1. Your relationship with God is the most important thing you will ever have. No one will love you more than Him.
2. Aside from Him, no one will love you more than me.
3. Read the Bible in its entirety at least once. It has all the instructions you need for life.
4. Try your best to follow those instructions.
5. It's ok if you're tall... don't slouch. One day you could be a model.
6. If you like heels, wear them.
7. If you prefer flats, that's ok too.
8. Don't ever let anybody tell you they're better than you. If God had wanted us all to be the same, He'd have given us all braces on our legs.
9. Try to find humor in hard situations. It makes them easier to deal with.
10. Brush your teeth twice daily.
11. Pay attention in English class.
12. God gives each of us a passion for something.
13. Don't be afraid of people. They're just people, like you and me.
14. If someone is mean to you it is because they are hurting worse than you are.
15. If it isn't necessary to kill a bug, don't. God made them too.
16. Always trust your gut. If your instincts tell you something isn't right, it probably isn't.
17. You will never be too big or too old to crawl into my lap. Ever.
18. Always look for ways to educate yourself about something.
19. If someone needs help, help them.
20. But don't ever climb into someone's van. Tell them you've seen too many movies to do that.
21. God loves a cheerful giver.
22. Giving to God doesn't necessarily mean all of your money. Time counts too.
23. A college degree is a wonderful thing.
24. Having a skill or trade is marvelous as well.
25. If you can have a skill or trade AND a college degree, you'll be set.
26. Like any kind of music you're drawn to.
27. Dance like nobody's watching. Anywhere. Anytime.
28. Your sisters and brothers will be your best friends. Remember that when you are stuffing them in the hamper.
29. If you don't love it in the store, you probably won't wear it anywhere else.
30. Save money while you're young.
31. If you find a job doing what you love, it won't feel like work.
32. Money isn't that important.
33. Paying your bills is important though... nobody wants to take a cold shower in the dark.
34. You are beautiful.
35. God doesn't make mistakes.
36. It's ok to dye your hair and change up your makeup if you are bored though.
37. There will never be anything you cannot tell me. If it affects you, it affects me. Tell me, we'll freak out together, then we'll figure out a way through it together.
38. Test grades matter.
39. You do use math every single day.
40. One day you will have to help your child with homework.
41. Never put yourself into a position where you can be taken advantage of.
42. Don't walk alone at night.
43. Don't walk alone with your headphones blaring, unaware of what's going on around you.
44. If you love someone, say it.
45. Don't ever be afraid to get on your knees to praise God.
46. Laugh until your face hurts.
47. Try new fruits and vegetables.
48. Never pass up an opportunity for sleep.
49. Don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.
50. Educate yourself.
51. Cats are arguably the funniest creatures on the planet.
52. Daydream often. But not during tests.
53. If you want something, work for it.
54. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't.
55. Be careful about giving out your personal information. This includes, email, DL #, and SS #.
56. Please tell me you know what those abbreviations mean.
57. I will always go clothes shopping with you.
58. It is totally fine to talk to your shoes and tell them how fabulous they are.
59. Multi-tasking is a woman's lifeline.
60. Be a careful driver.
61. But don't spend a ton of money sprucing up a car. It can be destroyed in a second. Trust me.
62. Wear your seatbelt and keep your doors locked at all times. I promised my parents. I expect the same from you.
63. It's ok to be single. It doesn't mean you'll be alone forever.
64. God has a plan for you.
65. If you find someone you think you could love long-term, get to know them well. There is a reason they put "...in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer..." in the wedding vows. What's he like broke, stinky, and grumpy? You'll know eventually.
66. Make sure he's funny too. It makes parenting easier.
67. If you decide to have kids, great. If not, that's ok too.
68. There's nothing wrong with a good cry.
69. Take care of yourself.
70. But eat the foods you like, too.
71. Fart jokes never get old.
72. Be kind to all animals, even slimy ones.
73. If you see someone being unkind, it's ok to step in.
74. I will always do my best to protect you.
75. I will always worry about you.
76. I will absolutely go off on you out of protection and worry if needs be.
77. I will do what I can to protect you from yourself if needs be.
78. Don't grow up too fast.
79. There will come a time you will have to behave like an adult. Then you'll miss childhood.
80. Stay as young at heart as possible. I could probably outrun any of you. And win a tickle fight.
81. It's ok to serve people. It doesn't mean you're less than them. It means you're selfless enough to do what's right. Jesus did.
