Sunday, May 27, 2012

A Personal "Thank You"

As I sit and reflect on this our country, United States of America, I am reminded of how this great Nation came about.  Going all the way back to 1776, or sooner, people have been protecting us and our country.  Many lives have been lost here on American soil as well as in foreign lands.

Many of those lost on foreign soil have never returned home.  Brave men and women, have paid the price for protecting this country and it's "Freedom".  Many have been injured either physically and/or mentally.  Their lives will never be the same.

Wars and fighting change a person and the way they look at things and the world as a whole.  Some of the brave men and women that have suffered for this Nation, will continue to do so until they, too, are laid to rest.  Then there are those that are able to continue the fight, even in peace time, in order to ensure the United States is protected and that freedom remains throughout the land.

Yes, on this Memorial Weekend, I ask only one small thing, please pray or say "thank you" for that solider that has given their life, the solider that has given a piece of themselves, and the soldiers that are still protecting us and our country all over the world.  Some are and have been away from their families and still have the courage to continue to serve in order for us to be protected.  Not knowing from one day to the next if they will be fighting against someone or fighting for their life due to injury.

"Thank you to the men and women that serve and have served this Nation.  I, personally thank you for allowing me the comfort of a safe place to live.  Being able to lay down at night and have a peaceful sleep, while you are in conditions that may be far worst than any I can imagine.  It is because of you that I write this and am able to publish it with no threat to me, for the Constitution (right now) protects me and you serve to protect that Constitution."

"Thank you for the sacrifices you and your families have made and are still making today.  I can never, no matter how hard I try, be able to thank you enough.  I will never be able to shake your hand and say simply "thank you and God bless".

As I sit here and reflect on the "true" meaning of Memorial Day, I shed a few tears and whisper a few small prayers of gratitude for men and women I do not know, but know they are there protecting me and what is mine.

So, thank you for the things that you do, have done or will do in the future in order for me to say I live in a country that is free and I am proud of it.

Thank you!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Thank You Just Doesn't Seem to be Enough

May we all take just a moment of time to say "Thank You" to the men and women of this nation that protect it's many citizens so we may be free.  And this is just from me, how I see it.   Many young men and women are not made to join the Armed Forces, but join from their own choice.  They have made the decision to protect, no matter what the cost to them, this country and its people.

So many have given their lives for us and this country.  How can you not want to say "Thank You" for such a selfless act?  No one held a gun to their heads and said you have to go to war.  They knew, the moment they were sworn in, that there would always be that chance.  Thou none of us ever wanted that to happen, it has. 

So many, with families, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and children of all ages, have answered the call of duty to defend this country.  The sorrow that runs throughout many of their families today because they did a selfless act of protecting those of us that live here.  How dare we not thank them!

How dare we sit in our living rooms and past judgment on these very men and women that had the calling to protect us no matter what the cost.  They, though it was difficult, packed up and went to the battle fields.  Most, I imagine, scared to death knowing that they may never return to see their loved ones.  They left their wives, husbands, sons and daughters, how dare we not Thank Them!

How dare we sit in judgment over them!  It is not our place to judge anyone, especially ones that volunteered to protect us beyond any cost to them.  It makes my heart heavy to see and hear people say things like "Well, I didn't send you there."  "It's not my fault."  "You knew what you were signing up for when you signed up."

How dare we not welcome them back home.  Instead we call them names and turn our backs on them, how dare we!!!

As I stated at the begin of this, "Thank You", each and everyone of you for doing  what I can not do for myself.  For doing what many of us cannot do for ourselves.  Thank you for your courage, love, dedication, and sacrifice.  You have given me more than just protection, freedom, and peace of mind, you have given me a place that I can lie down at night and sleep.  A place that is safe to raise my children and teach them about the great sacrifices you have made.

My heart is so heavy with the flood of emotions right at this very moment to think that there are mothers and fathers that have lost their children and the children that have lost their mothers and fathers.  Some of who are so small that they may never remember their parents and how much they loved them.

How dare anyone that calls themselves an American not say "Thank You, you and your act of duty are greatly appreciated!"  This is the least we can do.

So, please, during this weekend that has been set aside in honor of our heroes and their sacrifices, please tell them in some way "Thank You".  You may have soldiers in your family or your friends.  If we can just look them in the eyes and say from the deepest part of our being just how grateful we are to them for the job that they do protecting us everyday of our lives.  Is that really too much to ask ?...

