tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35898107206943639892024-03-19T03:07:18.586-07:00In the Shadow of CircumstanceLadybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-80733487970138646272016-05-28T21:12:00.000-07:002016-05-28T21:12:49.210-07:00So, there's actually not a lot out there that's really relevant to me about sorting an existing paper mess.<br />
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There's a lot out there about incoming mail sorting and such.<br />
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But the daunting task of going through quite possibly 20 years of papers?<br />
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And another thing I'm finding is not all of it is just papers in my office. There's a lot of office type stuff, craft stuff, and random things. I'm not throwing out my pretty fans that I can give V or decorate her room in, in just a few years. Or perfectly good crayons, paints, etc. Because I'll buy more if I throw that out.<br />
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Before I get too specific, I must say that one thing I had to get into my head is that organization is an ongoing process; as needs change, and life changes, I have to adapt. Every house is going to be different. Every phase of family and childhood is different.<br />
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I organized the bottles, then she moved on to sippy cups, which didn't fit in the same space. I got her clothes organized,and she outgrew them AND the season is trying to change back and forth every 2 days. Etc.<br />
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So, as I go, I realize there's a lot that may not stay exactly the same. But I have to start, and keep at it, to make it happen.Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-57211671833098814762015-06-05T07:53:00.001-07:002017-09-18T23:50:24.023-07:0015 Things You Don't Say to Someone With A Mentally Ill Family Member <p dir="ltr">First of all,  everyone's situation is unique, so I'm not claiming to speak for everyone,  but I definitely want to open the conversation for others. Secondly,  some of these are a little exaggerated perhaps,  but this is what someone may hear when you make a similar, thoughtless comment. Thirdly,  I apologize on behalf of the church that the subject of mental illness is actually as much feared in the midst of Christians as non Christians; we are all human.  And lastly,  the brain is an organ, and all organs can be sick or genetically messed up. Have grace when someone opens up about a familymember or themselves!</p>
<p dir="ltr">1. It can't be that bad. <br>
That doesn't help. And if I'm saying it, then I feel it is that hard. </p>
<p dir="ltr">2. Why don't you just get them help? <br>
If I'm telling you,  chances are we've already been through a bunch of resources and this has been going on a while. Sometimes the doctors aren't a good fit,  sometimes they don't know what's going on,  sometimes the meds make things worse before they get better. </p>
<p dir="ltr">3. Isn’t there a medicine for that? <br>
Meds are not always the answer. And a person has to take the meds for them to work.  And people with mental illness often go to extremes to hide that they aren't swallowing the pills. </p>
<p dir="ltr">4. Why don't you just make them (do, go, etc.)? <br>
Have you tried to make someone do something they don't want to, who's bigger than a 5 year old lately? It's hard to manipulate a manipulator.</p>
<p dir="ltr">5. But they seem so nice... <br>
Said every serial killer's neighbor. Seriously. You can't judge a charmer by their charmingness and "know it's genuine. "</p>
<p dir="ltr">6. They would never do that... <br>
I know it's hard to comprehend someone torturing a dog or assaulting a sibling or their own mother or father,  but you're either calling me a liar, or you believe everyone is inherently good.</p>
<p dir="ltr">7. You should pray that God casts out their demon.<br>
First, did you get some message that I didn't?  Or do you think I didn't pray hard enough? While I personally do believe there are demons, I also believe the brain can be ill, and I don't jump to conclusions. Often you'll find the family has prayed a very long time,  and I don't believe one prayer is more powerful than another,  because it is God who is powerful, not my prayer.</p>
<p dir="ltr">8. Why don't you just leave?<br>
Because running away from a problem solves it?  Things are often more complicated than that. Someone may struggle with feeling like they are abandoning other family members, the mentally ill family member himself, or just be afraid they don't have the resources to make it on their own and fear that going back after being gone may be worse. </p>
<p dir="ltr">9. Are you scared it's genetic / that their children have it? <br>
This question is often asked by someone who rather enjoys striking fear into someone,  but what person has not considered that possibility who has known their situation for more than a few days? </p>
<p dir="ltr">10. Have you talked to them about how you feel? <br>
Ummm, in most cases, that's not going to stop the behavior,  and if it was that easy to change what's going on,  then we would have eradicated mental illness by now. </p>
<p dir="ltr">11. But you're not in any real danger, are you?<br>
One of the things about mental illness is... it makes a person unpredictable. Sometimes,  yes. Again,  are you just being nosey, or are you trying to help?</p>
<p dir="ltr">12. What they say shouldn't hurt you, because you know it's not them talking.<br>
Nope, pretty sure it still hurts. There is not a switch where I can tell when they are thinking clearly and when they are not - if they ever think clearly.</p>
<p dir="ltr">13. But you can tell when they're lying, right?<br>
Not necessarily. They may not have the same reactions each time, or even feel guilt.</p>
<p dir="ltr">14. Bipolar, are they suicidal? Sociopath,  does that mean they're a serial killer? (Insert other misunderstandings here.)<br>
No, but thanks for trying to understand, confirming that everyone is going to shun me like the plague now.</p>
<p dir="ltr">15. Maybe they'll outgrow it.<br>
Yes,  I will always hope they can change. But some of it may never be healed this side of Heaven,  and I have to - they have to - live with that for now. </p>
Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-36284645592254704682015-05-01T08:26:00.005-07:002015-05-30T07:20:54.472-07:00Motherhood <p dir="ltr">Motherhood. You're suddenly the expert on this little life... And yet this person is a complete stranger that you only met a matter of weeks ago. You practically have to read this individual's mind, yet you've never had a conversation with them, and you won't for months and months. </p>
<p dir="ltr">But slowly, you develop an understanding. There are things this little person likes, and dislikes, understands, and is amazed by, is concerned about, and is learning about... And you get to influence their interaction with the whole world. </p>
Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-88097370637032477422015-01-22T10:33:00.000-08:002015-01-22T10:33:33.201-08:00Was there not a word for rest, either?My daddy used to say, "The guilty cry the loudest," or something like that. In this case, the amount of defensiveness from some "followers" is making me feel a little suspicious.<br />
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First of all, there are many, many Psalms that use words that mean command, decree, law, etc. One of the ones I like that came to mind instantly is, "I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word." Psalm 119:6<br />
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<br />A trusted source for many years has been Strong's Concordance. I googled and found on a site that pulls such free resources together in one accessible place: http://www.biblehub.com/hebrew/3982.htm<br />
<br />The word maamar means: a word, command. Ir is taken from amar, which means: something (authoritatively) said, i.e. An edict -- commandment, decree. <br /><br />While it is true, as in Galatians 5:1, that we are no longer bound by the law, it was Christ who set us free: "So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law."<br /><br />
Did God accidentally write the commandments all in the negative sense instead of the positive? Have you ever watched a child for even a day before, whose family doesn't believe in saying no, but only using positive words? Try it sometime. We need to be self disciplined enough to say no, be told no, and accept no! The positives could have been presented alongside as benefits. But I need no further benefits to convince me to follow Christ as one who's experienced the freedom of redemption that only comes with repentance! <br />
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Was there no word for rest, either? What right do we have to reword God's word? None. In fact, we're promised plagues at one point if we alter the words of the scroll in Revelation 22:18 - "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If
anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues
described in this scroll."<span class="p"></span><br />
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<span class="p">So the uproar is one thing, the defense is one thing, but the teaching is not sound, in my opinion.</span>Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-60744206800580278012014-12-25T07:40:00.003-08:002015-02-09T05:33:39.732-08:00Sending positive thoughts does nothing for me<p dir="ltr">There has been a trend, and I first saw it appear on Facebook the last two years I was in college. Someone would say that they were struggling with something, or sad or disappointed, and several people would say, "Praying for you!" Then, there would be that one acquaintance who would say something between "Sending positive thoughts your way," or "Sending light and positive energy to you."</p>
<p dir="ltr">First, that sounds to me like the jokes we make about "You must have brought the rain/snow with you."After I get over that, I think about the flip side... do people think prayer is the same as just a good wish, and that the power is from themselves whether they are thinking, wishing, or praying for someone?</p>
<p dir="ltr">How many times do we just say that we are praying for someone and not doing more than thinking of them for 5 seconds? Ever feel guilty when you receive an update because you totally didn't even remember it again after that first moment after someone shared bad news / a hard situation?</p>
<p dir="ltr">I'm still learning about prayer. I'm not as consistent as I would like to be. I don't spend enough time listening. I'm not perfect. </p>
<p dir="ltr">And, I know that people mean well when they say what they say. But empty promises of praying for one <u>another</u> changes about as much as a thought. And I don't subscribe to the philosophy that you can change things with just thoughts. God may intervene supernaturally, but there will be action. You yourself may take action. But this physical world primarily is affected by physical action and we hide behind good wishes when we can bring that meal, wash those dishes, and sit by their side.</p>
Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-45587600545907271932014-12-19T14:13:00.002-08:002014-12-19T14:13:20.366-08:00It will be perfectAs I sat between the socks, new outfits, handmade gifts, blankets, baskets, gift bags, and wrapping paper, I felt so many things. This was different than the other times I'd been in that room.<br />
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It was several weeks ago now, but it affected me for days. My husband had just discussed with me when we should put up the crib. I was dead set on December, AND wanted the only "guest bed" (aka futon couch) we had to stay up, too. That's not really reasonable, I realized, but it was the last point that had me feeling like I couldn't let go: We don't know where we'll be - here or somewhere else - until mid January, anyhow.<br />
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Why does that even matter to me? Because I was planning on decorating and making a perfect little nursery, and I couldn't wait to start...<br />
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And even then, I know I'm not going to have a perfectly coordinated picturesque room. Why? <br />
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Well, because I'm doing it. And I mess things up. They don't come out like the magazines. They don't even function half of the time. And who has the space for these Pinterest ideas, anyhow? I have three bookcases lining one wall, and a piano, and a futon couch, and a big reclining chair in that room already.<br />
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Besides, I don't even like pink that much, yet one of my themes is Precious Moments... <br />
