While the sand slipped through the opening and their hands reached for the golden ring with their hearts they turned to each other's hearts for refuge
I blogged to this guy in Iraq today because Sage has alot of soldier's blog sites and said that it would be an encouragement to them...he knows cause he fought for us in Vietnam..thanks Sage...anyway, this is a picture the soldier posted...I just loved it...someone deluged by war all around him found a little lizard and picked it up with gentleness..
From "Before the Deluge" by Jackson Browne
If you look closer, it's easy to trace the tracks of my tears*
The soul would have no rainbow had the eyes no tears.
John Vance Cheney
I got this quote from Lee, my new friend in Australia...I love it..
This year I have shed many tears and have done a lot of crying through the rain, to God...Okay, here's the catch, this year I have made some of the best friends in my life. I know that my little posse will be beside me no matter what. I wouldn't be so presumptious to try to figure out God...but He has shown me alot about myself and could it be that I was so focused on my hunger that I didn't realize He was feeding me all along. ..
Tear ducts are places where your hearts overflow....
I love all of you, many of whom I dont' know...I got to meet Scott, Katie and Happy and I just love them to death..So..you guys have been a gift to me as weird as it may sound to some..
and...its not all going to be okay and that's okay, why else would we need each other and why else would I have a Shepherd?....
peace.....
*From "The Tracks of My Tears" by Peter Moore..(I wore this Linda Rondstadt album out!)
I’d have said the right thing But I must have used the wrong line*
Pierre Elliot Trudeau, former prime minister of Canada. Trudeau died on September 28, 2000.
Learn something new everyday..some days you have to learn it twice..
*From "Right Place, Wrong Time" by Dr.John
I will remember you Will you remember me*
A really cute guy came up to talk to me on Sunday at church. Okay, he's six years old but he made my day. We had been "dismissed" and everyone was headed to class. I was talking with some friends when I looked down and there was Colin. Colin was my friend from Kindergarten where I did my Intern hours in Mrs. Reese's class. I had not seen him in several weeks and didn't remember that he went to Highland. So there he stood. I reached down and we embraced united by our experiences of the study of ladybugs, journal time and reading stories. One day I stayed in with him during recess as he finished his work and I think that's when we bonded. Colin had his Mom and sister in tow. His Mom introduced herself. She said that Colin said to her, "Mom, you don't know this lady but just follow me." After we talked for a bit I looked back down at Colin. He looked as if he had something very important to tell me. Then he made this great declaration, "I am going to be in First Grade." I hugged him again and said, "Yes, you are buddy."
I couldn't wipe the smile off my face..he was so proud..and so sweet..and he liked me...
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the you who'll decide where to go" Dr.Suess.
*From "I Will Remember You" by Sarah McLachlan (Scott's girlfriend)
Where have all the soldiers gone?*
I am ashamed to say that Memorial day, in the past, has been just another holiday for me. Its a three day weekend. But for some reason this year it means something more. Maybe because I feel like I have been fighting a little war of my own and somehow feel comradeship to those who fight against something big.
So today....
Today, I am sad for the young men and the young women who have died for me. Today I am sad for the mothers and fathers who opened the front door to the news of their loss. Today I am sad for brothers and sisters who miss their fallen brother at family reunions or at the foot of a christmas tree.
I am ignorant about war......I am ignorant....
I do not dare say today, on this Memorial Day, that I am against war in fear that some widow may hear my words..for..it is in her loss that I live....
Today I say thank you.....thank you.....thank you.....thank you.....thank you....thank you...........
*From "Where Have All The Flowers Gone?" by Pete Seeger
Night in the city looks fine Music comes spilling out into the street Colors go flashing in time*
Vacation in Austin....
I am so excited..in three weeks I am taking a vacation with my best friend. Her sister has a ridiculously beautiful big house in South Austin with hot tub and we are staying there! Its just two and a half days, but hey..its gonna be great. I am going to take it easy..rent a kayak...go listen to good bands and just relax..
