QUOTERRIFIC!

Have I told you I love quotes? You know I do! It's exhilarating to find an inspiring, concise quote. This one is no exception:

"To the world
you may be one person,
but to one person
you may be the world."

-Josephine Billings

CRYING

I've been an advocate for tough skin. I do think--in leadership--it is needed. But recently, I've shifted a little more center, realizing that sometimes, softness & tears are needed too. The book I'm reading is partially responsible for this. Here is a lil' piece that grabbed me, from chapter 16...

"Oh child, spoke Papa [God] tenderly.
Don't ever discount the wonder of tears.
They can be healing waters & a stream of joy.
Sometimes they are the best words the heart can speak...

THIS GUY REALLY WEIRDS ME OUT

Why Oh Why does Burger King keep using this very scary man? They claim "have it your way?" If I could have it my way, I'd take this guy out. Tonight I saw yet another commercial with him. Stop already! He's really freaking me out. Am I the only one?

BOOKS I'VE READ WHEN I HAVEN'T FELT GOOD ABOUT MYSELF

Throughout my life, there's been plenty-a-moment when I haven't felt good about myself. As I've gone to God (who is the only Doctor who can fix that) I've occasionally heard Him answer through the gift of readings. Here are some of them...

1. The Psalms by God
   
2. Lord, I Want to Be Whole by Stormie Omartian
   
3. Oh, the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss
4. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
5. The Search for Significance by Robert McGee
   
6. The Shack by Wm. Paul Young
   
7. Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers
   
8. The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
   
9. Everybody's Normal Till You Get to Know Them by John Ortberg
10. Looking Up When Life is Looking Down by Beth Moore

(to purchase any of these, just click on its title)

THE ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE

Recently, I went to The Original Pancake House. I noticed the button on our table (pic, left). Being one who's lured by buttons, I took a closer look. It read, "Service at the Touch of a Button." Our waitress said if I press the button, she'd immediately come to our table. WHAT?! I further asked, "Like, any server will come? Or you, literally?" She said SHE would come. Wow. That's sweet service! Props to this restaurant. I shall continue my patronage there. Oh, & bonus! They have PUMPKIN PANCAKES! AAHH!! YUM!!

FIRST TIME SEEING THIS ONE

In all of your troubles, you may finally decide

that you want to worship only the LORD.
And if you turn back to him
and obey him completely,
he will again be your God.
The LORD your God will have mercy--
he won't destroy you or desert you. Deut. 4:29-30a
This was the first time (that I can remember) reading this particular passage. It practically jumped off the page & jumped into my heart. That is why this book is called the LIVING Word. I've perused its pages all my life, but I've never reached the 'end' of it. Love that!

LEADERSHIP IN AMERICAN IDOL?

I've always been a "kinda" Idol fan. I kinda watch, kinda follow, kinda care. There isn't a lot I take from Idol (as I have the musicality of a brick wall), but I do appreciate the diverse leadership styles among the judges. It's interesting to see how they manage the contestants & how they communicate to them. I got to wondering...which judge would I take after more--Randy, Ellen, Kara or Simon? And why? I'll reply in a comment; you can too, if you want.

TWO RECENT FAM PIX

We gotta laugh. Yes, I believe this a lot. On top of a mountain or face down in a pit, there's gotta be a way to release the inner-hormone that makes us laugh. (I also feel the same about crying, but that's another post). Anywho, here's 2 pix for your hopeful LOL:
"Oh, You Got One of Them Tongue-Things, Too?"








"Andys in the Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear"

HERO DEDICATIONS

My mentor had a good idea. She suggested I identify heroes in my lil world & blog about them. I'm an Earth-Girl. Not in the global-warming-groupie way--but in God's way. God's impeccable creativity on this canvas we call, Earth, takes my breath away. So I have huge respect for folk who tend to God's Earth: landscapers, mowerers, farmers, gardeners, garbage collectors, etc. These folk are heroic. They don't save lives, per se, but they do preserve the life of God's living Earth. So props & standing ovations to them!

NEW DAY, NEW JOURNAL, NEW POST

Yesterday, I started a new journal. In our storage closet, I have journals dating back to 1985! With journaling, I've adhered to strict journaling techniques; but I've also journally let-loose, penning whatever's on my heart. The cool thing about it, is it allows me to "clean the tank" before starting the day. The cool thing--for you--is if you've never journaled, it's never too late to start!

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE SON?

YELLOW STICKY FROM GOD

When I saw this passage in The Message bible, I imagined it being a love note from God. Maybe something for a yellow sticky, to be stuck to a dashboard or mirror:
Dear Child,
"I can see your pain and poverty...Fear nothing in the things you're about to suffer...Don't quit, even if it costs you your life. Stay there believing. I have a Life-Crown sized and ready for you."
Love ya, God

NEW ADDITION THAT RHYMES WITH LOG...

After begging, shutting up, praying, pleading, not nagging, praying some more & waiting, Raul finally came to me with a list of criteria that a dog would have to meet before he'd even consider it. I was all over that. And finally, today, as if the clouds parted & a piece of heaven shined down on Earth, there he was. THEE dog that would meet ALL of Raul's criteria. So we brought him home. He's great. Effortlessly becoming a part of our family. Today, alone, giving me shots of joy that I've recently been praying for. Without further ado, please let me to introduce you to: Otis...

CRAZY PRAYERS

Boy, in my lifetime, has God heard some crazy prayers. I wonder if He sometimes laughs (in a good way) at my perpetual, preposterous prayers. Here's a sample:
1. God, please send one of your angels to Earth to guard so-n-so.
2. God, please take me home (sometimes, Heaven just sounds too good & I'll shoot straight with God about that).
3. God, please send a mate who is a Christian, hasn't lived a wild life, is OK with my craziness & wants to settle down & marry.
4. God, please help every single child on the entire planet who is being threatened right at this moment & please tend to every single one of them & let them know you see their tears.
Don't be afraid to give God your crazy prayers. He's ok with it. Really. "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."

THE ULTIMATE CONCERT TRIO?

I love concerts! I still recall my p.'s taking me when I was a wee-one, so I've been hitting them for 30+ years. My first concert (without my p.'s) was Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. I'm still licking my wounds from missing Coldplay's concert last year...wah wah :( But I got to thinking, what would be the ultimate concert trio? It's hard to narrow it down, but I'd probably pick: U2, Phish & Black Eyed Peas or Jack Johnson, John Mayer & Lincoln Brewster or maybe Alicia Keys, Natalie Merchant & Brooke Fraser. Like I said, nearly impossible.
What 3 would you pick?

[pic: my lil man, Andy, at his first concert.]