Our little town of White Salmon was in the news last week end, and for a very good reason. A hero came home after 68 years. I don't know any of the extended family personally, but the story touched me at a deep level. You see, I'm a mother of a US Marine who served in Iraq and Kuwait, and I can relate to the fear of losing a loved one.
I have God to thank that I can't relate to the tragedy that befell this family. They lost their son 68 yrs ago during WWII and only just recovered his body.
I don't know all the details, but a search team found the soldiers remains, along with his dog tag, wallet and dozens of expended shells of ammo in a fox hole where he died defending his country. I don't know why he wasn't found and brought home at the time, but his mother never gave up hope. She's gone on now, and it was left up to his cousins and other family to welcome him home and give him a hero burial right here in our small town cemetery.
What a blessing for the family to finally have closure after decades of wondering. And what a tremendous sacrifice he, they, and thousands of other have made for our country. Let us never forget, no matter how long it takes.
Today I've been mowing for an hour or so, then pulling weeds in my garden, planting tomato and green pepper plants, watering newly sprouted beans, peas, turnips, and more. Lots to do this time of year, but my least favorite is pulling weeds.
Why is it that no matter how much I hoe, till, and pull, the weed crop manages to outgrow the food crop? I'm even hitting them with Roundup, hoping to rid myself of them once and for all, but inevitably I miss a few.
It's a little like life. There are things I'd love to get rid of forever. My over indulgence in eating sugar, my poor exercise habits, attitudes that I'm not proud of at times--but like weeds, they seem to keep coming back.
I have two choices--keep pulling and poisoning and tilling the ground of my life, keeping them at bay, or ignore them hoping they'll not take root this time around. Doing that will lead to discovering they're full blown and taking over before I know it. Yes, it takes work to keep the weeds out of your garden or out of you life, but the crop you'll get when you do is worth it!
Checking out at the
store, the young cashier suggested to the older
woman, that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't
good for the environment.
The woman apologized and explained, "We didn't have this green thing back
in my earlier days."
The young clerk responded, "That's our problem today.
Your generation did not care enough to save our environment for future generations."
She was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day.
Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to
the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and
sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and
over. So they really were recycled.
But we didn't have the green thing back in our day.
Grocery stores bagged our groceries in brown paper bags, that we
reused for numerous things, most memorable besides household garbage bags,
was the use of brown paper bags as book covers for our schoolbooks.
This was to ensure that public property, (the books
provided for our use by the school) was not defaced by our
scribblings. Then we were able to personalize our books on the brown
paper bags.
But too bad we didn't do the green thing back then.
We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every
store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't
climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two
blocks.
But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day.
Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the
throwaway kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy-gobbling
machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry
our clothes back in our early days.
Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters,
not always brand-new clothing.
But that young lady is right; we didn't have the green thing back in our day.
Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every
room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief
(remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana. In
the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have
electric machines to do everything for us.
When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail,
we used wadded up old newspapers to cushion it,
not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap. Back then,
we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn.
We used a push mower that ran on human power.
We exercised by working so we didn't need to
go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.
But she's right; we didn't have the green thing back then.
We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup
or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled
writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the
razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just
because the blade got dull.
But we didn't have the green thing back then.
Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their
bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour
taxi service. We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire
bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a
computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites
23,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest burger joint.
But isn't it sad that the current generation laments how wasteful we old
folks were just because we didn't have the green thing back then?
Whew. Really? I have to
figure out WHY I do the things I do? I was praying this morning and felt the
Lord asked me to dig deeper. Why do I make some of the choices I make, and most
of all, why do I react in certain ways?
Ouch. Do I have to,
Lord? Can’t I just pray and ask you to cover my actions and bless my choices?
No? Seriously, no? Sigh. OK.
So here’s the first
motive that He asked me to look at. The need to be in control.
Are you wincing yet? I
am. Typing it gave me the heebie-jeebies. Especially since my husband has gently
pointed this out in the past—he thinks I NEED to be in control. No I don’t.
Really. He just thinks I do.
Well. Maybe not.
