The Color GOLDEN

I have never in my life appreciated SILENCE as much as I do at age 53. God truly gave us 2 ears and 1 tongue so we could LISTEN twice as much as we speak. It is exhausting (to me) to be in the midst of incessant chatter/talk all around me - ALL DAY LONG. Some of it work-related, some not.  But ceaseless conversation and noise - ALL DAY LONG.   There is NEVER a quiet moment. I can't listen to hear myself speak, much less think! And don't get me started on how the sound of a ringing phone affects me. Bottom line - my nerves are completely shot. After working autonomously in what was usually a one-on-one environment for more than 25 years - I have learned I could NEVER have been what my mother always wanted her kids to be (and two of three were) - a teacher. How one person corrals 25+ kids in one room and maintains some semblance of order is beyond my total comprehension. It felt good to express these feelings in silence - without hearing a sound, other than the pecking of my own fingers on the keyboard. Silence has never been as calming to me as NOW – in my old age.  SilenceIsGolden...  Golden, I tell you.

Just Not In The Mood...

My heart is heavy and my soul is weary. I just can't do it this year. There's no one around to help 'do' the decorations and (for once) I'm just not going to beg and nag to get them out of the attic - and put up - and it's ok. Really, it is. Seriously. My husband has his hands full taking care of the farm, his elderly mother, working a full-time job, and more. Not going to ask him to do another thing. I am simply NOT in the spirit this year. There will not be a tree in the house with me for the first time in 53 years. I do havc a beautiful 1½ foot turquoise tree in my bedroom. Surely that’d get me at least one jolly point – but as far as any actual decorating at my house this year – not happening. And honestly, the little turquoise tree has been sitting in the same spot since last Christmas –and I’ve decided it’s found its permanent resting place. I like looking at it and seeing it all year round, so wah-lah – one decoration problem solved. Additionally, I am NOT sending out cards for the first time in 30 years. Again, I just can't do it. Does this mean I’ve finally grown up?? Hmmm…..Nah- Not a chance. I still love life and love the REAL meaning of CHRISTmas - but all the ads on TV, all the craziness out there, the commercialization of the season - it's just a turn-off to me this year. And the hustle and bustle of the season I use to enjoy is now just too nerve wracking for me. I suppose my (usually) jolly holiday spirit has also been hampered this year because of a lot of personal and professional changes that occurred during the year. It’s been a year of lots of changes. But nonetheless, whatever the reason, I'll just be glad when January gets here and we can just have some more snow days. Hopefully, next time there'll be enough snow to make up a big batch of snow cream! So, I guess it’s official – I.AM.AN.OLD.LADY. But bring on the snow cream! Yes!  And PS...Merry Christmas! 

Wha??? Yep, Another Walmart Adventure Blog!

I was criticized recently about blogging/complaining/writing negative comments about Walmart. I guess I'm guilty - but most of what I write is in jest and although it's all TRUE (and some things that are allowed to go on are down-right WRONG) - I try to see the humor in every situation, it's what makes life bearable. HUMOR is, afterall, the best medicine. Nonetheless, here I am again with another Walmart adventure. And, if you don't care or don't want to hear about it, by all means - move on.
 
On my last trip, about 10 days ago - I went to the 'other' Walmart in my nearby town. It's newer, nicer, and generally - a better environment, if you have to go there. Because of an accident some 15 years ago, I have had to use an electric cart to do my shopping there. Sometimes the wait to get one is long. But if you go at the time I go, around midnight, usually, they have carts available, although the batteries are drained and I have to change carts sometimes several times in one visit. (To see details - if you're really bored - view my other Walmart blogs.) Anyhow...on this night, I got a cart that was half way charged, so I was feeling blessed. That is, until I realized halfway through my visit that there were 3 teens riding around in such carts - playing Marco Polo, no less. Yep, you read that right - trying to pop wheelies around every turn and hollering out, "Marco, Polo" all over the store. I thought it humorous at first, UNTIL I witnessed two elderly people sitting on benches (up front) waiting on carts that worked. I found an employee (Kent) stocking in the Kleenex aisle and told him about the dilemma. He shrugged his shoulders and said I should find a manager (dressed, he said, in plain suit clothes with a tie). I never did find such a person but reported it to a cashier as that was the only 'official' looking person I could find - after she paged the so-called manager who never arrived. She laughed and said 'those kids are always in here - everytime we make them put the carts back - we look up and they are at it again." I told her that apparently the RIGHT person hadn't gotten ahold of them yet or they would know they meant BUSINESS. Shame and disgrace that other waiting customers willing to spend their hard earned money there are having to wait until someone has the balls (yes, I said it) to DO ANYTHING about it. I promptly told the cashier when I went to check out about the Marco Polo'ers again and that it was not right. She was non-committal, but did apologize for the Polo'ers. As I began checking out, the little girl insisted on helping me empty my overwhelmed cart. She was sweet and I asked if someone could help me to my car. She said, "of course!" Her name was Aisha. She first asked one passerby employee and he insisted it was 'time for his break.' Another one said, 'sure' - but quickly disappeared. The first employee who said it was time for his break was standing nearby, talking with others, but staring at me. As I was looking at him, I asked Aisha what his name was and quickly wrote it down. (Michael) He mouthed at me, "I know you're not writing my name down." I smiled and said, "Oh yes, indeedy." I told Aisha to tell him (when I was long gone) that my cousin would find his actions unacceptable when she heard about him. She promised me she would tell him, then said, "Oh, whose your cousin?" I said, "Just tell him, Mrs. Walton is her name". Her mouth dropped open as I rode away with the sweet young lady named Trinity who ultimately helped me to my car. When I told her about my cousin, we were laughing all the way out. Once outside and cart emptied into my trunk, Trinity promised to deliver my cart to the sweet gentleman still waiting on 'his turn'. No, I have no cousin named Mrs. Walton. But they don't know that.

