Okay, I finally added info and photos to my Facebook profile and sent out Friend Requests! I'll be posting more frequently to Facebook as it is more conducive to quick posts and more folks use it. I'll cross reference from my DooleyWeds Journal to Facebook so be sure to sign up for Facebook if you haven't already. It really is easy and doesn't require blogging to have simple and quick updates!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?i
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?i
So much done and so much to do. I am still working to find balance in all my responsibilities. While I love what I do and love working from home, it does come with challenges. My goal for the New Year will definitely be to find balance between work, family, home, church and the rest.
I am blessed to have a wonderful, christian husband who loves, encourages and supports all that I do and want to do. I want to be the best wife I can be because he deserves it! I'm learning to cook meals from scratch so we can get healthier in 2009 and have a long, healthy life together!
My parents are both fighting colds and my dad has a bad cough. Pray with us they recover quickly and fully. With my dad's disability and my mom's Parkinson's any extra illness just makes life that much more difficult for them.
My niece, April was blessed to give birth to her second daughter, Summer on Dec. 22nd. I've posted a few photos.
We had a busy Christmas in Slidell before leaving for Tennessee for a quieter Christmas as most of my family couldn't be there this year. We plan to visit again in February to celebrate my dad's 85th birthday! We need to firm up the date and try to plan a family get together that hopefully everyone can attend.
Well, I am off to bed before I return to work in the morning. I pray Craig and I are both better by then.
Love and hugs to all our family and friends!
I am blessed to have a wonderful, christian husband who loves, encourages and supports all that I do and want to do. I want to be the best wife I can be because he deserves it! I'm learning to cook meals from scratch so we can get healthier in 2009 and have a long, healthy life together!
My parents are both fighting colds and my dad has a bad cough. Pray with us they recover quickly and fully. With my dad's disability and my mom's Parkinson's any extra illness just makes life that much more difficult for them.
My niece, April was blessed to give birth to her second daughter, Summer on Dec. 22nd. I've posted a few photos.
We had a busy Christmas in Slidell before leaving for Tennessee for a quieter Christmas as most of my family couldn't be there this year. We plan to visit again in February to celebrate my dad's 85th birthday! We need to firm up the date and try to plan a family get together that hopefully everyone can attend.
Well, I am off to bed before I return to work in the morning. I pray Craig and I are both better by then.
Love and hugs to all our family and friends!
Click on Image to view Full Size...
The trip was so good. I needed to get away and it was sooo relaxing. It rained or drizzled on and off all day Friday and Saturday but I still got out and about with my Aunt Pat and Uncle Bud to do some sightseeing. (Craig actually had a seminar he attended Thursday morning, Friday all day and Saturday all day)
Thursday afternoon Craig, Aunt Pat, Uncle Bud and I went to Estes Park, CO and Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park which was fun. It was sooo cold up on the mountain and even sleeted a bit. But as we stopped at the different pull offs the weather was different. At one stop I fed some chipmunks right out of my hand. In fact one of them just climbed right up on my hand to eat. They were adorable stuffing those little cheeks with peanuts! Now I really see where the term chipmunk cheeks comes from!!!
We also saw BIG Elk! I was photographing several that were laying down a ways from me when another walked up 15 feet in front of me to eat! I sort of froze and took some more pics before a park ranger came over to shoo us back. September is apparently the start of the mating season so the Elk are beginning to congregate near mating areas. (I'll have to upload my photos soon and share them on Snapfish)
And Craig and I both noticed someone in Estes Park who looked like my brother Gary! It was uncanny! Gary were you in Colorado last week??? That would have been way too coincidental don't you think!
Friday Aunt Pat, Uncle Bud and I went to the Celestial Seasonings plant for the tour which was really cool. It was fascinating to see the factory and learn how they make the teas and the history of the company. I had no idea they had over 100 tea blends and they add 15 new blends a year! I also bought the cutest teapot, mug and saucer along with several teas I had never even heard of and they are being shipped to me this week. I can't wait 'til they arrive and I can try them out!
Boulder is BEAUTIFUL!!! Such a pretty town and I literally only saw a handful of overweight locals. I laughed and told Craig we might have to move there just to get healthy and thinner! They have walking trails and biking lanes all over the city and even on the rainy days people walked and biked everywhere, sort of like Seattle but since it's a small town it has a lot more bike lanes and trails, bike racks everywhere too. (The weather on Friday and Saturday definitely reminded me of my time in Seattle!)
