My Top 10 things to tell Engaged Couples
1. Know your spouse's flaws and love him even more! Love the flaws he carries with him.
2. Keep expectations realistic for your spouse.
3. Prepare for the years of aging with your spouse. For you both will be old physically and mentally.
4. Marry a man you can suffer through cancer, death, a birth of a child, witnesses to the marriage of your children and birth of a grandchild.
5. Know who you marry, find out all the important stuff about him.
6. Get to know his father. Your husband has watched this man throughout his life. He watched how he treated his mom and her children.
7. Know what kind of family he wants. How many children, and morals he wants to instill in his children.
8. Is he comfy in a church pew?
9. Where does he want to live?
10. Will he stand up and defend you through any battle this life holds?
I am a country girl, from living in the country to listening to good country music. I am a person that can hear a song and go directly to a memory. My favorite country is the country songs that take me back to my childhood. The safe, secure feeling of having 3 brothers across the hall and parents next door as I fell asleep and 2 grandmothers that I adored. I would listen to music in the old van and dream of winning one of those CMA awards on stage. I adored it. Oh and yes I was a head knocker, I don't know what you call people like me, but I knocked my head and memorized every word and note to every song. We have satellite radio in our car free for another month and I have my dial on Primetime Country. Love it and as I drive, I am instantly taken back to the happiness of my childhood.
I heard the song from Aaron Tippin about how you have to Stand for Something or You'll Fall for Anything. Isn't that the truth. There were many lyrics that caught my attention, as now, I am older and words and phrases take on a different meaning. There was the line "What ever you do today, you'll have to sleep with tonight." A very interesting lesson, I will go into great detail with, when my kids reach their teens. Perhaps this is one's conscience. For every choice they make, they must make, knowing they will have to go home face their parents and siblings and lie in bed that night knowing what they did that day. The saying never go to bed angry, but maybe we shouldn't lie our heads down at night knowing we did wrong during the day. Only sleep with a warm heart and a sound mind.
Another line that I loved was "Never comprise what's right and avoid your family name." Now that I have a boy. (Part of that sentence still scares me,Yikes.) My child will carry on our last name. Wow what an honor and huge responsibility. I came from a family that were few with my last name. It was kind of hard to let go of that name, but I also felt strong with the new last name I received. I felt honored to take another last name. My child has to carry that name on. I hope he will be a good hearted, kind gentleman that will wear his name well and may he never turn from his family. It all starts with the family, they make you who you are, the good and bad. I hope as a mother I can show him the great honor of being a member of our family.
So if you get the time ever, or notice this particular song on the radio stop, and think as you listen to every phrase. I think it is getting harder and harder to hear good songs on the radio these days.
I have been reading a book when I get time about angels. '100 Ways to Attract Angels" A couple of days ago I read a page about reflecting on qualities. The page said to close your eyes and point to a word. The choices began with a letter in the word Angel
A bundance
N ewness
G rowth
E nthusiasm
L ove
I did what the passage said. My word was Newness. I thought "newness" and shrugged. What in the world, I don't own anything new. I am wearing clothes from high school and I am 31 years old. Which actually, now that I think about it, that is pretty good considering I have carried 4 children!!!! But the more I sat back and took a look at my whole life I realized there were so many new things coming and had come my way.
I have a new baby at home, almost 3 months old. A boy, he is my first boy. That is very new to me and I am slowly adjusting to that. It just so happened we were picking up our new car to fit this new edition to our family that very night. I turned back in the old car on way to pick up the new and told my husband I remember looking in the back seat and wanting so bad to have a car seat for a baby back there and now wham bam bam 3 children and I thought I would never be able to have children. I struggled a little that night, I am not good at change. I am a very routine person, one might say compulsive. Things are done at the same time every day, meals are eaten at same time everyday. House work done same day of week. I don't do well with change and newness was such a strange concept to me. As I was walking away from car dealership I kept repeating, "embrace the newness". I fear change. I don't warm up to it quickly and get freigtened and shakin up. But I must embrace it. I must let go of a lot of old and welcome all this new. It is happening for a reason and I must take it and enjoy it! So throughout the day when something new would come up I would recognize it, stop and appreciate it. I would sit back and enjoy it. Wow!
Prayer for Right Now
I first noticed it in the spring as I drove my middle daughter to preschool. I am a very inpatient person, even in my mothering. One of my struggles in life!!!.... As a driver I will not wait on stop lights, I will find another route where I don't have to stop and wait. So I go around the courthouse and take a different road rather then stopping at a four way leading to a stop light. I noticed often a sheriff's car parked and a sheriff opening the door for a young gentleman or occasionally young woman. These young people are dressed in suits fit for a jail cell. The first time I noticed the sheriff walking the gentleman indoors, I bowed my head down in shame and heartache. I thought to myself that must be what God is doing right now. So hurt by a child of his taking this road in life. Almost in tears I drove passed. I see it again and again everytime I drive past. I now stop and pray for that person entering the courtroom. My heart breaks but I must pray for that person, because there may not be anyone praying for this person and that just may be the reason they are walking into the courthouse alone with a stranger guiding them. I don't know the story or if someone is there for these people, but I do know they need prayers and the compassion of a stranger driving by to care enough to pray.
