You Are Awesome!

You are not a product of what has happened to you or what other people have said about you.

You are the sum total of what is in you and Who is in you.

"Doing My Blog"

Since day one when our Son put in my blog which has been three years ago, the qwestion "Are you still doing your blog?"comes my way. Absolutely! Since my gift is encouragement, I get encouragement from so many who read it! No, I'm not bragging on myself, I just want to say I appreciate your remarkable encouragement. Who encourages the encourager? In a true sense of the word, God does, but ladies or guys who send me e-mails (& don't have the courage to broadcast a comment..and that's okay) send me raving e-mails of which I am so grateful. So, if you "do a blog" please don't give up. Keep your mind healthy, happy, trustworthy, and kind to others!

Enjoyable! Take On Garage Sales

Labor Day was enjoyable! Had a great garage sale...neighbors and friends came out of the woodwork! All 28 years we've lived here...wow! Hadn't seen some of them for what I call humpteen years! Getting rid of stuff actually ended up fun! Met a couple who are what I call the most wonderful family! They had two small kids and 2 miniature chihuahuas and I told our daughter I'd love to join a chihuahua club...it seems to me that people who own those breed of dogs are so loving and kind. Would you believe one of the dogs came to me! Most usually they shy away from me...I couldn't get over it! I've never seen such a dog that does his/her thing and gets by with it. But the family was so tremendously helpful....they purchased the last minute stuff and even carried the tables in. My hubby couldn't get over it! We had a great day and trust me it was hot! One more thing...I'm not sure people really realize that people who are 86 or thereabout are very lonely people. They all came out just to sit in the chair by me and yack! Oh well, some day I'll be that age twenty years from now, so I didn't mind them coming back a few times to get attention. What got to me was the perfume they put on and stood in front of the fan. I am highly allergic to perfume, so I had to politely say, please don't stand in front of the fam with your strong perfume, I can't breathe. They didn't get offended, so that was good.

Have you ever had a garage sale? I don't really think I'll feel the results of it until tomorrow! (Soreness.) : ( And did you know, there are more men that come to garage sales than women? That was interesting! Looking for retro stuff and of course we had plenty of it! Hey, enjoy your Tuesday as everyone gets back in the swing of things! And....just thought I'd share some personal stuff this morning how enjoyable my Labor Day was!

A Question Of Fairness

Let's face it, something can be absolutely unfair and true at the same time. We don't determine what is true based on whether or not it is fair. What it is true that little Sally received a C, it was certainly not fair. And while the umpire's call may have been unfair, it sure enough happened.

Obvious as that may be, I have talked to many people who flippantly cast aside the claims of Christ because they deemed unfair. Essentially what they are saying is "Christianity is unfair; therefore I don't believe it is true." Life is not fair. Life will never be fair. Life can't be fair. I am a person who believes fairness is the most important a human being should be treated! However, we rarely expend more emotion demanding fairness when we get more than we deserve. I don't know how you explain the evil and unfairness in the world. But I know one thing, it makes me angry when one person is treated one way and the other is another when they are going by the same rules. For instance, in all the years my husband and I have been married, I constantly see people treat him completely different than me and they think I don't see it. I would be a moran if I didn't! I don't know how you account for bad things happening to good people. I find it in my heart to forgive that person that treats us differently and would to me a question of unfairness.

I believe Christianity offers both an explanation and a solution. The explanation is that when Adam and Eve sinned, life became irreversibly unfair. The solution is......well, putting faith in God and believing that which is fair so that we are forgiven people for all our unfairness to assure us that at the end of life, we trusted the God who makes everything fair for us. Placing faith in Christ makes it fair for all of us to become Christians and prepare us for eternity! I know I have done this, (accepted Christ's fairness and believing that HE is the one that died on the cross for our unfairness) and I hope you have. Have a peaceful, restful Sunday!

Strength!!!!

Our strength comes from God - it's not something we work up in ourselves.