OK, I’ll admit it. I
like my world to be well ordered, running smoothly, and YES—at times I think my
way is the best way. Who doesn’t! But if I’m not careful that attitude can hurt
those that I love. Gentleness and meekness go a long way.
Uh-oh…know what thought
popped into my head just now? Being real and honest here. If I’m gentle and
meek at the right time, in the right way, I’ll bet it would help convince ‘them’
that my way is the best.
Yikes! Did I really think
that? Yeah. I did.
So…next time let’s talk
about hidden agendas and manipulation. Not sure I want to go there, but I hope
you’ll chime in and help me, so I won’t feel all alone.
A friend sent me a journal entry to read today, as
she wanted honest feedback. I read it and choked back tears at the raw honesty poured out on the page. God has been prompting her to dig deep. To go beyond
the surface in her relationship with Him and interaction with people, and she
took it seriously.
I’m not sure I can be that vulnerable, but I'm willing to try. Looking at
ourselves is tough in the best of times, but digging deep, discovering WHY we
do certain things, checking our motives—well, let’s just say it’s oftentimes
easier to sidestep those areas.
In the next few posts I’m going to share a few thoughts on what makes me tick, and I invite
you to do the same. They won’t be long or even very sophisticated, but I promise to keep it real. If anything I write resonates with you, I’d love to hear your
thoughts. Maybe I’m the only one who struggles with being real, but I’m
guessing that’s not the case.
The book I’m writing has made me dig deeper. I’m
dealing with the issue of a difficult mother/daughter relationship. The
daughter is grown, the mother is aging, and Mama comes to live with her
daughter. Sometimes the closest family connections can bring out the best—or the
worst in us. At the very least they can cause us to look more deeply into who
we are and why we act the way that we do.
So I invite you to come along on the ride if you
dare. More in a few days…..
Can you tell I'm pumped? Yeah, just a little. You see, my new website just went live and I'm in love! Aren't the colors and graphics cool?
I have the most awesome web master/designer--Tiffany Amber Stockton of Eagle Designs. You got a little sneak peek if you happened to notice the brand new art work at the top of my blog, as everything now matches. I have horses in all of my books so far except one (not sure HOW I missed that one!), and the tag line of Restoration Through Adversity exactly sums up what I want my writing to reflect--strong men and women who come up against struggles in life, but with God's help make it through to restoration.
So if you have a minute, pop on over to my website. All you need to do is click on the button/link that says "Home" at the top of this page. Easy, huh? And maybe you'll drop me a line on my guest book and let me know what you think--you'll even be entered in a drawing for a free book if you do. How's that for an inducement!
I did my good deed for the day and cured a man's hiccups.
Seriously.
He called me and apologized ahead of time (before he told me why he called) because he'd had the hiccups for two days straight and knew it might be difficult to talk. Poor man was tired out and worried. His wife was threatening to take him to the doctor.
I told him I have a remedy if he was willing to try it. After two days non-stop he was willing to try just about anything, even if it was crazy.
This has never failed to cure my hiccups and it works for my kids and husband....and thankfully, it worked for my friend on the phone as well.
Curious yet? Try it the next time you're afflicted and you'll see that it works. Wish I could patent this!
Get a full glass of water. Take a deep breath and hold it. Immediately start drinking. FAST and steady. Small gulps/sips, and keep drinking until you absolutely MUST come up for a breath of air.
That's it. Simple and easy. He did it while I waited on the phone. Sixty seconds later he was dancing a jig. "Miralee cured my hiccups"....he shouted to his wife hovering in the background. "It's a miracle!".
I laughed, tickled it had worked for him....there's a man who knows how to take directions and follow them. A miracle? Not quite, but an awfully nice solution when you're in distress!
The mega-millions
spent by Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries, and Katy Perry and Russell Brand,
on their lavish and exotic weddings failed to guarantee a long and blissful
union. But they are not alone. Recent statistics show a decline in
couples getting married and staying married for more than a few months or
years.
Can
marriages survive in today’s culture? Long-wedded author, Poppy Smith, says
“Yes.” Here are Smith’s tips for building a marriage that not only works, but
thrives:
Readjust your
expectations. You didn’t marry your clone. Naturally, your
partner will view some things differently. Be willing to flex and accept
their right to be themselves.
