television, and tablet, whatever it is, and get them outside? Take a walk, run, something.
There is a whole generation of children that do nothing but sit in front of a screen all day. Whether it is a television, gaming, tablet or computer they do nothing but sit and eat. Giving them a doll that promotes this is nothing short of insanity.
Barbie is more than a pretty face, she has taught generations of girls they can be anything they want to be. A doctor, a lawyer, a gymnast, a teacher, a dancer and a superhero.
She doesn’t need a makeover, she needs to be applauded, she is special and unique, and she does what she wants in a world of conformity. Barbie stands out and stands the test of time, generations of girls have played with her and learned they can do and be anything.
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas! Isaiah 9:6-7
6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
This is what Christmas is about, a child, a savior, this is why we celebrate, we give each other presents as a symbol of the greatest gift that was ever given to us. Ever lasting life.
Having said that, I have had a wonderful Christmas, as many of you know, we celebrate Christmas Eve, the food was plenty, the presents were overflowing and we have added to our family. Elizabeth Anne is engaged and he comes with a bonus, a daughter, I think we all know what this means. I have someone else to spoil.
Last night was nothing short of wonderful, the conversation was good, when I could get it refocused from sports talk, and everyone had a good time. After the food of course comes the presents, I have said it before, I’ll say it again, I have the best kids ever. From a Chi straightener to flannel pajamas to a fluffy dark purple robe that feels like I am wearing a cloud I love them all.
Tessa enjoyed the majority of her presents, when she got to the clothes she said why does everyone give me clothes! It was very cute and her dad quickly told her that was the best present of all because she could wear them.
Even with all of that I am thinking of the people not present, my parents, grandparents, great aunt Effie, my son, Granny Dee so many who are celebrating in heaven right now. Even though they are gone, they are still present and alive in our hearts and memories.
I hope everyone has a great Christmas, being with family, enjoying the company, the food and yes the presents. It is all part of our celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior.
Opinion
Apparently in the United States of America, no one is allowed to have an opinion or religious belief that differs from anyone else’s, apparently that is cause for ridicule, bullying and outright vicious attacks.
Apparently, if you are a born again Christian in the United States of America, you do not have the right to answer a question honestly when asked, nor do you have the right to practice said religious beliefs.
Oh, wait, we have several amendments to our Constitution that allows for this:
Freedom of Speech and Religion:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Interesting, we have these inalienable rights, however, in the current climate of the country we are vilified for stating our opinions unless we are agreeing with the current climate of the country.
I am horrified by what is happening to people in this country, especially in the press, news reporting is gone, it is someone spouting their views, not just straight news reporting. Interviews are a joke, when a “reporter” purposely chooses a person of interest that they know has strong religious beliefs and purposely baits them with a question about homosexuality and then eggs them on to give a radical response then in the article says that person has to repent. This is not a reporter this is someone trying to make a name for themselves as controversial. This was not controversial, he got the answer he knew he was going to get.
The same goes for the Chick-fil-a CEO, a born again Christian with strong views on homosexuality, question asked, question answered. Everyone was shocked at the answer? Seriously?
Why is everyone pretending to be shocked and then vilifying these people? When did this happen to the United States of America? Since when is no one allowed to have an opinion? A religious belief? Stop the insanity, Phil Robertson’s words were taken out of context and the quotes that are going around are soundbites. A snippet of what was actually said, here is a direct quote:
“We never, ever judge someone on who’s going to heaven, hell. That’s the Almighty’s job. We just love ’em, give ’em the good news about Jesus—whether they’re homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort ’em out later, you see what I’m saying?”
He said he doesn’t judge, he does view sin as sin, as does God, the bible is pretty clear on that, it says God sees all sin the same. All in all, this person was being judgmental and rude. I went to the gq website and read, well tried, to read the whole thing.
The author who penned this claptrap has no real talent as a writer, the whole thing reads like verbal diarrhea, yes, I said it, the thoughts are disjointed and the whole thing is dripping with disdain towards these people.
