Dazzled

"The important thing is this:

To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become."

 ~Charles DuBois

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the last 3 weeks I have been attempting to "become" more the person I want to be. I have created a goal sheet for myself that I am holding myself accountable to. I actually am seeing a little process, although it is very slow because I am trying to change and fix so many different things at one time. I have six sections of my life that I am trying to improve: nutrition, fitness, devotional, household, parenting, and marriage. The sacrifice actually comes in the form of my will being stronger than my habits and my nature. Some sacrifices make it necessary to redirect my time and attention and I am learning that I cannot be all things to all people. In fact, I am seeing that some relationships must actually be limited in order to accomplish my goals. I can see that my marriage and my family need to receive my first fruits, my best input, my devotion, and my dedication. After, all my vocation is that of wife and mother!

(Picture is of Red Rocks in Colorado from summer 2008)

 

Time to get back to blogging!

 

 

After being extremely busy for the last 6 weeks it is time to get back to Dazzled!!! I have been trying to figure out how to be on Facebook, write in our family blog, and also express myself in my personal blog. I think I am going to try a format of posting a quote and then writing a few thoughts that I have because I love quotes.

My heart is heavy because one of my high school classmates buried her husband today. He committed suicide which is so heartbreaking and tragic.  I searched and searched for the right card to send until I found the one. Here is what it said:

'What a beautiful difference one single life made."

I have been thinking about that in so many realms. Every single life matters. To begin with, where would any of us be without our parents lives and our parents choosing to give us life? Well, that is a powerful realization because we wouldn't even be here! What about our siblings? Each one affects our life in one way or another. Our children! The very children God entrusted us with to love and raise affect so much of our lives! It goes on and on when we think of extended family, friends, teachers, co workers, neighbors.....I have the realization that every person that touches our lives has made an impression. Those that love us and have loved us do in fact make a HUGE difference. As children of God, we have to realize our value as well and know that every day we touch people's lives and we too, make a difference. I am trying to fathom how desperate one must be to end their own beautiful life and leave behind to carry the load a grief stricken wife and three children who loved him.

(Picture is of my 6th child in the Spring of 2007)

Why I Love Christmas Cards

 

With tender hands, loving eyes, and a heart swelling with joy I open the Christmas cards as they arrive in my mailbox.  Filled with happiness and anticipation I am excited to receive these gifts, yes I see them as gifts, from my family and friends.  What will be inside? A card? If so, does it depict the Holy Family, a big red jolly Santa Claus, or beautiful wishes for the season and the new year? Was the card carefully made with talented hands? How is it signed? Is there be a letter? Is there a picture enclosed? I savor my treasures and then carefullly and strategically tape them onto one of the two designated doors where I have hung my Christmas cards for the last 22 years.

 

As I have contemplated the custom of Christmas cards I had a few thoughts:

 

*Christmas cards are FUN to both send and receive!

 

*This is a wonderful way to stay in contact with people who have been a part of my journey in this life. Each person I sent a card to and received a card from represents a different relationship and different times in my life. I love those connections and recalling sweet times from my past.

 

*Christmas cards send forth good wishes, hopes, prayers, and the true meaning of Christmas. (The message of faith can sometimes land in the hands of a person who has no faith!)

 

*Every card received tells me that someone thought of my family. They spent their effort, their time (and everybody is crunched for time), and their resources to reach out to my family! WOW! Sending Christmas cards is obviously an incredibly generous gift!

 

*Being a picture person I obviously love the pictures I receive! I know that much preparation goes into that picture! The clothing, the primping, the details of getting a group in one place at one time and then the monumental task of snapping at least one picture that makes each person shine! And to think that someone made a print for ME just thrills me!

*The letters - oh, the letters!!! I love the different writing styles - some are humorous, some are entertaining, and some are factual. Each letter comes on a paper that was carefully selected by the sender.  I get an inside look at the lives of the sender and  get to share their joy and their very lives, oftentimes even hearing of births and deaths and all the real things that happen in life. I have been inspired to make things happen in my own family and being a curious person, I have learned about many interesting places and things.

 

*I even enjoy seeing which postage stamp the sender chose. I have thought about how the lowly postage stamp often evangelizes as millions of pictures of Mary and the infant Jesus swirl around in mailboxes everywhere touching the eyes of believers and non believers alike.