If Craig gets laid off Denver would be one of the places he job hunts. We both have family there! We spent Friday night with his cousins Tim and Mary, their daughters, their 2 cats and a few of their friends. (The dinner was so good and the company was even better!) It was nice to spend time with them as they email us often and send photos from their travels and adventures! They have a spare room in the finished basement of their beautiful home and were so kind to invite us back. My Aunt and Uncle also invited us back as I didn't get to see any of my cousins this trip.
Now that Southwest flies to Denver direct we may try to go back for a 3 day weekend after the area gets snow to see if we still think we could live there. I am pretty sure I could because after all I work from home and I remember snow from when we were kids, seems like most winters we had snow or maybe I just remember it that way. Craig has seen snow about twice I think. I think he would get used to it though.
It was so funny as I was so stressed before we left that I didn’t want to go and now I can't wait to go back!!! Thank you Aunt Pat and Uncle Bud for entertaining me and for Tim and Mary (and friends) for making us welcome Friday night! It was great to spend time with all of you!!
Thursday afternoon Craig, Aunt Pat, Uncle Bud and I went to Estes Park, CO and Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park which was fun. It was sooo cold up on the mountain and even sleeted a bit. But as we stopped at the different pull offs the weather was different. At one stop I fed some chipmunks right out of my hand. In fact one of them just climbed right up on my hand to eat. They were adorable stuffing those little cheeks with peanuts! Now I really see where the term chipmunk cheeks comes from!!!
We also saw BIG Elk! I was photographing several that were laying down a ways from me when another walked up 15 feet in front of me to eat! I sort of froze and took some more pics before a park ranger came over to shoo us back. September is apparently the start of the mating season so the Elk are beginning to congregate near mating areas. (I'll have to upload my photos soon and share them on Snapfish)
And Craig and I both noticed someone in Estes Park who looked like my brother Gary! It was uncanny! Gary were you in Colorado last week??? That would have been way too coincidental don't you think!
Friday Aunt Pat, Uncle Bud and I went to the Celestial Seasonings plant for the tour which was really cool. It was fascinating to see the factory and learn how they make the teas and the history of the company. I had no idea they had over 100 tea blends and they add 15 new blends a year! I also bought the cutest teapot, mug and saucer along with several teas I had never even heard of and they are being shipped to me this week. I can't wait 'til they arrive and I can try them out!
Boulder is BEAUTIFUL!!! Such a pretty town and I literally only saw a handful of overweight locals. I laughed and told Craig we might have to move there just to get healthy and thinner! They have walking trails and biking lanes all over the city and even on the rainy days people walked and biked everywhere, sort of like Seattle but since it's a small town it has a lot more bike lanes and trails, bike racks everywhere too. (The weather on Friday and Saturday definitely reminded me of my time in Seattle!)
If Craig gets laid off Denver would be one of the places he job hunts. We both have family there! We spent Friday night with his cousins Tim and Mary, their daughters, their 2 cats and a few of their friends. (The dinner was so good and the company was even better!) It was nice to spend time with them as they email us often and send photos from their travels and adventures! They have a spare room in the finished basement of their beautiful home and were so kind to invite us back. My Aunt and Uncle also invited us back as I didn't get to see any of my cousins this trip.
Now that Southwest flies to Denver direct we may try to go back for a 3 day weekend after the area gets snow to see if we still think we could live there. I am pretty sure I could because after all I work from home and I remember snow from when we were kids, seems like most winters we had snow or maybe I just remember it that way. Craig has seen snow about twice I think. I think he would get used to it though.
It was so funny as I was so stressed before we left that I didn’t want to go and now I can't wait to go back!!! Thank you Aunt Pat and Uncle Bud for entertaining me and for Tim and Mary (and friends) for making us welcome Friday night! It was great to spend time with all of you!!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day, enjoying time with family and friends. We were able to spend time with Craig’s parents before hand and then travel up to see my parents for that weekend. My brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Stefanie were visiting from Oregon and my niece, Danielle was in visiting from Arkansas. My brother, Bruce was able to come over with his wife, Pam and daughter, Katie too! It was almost a full house but my sister Donna, her kids and their families were in Florida. I also missed seeing my nephew Josh who just graduated college with a major and 2 minors! I’m so proud of him! He and my nephew Travis are both off for the military, one navy and one army I believe. We’re very proud of them both!
Hopefully, next year we can have everyone together again as it’s been a while.