I want to be able to spout my views, practice my religion without fear of being attacked, unfortunately in today’s United States of America, that is not possible. So, I will just endure the attacks, the viciousness of others and continue to pray that God protect me.
Owasso Dreams
Driving to work yesterday I realized how much I miss Owasso, not for the turning of the leaves, the friends, the Ram Cafe, the Tijuana Tater or for the frito chili pies. No, I miss it for the roads, the country roads to be exact, the ones where you can take your car out and open up the carburetor and fly. It seemed like flying to me when I was learning to drive and drive fast.
Driving fast appears to be genetic, my grandfather drove fast, my father drive fast as do I, it seems the old adage is right, I just can’t drive 55. There is nothing like the feeling of all that power at your fingertips, under your foot as you press against the accelerator, the numbers going higher on the dashboard. The realization that you are flying over the pavement, it smacks of freedom, there is nothing but you, the machine, the road and the music. One cannot drive fast without good music filling air of the car, it is intoxicating, better than any drug around.
All last week, while sitting in unbearable traffic, I missed Owasso, even driving down main street behind the old people from the retirement home that took up both lanes. You knew that it would end in roughly 10 minutes, there was no end to the traffic here last week. I have a shift that has me going in later, typically there is very little traffic. Last week we had ice here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and since Texans can’t drive on ice it was a mess. A horrible, frustrating mess, filled with people hitting their brakes on the ice, or just speeding up on the ice. Insanity was the word of the day. Ok, the week.
I learned to drive on the ice and snow thanks to my dad, I remember shortly after my 16th birthday, he told me to get in the car, we drove up Dalton Hill. It’s named after the Dalton Gang, google them if you are not familiar with them, the hill was named after them due to the fact they used to hide out there. I digress, we get to the top of the icy hill, he turns the car around, gets out and says figure it out. He then proceeded to walk home.
I did the only thing I could, I moved to the drivers seat and figured it out, I will say this, he got home before I did, however I learned to drive on ice and snow and every other condition one can think of. Well, not a monsoon, we didn’t have those in Owasso, or earthquakes, but Oklahoma weather, I’m good.
Next week is Christmas and I am way excited, I will once again take up the reigns of hosting our Christmas Eve celebration in our new home. I will cook the food, wrap the presents and we will welcome my children, granddaughter and a new person to the celebration this year.
I hope everyone has a great day and a wonderful pre-Christmas week. Remember the reason we even have this season, the Birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Inspired by Stephanie Lacy
Ok, so, I just hate it when this happens, I was convicted, if you are Baptist you will know what this means. The other day, on Facebook, of course, my friend Stephanie posted something provocative. She said before you begin your day, say a prayer that God will enable you to see others through His eyes, not yours. I thought hmmmm now this is interesting, then I couldn’t let it go, so I did.
You see there is a person that is an acquaintance that, well, without going into detail, is kinda gross, loud, obnoxious and generally not a lot of fun to be around. I was working behind the scenes to get this person away from my acquaintance area so to speak. So that day I prayed, and I meant it, you see it’s not enough to say the words you have to mean them. So I did.
I went about my day and I saw this person differently, I saw their loneliness, I saw their need to be a part of a group, to be accepted and I saw their heart. Their willingness to jump in and help and there was sincerity in that desire to help. I was ashamed I had tried to have this person removed from my acquaintance area. I immediately took steps to rectify the situation, begging God for forgiveness for my ignorance.
This person didn’t change, they are still kinda gross, loud and obnoxious, I was the one who changed, that is what happens when you truly look at others around you through God’s eyes and not your own. As I said, I was convicted, and man I hate it when that happens. However, it is truly better than praying for patience, in case you don’t know, God doesn’t give you patience, He teaches you patience. They are not easy lessons, in fact they are extremely tiring and frustrating until you learn your lesson.
As you go about your busy Christmas shopping weekend, buying the presents, wrapping them, if you come across a person who is not all that pleasant, say a quick prayer and look at them differently. You might see something you missed.