Appreciate
your different strengths. Analyze your personalities, your
backgrounds, and what’s important to each of you. Identify each other’s
strengths and affirm what these add to your relationship.
Learn to
communicate so you’re heard. Women tend to explain and
expand. Men tend to edit. To be heard, communicate according to
your spouse’s desired style, not yours.
Understand
each other’s feelings about money. Does money
signal fun? Symbolize success? Guarantee security? Or ensure power?
Knowing what it means to both of you helps in settling money battles.
Practice a
conflict resolution style that works for both. Clarify what
the conflict is about. Listen to each other’s reasoning and feelings
without interrupting. Then decide what best builds your relationship.
Recognize the
emotional needs of your mate. Both men and women want to be
valued, admired, respected, and listened to. Discover what makes your
spouse feel loved and special, then find ways to meet that need.
Prioritize
romance and sexual intimacy. Sex matters. It gives physical and
emotional pleasure, strengthens love, and deepens commitment. Make time
to play or be silly or sensuous in bed. It pays rich dividends.
Share your
Dreams.
What is it each of you longs to achieve? Are there some dreams you want
to accomplish together? Be encouragers to each other and discuss steps
you can take now toward your goals.
About the Book:
Why Can't He Be
More Like Me?
9 Secrets to Understanding Your
Husband
“What do you
and your husband have in common?”
“We got married on
the same day.”
Do you find yourself nodding in agreement with the answer
to that question? You want your marriage to be happy and honoring to God, but
you wonder how when your husband baffles and sometimes irritates you. You may
even wonder if you made a terrible mistake.
Poppy Smithoffers you hope in this upbeat,
empathetic, and biblically grounded book. Why Can’t He Be More Like Me?
will help you better understand areas of conflict in your marriage as you
consider your different backgrounds, expectations, needs, and reactions on a
variety of topics from communication styles to finances and sex.
Each chapter provides practical tools to help you learn to
accept and enjoy your mate. The result will be a stronger, happier marriage
as you grow to understand and even find delight in your differences.
Endorsements:
“Poppy
Smith cares about relationships! Her astute insights, garnered from time
spent living in numerous locations around the globe, brings a wealth of
advice packaged with her upbeat warmth and wisdom.” —Pam Farrel, speaker and author of
over 30 books, including best-selling Men Are Like Waffles—Women Are Like
Spaghetti
“This
book will help you love your husband even when you don’t understand him.” —Leslie Vernick, counselor, coach,
speaker, and author of How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong
and The Emotionally Destructive Relationship
Poppy Smith
About Poppy Smith:
With her fun personality and passion for communicating
life-changing truths, Poppy Smith inspires believers to thrive spiritually
and personally. Poppy’s practical how-to messages (in print or in person)
uses colorful examples from her own struggles to be more like Jesus. She
encourages others to grow in every kind of situation—whether joyful or
painful! Poppy is British, married to an American, and has lived in many
countries. She brings an international flair seasoned with humorous honesty
as she illustrates Bible truths. A former Bible Study Fellowship lecturer,
Poppy’s teaching challenges women to look at their choices, attitudes and
self-talk. As a result, God’s speaks, changing hearts, changing minds, and
changing lives. Watch for Poppy's upcoming book release, Why Can't He Be
More Like Me: 9 Secrets to Understanding Your Husband.
Article
available for reprint. Contact kathy@kathycarltonwillis.com
for more information. Please use bio with the article in any guest blogger or
guest columnist spots.
Leave a comment and tell me if you read devotionals and why you'd like to win this one. If you want a second entry, let me know if you're a subscriber to my blog, or BECOME one, to get a second entry. Thank you!!!
"Be still and know that I am God" is one of the most
beautiful verses from the Bible, but it's not easy to practice in this busy
world. Mornings with Jesus will help you do just that "be still" in
Jesus' beautiful and powerful presence.
For those who are seeking a deeper experience in their relationship with
Christ, Mornings with Jesus (365 Days of Devotionals) offers a fresh perspective of who Jesus is (the
Healer, the Son of God, the Comforter, the Good Shepherd) and what that means
for day-to-day life.
