Knee deep...

Those of you that know me know I love music...all kinds!   Probably comes from my Mom...she however could actually sing and play instruments...but I can play a pretty mean radio...and today in wanting some rain, I did a whole theme of playing RAIN songs which was kind of fun and quite a selection...and was fun seeing who related to which songs on facebook...

But my thought of getting on here was to mention that yes I have my stocking cap ready to go see the Zac Brown Band!   Look out Cheyenne...I was invited by my "favorite son-in-law's" sister Autumn...she surely has her stocking cap ready...however I am sure my son doesn't!!  I told him when I am up on stage he will say ya that's my mama! (HAHA)  But am going with some of my "kids"...I think about my folks that we always had "kids" around...I think about my brother who has "kids" around...Must be like music...it's in my dna...I love "Kids" and Music (even though some of these kids are way past 18!).   I love them all!

There is a new song out by George Strait that my son Lance likes and it is a "Lance" song...(of course he is a dancer too so a Lance song must be good to dance to...not be too "sad"...)...but you know this song makes some valid points about just not "lay around and whine and moan"...

I'm Here For A Good Time I'm Here For A Good Time by king George :)

I'm not gonna lay around and whine and moan
'cause somebody done done me wrong
Don't think for a minute that I'm gonna sit around
and sing some old sad song
I believe it's half full not a half empty glass
Every day I wake up knowing it could be my last

Chorus

I ain't here for a long time
I'm here for a good time
So bring on the sunshine
to hell with the red wine
pour me some moonshine
But when I'm gone put it in stone
he left nothing behind
I ain't here for a long time
I'm here for a good time

Folks are always dreamin' bout
what they'd like to do
But I like to do just what I like
I'll take the chance, dance the dance
It might be wrong but then again it might be right
There's no way of knowing what tomorrow brings
Life's too short to waste it
I say bring on anything

Chorus

I ain't here for a long time
I'm here for a good time

And you know this song reminds me of Lance but it makes me think of Jay too...so I stick in a favorite picture just cause...(stole it from Lance).

Lance and Jay...Family Tradition...but could be singing George:)

So this morning at my kitchen table I was thinking about music, kids, and thought about having fun!   So I am gearing up for my Firecracker Flex Friday...and then some Zac Brown...

With that said I am planning on just enjoying and being "Knee Deep"  Knee Deep by Zac Brown Band my favorite of theirs .   If only Jimmy Buffett would show up...now how cool that would be :)

Soooo keeping with the theme..."Life is good today"...and tomorrow we may be wishing we were listening to Zac with our toes in the water but Cheyenne might not be hot we actually could be in rain who knows...but no worries I plan on enjoying the day no matter...For those not familiar with Zac may not know this song...and this version hasn't been bleeped out what might be in the sand...Toes by Zac Brown Band

Tomorrow is still Firecracker Flex Friday and so I will feel the "touch of a precious child and so I sign off singing..."A little bit of chicken fried...a pair of jeans that fit just right...and the radio UPPP!"   Chicken Fried...by Zac Brown Band

lyp

If Only...

Not sure where to start...and if all of this goes with one theme...because it has been a compilation of this, that, and the other but this morning at my kitchen table reading in my study Bible, there was a little text box at the bottom of Philippians 3 titled "MIDLIFE CRISIS:  In the Middle of Life".   Part of this states:

"Midlife crisis is the term given to that particular phase of life "in the middle," between the ages of thirty-five and fifty-five, when a person is too old to be young and too young to be old. (not sure about these ages???plp)  The inner focus shifts.  The mental question often becomes not how many years you have already lived but rather how many years you perceive you have left."

But the part that stood out more to me was this next part...

"For many, midlife is a time of transition, of taking stock of priorities, relationships, direction, and purpose of life (see Matthew 6:33).  It is similar to coming to the crest of a hill and being able to see in both directions.  This phase of life invites a woman (could be a man this is just a woman's study Bible) to consider from where she has come and to make the changes that need to be made so that the rest of her life-journey is productive and spiritually fruitful."

And as I had read this and then as I was listening to some music...(love Casting Crowns) and this song came on and just made me think of how I am in this "middle" ground in so many ways. Somewhere in the Middle by Casting Crowns...

I think of some special friends we went to dinner with and they are going through a major change in leaving the job they currently have...and figuring out what is next...but I encourage them to have faith!  Because even though at this midpoint in their life...this fork in the road...there is still a lot ahead.

As some may know we had a wedding weekend...Two weddings...Jake and Amy in Lamar--both of these individuals holding special places in my heart and I pray for a long happy life together filled with LOVE!   Also, Bret and Kallie...a beautiful wedding filled with so much love as well.  I hold a special spot for Bret because his mom and dad did introduce Tim and I...but also because he is a kindred soul...we put PRO in procrastinator... (you can see a wedding picture of them on Vonnie's I mean Yvonne's Rose Colored Site that is linked on the right).