82. Kissing animals is ok. And underrated.
83. A purring cat will cure what ails you... unless you're allergic...then one might make you sneeze.
84. Be humble. Jesus was.
85. I am so proud of you.
86. I thank God for you.
87. You are and will always be precious to me.
88. Don't be afraid to tell others about what Jesus has done for you. He may be using you to get to them.
89. God does not call the equipped. God equips those He calls.
90. Do everything you can to discover His purpose for your life. You will be fulfilled.
91. Drink lots of water.
92. Red lips are fabulous anytime.
93. Red anything is fabulous anytime, for that matter.
94. Tell yourself, "I'm beautiful" every day. Because you are.
95. Don't let others determine your worth. To me, you are priceless.
96. You have a purpose. Don't be afraid to submit to the Lord to find out what it is. He's got a plan for you.
97. It's ok to show a little skin. Just don't give away the farm.
98. You are so much more than just your looks. And they are stunning.
99. If I had all the girls in the world to choose from, I'd choose you.
100. I will do my best to support whatever dreams you have.
101. I love you.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Friday, June 6, 2014
Stupid Cancer
There isn't a very clever way to begin this one, other than this post is completely my own perspective on a subject that I, like so many others, try to block out as much as I can...
Finally... finally this "disease", as it is called, has changed the course of my life. It really has. It should be called "the juggernaut of pain and suffering no matter which kind you have". Cancer. C A N C E R. It's just a word. A name. But one we don't like to talk about. We certainly don't want to think about it. The other "C" word.
What is cancer? The textbook definition is "an abnormal growth of cells in the body." I imagine it as your own body turning against itself in a way. Isn't it interesting to think we have pills for erectile dysfunction and creams for baldness, but no cure for cancer.
I am selfishly mourning the loss of my dear friend tonight. I still cannot believe she is gone. I find peace knowing that even as I write this, she is rejoicing. But it still hurts...
I met her at church. I don't have very many people in this world that are REALLY close to me. I have friends and acquaintances. But most of the time I am alone. I like it. I don't mind spending days at a time without speaking to anyone. So how she managed to weasel her way in is still an enigma... ;)
It's hard to find words because none seem to do her justice. Strong. Kind. Loyal. Trustworthy. Funny. Irreplaceable. I have several Facebook messages from her where we corresponded back and forth. I know I'll never delete them because I can see her thoughts any time I want to. Her loving kindness just overflowed on my husband and me when we were in need. It was during the time I was in Florida for the holidays that she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. I had been teaching her yoga some months before when she first mentioned a lump she had noticed. As a concerned friend, I asked her about it. She was extremely intelligent, the healthiest person I knew (her good health habits were enough to fill another complete blog), and she told me she wanted to wait to see if it was inflammation and if it would clear up. If there is anything I can say that anyone who reads this will remember it is this: DON'T WAIT. If you notice something abnormal about your body, have it checked. Medicine has come a long way. If you aren't fans of doctors that's ok. Be a fan of you and have yourself checked for your family and yourself. The movies make it seem so easy. Almost romantic. If illness has only ever been a distant visitor you can almost get lost in the thoughts that maybe it is...
About six weeks ago I received the news that she had been diagnosed with liver, kidney, and lung cancer.
"That can't be right. Really? She's the healthiest person I know. How could this happen? Her liver AND kidney? AND lung?"
These and so many other thoughts ran through my head. Selfishly, "What would I do without her?"
Look, I am a poor, poor example of what a believer in Christ should be. I sin daily, whether I mean to or not. I lose my temper. I make mistakes. I whine. I pout. I forget what's important. I long to have the relationship she has with our Savior. I believe. But I get wrapped up so easily in the things around me. The "what if's". The not knowing. When I would teach her yoga it was supposed to be me helping her. But her teaching fed my soul. I have no doubt where my precious friend is tonight. Her courage and strength, as well as that of her husband, and their faith and love for each other makes me feel so humble. I want what they have. We have no control over the weather. We have no control over traffic. We have no control over how others treat us. We have no control over what happens inside our own bodies. But I know who does have control. And I believe my friend was brought into my life because He knew I needed her.
In the end, there was no photo shoot. No silk pajamas or Susan Sarandon. The last time I went to see her, she was too sick to come to the living room, so I went and laid in bed with her and her dog, BB, who never left her side. She had cut her hair short weeks before because it was too much to manage. I just laid there, stroking her head and her arm. I remember when she was still able to come to church and I would sit by her with my arm around her, just stroking her shoulder because I had a feeling the day would come that I wouldn't be able to stroke her shoulder anymore. I just breathed her in.
