Mother's Day

Mother's Day is this Sunday and there's only one thing I want. It's something I've wanted for the past 7 or 8 years, but have yet to get. My husband in church with me and our kids. It's the greatest desire of my heart, to have my husband in church with us on Mother's Day and every church service after that until we die or Jesus returns. Whichever comes first. :-)

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And now some quotes about mothers.

"The career of motherhood and homemaking is beyond value and needs no justification. Its importance is incalculable." -- Katherine Shor

"A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path." -- Agatha Christie

"I never knew how much love my heart could hold until someone called me 'mommy.' " -- Author Unknown

"I'd rather be a mother than anyone on earth
Bringing up a child or two of unpretentious birth...
I'd rather tuck a little child all safe and sound in bed
than twine a chain of diamonds about my carefree head.
I'd rather wash a smudgy face with round, bright, baby eyes
Than paint the pageantry of fame or walk among the wise."
-- Meredith Gray

"One good mother is worth a hundred schoolmasters." -- George Herbert

"When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child." -- Sophia Loren

"If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?" -- Milton Berle

"The woman who makes a sweet, beautiful home, filling it with love and prayer and purity, is doing something better than anything else her hands could find to do beneath the skies." -- J.R. Miller

"I've carried a child within my body. I've slept with a baby on my chest. I have kissed boo boos, mended broken hearts, been puked and peed on, and spent sleepless nights in a rocking chair. But I wouldn't have it any other way. My body isn't magazine perfect, but when I look in the mirror I see a Mom, and there is no greater blessing."

"The phrase 'working mother' is redundant." -- Jane Sellman

 "The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness." -- Honoré de Balzac

 "An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy." -- Spanish Proverb

"She never quite leaves her children at home, even when she doesn't take them along." -- Margaret Culkin Banning

 "The sweetest sounds to mortals given
Are heard in Mother, Home, and Heaven."
-- William Goldsmith Brown

"The formative period for building character for eternity is in the nursery. The mother is queen of that realm and sways a scepter more potent than that of kings or priests." -- Author Unknown 

"A father may turn his back on his child, brothers and sisters may become inveterate enemies, husbands may desert their wives, wives their husbands. But a mother's love endures through all." -- Washington Irving

"Every beetle is a gazelle in the eyes of its mother. " -- Moorish Proverb

I Believe It's Going to Get Better!

I haven't forgotten about my blog. I just haven't had much to write about.

Our niece Samantha stayed with us for about 10 days. I brought her home on Monday. She goes to a year-round school in Raleigh and school will be starting for her this Monday.

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Church has been really awesome lately. Great changes are happening. I can feel even greater things coming. It's so exciting!

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As for me and "the situation" (check the "Me" and "Life" labels if you don't know what I'm talking about), things aren't as they should be, but they are better than they were. My friends tell me I'm strong and say that they don't know how I do it or how it is that I didn't lose my mind or give up. I refuse to give up. I told God that I want what His Word says I should have and want things to be the way His Word says they should be. I will not settle for anything less than that. I claim it!

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"Many people think they are unhappy because of what's going on around them, but a lot of it is because of what's going on inside of them." -- Kirk Franklin

This and That

Friday: grocery shopping and Return of the King extended edition on Blu-Ray.

Saturday: had a cook-out. Delicious steak (filet mignon for me) and burgers with baked potatoes. We watched Beastly, which we had gotten from Red Box. It was okay.

Sunday: awesome church service! We sang my favorite song - Revelation Song.



After church, I took Kelly to see Monte Carlo. It was cute. Afterwards, Charlie, the kids and I met my brother, his wife and family near Wet n Wild Emerald Point to see the fireworks.

Charlie was off on the fourth, which was nice. The four of us went to see the new Transformers movie. I'm not really into Transformers, but it was a good movie.

There was a gorgeous sunset that evening. I couldn't resist taking some pictures of it.


We did our own little fireworks when we got back from the movie.



Church last night was very good and it was nice talking with a few of my friends.


“To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness.” -- Robert Muller

Happy Mother's Day!