Learning God's Unconditional Love

I was so blessed by Joel Osteen's sermon today. He recited the poem (below) by heart. I had never heard it before and later found it on this website. I love it and it put's some things into perspective. Today's message was about unconditional love. The following are from my notes: God 's love is inclusive, not exclusive. God's circle of love is wide and far-reaching. I'm going to love you even if I don't agree with you or your decisions. Every person is on a journey. Right now they are not where they are going to end up. They are still on the potter's wheel. The areas you happen to be strong in - didn't just happen - that's the mercy of God. God can use you to plant seeds in another's heart. Your love, your friendship, your encouragement is a part of the plan God has for their life. So, don't have a 'holier than thou' attitude, take off the judgemental glasses, because if not for the grace and mercy of God, you could be right there where they are - right there in their shoes. But the fact is, you haven't walked in their shoes. You haven't lived in their house. You didn't grow up with the people who lived there. You don't know their story. So you don't know everything you think you might know. And God is counting on us to make a difference. Everytime we show love, not criticism, not judgement, we sow seeds that never die. We don't have to 'straighten everyone out' - we just have to sow the seeds. And you'd be wise to learn to love that person you think is so off course in life - you may be surprised one day to see them as your next door neighbor in heaven! There's going to be a lot of people there that we're not expecting. "By this will all men know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35. God's mercy is from everlasting to everlasting. The love and mercy of God is wide - not narrow. John 7:24 says, "Be honest in your judgement of people. Do not decide at a glance, superficially, or by appearances. Do not judge, lest ye be judged." - Simple, huh? - I haven't always been mindful of these lessons but am going to strive to be better tomorrow...and the next day...and the day after that. If you do nothing else, please read the poem below. I think you'll like it and a smile may even creep across your face at the end. :)

 

Heaven's Surprise

I was shocked, confused, bewildered as I entered Heaven’s door, Not by the beauty of it all, nor the lights or its decor. But it was the folks in Heaven who made me sputter and gasp– The thieves, the liars, the sinners, the alcoholics and the trash. There stood the kid from seventh grade who swiped my lunch money twice. Next to him was my old neighbor who never said anything nice. Herb, who I always thought was rotting away in Hell, Was sitting pretty on cloud nine, looking incredibly well. I nudged Jesus, ‘What’s the deal? I would love to hear your take. How’d all these sinners get up here? God must’ve made a mistake. ‘And why’s everyone so quiet, so somber – give me a clue.’ ‘Hush, child,’ He said, ‘they’re all in shock. No one thought they’d be seeing YOU!’

~ Poem By Rod Hemphill ~

My Sister, Sandra Gail....

My sister and I are ten years apart in age - she was always my 'big' sister, protector, and 2nd little mama. When she went off to college, I wanted to DIE. I was only 8 years old and life without her in the same house was a foreign concept AND scary. We shared a huge spooky old room upstairs in our old country farm house but we had the best times playing games and telling stories. There was no internet back then so we still had the innocence and creative curiosity of children. Our father farmed rich, Delta farm land for over 40 years. He finally retired in 1992 but sadly, passed away in 1993 from pancreatitis. We still miss him every single day. We were BIGTIME daddy’s girls although we adored our hard-working mom too. They raised us to work hard, be honest, and to always go to church. We never missed a Sunday in all our childhood years. Yes, I said NEVER. You see, our older brother, Ronnie, had married the preacher's daughter, Robbie Gail Coots. (Her parents being the beloved Rev. Ruey and his wife, Gloria Coots). We went to church every time the doors were open - Sunday, Sunday night, Wednesday nights and anytime there was a revival (which was every other week, it seemed). My sister played the piano from the time she was 10 until she left for college and she often came home from Conway on the week-ends just to play for church. She played the piano until the church got really hi-tech and bought an organ and then she started playing that and ITookOverThePiano. ME! Her little sister! So we played together for years. That was such a meaningful time in my life - I felt so proud to sit up there with my 'big' sister, who I thought the sun rose and set with. We went to church more – way back then – than many people will ever go in their lifetime. Faith and God and Right and Wrong were ingrained in us early on. We respected and honored our parents because we KNEW they would follow through with the appropriate punishment if we did NOT. Ramblin here….anyhow, Gail came and got me several times to spend spring break with her at college…those were the times of my young life! I chuckle to this day thinking of the time she and her friends buried me under their coats in the floorboard of her car – to get in the drive-in movie. I thought I was going to die right then and there because I couldn’t breathe. Thankfully, I survived and we’ve laughed about that many times through the years. I also have wonderful fun memories of my brother – 13 years older – who (somewhat unusual) ended up being my high school basketball coach. People thought he was my dad at first – lol. When he coached at Wilson, he took me to swim in the old Wilson gym pool – I loved that place and treasured the time we spent together. I loved being his little sister too. Always admired and looked up to him even though he was known to be a tough disciplinarian in school (at times) but oh me, oh my – we definitely need MORE of that in schools TODAY. He eventually went on to be a beloved Principal for many years. Gail was an elementary school teacher at Luxora, Osceola, and ultimately, at Vilonia – nearly 35 years she gave to students who love her to this day. Gail and Ronnie retired within a year or two of each other only a couple of years or so ago. They have been thoroughly enjoying their retirement by traveling with friends and family and loving their hard-earned and treasured golden years. I guess we often take our siblings for granted. All families have their ups and downs and we were certainly no different. But, through it all – we have always been there for each other when it mattered. I feel so helpless NOW because I don’t know how to be there for my sis, my pal, my Gail. I have never handled ‘helplessness’ well. I like to take charge – hopelessness is not in my vocabulary or knowledge base. But that’s how I’ve felt the past 5 days. Utterly and completely hopeless. My mantra has been (for as long as I can remember – for better or worse) that I will not give up, let up, or shut up – for something in which I strongly believe. I am the loud mouth of the family; Gail and Ronnie were always quiet, gentle, soft-spoken people. I’m the talker, the peacemaker, (or trouble maker, depending on your perspective) and the pest - all rolled into one. Nothing is in my control right now and I have no resource or answers. And worse still, my magic wand is busted. Bottom line - I cannot imagine living without my sister. And I refuse to even let my mind go there right now. Right now, we need a miracle and we know our God can work it out. Please help me pray for God to help the doctors find the answers they need IN TIME for her to make recovery possible. Praying for morning to come with the news that she had a good night and they find answers soon and can get on the ball to combat this phantom, ugly illness. DEVIL.BE.GONE! Prayers appreciated and thanks for letting me vent. God is good and I am thankful to have been so fortunate to be part of this wonderful family of mine. Please continue your prayers, friends. God bless you for being here and letting an old gal blab and gab on and on.    

Note:  This was written in May, 2012 - my sister's blood sugar quickly got so out of control, her body started shutting down and she went into a coma for several days.  Thankfully, she is at home now, still recuping, but has things under control.  Praise the Lord, he is So good! 

Who Am I?