CRAIG’S PARENTS, BILL & PAT DOOLEY
Craig’s parents are holding steady physically. Their drug plan has already maxed out for the year and Craig is managing their finances, a large portion now going to pay for medicines each month. He just had to pay for 3 of her medicines and it was over $700. (I believe she’s on more than 10 meds herself) It seems ridiculous that getting help for their medicines is so difficult! We tried last year and may have to try again this year. (This year it would be up to me as Craig did most of the work last year) It’s almost a full time job just filling out the paperwork and very frustrating when you get –0- results. Please pray with us that we are able to come up with some help for them this year or that God will simply stretch their dollars as Craig faithfully manages it.
MY PARENTS, DOT & DON CAUSEY
My dad seems to be suffering more hearing loss which is a real concern for mom. He’s also not as strong and has to be really careful. Although, I guess that really applies for them both. Her doctor has slightly adjusted her meds for her Parkinson’s but there’s not much else they can do. It seems the more meds you take, the more you need. She’s definitely feeling the symptoms more and more. I just pray for good days that are relatively pain free for her and for healing if it’s God’s will. We never know what tomorrow may bring!
PRAISE HIM! PRAISE HIM!
We do have a big praise in that our other house sold! We had the closing last Friday, thank you Jesus! One less financial burden. I know the housing market is tough all over but especially down here. So many vacant homes, still basically untouched since Katrina which was almost 3 years ago now. Some people are still moving out and others moving in. But many homes sit on the market for more than a year without a bite. Ours was shown 5 times in about 5-6 weeks! We were blessed to have it sell so quickly.
MORE ABOUT US...
Craig is back to a 6 day mandatory work week. I am just praying he doesn’t get burned out, worn down and that we are able to have time together. I’m trying to get my work organized so I can begin to help take some of the burden off him at home and do more around here so he has less to worry with.
I’ve been very busy with new clients and streamlining my systems for existing clients. It’s taken several months of extra work but I am beginning to see it pay off! God has blessed my web design business with 67 clients in 3 countries with no advertising in under a year and a half. I’ve gotten clients referred to me by people I don’t even know! I am so humbled and grateful! I say that because I’ve talked with a number of others who do what I do working with the same type of clients and they use advertising, offer incentives and have been at it longer and generally have less than 15-25 clients. So I know it’s a God-incidence and not my talent (which is raw) or expertise (which is lacking).
Be sure to visit our DooleyWeds Journal at http://thedooleys.livejournal.com as I’ll be posting some photos of our house and recent visit with family soon. I don’t update this as often as I used to, just so much going on but I promise to add photos soon!!!
And visit my Beauty for Ashes Journal at http://dooleydreams.livejournal.com
Visit our Missionary Friends Journal of life in Brazil at http://thehoskins.livejournal.com.
A FEW PRAYER NEEDS FOR FRIENDS & FAMILY:
Suzanne Brown’s mom has cancer and will be undergoing treatment. She has a heart condition as well so treatment will be delicate. Many of you prayed for Suzanne and Kelley’s son Cole Brown who was born 3 mos. premature and wasn’t supposed to live! I’ve attached the most recent photo I have from last May. He is a healthy active boy! Maybe Suzanne can send me a new photo when she updates me on her mom.
Cyndie Bowling McKinney’s dad was in the hospital (I’m waiting to hear recent news) and they had no idea what was going on, but it was serious. Please pray and I’ll update as soon as possible. (if anyone has recent news, please let me know)
My cousin Olivia and her husband, Paul have taken in his elderly, bed-ridden mom to live with them and it’s been a difficult time. She is suffering from anxiety and refusing to eat. They are in the process of getting some in home help. Paul had recently retired to stay home to take care of her as the nursing home care was simply not adequate. Pray for them to have strength, patience and long-suffering and for them to get enough help. We also pray she will begin to eat and regain her strength.
We are praying for Craig’s job to continue! Layoffs are not far off for some and others may be around another year or so. We are praying for direction and wisdom. I am praying for Craig to find favor on his job and to be one of the few they keep for the new projects as that is what he really wants to do. But if God has a different plan we simply pray for His provision and timing.
Thanks for those who pray for us! We covet your prayers and love to get updates (even brief ones-I know not everyone is a night owl like me) and photos! Send photos!!! And if you have any prayer needs, let us know and please tell us if it’s private or if it can be shared.
I Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6:26 NIV
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or
store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they?
Hopefully, next year we can have everyone together again as it’s been a while.