I just finished watching 'Letters to God' about a little boy who had cancer and fighting with the end coming. I now have a little baby boy. My heart was saddened. So as I later got dressed for the day, I prayed over him as he was napping safely and soundly on my bed. He not yet knows of the stresses that will affect his life to come. He only knows the comfort my arms bring, the fun my daughters show, and the voice of my husband. My heart aches for what will trouble him in his future.
My prayer has always been for him to hear God call his name. I feed him and say "Samuel, Samuel, Samuel may you always hear when God is calling you."
For right now I ask the Lord to hear my sincere plea of a mother, Lord may you not take him too early from me. I have lost one child and I do not want to lose another. That hardship is too much to bare. Watch over my child and send down the angels for his safety as he grows and faces the dangers of this world.
I just finished watching 'Letters to God' about a little boy who had cancer and fighting with the end coming. I now have a little baby boy. My heart was saddened. So as I later got dressed for the day, I prayed over him as he was napping safely and soundly on my bed. He not yet knows of the stresses that will affect his life to come. He only knows the comfort my arms bring, the fun my daughters show, and the voice of my husband. My heart aches for what will trouble him in his future.
My prayer has always been for him to hear God call his name. I feed him and say "Samuel, Samuel, Samuel may you always hear when God is calling you."
For right now I ask the Lord to hear my sincere plea of a mother, Lord may you not take him too early from me. I have lost one child and I do not want to lose another. That hardship is too much to bare. Watch over my child and send down the angels for his safety as he grows and faces the dangers of this world.
New Blooms
My girls are grown now and I feel as if I have lost my oldest. She will soon be a first grader. Once I dropped her off at the door for the first time for Kindergarten I realized she is no longer mine. She has reached the world. She will hear and speak of different words that she will learn. Her mind will think of different ways. Instead of watching me work and play she will watch other children her age. Terrified and in tears I cried on my way home imaging her black hair on her head as she was only 1 week old and 5 pounds. That is when I recall words spoken to me once about the first 5 years of a child's life are the most important, because she is no longer with me but instilled in her heart are words and love that were placed there by me. My prayer for her is to always be intwined with me and to remember me when I am not with her.
My 2nd daughter is wow a girly girl!! I love that fact! We can scream across the house at age 3 how she is not wearing something because it no longer fits or it is not pink. But I see so much of me in her. She recently found my jewelery box with earrings and junk rings. She is in love and wears all 5 rings on her ring finger. She knows she wants a princess cut ring from her fiance someday. She is full of the love that one has that is more physical, I mean hugs and kisses and snuggles. A child can love their moms dearly but her love is one where she will lean on you and hug and grab on to your arm or neck and snuggle for hours. Her love for barbies and dolls is how I spent my whole childhood and beyond. Yes I played with dolls until at least 6th grade. I guess I was always meant to be a mother, except for the time "Nun life" sounded pleasing. My prayer for my 2nd daughter is to not get caught up in the material things the world has to offer but what God has planned.
My 3rd child is a boy, 4 months old and very attentive, smart, alert and active. Don't know too much about him or boys for that matter. But what I do know about him is he was so meant to be brought to us and to the world. His name means given by God. All my kids names are in the bible. He was given by God to a woman who could not have children and she gave him up to God. Oh the heartache to let a child go, but to go to serve God and to listen for his call. Oh yes, that is my prayer for him I pray over him constantly that he may always hear God's call, for I know God has special plans for my last born. I explode inside with excitement for what his future holds!!
The prayer for all my children is that they all be safe and healthy. My biggest fear that I find consumes me at times is losing them too early in life, but of course they are not mine to begin with. I just had the pleasure of birth, their first smile, their first word, their first step and that first walk to the Kindergarten door. The rest I leave in God's hands and wisdom. God's hands for their safety and knowledge and God's wisdom for my knowledge as they continue to grow.
My 2nd daughter is wow a girly girl!! I love that fact! We can scream across the house at age 3 how she is not wearing something because it no longer fits or it is not pink. But I see so much of me in her. She recently found my jewelery box with earrings and junk rings. She is in love and wears all 5 rings on her ring finger. She knows she wants a princess cut ring from her fiance someday. She is full of the love that one has that is more physical, I mean hugs and kisses and snuggles. A child can love their moms dearly but her love is one where she will lean on you and hug and grab on to your arm or neck and snuggle for hours. Her love for barbies and dolls is how I spent my whole childhood and beyond. Yes I played with dolls until at least 6th grade. I guess I was always meant to be a mother, except for the time "Nun life" sounded pleasing. My prayer for my 2nd daughter is to not get caught up in the material things the world has to offer but what God has planned.
