Weddings and Other Royal Things

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Image by JeanM1 via Flickr"][/caption]

Okay, people...I didn't get up at 4 am. I got up at 5:45 instead. I started watching when Catherine was riding in the car to the church. She looked beautiful.

Some people say, "Why the big hoopla about a wedding, across the ocean?" Because. Just because.

Because weddings are fun to watch.

Because there is tradition in a royal wedding.

Because I believe Kate and William really love each other.

Because it is fun.

Because it is like watching a story book wedding...come true.

So, yes.

I was up. I watched. I smiled. I enjoyed it.

It was a break from the normal day, to witness a special moment in time.

I watched Williams mother and father marry in 1981.

I was just 13 years old at the time, but I remember it.

I was up early that morning too.

Although, I am quite a bit older now...and this early morning event might call for a late afternoon nap.

Maybe for the next royal wedding, we could try for a late afternoon wedding? Say, around 4'ish?

It's just a thought.

Related Articles

• Prince William and Kate Middleton Wedding: What the Guests Wore! (news.instyle.com)


• See Kate and William's Final Wedding Preparations! (popsugar.com)


• Kate Middleton and Prince Harry Stop by Westminster Abbey One Day Before Royal Wedding (popsugar.com)


• Inside Westminster Abbey for Kate Middleton and Prince William's Wedding (news.instyle.com)


• Day 30: Royal Wedding (tirelessthoughts.wordpress.com)


• Would You Like to Be in London For the Royal Wedding Fun? (popsugar.com)


• Attend William & Kate Royal Wedding on Internet live! (trak.in)


• The Royal Wedding (adorninc.wordpress.com)


• Watch the Live Stream of the Royal Wedding Here (tvsquad.com)

Relationship Is Important

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Image by wader via Flickr"][/caption]

At Faith Barista this week we are discussing the question, "How do you spend time with God and experience spiritual rest?"  Click on the Faith Barista graphic on my right side bar to find out how others experience rest.

All good relationships require communication. If I want to have a better marriage I need to spend time with my husband. We need to talk. Laugh. Cry. Be goofy.....together. If I want to maintain my friendships I have to find time to get together. Chat on the phone. Walk together. Talk together. If I want my relationship as a mother to be nurturing to my children, I need to take time to find out what is important to them. I email family and friends. We keep in touch. We reach out.  Without communication...without sharing... relationships die. Sometimes the death is long, slow and painful. Sometimes not.

I make time for the relationships that are important to me.

My relationship with God is no different. Some people would question me with, "How can you have a RELATIONSHIP with God? God is all about religion...and rules...and church."  My reply is that God, and His son, Jesus are ALL ABOUT relationship. Yes, Jesus came to this earth in the form of man BECAUSE of relationship. God wants relationship with me, not because He NEEDS too, but because He WANTS too. Even though I have been a Christian for many, many years I am still in awe of the fact that the God of the Universe wants to know me....and even more importantly He wants me to KNOW Him.

Sometimes all I need to do, to experience spiritual rest, is to talk WITH Him, the one who knows me most intimately. I commune with the One who knows my heart.

Father,

I long for peace and rest

From You, who knows me best.

I stumble through my days

turning from Your gaze.

I am full of pride

thinking I can hide

all my stress inside

far from You.

Forgive me Father.

I am so stubborn.

I need rest.

Rest for my body.

Rest for my soul.

I need You.

Thank you for your provision for me.

As I draw close to You,

You draw close to me.

And I can rest in Your love.

Amen

Related Articles

• would You find me faithful? (joeyasher.com)


• Favor (ebonywomanofgrace.com)


• Messy Faith (wonderingpreacher.wordpress.com)


• Point to Christ (pastorcraig.org)


• To Know HIM More (heatherdawkins.wordpress.com)


• You will find rest (amblessedbeyondmeasure.com)

Precious Memories---Happy Birthday

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Image by freakgirl via Flickr"][/caption]

Special : readily distinguishable from others of the same category

Some people long for it...others strive their whole life to obtain it....and yet, a few, rare people are just born with it. That special something that makes one unique. That makes one different. That makes that person, absolutely one of a kind.

I'd like to tell you about one such person.

Today is her 75th birthday, and this day I dedicate my blog to celebrating her..... the lady that has had such a huge impact on my life, as well as the lives of my entire family.

My aunt Dorothy.

My cousins and I always knew that she had time for us. When we were very young, and she was our "Dor Dor", to Aunt Dorothy when we got older...she was the one who took us on Saturday afternoon drives (and got ice cream if were lucky), made sure she was at all the ball games to cheer on whichever child was playing at the time, opened her house as "command central" for multiple family get togethers, birthdays, and holiday celebrations. She attended graduations, celebrated marriages, anticipated the births of new family members.