 

In an age of email, text messaging, and cell phones communication by "snail mail" as it is sometimes called is priceless to me. It is more than someone simply spending 42 cents. I sent out lots of cards this year because I like to, but the cards I receive are treasures to me because of the love and generosity that they represent. My decorations and tree will come down on January 6th, the Epiphany, but my cards will stay up much longer. As my eyes linger on these gifts, I hold each family up in prayer.

The roses, the piano, and the Christmas tree

 

I just want to always remember this time in my life. My husband bought me a dozen roses. I put them on our beautiful baby grand piano. The Christmas tree is in the background. I want to always remember what a blessed life I have......that is all for now...

Missing 'Cheers' over at the Petroleum Club

 

I miss my version of the 'Cheers' Bar! I am spending most of my time now at the Petroleum Club.

 

Let me explain. I had a xanga blog for 2 years. It became like the Cheers bar to me! I had lots of friends (people that read me and I them). Xanga is very much a community environment. I interacted with a very wide variety of people, many of whom were nothing like me in lifestyle, choices, or values yet I learned SO much from them. On the other hand I had friends that shared my interests, held my beliefs, and affirmed me. Both groups of people touched my life and changed me. I felt like I was casually dressed in some cute jeans, simple black pumps, and a fun shirt.

 

I have started this new blog on typepad. I really like typepad but it feels like the Petroleum Club to me. It is more exclusive. It seems that I am at a side table with a beautiful view of downtown, but only occasionally do I see someone I know (have a reader or get a comment). I am now wearing my favorite red Ralph Lauren dress and some fancy 4 inch stilettos, but spend more time alone.

 

Perhaps this analogy helps me to know myself better. I really do love a party with a lot of people. I have always had a diverse group of friends. On the other hand, I also like fine things like a great dress, a great glass of wine, and moments for reflection. I just might have to keep both blogs.....

Enthusiasm

I once heard a comedian say, "I may not be good at much of anything, but I am VERY enthusiastic." Since hearing that I have pretty much decided that is a great description of me. I have no real gifts or talents, which is regrettable. However, I AM enthusiastic! Saturday night my husband and I participated in the Jingle Bell Run in our city which benefits the Arthrtis Foundation. He ran the entire 5K and had a great time. I walked and strolled through the finish line right at 47 minutes! LOL I have been looking forward to this run for 10 days, basically since I learned about it. I bought a new RED jacket to wear to the race. I bought RED hoop earrings to wear to the race. I even bought bells for my shoes (not knowing they were going to be provided). On the way to the race (which for me was a far cry from a race) I was putting the bells on my shoelaces when my husband told me that he liked my enthusiasm. That made my day. When you ain't got no gifts you are thrilled that someone notices your enthusiasm. The picture I have enclosed is of me at the 3 mile marker. My husband was so amused that during a RACE, when I was almost to the finish line, I STOPPED for a photo op! I guess it is sort of amusing....and it shows my enthusiasm for participating!

All That Glitters Isn't Gold

Today....I understand the saying, "All that glitters isn't gold." This week I made a trip to Victoria's Secret and bought 2 items, plus I got two items for free! I also had a water pipe break in my front yard that had to be repaired. One of these purchases cost me $60. The other item cost $700. Guess which one of these required more "gold?"  Based on the pictures, which one glitters? Which one would you CHOOSE? Yes, me too! Hands down the glittery $60 purchase from Victoria Secrets is much more appealing! There are a couple of lessons here. Packaging influences us. Also, some of the things that are of the most value don't necessarily glitter and shine. Sometimes the most valuable things in our lives are so ordinary, so plain that we take them for granted. This lesson actually runs much deeper than a household repair....

Stumbling Blocks and Clear Paths

"You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you might find
You get what you need"

(Rolling Stones lyrics)

                                                                                       

I wanna run!!! But...my foot is still hurting! The Jingle Bell Run which benefits The Arthritis Foundation is in 4 days and it looks like I will be walking...at best. Ah, the disappointment! Now that I know I can run a 5K, that is all I want to do. How typical is that of life sometimes that when we strongly, ardently desire something we have to finally accept that it is not to be and we truly cannot always get what we want! The stumbling blocks fall into place and no matter how much we tip toe around we just encounter signs and signals all along the way that our efforts are futile! 

