Top o' the Mornin' to Ya

"Lighting Up The Clouds" by Ralfo from WonderPhotos

I just LOVE the world outside in the morning.  I don't necessarily like getting out of bed but I love mornings.  My brain (not my body, just my brain) is pretty active in the morning.  I think it's my most creative time of day.  So why do I try to do my blogging at night? At night: I'm tired, not nearly as positive thinking, and sometimes just plain 'ole cranky.  Alas, in the morning there are many responsibilities to be taken care of and limited time for doing "my" thing.  And, to my my dismay, there are other things I would like to be doing in those early hours also, such as taking my dog and myself for a walk.  What to do?  What to do? 

Not enough time in the day or poor prioritizing?  It's neither.  Either there are not enough mornings or mornings are too short.  I would like to make a motion that mornings be lengthened and evenings be shortened.  Do I have a second on that?  
 

I believe in creative problem solving, Sam

Who Needs a Journal When You Have Facebook?

I think Facebook has become my online journal....in a twisted sense of humor kind of way. (I love Facebook. Please don't tell.)

Facebook post #1 and the rest of the story: 

"Craving hot chocolate and out of milk. Signed, Forlorn in Orange."

Well, that's how the day started.   Could have been much worse. Actually, it was a rather pleasant morning. We were up and going and getting ready for a field trip.

Facebook post #2 and the rest of the story:"Field trip this morning to Tessman Planetarium- The Star of Bethlehem Show. It was out of this world."

Oh, the many possibilities we discussed for the presence of that miraculous star. We learned a lot about astronomy and a lot about history. The explanation that seems the most plausible to me is quite fascinating. Apparently, each of the constellations was related to a certain country or region. There were two constellations related to Jerusalem and the Jews, the first Pieces and the second Leo, the lion. Two planets lined up in Pieces first, which could have looked like a bright star. A year later two other planets lined up in Leo right next to the star called the "King Star". It just gives me chills.

Facebook Post #3 and the rest of the story:"My Visa card was lost but now is found. Baptismal service TBA."

Some hilarious comments from my friends:

1. Congratulations on your Visa card's decision. 2. Does that mean that all of it's sins will be washed away and it will be made clean?

Response: Good question. I would like to know if it's debts have been paid. Now that would be a miracle.

Now you KNOW it's scary when you lose a credit card!  One good thing did come out of it, my purse is now neat and tidy.  But after I cleaned out my purse, the Visa card was still AWOL. Then I checked my coat pocket. Yep, it was there the whole time.  I bet you also know that the whole world stops while you look for your credit card.  Dinner was an hour late, but hey, it was found.  :)  Disaster had been avoided.

Speaking of disaster, did you know that word comes from the belief that certain stars could bring bad luck. "Dis" meaning bad or something of the sort and the root "Aster" means star.  Hence, "disaster"  means "bad star".  Bad stars were typically comets. Comet from the root "comb" because comets were known as hairy stars - a star with a ponytail blowing behind.  Who knew that visiting a planetarium could be so interesting?

Hope you're having a good star day, Sam

P.S. I did finally get my hot chocolate and it was YUM.

P.S.S. My husband and I worked for about an hour trying to get rid of all the funky arrows and lines in this post.  We're stumped.  Any ideas?

I Knew It!

God helped my friend  He worked out a difficult situation for her.  There will be many more difficulties but God will be there too.  I am hangin' on tight to every blessing no matter how small.  Encouragement, in any form, is balm to a hurting soul.

Encourage one another, Sam

My Friend is Hurting

My friend is sad.  My friend is going through some very hard times.  That makes me sad too.
But my friend is learning to trust in God.  She is learning to have hope even when things are unjust, unfair, and turning her whole world upside down.

I would be tempted to despair but she has a  BIG God who loves her more than she knows and who WILL work all things together for her good.

It's just going to take time and lots and lots of trust.  Trust in God. Trust that it won't always be this hard. It will get better but it will be hard for awhile. Trust that knows she can do all things through Christ who strengthens her.

How do I know?  Because God did all of the above for me.  If I hadn't gone through my own hard times, I would not be able to encourage her.  Someday she will be the one to encourage someone else. I can hardly wait.