Describe Yourself In One Word:  Content
Biggest Mistake: They’ve all been learning experiences!
Your Proudest Personal Accomplishment: My child
Your Proudest Professional Accomplishment: Hmmm...have received several awards through the years....hmmm...the proudest one, I think would have to be the "You Make a Difference" award for Outstanding Achievement in Public Health.
Place To Visit Before You Die: Hawaii
What are you listening to right now: The TV
What makes you happy: Living life by my own rules
What did you do yesterday: Absolutely nothing!
Are you a good driver? Yes
Gotten any speeding tickets? Nope
Are you double jointed?  Nope
Last time you showered? Today
Do you dress up on Halloween? Sometimes
Are you an introvert or extrovert? Can be both   
#1 Priority In Your Life:  My family
Where Are You Right Now:  At home
Where Would You Rather Be:  Somewhere COLD
Favorite Sports Team:  Arkansas Razorbacks!
Favorite Musical Artists:  Ark native, Buddy Jewell; love all kinds from Motown to the BeeGees/no hard rock / heavy metal or rap
Where will you be 12 hours from now? Work
Do you know what you are going to wear tomorrow? Yep, Scrubs
Does anyone hate you for no reason? Yep
How many hours of sleep did you get last night? 4
Is your life simple or complicated? Some of both but as Cronkite said, that’s just "the way it is".
Are you taller than 5'4"? Yes
What was your last place of employment?  I’ve been where I am now for 22 years - ADH
What color are your socks?  Socks? Only wear them in the winter to keep my feet warm at night. Never, EVER, other
Laughed until you cried? More than once and ‘the other’ too! 
Have you found out who your true friends are: Ohh Yeah!
Met someone who changed you: Yep
Kissed anyone on your friends list: Probably
What were you doing at midnight last night: Reading
Name something you CANNOT wait for: Retirement!
Most visited webpage: facebook
Do people think you're weird?: Probably...lol
Do you get mad easily?: Sometimes, but I get over it very quickly
First piercing : Ears and that’s it
First sport you enjoyed: Cheerleading and Basketball
First pet : a mutt named Toby
First concert : Gospel Quartets at Ellis Auditorium in Memphis
If your house was on fire, first thing you'd grab?: Courtney’s pictures, phone, my laptop
First thing you'd do with 5 million dollars: Quit my job.   

What's the second thing? Buy a vehicle big enough to transport my scooter and then leave on a jet plane to somewhere exotic!

Your Ex and You: are ancient history
Maybe I should: Go to bed earlier!
I love: My Family and Friends!
Do you like parties?: hmmm…sometimes

If your life had a theme song, it would be:  I like it, I love it, I want some more of it – Tim McGraw
Are you neat or sloppy?: A little of both
What kind of clothes do you like?: Comfortable ones
Do you cook?: Yes
Would you do drugs?: No
Have you ever written a song?: No
Been Arrested: No
Littered: Yes
Failed A Class: Nope
Screened Your Phone Calls: Yes
Eaten Food Off The Floor: Not lately
Cried During A Movie: Yes
Had to pull over on the side of the road to puke? Yes
Had your heart broken? Yes
Jumped off a house: No!
Fell down a firepole? YES!
Broken a bone? Yes, (see above) and then had it re-broken 3 consecutive Christmases in the hospital!
Pulled an all nighter?:Yep
Surfed: Just the web
Favorite Color: Turquoise
Favorite Movie: too many to name; The Notebook and Shawshank Redemption ranks at the top
Favorite Hobby: Reading, writing, swimming, crafting
Favorite School Subject: American History
Favorite Food: Alaskan King Crab and Mexican
Favorite Restaurant: Red Lobster/On the Border
Favorite Animal: Dog
Favorite Store: Mulberry Mill @ Branson
Favorite Person In Your Life: Courtney
Favorite Possession: My home
Favorite Fast Food Restaurant: Taco Bueno
Sandlot or Little Rascals: Little Rascals - don't know what other is!Favorite Holiday?  Christmas
Favorite Hard Candy: Jolly Ranchers
Favorite Month: November
Favorite Flower: Daffodils
Favorite Ice Cream: Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla with Peaches
Favorite Smell: Cloves, Cinnamon, Vanilla
Favorite Drink: Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper with Real Cherries!
Favorite Cartoon Character: Scooby Doobie Doo!
Favorite kind of pants: capris
Skinny dipped? Yep
Hair Color: Blonde
Eye Color: Blue
Height: 5'6”
Profession: Therapist/Health Specialist
Relationship Status: Married
Religious Views: Christian
Any Siblings? Yes, one brother and one sister
Where were you born? Osceola, AR
Righty or Lefty? Both my siblings are lefties/I’m a righty, go figure
Any pets? Unfortunately, No
What month were you born? February
What's Your Sign? Aquarius
My Motto:  Don't give up, let up, or shut up, in something you deeply believe!

Keepin On Keepin On - One Day at a Time

Phenomenal Kids! Ramblings of a Proud Mama

Originally posted as a "Note" on my fb page in December, 2012 - (Little did I know what was coming down the road 6 months later...)  For more information/updates see previous blog post in yellow font. 

Please NEVER forget the sacrifices OUR service men and women make! I have to tell my story every so often about this subject. So, I’ll say, ‘thanks, in advance’ my friends, for indulging me if you've already heard it several times. I think it bears repeating now and then!

I thank and praise the Lord everyday that my babies (my grown 23 y/o, married daughter and her 24 y/o husband) made it back home (Vilonia, Arkansas) alive and well after their own personal ‘tour of duty’. First of all, if you know me well, you know how proud I am of my son-in-law, Cody, who started serving his country straight out of high school in 2007 - going on to boot camp while Courtney completed her senior year. He eventually gained the rank of US Marine Corporal during his tour of duty/deployment to Afghanistan. My daughter married him the following year (2008, a whole month after she graduated) and they immediately moved 2,000 miles away from home. (Camp LeJeune, NC) It was a very LONG 3 + years for me and her daddy but PraiseTheLord, we visited often and somehow managed to s-u-r-v-i-v-e apart from them for those 3 + LONG years. (Yes, I know I said that twice.) But bottom line is: they are finally back home living on part of the old Pruett home place - right next to us. In fact, you can throw a rock from either home and hit the other. :) Cody is now a USMC Veteran and just completed his first semester at Baptist School of Nursing. Right now, he thinks he wants to eventually work in the NICU with da preemie babies. [Ironically, I did that for several years (many moons ago as an LCSW) at UAMS and, although challenging and very sad in times of sorrow and loss, it was the most rewarding work of my entire career.] Cody has such a tender heart - he would be great with the babies and families but I know it will break his heart to witness babies suffering - but the great thing is - the many positive outcomes that occur in the NICU now-a-days due to the astounding medical and technological advances in this specialty field.