"The career of motherhood and homemaking is beyond value and needs no justification. Its importance is incalculable." -- Katherine Shor

"A mother's love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path." -- Agatha Christie

"I never knew how much love my heart could hold until someone called me 'mommy.' " -- Author Unknown

"I'd rather be a mother than anyone on earth
Bringing up a child or two of unpretentious birth...
I'd rather tuck a little child all safe and sound in bed
than twine a chain of diamonds about my carefree head.
I'd rather wash a smudgy face with round, bright, baby eyes
Than paint the pageantry of fame or walk among the wise."
-- Meredith Gray

"Motherhood is not for the faint-hearted. Frogs, skinned knees, and the insults of teenage girls are not meant for the wimpy." -- Danielle Steel

"One good mother is worth a hundred schoolmasters." -- George Herbert

"When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child." -- Sophia Loren

“By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class.” -- Anne Morrow Lindbergh

"If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?" -- Milton Berle

"I've carried a child within my body. I've slept with a baby on my chest. I have kissed boo boos, mended broken hearts, been puked and peed on, and spent sleepless nights in a rocking chair. But I wouldn't have it any other way. My body isn't magazine perfect, but when I look in the mirror I see a Mom, and there is no greater blessing."

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

Sonnet 116, Movie Clip, My Love

This came to mind a few minutes ago:

Sonnet 116

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

By: William Shakespeare

Which then reminded me of this scene from Sense and Sensibility:
Scroll all the way down and pause the music first.



“Don't rely on someone else for your happiness and self-worth. Only you can be responsible for that."

Royal Ancestry, Moving Song, Quotes

I've been busy with my family tree again. I've been researching more into my mom's mom's dad's side. I was able to go all the way back to the 300s. That's not a typo. I was really surprised.

I think the reason why I've been able to go back so far with that branch of the family (and I'm just guessing) is because there might be better records kept for nobles and other titled people, which many of my ancestors were down through about the 1600s.

I've found military leaders, politicians, kings and queens, and saints, as well as dukes and counts and so on. They include the Dukes of Normandy, Charlemagne, Louis the Pious, Dukes of Brittany, Visigoths, leaders/politicians of the Holy Roman Empire, royalty of England, Ireland, France, Lombardy, Gaul, Bavaria, Austrasia, Alamannia, etc.

Of course, I realize that there are probably millions who can trace their ancestry back to the same people and to others of the same time period who are also important persons of history. But I still think it's pretty cool. :-)

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This song is on my mind tonight:



As I was listening to it a few minutes ago, this part gave me chills on my legs:

Condemnation tries to hold me
Like a prisoner in chains
And the weight of my burdens
Is calling out my name.
That's when I lift up my voice to worship
You because I know
You promised You would wash me.
Jesus, wash me white as snow.

Unto Thee, oh Lord, do I lay down my soul.
It's only by Your hand
That I can be made whole.
So Lord, let Your breath revive me again
And I'll never be the same.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.

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“The motto of chivalry is also the motto of wisdom; to serve all, but love only one.”

"Whatever giant I do not conquer, will eventually conquer me!"

Love and Marriage

Sean is still running a low fever and will miss another day of school today. He's already missed more school than he should, but I can't send him to school fevered.

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I love the articles over at MarriageMoment.org and have linked to several in the margin of my blog. One of their most recent is called Love Thinks No Evil. Here are a couple excerpts:

"In the immediate sense, the phrase 'love thinks no evil' teaches us that those who possess and characterize true love are not disposed to find evil where no evil seems to be. In other words, those who truly grasp biblical love do not suppose that good, or even neutral, actions have bad motives. They do not reason a negative opinion upon mere appearances or infer impure intent from the actions or words of others.

"This is a critical concept that has practical application to the marriage. One of the worst enemies of strong relationships – and of love itself – is negative perceptions or interpretations. This is an extremely common phenomenon in which spouses identify and interpret their partner’s actions, behavior, conduct, words, motives, intentions, and so forth in a negative way – or at least more negatively than is actually the case. In other words people believe they know the thoughts and emotions behind their mate’s conduct and become convinced that it is negative in nature. They see wrong in their partner even when it is not there. [See related article.]"

"In contrast to scorekeeping, love does not impute evil to the account of those who have committed wrongdoing against it. On the contrary, love fully and freely excuses injury done to it – and remembers it no more. If we truly characterize biblical love, we are never to be resentful or vengeful. We must forgive and refuse to look back. One translation of this verse declares that love 'pays no attention to a suffered wrong'. Yet another says that love 'remembers no evil'. This is a critical notion that all married couples should heed."