But I see what it means being able to see both sides of the hill as well...but I am good with this place I am in...one of the reasons is the picture below...this was part of my job at Bret and Kallie's wedding.   Will steal the picture from Angie because it is one I am doing one of my favoritest things to do!   Holding Firecracker!  Holding a sleeping child has to be one of the gifts that we are given to be extra thankful for...not sure many compare...
I am at this place that I am sharing the looking ahead and behind and trying to figure out things...I have almost decided my journals are like chapters...I recently finished up one that seemed to be a "healing" chapter.   I went through some deep thought processes.  And then when I was about to the end I wrote:

"One doesn't know what the future holds--But the Lord does--and that is good enough for me.  Will need to get that new journal!  This will be the last I write in this journal as it is time to move on--I am healing--slowly but surely this is something, I never went through and never thought I would go through but Jay's death (I wrote it) cannot define me--though it is a part of me it is not all of me--I belong to Christ and the mysteries in this thing called life are one that I may never solve--so I carry on and I give thanks for my writing--I give thanks for my God--for my family--for my friends--I am rich indeed.  I have been given so much and for that I am thankful let me be a light of yours Lord that I can shine for you--I am writing but the words seem to come so easily.  Life is a highway--or is it--there are so many parables.  My writings are sometimes letters if you will, psalms...Though not part of the Holy Bible they are words for the Holy Father words for me that record this journey I am on for what reason I am not sure--But God knows!  Peace be with those who read this--even if it will only ever be me and the Lord."  And then I write "Proverbs 3:17.  Her ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace."   And I finish it, "Let me be wisdom!"  

And at the end of my journal's I usually write something...this one I write,

"And the pain never completely goes away--But the open wound starts to heal and we think of happier times and not just the pain...And little by little--step by step--we continue down this road called life and give thanks for what we have been given!"

Proverbs 3:5-6.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

And no I am not healed but my next journal I define as "doing".   And so funny because when I look at it closer it has sunflowers and BUMBLE BEES!   So I want to be in more of a doing phase of life and not just thinking about it...so it leads me to a devotional I came across that I do not read out of consistently BUT it hit me this particular day!   So it is taken from "Grace for the moment" Inspiration for Each Day of the Year by Max Lucado...and he writes...

If Only...
"Spiritual life comes from the Spirit". John 3:6

"Maybe your past isn't much to brag about.  Maybe you've seen raw evil.  And now you...have to make a choice.  Do you rise above the past and make a difference? Or do you remain controlled by the past and make excuses?...

Many choose the convalescent homes of the heart.  Healthy bodies.  Sharp minds.  But retired dreams.  Back and forth they rock in the chair of regret, repeating the terms of surrender.  Lean closely and you will hear them: "If only."

"If only I'd been born somewhere else..."

"If only I'd been treated fairly..."

Maybe you've used those words.   Maybe you have every right to use them...If such is the case...go to John's gospel and read Jesus words: "Human life comes from human parents, but spiritual life comes from the Spirit" (John 3:6)" 

He then goes on to ask "Have you retired your dreams?  Are you rocking in the chair of regret?  How can the words of John 3:6 help you get up out of that chair?"

And I move right on to GOD CALLING (Two Listeners for today...)  Loved this one as well!  So I know this one speaks to me and so if not sure if it speaks to you or if it just needs to speak to you to speak to me?   BUT I am listening and letting these words "CHANNEL" through me.   That was my word for the day!   Which came from my God Calling devotional:

July 22 - Miracle of The Ages 

"Abide in Me. "The works that I do shall ye do also and greater works than these shall ye do because I go to My Father." 

"Greater Works!" The blind received their sight, the lame walked, the lepers were cleansed, the poor had the Gospel preached to them. "And greater works than these shall ye do because I go unto My Father." 

Wonder of the World! Miracle of the Ages! God's Power manifest in believing man! God's Power going out to bless, through the agency of the man actuated by the Holy Spirit. Arise from the grave of sickness, poverty, doubt, despondency, limitation. "Arise, shine for the Light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee."

A wonderful future is before you both. A future of unlimited power to bless others. Just be channels. Be used.  Ask.  Ask. "Ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you," and unto those for whom you pray."

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye except ye abide in me." John 15:4

And I ponder...channel!    And I share these with one of my mentors, my friends, my "sisters"...and she writes to me words that I wish were my own...thank you Carol!  (Carol is working on a new website and so I will post it when it comes up...she has an amazing story!)

"That may be the biggest cattle prod ever. If only..... I don't want to look back on my life and say If only.....

To me the biggest regret of my life wouldn't be failure. It would be apathy. I don't mind failing at what I do but I would hate like h*** to not have a chance, or generate the energy,  to try.

I think that's why I'm trying so hard to stay focused. Why I'm uncluttering my life. Simplifying and organizing and clearing my pathway so I can go after some of my dreams.

The really sad part is that I woke up one day and realized I'd forgotten what my dreams were. I was so buried under other peoples needs and wants, I had literally lost touch with my own dreams. I think that's why I'm so driven to write and create. If I can lead or help one person rediscover their dreams I'd feel blessed clear down to my toes.

Channel. That's a very good word. I need to learn how to channel other people's problems and negative energy so it doesn't settle inside me and weigh me down. I carry enough of my own weight without taking on anybody else's. I need to channel it, let it flow through me and back into space. It doesn't belong inside me.

But channel can also mean direction. water is channeled through ditches. and ditches can be man made. You can create the channels you need. That may be what my re-organizing and learning to focus is. I may be building the channels I need to direct my energy in the right direction.

Interesting word. Thank you for sharing."