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

My Daughter - My Most Precious Gift

My daughter, my most precious gift.  Twenty-six years ago today, God gave me such a blessing that words cannot describe the love that I have for her or Him.  There are many things that I cannot remember of my past, but this gift I will remember until the day I die.  What a wonderful and precious gift of a child being born and a girl at that.

The evening before your birth, your dad, myself and your grandmother Loftin were all at a softball game.  Your dad's team had a game and I had fixed supper for us to enjoy during the game.  BBQ chicken, potato salad and green beans.  I can't remember if we won or lost that game, I guess it is because I was so preoccupied with the discomfort I was felling because you were on your way, but I did not realize that until later.

Your grandmother had come down because it was getting close to time for you to make your appearance and I knew that I would need her there.  She and I had, it seemed, walked for miles and miles the week before.  That is suppose to be good for you and the birth so we walked.  She knew something that I had no idea of and that was you were on your way into this world.

Around midnight, I woke up and told your dad that I thought it was time.  He, your grandmother and myself loaded into the small Mazda S 10 pickup truck and headed to the hospital, Womack Ft Bragg.  Yes, you were born at the army hospital the next morning around 10 am.  That was a trip that we all took together that I don't think any of us will ever forget.  I had to have the heat on one minute and then the air conditioner on the next.  Not to mention that this truck was a straight drive with the gear stick in the floor.  Okay, you will have to use your imagination from there.

It wasn't long after we arrived at the hospital, that we were sure you were ready to make your appearance into the world.  And when you did, everyone knew you were hear.  You were yelling at the top of your little lungs and letting everyone know, you had arrived.

Nicole you are the most precious gift God has ever given me.  You have turned into an awesome young woman that knows what she wants and how to get it.  There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of you and how proud I am of you.  You have accomplished so much and you have just gotten started good.  No parent could be more proud.

My daughter, my most precious gift, you are as strong as you are beautiful.  Knowing that you are working at the main thing that has been your passion all your life.  The children and young adults that you are teaching and trying to prepare them for what lies ahead are blessed to have you as their teacher.

Also, I know that you have met and married such a precious young man that loves you deeply and completely.  Knowing that God is a strong force in your lives and that you respect each other for the person  you both are separate and for what a greater force of love that you are together.  God has been and is still shaping you both into what is truly a wonderful blessing for all that you touch. 

To my daughter, my most precious gift I want to say Thank you for being my daughter.  Though there have been extremely hard times between us, you still love me and allow me to be your mother.  Words cannot describe how deeply I love and respect you as a person, teacher, wife and daughter.  It is to you I write this to let all that read it know that God does give us such precious gifts and we all should be very thankful to Him.  He has allowed you to be a part of my life and help me to be the person I am today.

To my daughter, my most precious gift, "Happy Birthday" and may God continue to bless and enrich your and Bryan's lives together.

I love you to the moon and back, with all my heart and soul.  With every fiber of my being and as a gift from God, I am proud to be your mother.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

You "CAN" Get Through It


So, cold, wet and rainy. Then blue skies, nice white puffy clouds and sunshine all day. And back to cold, wet, and rainy. Days like these are hard on any body. Joints swollen, hurt, and muscles cramp. Days are long and nights can sometimes be even longer. 
 But this is in no way me complaining. This is in hopes that others out there that have health issues too, can pull up those boot straps and make it through another day. 
For those that do not know, I have fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and solid edema (swelling in different areas). Some days are just so hard to make it. But again, I am not complaining, just explaining. 
We all have tough days. Some more so than others. But just because your day may be "hard", you can get through it. I can only speak for myself, but prayer goes an awful long way. Each day I do have to take medicine to help with my issues. At the advise of my doctor, I have been able to cut some medicines out and have not had to take either one in over 2 months. I know it is all because of the power of prayer. 
God can do what I can't do for myself. There are days that I just hurt beyond belief, but I say a little prayer and get through. Now, I can't lie, there are days that I just can't get out of bed. My point and what I hope everyone that may read this is, God is here, there, everywhere. If you put forth the effort and ask for help He will respond. 
But you have to remember that He provides us what His will is, not what ours are. God will never let you down. When it seems you can't go on, He carries us until we can get back on our feet. God is so good and you only need to ask to receive. All things are possible with God in your corner.
**Note:  This was originally post on my Facebook page 2/19/2012

Saturday, May 12, 2012

A Mother's Love...