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"It takes more faith to endure than it does to escape." -- Warren Wiersbe

"Nothing is more noble, nothing more venerable than fidelity." -- Cicero

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough." -- Melody Beattie

Ancestry, Quotes, A Song

Gotta make this a quick one.

I've been doing a little more research into the family tree this week. Haven't found out much really. The most interesting and surprising thing being that my paternal grandpa's maternal grandpa's mother (did you follow that? lol) was from Germany. I haven't been able to find out her name or her husband's name. He was from Virginia, if I remember correctly.

The fact that an ancestor was from Germany is surprising because when I've asked before about our background no one ever mentioned German or even knew about it themselves. I hope I can find out more about her, but it's not looking good so far.

Oh, and I found out that my paternal grandpa's paternal grandpa Albert fought with the US 3rd Cavalry during the Civil War. (He joined in early 1865 when he was almost 18.) I knew he had fought in the Civil War on the Yankee side, being from and living in Illinois at the time, but I didn't know what regiment or whatever.

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"May God give you...For every storm a rainbow, for every tear a smile, for every care a promise and a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sigh a sweet song and an answer for each prayer." -- Irish Blessing/Prayer

"You have certain giftings. That's because people need you. There are certain giftings you don't have. That's because you need people."

"Dont ever question your wife's judgment. After all she married you."

Easter shopping, Interesting dream, Songs, Quotes

Friday, Kelly and I went grocery shopping, as we always do on Fridays, and also went shopping for an Easter dress for Kelly. I didn't want to spend more than $30. We found a pretty white eyelet dress at JC Penney on sale for about $30. (I'll add a picture of the dress at a later time.) I'd like to get her a shrug and shoes in a pretty spring color, preferrably light pink. Aqua would also be pretty, but harder to find.

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I did something Friday night I haven't done in a long time - slept nine hours. You would think I'd feel really rested and energized, but I actually felt tired and wiped out all day. :-/

On the bright side, I had a really great dream Friday night. Well, partly great. The great part: being intimate *ahem* with my husband in the hills of New Zealand. The not so great part: we were outside, so literally on one of the hills of New Zealand.

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It felt great to be in church yesterday. It always does, but yesterday just felt nice in a different way somehow. Almost anticipatory. I don't know why. I hope it means things will be changing for the better soon in my life. I'm really beyond sick of things being the way they are. Unfortunately the changing of it is out of my hands beyond praying about it.

Anyway, we sang one of my favorite songs yesterday. To Worship You I Live. We could've sung it for a longer period of time and I would've been fine with it. I could feel God so strongly and I just wanted to stay in that place. The man at my church, the Spanish minister, who sings the lead does such an awesome job. He's very anointed.


It gets really good around 2:54.

On the subject of favorite songs, here's another:



And this one:



Ignore the guy with the guitar. This was the best YouTube video/audio of the song that I could find. I loooove this song. Parts of it sound like Irish gospel. lol Great lyrics in this song!

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After getting home from church, I made brunch - eggs, bacon, toast, chocolate milk - and we watched our Tarheels get their butts kicked by the dookies in the ACC tournament. *sigh* It's like they weren't even really there. Oh, well.

I then fell asleep on the couch for a couple hours. When I woke up I made supper and watched The Amazing Race.

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If by any chance anyone from Japan is reading this, my heart and prayers are with the Japanese people, as well as the people of Christchurch, NZ.

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"Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death."

"To love someone is not just a strong feeling - it is a decision, a commitment, and a promise."

"Biblical love is not emotions or feelings, but attitudes and actions that seek the best interests of the other person, regardless of how we feel toward him [or her]." -- Jerry Bridges

This and That

As you may have guessed, I've been busy with the family tree. Mostly my mom's mom's side of the family. One of my mom's sisters is excited about what I've been discovering and wants to put it in book form for the family. So I haven't been spending much time on other branches of my family.

Researching the family tree can be frustrating at times. We were briefly related to John Alden who came over on the Mayflower. Among his descendents and relatives are Marilyn Monroe, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams, Orson Welles and William Cullen Bryant.