Now..before then I have the second part of my certification exam to take and get my sweet Whitney on her way to Thailand. Sam will be in camp that week so it is going to be a perfect time.
This is meaningless to most of you..I have needed some chill time and this is it!!
*From "Night In The City" by Joni Mitchell
We all must do the best we can and then hang on to that gospel plow*
Hey, Church of Christ people...Do you remember going forward...whatever happened to that?
Do you remember when the invitation song would be sung and people were invited to come forward for prayers? What happened to that? I loved it because it was a time when people would appear real in the church. Everyone else was dressed to the nines and one person would make their way to the front to tell the church that they were human and they needed help. I remember it always being an emotional moment for everyone..it touched on humanity and it was precious. Did you ever go forward? I did...I remember that feeling after the last song was sung then all the people came to hug me. My Mother went forward all the time..man, I think they didn't quite know what to do with such honesty. Maybe some think it old school but I love every opportunity to say we are united in our sin and united in His forgiveness...
*From "Rock Me On The Water" by Jackson Browne
Still Crazy After All These Years*
I was thinking of that little group around that table last night and I thought of this song..Katie..I suppose you are an exception here...you still got a few years to go..but you fit in beautifully..
*From "Still Crazy After All These Years." by Paul Simon
"Music I heard with you was more than music, And bread I broke with you was more than bread."
It was good friends..good food (too bad you didn't get to taste it Clint)...hilarious stories...and fellowship...and it was so easy to get there and back..(right Clint?)
I got to be with old friends I had never met and it was cool...
Scott was precious...Katie was adorable...Happy was hilarious...
I'll put that one on my list of most memorable suppers...
So....Candy and I decided that I was more of a flipflop kinda girl..thanks Blondie!!
Just listened to this CD as I walked tonight...don't worry guys...I just dove into a pool of honest feelings but I promise I will climb right back out
Gone
by Kelly Clarkson
(yes, I actually listened to a Kelly Clarkson CD)
what you see's not what you get
with you there's just no measurement
no way to tell what's real from what isn't there
your eyes they sparkle
that's all changed into lies that drop like acid rain
you washed away the best of me
you don't care
you know you did it
i'm gone
to find someone to live for
in this world
there's no light at the end of the tunnel tonight
just a bridge that I gotta burn
you're wrong
if you think you can walk right through my door
that is just so you
coming back when I've finally moved on
I'm already gone
Sometimes shattered
Never open
Nothing matters
When you're broken
That was me whenever I was with you
Always ending
Always over
Back and forth, up and down like a rollercoaster
I am breaking
That habit
Today
You know you did it
I'm gone
To find someone to live for
In this world
There's no light at the end of the tunnel tonight
Just a bridge that I gotta burn
You're wrong
If you think you can walk right through my door
That is just so you
Coming back when I've finally moved on
I'm already gone
There is nothing you can say
Sorry doesn't cut it, babe
Take the hint and walk away
'Cause I'm gone
Doesn't matter what you do
It's what you did that's hurting you
All I needed was the truth
Now I'm gone
What you see's not what you get
What you see's not what you get
You know you did it
I'm gone
To find someone to live for
In this world
There's no light at the end of the tunnel tonight
Just a bridge that I gotta burn
You're wrong
If you think you can walk right through my door
That is just so you
Coming back when I've finally moved on
I'm already gone
I'm already gone
Oh, I'm already gone, gone, gone, gone
Already gone
I'm gone
How the heart approaches what it yearns*
I've just been thinking about hearts...that's all...
Do you think its a bad thing to have your heart broken....?
Acts 28:27For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.'
Many flowers open to the sun, but only one follows him constantly. Heart, be thou the sunflower, not only open to receive God's blessing, but constant in looking to Him.