My Dad
I’ve been thinking a lot about my dad lately. I don’t really know why, there is no obvious trigger to the thoughts. They are simply there.
My dad was the most interesting person I have ever known. He led a life based on principles, morals, a strong sense of right and wrong. Take a stand, look out for people who are not able to look out for themselves. Always do the right thing, not the popular thing, the right thing. He lived a life that exemplified what Jesus would do long before the whole WWJD saying was popularized.
He was a worker, as long as it was honest work he was all for it. During the depression he rode a freight train to California to find work. I wish I knew more about that adventure. He didn’t talk a lot about that time. He did talk about being a migrant worker with my mom.
They worked their way from Oklahoma to California, working whatever jobs they could find. They weren’t too proud to do an honest days work for an honest days pay. They picked cotton from here to California.
My dad worked in a gold mine in CA, a real gold mine. Then he got the job with McDonald-Douglas which allowed him to transfer back to Oklahoma and settle in Owasso.
My dad was one of the smartest men I have ever known. His thirst for knowledge was legendary. The man read everything about everything under the sun. However, he wasn’t a know it all, you know the type I mean.
My dad made everyone who walked into his home feel welcome and important.
I miss my dads wisdom, but most of all I miss his laughter. He used to say it’s better to laugh than cry. If you have to cry make sure it is something worth crying over.
I laugh a lot, I find humor in every day things, I like to think that is his influence in my life.
My dad was a truly great man who lived an ordinary life filled with extraordinary happenings.
Romance
Nobody puts Baby in a corner, those words ignited the romantic gene in a generation of girls. At first glance Johnny appears to be a the quintessential bad boy, however, when one looks deeper you realize this is a good guy with a heart of gold. He is simply from the wrong side of the tracks, while Baby is from the right side of the tracks, the daughter of a doctor, wealthy, privileged with high ideas of right and wrong.
She is the actual hero of the story, she teaches everyone around her not to judge based on preconceived notions of what people are capable of based on their birth circumstances.
That is a real lesson that is often overlooked, everyone focuses on the romance of it all, they don’t see the moral of the story, don’t judge on preconceived notions, people can overcome where they come from.
People overlook the true moral of the story in a lot of things, Romeo and Juliette for one, that was not written as a romance, it was a cautionary tale of what happens when children don’t listen to their parents. There is nothing romantic about taking your life people, it is horrible, selfish and maddening. Bonnie and Clyde, once again, not romantic, these were two vicious killers, who robbed and killed their way through the midwest. People have deified them, they are on a pedestal of great romance, I look at this and think What.
My mom and dad was a true romance story, they fought all odds, lived through the depression, recession, they were migrant workers, going from Oklahoma to California. They did what they had to do in order for their family to survive, they picked cotton, my dad worked in a gold mine in California. Any job as long as it was legal was not beneath them, it meant the survival of the family, I will thank God to my dying day that type of mentality was instilled in me.
Stop looking to people who do not exemplify true romance, look to the every day, ordinary people who lived through extraordinary circumstances, battled together and will truly spend eternity together.
Artemis
Well, it appears we have a mighty hunter in our midsts, yes, Stormie, she hunted and killed her first rabbit last night. I actually heard the horrible sound a rabbit makes before it dies. The Irishman and I were taking groceries out of my car and I heard this horrible noise coming from the backyard. I said did you hear that, he said Stormie was back there, we both looked at each other and he ran to the backyard.
Where he found her with the rabbit in her mouth, it was gone, she was proud, wanted to bring her prize in the house and would not let it go. It took some doing to get her to put the thing down so we could dispose of if properly.
She was incredibly proud of her accomplishment, she is the mighty hunter, perhaps we should have named her Artemis. Although I do believe Stormie is an apt name for our family member as she is a whirlwind of activity and love.
Well I am off to face the day, whatever it may bring, I do believe the forecast of cold, wet, ice, stormy goodness is God telling me all will be right in my world.
Angie World 