"...the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.  Let us not become weary in doing good , for at THE PROPER TIME we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galations 6: 8b & 9

Lots of love, my dear friend, Sam

Thanksgiving Perspective

I AM THANKFUL:   
FOR THE WIFE 
WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT,
BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,
AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.



FOR THE HUSBAND
WHO IS ON THE SOFA
BEING A COUCH POTATO,
BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME
AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS. 

 

 FOR THE TEENAGER
WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES
BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS. 

FOR THE TAXES I PAY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED .


FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS. 


FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.


FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE 


FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING,
WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING,
AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME .

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING
I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT
BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH. 


FOR THE PARKING SPOT
I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING
AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION . 


FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL !!
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM. 



FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH ,, WHO SINGS OFF KEY !! 
Because it means I can hear !!.


FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.




FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY 
BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD !!.



FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF
IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS , 
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE !!. 

The previous is from my e-mail archives.  The following is a note from me:

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thessalonians 5:9

In my limited wisdom, I do not think that this verse means we need to actually like and be grateful for the bad, annoying, or sinful situations around us.  But I do think it means that we can be thankful to God in all circumstances because "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose". 

We have a big God who sees our every need and heartbreak.  We have a big God who can turn every trouble into a blessing.  We have a big God who uses trials to mature us and make us stronger. We have a big God who will never leave us or forsake us.  And we have a big God who , no matter what happens to us on this earth, is preparing a wonderful place for us in heaven where there will be no more pain or sorrow.  We have a wonderful hope and for that I am extremely grateful.

May the God of all blessings be especially real to you today. 
Happy Thanksgiving, Sam

What To Do If Nobody Reads Your Blog

What SHOULD you do if nobody reads your blog?

Jump up and down and stamp your feet. (It releases tension.)

Have a pity party and sing, "Nobody loves me, everybody hates me." (Stop before you get to the line about the worms.)

Eat a quart of ice cream. (Unless it's winter and it's cold, then skip that part and get some hot chocolate.)

Write better blog posts. (Wanted: Writer-good writer to write blog posts. Poor pay. No benefits.)

GET A LIFE, WOMAN!!!  (No comment.)

Signed, Anonymous (I'm not claiming this post.)

Thanksgiving Resources

by Turkeys by ossineke from WonderPhotos

Here's a link to some Thanksgiving resources:

http://www.joyfulheart.com/thanksgiving/

Have a blessed holiday, Sam

How To Install A Redneck Security System

Merry Monday, All.  As you enter this busy week, remember to take a deep breath, think of something funny, and LAUGH.  A merry heart is good medicine.  

From my e-mail archives:

HOW TO INSTALL A RED NECKHOME SECURITY SYSTEM

1. Go to a secondhand store and buy a pair of men's used size 14-16 work boots.

2. Place them on your front porch, along with a copy of Guns & Ammo Magazine.

3. Put a few giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazines.

4. Leave a note on your door that reads:



         "Hootch" by naturegal from WunderPhotos

Bubba,

Big'un, Duke, Slim, & I went for more ammo and beer.  Be back in an hour.
 Don't mess with the pit bulls - they attacked the mailman this morning and
messed him up bad.  I don't think Killer took part, but it was hard to tell
from all the blood.   Anyway, I locked all four of 'em in the house.

Better wait outside

Cooter 

You Learned WHAT in Sunday School?

"Sunset Church" Apache Junction, AZ by BayouKB from WunderPhotos

From my e-mail archives:

OUT OF THE MOUTH'S OF.......
 

LOT 'S WIFE
 
The Sunday School teacher was describing how Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little Jason interrupted,
'My Mommy looked back once while she was driving,' he announced
triumphantly, 'and she turned into a telephone pole!'

 ________________________________
 GOOD SAMARITAN
 
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the
 Good Samaritan. She asked the class, 'If you saw a person lying on
 the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?'

 A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, 'I think I'd throw up.'

 ________________________________
 DID NOAH FISH?
 
A Sunday school teacher asked, 'Johnny, do you think Noah did
 a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark ?'

'No,' replied Johnny. 'How could he, with just two worms.'
 