CRAIG’S PARENTS, BILL & PAT DOOLEY
Craig’s parents are holding steady physically. Their drug plan has already maxed out for the year and Craig is managing their finances, a large portion now going to pay for medicines each month. He just had to pay for 3 of her medicines and it was over $700. (I believe she’s on more than 10 meds herself) It seems ridiculous that getting help for their medicines is so difficult! We tried last year and may have to try again this year. (This year it would be up to me as Craig did most of the work last year) It’s almost a full time job just filling out the paperwork and very frustrating when you get –0- results. Please pray with us that we are able to come up with some help for them this year or that God will simply stretch their dollars as Craig faithfully manages it.
MY PARENTS, DOT & DON CAUSEY
My dad seems to be suffering more hearing loss which is a real concern for mom. He’s also not as strong and has to be really careful. Although, I guess that really applies for them both. Her doctor has slightly adjusted her meds for her Parkinson’s but there’s not much else they can do. It seems the more meds you take, the more you need. She’s definitely feeling the symptoms more and more. I just pray for good days that are relatively pain free for her and for healing if it’s God’s will. We never know what tomorrow may bring!
PRAISE HIM! PRAISE HIM!
We do have a big praise in that our other house sold! We had the closing last Friday, thank you Jesus! One less financial burden. I know the housing market is tough all over but especially down here. So many vacant homes, still basically untouched since Katrina which was almost 3 years ago now. Some people are still moving out and others moving in. But many homes sit on the market for more than a year without a bite. Ours was shown 5 times in about 5-6 weeks! We were blessed to have it sell so quickly.
MORE ABOUT US...
Craig is back to a 6 day mandatory work week. I am just praying he doesn’t get burned out, worn down and that we are able to have time together. I’m trying to get my work organized so I can begin to help take some of the burden off him at home and do more around here so he has less to worry with.
I’ve been very busy with new clients and streamlining my systems for existing clients. It’s taken several months of extra work but I am beginning to see it pay off! God has blessed my web design business with 67 clients in 3 countries with no advertising in under a year and a half. I’ve gotten clients referred to me by people I don’t even know! I am so humbled and grateful! I say that because I’ve talked with a number of others who do what I do working with the same type of clients and they use advertising, offer incentives and have been at it longer and generally have less than 15-25 clients. So I know it’s a God-incidence and not my talent (which is raw) or expertise (which is lacking).
Be sure to visit our DooleyWeds Journal at http://thedooleys.livejournal.com as I’ll be posting some photos of our house and recent visit with family soon. I don’t update this as often as I used to, just so much going on but I promise to add photos soon!!!
And visit my Beauty for Ashes Journal at http://dooleydreams.livejournal.com
Visit our Missionary Friends Journal of life in Brazil at http://thehoskins.livejournal.com.
A FEW PRAYER NEEDS FOR FRIENDS & FAMILY:
Suzanne Brown’s mom has cancer and will be undergoing treatment. She has a heart condition as well so treatment will be delicate. Many of you prayed for Suzanne and Kelley’s son Cole Brown who was born 3 mos. premature and wasn’t supposed to live! I’ve attached the most recent photo I have from last May. He is a healthy active boy! Maybe Suzanne can send me a new photo when she updates me on her mom.
Cyndie Bowling McKinney’s dad was in the hospital (I’m waiting to hear recent news) and they had no idea what was going on, but it was serious. Please pray and I’ll update as soon as possible. (if anyone has recent news, please let me know)
My cousin Olivia and her husband, Paul have taken in his elderly, bed-ridden mom to live with them and it’s been a difficult time. She is suffering from anxiety and refusing to eat. They are in the process of getting some in home help. Paul had recently retired to stay home to take care of her as the nursing home care was simply not adequate. Pray for them to have strength, patience and long-suffering and for them to get enough help. We also pray she will begin to eat and regain her strength.
We are praying for Craig’s job to continue! Layoffs are not far off for some and others may be around another year or so. We are praying for direction and wisdom. I am praying for Craig to find favor on his job and to be one of the few they keep for the new projects as that is what he really wants to do. But if God has a different plan we simply pray for His provision and timing.
Thanks for those who pray for us! We covet your prayers and love to get updates (even brief ones-I know not everyone is a night owl like me) and photos! Send photos!!! And if you have any prayer needs, let us know and please tell us if it’s private or if it can be shared.
I Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6:26 NIV
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or
store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
Are you not much more valuable than they?