 And so I am motivated and I think on doing but I always wonder where do I start and I come across another text box in my study Bible entitled, "PRIORITIES:  Planning your Days."  

And while I won't write out the whole writing as I haven't made it through the whole thing yet and so I decide each day I will take a small part and the scripture that goes with it.  So first I came to,

"Often women are overwhelmed by too many things to do" (See Luke 10:40)

And so I go to look it up...Luke 10:40 is speaking of Martha and Mary.  How Martha is upset because Mary has chose to sit at Jesus feet while Martha has so much to do.  And so I had went to look up this scripture later online and I came across this after I read the following devotional in my God Calling:

The Way of Praise 

I am teaching you both My Way of removing mountains. The way to remove mountains is the way of Praise. When a trouble comes think of all you have to be thankful for. Praise, praise, praise. 

Say "Thank you" all the time. This is the remover of mountains, your thankful hearts that praise. 

And as I am looking up this scripture about Martha and Mary...I come across what is titled:

The Martha Syndrome and the Mary Solution

An essay donated by Akili Kumasi

Summary:

God used the story(s) of two well-known women in the Bible, Martha and Mary, to demonstrate the type of relationship He wants with each of us. The two sisters had contrasting approaches to their walk with God – and thus got difference results. Martha was anxious and un-trusting. Mary got alone with God and worshipped at Jesus’ feet.

Mary and Martha:

God used the story of two well-known women in the Bible to demonstrate to us the type of relationship He wants with each of us.

You might remember that in one story Jesus was visiting the home of the two sisters when Martha came to Him to complain about her sister, Mary.

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42 NIV

When I read this passage of scripture I get the image of a house busy with people engaged in numerous conversations around the house. Martha is running about trying to figure out how everybody is going to get fed and coordinating the logistics of cooking for all the people.

Somewhere in a secluded corner the Lord Jesus Christ is calmly teaching a handful of people who are intently listening to His every word. Mary is sitting at His feet, very content and very settled.

Martha frantically rushes over to interrupt the intimate gathering. Everyone casually looks up at her as the Lord easily sets the record straight. Feeling compassion for Martha, He reassuringly says, “Martha, Martha … you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." After all, if Jesus could feed the 4,000 (Matthew 15:32-39) and the 5,000 (Matthew 14:14-21), then certainly He could handle supper for a house full of people.

Sometimes we just forget how big our God is and we run around with what I call the “Martha Syndrome” trying to make everything just right when all we need to do is just Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV)

Remember, Jesus told us to seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33 KJV) That’s what Mary did. She sought Jesus first. This is what I call the “Mary Solution.” But Martha was concerned about What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? (Matthew 6:31 KJV)

While it says more...it ends with the following...

Seven Points for Seeing God Move in Your Life:

1. Wait on God by conditioning your heart (v20) through
 Prayer and
 Meditation on His Word

2. Wait on God’s Call (v28)
 God called Mary
 Unlike Martha who went ahead on her own

3. Wait for God’s Timing (v28)
 God decided when Mary should come
 In the meantime she was preparing herself

4. Listen for God’s Call (v25-27, 28-29)
 God speaks to us personally

5. Don’t delay when God Calls (v29)
 Move immediately
 By being prepared

6. Keep Focus on Him (v31) –
 Not the problem, the situation or your feelings

7. Worship Him at His Feet (v32)

And I think of this the "Mary Solution"...and in "doing" I want to have my priorities right not just to be doing to be doing!   I am not sure if this seems all one theme to others but to me it seems to all go together in the place that I am...I may have lost some of you at various places but hope you have stayed on the old bike with me because for some reason...you are in this journey with me at this particular time and place!   And so I finish up with the next part of the Priorities devotional...

"because there are many good choices how to apportion their time."   (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) and it reads...

"To everything there is a season.
A time for every purpose under heaven.
A time to be born
And a time to die;
a time to plant
And a time to pluck what is planted;
a time to kill
And a time to heal.
A time to break down
And a time to build up;
A time to weep
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn
And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones
And a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace
And a time to refrain from embracing.
A time to gain
And a time to lose;
A time to keep
And a time to throw away.
A time to tear;
And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence
And a time to speak;
A time to love
And a time to hate;
A time of war,
and a time of peace."    

And how this seems to speak to me during this time...during this season I am in...and after I read this I opened up my e-mail from JC Penney that says, "Imagine what a penny can do."   Then I look on my calendar and it says "One field at at time."   Again I realize that there is so much around to listen to that seems to coincide with what I need to hear at that specific time and place...here in this mid part of my life.   And I take from it to give thanks...make sure my priorities are as they should be...so many things to be "doing"...so I feel that each of these are things to share...so I share!  lyp
 

Social NOTworking

Okay I admit...I enjoy me some facebook!   I am also slightly hooked on "MyFamily" website that I interact with family on my Grandma Bessie's side.   Sometimes quite often.   I GOOGLE everything and I like to check in on my e-mail quite often as well...I have been known to dabble in blogging a little...but I haven't took up "tweeting" (other than at the birds I see during the day).. HOWEVER...some might say I suffer social "NOTworking"...I mean networking!  That's it...