- Jean Paul Friedrich Richter (Johann Paul Richter) (used ps. Jean Paul)
Pope John Paul II.....The worst prison would be a closed heart
Golda Meir......Those who do not know how to weep with their whole heart don't know how to laugh either.
*From "How the Heart Approaches What it Yearns" by Paul Simon
Seize the Day....
I was reading Happy's blog and was thinking about how sometimes I get so "me" oriented that I forget about what God asks of me today....to show others His love today... He wants me to pair off with Him and together just have a good old time loving people..This reminded me of this Carolyn Arrends song that I just love...
So...today, like Happy reminded me, I want to look in His eyes and then touch everyone I can with His love...Guys, have an amazing day knowing that God loves you and there is not a thing you can do to earn that or to stop him from loving you...
Seize the Day
by Carolyn Arrends
Seize the day, seize whatever you can
'Cause life slips away just like hourglass sand
Seize the day, pray for grace from God's hand
Then nothing will stand in your way
Seize the Day
Well I know a doctor, a fine day
young physician
Left his six figure job for a mission position
He's healing the sick in an African clinic
He works in the dirt and writes home to the cynics
He says
"We work through the night so most every day
As we watch the sun rise we can say..."
Seize the day, seize whatever you can
'Cause life slips away just like hourglass sand
Seize the day, pray for grace from God's hand
Then nothing will stand in your way
Seize the day
I know a man who's been doing some thinking
He's as bitter and cold as the whiskey he's drinking
He's talking 'bout fear, about chances not taken
If you listen to him you can hear his heart breaking
He says "One day you're a boy and the next day you're dead
I wish way back when someone had said..."
Seize the day, seize whatever you can
'Cause life slips away just like hourglass sand
Seize the day, pray for grace from God's hand
Then nothing will stand in your way
Seize the day
Well one thing I've noticed wherever I wander
Everyone's got a dream he can follow or squander
You can do what you will with the days you are given
I'm trying to spend mine on the business of living
So I'm singing my songs off of any old stage
You can laugh if you want, I'll still say...
Shower the people you love with love*
Look what that sweet, cutie pie, Blondie surprised me with...
She brightened my day...
She was thinking of me and that is nice...
Thank you, Blondie...what a neat surprise...I hope you are smiling because you showered me with love today...and..............made me smile!
*From "Shower The People" by James Taylor
...just a little Bonnie Raitt
Two Lives
Bonnie Raitt
Maybe I'm a dreamer
Maybe just a fool
Lately I can hardly see the sun
If you had a secret I could take a guess
Nothin in your eyes seems to hold me
Truth or consequences
Which one will it be
Someone said that time would ease the pain
Of two lives love has torn apart
But, I believe whoever wrote that song,
Never had a broken heart
One of us is hiding
One of us can tell
Cause no one likes to be the first to know
Someone has to answer
Cause someone has to ask
Keeping on like this is torture
And going undecided is twice as bad for sure
Someone said that time would ease the pain
Of two lives love has torn apart
But, I believe whoever wrote that song
Never had a broken heart
Tell me why, tell me why*
I am so totally bummed...I made one A and the rest Bs...I have made nothing but As since coming back to school..Its not the actually Bs that bum me out, its the circumstances...It may sound silly that I would sit and cry at my computer as I look at my grade report...alot of people would have been happy with it..
Okay..my math teacher..my average was 91.3 at the end..92 is an A...she gave me a B! Man, 7 tenths of a point.
Okay..my P.E. teacher...I made an A on everything in her class...but when I turned in my notebook it didn't have a cover sheet. I tried to call cell phone and home phone to take one by....no...she gave me a B!
I go out to the pond this morning and pray that God will give me the stillness I see in the water...
I need to let it go its just that I worked so hard through such crap this semester..
(sorry I said crap)...
I am just dissappointed in these two teachers..
and trying very hard not to be dissappointed in myself..