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These things don't matter. My child's going to all too soon be communicating what she likes, anyhow, and I don't she'll be so boring to only like one thing.<br />
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I'm a military wife. I can pick up and go and never even have a nursery, and still raise my child right. If that's how it has to be, it happens that way. Then why do I feel so sad? Maybe because I couldn't even wrap the Christmas present that I was wrapping in that room that day without messing it up, leaving a crumply corner at the top.<br />
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But, I don't need a crib set up to start decorating, and I don't need much to organize these tiny outfits and tiny items she'll need at the beginning of her life, whether she spends her first months in this room, or another. So, today, this is all that's done, but it's a start:<br />
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<br />Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-38703145463427712402014-12-19T13:55:00.001-08:002014-12-19T13:55:19.251-08:00Why you can't re-write an article<div dir="ltr">
I've run into this a few times lately on Fiverr.com - people want you to "re-write" something. The different aspects I see that come into play are as follows:</div>
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Often the content is very well written, and even well known material, but the client wants to use the information for his own purposes, and doesn't know how to talk about the content himself.</div>
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The client may have some specific ideas about what he wants to add or not include, but usually doesn't communicate those things, and then is disappointed that the client didn't know instinctively where he was going with the project.</div>
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The client only provides one source, but expects the writer to pull from multiple sources, OR the client doesn't realize it's impossible to write a new article on things that are not common knowledge subjects without research and pulling from other resources. </div>
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For example, re-write the above sentence... there are only so many ways you can say that.</div>
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There seems to be a big misunderstanding about what an original idea is, and how writers function. If you're re-writing one sentence, that's one thing... but it's much more productive and much easier to write from a topic (such as: discuss homelessness and veterans) than to say, "Hey, I found this great article on this topic and I want you to rewrite it so I can use it in my book."</div>
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Often, I can't even "re-write" a description or a single sentence to a client's satisfaction. How many ways can you say, this product is a mug? I often think I've done well to engage a reader, and I receive back comments such as, "I was looking for something catchy..."</div>
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So, re-writing is now a key word I stay away from, because, for me, that means: A client with poorly thought out expectations, with some agenda they aren't sharing, looking for a shortcut to having their own stuff, without creating their own stuff, and expecting me to read their mind and then create awesomeness. That's worth more than the $5 they're usually willing to pay.<br /></div>
Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-28597011448659736202014-07-26T19:29:00.002-07:002014-07-26T19:29:28.545-07:00I like irony.I like my life of ironies.<br />
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As many pastors and friends have said, "There are no coincidences, just God showing Himself at work in the world." I find irony points me back to the Lord.<br />
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I remember reading the definition in my 10th grade literature class. I think I knew what irony was long before that, but I liked that video teacher a lot, and her explanation set my imagination on fire.<br />
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It makes a really good story, too - and I like having stories to tell or write. I like making people laugh who really don't expect me to be funny. I like the connection I feel when someone busts out laughing. My best friend Alex always makes me laugh that way, and laughs with me that way.<br />
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I can think of lots of examples - I loved coonhounds, but got dachshunds. I got told by my own beloved parakeet to "Go sit on the chair" for time out constantly. I got all A's my first semester of college at 16/17. I ended up dating a guy I didn't even speak to in high school when he filmed me for my journalism class. I got my first kiss in the rain. I married my first kiss. I stood up for a kid who was labelled a biter when I pretty much couldn't stand him for other reasons, and now he's my favorite kid I've ever watched. I took a chance despite my anxiety and reconnected with my beloved nephew. Major life events happen while Erik was away at times - like when I scored my favorite job of all time at Net3 Technology. When he finally called, I told him he could get cable - not that I got a job - and made him make the connection and laugh. There are so many more times...<br />
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Thank you, Lord, for irony.Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-31158561144023483572014-07-16T19:38:00.000-07:002014-07-16T19:38:24.107-07:00Dogs, and habits, and what made me think of both in the same post.I like dogs. I like cute puppies, my family's lazy old dog that lets my almost 2 year old nephew "play" with him (which looks more like constantly antagonizing him), and a lot of my friend's dogs. Sure, I'm initially afraid of large dogs that I don't know, but that started later in life and I can get over it if it's a nice dog.<br />
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But recently, I keep thinking of all of the reasons I don't want a dog, especially right now.<br />
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1. I feel clean after I take a shower - and I don't want a dog to drool all over me before I get a chance to go to bed. (Note: Germany <i>never</i> drooled on me unless he was ill, so I'm not saying <i>all</i> dogs have that problem, but I do like hound dogs, and they usually have that problem.)<br />
