Glad to have my MARGINS back

Well--I figured it was time for another post. Most of the time I don't post because I wait for the "right" time to post--well we all know the right time never happens.

Ok--back to the subject of MARGINS. I love definitions....so here goes another

mar·gin noun (plural mar·gins)
Definition: (from online Encarta dictionary--skipping parts I didn't like :)

1. blank space at side of page
2. outer edge
3. limit: a boundary indicating the limit beyond which something should not go
4. additional amount: an amount over and above what is strictly necessary, included for safety reasons

My life over the last 5 months has lacked margins. We tend to get so bogged down in stuff--that we fail to have necessary margins. Sometimes--we have no control over what happens in our lives, but if we leave space--a little crisis can squeeze into the margins that we have left. If we "book" our lives too tightly, when a crisis or unexpected circumstance arises, we lack that "blank" space, "limits," and that extra "additional amount" of time that is needed for "safety reasons."

I don't know about you--but it's not safe for my emotions, my family time, my health--when I go beyond the margins in my life. Over the years, I've learned to say no to some things in order to maintain a little margin. Besides--a page that has no margins--that's written on from edge to edge--is not easy to focus upon and it's not aesthetically appealing either. I think when I ditch the margins--I'm often not the most pleasurable person to be around. (That's when Brett tells me--go get some sleep!)

So add margins in your life when you can--they are absolutely needed! Saying no to certain extra commitments and to simple things like wasted time watching TV, unfruitful telephone conversations, just being "lazy," and of course--good ol' wasted computer time--will help give back a few of those margins!

Well--my time's up--gotta go to keep up!

Ephesians 5:15-16 Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity....

Did I really forget??

Ok. So I must admit.....I did forget my dearest friend's birthday yesterday. Although, I could have said that she called me before I had a chance to call her---(I thought about it--but she knows me too well)-- I confess that I just forgot. So... to make up for it--I'm taking this post to say Happy Birthday, Lisa!

Here's your cyper b-day present! (You'll get it the next time I see you.) Oh--and if anyone is interested in making one of these--let me know and I'll post a tutorial. It's very easy and makes a great gift!

Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold

I am very appreciative of all of my dear friends. I find that getting older only makes developing friendships (significant, deep ones) more difficult as we have husbands and families first on our priority list. So I am thankful for those all of my "golden" friends who know me inside and out.

I hope you had a wonderful birthday, Lisa! Here are a few pics of your sweet Caroline (I have copies for you too.)

A Simple Season

Merry Christmas!

This Christmas season was quite different for me. I worked both Christmas Eve and Christmas day. We didn't put up any Christmas decorations as our home is just getting back to order, and we didn't exchange gifts due to the effects of the recession. But -- all in all --I loved this "simple" Christmas.

Brett and I have been spending the last few weeks watching different Christmas moves. I can't tell you how long it has been since I've seen The Grinch--and I didn't remember its poignant lesson. Christmas is not just about the presents! I loved it--especially since I dislike shopping so much :)
So what is Christmas about-- It's simple. It's about the miraculous birth of a baby named Jesus who was born to set the world free from their sins. The birth of Christ was to bring "peace on earth" (Luke 2:14). Although the earth doesn't seem to have much "peace"--I know that peace is available and living in the hearts of many individuals. Despite all of life's difficulties, challenges, changes--you can have peace regardless of circumstances.

Today, I remembered that peace as I had the privilege of praying for a sweet elderly patient that was fearing a negative diagnosis. As tears welled up in her eyes--I prayed that peace would fill her--and it did. She was happily discharged with a negative test result!

So before we become frenzied about life's upsets--remember--I do and can have peace--because of the simplicity of the birth of a baby--Jesus Christ!

An Uphill Battle

I'm back--with my armor on! The other day I was pondering the events of the last 2 months and thinking--I'm so exhausted! Since Gustav one thing after another has just "disrupted" our lives.

Now, I'm not going to go on a long spiel about how we didn't have electricity for 2 weeks, how we haven't received the check to fix the damages to our house, that the roof is leaking again, that during repairs they found significant (old) termite damage that had to be repaired, that while repairing the damage they cut a hole through our bedroom wall, that while tearing down the walled siding in the sunroom/office they broke a window, that Brett's mom fell and broke her hip leaving Brett and his siblings to care for his father who has dementia and through it all have gotten so behind on my school work. Oh, and I won't go on about how Brett was approached by a long ago friend (while at the movie theatre) who subtlely hinted that her 18 year old daughter might be his! (Anyway--thank the Lord that was negative!)