Now, I have to brag about the other half of this amazing couple. Courtney Lindsay, my daughter. So proud of her too – she moved away from all she’d ever known the month after high school, and I must say – hit the ground running! I know I could not have done that at her age. It was frightening for her sometimes but she tried not to let her dad and I know it. Especially, when she was AllByHerself when Cody was deployed, well, I shouldn’t say ALL by herself because she had sweet Lioness, the cat, and precious cocker spaniel, Semper Fidelis (Sempie for short). And yep, I had the honor of helping name BOTH of them. Love those grand-pets so very much. Anyhow…Courtney was also working part time and going to college while in this ‘strange’ place. I want to give a HUGE SHOUT OUT to CAROLYN AND JAMES MANNING for taking them under their wings and being so very kind to them and so very generous! Also, JAMIE CABRAL and OTHERS who helped them out and befriended them. God Bless You, always. While Courtney was in school, the first semester, she made the Dean’s List and called to ask me what that meant. Lol She has excelled in college and is studying to be an Elementary teacher, following in the footsteps of both my siblings and niece, sweet Ashley. (And, btw......I was reminded ALL THROUGH THE YEARS that I (too) should have followed in those career footsteps. I probably should have but I have always kind of had 'a knack' of making my life harder than it had to be. Oh well, this is not about me....) She has about a year and a half left. Meanwhile, she is working at the after-school daycare (Eagles Landing) at the very school she attended all her life. She adores those kids and they love her back. I pray this is a great way to get her ‘foot in the door’ for later on but most importantly it is wonderful experience at the school she dreams of working at some day.

And finally, I would be remiss if I did not brag on the character of these kids I love so much. They are truly exemplary in many ways. Courtney was dedicated to the Lord when she was three months old and baptized before she was ten. She’s a RealGoodGirl; a quiet and shy girl that has perhaps sometimes come across as aloof or snobbish, but she’s anything but! She is genuinely sweet natured, quick witted, and down-right HILARIOUS to those who know and love her most! If anyone out there thinks she is anything but a genuinely sweet, kind, and caring Christian young lady, then you don't know her at all.

Cody was born in Alaska and is one of 6 children, (4 boys and 2 girls), all of whom are blond, blue-eyed, good looking (ha) and VERY TALL – all over 6 ft. All four of the brothers served in the military at the same time – at one time or another. Cody started going to church with Courtney when they were in high school. Soon after, he was saved and baptized there – Friendship Baptist Church – where they were married in June, 2008 and where you can find them most each and every Sunday morning.

Yes, these kids are loved unconditionally and most of all, I know they love each other unconditionally. All marriages have ups and downs and theirs is no different, of course. But I admire, respect, and am proud of the way they have handled things so far and so appreciate that they know the Lord Jesus Christ and have already established a life-long pattern, early in their marriage, of going to church on Sundays. And when nobody was watching - thousands of miles away, when they could have easily ‘slept in’ while in NC – they didn’t. Quite the contrary - they wasted no time visiting churches (ohhh, the stories they have about that!) and eventually choosing one that was , warm, loving and welcoming towards them – just two kids really - in a strange and faraway place. Yes-sir-ree-bobtail, I am one proud mama, sho’nuff!

Just Another Two Cents

While I love my Saturday football as much as the next person (or not) - I do have another pet peeve or two to report - to probably no one, but that's ok too.  Does anyone know when the TV stations quit showing any part of (and I mean - not ONE iota, i.e. not one second) of the college marching bands at half-time?  I can also include the local TV stations too - because when was the last time you saw a marching high school football band at half-time on the Friday night highlight reel?  When I was in HS and college, band was a BIG thing at school.  I never had the privilege of being a member of any band (other than playing piano and organ at church) - but I always loved the band performances, majorettes, flag line, and all the ambience of half time activities.  When many would visit the concession stands during half-time - I would marvel at the marching band and take it all in.  I also enjoyed watching the activities at half time on TV.  That's before TV commentators took over, updating other game scores or commenting (sometimes unfairly) on the progress of the current teams playing.  Rarely, if ever nowadays, do we even get a glimpse of the hard-working, talented marching bands of today.  Fortunately, we can still hear them bellow over the announcers voices when touchdowns are made.  I am thankful for at least that much.  But it's a disgrace that they are not featured as they should be as back in the good old days.  I remember when my daughter was in junior high and high school, as a band member - she played the clarinet and also was on the flag line.  We were so blessed to have a leader and band teacher who truly valued and appreciated the art of band.  He was a brilliant teacher, leader, and talented man.  Even moreso, he was a tremendous human being.  Sadly, he suddenly passed away the summer before my daughter's senior year.  Courtney and her best friend, Lawren - who was especially close to Mr. Platt and his family, were devastated.  The entire community mourned this very special man.  He had assembled an awarding winning 300+ student marching band that was second to none in the nation.  We had the largest marching band for a high school that I had ever seen or heard about.  And the students and parents adored him.  There was not an empty seat in the football stadium when the school and community payed their final respects to Mr. Platt and his family.   I say 'final' only because that is how such occasions are commonly referred to.   Respect for him will never die - nothing will ever be final about Mr. Platt and the love and respect we all feel for him and his family.  Even if bands are not given the proper attention/recognition or respect they deserve, some of us still love the tradition of the marching band.  TV can never take that from us. 

Coming Home

"Some people go through life wondering if they make a difference in this world. The Marines don't have that problem."  - President Ronald Reagan -

"A Marine is a Marine. I set that policy two weeks ago - there's no such thing as a former Marine. You're a Marine, just in a different uniform and you're in a different phase of your life. But you'll always be a Marine because you went to Parris Island, San Diego or the hills of Quantico. There's no such thing as a former Marine."   Gen. James Amos, 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps

So proud of my son in law, Cody, and my daughter, Courtney, who supported him and cheered him on for the past 5 years! They are COMING HOME for good in 18 days!!! Oooh Rah! Semper Fidelis!