Hope you are all doing well! It’s been a while since my last post, I don’t even know how long. We’ve been keeping busy, Craig’s hours are still crazy as they have him working some weekends second shift and my business continues to grow. I remember when I started last January I was praying to just have 25 clients by the end of December. At the end of the year I had nearly double that, plus an employee and am now up to 64 clients in 3 countries! God has definitely provided and blessed me with lots of business! And just when my assistant was going through a crisis and needed more hours and pay, I added on 9 clients in 1 month so I was able to increase her hours and her pay. (God’s timing is always perfect even if it doesn’t always feel that way.)
Oh, we also may have a buyer for our other home which would also be a blessing as so many homes are sitting on the market, here more than most places because of Katrina. We are praying if this is the right buyer all would go well. Craig’s parents seem to be doing well for the moment too which is a tremendous praise! Holding steady is truly good news for both Pat and Bill.
My mom has noticed more symptoms of her Parkinson’s and we are praying her doctor will be able to adjust her medicines to a dosage that slows the progression of the disease. We pray for my dad to stay in steady health this year along with Craig’s parents. Craig is doing an incredible job at not only managing our finances, but also his parents. He also has to deal with all of their medical paperwork, insurance and basically is ‘parenting’ them at this point. We are fortunate that they are able to stay in their home and get the care they need right now and pray that continues.
We’ve heard rumblings at Craig’s employer that layoffs which we were anticipating in 2010 could begin this summer so Craig is a bit nervous about that but we are praying over the situation and doing what we can to prepare just in case. He loves his job and has been with the company 16 years but they will be laying off about 2200 people during the next 2 years and he will likely be one of them. Of course, now that we have found a home and neighborhood that we love, Craig plans to look for employment here when the time comes. We know God knows the plan and are trusting in His timing and provision.
We’re starting to find time to enjoy the new home. We had our Sunday school class over 2 weeks ago and had 16 people over! It was great! There was room enough for everyone and they all seemed to enjoy the food and company, I know we did! We plan to have more frequent get togethers since this one was such a success. We are true Baptists, food and fellowship is our anthem!!
And we are both learning how to take care of all the landscaping we have here. Karen from my Sunday school class came over today and we went and bought a few plants at Lowes and I actually repotted them! Oh, I’m sorry, I should have probably warned you all to sit down before sharing such shocking news! That’s right my hands were in actual dirt! Anyone who knows me well knows I don’t even like to read the newspaper because I don’t like the way it gets your hands dirty; I am a bit compulsive on the hand washing. But today I pulled weeds, trimmed back or removed dead plants and did a whole lot of watering! There is a lot more to do and I am going to have to tackle a little bit every day. I hope to find it enjoyable and not a chore. I also hope to not kill anything either! It’s definitely a new world of discovery for me and I am getting to know a new friend much better in the process! (Say a prayer for my friend Karen as she is job hunting right now and her daughter is getting ready to graduate high school May 15th, a new world for her too)
I am still working to find my way living in Slidell and being a wife. Every new road we go down is a wonderful path of discovery about the Savior and His love for us! Sometimes that road shows you that you have a long way to go yet to be the person He plans for you to be. That can be painful but also it can be the ‘a-ha’ moment you need to move forward. I am just praying for wisdom, guidance and to know Him better this year.
I used to joke when I worked for Barnes & Noble that I was going to right a self-help book titled, “My Inner Child is Elvis’ Love Child”. (I’m from Memphis if you don’t know) I think I was the only one who really got the joke but I didn’t care as it made me laugh and still does! After all the red crayon doesn’t need to go on a journey to discover self. It only needs to know, it is a red crayon and it is made for coloring the world around it. Sort of like people. We have a Creator who made us to know His love and He wants us to color our world with that love! Truly this life is fleeting and to know the Savior is the only reason for being. I pray to be a better crayon this year, how about you?
We’d love to hear from you! Family updates, prayer requests and any news you have to share! And send pictures as I love to see your smiling faces!
Need a little inspirational music? Listen to my playlist at http://www.playlist.com/standalone/3188
Oh, we also may have a buyer for our other home which would also be a blessing as so many homes are sitting on the market, here more than most places because of Katrina. We are praying if this is the right buyer all would go well. Craig’s parents seem to be doing well for the moment too which is a tremendous praise! Holding steady is truly good news for both Pat and Bill.
My mom has noticed more symptoms of her Parkinson’s and we are praying her doctor will be able to adjust her medicines to a dosage that slows the progression of the disease. We pray for my dad to stay in steady health this year along with Craig’s parents. Craig is doing an incredible job at not only managing our finances, but also his parents. He also has to deal with all of their medical paperwork, insurance and basically is ‘parenting’ them at this point. We are fortunate that they are able to stay in their home and get the care they need right now and pray that continues.