My kids and I were excited about this. Until I found out it wasn't true. :-/

The problem? Apparently there were two different men with the same name (the first name being quite unusual) from two different families born around the same time in the same area of North Carolina. I just happened to find the one I'm not related to. As have many others, I learned. All those hours spent working my way back down what I thought were my ancestors. And all those names added to the family tree had to be deleted. *sigh*

So I've taken a few days off from my research, but will continue with it this week.

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This past Saturday were promotions at the dojo where Sean is learning Karate. Sean had an orange stripe added to his belt. They do promotions every 8-12 weeks. He should be getting an orange belt at the next promotions. I can tell Sean is proud of himself and I'm proud of him.

In other Sean news, he's student of the week at his school this week for helping a new student (who is Chinese and speaks little English) and for improving his attendance.

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I had to bring Kelly to the doctor yesterday. She had been complaining of pains in her heart for a couple days. Turns out she has a chest wall inflamation. She has to take ibuprofen for the pain and keep a record of when she gets the pain and how long it lasts. I had the same thing when I was 21. It wasn't anything serious and went away on its own.

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After leaving Karate on Saturday, we went to Olive Garden to celebrate Sean's promotion. While waiting for our food, the kids (including my 11-year-old niece Samantha) were talking about their favorite songs and asked me what my favorite song is. I love so many it was hard to choose, but at the moment it's this one:



I usually only listen to gospel music, but occasionally I'll hear a non-gospel song that I like. Such as this one:



And this one:



Though I don't believe anyone is perfect other than God. But it's a catchy song.

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"The truest characters of ignorance are vanity, and pride and arrogance." -- Samuel Butler

“It is better to lose your pride with someone you love rather than to lose that someone you love with your useless pride.”

“A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you.” -- C. S. Lewis

“No one ever choked to death swallowing his pride”

“Temper gets you into trouble. Pride keeps you there.”

“Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real” -- Thomas Merton

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” -- Proverbs 11:2

“Pride is pleasure arising from a man's thinking too highly of himself.” -- Baruch Spinoza

“Pride costs more than hunger, thirst and cold.” -- Thomas Jefferson

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty [arrogant] spirit before a fall." -- Proverbs 16:18

Pretty February Day at the Park; Karate

No time for a lot of typing right now. Still working on the family tree. I was making good progress with my husband's side of the family, but I'm too tired to continue with it tonight.

Yesterday was a beautiful day with a high of 68°, so Kelly and I went to the park. I wore a light jacket because the breeze was a little cool to me, but Kelly wasn't bothered by the breeze and tied her jacket around her waist.





My mom took Sean to Karate where he received the news that they're going to move him to the adult class. The owner/sensei said that Sean is doing really well and can handle the pace of the adult class. Sean's really excited. He'll be joining the adult class tomorrow. A couple weeks ago they said that promotions were coming soon. Sean can't wait to move on to his next belt.

Well, it's 2:30 AM and I must go to bed. I'm pretty tired.

Y'all have a great Friday!

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"Until you realize you are the creator of your own misery you will never be truly happy. For it is how you react to any given situation that brings you happiness."

"When you are more desperate for personal happiness than Biblical obedience bad decisions are imminent."

Par-tay, Family Tree, Quotes

As I wrote before, Kelly's birthday was this past Tuesday. I was going to throw a party for her this Saturday, but like last year, she didn't want a big party with friends. She just wanted it to be our small family group. So the five of us (me, Charlie, Sean, Mom, Kelly; my brother & his family couldn't make it) went to Olive Garden the evening of her birthday. When we got home we did the cake (Oreo ice cream cake) and presents.

These didn't turn out as well as I had hoped because I forgot the flash. Doh! Notice Sean behind Kelly being the typical pesky brother.

It's hard for me to believe that my little girl is 11 years old now. Not all that little anymore. She's growing (too quickly) into a fine young lady.

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I've been trying to do some research into my family tree. (I'm putting it together at ancestry.com.) I wish I could get all the information I want without having to pay for it. I personally don't feel like I should have to pay to find out about my own family. I've managed to find out some things (full names, birth dates, sometimes just the year, places of birth or residence), a little at a time. I'm sure I could find out more if I was paying for it. :-/

I've contacted an uncle (one of my dad's brothers) in the hopes that he can tell me more about my paternal grandpa. Especially about his service in the Navy, place of birth, his parents' places of birth and so on. As well as give me more information about my paternal grandma's parents. I hope he gets back to me soon.