A Mother's Love...is like no other.  There is nothing in this world that can compare.  They are the only constant in your life, from the time you were conceived, to the day she passes on to the heavens.

A Mother's Love...she is always there.  Loving, caring, comforting, protecting, providing, teaching, and disciplining.

A Mother's Love...it is forever on going, never stopping, never ceasing, never less that the first day she knew of you.

A Mother's Love...she is there for all the "firsts" in your life.  First words, steps, starting school, young love and heartache.  She is there when you learn to drive, go off to college and get your first job.

A Mother's Love...she is there when you find "that special person" to share the rest of your life with, then it all starts over again.  She will be your support, your rock, your anchor.  The only one that will always be there no matter what.

A Mother's Love...she is the force in your life that is forever growing, changing, evolving as much or as little as you need her to.

A Mother's Love...she is always there to help put the pieces back together, to give you that needed "way to go" or "it will be okay".  There to say "your not alone"only because she knows what you are going through and doesn't want to see you hurt.

A Mother's Love...you can feel it, touch it, see it, know that it is real, a very precious gift.  One that only she can give.

A Mother's Love...yes, it is truly like no other for once it is given to you, no one, nor anything can take it away.  It will never be forgotten, thrown away or buried somewhere it cannot be found.

A Mother's Love...there is no other.

A Mother's Love...Thank you God, I love my Mother.


***This is to all the mothers and soon to be mothers.  A mother myself, I know these words to be very true.  It makes me very happy and proud to say "Happy Mother's Day" to each and every mother and mother-to-be.  And to dedicate this to my mother, "I love you more than you will ever know mom".

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Yes I Do

So, I am sitting here thinking about all the changes I have seen this world of ours go through just in my life.  Can't understand why people are so afraid to stand up for what they believe in.  Is that not what our country began from?  People that had their own opinion as to how things should be as Christians?

Yes I do agree whole heartily that our country has gone down hill in the past years.  It has been that way for a number of years.  And it will continue to do so.  As the world goes on many things will come to past.  The Bible speaks of this and those who do not believe really do need our prayers.

Now, I am not saying that I am a scholar when it come to the Bible, by any means.  What I am saying is that I know enough to know that things are only going to get harder and more complicated as time goes by.  And mostly, there is not anything we can do about that, but pray.

Those of us that are Christians and believe, need to be hitting our knees more than before.  The power of pray, which I know works, is one of the strongest weapons I know of.  We all have to get honest with ourselves and understand what is happening and what is going to be happening.  We all need to reach out to others, Christians and non-Christians.

This vote that is taking place today.  God is very clear on the subject of marriage as He is very clear on a lot of issues.  This is not one that there is a gray area on, it is black and white.  We need to understand that we as Christians should not turn our back on this issue or any issues that are like this one.

How, as a Christian, can anyone of us not see what this is leading us to?  I pray everyday that God will show His people and help us to understand that there are going to be very very hard times ahead of us.  We are going to have to ban together now and in the near future more than we ever have.

The times, they are  changing and we must be ready for the battle.  We cannot lose.  Me,  personally, know where I stand, with God.  He is and will always be my provider, protector and comforter.  I know, within my heart, that there are going to be some very hard times that I am going to have to face.  I am ready, more so now than I have ever been.

God has shown me that He can move mountains and part the seas.  That He will do the things He has promised us.  The events that have unfolded in my life over the past 10 years is all the proof I need.

Do you see how great and powerful God is?  Is He alive and living in your heart and soul today?  Can you make the hard decisions that are going to have to be made when it comes right down to it?  Do you believe, with every fiber of your being, that God has and will always be there for you?

My prayer today is simple.  God please look down on your children, touch their hearts and minds, so that they may understand what is to come.  Lord, please wrap us up in your loving hands and comfort us, protect us, give us the courage that it is going to take to stand strong for you.  God give us peace of mind that we will be okay no matter what.  Times may and will get hard.  Lord please touch and awaken the very core of our souls and make us to be steadfast in the task that will be before us.  May we all, as brothers and sisters, unite and stand together in this fight.  For we will be the army that will be in the fight when it comes down to right and wrong  Amen.

I do not apologize for this post and will never say that I am sorry where God is concerned.  He is my rock, protector, comforter, provider, healer, and He will give me everlasting life.  I pray for those who do not know Him as I do.  I pray that you will soften your heart enough to hear and understand the gift that He has already given you and everyone.  There is only accepting His gift and asking Him in to your heart.