We’ve heard rumblings at Craig’s employer that layoffs which we were anticipating in 2010 could begin this summer so Craig is a bit nervous about that but we are praying over the situation and doing what we can to prepare just in case. He loves his job and has been with the company 16 years but they will be laying off about 2200 people during the next 2 years and he will likely be one of them. Of course, now that we have found a home and neighborhood that we love, Craig plans to look for employment here when the time comes. We know God knows the plan and are trusting in His timing and provision.
We’re starting to find time to enjoy the new home. We had our Sunday school class over 2 weeks ago and had 16 people over! It was great! There was room enough for everyone and they all seemed to enjoy the food and company, I know we did! We plan to have more frequent get togethers since this one was such a success. We are true Baptists, food and fellowship is our anthem!!
And we are both learning how to take care of all the landscaping we have here. Karen from my Sunday school class came over today and we went and bought a few plants at Lowes and I actually repotted them! Oh, I’m sorry, I should have probably warned you all to sit down before sharing such shocking news! That’s right my hands were in actual dirt! Anyone who knows me well knows I don’t even like to read the newspaper because I don’t like the way it gets your hands dirty; I am a bit compulsive on the hand washing. But today I pulled weeds, trimmed back or removed dead plants and did a whole lot of watering! There is a lot more to do and I am going to have to tackle a little bit every day. I hope to find it enjoyable and not a chore. I also hope to not kill anything either! It’s definitely a new world of discovery for me and I am getting to know a new friend much better in the process! (Say a prayer for my friend Karen as she is job hunting right now and her daughter is getting ready to graduate high school May 15th, a new world for her too)
I am still working to find my way living in Slidell and being a wife. Every new road we go down is a wonderful path of discovery about the Savior and His love for us! Sometimes that road shows you that you have a long way to go yet to be the person He plans for you to be. That can be painful but also it can be the ‘a-ha’ moment you need to move forward. I am just praying for wisdom, guidance and to know Him better this year.
I used to joke when I worked for Barnes & Noble that I was going to right a self-help book titled, “My Inner Child is Elvis’ Love Child”. (I’m from Memphis if you don’t know) I think I was the only one who really got the joke but I didn’t care as it made me laugh and still does! After all the red crayon doesn’t need to go on a journey to discover self. It only needs to know, it is a red crayon and it is made for coloring the world around it. Sort of like people. We have a Creator who made us to know His love and He wants us to color our world with that love! Truly this life is fleeting and to know the Savior is the only reason for being. I pray to be a better crayon this year, how about you?
We’d love to hear from you! Family updates, prayer requests and any news you have to share! And send pictures as I love to see your smiling faces!
Need a little inspirational music? Listen to my playlist at http://www.playlist.com/standalone/3188
As I talked with a good friend today, one who is experiencing heartache and betrayal, I reflected back. I went back to a time where I felt my own heartache, pain and betrayal of trust. As my mind journeyed I remembered those whom I loved who didn’t love enough. They didn’t love enough to keep their word, my trust or our relationship. They allowed me to pour myself into their life, providing comfort, love and encouragement. I opened my heart and shared my innermost being with each of them, friends and loves alike. I was a soft place to fall in times of trouble. I provided counsel when needed and at other times, prayers and a shoulder of support. We enjoyed times of laughter, tears and even anger. Then at some point, a choice was made and the bond was broken. Each story was different, the betrayal unexpected and the hurt unbearable at times. But instead of remembering the bitter details, most of which have blurred with time, I tried to remember the lessons I learned...
People will hurt you, love anyway.
People will abuse your trust, trust anyway.
People will take advantage, give of yourself anyway.
Now I don’t mean, love your abuser, give your all to a taker or even trust those who have broken your trust. What I mean is stop, feel the hurt, examine the relationship for clues that you missed, learn the lesson and move on. If I had stopped taking a chance on love, where would I be now? Alone probably. I would have missed out on a wonderful relationship and marriage. No it’s not been perfect and I would never, ever say it hasn’t been tough. But the difficult times are lost in the happy times. The sadness is overtaken by the joy.
And how many friendships would I have missed out on over the years if the betrayal of one friend kept me closed off to others. We often find the best of ourselves as we give unconditionally to others, unconditional love, friendship, trust, encouragement, strength and so much more. Sometimes the trust is broken and we lose ourselves in the darkness. But we must move on and into the light again, wiser and more determined. Happiness is a choice so choose to be happy. Dream your dreams, set goals and work to achieve them. Don’t settle for unhappily ever after! Don’t settle for mediocrity, only life more abundant! Live life to the fullest with no regrets but with hope for a brighter future!