We can do ALL things through Christ.

It is God's strength poured into us and working through us that enables us to overcome, to persevere, and to be STRONG.

We come to STRENGTH by resting in Him! Just give it to Him!!!

Pursue the Dream God has Put In Your Life

Instead of accepting the limits that have been placed on you (including the limits you have placed on yourself) challenge the system and pursue your passion!

Happy Labor Day....enjoy your day off!

People Who Lie

My encouragement is just tell the truth. I don't usually have negative writings on my blog, but I've had so many lies thrown at me lately, I want to share my thoughts. I don't mean to be on a soapbox, but even a small white lie is aggravating.

On the other hand, why do people lie?

The truth sets you free.

I agree Society dictates that it's better to lie than tell the truth. In the world of women that I work with, most of them tell me the reason they lie is that their husband wouldn't believe them if they told the truth. You can't change his mind. You can only tell the truth. It could become a vicious circle because what if both are not telling the truth?

If you don't keep a promise with someone, is that a lie?

What about the person who said they'd call or get in touch with you and they don't; is that a lie?

What constitutes a lie?

I would go so far as to say if a person doesn't look at you in the straight eyeball to eyeball, that's a lie to me. I would a lot rather someone just tell me the truth. If they say they will call me back and don't; I begin to lose faith in them and their word doesn't count. It's tough to work with ladies whom I know are telling me a lie. Am I judging? No, because I kept my word and to give as an example, they didn't keep their word. No excuse will do. That's tough, but I believe that eventually you would just not have any contact whatsoever with the person who lies. What about you? Does it irritate you as much as it does me? I know I will get e-mail responses....bring 'em on. I value your comments!

Remember to Pray

Several times I have been invited to share in an unusual form of prayer groups. Group membes commit to pray for a particular time for a specific things. What binds us together is the commitment to pray as one voice, at that time. Knowing someone is praying for me, even when that person is far away, means I am not alone. I truly believe Jesus felt the prayers of people and admonished them not to stop praying. (Mark 14:38).

When we commit to pray for someone or about something, we make an important promise. Following through on our commitment gives others gentle, flowing support that is "powerful and effective."

Help us to tell others when we are praying for them and keep our commitment.

Praying with others is a reminder that none of us is ever alone! I'm praying for you today, for your welfare and needs to be supplied. I request prayer for myself and am appreciative that you will remember to pray for our needs to be met.

Awesome Roses!!!

A devout friend of mine just recently gave me four stunning roses for my birthday. Have you ever stood still, looked into the head of a rose, and marveled at its beauty? Days before, such beautiful rose was small tight bud. Who could imagine that within a few days this would become a beauty so large it seemed impossible that it ever fit into that bud? What's more the rose can overwhelm with the pleasure of its exquisite fragrance.

Becoming a Christian is like this. Without Christ, we are limited and small, but once we have been united with Christ, we unfold and expand like that rose. In Christ, we can become full and rich in compassion, spreading the fragrance of love.

Encouragement Re: Choices

The willingness to make conscious choices is another way of demonstrating that you are ready to find new ways of living and being before you are FORCED to do it. When what we do, how we do it, and the way we do it no longer fits our purpose in life, we must choose to do something else. It means we are aware of our patterns, and no longer choose to embrace them. This becomes the choice to grow. When we consciously choose growth over stagnation and fear, the new choice decision will support our decision by bringing our lesson gently and lovingly.

You must make a choice to know the truth; the truth about your strength, your power, and your ability to withstand the consequences of your choices; makes it easier, because once you choose and see that things are getting a bit out of hand, or that you are in fact not ready, you have the ability, right, and power to make another choice. At the same time, stick to the truth (real facts) when you are making a choice. Weigh the pros and cons. That's my newest goal in making choices..pros and cons; believe you me it works!!!!