*From "Tell Me Why" by Neil Young
This is cool guys...this site takes random words from all your posts...
http://www.snapshirts.com
May you always know the truth and see the lights surrounding you*
This is my boy...he is proud of me and I am proud of him! I am truly blessed!
He hung out with Kermit some on my Graduation day...
No, he wouldn't even smile for the camera...
I think it was because his big sister was begging him too!
*From "Forever Young" by Bob Dylan
I guess I thought that this would never end*
That's me with the mustache! nah..I am right beside the mustache guy. I am wearing a red tie! nah....I am the redhead!!
*From "Graduation" by Vitamin C
Mon coeur est plein.
J'aime mes amis. J'aime mon Dieu...
La vie est dure. La vie est bonne.
On and on you will hike and I know you'll hike far and face up to your problems whatever they are.*
Spending the day back in the Kindergarten class to finish up my intern hours yesterday...so good to see all my little precious friends again....show and tell was precious...helping them wrap up their Mother's day presents to take home..even more precious..it was field day and they all were excited that they had their bathing suits under their clothes... Jaryn kept pulling her shirt up to show everyone her two piece top to the surprise of her classmates who were saying,"Oh..her belly button..put it down Jaryn!"...kelsey cuddling in my lap just felt so good...if you ever need some sweet hugs and plenty of love, go visit a Kindergarten class....
We are on the rug listening to the boy's show and tell when Nakia walks in late..there is a problem because in order to participate in gameday she must pay for her books..no money from home...she comes and puts her head on my arm washing it with her tears..she is crying from the depths of her little heart..of course her precious teacher is on the phone to try to resolve the problem and she does...we all line up to go to the Library and Nakia is holding tight to my hand and is calming down now that it looks like she might be able to participate..We go to the Library where they are to listen to two books on the computers and then they may choose any game on the floor to play...I join Langston and Jared at the lego play station...Nakia comes and joins us...she brings dominoes over and wants me to play with her...I was showing her how you could set them up and then knock one down and they would all fall down..as we are sitting there busy with our dominoes I ask her some questions.."What happened to your eye?"..she shrugs and looks in my eyes and says.."Well, I can't tell you."..I ask her who she lives with and she said she lives with her Grandmother and Aunt.."When I was crying it was about my Mom because she is in jail because she didn't pay her bills.".."Nakia..I am sorry but you know what you are going to do great..you are great.." I asked her if her Grandmother says that and she smiled and said, "Yes."
So..I was thinking that Nakia and her Mom will have a different kind of Mother's day..my heart goes out to both of them..
Dear God..be with those little ones whose hearts are broken at such a young age...cover them with your protection and love...
*From "Oh the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss
.......a really nice song.......
I found this song and I love it...cause you know what guys, life
is wonderful...Just feeling grateful....
Maybe... my tech man will find the link for this song...I gotta start paying him more..thanks Clint!