I have been thinking about this topic for a while and on my drive up to Limon for Firecracker Flex Friday it all came together...well as much of together as I might get!   But I have been entertained...perhaps spoken to by a recent set of commercials.   In these commercials and now I don't remember what they are for...some car or something I think.   Anyway in the one, a young woman is talking about her parents hardly have any "friends" on facebook that is and she has not sure how many...and it keeps flashing to the parents off doing all this "living" if you will.   Enjoying life.   And she then ends with something like they need to get a life...but she makes some comment looking at the computer like "that's too little to be a puppy or something"...you would think as funny as I think it is I would remember it...Toyota commercial click here it is the girl talking...(I think this link has both of these) The other is of a young man who moves back in with his parents.   Well his mom didn't even fix supper and just all of these different things (the parents are out driving around having fun).    And while these commercials are funny...and they are trying to hit on being older is "cool" I read...however, they also touch a deeper part.   Are we just sitting in front of a screen instead of actually "living"?  I had a quote on my calendar yesterday by Dolly Parton...

"Nobody's gonna live for you."  

Now you say a lot right there Dolly!

Last Wednesday...I got to spend some time in a "chat" room.   Now this was "Old School" chat room...We had some family (Mike and Barb) pass through on their motorcycle...well I am not really thinking passing through as they live in Manhattan, Kansas and had went to Texas and was coming home by way of our house...before they went through Sturgis for a t-shirt for their granddaughter...So I think these two are  definitely about the journey and not the destination.   



Vonnie and I at Fargo's a little blurry
but a memory all the same...



Anyway we decided to go to Fargo's in Colorado Springs for pizza!   For those that don't know....Fargo's is a Pizza Parlor that has been around since I was in high school and continues to be one of my favorite places.   So we met my cousin Vonnie and had lunch before she was heading off to meet her Co-MIL (mother-in-law) to be to work on a "project".  Bret (her son) and Kallie will soon be married and so it is now crunch time.   But still Vonnie took time out after teaching vacation Bible school and met up with us...giving us a face to face "status update".   Seeing her life size "Profile Pic"  she looks great...project look good for wedding was a success (which if not for facebook and MyFamily page I would probably not  know about).  She also gave us "updates" on special "events" that are happening.  And being on dial-up didn't slow me up in the least!    But there might be something to that...perhaps that's not why I always am up to speed on what is going on...I am on dial-up while those around me are on high-speed...it all makes sense now!

Well we head off from Fargos...and decide to see if we can catch my cousin Wendy in Ellicott...but this girl is not sitting by her computer like she often is during her time working...no she is off  "networking" with the one who she is in a "relationship" with actually their status could be MARRIED...anyway her hubby, Lee.  I also think her son and grandkids are here visiting from Hawaii!  Another social "notworking" plus...I have reconnected with Wendy that we did not do by telephone or personal visits.   Growing up, Wendy and I spent a lot of  "face" time together.  Wendy is the daughter of my Aunt Arlis, and growing up was like a big sister to me...and so in my plus and minus analysis of social "NOTworking".   I have to definitely put this as a plus--keeping in touch with family...Sometimes it is easier to put what is going on in your life on your own schedule and let others catch up on theirs.  Anyway back to the chat room...



Grandma Bessie's--
Played in that old barn and shed many a hour.

Since Colorado Springs might be considered far by some to travel from Olney Springs to go for pizza we also decided to go back through Hanover and check it out...maybe catch my Uncle Glen and Aunt Arlis who our travelers wanted to catch up with...(write on their wall if you will).   While traveling we went by my old home, then by my Grandma Bessie's old farm place and there we ended up at the Holman girls "chat room"!    You knew I would get back here...just sometimes these bike rides take a while...

My Aunt Arlis who is married to my Mom's brother Glen...has three sisters that live close together and also next to my cousin Randy who I have not seen or talked to for a while.  AFTERALL, he would not "friend" me on facebook...so how could I even talk to him.  (okay perhaps I should be using the sarcasm font).   Anyway the "shepherd" had wanted to go and see Randy...these two have had a connection from like the first time they met and so Randy is not only a cousin but a special friend to us as well.   And seeing Randy made me miss him all the more...

Anyway let me describe the "chat room" for you.   This was "Grandma" Myrtle's home.   She may not have been my grandmother by blood...but for sure by love and her family is a part of my life and a part of who I am.  How I loved Grandma Myrtle...her energy and smile...were amazing...she always made you feel special and welcome!  I can still feel it if I stop and think of her and I felt it that day from her daughters.  Anyway I walked in on the back porch and I was taken back to my childhood...I was "home"...walking in and you could almost smell the bread baking (Grandma Myrtle always had homemade bread for us.   Which I can remember my brother Shane would walk in her door and automatically become hungry to which Myrtle would hop up get him some homemade bread.   Well my mom told him that this was not polite...so the next time we went...he says, "Mom, we need to go home."  To which she replies, "Why?"   And Shane says, "I'm hungry!"   So of course Grandma Myrtle gets him some homemade bread...and me being much older and wiser reaped the rewards of my little brother's "rudeness"!)