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I originally posted this on my fb 'notes' page on July 21, 2011.  Those were some of the happiest days of my life - when my Courtney and Cody returned home from Camp LeJeune, NC after leaving a week after their marriage - more than 3 years earlier.  It was some of the hardest days Courtney's dad and I lived through.  Praying, hoping, and anxiously awaiting their time to come back home.  We marked each day off on the calendar...day by day, month by month, year by year.  They did extraordinarily well - seemed to mature quicker than we thought, managed their money well, and got along like a normal, newlywed couple.  Then their time in war was over and they were coming home.  Rick had built them a little temporary cabin next to our house for them to 'make do' until they moved into grandma's house down the road...someday.  We were so thrilled and happy to have them home and we were also proud of them for the way they lived their lives while they were gone.  We were proud of them THEN, we are proud of them NOW.  On June 3 of this year, they came to us and wanted to tell us something.  (We thought we might be told we were going to be grandparents!  Boy, were we shocked to hear they were splitting up.)  Say what?  Huh?  What did we miss?  This came out of nowhere.  Out of the Blue.  They didn't explain much - other than it was pretty much a done deal.  They had talked about everything, worked out all the logistics, division of assets, etc....had it all worked out in their heads and on paper.  TheyWereEndingTheirMarriage.   Rick and I were heart-broken.  I don't even remember how I functioned for the next month.  This was around the same time I learned my job role at work was changing.  Suffice it to say I might rather just go on to heaven than ever have to re-live those two months in my life.  You can think you know what's going on in your own backyard - literally - but you never really know.  We never saw that coming!  Naturally, we tried everything we knew to do (as parents) to get them to reconsider - but ultimately, it's their decision.  We might not agree with it - we might wish they would take some unsolicited advice from us or from others whose opinions they valued.  But, we couldn't talk them out of getting married so young and we can't talk them out of getting a divorce after being together 8 years and married 5.  But we are still proud of them.  We still support and love them - and always will.  Sometimes, it just IS what it IS.  I may never understand - but I will always love.  I even respect the way they handled it - they did not blame one another, said they still love each other - but just could not be married any longer.  There seemed to be no 'good reason' given to us, but again - they are grown adults - and it IS their decision and theirs alone.  My heart still hurts as I see them move on with their lives, without one another.  I still have a heavy heart and I think they do too.  I leave it all in God's hands and remember to trust in his will.  Meanwhile, I will do the only thing I can do - I will love. 

Pet Peeve: Undependable People!

I don't make a habit of posting negative things, but I am going to share a couple of things that happened to me recently that really got under my skin.   WHY is it that some people are so undependable? I was taught when I gave someone my word, it meant something.  First, there’s the lost art of saying “Thank You”.  I was also taught when someone went out of their way to help you or be kind to you, you (at least) simply said, “thank you”.  Better yet, for years, I sent out actual ‘thank you’ notes.  Remember those?  If you’re under the age of 30, probably not.  I admit I’m not too good at that anymore because sending a text or a fb thank you is just so much more convenient in today’s fast-paced world.  But, I DO appreciate it when someone still takes the time and is thoughtful enough to do that, (Ashley).  But to not say ‘thank you’ in some form or fashion is just rude, imho.  Especially if you didn’t ‘have to’ do whatever it was you did.    Lots of folks would have ignored the need – thought they had enough problems of their own – bottom line, didn’t care enough about you to even ask if you were ok.  I didn’t do what I did to get the glory, I did it because I genuinely cared.  But I’ve learned my lesson on that subject.  Secondly, when we lost our beloved Jake (my 26 year old nephew) in September of 2010 - I made a loving photo tribute to him on fb (you can see it in my albums if you so choose to view it, it is very beautiful).  I wanted a slideshow made with specific music added and actually wanted to give it to his parents, his wife, brother, and other loved ones for Christmas.  At two different times, TWO different people on fb OFFERED to do this for me. (I had made a random post that I was wanting this done and inquired about different programs I might use, never thinking anyone might could do it FOR me!)  The two that insisted they would be honored to make it FOR me just vanished from the face of the earth as quickly as they arrived.  The agreement was that I would provide (and in one instance DID provide) all the pictures, DVDs (plus EXTRAS for their own personal use), and the music.  Additionally, and (unbeknownst to them) I was going to surprise them with a generous gift for being kind enough to offer to do this for my family. I had made it clear that I was in no hurry and to take their time. Well, months went by and ultimately, NEITHER person came through for me, and in fact, they just dropped the ball and never responded again.  If you know me, you know I'm not going to pester anyone needlessly and it takes a lot to get under my skin, so it's bewildering to me why (if they changed their mind or figured out they couldn't do it) they couldn't just be honest and upfront with me? THAT would not have bothered me at all. I am a reasonable person - I know things come up and/or that folks can change their mind - but WHY NOT be a grown-up and own it? Sorry to rant - I am just so disappointed in people whose word means nothing. A sign of the times, I guess. If you have read down to here - I thank you for your time and listening to my plight.  Be sure to read the footnote below. God Bless You Always.....

Cindy “Lu”

Footnote:  Since I first wrote the above, I am proud to announce I have almost completed Jake’s Tribute Slideshow/DVD.  I just have to give it one final edit and I’m done.  To me, it is a masterpiece and Jake and the good Lord know what I went through to finish it, but I am proud.  I hope they are too!  J

My daughter's amazing poem at age 11 - about 9/11

The Attack

The attack on America was horrible.
This is NOT ignorable.
The highjackers took over our nation,
But our nation must be patient.
When will all this be gone?

As the smoke came up,
the buildings came down.
The look on every face, a sad frown.
This tragedy will not be forgotten.
Who is this man, Osama Bin Laden?
When will all this be gone?

America suffered a tremendous loss,
But we know who is the ultimate boss.
It is our God whom we must trust
He’ll never forget, as the smoke turns to dust.
When will all this be gone?

In the end, we will win,
And pray this never happens again.
We will go on pledging allegiance to our flag
Listen closely and you might hear us brag
About the day when victory we seize
Bringing terrorism to its knees.
THAT is when all this will be gone!

By: My amazing daughter, Courtney Pruett, age 11 - Vilonia Middle School
Published in the Log Cabin Democrat Newspaper
September, 2001 - Conway, Arkansas

My Late-Night Wal-Mart Adventures! (Can't make this stuff up!)