Her love continued on to the next generation of children.

Aunt Dorothy continues to give us all the valuable gift of time.... Her time. Priceless.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT DOROTHY. HERE IS TO CELEBRATING YOU!

Related Articles

• A Birthday Celebration -- Happy Birthday Rowaida! (homedesign.marthastewart.com)


• Happy Birthday Google (techvibes.com)


• Riley the smiling dog celebrates birthday with toothy grin and cupcake (dailymail.co.uk)


• How Important Are Birthdays? (alwaysbcmom.com)


• How to Give Your Girlfriend an Unforgettable Birthday (socyberty.com)


• Day #183: happy birthday to me (sandwhichpatch.wordpress.com)


• Happy Birthdays (socyberty.com)


• Facebook Birthday: Or How I Got Destroyed by Betty White (blogs.forbes.com)

Time Doesn't Stop

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

As I was getting ready this morning, a thought struck me. I don't know why this particular thing hit me, on this particular morning....but, it did.

10 years.

A decade.

I'll be 52 then.

That's all true...but, what really hit me is that my kids will be gone. Gone. Gulp.

I talk a lot about my teens. How they are loud, funny, stinky, cute, silly, intelligent, serious, and all around goof balls. I sing the joy of the "empty nest". And yes, I do think I will enjoy that part of life.

Just not today. I practically burst into tears thinking that 10 years from now I will have two 25 year olds and a 29 year old. Sniff.

I really don't have that much time left.Truth be told...they are almost to adulthood right now.

And I will miss them.

A lot.

My 15 year old son was just 5, ten years ago. A mere baby. A kindergartner. We had just buried his father the month before. He dealt with a lot for only being 5. I think back over the last 10 years and how quickly time has gone by.

Then I think of how quickly the next 10 years will go by...

Graduation, college, jobs, career, marriage....maybe even grand babies.

I don't know if I'm ready for the next 10 years.

I want time to slow down for a little while. Please?

More time for holding them close, more time for hugs, and kisses.....More time for goofiness before the responsibilities of life set in....More time of just being together.

 

 

Related Articles

• Waiting on the Teenage Brain (parenting.blogs.nytimes.com)


• Just another typical day as a typical teenager - Perth, Australia (travelpod.com)


• The Case of the School Bus, the Stop Sign and the Missing 'At' (blogs.wsj.com)


• Loud, But Not Deafeningly Loud (technologizer.com)


• Teenagers want to be taught about family values in sex education classes (dailymail.co.uk)


• Demolition Company Fined after Teenage Worker Partially Blinded (first4lawyers.com)

To Love and To Cherish

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

My family and I attended a church social yesterday evening. We were there to celebrate the marriage of an older couple in our church. They had just celebrated their 68th anniversary. That is practically unheard of in this day and time. They were  married in 1942.

1. I've learned things from observing  this couple.

2. A man of true strength doesn't have to be loud, or hardened.

3. He fought in WWII, witnessed the death of his buddies...

4. Yet, this is the same man, who now in his late 80's, lovingly helps his wife to get out of her wheelchair and into the car.

5. Over the past few years his wife has lived with severe arthritis in her back, and has hearing loss.

6. That didn't matter last night.

7. He smiled at her and leaned over to tell her what people were saying.

8. I learned that she had a yellow Camero that she loved to drive in days gone by.

9. And she enjoyed laughing and being silly with her friends.

10. I learned when he was a boy, his family owned horses and buggies.

11. Until... his dad was one of the first in town to buy a car.

12. I told him, " you and your wife have seen a lot of changes in society, during your marriage."

13. He agreed.

14. I also said, " It is one thing to read history in a book, it's quite another to hear it from someone who was actually there."

15. He laughed. "Yep."

16. "to have and behold from this day on, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; until death do us part..."

17. Today's society rarely gets a glimpse at a couple, like the one I saw last night.

18. It is almost unheard of.

19. I was honored

20. To see love, up close.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO RAYMOND AND VIVIAN

Related Articles

• The Sanctity of Marriage (socyberty.com)


• Love Secrets; 3 BEST tips for lifelong love (ritawatson.com)

Men...And Other Scary Animals

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Image by Carlo Nicora via Flickr"][/caption]

I like men. I actually love some of them. I think that a lot of time men get "bad raps" in the media. Not fair. They have a lot of good qualities that oft times get overlooked. On this note, I am dedicating today's blog to my loving husband and sons, and all the other men out there that make the world a more crazy...eh hem....delightful place. I would also like to state for the record that this blog is MY opinion, and on MY blog that is the only one that counts. If you are a male basher don't read this blog---because I am all about flowers and sunshine:)

1. Men like to fix things. This is very helpful to me when I have no clue as to what I am doing. "Honey, the thing- a- ma- bobber just fell off the what-cha-ma-call-it....do you think you can fix that for me? Sure. ( I love him!)