 ________________________________
 HIGHER POWER
 
A Sunday school teacher said to her children, 'We have been
learning how powerful kings and queens were in Bible times. But, there is a Higher Power. Can anybody tell me what it is?'

 One child blurted out, 'Aces!'

 ________________________________
 MOSES AND THE RED SEA
 

Nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School.

'Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind
enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt . When he got to the Red Sea, he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then he radioed headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved.'

 'Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?' his Mother asked.

 'Well, no, Mom.. But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!'
 

 ________________________________
 THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
 
A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class
memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible - Psalm 23.  She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter.

 Little Rick was excited about the task - but he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line.

On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in
front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, 'The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know.'

 ________________________________
 UNANSWERED PRAYER
 
The preacher's 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father
 always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon.  One day, she asked him why.

'Well, Honey,' he began, proud that his daughter was so
observant of his messages. 'I'm asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon.'

 'How come He doesn't answer it?' she asked.
 

 ________________________________
 BEING THANKFUL

 A Rabbi said to a precocious six-year-old boy, 'So your mother
 says your prayers for you each night? That's very commendable.  What does she say?'

 The little boy replied, 'Thank God he's in bed!'

________________________________
 UNTIMELY ANSWERED PRAYER

 During the minister's prayer one Sunday, there was a loud
 whistle from one of the back pews. Tommy's mother was horrified. She pinched him into silence and, after church, asked, 'Tommy, whatever made you do such a thing?'

 Tommy answered soberly, 'I asked God to teach me to whistle, and He did!'
 

________________________________
 TIME TO PRAY
 
A pastor asked a little boy if he said his prayers every night.
 'Yes, sir.' the boy replied.

 'And, do you always say them in the morning, too?' the pastor asked..
 'No sir,' the boy replied. 'I ain't scared in the daytime.'
 

________________________________
 ALL MEN / ALL GIRLS
 
When my daughter, Kelli, said her bedtime prayers, she would
 bless every family member, every friend, and every animal (current and past). For several weeks, after we had finished the nightly prayer, Kelli  would say, 'And all girls.'

This soon became part of her nightly routine, to include this
closing. My curiosity got the best of me and I asked her, 'Kelli, why do you always add the part about all girls?'

Her response, 'Because everybody always finish their prayers
by saying 'All Men'!'

________________________________  

SAY A PRAYER  

Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his
Grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served.
 

When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away.
'Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer.' said his mother.

'I don't need to,' the boy replied. 'Of course, you do.' his mother
insisted. 'We always say a prayer before eating at our house.'
'That's at our house.' Johnny explained. 'But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook!'

            I'm glad God has a sense of humor, Sam

Relaxin' On A Rainy Saturday

"Before The Storm" by Sillygal from WunderPhotos

It's raining here in sunny SoCal.  That's a special treat.  I've been workin' hard and feel like I'm entitled to a little R&R.  Chiilin' and watchin' the rain on a Saturday is like being on vacation while you're still at home.

Hubs took my boy to a chess tournament today (That's secret code for, "My house is quiet".)  Hope my boy does well.

I made scrumpdilyicious apple muffins this morning, right after (Hang on!  I feel a run-on sentence coming on.) I finally found my son's dog who got left out in the rain and went under the house because I forgot to close off the crawl way after the repairman fixed a leak under out house yesterday. Anyway, she got lost in the maze under our house and couldn't find her way out.  I wasn't sure she was under there.  I thought she might be gone forever which resulted in a rush of unpleasant adrenaline.  Boy, was I glad to see her wet, muddy, very excited to be free body, coming out from under the house.  I rushed her directly to the tub - an hour before my alarm was set to go off.  Like I said earlier - like a vacation while you're still at home. ;)

I played around in Weather Underground today. I checked out the WunderPhotos.  I'm hooked. That's where the photos on this post came from.  I think WunderPhotos will become a new addiction.

Now I'm going to go play on my blogs and think about all the posts I want to write which may or may not ever happen.  Then I think I'll have to get around to a little house work. I have a pile of dirty laundry and dishes from not having hot water for a day or so.  But I feel a need to chill for at least another half hour before the noise, I mean my son, comes back home.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

"Stormy" by Sillygal from WunderPhotos