       

However, on the other hand sometimes there seems to be a sudden clear path in our life that we weren't expecting. Things that would have seemed hard, impossible, or at least unlikely just open up for us like a blooming flower in the springtime. Sparing all the details, I have an opportunity to take Lady J to a playhouse with a group of moms and toddlers. I couldn't pull all the details together a month ago when the tickets had to be purchased. Today, two extra tickets surfaced and I snatched them up! I know Lady J will be mesmerized when she goes to see Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer!

These are small examples that I care to share. I can certainly think of big moments in my life when plans have been stalled or doors have miraculously been opened. It makes me think that it is true that I can't always get what I want, but realize that I truly always do get what I need. This isn't the first time that I have seen God in secular lyrics......

(photo in this entry is Lady J walking around the path at Bear Lake in Colorado during the Summer of 2008)

My First 5K on Thanksgiving Day!

I DID IT!!!! I actually participated in my first 5K last month, but today I did the Turkey Trot in my city and ran the ENTIRE 3.1 miles!!! I understand there were about 10,000 participants and I have never been a part of anything like this in my life! The trigger was pulled on the gun so the runners could start and we just stood there.  It took almost 2 minutes before our part of the group could even start walking. Once I could run, I just ran and ran and ran! I injured my foot last month so I have been babying it and have not run in almost a month. I think I undid all the healing today as I am hobbling around again now. But, if I had to do it all over again, I would RUN it again! What a personal accomplishment this was for me! I heard one father tell his young son, "Your mind has to be stronger than your legs." Great advice. I have learned that running is mostly mental!

The day started early. I had to pick our babysitter up at 6:15 this morning. We drove down to the race site and got all situated. It was SO cold. I had a small cup of mocha cappucino and was shaking so much that I spilled it all over my pretty, cool, EXPENSIVE, white, running jacket! I got most of it out with water, but then my jacket was wet! Anyway, the race was exhilarating. My time was 35:03 which is not great, but I am satisfied with it for today! We got off to a slow start because of the crowd. After the race, he who dazzles me and I, went to breakfast. That was fun, too! When we got home I hobbled around the kitchen and cooked the traditional Thanksgiving dinner for my family under the influence of Aleve. Our grown son was here and our four little girls! Just the 7 of us because our daughter and her family spent the last 4 days with us so they went on to spend Thanksgiving with her in-laws. I feel very blessed this Thanksgiving for the health of my family and the peace that reigns in our lives! Before, after and WHILE I was running, I took pictures to document my experience. The enclosed picture sort of sums it all up! Well, it has been a long day! Time for an Aleve induced sleep! If I can get my foot to feeling better I want to go on the 5K Jingle Bell Run next weekend!!! FUN!!! 

Thanksgiving Eve

"The success of a dinner party depends not so much on what you put on the table as who you put on the chairs." (author unknown)

Thanksgiving Eve has deep fond memories for me. The memory of my mother and her kind ways can never be left out of my thoughts. You see my mother was the definition of a Peacemaker. She and my father had both been married prior to their own marriage and between them had 6 kids before I ever entered the picture. My mother was the most gracious person I have ever known when it came to sharing her loved ones. One of the biggest acts of kindness I can recall is that every year she had Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Eve - the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. She did this to free up everyone in the family on Thanksgiving day. Of course anyone who wanted to come to our home was welcome but most of those 6 grown children spent Thanksgiving day guilt free with their in-laws. My parents were always generous. There was always more than enough food and pretty much anyone was welcome and no one was expected to contribute or bring a thing. However, my family is very generous so almost everyone learned along the way to share and give. My father and my aunt always had oyster stew and in addition to all of the traditional trimmings, my mother usually prepared duck because my father liked it. My mother was a wonderful example of how a woman serves her family. I have great Thanksgiving Eve memories of laughter, joy, football in the street, a party atmosphere, festive clothing (people used to dress up) and a more than satisfying meal. The dinner party was always successful because I had a great family. I wish I could thank my mom personally now that I have such a deep appreciation. The best way to thank and honor her perhaps is to perpetuate the love that she instilled in me by serving my own family with generosity, kindness, love and of course TURKEY!