With a warm and friendly voice, 365 short devotional writings on the
character and teachings of Jesus encourage readers to greet each day by
drawing near to Him and inviting His presence into their day.
Spend time with Jesus at the beginning of each day and experience His nearness
and peace in a new way throughout the year. Read
an excerpt.
I've been reading this book out loud with my husband and we're both really enjoying it. We've so loved the down-to-earth devotionals that touch pertinent parts of our lives. These speak to both men and women, and teens would find many of them valuable, as well.
One thing I've enjoyed is the variety of authors as they share their own thoughts on scriptures and day-to-day happenings. Judy Baer, Gwen Ford Faulkenberry, Tricia Goyer, Sharon Hinck, Keni Wyatt Kent, Erin Keeley Marshall, Camy Tang each bring their own flavor and voice to the book and make it a blessing to read.
I believe this book will minister to anyone in your family, young or old, and I encourage you to pick up a copy and keep by your bedside or on your breakfast table. It's an excellent way to start or end your day.
Darlene Franklin is visiting with us today and she's giving away a copy of her new book, a compilation of three stories, Maple Notch Brides. Here are the rules.You must ASK Darlene a question. I can be based on something she shared below, or something you'd like to know. If you only leave a comment saying you want to be entered in the contest, it won't count.
For a second entry and third "extra" entries in the contest, subscribe to my blog (be sure to let me know you have) or let me know if you already do. (Scroll down on the right hand column...right under the pretty blue picture of the otter it says "Subscribe to blog"). Same with Darlene's blog....go to it and follow, but you MUST tell me you did. (We get notices that you have, but it's easier to verify if you've put it in the comments as well).
I'm sorry, I wish I could include international entries, but this is limited to the U.S., although all comments are welcome.
Miralee wants “interesting”
facts about me. The problem is, I think I’m fairly boring! Standard
information: I was born in New
Hampshire, grew up in Maine, spent twenty years in Denver before moving
(back) to Oklahoma.
(However, Utah
is the farthest west I have ever traveled.) In spite of my New
England upbringing, I love the west! I am divorced, have one
daughter who is at home with the Lord and a son who lives close by with four
precious grandchildren. I’m a Bible college and seminary graduate, and now get
to “live the dream” of writing full time. My outside interests have shrunk as
writing takes more of my time and crippling arthritis takes more of my health!
I still play piano for our church choir. You can find me online on Facebook (of
course!) and at darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot.com.
To encourage any hopeful writers out there: Since I began
writing full time 2½ years ago, the number of books under contract doubled in
the first year and now I have about twenty books either in print or under
contract! I didn’t have a single contract when I decided to try it full-time. And
since I’m divorced, I am my sole support. So it can happen!
Some of her other books are: Most recent releases: Lone
Star Trail (Rivernorth Fiction, 2011) and Christmas at Barncastle Inn (Barbour, 2011)
Maple Notch Brides:
Climb into adventure in the GreenMountainState where party
politics, parental pressure, and personal misperceptions challenge three
couples.
Sally Reid and her family of Patriots are in hiding. Can she trust
Josiah Tuttle, a man whose father is loyal to King George?
Beatrice Bailey’s
wealthy father wants his daughter to marry up—not down. Does farmer Calvin
Tuttle have any chance of winning Beatrice’s heart and her father’s blessing?
Clara Farley has accepted the role of spinster. Can Daniel Tuttle get her to
change her mind? Will God show these couples a way above the fray?
About Prodigal Patriot from Kathleen Maher:
I just finished
this book in one sitting. . . The characters invited me into their world of
Revolutionary War Vermont,
and drew me with their hardships, ingenuity, and pluck. The writing disappeared
and allowed a vivid story world to emerge. I was invested.
Commenting on Love’s Raid from Regina Jennings:
Darlene has
done her research and highlights this little known event . . . Clara is
conscientious and faces an unspeakable dilemma with courage and conviction.
It's no wonder Darlene remains a reader's favorite year after year.
The blog owner did not get paid in any way for posting this give away.