So Closely Connected in Marriage

Those of you that have the privilege of being married, did you ever wonder how close you really are to each other? My husband is definitely a LEADER.... several of my friends have asked me lately why I don't blog about marriage. I don't know the answer to that question. I just don't. We have what I call a "Private Marriage" having been in the public eye for thirty-eight years! Retirement brings connection even more closely than you could ever think or imagine. You are forced to discuss things whether you want to or not. He sees me all the time and I see him. In that regard, I truly love it! And yet, we let go....meaning he can do what he wants to do and the same with me.

Last night we had a great time with some friends of our's that have been married the same amount of years (42) and we noted with interest, they have the same goals...that was very interesting and we came to the same conclusion, don't interupt when wife or hubby is telling a story. So, that was cool!

Now, tonight we will be having a super great time with a couple who are awesome, so I am thrilled we are "stepping out of the box" - the normal seeming like rut of things, so life is good in the Donnelson household. A love that will not ever walk away and gets closer each day. Quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service, physical touch; the joy of being able to express our love and feeling truly loved in return. He shows so much love to me in so many ways.

Many of us married are trained to analyze prolems and create solutions. We forget that marriage is a relationship, not a project to be completed or a problem to solve. One way to learn new patterns is to establish a daily sharing time in which each of you will talk about things - what's happening to you and how you feel about them. Yes, ladies...men have feelings...and are emotional....make a choice to show your love and admiration (& I might add gratitude) but most of all, TRUST and you will be closely connected in marriage.

Devote Your Time To Developing Yourself

Don't invest in what fades. Invest in what lasts all through life and on into eternity! God doesn't want emotional nuclear waste inside you to spew out of you and contaminate others around you. He doesn't want hatred, anger, bitterness, or criticism flowing out of you. He wants the inside of you to be a "river of living water" flowing out to send life and refreshment to others.

Our daughter gave of so much while she was here to us. I cannot thank her enough. And yet if you were to ask her, she would say, we were the ones that gave so much spirit, etc. Have you ever been around someone that makes you feel like you are the greatest person that ever existed on the face of the earth? That's her. She is always concerned about her Dad and I and what makes us happy. I know she has her own phenomenal life to live, but I know, without a shadow of doubt, we are more motivated than we ever were while she was here. She was such a refreshment. And that's why I'm writing about devoting time to developing "your-self." That's what I feel like doing when we go our separate ways....take care of self so I can live a healthy life, being so grateful I am a Mom, Wife, Grandma, Friend...... all the important roles!!!! Life is so full of joyous living; especially when you are around someone who wants your dreams so accomplished. I just had to blog my feelings and her uniqueness - something inside of me said "Go for it!" ...an extraordinary hip hip hooray! ....a-ha I have bragging rights as a Mom and so do you ladies!!!!

Are You Genuine?

Many people falsely market themselves - especially being not genuine. They sell themselves as beautiful, quiet, meek, and laid back. Then two years into the marriage they have an "in your face" attitude. Questions like how does he or she treat people they don't need in their life? What does she value? What does he value?

So many people end up falling for the exterior packaging and don't pay enough attention to the gift inside. Spending years, decades, even lifetimes trying to change the person they married on the inside --- but guess what???? You cannot change a person, that's God's job!!!

The genuine person is not the outside package but the treasure, gifting, and value that lies within! Go for being genuine!!! The truth will come out sooner or later.

Let Go Of The Past!!!!

Is your past something that you want to continue to relive again and again?

You cannot enter your tomorrow as long as you hold on to your past.

Leaving the past behind does not mean that we only leave the negative aspects of the past behind. For some people, the struggle is in leaving behind a past they perceive to be better than their present.

There are some people who have trouble letting go of past success. Or they create a fantasized past and dwell in a set of false memories.

The past - no matter what it is - needs to be left in the past!

Just let it go......it's not worth the worry, fret, and you can't do anything about it, but FORGIVE!!!!!! Forgive the event, the person, and most of all SELF!

I hope this has encouraged ladies who really have this problem, because their husband prays and hopes they will let go of the past; whether it be his fault or her fault.