LIFE IS WONDERFUL by Jason Mraz
It takes a crane to build a crane
It takes two floors to make a story
It takes an egg to make a hen
It takes a hen to make an egg
There is no end to what I'm saying
It takes a thought to make a word
And it takes a word to make an action
It takes some work to make it work
It takes some good to make it hurt
It takes some bad for satisfaction
La la la la la la la life is wonderful
Ah la la la la la la life is full circle
Ah la la la la la la life is wonderful
Al la la la la
It takes a night to make it dawn
And it takes a day to you yawn brother
It takes some old to make you young
It takes some cold to know the sun
It takes the one to have the other
It takes no time to fall in love
But it takes you years to know what love is
It takes some fears to make you trust
It takes those tears to make it rust
It takes some dust to make it polished
Ha la la la la la la life is wonderful
Ah la la la la la la life is full circle
Ah la la la la la la life is so full of
Ah la la la la la la life is so rough
Ah la la la la la la life is wonderful
Ah la la la la la la life is full circle
Ah la la la la la la life is our love
Ah la la la la la
It takes some silence to make sound
It takes a loss before you found it
It takes a road to go nowhere
It takes a toll to know you care
It takes a hole to make a mountain
Ah la la la la la la life is wonderful
Ah la la la la la la life is full circle
Ah la la la la la la life is oh love
Ah la la la la la la love is all sorts of
Ah la la la la la la life is wonderful
Ah la la la la la la life is full circle
Ah la la la la la la life is holla holla
Ah la la la la la la next up bushwalla-walla
Ah la la la la la la life is wonderful
Ah la la la la la
Fred the White Pelican
This is a white pelican...Frustrated Writer told me about the white pelicans. I would go out to Nelson Park because there were alot out on the back pond. They are so beautiful and they are really big. I read about them on the Internet...about how they move together like a big boat..There were always like 20 or 30 together. Well, I have been going out to Nelson in the mornings and noticed they were all gone...guess they went back to wherever they go...well, all except one...Fred appeared one day and I was so excited to see him. But...he is the only pelican now..it made me feel sad for him. The other day I walked around the jogging track and as I passed the big pond Fred was moving along with me in the water. Then yesterday I drove out and didn't see him anywhere and was kinda sad then turned and looked out my window again and there he was... I went back this morning and there he was...much closer..a lady walked by and said, "Good morning. Are you going to feed the ducks?" I said, "No, I have come to watch that pelican." She looked over and shrugged and walked on. This afternoon I went by again and there he was curled up with all those ducks right by the road. I slowly drove up and cut the engine. There he was just three feet from me. I noticed that weird thing on their beak..hmmm interesting. Then I talked to Fred..It was really cool..
Okay..I think I need a vacation..I have been studying too much..I have this Walden Pond thing happening...but...if you go out to Nelson Park go to the back pond and look for Fred...I hope you get to see him because he is beautiful..!
He's gonna make it happen*
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."
~ Robert Frost~
You are invited to see
Beverly Mann graduate.
It will be Saturday May 13,
at Moody Coliseum, on the ACU campus,
at 3:00.
p.s…..it is a really long ceremony and Beverly will still feel your support and prayers if you should decide to forego this incredibly boring affair.
PARTY.....my friend Beth is having a party for me and she said that she has bought a boatload of food and that I am to ask everyone to come...so if you've got ADHD (I am undiagnosed but am pretty sure I will be fidgeting) and can't sit through the ceremony... come join me at my graduation party that night at 7:00....call me and I will give you the address...I thought maybe I shouldn't do that online...
*From "Make It Happen" by Mariah Carey
oh, i get by with a little help from my friends*
Oh yeah...I got me some good friends...they have rejoiced with me and held me up when I was falling...I only wish that when I get up on the graduation stage I could make a speech and thank them...
So...here's a big thank you...you know who you are..I love you!!!
and this goes out to my bestest friend who found me when I was but a lost sheep and now holds me in His arms...thank you Jesus....
Tell me about your friends...
*From "With a Little Help From My Friends" by Lennon/McCartney
(LISC)
If your broken heart should need repair*
If my day couldn't get any more complicated...my car wouldn't start. Panic..anyone who has a middle schooler knows a car is a must..its like beyond a need..My steering wheel column was locked and the key wouldn't turn at all. This actually happened last summer and I got online and figured out a way to fix it..but, my mind being a bit unfocused..I couldn't remember what I did. I went back out and turned the wheel and messed with it some more. Then I thought I remembered detaching the battery cables and then reattacing them so I opened the hood and it just was too overwhelming. I went back in searching the Internet for any ideas..and...I found one. The car owner explained that it really seemed too ridiculous to work but it did for her...well, hey at this point it was worth a try. I needed my key and a hammer. I went out to the tools and couldn't find a hammer but found a really long heavy bolt thingy. I went out to my car and did as she said.."Put the key in the ignition and as you turn the key hit the other end of the key with the hammer." Boom..Bam...the key turned and the car started!!! As if perfect timing, Sam calls, "Mom, can you come pick me up?"...haha..yes, Sam, yes, I can!!! ...as I left the house I grabbed the long bolt thingy and put it in my purse....just in case..