One thing I found that I thought was really interesting was my maternal grandpa's Army enlistment information. I didn't know until now that he was in the "Regular Army", field artillery, and that he was a farm hand prior to his enlistment in September 1940.

Anyway, I won't bore y'all further about my family history.

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I read this at another blog and really liked it:

"The art of keeping a home not only encompasses beautifying the home, but also, helps to establish virtues and manners. This is seen and made manifest in the woman who cheerfully serves her family & friends with kind hospitality and service unto the Lord.

"Do you delight in creating a warm, serene, space that is filled with the love of Christ? The significance of your deeds done joyfully unto the Lord are invaluable. Take joy in serving the Lord and others today.

"Rejoice in your calling, be blessed."

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Well, I'm so tired my eyes feel like they're about to fall out onto my cheeks. Off to bed I go.


“Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.”

Ringtone and Blog Following

Charlie likes to text. He texts me more than he talks to me when he's away. I have a ringtone just for him so when he calls I know it's him without looking. And everytime he calls I get that song stuck in my head. Not that I mind, of course.

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I've been a member of SITS for a year or two. (There's a button for their site in the margin.) I enjoy checking out the featured blogger of the day and congratulating them on their day. Sometimes I'll become a follower of the featured blogger. But if I see that that blogger (or any blogger really) has hundreds of followers, I usually don't follow them unless I really love their blog. I'd rather follow someone who looks like they need more followers - if I love their blog even just a little. I hope it makes them smile when they see they have a new follower. I love it when I get a new follower and I admit I'm kind of sad when someone stops following me. Though I guess I can understand. I'm not funny and I'm not the most interesting blogger in the blogosphere. :-/

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I started feeling really bad a few hours ago. Headache, nausea, overall feeling of not feeling well. I took some ibuprofen for my headache and ate some crackers for my nausea, which helped some. I really hope I'm not getting sick. Not that a person would normally want to get sick. So, this night owl is signing off now and going to bed.

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"The 'Love Language' of Jesus is Obedience. You don't need a personal conviction to obey scripture, you just need a 'Personal Submission'."

“Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.”

“To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness.” -- Robert Muller

This and That

My heart, my love and my prayers have been with my husband's family today. I hurt for my nephew's mother and siblings. Things like this just shouldn't happen. :-(

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This song has been on my mind since Saturday night:



What a beautiful, powerful song.

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Not feeling well today. Headache, slight feeling of having been run over by a truck, general blahness. I hope I'm not coming down with something.

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I read a really great article over at Marriage Moment called Love is Not Self-Seeking.

"The focus of marriage used to be on advancing family, community, and society. Now the focus seems to be on what the individual can get out of the relationship emotionally, financially, and otherwise. And, all too often when a marriage not perceived to be fulfilling these functions sufficiently it is discarded or abandon in pursuit of another relationship.

In order to find real joy and contentment in your marriage and in life you must first learn the lesson that love is not self-seeking. You must come to accept that times of personal unhappiness are sometimes necessary. A commitment to love involves a commitment to sacrifice. Putting the best interests of your relationship with your mate in front of your personal welfare will ultimately benefit both you and your partner. Loving God’s way never fails."

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"Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get." -- Dale Carnegie

"When you refuse to talk to your spouse, you're hurting your marriage. Eliminate your pride ... talk!"

"When spouses are not communicating, the devil is able to sow lies and other wicked seeds into each spouse's mind."

"Husbands: What you did to get her is what you do to keep her. Never stop dating your wife."

"One advantage of marriage is that, when you fall out of love with him or he falls out of love with you, it keeps you together until you fall in again." -- Judith Viorst

Things on my Mind

While watching Sean at Karate last night, we found out that the owner of the dojo was in the hospital with a blood clot in his lung. If you pray, say a prayer for him please.

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For some reason, the scene in The Color Purple where Celie tells Mister, "I'm poor, black, I may even be ugly, but dear God, I'm here. I'm here!" popped into my head earlier. I kind of feel that way about myself. I'm in a situation I'd rather not be in and "I may even be ugly", but I'm here!


Fast forward to 7:50 to hear the line I quoted.