Anyway Helen is married to Pat Poer...Pat is an old cowboy...I can't describe him any other way...he has the walk, the talk, and just the "it"!   Some got "IT" and some don't!    But this home still has the feel of Grandma Mrytle--but has also been graced with beautiful artwork by Pat and special touches from Helen...it is just "Home".   And so there we sat around in a circle and "chatted" using "windows" (yes that would be the ones that the breeze was blowing through).   Sometimes we spoke of nothing of great importance but other times of catching up on new little ones, of memories, but the feel of love was there.   I loved seeing "General Patsy".    We talked about her daughter, Dallas, (mostly good!) anyway Dallas and and I were friends growing up and so that connection was there as well.  Yes, I have reconnected with Dallas by facebook a little...she lives in Washington and drives truck...so an easy way to hear about her son's being in the armed forces and the journey they are on and gives us all special reminders to keep them close in our prayers...A picture of Dallas and her daughter by the ocean made me miss her...but not sure this compares to having her mama holler out her window and ask me what I'm doing and come out to greet me with a hug...out of a place where one of my favorite people in the whole wide world used to live...Aunt Mary Lou!! (Also a facebook friend that I keep in touch with usually by e-mail)  

But back to the visit, I also got to see another sister, Betty, also lives nearby so we chatted a bit on their front porch...and I recognized her son who was up helping out...not only because I remembered him...but he is also on facebook!   Many of us find it easier to post and comment on each other's "status" and take maybe a total of 1 minute in place of a phone call that might take 10 or 15...but when you write something on facebook if others are busy they can choose to ignore what you have posted...or they have to "LIKE" it!   Or they can in fact comment on it.  But I think we can do this sometimes from the comfort of our own home and be interrupted on our own timing...when we might not reach out.   And sometimes we find out that someone is having a bad day...needs a prayer...or just needs a "like" to know that others agree...or are thinking of them...or share in their news!  OR I can tell you all about my week and you can choose to listen or NOT!   It was a special tool when we lost Jay...that we could share with many at one time in a place where we had the strength and others could put things up for us and we could look at it when we had a chance...or when we were alone...another positive I have to say...

And I wonder sometimes...do others who post things want others to comment.  I have this need to think that if someone took the time to write it...I should take the time to respond.  I know I love to see what responses I might get if I put something up.  However, I love to communicate...to go back and forth with those around me...But I am told that this is not the case for some.   Except if everyone had the idea to just read and no one write then wouldn't that defeat the purpose...but I guess I would get more accomplished that way.

Okay off the commentary and back to my story...But when I got ready to leave this chat room, I get the most amazing hugs from Helen and Patsy.   You know the kind that just fill you up with more than you came with...hmmm somehow a "virtual" hug does not compare.    Anyway we head off to find my Uncle Glen and Aunt Arlis.   They were not home and had not answered the phone and no one had heard from them....I automatically think something could be wrong...hmmm why do I do that?   However, I called their son Johnny and daughter Kimmy (hmmm are you thinking I may have known them all of my life) seeing if they knew where they were...some more social networking if you will...

So Tim knocks on the door and since they aren't there we head off.   But only make it around the block (that would be a country block)...but on that trip we go by the old school which is a little bigger than it used to be BUT while there we look off towards the west and capture a great real life "wall photo".    A reminder of the beauty around us...

And as we start to head home...it's as though we decide we need to go check on Uncle Glen and Aunt Arlis...glad we did...they were just coming home from town...and so another "chat room".   So see it paid off that I was in a bit of a "twitter" or is that a "tweet"...hmmm I haven't got into that yet!

So this real-time social "NOTworking" was a special day...but then I continue on in this little lesson I was being taught...and I am caught back up to Firecracker Flex Friday.   I am listening on the way up and this woman starts talking about the downfalls of Facebook and the problems that it can cause to marriages and the like and how people sometimes online do not represent who they really are...and I ponder that one and think yes there are times...and I suppose at times many try to put on their "good" side but actually I don't know if my friends are a good representation as they seem to let you know if they are having a bad day or something bothering them as well as the good...but it does make me think about do I spend more time than I should staring at a little screen instead of looking into someone's eyes...having a FACE TO FACE in real life not virtual.

Grandma's Little Firecracker...
Waiting on her corn dog...

So I get to Firecracker's and her and her auntie are sleeping so I of course...check my facebook.   To which I learn that Jon had a baby...Jolene lost a special friend...all in a matter of seconds...I had found out via text that my friend Phyllis was a Grandma...and I was glad that I had this instant connection with all of these...but this was a reminder of BALANCE...so I work on that...

I spent an amazing Firecracker Flex Friday...we had lunch at Oscar's (because Mommy had a business lunch at Ruby's) but we did have a corn dog.   We did goats, sported our Grandma's little firecracker shirt, played, shopped, you know just "stuff" that we didn't even "tweet" or "post" a soul!   (I am working on another project that includes this particular item)!

And I start looking for real life POSTS and one that I think is very cool...is Friday night Heather comes down stairs and she has on her t-shirt that has Jay's name on the back from the memorial ride...well later in walks Lance in the front door with his same shirt on that honors Jay that he had wore to work...then before I know it in walks Tyler yep...he has his on too!   So I think to myself that they were all taking time to post up a remembrance of someone special without saying a word...and so I hit my "like" actually my "love" button and put on a smiley face.

So while I am working on not so much social "NOTworking" I think it has a place...but sometimes it might just get a little in the way of my real life WORKING!   But I think I will take a little note from my cousins on the journey...See you later...