I was comforted by the Lord the other day when I was reminded--that although life keeps changing--He never changes--He is the same each and every day! (Hebrews 13:8) He remains constant and if my foundation is upon him--I can remain immoveable during these times.

The thought "Uphill Battle" came to my mind the other day. So, being the dictionary loving person I am--I looked up a definition and here are 2 that I found:

• A challenge with the odds of success stacked strongly against
• A struggle against unfavorable circumstances.

A "struggle" a "challenge" and "unfavorable circumstances"-- that's how I would describe the last 2 months! But I realized that each and every day I have a choice. I can choose to be miserable or I can "count it all joy" (James 1:2) that I am facing circumstances that challenge me and make me stronger. I just need to remind myself of who God is and be prepared for anything.

With confidence, I can say that Brett and I have grown closer through it all in addition to learning to deal with circumstances beyond our control. I believe it is all a time of prepartion for us (hopefully for those twins that I want to have!) :)

And it has also been a joy caring for his father who is so dear to my heart. I just love that man. He has been a wonderful husband for almost 60 years and an excellent example to Brett. For that I am eternally grateful and willing to give back!

Tutorial-- how to post a music playlist to your Blogger site

Ok-- since I've been bombarded with requests for this tutorial.. .(well, not exactly--but hey--maybe some lurker will benefit)

Here are my rough steps. I think anyone should be able to follow these directions. I love having my little tunes on my blog. . . now you can too!
1. Go to www.playlist.com (there are other sites out there--but this is what I used)
2. sign up or just “start building a playlist” (it's the big blue box on the center L of the screen) by entering song or an artist
3. The song or songs by the artist will come up – listen to song or hit the “+” to save to your playlist (continue until you have a list that you like—pretty self explanatory)
4. After finishing your list -- look for and select a button stating “post playlist” or “generate code”
At this point you have to do 3 steps:
1. You are given choices from A-E. Select E (at least for blogger)
2. Select which playlist you want to add to your blog (you probably only have 1 at this time)
3. Select auto start (yes), shuffle (I prefer yes), and color (what ever you want) –hit “get code” button

• Copy the code (control C).
• Open new window with your blog in it.
• Sign in to blogger account and go to “edit layout”
• Select “add a gadget” from the side or bottom bar
  **Here's the only tricky step -- from the "gadget" list select “HTML/JavaScript” – make sure it is this one only--Look under BASICS (at least this is the only one that worked for me—I tried a couple of others only to be frustrated)

Once you find "HTML/JavaScript" --select it

1. Put a title (or not)
2. “paste” (Control V) the “code” that you copied from the playlist into the big box
3. Hit save and voila! Do a little dance, make a little. . ..oh, well—hey—it is Wednesday night!! (some of you will get this)
   

"Sticky Note" on Relationships

We have this little "sticky" on our refrigerator--just thought I'd share.

Six Times to Say "I'm Sorry"

• When you are wrong
• When you are rude
• When you are defensive
• When you are impatient
• When you are negative
• When you are hurtful

FIREPROOF

So--this past Sunday we went to see the movie Fireproof.

Brett heard from a few of his clients how impacting the movie was, so we invited another couple to meet us at the theatre.

Overall, the concept of the movie was excellent. The movie is centered around a young married couple who is on the verge of divorce. --Don't worry I won't give you enough details to spoil it for you if you haven't seen it (although it's not that complex). After hearing of his marital problems, the husband (played by Kirk Cameron) is given a book by his father-- The Love Dare. The movie revolves around his reading of the book and following its instructions.

I think any marriage can benefit from watching this movie-- because the little lessons in the book are simple yet challenging and impacting. Although this movie seems to be about "marriage," if you look a little deeper you see that it is really about unconditional love.

Overall it's worth going to see (just try to avoid being too critical about the somewhat cheesy acting.)

**Oh--and there is actually a Love Dare book on the market. Just do a search online to find it--and then you can take your own 40 day challenge. I think it would be worth it.