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2. I don't have to worry about who will let my dog out when I decide to stay out a few more hours to get something done.<br />
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3. I don't have to worry about what I put in the garbage can and if my dog will shred it across my whole house while I'm not looking.<br />
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4. I don't have to buy a fence or pay a pet fee.<br />
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5. I don't have to worry about what prize I pick because of knowing my dog will eat it.<br />
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Yeah, that last one - I can have nice things and don't have to worry about keeping them out of reach of my dog. Sure, it was a teenage girl who said it, but I was just thinking how confining and all consuming having a dog is! And it's not even a person - I'll do that and more for my baby someday - but I just don't have the kind of routine now that supports having a happy dog.<br />
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Maybe someday, but definitely not now.<br />
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It somehow made me think about other "pets" we keep. I know sometimes we don't realize just how confining or consuming our habits are. We think all our habits are cute, familiar, even noble. But if we are the masters we won't let our pets run our lives - we will take charge of our pets. It really makes a difference between a well behaved dog and a chaotic life... I'll let you take the interpretation where you want it. Just a thought.<br />
<br />Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-22353261898543097422014-07-05T20:02:00.002-07:002014-07-05T20:02:51.856-07:00Love Languages?I never have believed in coincidences.<br />
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Yes, we all laughed that the one lady's baby went to the center when I asked who had the Love Language of receiving gifts...and no, that's not mine.<br />
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I'm with the majority for once, in that encouraging words are my favorite thing. And tonight, I got confirmation from my husband that I didn't even really know how badly I wanted or maybe even needed. I listened to him list out, for the first time I remember, everything that I've been involved in, and it was like even before he finished the sentence, his support was given with just the mention of these things.<br />
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I was determined when we moved to Kansas that I'd do my part to make this a good season of life. I love being at home, and there's lots to do here, but I quickly found I needed at least one or two outside involvement activities to feel connected - especially when Erik's gone.<br />
<br />
I quickly found multiple ways to be involved. I wanted to find out what opportunities to get involved there are, and which ones I feel like God wants me to be involved in, so I showed up to everything at first.<br />
<br />
Since I made a lot of these decisions about how I spend my time without much input from Erik, I started wondering what he thought, and I'd ask... but it's different than what happened tonight. He initiated the words that I needed to hear. I have to think that God did that in answer to my prayer for my upcoming Fall commitments... I feel so blessed and at peace about those things.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+91&version=NIV"><span class="text Ps-91-1" id="en-NIV-15397">Psalm 91</span></a></h3>
<div class="poetry">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-91-1"><sup class="versenum">1 </sup>Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-1">will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-91-2" id="en-NIV-15398"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>I will say of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, “He is my refuge and my fortress,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-2">my God, in whom I trust.”</span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-61296108918887599742014-05-20T08:12:00.000-07:002014-05-20T08:12:33.434-07:00I am with you always<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028:20">Matthew 28:20</a> I am with you always, even to the end of the age. <br />
<br />
This verse has actually come up at least three times this week at different events, completely unrelated to each other. Ironically, at least two of the events have also mentioned something I talk about all the time: Satan's number one lie is that you're alone. That no one has ever experienced what you're going through right now and that no one understands what it's like. That you're isolated, that you're the only one who has ever sinned this big, that you're the only one on this journey.<br />
<br />
Right now I'm doing well, and I haven't felt like that in a very long time. But I will never forget as a teenager and a young adult feeling like that... and how I chose to remember that I wasn't alone, because God understood and never left me. Even when friends left, I wasn't alone.Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-2937634432442969222014-05-12T20:45:00.002-07:002014-05-20T08:14:43.077-07:00HatsHats. I have always liked them, and like to own several at any given time. Hats symbolize roles for me.<br />
<br />
Currently, metaphorically, I'm wearing several. That's not unusual, but I've had the desire to sort them out lately. In no particular order...<br />
<br />
1. PWOC member. What it means this week? The PWOC retreat. What it means this Fall? Possible Bible study co-facilitator.<br />
<br />
2. Youth leader (Youth For Christ). What it means this week? I'm about to get blasted by colorful powder in a color war. What it means this summer? Hopefully, training and encouragement alongside likeminded youth workers.<br />
<br />
3. Youth leader (on post). What it means this week? The kick-off for our Bible study. What it means this summer? A lot of really fun Wednesdays with some awesome girls, I hope!<br />
<br />
4. GGFG Manager.<br />
Let's see, there's book sales, emails, posts... editing, gathering works for the new book, gathering recordings for the audio book, trying to make an e-book... and Godly Guys For God management still at this point until it takes off!<br />
<br />
5. Writer and Editor for Fiverr.com<br />
Gigs, gigs, and more gigs! <br />
<br />
6. VBS Preschool Director<br />
Planning today, VBS at the end of the summer!<br />