I live for Him and will die for Him if that is what I must do.  God has given me so very much when I felt that I was not deserving, how can I not give my life back to Him.  He is the one that gave me life to begin with.


Monday, May 7, 2012

God: How awesome is He!

You must decide what battles in life you are willing to fight.  Me, I fight for God.  No matter what I may have to endure, God is the main vein of my life and I know that without Him in my life I would have no life.

God has pulled me from the hell that I was in.  He has washed over me and cleansed me and made me whole again.  I am nothing without His love and grace.  He is and has always been my protector and provider.  This I must not forget.  Because of these known facts, I need not worry about all the other things.  What others think, what the government is or is not doing, what that person I just passed on the street is thinking.

Yes, I have stated all this just to say, choose your battles carefully.  Know who or what you are defending or fighting for.  Do not compromise what you feel in your heart is right for things that you know are wrong.  You and only you can decide what your path will be.  There will be those that will try to turn you and lead you in the wrong direction.  Only you can stop them.

I can only speak for myself.  I put myself in God's loving hands and His all knowing will for me each day as I rise and each night when I lay down. He will watch over me and protect me.  Guide me and teach me.  With Him, all things are possible.

There are things right now, that are going on in my own life and all I can do is sit back and be still.  That is a very hard thing to do, be still.  Wait.  Patience, being humble.  Am going through, but be still and wait.  When I get through it on the other side, I will know what God had waiting for me.  But I must be still and I must wait, be patience, become humble.

To know what it is like to go through that process and to know what rewards are on the other side is just too wonderful and I am unable to put into words.  It is something that you must experience for yourself.  You have to trust 100%.  You must be willing no matter what to stand up for what you believe, want, need.

With God, all things are possible.  Trust and believe in Him and you will have riches beyond anything you could have ever imagined.

Yes, with God, all things are possible.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Great Rewards!

Scared and in pain, afraid of the unknown.  Didn't think that I could have done it, but I did.  Then in the blind of an eye, there she was.  So tiny, beautiful, and fragile.  My heart and soul.  You have made me laugh, cry, and then wonder, will she be okay? 

She knows what I know, has her own way of doing.  Being herself, beautiful, strong, caring, generous, smart, and love for others.  She makes them smile, laugh and learn.  She has respect and integrity.  Always busy, always trying to please everyone, most of all herself.  So very loving and tender hearted.  Could never hold back her tears, cheers, laughter, sharing what was on her mind.  No one could love her more, miss her more, understand her more, pray for her more, let her live her life her way, no one anymore than me.  Her mother.

Daughters are special!  So sweet, understanding, demanding, loving, and caring.  If you have a daughter, then you know what I am talking about.  Am so proud of the things she has accomplished, dreams she has, the life that is hers and his.

Together they learn, make mistakes then learn some more.  Both caring for the other, watching out for each other, loving, learning, giving, taking, growing together.  He complements her.  She complements him.  Together, the are learning from their mistakes, our mistakes, everyones mistakes.

Yes, they are going to be just fine no matter what may be around the corner waiting for them.  Together, they will get through it, around it or over it.  Working together for their future, their daughters, sons, family, friends, and anyone that touches their hearts

Yes, they are going to be just fine.  Thank you God!  Watch over them, comfort them, love and protect them.  Our children, Your children, loving and caring for each other. 

Yes, they are going to be just fine!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Yes, I am still doing my Blog...

So sorry that there has been no post in the past few days.  As I stated in my profile I have fibromyalgia.  This is something that can affect part of my body or my whole body at one time.  The fibro has been kicking my tail that past few days.  So, I just have not felt well enough to post.

Am feeling much better as the week goes on.  So, as long as things are going good as they are at this moment, you should see my posts start back up.  I am going to pull something from my old Facebook file and you should still have a good read.  Knowing some of you may have already read it, but some maybe not.

I also would like to take this time to say "Thank you" to the ones that are following my post.  If you would like to follow me on a regular basis, submit your email at the bottom of this page and you will be notified when a new posts is up.  Thanks again for the support and would love to have some comments, too.  That helps me to know how I am doing and if you want me to touch on some specific.


Life sometimes throws us curves, sliders, or different things.  How we response and process these times are up to us and only us.  Good, bad, indifferent - Life just hurts, I mean really hurts but what are you to do?  Everyone has their own answer and their own decisions to make.  You have yours and I have mine, sometimes our answers do not match, so, we must then move on, sometimes they do and all is well; for a little while until the next time.....