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Another thing that popped into my head tonight is a song called Satan, You're a Liar. Good song. Anything I hear or feel that goes against what the Bible says or what I believe God has for me is a lie. Sometimes I feel down and defeated and like things aren't going to work out. But it's a lie! I am not defeated and things will work out!

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I've posted this song before. I just love the beat and of course the words. Probably my favorite line is: "Got a hot wife, don't need to be a pimp!" :-D

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And now a few quotes, including two more marriage quotes from my preacher "friend" at Facebook.

"The right to do something does not mean that doing it is right." -- William Safire

"Spend some time listening to God about your marriage. Then do whatever He tells you to do."

"Loving your spouse is one of the ways you love and serve God."

Dreams and Expectations

I've been a dreamer all my life. I can still remember being awake in my bed late at night when I was a little girl and dreaming about going to Toys R Us and filling cart after cart with all the toys I wanted. Mostly Barbie stuff.

I no longer dream about shopping sprees at Toys R Us. My dreams these days are more adult and some are of a spiritual nature.

Other than my spiritual dreams, I don't really expect my dreams to come true. By that I mean that I don't demand it. I don't tell God to make my non-spiritual dreams come true and I don't make demands on my husband to make them happen either. And yet I sometimes feel like maybe Charlie feels pressured by my dreams. I'm really not sure why. I don't share my dreams with him often and I make no statements that would suggest that I expect him to make those dreams come true. Yet he's said things in the past about my wanting things we can't afford. I scratch my head and try to explain to him that I'm only dreaming and have never expected nor demanded that he do something about it.

For instance, I would love for us to have a bigger home. Something with four bedrooms (one of them would be for our library), a den, a fenced-in backyard, the 3-car garage Charlie wants. But this dream house, while larger than what we currently have, is not a mansion by any means, though he seems to think that I want some huge, expensive house. I would even be okay with this dream home needing some paint and updating. I try not to be too picky. I've shared this dream with Charlie a few times, but have made no demands and never said that I want anything huge or fancy. I'm really not the fancy type.

Another dream I have is to go to New Zealand and several European countries. Again, I haven't demanded it. In fact, if I ever get to visit another country I will be surprised.

Charlie hasn't really said anything about that dream, but I've gotten the impression a few times that for some reason he thinks that I expect him to make my dreams come true even though I've never said that I do. I've simply told him what my dreams are in life. Dreams and expectations are two different things.

I really don't know why he interprets my dreams as expectations. All I expect from him are the things that most wives expect of their husbands and the things that God's Word requires of husbands. Anything else really are just lovely little extras.

I've placed my dreams in God's hands. He's in control and if it's His will for whatever I dream to come to pass, it will happen. If not, I'm okay with that. As long as I have what truly counts in life - God, church, my husband, my kids, the basics of life, health, etc. - then that's all that truly matters.

It's my spiritual dreams that matter most to me. Spiritual dreams for myself, my husband, my kids and my church. These are the dreams I most desire to see come true. Dreams that are much more than dreams. They are, I believe, also necessary for our lives and for eternity. These dreams I do expect to come true and I will not be satisfied until they do. I pray daily that God will make these things happen and I have faith that they will. I can't imagine God not bringing these things to pass. Because He loves me and my family and because what I'm dreaming of and asking God for are supported by His Word.

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"No person has the right to rain on your dreams." -- Martin Luther King

"If you can dream it, you can do it." -- Walt Disney

"All men who have achieved great things have been great dreamers." -- Orison Swett Marde

"There's no excuse not to dream."

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” -- Henry David Thoreau

Pretty Dresses, B-Day Party, Marriage Quotes

Kelly and I did the usual Friday grocery shopping this past Friday. I was also able to get her a new dress for church. It was on sale at JCPenney for less than $24, before tax.

Close-up of the rosette detail along the neckline. Click to enlarge.

I was able to get her another dress today and a few shirts (I couldn't find a picture of the third one), which were all on sale.

JCPenney

Belk

Belk

It's hard for me to believe that she's already wearing a size 14 in dresses. I was wearing a size 14 when I was 13 years old. Kelly will only be 11 in a couple weeks. And she almost needs a size 16 in dresses for the length. A size 16 is too big for her as far as how it fits her body (she tried on a 16 today), but is just about right for length. When it comes to shoes, she can almost fit into my size 6's perfectly. She's probably going to be taller than me. Not that it takes much - I'm only 5'0".