XTRORDINARY

So this morning at my kitchen table I was writing about having God there in the ordinary as well as the EXTRA ORDINARY times...but I like it when it is all one word and almost pronounced XTRORDINARY not just Extra Ordinary!  

I had read in my devotionals and was thinking about different things and the Shepherd comes in...So I proceed to remind him of something we both know...something that he really didn't need me reminding him...but I do it anyway.   And so he says, "I know".    And then he heads outside and there I was mumbling under my breath about something that is nothing when I should be enjoying my time.   But here I sit and start to write about this when I feel this STOP!   So STOP I did pretty much mid-sentence.  And so that is when I am lead to Matthew 7.   It had shown up in my readings with a different verse but it is like I need to read the whole thing.  And you know what it says in my study Bible first thing in bold print?   DO NOT JUDGE!   Oh sure hit me when I am naggy...knock me off the high horse I wanted to sit on...but then I know that it is meant that I read this so I look to see what else does it have...and who says there isn't stuff right there for you!!   And I sit there..."Are You talking to me?"   Matthew 7 in my study Bible New King James Version says: 

Do Not Judge

 ¹ “Judge not, that you be not judged. ² For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. ³ And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? ⁴ Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? ⁵ Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
⁶ “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.

Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking

   ⁷ “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. ⁹ Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? ¹¹ If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! ¹² Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

The Narrow Way

   ¹³ “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. ¹⁴ Because^[a] narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

You Will Know Them by Their Fruits

   ¹⁵ “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. ¹⁶ You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

I Never Knew You

   ²¹ “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. ²² Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ ²³ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Build on the Rock

   ²⁴ “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: ²⁵ and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
²⁶ “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: ²⁷ and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”
²⁸ And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, ²⁹ for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

And again with the board in the eye thing...But it goes on to say ask and you shall be given...(there is a LOT in this one chapter) but I ponder what it is that I ask for.   Well of course there is PROVIDENCE over my family and friends.  (I love that word...I think I want to make signs for it!)  

There are many things but it is brought up again...(NO I didn't bring it up!)  But the fact...well Penny, you haven't been doing as good as you were on the whole watching what you eat and exercise thing!   And that's when I come up with the being there in the ordinary as well as the XTRORDINARY!!   Sometimes we need strength for little things as well as the big.

So I ask for help in getting back on track... Then I look on Facebook and there is my friend Trudy writing, "Bike riding, walking, yoga, pounds lost....0....PRICELESS...#%&*&​%#$!"   To which she replies to someone else again, "I'm not sure Deliza my knees are killing me and I am betting I would feel better with a margarita in one hand and a bon bon in the other sitting on the couch reading! At least I can breath when I tie my shoes though!"  So I am laughing because you see Trudy is my "Sister from another Mother and Father!"   I love that girl...but there is talk on there and I think well thanks some inspiration God from others...I'm not alone.

So my cousin Vonnie...not sure where this weight she had to lose is...but I am so proud of her for getting into good condition but she is in Project hmmm I think LGFW...now I can't remember what it was but it stands for LOOK GOOD FOR WEDDING or something like that...she is afterall the mother of the groom!   How exciting Bret and Kallie!   Anyway she puts on there: "Don't give up I went on www.myfitnesspal.com 1200 calories a day for a month before I lost any weight. Muscle weighs more than fat, so go by measurements instead of the scale!"   So again another one to get back onto myfitnesspal.  

Then I get an e-mail from a cousin and she is in this whole "Taz" (Tazmanian Devil) stage and you know I can almost feel her energy twirling off the computer...and what does she talk about???   "I feel that my personal path has been a way to balance mind, body and spirit. I do pretty good on the mind and spirit but the body takes a beating. I no longer want to be overweight and soft. I want to be fit and healthy, both inside and out. To achieve my goals, I need to be healthy and if Aunt ***** has taught me one thing its that sitting down and losing muscle tone is crippling."

I too want to balance my mind, body, and spirit...So now I am putting this on here as a way to kick myself in the pants a little more...besides everyone kept saying they read my blog and tears...so I was trying to change it up....but you know this one could bring some tears too at least for me!!   Anyway I am back on my quest...

I got on myfitnesspal and it has several posts but one says Pennify (that's what they...you know them guys my fitness PAL...that's what they call me...but that is a whole other blog...kind of a "pen" name if you will!) anyway it says I have not logged on for a month (a couple times).   "She might need some encouragement."   Well there you have it!   Consider me encouraged!

So here I go...feel free to join me...or I'll join you...or whatever works...but trying to figure out what I will do for exercise...because not sure on the 100 degree weather or the wind...plus I am counting on rain this afternoon...but don't you worry...I will get me some time in!

I decide I will stick a picture in but can't decide which one to put in when I come across the one below...I think that is another one of my speck and board things...to work on my procrastination...so off I go to fill up my water bottle and go for a walk...ttfn!

So before I post this there is this beautiful rumble outside...and the rain falls down and I say thank you Lord for these gifts that we are receiving!   And I think...this has been an XTRORDINARY day!  lyp

Happy Versary...