These are the verses: <br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028:20">Matthew 28:20 </a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A10&version=NIV">Ephesians 2:10</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+6%3A31&version=NIV">Luke 6:31</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A10+&version=NIV">1 John 4:10 </a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A27&version=NIV">Matthew 14:27</a><br />
<br />
7. FRG leader. Training this week, events soon to come!<br />
<br />
8. House Manager<br />
Dishes, laundry, sweeping, mopping... okay you get the picture. Oh, and cooking! I like that, except for the mess I make. <br />
<br />
9. Church member. This one... not sure what it looks like even weekly at this point!<br />
<br />
10. Future Awana Sparks leader.<br />
Prayer now, more definite preparations later!<br />
<br />
11. Wife, daughter, friend, aunt, granddaughter, sister, niece...<br />
and most importantly, Child of God.Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-39662099800439119042014-02-24T13:08:00.001-08:002014-02-24T13:51:58.991-08:00AFTB CoursesFor those of you who don't know, the Army offers free classes to families which cover a myriad of subjects relating to Army family life. These are called Army Family Team Building classes (AFTB). I began taking these classes shortly after the new year, but have waited to post about them, as I took them out of order, and just recently completed Level 1.<br />
<br />
One thing you may find interesting are the 7 core values of the Army, which is also known as the acronym LDRSHP (pronounced Leadership). Basically, these are:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><b>L</b>oyalty - Bear true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, your unit and other Soldiers.</li>
<li><b>D</b>uty - Fulfill your obligations.</li>
<li><b>R</b>espect - Treat people as they should be treated.</li>
<li><b>S</b>elfless Service - Put the welfare of the nation, the Army, and your subordinates before your own.</li>
<li><b>H</b>onor - Live up to all the Army values.</li>
<li><b>I</b>ntegrity - Do what’s right, legally and morally.</li>
<li><b>P</b>ersonal Courage - Face fear, danger, or adversity [physical or moral].</li>
</ol>
To read a longer description for each value, go to the official army site: http://www.army.mil/values/<br />
<br />
Okay, some are kind of vague... and some actually remind me of Bible verses. Comment if you know which ones ;)<br />
<br />
What do you think of this list? Have you ever written out a list of values to live by? Why might such a list be useful to you... or to a soldier? Just some questions that came to my mind...<br />
<br />
Thank you for your love and support, family and friends. Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-25634448799889976002014-02-07T21:05:00.000-08:002014-02-07T21:05:00.265-08:00For Your Military Family FriendsThere are things that you can do to make your friends' lives so much better when they leave to go to their first duty station. My friends knew just what to do, and you will too, if you give it some thought! Everyone is different, but I'll give you some ideas from my life.<br />
<br />
1. I wasn't excited about moving to Kansas until Rebecca gave me a book about Kansas oddities to visit and a road map. I laughed at the first things I read in that book and was much more curious thanks to "Kansas Curiosities."<br />
<br />
<b>Thoughtful and useful!</b><br />
<br />
2. Cold weather gear. A coworker gave me a coat, and I use it all the time! She barely even knew me, but she was not using it and I was super thankful for the new coat. <br />
<br />
My dear friend Amy gave me gloves and lotion shortly before I left!<br />
<br />
My GrandMaMa sent me a little something and told me to get long johns. That note made me laugh.<br />
<br />
And the other GGFG staff member, Megan, made me a scarf! (And a potholder!)<br />
<br />
These are gifts that made the transition easier, because they were things I needed a lot! They also comfort me.<br />
<br />
<b>Place-specific! </b><br />
<br />
3. Thoughtful award! Ms. Cheryl took the time to make me something I will have everywhere I go on my front door - she made me a Christmas wreath. Holidays can be hard to deal with because of missing people, and being able to decorate my new home with something that welcomes new people in, made by someone who cares so much, was really nice.<br />
<br />
<b>Keepsakes!</b><br />
<br />
4. Something I'll never forget is when Kaeyla sent me what was supposed to be an anonymous Starbucks gift card - I figured it out, but I felt so blessed that day!<br />
<br />
5. When I got to Kansas, my house was warmed by a very surprising delivery of my first house plant! Thank you Rebecca, Amy, and Alyssa!<br />
<br />
6. Mrs. Kilby gave me something to remember the South by - a cute little tea towel with a saying on it. I enjoyed the thought of having something from SC to show off to my Kansas friends!<br />
<br />
7. Letters - there's nothing like getting a note in the mail! I really cherish every note. It was cool to get all of my Christmas cards out here, as well!<br />
<br />Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-26180803492359174462014-02-06T20:23:00.002-08:002014-02-06T20:23:44.092-08:00What Does Your Name Mean?In my house in Florida, for most of my life, I remember there being a little framed artwork in the hallway outside of my bedroom. I saw this multiple times a day. There were two columns, one for Hillary Beth and one for Holland Bianca. I remember only one thing from my sister's side "she who works with her hands" or something like that. I remember from mine - Hillary means cheerful, and Beth means house of God. I know there was a whole list for each, but that's what I remember reading.<br />
<br />
When I chose names for characters in my stories, I often went on elaborate searches for names that meant something that revealed a particular trait. I also named each of my future daughters, just in case I had three daughters, first and middle names included - but unless you are Alex Campbell or Rebecca Kilby, you probably don't know those names.<br />
<br />
When I got married, I decided that if anyone asked, my official new name meaning read, "Cheerful house of God, who is my King," as Koenig means King.<br />
<br />
