A Big Breath of Fresh Air

My day has been hectic. I didn't go anywhere or really do anything important.

I stayed home and vacuumed, dusted, washed the dishes. I did a couple loads of laundry. I chased Oliver up and down the stairs (he is not allowed on the second floor). I talked with my sister, brother and daughter. I cleaned up a pee and poo accident from Oliver. I made beds and tried organize Lance's closet. I had to discipline Oliver because I got too close to his food dish and he growled at me.

That's when I started to feel really overwhelmed. Why is it, when the simplest things in life don't go quite the way we think, we lose it?

Okay, I need some fresh air. I went out on the balcony and took a big breath, I sat down and started thanking God for the little things in my life. (I need to remind myself of these things every so often)

We have water to wash the clothes in, there is enough food in the house to dirty the dishes. I really enjoy the way made beds look and it's not hard to do at all. I love talking with my family, I look forward to it every day. Even Oliver is a blessing, it wasn't too long ago that I cried because I thought I wouldn't see him again and to tell you the truth, it was fun watching him try to sneak up the stairs when he thought I wasn't looking. It is beautiful outside and looking at the river calms me.

I needed this.

Incredible

Oliver, don't even think about it!!

Owning a beagle, I am not surprised at the determination.

Johnny Depp and Other Fun People

While talking with Brigette this morning, she informed me that Johnny Depp was staying at the hotel where she worked. Of course she hasn't seen him and probably will not get to because he is pretty well secluded and protected.

This brought on the conversation of all the famous people she and Angela have had the opportunity to meet. Brigette worked at a theater while in college and she met many celebs. Now I have to clarify that these celebrities are B rated and (sorry, her term, not mine) old. They include...

Susan Summers

Tim Conway and Harvey Korman (she loved these guys!!)

Victor Borge

The Beach Boys

Frankie Avalon

Tom Jones

Rip Taylor

Gallagher

The Oakridge Boys (her favorite people to work with)

Don Rickles

Bobby Vinton

Frank Sinatra Jr.

John Tesh

As well as others...

She also got to meet...

Nocole Nordeman

Twila Paris (one of the most gracious, kind and genuine people she has ever met)

Avalon

Anointed

Clay Cross

Now Angela has met lots of people as well, but she tends to keep it under wraps except for the chance meeting of Tom Hanks. He thought she was a sales person in a store she was visiting and anyway, he was embarrassed, blah, blah, blah.

The funny thing is, Lance thinks his sisters are best friends with all these people and it makes us laugh it also makes the girls feel important. Like the time Lance told Angela to tell Tom he said hi.

It made me think, what would our society look like if we study the Bible like we study the tabloids? Would we be as intrigued with others who know Christ? Would I get excited over my friend having a relationship with Him? Or on the flip side am I embarrassed that Angela got to meet Tom? Just some thoughts to ponder...

And in the mean time, tell Jesus I said hi.

Tidbits

Not a lot going on in my life right now, so here are a few tidbits from the last few days.

• Oliver was neutered, hoping it will help the little bit of aggression he still has. I feel bad though, because he is very sore and sleepy.


• Only watched a little of the debate and then turned it off. Couldn't stand the mudslinging.


• Lance went to a respite home this past weekend, we were not very happy with the staffing there. I will write more about services for the special needs in a future post.


• Went to my first meeting at the Disney store. It was okay, but I am wondering if they will be retaining all the new hires because of the constant bad news about the economy.


• My brother and his wife moved into the house next door to us. It is nice to have him close by.


• Enjoyed prayer with Chris and Bernice this morning. Love getting together with them every Weds. and praying for our families, churches and country.


• Spent time reading the Word. Love the time I share with the Lord, only I need to do more of it.


• Talked with my daughter about her new world down in Charleston. She loves school and working in the city, but has some difficulties with the changes in her life.

That's it for now...I have to go grocery shopping. Ugh...

Picture is of Kevin and Lance at a Tiger's game.

I Want to be Different

Yesterday I had the opportunity to read Margret Feinberg's blog about what kind of Christian we want to be. It was very challenging and thought provoking and I have to say, that I want to be a November 5th Christian. A Christian not in word or vote only, but one who truly makes a difference.

I don't want to be one of those who complain about my government or people or church and sit around and do nothing. I want to make a change in and around me . My hope is that I am doing that in the special needs community. Did you know that 95% of families affected by disabilities are unchurched? I want to change that and reach out to those people. I want to listen to other parents as they share the struggles they face or help the person who is unable to get around
himself by giving him a ride. What about those who, because of government cuts, can't pay rent or put food on their tables, I want to make sure they are being helped. Many of these people are unable to work because of their disabilities. I want to make a difference, I want to bring them hope, I want to bring them Jesus.

Jesus, please help me to be an effective witness for you. Please help me to meet the need when you ask. Please allow me the opportunity to show your love to those around me.

So, for all I complained, I repent. I want to be different. I want to be a November 5th Christian. I also want to challenge you to be a source of change in the world around you. Don't just vote November 4th, make a difference November 5th.

Thank You Sarah

I, like millions of others, watched the Vice Presidential debate last night and I have to say I was riveted to the TV. Of course most of us were watching to see how Sarah Palin would handle herself and if she would be the same Sarah we saw at the GOP convention...HURRAH...she was!

I love the fact that Sarah came across as a feisty, home grown, hockey mom who has the same concerns for her family as I do for mine. She was witty, funny, firm and confident. She admitted to the fact that she had only been doing this VP thing for five weeks which gave her a vulnerability that I can appreciate. It was obvious that she worked and studied hard. She also mentioned that there were a few issues that she and McCain didn't agree on, that made her real. But I think the most important thing that came across were her values, they are values that I can relate to.

Thank you Sarah for giving me hope again. I still hate politics (see previous post) but now I feel I can vote. Whether or not McCain/Palin are voted in is up to God, but in the meantime I will will be praying, hoping, watching and believing for what I feel is the best for America.

I Hate Politics

Yes, I hate politics. I can't stand the negative adds or the constant arguing or the promises that cannot be kept because the house or senate disagree. I wonder if this is because I grew up in an extremely dysfunctional home whose parents argued and fought continually.

I would prefer to hear of the changes and/or policies the candidates will bring to the table and to have the parties come together for the good of the people without the tearing down or ripping apart. I know, I live in a fantasy world.

It is interesting to watch the local news, as you know, Michigan is a battle ground state and the talk all around is about the huge undecided vote. And even more interesting is the fact that these undecideds are waiting to see the veep debate tonight. I never thought I would live to see the day that we would use our votes to elect a vice president instead of a president, but I have to admit to wanting to do the very same thing...

I am waiting to see how Sarah Palin does in this debate. I, like so many others, loved the fact than she came out and knocked the socks off of everyone at the GOP convention, but let's be honest, her performance in the Katie Couric interview was less than stellar. I am hoping it was nerves.

So, I too, am going to watch the debate tonight. I will be wringing my hands and biting my lips, rolling my eyes and disliking the fact that I am giving up my evening for it. I will also be praying because I need to see someone I can believe in to vote for. To see someone who has the same views I do and feel that these issues are important. I also know that I cannot vote for Biden.

Grrrrr...I hate politics, I wish it were December!!