*From "Handyman" by James Taylor
Saying laughing and crying you know it's the same release*
This is me missing Preacher Boy and Frustrated Writer...............
Okay..first, leave your comment about what you miss about our two blogging friends, you know..eulogy style... then let's.... tell some jokes...(Clint says I'm depressing everybody.)
Okay... FW..I miss Tuesday Tidbits.....I miss exchanging stories about White Pelicans...I miss hearing about what furniture you have....
Okay..Scott....I miss winning the post of the week..(wait a minute..I have never won post of the week!)..I miss good stories..and really clever comebacks..
There you go guys ....tell them how much you miss them and maybe they will come back to us!
Texas jokes:
Q. How do you know which one is the Aggie on the offshore oil rig?
A. He's the one throwing bread to the helicopters.
(Sorry Aggies..for those who don't know they are the brunt of alot of jokes in Texas)
...Never slap a man who's chewin' tobacco.
YOU KNOW YOU'RE IN TEXAS WHEN…You no longer associate bridges (or rivers) with water.
There you go Clint....
*From "People's Parties" by Joni Mitchell
The hurt, the pain, the dirt, the rain One night on my knees, here it comes, the prayer*
John 16:33 (The Message)
I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world."
There is alot going on in my life right now...why?...this is a question I am compelled to ask...then I found this song..hope and pray for all of you that you find peace in the storm today..This isn't a sad post..I am thankful that I have so much today.. and dadgumit..I am praising Him in the storm...I have a precious Jesus..precious children..precious friends...and so much more preciousness in my life...
Maybe...Clint would set up a link so that you all could click and listen to this song!!!! :)
Praise you in this storm
by Casting Crowns
I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen"
and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God
Who gives and takes away
I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God
Who gives and takes away
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
*From "Who We Be" by DMX
Sail on, look for me I'm floating*
Well...not to be out done by that preacher boy.......
Scott's post today reminded me of an incredible experience I had with my brother in Thailand out on the Sea of Siam....
We are out on an old boat with two Thai fishermen...its been an amazing day of adventures and now they have thrown out the anchor to cook the little fish my Mom caught. She was the only one to catch a fish that day. The water cradling the boat is beautiful. The two men are hunched over the little hibachi cooking that fish likes its Thanksgiving turkey. All of a sudden, my brother grabs some bread and says, "Come on Bev" and jumps off the side of the boat. I follow..like an idiot I will follow that boy anywhere... Mark has disappeared under the water and I go under to find him. There he is..holding the bread in his hand as the most beautiful fish I have ever seen, meet at his hand for lunch. He is smiling and hands me a piece of bread. Some come over to me and I am so excited. I am saying to myself, as in all my adventures in Thailand, take this in..this is a memory...you have no underwater camera..these are the pictures I see...beautiful water...beautiful colorful fish and my brother smiling...
We get back up on the boat and Thanksgiving dinner is ready. We sit around and eat that tiny little fish as if it was caviar and the most wonderful thing is that on this old broken down boat, on the Sea of Siam in Thailand, they have Ketchup!!! Can this day get any better!!!
*From "Under The Sea" by Nomeansno
Life is hard...God is good...
Some days..all you got is faith..and that's okay..
If you have not heard this song please look for it and listen to it..
Discom..people hurt Jesus with words and with sticks and stones...He feels our pain..
Untitled Hymn (Come To Jesus) lyrics
Chris Rice
Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head for Love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live
Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain
so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live
And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk sometimes we fall
so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live
Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain
then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live
O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain you joy inside
then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live
And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side
and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live
"If you can look into the seeds of time, and say which grain will grow and which will not, speak then to me."......Macbeth....