Charlie got Sean a new belt for school (which he needed badly) and some pants. Now he just needs a couple long-sleeved polos, which can be hard to find for some reason. Seems like most stores only sell the short-sleeved polos. Sean also needs new church clothes and church shoes. Kelly needs a few more church dresses, church shoes and skirts for school. Which are also hard to find unless you want mini-skirts. We don't.

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Yesterday was my niece (on Charlie's side) Samantha's 11th birthday. We went to Raleigh, where she lives, for her party. There was skating, Mexican food, presents and an Oreo ice cream cake. It was nice to spend time with family.

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More marriage quotes that a preacher "friend" has been posting on Facebook:

"Bitterness eats away from the goodness that God has given to us in marriage." -- Paul Buckness

"Working marriages need spouses who have marital backbones that can withstand the hard times of marriage." - Love that one!

"Are you blaming your spouse for YOUR attitude, mistakes, choices, actions, inability to be happy, etc?"

"GOD created the institution of marriage and defined it on HIS terms as the central institution of human society. We'd be wise to follow that."

"Spouses: Be committed to the vow you've made despite the differences or challenges you may face."

"Marriage is a commitment; a promise to stay with your spouse for the rest of your life. Are you keeping your promise?"


And a non-marriage quote:

"One of the most important ways to manifest integrity is to be loyal to those who are not present. In doing so, we build the trust of those who are present." -- Stephen Covey

Marriage Quotes

One of my Facebook "friends" is a preacher up in Virginia. Apparently he's been teaching about marriage lately on Wednesday nights at the church he pastors. He's shared a few things on Facebook that I really liked. I copied and pasted them to my computer where I keep a very long list of favorite quotes. I actually have two long lists of favorite quotes.

"In every marriage more than a week old, there are grounds for divorce. The trick is to find, and continue to find, grounds for marriage." -- Robert Anderson

"Love your spouse so well that you make your friends and neighbors jealous."

"A negative attitude, a negative mouth, and negative behavior will net you a negative marriage."

"Your spouse is far more important than guests: So he/she should get better treatment than they do."

"Choose your spouse over all other human relationships." -- Ooh, I really like that one a lot!

"The Christian is supposed to love his neighbor, and since his wife is his nearest neighbor, she should be his deepest love." -- Martin Luther

A quote by another preacher I'm a "fan" of on Facebook had this non-marriage thing to say:

"You can choose your sin, but you can't choose your consequence." -- So true.

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And now for more from Proverbs.

21:2, 4, 6, 13
"2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth [examines] the hearts. ... 4 An high [haughty; conceited] look, and a proud heart, and the plowing [lamp; evil actions] of the wicked, is sin. ... 6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity [fleeting; a waste of time] tossed to and fro of them that seek death. ... 13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard."

21:16, 21, 23
"16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. ... 21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. ... 23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles."

21: 28-29
"28 A false witness shall perish [will be cut off]: but the man that heareth [listens to the truth] speaketh constantly [will speak forever]. 29 A wicked man hardeneth his face [bluffs; puts on a bold face or front]: but as for the upright, he directeth his way [thinks before he acts; prepares his way]."

Happiness and What it Means

"All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame him [or her], it will not change you. The only thing blame does is to keep the focus off you when you are looking for external reasons to explain your unhappiness or frustration. You may succeed in making another feel guilty about something by blaming him [or her], but you won't succeed in changing whatever it is about you that is making you unhappy." -- Wayne Dyer

My friend Carmen posted this on her blog. I liked it so much I had to "steal" it and post it on my blog. It's so full of truth. If you find yourself unhappy, don't point fingers at others. (Unless it's an abusive relationship.) Look within yourself.

This reminds me of another quote, which I've shared on my blog before:

"If the grass looks greener on the other side, fertilize yours."

If things look better somewhere else, walking away from your life won't bring you happiness. Make things better right where you are. "Bloom where you are planted." Walking away because you feel unhappy won't solve anything. You'll just bring the unhappiness with you wherever you go.


Thinking about the first quote reminded me of my entry about selfishness, which I wrote over a year ago. It is pure selfishness (and self-centeredness) to unjustly blame someone else for your unhappiness and then decide that in order to "be happy" or "find happiness" you must cut that person from your life, even if doing so will cause them great heartache. You both know, though you won't admit it, that it's not their fault you're unhappy. They've done nothing to deserve being blamed for your unhappiness.