Another after midnight Wal-Mart Adventure....one canNOT make this stuff up, folks! Sigh...just got home and got everything put away, well, everything 'cept what I programmed Rick to put up. Oh my good gracious sakes alive! Unbelievably Unbelievable! Got to Wal-Mart and took my sweet time (as I prefer to do) in my electric cart. I head right to the cosmetic/medicine section because I had twice as many food items on my list as 'other necessities' - so I go to grab them first. But nooooo - they are stripping and waxing that particular section and it is blocked off. I bet I went a dozen different ways but ea one was blocked. I finally asked a nice young man what to do - he said, "Oh, it is our policy to always leave at least one way to enter each area." I just stared at him. Maybe.Even.GLARED.At.Him. It was just going through a maze. Eventually, by golly - I found that ONE WAY into each dang area I had to go to - and there were MANY. I will NOT be denied. I was on a mission to get everything on my 2 column FULL PAGE typed out list. (This seems so lloonngg ago, given what else happened....) Try to envision (if you can) after 2 1/2 hours of my mosey-ing (ok, sputtering) around in my cart - slowly filling it up as I go. I even got my electric cart 'swagger' on, i.e. got my drinks draped over the bar on the top of the cart, you know - the way people who can walk do on their 'regular' buggies! And I don't mean just a couple 6 pks, but AllTheWayAroundTheCart - drinks, juices, and water are hung ever so gingerly. I am proud! Afterall, it had been almost 3 wks since I made a Wal-Mart trip! As I rounded the corner to get the last of my list - the refrigerated items - it happened. Three long sputters and the cart just died. Dead. Ka-put. Would not budge an inch. Except backwards. Not a customer, let alone an employee to be found ANYWHERE. So, I made my way – BACKWARDS - little by little, inch by inch, – with that ear drum busting, more than annoying, loud siren-sounding BEEPING racket, back up front to the basket/cart section. Nope, of course - NOT ONE electric cart there. But there were forty eleven (kind of like there are 35 registers in the store and NONE are OPEN) OUT IN THE parking lot, all haphazardly sitting every which way, probably dead as a door nail. This tough old cookie was about in tears at this point. I must have looked pitiful as this nice older gentleman suddenly appeared and asked if I was OK. “NO, sir, I’m not.” After explaining my plight – the sweet man said he would go see if any of the ones in the parking lot ‘had any gas’ in them. I thanked the Lord right then and there – out loud, as if anyone would hear me even if I screamed “FIRE” at the top of my lungs! He came back after a few minutes – buzzing along in a cart with a sweet smile on his face. Apparently, he’d found a ‘running’ cart. He patiently helped me unload all my items from the DEAD cart and place them in the new one. He even lined the drinks AllTheWayAroundTheCart just as I had them in the DEAD cart. I thanked him profusely and he just smiled and said it was his pleasure. I doubted that but he was an angel and a life-saver to me. I am pretty sure I’d still be there right now, had he not taken the time to be kind to me. I scurried along, now in a hurry to get out of there and got the rest of my items and headed up front to check out. By now, the space around my feet held items and I had items in my lap and in both hands. It’s AMAZING how you can adapt and improvise after 15 years of experience in one of those things. Now, they usually always leave the tobacco aisle/register open – but ohhh, NO, not tonight. In fact, there were NO REGISTERS open at all. The only way to check out was the ‘self-serve’ check outs. Not only had I never done that before – there was NO WAY I could do it. There was not enough space to hold all the items – and well, just suffice it to say It.Was.Not.Happening. Not to mention there were several lines of infuriated customers. ONE LONELY young lady was trying her best to help those who needed it. SHEER CHAOS. I had sherbet, milk, cheese, eggs, yogurt, etc. She patiently tried to show customers ahead of me how to work the machine, but when it came my turn – she looked about as bad as I must have looked to the kind gentleman. Initially, I was furious they would not have the common sense to have at least one register open, even at 3:00 am! Unfortunately, I could not contain myself and expressed my frustration by demanding to speak to a manager. The girl promptly punched some buttons on the register and told me she had summoned her - but it might be “awhile”. At this point, what’s the rush? The girl told me there were only 2 people working ‘the front’ and the other person was only handling returns and restocking. I told her I had been there many times in the middle of the night and there was ALWAYS (and I mean ALWAYS) a register open. She insisted they had been functioning with just 2 people working the front at night for quite some time. (Don’t you just hate it when someone disputes what you’re saying when you are basing it on your own personal past experiences at that very place!) How hard could it be to simply OPEN A REGISTER and check me out there? Grrrr! To make an even longer story shorter – an hour later – YES I SAID AN HOUR – sixty minutes later – she had scanned all my items and waited for me to give her my debit card. WHAT? Debit card? Where’s my little change purse thingy I always take in with me? Huh? O.M.G. It has to be in my car. Doesn’t it? I don’t remember. It’s usually at the bottom of the cart OR I’ve taken cash in and stashed it where, well – women stash things. Just at that very moment, the manager sashays into the picture. I panic and tell the girl I have to go to my car to get my card – I just want to leave and go home and get under the covers at this point! For a moment I entertain the idea of just fleeing – getting away as fast as I can – but I’m too worried about if my card/ billfold thingy is in my car – what if I had to retrace each of my sputters around that store to look for my lost thingy. I speed (HA) out to my car and PHEW – there it is. I quickly return, pay out and the sweet girl has all my sacks packed neatly in a regular buggy and says she is taking it out to my car for me. I could have kissed her on the lips, bless her heart. RARELY have I ever allowed anyone to help me to the car with my groceries, but tonight I welcomed it. Afterall, we were BONDED now – after nearly 2 hours with each other – I had heard a lot about her and the policies of Wal-Mart. I told her Sam would turn over in his grave if he knew the shenanigans that went on. She and the manager agreed. Oh, and the manager – she heard my complaints and let me speak my peace. That’s all most people want in times like these. I appreciated that. She had looked so pitiful and just apologized and said (basically) it was the fault of upper management – which doesn’t surprise me. Isn’t it that way everywhere? The manager then went and brought me new Sherbet – still frozen Sherbet. I thanked her and thanked her for hearing me out. The young girl followed me to the car and we made a pretty good team unloading all the bags into my trunk. She politely asked if anyone would be at home to help unload them. I laughed and told her everybody would be asleep. She said if it was closer to her quitting time, she’d follow me home and help me. I don’t remember how the next subject came up but she mentioned (in passing) she hadn’t eaten a meal in 24 hours and upon further query by me – she wouldn’t have money until she got paid on Thursday. After we got everything unloaded, I told her to wait just a moment while I got into my car – she sat down in the electric cart to drive it back in – and I handed her a $20 bill – that’s all the cash I had. She looked shocked but said she couldn’t possibly take it – it was her job to help customers to their car if they needed it. I told her I wasn’t paying her FOR THAT but that I wanted her to go buy her a nice breakfast, put gas in her car – or do whatever she needed to do most with it. She hesitated for a moment, tears came to her eyes – and then she asked if she could hug me – and of course I said YES. I don’t know when I’ve been so infuriated at a situation and then - it turned into something kinda wonderful. And you know the rest of the story. So….How has YOUR Monday been so far? Ohhh, mercy me! AfterAllThat, I still have to send sweet Courtney back to Wal-Mart to get what wouldn’t fit in my cart! LoL It’ll be another month before I go back……or two. I.Will.Need.Lots.Of.Coffee.Today. Now – where’d I put the coffee?