That may mean leaving behind those who hurt you. So what, they already let you go. That may mean letting go of some of those around you now. Are they helping you to be a better person, great take them along! Are they draining all of your energy, time and resources ALL for the sake of their own drama? LET GO! They are no friend to you. (Now if it is a friend in a temporary crisis, one who normally does contribute to the relationship, hang on and be there but if all they have EVER done is take from you, that is all they will ever do.)
Remember, you are not Burger King, you can’t let everyone have it their way! Now I am also not suggesting complete selfishness! On the contrary, love others with a reckless abandonment!!! Just don’t lose yourself in the process. It’s all about balance; find and cultivate healthy relationships, friend and love alike. And remember you can’t love someone into loving you in return. You can only love someone and let them choose to love you or not.
And as much as I love my husband, that doesn’t mean we don’t hurt one another. I know that the only man in my life who has never and will never let me down is my savior, Jesus. He is the creator and lover of my soul. He knows even the parts of me that I keep to myself. And let’s face it, we all have secret gardens in our soul that we choose for whatever personal reason to keep private. Well Jesus knows all and He loves me anyway! His love is perfect, unconditional and wants only the BEST for me! He is the One Who sees me as I am and says my child, I created you for My purposes and plans and I have a wonderful plan for you! Take my hand and walk with me, I will see you through all of life’s sadness, troubles and joy! I will never leave you or forsake you. I will be your Rock, your Shield and your Comfort.
Thank you Jesus that even though my heart wanders at times, You are always true. Help me each day to know You and love You more and in turn allow me to have more love to give away to those I love. Amen.
I Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
People will hurt you, love anyway.
People will abuse your trust, trust anyway.
People will take advantage, give of yourself anyway.
Now I don’t mean, love your abuser, give your all to a taker or even trust those who have broken your trust. What I mean is stop, feel the hurt, examine the relationship for clues that you missed, learn the lesson and move on. If I had stopped taking a chance on love, where would I be now? Alone probably. I would have missed out on a wonderful relationship and marriage. No it’s not been perfect and I would never, ever say it hasn’t been tough. But the difficult times are lost in the happy times. The sadness is overtaken by the joy.
And how many friendships would I have missed out on over the years if the betrayal of one friend kept me closed off to others. We often find the best of ourselves as we give unconditionally to others, unconditional love, friendship, trust, encouragement, strength and so much more. Sometimes the trust is broken and we lose ourselves in the darkness. But we must move on and into the light again, wiser and more determined. Happiness is a choice so choose to be happy. Dream your dreams, set goals and work to achieve them. Don’t settle for unhappily ever after! Don’t settle for mediocrity, only life more abundant! Live life to the fullest with no regrets but with hope for a brighter future!
That may mean leaving behind those who hurt you. So what, they already let you go. That may mean letting go of some of those around you now. Are they helping you to be a better person, great take them along! Are they draining all of your energy, time and resources ALL for the sake of their own drama? LET GO! They are no friend to you. (Now if it is a friend in a temporary crisis, one who normally does contribute to the relationship, hang on and be there but if all they have EVER done is take from you, that is all they will ever do.)
Remember, you are not Burger King, you can’t let everyone have it their way! Now I am also not suggesting complete selfishness! On the contrary, love others with a reckless abandonment!!! Just don’t lose yourself in the process. It’s all about balance; find and cultivate healthy relationships, friend and love alike. And remember you can’t love someone into loving you in return. You can only love someone and let them choose to love you or not.
And as much as I love my husband, that doesn’t mean we don’t hurt one another. I know that the only man in my life who has never and will never let me down is my savior, Jesus. He is the creator and lover of my soul. He knows even the parts of me that I keep to myself. And let’s face it, we all have secret gardens in our soul that we choose for whatever personal reason to keep private. Well Jesus knows all and He loves me anyway! His love is perfect, unconditional and wants only the BEST for me! He is the One Who sees me as I am and says my child, I created you for My purposes and plans and I have a wonderful plan for you! Take my hand and walk with me, I will see you through all of life’s sadness, troubles and joy! I will never leave you or forsake you. I will be your Rock, your Shield and your Comfort.
Thank you Jesus that even though my heart wanders at times, You are always true. Help me each day to know You and love You more and in turn allow me to have more love to give away to those I love. Amen.
I Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
We had such a relaxing time that I wasn't ready to come home. Wow, days just lazing about and napping in the afternoon. That is the life! Once Craig is off his mandatory 6 day work week schedule, we plan to go back for another long weekend!! It was great to take strolls along the beach in the mornings and then again in the evenings. The hot afternoons were perfect nap times! I managed to not get any sun which is perfect for my fair skin. You actually can love the beach, enjoy it and not bake on it.
The sound of the surf is so tranquil. But, it's back home and back to work. I come home refreshed and relaxed with a new outlook. It was a much needed trip and break from the everyday. I look forward to going back soon...
The sound of the surf is so tranquil. But, it's back home and back to work. I come home refreshed and relaxed with a new outlook. It was a much needed trip and break from the everyday. I look forward to going back soon...
So glad the Shuttle is home safely! Whew! We always hold our breath, especially after hearing news of a hole caused by debris from the external tank. My husband, Craig is a chemical engineer who works on the external tank (ET) and has for the last 15 years. He loves his job most of the time, but it's certainly stressful on each lift off and landing.
He'll be going to LA next week for the Annual Mars Society Convention. I went last year and toured DC while he was in lectures but I decided not to go this year. It will be my busy time of month for my web business so the timing just wasn't good. He has been a part of the Mars Society since it began, back when people laughed at him. Now there are real plans for just such a mission! We both just love the wonder of space!
And you know, most people don't realize how much technology we take for granted today that originated with NASA and was made possible by space flight! I'll have to find the list and post it; it's really interesting.
Anyway, we'll celebrate our 2nd Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 3rd, just 5 days after the 2nd Anniversary of Katrina. I hope someday we'll be able to think of our anniversary without Katrina still feeling so fresh.
I know most people have put it out of their minds but if you lived down here you couldn't get away from it. Just to turn on the news, everything is still so affected by Katrina...housing, jobs, infrastructure, crime, healthcare, and most of all the people. You name it and there is a problem with a direct causal link to Katrina. You wouldn't even believe the number of homes still sitting untouched since being flooded! There are thousands of people still living in FEMA trailers.
Progress is so slow and the crime rate is out of control. New Orleans has the highest murder rate in the country right now. People who seemed to never have a history of mental illness or of domestic violence suddenly just seem to snap. Just today a woman was on the news for stabbing to death her 7 and 9 year old and then stabbing herself; no history of any problems before this. There are days I can't even watch the news as it is just overwhelming.
There is progress, goodwill stories and a lot of quiet heroes, but the destruction Katrina caused seems to be ongoing and I do wonder when will it ever end. Well, I think I am beyond tired and so I am off to bed! Tomorrow is another day to feed the birds and the rabbits. I say it's entertainment for the cats but I lean on the cat condo and watch out the window as much as they do! It's relaxing for me, exciting for them. How funny!
He'll be going to LA next week for the Annual Mars Society Convention. I went last year and toured DC while he was in lectures but I decided not to go this year. It will be my busy time of month for my web business so the timing just wasn't good. He has been a part of the Mars Society since it began, back when people laughed at him. Now there are real plans for just such a mission! We both just love the wonder of space!
And you know, most people don't realize how much technology we take for granted today that originated with NASA and was made possible by space flight! I'll have to find the list and post it; it's really interesting.
Anyway, we'll celebrate our 2nd Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 3rd, just 5 days after the 2nd Anniversary of Katrina. I hope someday we'll be able to think of our anniversary without Katrina still feeling so fresh.
I know most people have put it out of their minds but if you lived down here you couldn't get away from it. Just to turn on the news, everything is still so affected by Katrina...housing, jobs, infrastructure, crime, healthcare, and most of all the people. You name it and there is a problem with a direct causal link to Katrina. You wouldn't even believe the number of homes still sitting untouched since being flooded! There are thousands of people still living in FEMA trailers.
Progress is so slow and the crime rate is out of control. New Orleans has the highest murder rate in the country right now. People who seemed to never have a history of mental illness or of domestic violence suddenly just seem to snap. Just today a woman was on the news for stabbing to death her 7 and 9 year old and then stabbing herself; no history of any problems before this. There are days I can't even watch the news as it is just overwhelming.
There is progress, goodwill stories and a lot of quiet heroes, but the destruction Katrina caused seems to be ongoing and I do wonder when will it ever end. Well, I think I am beyond tired and so I am off to bed! Tomorrow is another day to feed the birds and the rabbits. I say it's entertainment for the cats but I lean on the cat condo and watch out the window as much as they do! It's relaxing for me, exciting for them. How funny!
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thedooleys- Craig & Cheri
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