What does your name mean? How has your family shaped this meaning for you? What do you consider when picking a name? Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-16549500007715647372014-01-08T18:39:00.002-08:002014-01-08T18:39:30.172-08:00A lot of lotionSince we've moved to Kansas, I have been using lotion a lot more than I ever have before. Face lotion is applied every time I don't have makeup on. Hand lotion is in my purse at all times. I put lotion on my legs every day, or else my legs itch like crazy.<br />
<br />
Before we moved out here, I was worried that I'd never be able to use up all of the lotion I'd acquired from old gifts. (Lotion eventually does "go bad" - it will separate.) I got some off brand stuff in gift sets from various people that I can't put on my face, and feels weird on my hands... but I never care what's on my arms or legs, so it's all getting used up.<br />
<br />
So, if you're going to move to cold places, or the weather turns on you, it's: hats, gloves, scarves, boots, lotion. Got it?Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-30010591717772740372014-01-07T15:37:00.002-08:002014-01-07T15:37:21.230-08:00Last year I gained what was lost backI'm still a bit in review mode. I've posted my year in review pictures on Facebook in a note as I often do. I've started / restarted many routines now that I'm finally in a house again and have access to everything necessary for what I consider normal life. But as I thought about the biggest things in 2013, one more thing stood out.<br />
<br />
In 2013, despite having not seen him in months, despite being extremely anxious about my request, and despite my worries about what my own sister would make out of the situation, I wrote a note just before my nephew's birthday and asked his paternal grandmother if I could please see him before I moved in a matter of weeks.<br />
<br />
God had been putting it on my heart in an overwhelming manner; it was like the Holy Spirit wouldn't leave my heart alone about it. I held my breath... and something told me that I was doing this for more than my own selfish desire to hug my nephew one more time when I hadn't seen him in almost a year.<br />
<br />
When the answer was yes, I was so excited that I didn't know what to do. As a good aunt, I decided to buy him presents - these cute Bible story books I'd often seen at a certain store, and a toy that was like a gumball machine with 4 brightly colored balls that popped out of it when you press a lever. And when I saw him, I couldn't stop smiling. I loved him so much all this time, and then I loved him even more. I was happy to see he was a smiling, happy child, and how his grandparents talked about him let me know he was loved and cared for.<br />
<br />
I didn't know I'd get to see him multiple times before I left... that my parents would get to reconnect with him and continue to love him and enjoy his adorable 1 and 1/2 year old antics... that I would get to the point where I could pray for him and not feel overwhelmingly sad, but rather joyful. I look forward to watching him grow through pictures and videos, and when I'm in town for visits.<br />
<br />
What if I hadn't listened? What if I hadn't asked? What if I'd listened to everyone else's opinions about the situation and never tried?<br />
<br />
I would have let fear control me instead of connecting with this family. I don't think a baby can have enough love. And oh how I love this baby nephew of mine!<br />
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Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-3734937590712799172013-12-31T09:27:00.001-08:002013-12-31T09:37:51.273-08:00Something Americans don't like to talk aboutLately, as I have been filling out job applications yet again, I have had to fill out several profiling questions on various Web sites. My 11-year-old self would have checked "Other" and put in "Russian Jew," as I was extremely excited to identify myself as someone who may be of Israeli descent. But I learned that really I'm just white and nobody cares, so that's what I put. (Besides, I don't want a repeat of that previous neighbor who asked me if my parents and I speak Hebrew together... wait, what?)<br />
<br />
After reading a particular article posted on Facebook from a church friend at Fellowship Greenville - http://www.russellmoore.com/2008/05/29/transracial-adoption-the-gospel-and-you/<br />
<br />
...I decided to blog about something. As we church searched, I made a comment that seemed very obvious to me, but I realized that not many people think about it. I refuse to make my home church a place where I only see white people.<br />
<br />
There are several reasons for this.<br />
<br />
First of all, I grew up in a church that was filled with people of all different races, and so I thought all churches just loved people in all their variety, and that God does, too. Well, I was wrong about all churches - true churches, yes - but it taught me from an early age that God made variety and loves variety. I want that for my children. I grew up and would meet people and I would just know them... I didn't think "She's Hispanic, she's black, she's white, she's Asian." (With the exception of my best friend calling me orange... I knew I wasn't white and that proves it!)<br />
<br />
Secondly, I would hate to be a part of a congregation where I couldn't bring my friend, someone who needs to hear about Jesus, or someone who's church seeking like me, because they wouldn't be welcomed. That would be so, so sad, if a difference so superficial got in the way of someone hearing God's Word and growing in His word.<br />
<br />
And, honestly, if I bring someone who's Asian and all they see is white people, maybe it would be hard to feel connected. I think I've been to a couple of services where I've been the only white person, but I didn't really feel like that was important or on my mind, because I was welcomed, engaged, and people took the time to really have conversations with me. But I can imagine it would be nice to see someone else there that looks like me. I think that's human. (Personally, I don't think I'd care. I'm more about where God's leading me.)<br />
<br />
So, I'm comfortable calling our new church home, and I know I might be weird for even thinking about these things, but I'm not afraid to think about any subject, or discuss it. Also, I'm not saying all churches have to be like evenly mixed or something. There are some churches that are culturally knit closer than others - I know one of my old churches had a whole congregation that met on Sunday nights that was all Spanish speaking, and another all Arabic speaking people, and I was invited to attend the Arabic services (but I was working in the nursery and could not). I just refuse to be a part of a close minded congregation that isn't focused on the Gospel and more focused on people's clothes, hair styles, skin color, makeup, weight, etc.<br />