My 3rd child is a boy, 4 months old and very attentive, smart, alert and active. Don't know too much about him or boys for that matter. But what I do know about him is he was so meant to be brought to us and to the world. His name means given by God. All my kids names are in the bible. He was given by God to a woman who could not have children and she gave him up to God. Oh the heartache to let a child go, but to go to serve God and to listen for his call. Oh yes, that is my prayer for him I pray over him constantly that he may always hear God's call, for I know God has special plans for my last born. I explode inside with excitement for what his future holds!!
The prayer for all my children is that they all be safe and healthy. My biggest fear that I find consumes me at times is losing them too early in life, but of course they are not mine to begin with. I just had the pleasure of birth, their first smile, their first word, their first step and that first walk to the Kindergarten door. The rest I leave in God's hands and wisdom. God's hands for their safety and knowledge and God's wisdom for my knowledge as they continue to grow.
I am now a Master Gardener!
I am proud to say July 26 of 2011 I became a Purdue Master Gardener!! I have dreamt of this moment for many years now and didn't think I would get to do it until my kids were grown. . I have completed 35 volunteer hours to be full Master Gardener! Now that I have beautified the county I can now beautify my own backyard even more! What a gift God gave me to love nature this much.
I am proud to say July 26 of 2011 I became a Purdue Master Gardener!! I have dreamt of this moment for many years now and didn't think I would get to do it until my kids were grown. . I have completed 35 volunteer hours to be full Master Gardener! Now that I have beautified the county I can now beautify my own backyard even more! What a gift God gave me to love nature this much.
Take a Walk With Me in My Backyard.....Sunset Late summer
Butterflies and Milkweed
Late summer morning
I was walking down the hill in my backyard when I noticed in the grass a daisy sticking up through the grass. Not for sure how the plant got there. I knew my husband would mow that night so I grabbed my camera. There is beauty in standing out from the crowd!
One female hummingbird has come back for the second year now!
The return of the goldfinch flocking to my zinnies
My Baby Tree Swallows from this year with their box in the distance!Loved having them for the short time spent in my yard.
Egg found in my gardenI found many eggs in my garden this summer
Not for sure what kind, but thinking it was Kingbird
Early Summer
First of many rainbows
Come Take A Walk With Me...
in my backyard
in my backyard
My Bluebirds are nesting in my box!
My first Black Swallowtail of the season!
A Crab Apple Tree in Bloom. It has been an early spring with no frost.
Weigela in bloom. One of my favorite shrubs!
Weigela in bloom. One of my favorite shrubs!
Grows very fast and blooms in spring. Full sun and is a
plant I am trying to get others to fall in love with!
Lilac Bush is my newest edition to my backyard.
I love my view so trying to plant only shrubs and low growing plants.
My backyard view as the evening sun goes down!
Biblical Ponder
Rainbows
"This is the sign that I am giving for all ages to come, of the covenant between me and you and every living creature with you: I set my bow in the clouds to serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth." Genesis 9:12-13
Awhile back I wondered the beauty of the rainbow. With the spring coming and the spring storms, a rainbow is sure to follow. So for this time of year rainbows seem suited for a ponder. I noticed in my life that during my youth the rainbow was a refreshing surprise after a nice rain shower or a threating storm. I now see them less and notice them most when I spiritually am settled or a dream of mine is completed. When we found our land that I had prayed for and left in God's hands to take care of, there it was. Huge and taking over the sky surrounding our hilltop land, the arc of color reflecting the excitement in my heart of my dream coming true. I looked, smiled and said thank you to my Lord. For he was telling me, my faithful child I have rewarded you with what you have asked for. Oh, did he ever.
In Genesis he sent the rainbow after the flood was over. All was done and completed. There was a connection between God and the earth. And always will he remember the connection he has with us here on earth. He then said he will never send flood waters to destroy the earth. A promise made in the sky.
One last thing to ponder on Rainbows: they are only mentioned in Genesis and Revelation, the beginning and the end.
Rainbows
"This is the sign that I am giving for all ages to come, of the covenant between me and you and every living creature with you: I set my bow in the clouds to serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth." Genesis 9:12-13
Awhile back I wondered the beauty of the rainbow. With the spring coming and the spring storms, a rainbow is sure to follow. So for this time of year rainbows seem suited for a ponder. I noticed in my life that during my youth the rainbow was a refreshing surprise after a nice rain shower or a threating storm. I now see them less and notice them most when I spiritually am settled or a dream of mine is completed. When we found our land that I had prayed for and left in God's hands to take care of, there it was. Huge and taking over the sky surrounding our hilltop land, the arc of color reflecting the excitement in my heart of my dream coming true. I looked, smiled and said thank you to my Lord. For he was telling me, my faithful child I have rewarded you with what you have asked for. Oh, did he ever.
In Genesis he sent the rainbow after the flood was over. All was done and completed. There was a connection between God and the earth. And always will he remember the connection he has with us here on earth. He then said he will never send flood waters to destroy the earth. A promise made in the sky.
One last thing to ponder on Rainbows: they are only mentioned in Genesis and Revelation, the beginning and the end.
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