The Day That Changed My Life Forever - But, All Is Well and Then Some! :)

On March 18, 1999 - fourteen long years ago - in an instant - my life changed forever. I was a member of the Faulkner County (Conway, Arkansas) Leadership Class of 1999. In January of that year, we had just completed a rigorous ropes course and class retreat. I was proud of myself for making it through the ropes course and up and over (with the mighty help of a few new friends) the 12 ft high suspended log perfectly perched in the air between two trees. I then survived the legislative session at our State Capital in February. On the agenda for the March class was to visit city and state government organizations and we just so happened to have a brand spanking new city fire department. After touring the new state of the art facility, the class lined up to exit the building by way of the newly constructed fire pole. I wasn't about to be the only one NOT to experience that, although I quipped to the fire chief that 'surely the pole had a weight limit!' That got a good chuckle, but onward bound...each participant dutifully lined up to take their turn. I grabbed the pole and positioned myself carefully - just as everyone in front of me had done, or so I thought. The next thing I knew I was at the BOTTOM of that pole, 14 ft straight down - landing on the concrete that was poured the very day before! I was clutching onto it with everything I had. Talk about a bear hug! At first, they thought I had broken my neck, then my back, then people started talking about they might have to cut the pole into pieces to get me out from around it. That beautiful golden pole I had admired from the shiny circle cylinder launching pad. Somehow, I was suddenly in the ambulance, in shock, they later said. The first thing I remembered was the look of complete horror on the faces of my fellow classmates (that had successfully descended the pole before me and who were now safely on the ground). A very kind paramedic, (named Jim), held my hand in the ambulance and administered something to me that rendered me free from the mindless pain I suddenly realized was gone. To make an otherwise longer story shorter, my right leg was fractured in 4 places (basically crushed) and my back suffered injuries at L3, 4, and 5. I spent 3 months in rehab – had to learn how to walk again, and then on Christmas Eve, 1999 – I was in the hospital again – the Dr.’s had to re-break my leg and start all over. And, the next Christmas – in 2000, same exact thing – except they took bone from my hip and used to try to put good bone with the bad bone to repair the leg. (Not to mention, the snow storm that year that knocked our power out, put us in a hotel, my hip wound busted open and back to the hospital we go!) Suffice it to say, they have now done all they can do and told me so in 2001 – that, “I’m as good as I’m going to get” – with a titanium rod, two titanium plates, 18 screws and 4 nails holding my leg together – and an electronic bone stimulator still implanted in my leg – but long ago deactivated. Hence, my right leg is about 3 inches shorter than my left leg – which over the years has suffered tremendously from overcompensation. Every step I take to this day is still painful and I have to use a cane, walker, or wheelchair – depending on how I’m doing that day. I was on catastrophic leave for 10 months, and then another 6 months after the second surgery. At the time, the first state employee to have ever used it twice for the same original injury. Thank God for catastrophic leave - it allowed me to continue to be paid while I was healing. Somewhere in this time frame, I applied for Social Security Disability – but was summarily denied. (You have to be off work for a year to get approved. WHO can survive a year without a pay check???) Why am I writing about this? Because it’s about time I did. I thank God for parents who raised us to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Had I not had that strong foundation in place, I might have thrown in the towel a few times through the first few years of this struggle. In fact, I’m quite sure of it. And, thank God I have been employed in a job that I could do still do after an extensive rehabilitation. Actually, I’ve been at the same job 21 years and have 26 years with the state now. Although that day, March 18, 1999 - changed my life and the lives of my husband and sweet child who was 9 at the time – we are still here. I am thankful to the Lord for each new day. The hardships and struggles have been many – I lost a lot of precious time not being able to be the wife and mother that I wanted to be. I didn’t get to attend many of Courtney’s school functions. Her daddy had to do ‘unspeakable’ things for me that no wife ever wants her husband to ever have to do for her, but he did it – and mostly, without belly-aching about it. He was so good to me through my darkest days and I am forever grateful. Now, every morning when I get up, I first get DOWN, and thank the good Lord for one more day, one more year, one more step at a time. It has been a wild roller coaster ride but one I am forever humbled and thankful to have had the opportunity to live and am even more grateful for all the lessons learned from this nightmare. I am woman – hear me ROAAAR…and all that jazz.

Just a couple more things before I hush. I was ashamed for a long time to admit this, but I was NOT a happy camper immediately following the accident. While I was in rehab – the first of 3 times - (did I tell you I use to work at THIS SAME rehab as a social worker several years prior to this accident? Well, I did – and many of the same wonderful staff was there. HOWEVER.I.WAS.NOT.HAPPY.TO.BE.THERE. But not just there, I was NOT happy to be anywhere. I wanted to go home. I wanted to quit hurting. I wanted to magically ascend that fire pole and make the decision NOT to go down it. [If only I had some cheese to go with my whine.]

Anyway, I remember as they were trying to get me out of the ambulance into the hospital - I was bawling – and in a terribly depressed mood. I vaguely recall seeing a couple sitting outside as I made ‘my arrival’. I was embarrassed anyone had to witness that ugly scene. After completing the intake paperwork at the rehab hospital, by the time I got to my room, there was a beautiful bouquet of smiley face candies and balloons. Who had sent this to me? I happen to love and collect ‘smiley face things’. For several days I tried to figure out this mystery! I asked everyone I knew about the bouquet, but no one took credit for it until one day when my mom and I were on the elevator and someone overheard us talking. The nice lady told me that she and her husband had seen my ‘arrival’ and felt compassion for me. I was touched and told her so. She invited me to meet her husband after dinner that night. So, mom wheeled me over to their table after dinner and the nice lady started introducing me to her kind husband, whose back was to me. As he began to turn around, I started to thank them again for their generosity when all of a sudden in the mid sentence, I realized her husband was also in a wheelchair – and he had NO legs. I quickly found out he had been in a horrible car accident and as a result, had to have both legs amputated. I felt immediate shame. Shame that I was throwing a little pity party for myself because I would have to learn how to walk again and here was this kind and generous man who would NEVER walk – on his own- again – and he’s reaching out ToMe? That incident was the second-life-changing event of my life. Through my tears, I asked him why he would reach out to me in a time that had to be ‘his darkest hour’ as well and what he told me was astounding. He explained he and his wife were sitting outside when I arrived and saw the anguish and pain in my eyes. They UNDERSTOOD and wanted to ‘reach out’ to me to cheer me up. They just chose the ‘smiley face theme’ on a whim in hopes it would make me smile. AndItDid! They didn’t know me from Adam! However, later on – as it turned out - while we did our therapy together (he was quite the motivator!) we discovered we had worked together in the past – but had never met. We had made referrals to one another as he (too) worked at a non-profit helping organization in Conway. Small world! Meeting him taught me another very meaningful life lesson. Never again would I feel sorry for myself. I would make the best of everyday I was given and I would also strive to always try to put myself in another person’s shoes – and if they didn’t have shoes, try to put myself in their circumstance before judging. I also learned firsthand the meaning of PayingItForward. And I have, many times since then.