What, beyond momentary circumstances, brings happiness? In my opinion, it's the following things:

Gratitude. It's so easy to take people for granted, including our spouses, and to not be thankful for all they do for us. Even more important than that is to be thankful to God.

Commitment to God and/or your spouse and your family. Be faithful, be true, be constant, without end.

You must also be able to forgive whatever wrong is done to you and have unconditional love towards your spouse, your children and your family. As a matter of fact, God commands such love. Especially between husbands and wives (Ephesians 5:25, Titus 2:4) and from His people towards others.

Generosity, in all its forms (of spirit, monetary, time), is essential for happiness. I mentioned selfishness earlier. You cannot live a selfish life and be happy. Spend time with your spouse, your children, your family. Spend money on occasion, even if only a little. Especially if it meets a need. Do not withhold your heart or your affection from those who love you and from those who you are supposed to love.

Kindness. I don't care what rude people say, they are not happy. How can you be happy when you treat your fellow man (or woman or child) poorly? Lend a helping hand, smile, hold doors for people, meet a need, use polite words. I have yet to feel unhappy because I did something for someone else.

Trust and honesty. How can a person be happy if their mouth is full of lies? And how can they be happy if others lose trust in them because of their lies? Tell the truth, keep your word, be a person of honor. People will know they can count on you and they will trust you.

Knowing you have a purpose in life, something (or someone) you're working for or living for, brings happiness and real satisfaction. Even if you hate your job, try to focus more on why you're working or who you're working for (to support). If you persevere, you can find a better job. Don't let your job be the source of your overall life's happiness. (Though, of course, I hope you're happy with your job.) Just keep in mind, "I'm doing this for my kids. I'm doing this for my family. I'm doing this for my spouse. I'm doing this for God."


Happiness isn't something you pursue or seek after. ("The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet." -- James Oppenheim) It's not something that's based on your circumstances. It's all about your attitude and disposition and having your priorities in order. What's that old saying? "The main thing is have the main thing be the main thing." Or something like that. :-)

For Christians this should mean God first, others second and yourself last. And saying that you should be last does not mean that you neglect yourself. But so many have the order all wrong. They put themselves first, and some even make themselves their only priority, and then they're shocked when they discover they are unhappy. I will say it again: Selfishness does not bring happiness.

Well, I've run on long enough. I hadn't intended to write so much. I started off thinking this would probably be short. :-/ It's nearly 3:00 AM. I've stayed up later than I planned to or thought I would. Time to go to bed.

Y'all have a great Thursday!

Tidbits and Quotes

No school again today. Secondary roads are still covered with ice. Spring Break will be very short as a result of missing school this week. Temperatures are supposed to be above freezing, so maybe some of the ice will actually melt today. I expect there to be school tomorrow with maybe a 2-hour delay, but we'll see.


I don't understand people who apparently think, "As long as I'm happy I don't care how anyone else feels. Not even family."


I usually do the grocery shopping on Fridays, but I may wait until Saturday or Sunday this week if I can. Temperatures are still only going to be in the 30s on Friday. Saturday should be around 40° and Sunday close to 50°.

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"A home is built on the foundation of love, commitment and a shared history. It is decorated with forgiveness, acceptance, rituals, discipline and mutual support."

"I've carried a child within my body. I've slept with a baby on my chest. I have kissed boo-boos, mended broken hearts, been puked on and peed on, and spent sleepless nights in a rocking chair. But I wouldn't have it any other way. My body isn't magazine perfect, but when I look in the mirror I see a Mom, and there is no greater blessing."

"What is love? Love is when one person knows all of your secrets... your deepest, darkest, most dreadful secrets of which no one else in the world knows. And yet in the end, that one person does not think any less of you; even if the rest of the world does. Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning." -- Marvin Sapp

“Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit.” -- Peter Ustinov

"Do I work? Yes! I work 24 hours a day. Why? Because I'm a mom! I am a chef, a cleaner, a parent, a teacher, a referee, a counselor, a nurse, a handy-woman, a maid, a bodyguard, a comforter and more. I don't get holidays, sick pay or a day off. I work through the day and the night. I am on call at all hours. Now tell me my job isn't a real one!!"