When Heather was just little my mom babysat her one year while Tim and I went out on our anniversary.  Because her birthday is the day prior to our anniversary they were playing with her new cassette player.  And so the recording goes..."Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom" to which her mom does not reply and I am sure she wondered what kind of machine that was!   Then you hear my Mom say tell them Happy Anniversary...to which you hear the sweetest little voice say, "Happy Versary!"   And ever since...that's how it has been said.

So today was bittersweet because it is Heather and Jay's 3rd Wedding Anniversary.   And so I wanted to emphasize the HAPPY part of the anniversary...I have memories of laughing even though a very emotional day.   I went to look for pics and found some that Patrick had taken...and there were several of "HAPPY!"  In looking I found a video from the wedding...so I watched it...and it did make me smile.

Jay and Heather...



Kara Randolph and Peyton Wilson (with Lance Pfeiff)



While the ceremony itself was not real eventful with funny happenings but instead just loving happenings...other than the ring bearer decided that he should stand up with the big guys...I can also remember little Kara walking down the aisle so big and then when her petals spilled she stopped in her tracks...the Best Man (Grandpa Gordon) came and got her because she stopped--not because of anything other than thinking that she should pick up the flowers...They would have been  about the age Izzy is now and how big these two were at the birthday celebration...where does that time go to???



I remember the yellow bird that watched over the whole event..the scrambling to get the broken Precious Groom replaced...and the joke of the groom lost his head!  

Probably one of the funniest parts I remember was they had several dances besides the groom and mom and the bride and dad...they had a parents dance...well Tim (Pfeiff) and I were dancing and Tim (Sheridan) and Maryann were dancing as well as Grandpa and Grandma Pfeiff.   Something was said about switching dance partners to which we did...and there was Tim and Tim dancing while Maryann and I tried to dance with out laughing too hard!

And it must be a family tradition thing because during the wedding dances there were as many guys dancing with Jay...I hope I can find the pic of him and his brother Shane...I remember the toasts...and I also remember my favorite son-in-law thinking we should take the keg back to the lobby...Oh Jay Bird how we miss that FUN you brought...you are in many of our thoughts today and we definitely wish you were here...

Making Memories of Us...I made a PowerPoint for Heather and Jay's wedding using this song as one of them because it made me think of them...and when we went to the motorcycle rally in which Jay was honored...as we left we stopped at a convenience store and as I carried little Isabel in with me...this song was playing and it played "I want to stand out in a crowd for you as a man among men" and I thought you did that one Jay!   I just wished there would have been time for more memories for you to have made...but you know you made some good ones when you could!  So here is a toast to good memories...and Happy Versary!  lym

Oh Firecracker...

If this seems like more scattered than usual...it seems to be that the computer wants to jumble around in addition to my usual jumbling...but I try again...


Firework display at Limon part were for Jay (picture off my phone)



Some of you may wonder FIRECRACKER...well last night I was reminded again why that little precious package is a FIRECRACKER to me...   When Heather became pregnant there was debate as to whether this little one she was carrying was a boy or a girl and Heather and Jay being Heather and Jay chose not to find out but to wait and see what this precious gift from God would be when she arrived.   Well I of course needed to call "her" something (okay you might see what I thought the gender might be)...but since she was due close to the 4th of July...I chose to call her Firecracker.  So when I would touch my daughter's tummy I would call the little miracle inside of her "Firecracker."

I came across this picture in looking for another and thought it was such a special picture...Yes Isabel your daddy loved you before you even got here.  I love the expression on his face as he is holding on to you and your mama!   I am not going to lie...this picture definitely brought tears...but it also said so much that it could not go unshared.   This one will be in a frame for Firecracker and her mama...

So I go back to my theme...OH FIRECRACKER!    So Saturday was the day we were going to celebrate Izzy's birthday...Pool, Park, Party...friends showed up...so you know that it is going to be a wild party when there is like eight (going with the P theme) POLICE attending a two year old's party...yes some in uniform!   We had other family and friends there as well...and then who should show up...BUT the rain!   Well the way that it has been so dry...we cannot wish the rain to stop...and perhaps Izzy could start having pool parties around.   The rain did not last long but the pool portion fell through...which made a very sad little Isabel who was so set on swimming.   So thanks Pam and Wes for offering up your pool and your home!   You guys are something special!   Part left the party and some followed over to the alternate pool...even though the weather a little chilly...and the one who wanted to swim ended up getting out quickly due to "P"urple lips and the Pool was cleared soon because of  Puke....but that's another story!!

But still a special day...a few snapshots that make me smile...of course my battery went dead so there are pictures I didn't get to take...but isn't that how it is...Jay's sister Autumn told me once and I know I don't have word for word because hers sounded so much better but...it's not the memories made...but the ones that we weren't able to make that are the hardest.

Izzy in the bag...

So back to Firecracker...yesterday we headed back to Limon.   We stopped by a friend of Heather and Jay's and now friends of ours for another birthday party for little Jose...Happy first birthday!!   Then we went to the football field where Jay was honored with a plaque from the Military Order of the Purple Heart and then they dedicated part of the fireworks to him.   Was so fitting as he LOVED fireworks and FIRECRACKERS!   A perfect night sitting in the grass with family and friends...