Just one more thing and I’ll be through, I promise. Also, while in rehab, my family teased me for being the youngest person in rehab. (I also thank God on a regular basis for a healthy sense of humor.) Rick would pick Courtney up from school every day and they’d make the trip down to NLR to see me. Several months after coming home from rehab I drove to town for the first time. I looked over at Courtney and she had REAL big crocodile tears streaming down her face. I was surprised and asked her what was wrong. She looked up at me with those big brown eyes and said, “Mommy, I didn’t think you were really going to ever come home – I’ve never known anyone to EVER come HOME from a NURSING home!” I was speechless. We just sat there on the side of the road for a few minutes and hugged. Nothing had to be said. I knew she was praising the Lord just as much as I was!

There’s a phrase a friend of mine ‘trademarked’ while going through his own debilitating crisis – and I borrow it from time to time because I love it so much. “Put some GRATITUDE in your ATTITUDE.” I try to LIVE that every day. He also has a book by that same name – and he says, “Today is the tomorrow that worried you yesterday – and all is well – and then some.” Indeed, Mr. Roy Johnson, indeed, my friend. All is well, and then some!

Afterword: I failed to mention but will mention now - I DID graduate with my Leadership Class in 1999. I missed a few sessions but somehow (by the grace of God) I finished the year and got my award! I highly recommend it - but make no mistake about it - nobody is EVER going down that fire pole again, 'cept real fire-fighting professionals! Definitely, as it should be! In the past, they routinely let children slide down the pole as part of their tour on 'field trip days' - but no more. Maybe I saved a child from being injured. I'd like to think so.

ABC's of ME!

 

A - Age: 50 something.....

B - Bed size: queen

C - Chore you hate: all of em

D - Dog's name: Dog? Pet? I'm not allowed! haha Grandbaby Pets: Semper and Lioness

E - Essential start to your day: COFFEE

F - Favorite color: Turquoise

G - Gold or Silver: depends....and NO, not the diapers!

H - Height: 5'6ish

I - Instruments you play: piano/organ

J - Job title: Licensed Certified Social Worker

K - Kid(s): COURTNEY Lindsay  You can follow her blog at:  courtneylpruett.blogspot.com/

L - Living arrangements: Living!

M : Married: yes indeedy

N - nickname: Cindy "Lu" .... only one I know about

O - Overnight hospital stay: in the last 15 years - I think....several months

P - Pet Peeves: DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA and people who do STUPID things!

Q - Quote: Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away.

R - Right or left-handed: Right

S - Siblings: 2; Ron and Sandra Gail

T - Time you wake up: LoL....normally 6 am

U - Underwear:  Uhh...yep, Grannie Panties

V - Vegetable you dislike: ummm....zoo-keeny

W - Workout: Just walking is an accomplishment

X - X-rays you have had most recently?   Can't remember!

Y - Yesterdays best memory: SLEEPING - it's a luxury!

Z - Zoo favorite: Elephants and Monkeys

 

"Help, I’m talking and I can’t shut up!” I know others who are just as rich in words and poor in tact. Do you know anyone like this? Maybe you can be hopelessly caught in this word-filled vortex that leaves us talking before we think and suffering from an extra-wide load of way TMI (too much information). It’s like the old adage, “It’s better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you’re a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” Our world is filled with words and folks use words to further their cause for better or for worse. World leaders twist the truth and deceive with doublespeak. A creatively placed insinuation by a national leader can lead to military conflict. There are people who abuse words in order to take advantage of vulnerable folks. Politicians and the cable news talking heads can use debates and opinion to show just how much we have lost the art of debate and the pursuit of knowledge. Our words have power, for they can give life and death, hope or despair, joy or sorrow. We can heal with a simple word of apology and destroy a relationship with a mere rumor. We have been given the gift of choice as to how we use or misuse our words. We can speak with our actions or inactions. We can have body language that speaks louder than any words ever could. Our eyes can open the window to our souls. “Keep your words tender and sweet - for tomorrow you may have to eat them.” I use to have a framed picture in my office that had those words, I called it my Wall of Wisdom. I readily admit, I too - have used words foolishly in the past, opened my big mouth when I was mad or felt I needed to speak up about this or that injustice in the world. Did it get me anywhere? Probably not - but might have made me feel better by getting it off my chest. Did I hurt someone? Without question. Am I sorry - definitely. Is it too late? I certainly hope not. I personally believe we are living in the last days of this old world as Christ's words about the 'end times' are being fulfilled like scrolling down bullets on a power point. These days - call for a serious awareness of how our words can build up or destroy people, or build up and destroy the church. I have seen polluted minds, hearts, and cultures spew thoughtless and destructive words. Even when we try to be politically correct, our best intentions can create the opposite effect. We should treasure our gift of communication as a sacred trust between a loving Creator and the people of this world. We need to learn to let our lives speak so that our words and actions are a symphony and a complementary witness to love, peace, and hope, lest our lives become a contradiction in terms. Let us learn the gift of silence when the absence of words might actually allow God to get a word in edgewise. Let us celebrate the spoken word of love through the sounds of laughter, the articulation of mercy, the phonics of compassion. Let us choose our words wisely and realize that humility and love will always be the best way to begin a conversation. Finally - I must reiterate - words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation. Don't use them to bully. Don't use them to beat someone who is already down. Don't say things in a moment of anger or rage and live to regret those words every minute of every day for the rest of your life. For you never know when one little word is all it could take to push someone over the edge who is struggling day to day just to live through another one. Try a little gentleness. Try a little kindness. I love the quote: "Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle" - by T. H. Thompson. We'd live in a kinder/gentler world if everyone could just try to be mindful of that and do it every now and again! I know it's easier said than done sometimes but that is no excuse! Kids back in my generation were told, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything!" And...if you don't feel like being particulary 'nice' - try SimplySayingNothing! You could be surprised by what a little sincere silence might actually accomplish. Afterall, silence is golden. ~ Remember...life is not measured by the number of breaths we take ~ but by the moments that take our breath away. ~ Cindy "Lu" - aka - courtneysmum