I don't know why things happen. She didn't know. Marcus, her sweet and devoted husband, doesn't know. I like to think that her work here was done. She just celebrated her 49th birthday. I got to wish her well on that day. I feel so blessed. I miss her. I wonder what she's doing right now. What does it look like? I wonder if her beautiful, long curls are back. In my favorite wedding photo, my husband and I are exchanging rings and in the background is her smiling as big as can be. I'm thankful to have known such a person. I wish everyone had. God brings people along for reasons that are all His own. It's not for us to understand why they come or why they go. As she would say, "Everything is for His glory." She left quickly and for that I'm grateful. Suffering is terrible. It's terrible to go through and terrible to watch someone you love go through, in whatever form it may be. But if we can stay faithful through the downs, the ups will be beyond our most beautiful dreams.
I love you, Girl. I miss you already. You will be my accountability partner, even from Heaven. I don't want to let go...
Stupid Cancer.
Finally... finally this "disease", as it is called, has changed the course of my life. It really has. It should be called "the juggernaut of pain and suffering no matter which kind you have". Cancer. C A N C E R. It's just a word. A name. But one we don't like to talk about. We certainly don't want to think about it. The other "C" word.
What is cancer? The textbook definition is "an abnormal growth of cells in the body." I imagine it as your own body turning against itself in a way. Isn't it interesting to think we have pills for erectile dysfunction and creams for baldness, but no cure for cancer.
I am selfishly mourning the loss of my dear friend tonight. I still cannot believe she is gone. I find peace knowing that even as I write this, she is rejoicing. But it still hurts...
I met her at church. I don't have very many people in this world that are REALLY close to me. I have friends and acquaintances. But most of the time I am alone. I like it. I don't mind spending days at a time without speaking to anyone. So how she managed to weasel her way in is still an enigma... ;)
It's hard to find words because none seem to do her justice. Strong. Kind. Loyal. Trustworthy. Funny. Irreplaceable. I have several Facebook messages from her where we corresponded back and forth. I know I'll never delete them because I can see her thoughts any time I want to. Her loving kindness just overflowed on my husband and me when we were in need. It was during the time I was in Florida for the holidays that she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. I had been teaching her yoga some months before when she first mentioned a lump she had noticed. As a concerned friend, I asked her about it. She was extremely intelligent, the healthiest person I knew (her good health habits were enough to fill another complete blog), and she told me she wanted to wait to see if it was inflammation and if it would clear up. If there is anything I can say that anyone who reads this will remember it is this: DON'T WAIT. If you notice something abnormal about your body, have it checked. Medicine has come a long way. If you aren't fans of doctors that's ok. Be a fan of you and have yourself checked for your family and yourself. The movies make it seem so easy. Almost romantic. If illness has only ever been a distant visitor you can almost get lost in the thoughts that maybe it is...
About six weeks ago I received the news that she had been diagnosed with liver, kidney, and lung cancer.
"That can't be right. Really? She's the healthiest person I know. How could this happen? Her liver AND kidney? AND lung?"
These and so many other thoughts ran through my head. Selfishly, "What would I do without her?"
Look, I am a poor, poor example of what a believer in Christ should be. I sin daily, whether I mean to or not. I lose my temper. I make mistakes. I whine. I pout. I forget what's important. I long to have the relationship she has with our Savior. I believe. But I get wrapped up so easily in the things around me. The "what if's". The not knowing. When I would teach her yoga it was supposed to be me helping her. But her teaching fed my soul. I have no doubt where my precious friend is tonight. Her courage and strength, as well as that of her husband, and their faith and love for each other makes me feel so humble. I want what they have. We have no control over the weather. We have no control over traffic. We have no control over how others treat us. We have no control over what happens inside our own bodies. But I know who does have control. And I believe my friend was brought into my life because He knew I needed her.
In the end, there was no photo shoot. No silk pajamas or Susan Sarandon. The last time I went to see her, she was too sick to come to the living room, so I went and laid in bed with her and her dog, BB, who never left her side. She had cut her hair short weeks before because it was too much to manage. I just laid there, stroking her head and her arm. I remember when she was still able to come to church and I would sit by her with my arm around her, just stroking her shoulder because I had a feeling the day would come that I wouldn't be able to stroke her shoulder anymore. I just breathed her in.