One moment during the fireworks Carrie Underwood's All American Girl played over the loud speaker All American Girl by Carrie Underwood .  I have always thought of Heather on that song and then Izzy...about how she melted her daddy's heart.   But as tears were in my eyes I looked over and seen the tears in Heather's as well as the fireworks boomed in the background and then...there it was...one of those moments.   The little girl who had been staring at the fireworks turns her back to them and starts loving and kissing on her mom.  It was SOOOO her daddy.  I can think of the times that Heather would be about to cry or possibly upset...and Jay would turn on that same thing I seen Izzy doing and her tears are then smiles...Oh ya her daddy was there at the fireworks in the shape of one little FIRECRACKER!!

Then it was back to the fireworks...propped back in her stroller for part of them just breathing them all in.   Was a special time to stop and think of Jay and I think how he is missed in all of these events...I sat at my kitchen table I wrote in my journal after Izzy's birthday party...to set up the scene I have some black birds that seem to just annoy and steal the dog food...Jay always would clear out these birds...and so I write...

"Again the birds seem to try and overtake the day and I wish for Jay to be here to blast them with his gun and make them leave us alone...as I write this I realize that is how I want all of this that a fire would sound and it would stop...that we would all of a sudden go back to where we were--But I know that is not how this works.  Jay is gone!  Isabel does not have her daddy here but last night as she was in the swing she semed to watch to the sky--though trying not to go to sleep and fight it off there seemed more to me as though she was connected with one I could not see--but could feel a presence amongst us and I wonder how Jay is and I think he is happy but I also wonder how life going on without him is.  Does he even realize--I see all those gathered and many of the cops that were there were there to honor as if to say we are here even though a two year old birthday party is not high on the list for a Saturday night.  And tears stream down my face as I think how Jay would have changed the whole feel if he were there--but the fact is HE WASN'T and I guess I am struggling with feeling that life changes and no matter how tightly I try to hold on and keep it in one place it is not mine to stop--because water that does not flow becomes stagnant.  It must continue on towards the ocean to where it is ultimately intended to go.  But the purest moments is the rain drop and the snow flake as they land upon the mountain tops and they are allowed that precious moment in time where life is pure...life as a child...and I see that many of my readings and teachings take me to that place.  Do not let me lose that pure and untouched place that is a part of me no matter where I travel--Be still and know that I am God--these words seem to comfort me and I give thanks again for this time at my kitchen table as I continue to write my thoughts and feelings for what ultimate purpose I do not know!  And I read 2 Peter 3:5.

"For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water."

3:8 goes on to say,

"But, beloved, do not forget this one thing that with the Lord one day is a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slack concerning this promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."  

And I think of this note card I received and the picture on it of a Thomas Kincade, "Bridge of Faith", and I think how I would like to find this print to hang on my office wall...but the part is that I had this picture and then my God Calling (Two Listeners) had the following words...

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

"Does the way seem a stony one?  Not one stone can impede your progress.  Courage.  Face the future, but face it only with a brave and happy heart.  Do not seek to see it.  YOU are robbing Faith of her sublime sweetness if you do this.

Just know that all is well and that Faith, not seeing, but believing is the barque that will bear you to safety, over the stormy waters. 'According to your faith be it unto you' was My injunction to those who sought healing of Me.
If for wonder-working, if for healing, if for salvation faith was so necessary then the reason is clear why I urged that all who sought entrance to My Kingdom must become as little children.  Faith is the child attitude.

Seek in every way to become childlike.  Seek, seek, seek until you find, until the years have added to your nature that of the trusting child.  Not only for its simple trust must you copy the child-spirit, but for its joy in life, its ready laughter, its lack of criticim, its dsire to share all with all men.  Ask much that you may becomes as little children, friendly and loving towards all--not critical, not fearful. 

Except ye...become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." 

And this one picture seems to say so much...but more than that I take this theme and come back to thinking of that precious little Firecracker and that childlike Joy she brings to our lives and I give thanks!  And as always there are songs in the back ground and the song, "The words that I would say." by Sidewalk Prophets plays:   The Words That I Would Say

Three in the morning,

And I'm still awake,

So I picked up a pen and a page,

And I started writing,

Just what I'd say,

If we were face to face,

I'd tell you just what you mean to me,

I'd tell you these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,

Never give up hope,

You're going to do great things,

I already know,

God's got His hand on you so,

Don't live life in fear,

Forgive and forget,

But don't forget why you're here,

Take your time and pray,

These are the words I would say,

Last time we spoke,

You said you were hurting,

And I felt your pain in my heart,

I want to tell you,

That I keep on praying,

Love will find you where you are,

I know cause I've already been there,

So please hear these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,

Never give up hope,

You're going to do great things,

I already know,

God's got His hand on you so,

Don't live life in fear,

Forgive and forget,

But don't forget why you're here,

Take your time and pray,

These are the words I would say,

From one simple life to another,

I will say,

Come find peace in the Father,

Be strong in the Lord and,

Never give up hope,

You're going to do great things,

I already know,

God's got His hand on you so,

Don't live life in fear,

Forgive and forget,

But don't forget why you're here,

Take your time and pray,

Thank God for each day,

His love will find a way,

These are the words I would say



So I say Happy 4th of July and stop and watch the "fireworks" of life...Be thankful for this great country that we live in "One Nation Under God!"   God bless you and God bless America!   And God be with that precious FIRECRACKER and all I love!!