<br />
Oh, and one more thing... how would my sister have felt? <br />
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<br />
<br />Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-66631962636357670152013-12-01T17:40:00.000-08:002013-12-01T17:40:00.567-08:002007 Christmas Letter<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My 2007 Christmas Letter - and by amazing I really only meant Leah:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Hi
Everyone! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I've
been at BJU this past semester, and took website design, English 102, intro to
computer programming, college algebra, general psych, orientation, and Old
Testament messages. Some of those look familiar? Yes, it was round two for
me...they didn't transfer some of my credits.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
was one of two female computer science majors to complete the semester. Both of
us worked in the dining commons. There were 70 tablewipers in all to cover the
21 meals a week.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
am thankful that God allowed me to go there this semester; I met some amazing
people! Examples: my roommates, Leah, Amy, and Bethany. They are from Vermont,
Nebraska, and Minnesota. Leah had two sisters on the hall of our dorm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Leah's
taught me so much about God. I love her like a sister and I think she treated
me like one would a little sister. We're only a year apart but she is really
confident about things in general and I was not most of the semester. I could
talk to her about anything and she always knew something to say. She'd always
get out her Bible and share one of her favorite verses. Read Psalm 91 if you
get the chance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Some
of my more interesting memories include moving into the wrong building the
first night, leaving my (work) shoes in the library one day, teasing Bethany
for studying too much (nursing major), getting basically locked into the closet
twice by Amy (I’m sure Bethany helped too), and finding notes that encouraged
me and pointed me to God from Leah and random people. Talk about crazy - for 5
days, Leah was confined to the hospital because they thought she had whooping
cough (she didn't). One morning, she popped the window screen with a spoon, ran
along the ledge 2nd floor, in her pajamas, and said hi to everyone else....and
then set her voicemail to "I'm so glad to hear from you! I'm in the Psych
Ward right now and probably going on my daily walk to the bathroom or washing
my hair for the 3rd time since I'm not answering the phone!"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">One
of my teachers, to put it short, reminded me of God, in that he was absolutely
perfect in how he taught us grace. He never gave a grade to us, but he was
realistic in expectations. Another teacher of mine just showed me how people do
notice when one has joy despite all the hard things that may come in life, and
that that joy is something others recognize as coming from God alone.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Do's and Don'ts </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">at BJU</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Don't</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> eat RibeQ. (reprocessed meat)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Do</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> buy scantrons off your Jr. High aged
Chapel Buddies. (they get 'em cheaper)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Do</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> sleep in until 7:35 if you have an 8
o'clock (12 minutes to get ready, 6 to get breakfast from the dining commons,
and 7 to run to class and eat; it worked)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Don't</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> get hit by a car if you aren't
wearing hose on Sunday (you'll get demerits as they transport you to Barge, the
on campus "hospital")</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">don't</b> go to Barge. They'll
quarantine you!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Merry
Christmas!</span></div>
Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-52718434303067771442013-11-19T20:15:00.001-08:002013-11-19T20:15:47.130-08:00A long weekSo begins a long week for me... Erik won't be able to talk again until the beginning of next week.<br />
I have many goodbyes to say.<br />
I have presents to finish, a meeting to attend, a presentation, and I really need to get by Brookwood, Publix, and Mr. K's Bookstore soon.<br />
I need to wash my car, too.<br />
So many things to do...<br />
<br />
Lord, just keep my eyes on you.Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-34086491557588583152013-11-01T08:06:00.000-07:002013-11-01T08:06:21.514-07:00November 1stToday it is so gloomy outside, it looks like it should just get it over and pour already. It sprinkled enough to get the wood for my parents' deck wet, and my car as I washed it. This makes the anticipation of Erik getting here even worse for me.<br />
<br />
In exactly a month, we'll have our last day in Greenville. In some ways, I'm so ready... just to be there instead of in between, to be with Erik daily again. In other ways, well, I don't want to leave the best city I've ever known, the people who are close to me... I know this is going to be hard. But I trust God with all my heart!<br />
<br />
I have been working on my speeches for the upcoming 3 events, trying to finish my Christmas cards, and wrapping Christmas presents. I am getting close to being finished with a lot of those. I need to start packing for Wednesday soon, really. I want to be very organized about it!Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-7556773487856142932013-10-16T08:12:00.001-07:002013-10-16T08:12:25.373-07:00Work For God, People NoticeYou're sitting in class and the teacher gives out an assignment. Maybe you groan (at least inside) and ask yourself why you have to do this pointless paper. I'm going to tell you now, though, it isn't pointless. You may say, "But you don't even know the subject!" That's right, I don't, but there is more than just a grade at stake for those of us who follow Christ, no matter what task we are given.<br />