I don't know why things happen. She didn't know. Marcus, her sweet and devoted husband, doesn't know. I like to think that her work here was done. She just celebrated her 49th birthday. I got to wish her well on that day. I feel so blessed. I miss her. I wonder what she's doing right now. What does it look like? I wonder if her beautiful, long curls are back. In my favorite wedding photo, my husband and I are exchanging rings and in the background is her smiling as big as can be. I'm thankful to have known such a person. I wish everyone had. God brings people along for reasons that are all His own. It's not for us to understand why they come or why they go. As she would say, "Everything is for His glory." She left quickly and for that I'm grateful. Suffering is terrible. It's terrible to go through and terrible to watch someone you love go through, in whatever form it may be. But if we can stay faithful through the downs, the ups will be beyond our most beautiful dreams.
I love you, Girl. I miss you already. You will be my accountability partner, even from Heaven. I don't want to let go...
Stupid Cancer.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
French Toast, Vicodin, and Tape Residue, Oh My!
Hi Friends! Well, my surgery was successful. I am now minus one lymph node. It's funny... usually when Stephen and I go to a hospital together we come out with another kid. This time I left with a little less than I went in with. If only my surgeon could have removed some of my inner thigh cellulite as well... Ah, what are you going to do?
A few days of bed rest has been more interesting than I thought it was going to be. I've discovered that when I have all the time in the world to sleep it seems to be the last thing my body wants to allow. Why is that? I fall asleep and then begin that twitching thing where you wake yourself up constantly because you feel like you're falling. You know what I'm talking about. I also have dreamt twice that I woke up with my breasts having been augmented. If the pain of that is anything like having your armpit sliced open and rifled through, then I'll keep my A's...
I know now that I will never be addicted to prescription pain pills. They are wonderful for their intended purpose. Lucky for me, every side effect I was warned about has happened to me, as well as a few I had to search for online because they were a total surprise. I have to take several different medications and supplements to counteract the effects of the pain meds. It's all good. I'm grateful to have them for the time being.
I also have discovered that when you wipe tape residue with baby oil, rubbing alcohol, and a few household products in an attempt to remove it, you end up with baby-oil-rubbing-alcohol-beauty-product-soaked tape residue. The good news is, it's still a lovely shade of orange from the iodine used to prep the area. It's also a magnet for cat hair, just in case any of my whiskered friends need extra. Yes, I have scrubbed many times to the best of my ability... it could be worse, right? At least it was the correct side of my body...
My sweet husband has not left my side during the whole thing, from beginning to end. He's been Mom and Dad, the chef, driver, errand runner, grocery shopper, and foot rubber. He has been patient as I kept the TV on because I couldn't sleep. He has gotten up early with the littles. He has waited on me hand and foot, as well as doing the necessary things needed around the house daily. I can't thank you enough, Stephen, and I just want to tell you how much I appreciate all you do.
Now, we just wait for the test results. I have a pretty confident feeling. In the meantime, I am looking forward to regaining my strength and blogging about cats and weather and towels and whatever else happens to come to mind... thanks for your support.
A few days of bed rest has been more interesting than I thought it was going to be. I've discovered that when I have all the time in the world to sleep it seems to be the last thing my body wants to allow. Why is that? I fall asleep and then begin that twitching thing where you wake yourself up constantly because you feel like you're falling. You know what I'm talking about. I also have dreamt twice that I woke up with my breasts having been augmented. If the pain of that is anything like having your armpit sliced open and rifled through, then I'll keep my A's...
I know now that I will never be addicted to prescription pain pills. They are wonderful for their intended purpose. Lucky for me, every side effect I was warned about has happened to me, as well as a few I had to search for online because they were a total surprise. I have to take several different medications and supplements to counteract the effects of the pain meds. It's all good. I'm grateful to have them for the time being.
I also have discovered that when you wipe tape residue with baby oil, rubbing alcohol, and a few household products in an attempt to remove it, you end up with baby-oil-rubbing-alcohol-beauty-product-soaked tape residue. The good news is, it's still a lovely shade of orange from the iodine used to prep the area. It's also a magnet for cat hair, just in case any of my whiskered friends need extra. Yes, I have scrubbed many times to the best of my ability... it could be worse, right? At least it was the correct side of my body...
My sweet husband has not left my side during the whole thing, from beginning to end. He's been Mom and Dad, the chef, driver, errand runner, grocery shopper, and foot rubber. He has been patient as I kept the TV on because I couldn't sleep. He has gotten up early with the littles. He has waited on me hand and foot, as well as doing the necessary things needed around the house daily. I can't thank you enough, Stephen, and I just want to tell you how much I appreciate all you do.