2. Unless the food is completely toxic and inedible men will give it a try...and sometimes ask for seconds. I love that they are not so picky.

3. Men are usually good with calculations. Math is not really my forte'. Well, upper level math is not my forte' is what I should say. I also appreciate my husband's precision when measuring for whatever it is that he is building for me.

4. Men are great foot warmers in bed. Most of the time they don't complain, even if one's feet are cold, most of the time they are just glad that you are snuggling with them.

5. Most men work really hard in their chosen career. (or even if it's not their chosen career) They want to provide for their family. It makes them feel good--which in turn makes the family feel good:) Which makes them feel good. Which makes us feel good. See the circle of love?

6. Most men are really about 12 years old mentally. Some people see this as an obstacle that needs to be overcome. I see it as well.....let's just say that burping contests, lawn mower races and wrestling each other to the floor is dangerous after a certain age, and leave it at that.

7. Men can look totally cute in the morning...even right after getting up. The messy hair and unshaven face just add to the mystique.

8. Men like to have female friends. Why do you think that so many men get married? 'Cause they love us, girls. They really do. They realize how cool we actually are and they like to hang with us. This shows they obviously have good taste, right?

9. They are brave and courageous. Even if they are scared out of their wits they, most of the time, will be the one to get up and "see" what the scary noise is out in the living room. They also crawl under houses to fix things...braving snakes, possums, mice, or other vermin. They are supermen!

10. They are fun to have around and they make us laugh. They help to make the world a little more goofy, and less tense of a place.

11. They are not rattled when they take a wrong turn. "We'll just drive around until we see something familiar."

12. There is nothing better than a hug. Even if he is stinky, and sweaty and in need of a shower. ( I wonder if he will use that new lavender shampoo I just bought?)

Related Articles

• You're the best, Dad (theage.com.au)


• 7 Mistakes You're Making with Men (lifescript.com)


• Father's Day flourishes as dads embrace family time (theage.com.au)

I Love You

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="187" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

I .....LOVE......YOU.

Three powerful words.

Words that, if spoken with a sincere heart, can make a  huge difference for both the one speaking the words and the one receiving them.

What does it really mean to say "I love you" ?

Is it flowers and candy and jewelery? Is it hearts and cards? Is it a romantic dinner for two? Sure, don't get me wrong, those things are all great. I enjoy beautiful roses, anything coated in chocolate and sparkling rings. I'm a total romantic when it comes to mushy cards and "chick flick" movies. Please pass the Kleenex. I really do love happy endings. They make me smile.

Sure, like I said, those things are great once in a while.....but real love is so much more.

Love is....my husband's smile at me in the morning....even when I have bed head and haven't brushed my teeth yet.

Love is....me getting up early to fix coffee for my husband because I know he likes it.

Love is....hugging my kids and getting hugged in return.....having teens that still love to love their parents.

Love is....my husband shoveling snow, or warming up the van for me before I go to work.

Love is....me doing laundry and cooking meals and cleaning the house for my family. Making home comfortable and warm.

Love is....knowing my husband values me. My opinion counts. He enjoys hanging out with me.

Love is....telling my husband that I think he is the best problem solver around.

Love is....believing my children are awesome and knowing that they will each leave their own special imprint on this world. Letting them know that my world is a better place because they are in it:)

Love is....a card from my mom filled with words of encouragement.

Love is....family members that know my faults and still think I am worthy of their love.

Love is all these things....AND MORE.

Love is also commitment---even when you want to give up. It is holding your tongue when you really believe your opinion is the RIGHT ONE. Love is friendship. Love is choosing to overlook the imperfections and instead, learning to concentrate on the positives. Love is empathy. It is kindness and then treating others how you'd like to be treated. True love has a lot to do with forgiveness and starting over. Love is about second chances and "do-overs".  Love is holding a hand---and sometimes delicately holding a heart. Love is trustworthy and strong. Sometimes love has to be down right tough. Love can even hurt on occasion.

Above all love is a choice.

The greatest love is that of God for each of us. In John 3:16, we are told that "God  SO LOVED the world that HE GAVE His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."  Jesus chose to take our place because He loves us. Now that, my friend, is what REAL love is all about. We can love others because He chose to first love us.

Related Articles

• Rejoice in love of all couples and banish hate (timesunion.com)


• Japanese Men Struggle To Fulfill Wives' Romantic Wish (huffingtonpost.com)


• What is Love? (pastorbobcornwall.blogspot.com)


• Eros -- the "Because of" Love (pastorbobcornwall.blogspot.com)