<br />
There are many ways you can "work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters," as Colossians 3:23 says. For one thing, your <b>attitude</b> about work is called to change just by your reading that one verse! When you're working for God, you can't complain and fuss or pout. If you're the only one not complaining, you'll be noticed, and that gives you the opportunity to give God the glory! Is it worth joining in and complaining about a task when you can, instead, shine for Jesus by putting your pride aside?<br />
<br />
<span class="text Phil-2-14" id="en-NIV-29406">Philippians 2:14-16 "Do everything without grumbling or arguing,</span><span class="text Phil-2-15" id="en-NIV-29407"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>so that you may become blameless and pure, 'children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.' Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky</span><span class="text Phil-2-16" id="en-NIV-29408"> as you hold firmly to the word of life."</span><br />
<span class="text Phil-2-16" id="en-NIV-29408"><br /></span>
<span class="text Phil-2-16" id="en-NIV-29408">Also, your <b>work ethic</b> is important. A work ethic is the standard to which you do your work, and the manner in which you accomplish it - if you have a good work ethic, your motivation to do your best drives you to complete tasks on time, to produce quality results, and to put true effort into what you take on. You're not trying to be a teacher's pet by doing your best - you're trying to please your Creator, who's given you the abilities to succeed.</span><br />
<span class="text Phil-2-16" id="en-NIV-29408"><br /></span>
<span class="text Phil-2-16" id="en-NIV-29408">Another way you can shine is to make sure you are <b>honest </b>in all manners. This is especially hard for some students. It's easy to copy someone else's math problems when you "didn't have time" to do all of your homework because you were studying for another class's tests; easy, and wrong. It's easy to read something online or in a book, and seeing it is worded just so perfectly, copy that into your paper, and "just not say" it's someone else's words; easy and wrong. It's hard to do the right thing, but it's worth it.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Phil-2-16" id="en-NIV-29408">From your thoughts to your actions to your words, you will have many opportunities every day to shine for the Lord. Will you choose to do the right thing, or will you choose the easy way out?</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Phil-2-16" id="en-NIV-29408"> </span><br />
<span class="text Phil-2-16" id="en-NIV-29408"></span><br />
<span class="text Phil-2-16" id="en-NIV-29408"></span><br />
<span class="text Phil-2-16" id="en-NIV-29408"></span><br />
<span class="text Phil-2-16" id="en-NIV-29408"><br /></span>
<span class="text Phil-2-16" id="en-NIV-29408"><br /></span> <span class="p"></span><br />
<span class="text Phil-2-16" id="en-NIV-29408"><br /></span> <span class="p"></span>Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-50382990813202413402013-10-15T07:19:00.000-07:002013-10-15T07:19:11.327-07:00Day One - No HouseSo today was Day 1 of not having a house. True, most of my stuff is still in the house, but I didn't sleep there last night. And tomorrow I'll sit in that house and watch it all get packed up. But today I'm at work, finishing up two projects, and I didn't have to run the dishwasher and throw in laundry before I left, which is kind of a weird feeling. I'll still have to do laundry at some point, of course. But just saying... <br /><br />If it entertains you, I kept some really funny things with me. I have all my Christmas cards and letters, all my Christmas gift bags, some Christmas gifts, <b><u><i>120</i></u></b> GGFG books, lots of snack foods, a small box of crafts and note cards, and 3 Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes - none of which are going with me when I leave. <br /><br />Unfortunately, I think I forgot to run the last load of dishes... and I forgot to get the placemats out of the dryer. And I need to take one last load of trash out. But I think I'm good besides that... we'll see what tomorrow brings (or breaks).Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-85464882842415490892013-10-10T07:00:00.001-07:002013-10-10T07:00:55.316-07:00What would you do all day?I would wake up around 8 am, eat some breakfast, and do the dishes. Half an hour and I'd be ready for the day. I could throw in a load of laundry or run the dishwasher.<br />
<br />
I'd go to the gym, work out about 45 mins, and then take a shower. Maybe I'd run to the bank or the grocery store on the way to or from. I'd have time to return things, or pick up dry cleaning or a headlight bulb for the car. There's always some little errand that needs to be done.<br />
<br />
I'd have lunch, and, depending on what I'm making, I'd start on dinner. I'd sweep, mop, vacuum, dust, scrub tubs and sinks and toilets, wipe down counters and clean the stove, fridge, and microwave.<br />
<br />
I'd re-order contacts, call about appointments, and pick up things that get left undone. I'd do simple repairs and replacements. I'd volunteer at church, I'd bring someone a meal when they are sick, I'd take the time to write letters and cards. I'd call a friend.<br />
<br />
I'd do emails for GGFG, book marketing, still would manage incoming articles and scheduling... I'd work harder on the second book.<br />
<br />
I'd have evenings with my husband.<br />
And I haven't even thrown in kids, yet!<br />
<br />
Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3589810720694363989.post-48997120806894419002013-09-29T19:15:00.001-07:002013-09-29T19:15:46.962-07:00Blogs are opinions<p dir=ltr>If people would just read the URL for some of the articles they post... they might have a clue that the reason some of these are "so unbelievable" is because they really are fakes. Do some research, validate your sources are real, and notice the citations (or lack thereof).</p>
<p dir=ltr>Sometimes people have good motives in posting / reposting. But if you are reposting, you should try to make sure it is the truth. </p>
<p dir=ltr>The amount of fake and even comedic blogs that are given the same credibility as verified sources are has increased drastically on Facebook. People need to develop their research skills.</p>
Ladybug8http://www.blogger.com/profile/05434925717874125452noreply@blogger.com0