Now, we just wait for the test results. I have a pretty confident feeling. In the meantime, I am looking forward to regaining my strength and blogging about cats and weather and towels and whatever else happens to come to mind... thanks for your support.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
The Bucket List
Hello All. Tonight I've decided to enjoy my slight pseudoephedrine high via Sudafed and ignore my sinus headache long enough to drop a line or two. Thanks for playing your part.
I am due to have surgery this coming Monday, nothing too too scary, and I'm actually looking forward to the results. I have been plagued by a swollen lymph node in my left armpit for most of my life. It's been a nuisance off and on and it is always painful when it flares up. So far no one has been able to figure out the cause. So they're taking it out and sending it to the pathology lab to see what the heck is bugging it. So long, Old Friend! I'm hoping the news is good. The sort of scary part is putting my life in the hands of the anesthesiologist... I've been under twice and been fine. So, I'm sure I will be this time too. The biggest difference is the little people sleeping next door. My son is 5, and today said to me as though he were Humpty Dumpty from Puss In Boots, "Brothers and mommies forever. Always together." That sound you heard was my heart welling up and imploding.
While reflecting, I always remember the mistakes, the worries, the embarrassments, the nights going to bed, wishing I was a better mother, better wife, better daughter. If I were allowed a few wishes, a bucket list, it would probably be something like this:
1. I want to save the big cats from extinction. On a smaller scale, I have an ache to work on a personal level with those in captivity and travel and speak to those who would listen and act in order to preserve and co-exist with these magnificent creatures. I cannot imagine a world where I can only show my grandchild photos of tigers because they no longer exist.
2. I want to live by a beach with white sand, clear water, and free-flowing Coppertone 50 SPF.
3. I'd say I want a Mustang convertible, my dream car, but my husband has already made that come true.
4. I want to see my parents and sisters more often.
5. I want to take back every bad word ever spoken and every bad thought ever had about my husband. He is my best friend. He has shown me that miracles are possible. I can never doubt again.
6. I want my children to only ever have good memories of me. I never want them to cry or be upset or hurt or mad. I know, I know. It's a bucket list, remember?
7. I want my children to know how much I love them. They are my legacy. Nothing else I do in life matters the way they do. I wish I could hug them 1000 times a day. I wish I could express my love in everything I do. I wish I always had a ton of energy to play and run and build and teach. I wish I taught them as much as they teach me.
8. I want every cat in the world.
That doesn't seem like too much to ask, does it?
"As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
I am due to have surgery this coming Monday, nothing too too scary, and I'm actually looking forward to the results. I have been plagued by a swollen lymph node in my left armpit for most of my life. It's been a nuisance off and on and it is always painful when it flares up. So far no one has been able to figure out the cause. So they're taking it out and sending it to the pathology lab to see what the heck is bugging it. So long, Old Friend! I'm hoping the news is good. The sort of scary part is putting my life in the hands of the anesthesiologist... I've been under twice and been fine. So, I'm sure I will be this time too. The biggest difference is the little people sleeping next door. My son is 5, and today said to me as though he were Humpty Dumpty from Puss In Boots, "Brothers and mommies forever. Always together." That sound you heard was my heart welling up and imploding.
While reflecting, I always remember the mistakes, the worries, the embarrassments, the nights going to bed, wishing I was a better mother, better wife, better daughter. If I were allowed a few wishes, a bucket list, it would probably be something like this:
1. I want to save the big cats from extinction. On a smaller scale, I have an ache to work on a personal level with those in captivity and travel and speak to those who would listen and act in order to preserve and co-exist with these magnificent creatures. I cannot imagine a world where I can only show my grandchild photos of tigers because they no longer exist.
2. I want to live by a beach with white sand, clear water, and free-flowing Coppertone 50 SPF.
3. I'd say I want a Mustang convertible, my dream car, but my husband has already made that come true.
4. I want to see my parents and sisters more often.
5. I want to take back every bad word ever spoken and every bad thought ever had about my husband. He is my best friend. He has shown me that miracles are possible. I can never doubt again.
6. I want my children to only ever have good memories of me. I never want them to cry or be upset or hurt or mad. I know, I know. It's a bucket list, remember?
7. I want my children to know how much I love them. They are my legacy. Nothing else I do in life matters the way they do. I wish I could hug them 1000 times a day. I wish I could express my love in everything I do. I wish I always had a ton of energy to play and run and build and teach. I wish I taught them as much as they teach me.
8. I want every cat in the world.
That doesn't seem like too much to ask, does it?
"As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
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