Be a Praiser, not a Complainer!!!

These days are flying by!! Agree??? I know it's because our beloved, amazing daughter is here and we charish every moment spent with her. We do not take it for granted even when we see our Son, Daughter-in-law and Grandkiddos or our Daughter!!! Believe you me, it brings such enjoyment and remarkable super great times!

I've noticed such great character our kids have because they are not complainers! So, today I am writing about this subject. Complaining is a trap. Complainers never rise above or move beyond those things that are a focus of their complaint. I know that it why I love being around both our kids...they are praisers....When praise happens we all raise above any adversity...raising eyes from the problem to the Problem Solver. When you praise, you get your eyes off what is wrong and on the goal of what can be right. When you praise, you get your focus off the adversity and on the great blessings that God has ahead for you. Genuine character. Love, love, love it! It takes work to praise....take the energy and time to live a life fully of non-complaining. It gets you nowhere! Hey - enjoy your Wednesday!!!!

The Party's Over..........

No blog.

Recouping from Birthday!!!! Every thing's a party for me...so with the excitement and happiness I felt, I am finally back to blogging which is my utmost passion!!!!

Imagine that a movie was made of your life. Nothing is left out. Everything you have ever done, thought or imagined is there for all to see. The indiscretions youth, the poor choices in relationships, words spoken in anger, the secret habits that are so hard to fun from and so shaming in the daylight are exposed for anyone who wants to take a look.

How would you feel?

Would you want to run and hide?

If you knew that everyone in your circle had seen your movie would you still show up for dinner?

And yet deep within all of us is a desire to be known. To be known and to be loved.

Are you loved and accepted? If my movie was shown to those I love and whose respect I treasure, surely would they think less of me? Some people would say, I haven't seen your movie. The most important thing in the world is that God has seen your movie and He loves you! Please read Psalm 139:1-6 Welcome to the outrageous LOVE OF GOD! I pass my happiness on to you.......be loved and feel loved...it's there! I felt it from tremendously from family and friends for rock-solid three days and I know it's there! Whoopee!!!!

Birthdays on 21st of August!!!

Count Basie, Princess Margaret Rose (Queen Elizabeth's II's Sister)
Kenny Rogers

Events on August 21, 1943: Roosevelt and Churchill meet in Casablanca to map war strategy. Hawaii became the 50th state. Philippine opposition leader is shot and killed as he steps off a plane in Manila. Jimmy Durante insured nose or $50,000. Oklahoma opened on Broadway. First Tom & Jerry cartoons came out.

In the Oval Office: President Franklin Roosevelt, VP Henry Wallace

Price of gasoline, 21 cents a gallon. Bread, 09 cents a loaf; milk 1 gallon 62 cents. First class postage stamp .03 cents...women in the work force 29% and a three bedroom home, $3,600. Average income $2.65 an hour.

Today I'm wearing the garb of gratitude for great health, happiness, and believe this: Only she is old who ceases to dream. It is time to dream again!

My Sweet Day!!!!!

The big day......my birthday tomorrow. Am I excited? Yes!!! I love birthdays!

Pleas'd to look forward, pleas'd to look behind; counting each birthday.....with a GRATEFUl mind!

I believe a birthday is a bridge that connects our past and our present, a time for evaluation and reflection. It is a time to rejoice with family and friends, to be told in a variety of ways that our lives matter to those around us. In the midst of the warm hearts that surround us in body or spirit, we realize again that we do not need more things, but we do need people to make our lives complete!

Truly, God gives us righly all things to enjoy! I am so grateful!

Preparing Yourself!

How come women are always wanting to "fix" their husband and not their self?

Hmmmm. You can't prepare yourself in a day. You must prepare yourself every day....key word "yourself"...... day after day.... after day after day....for the rest of your days!

The process of preparation is just that - a process. The journey in this life is just as important as the destination. God does not refine you, train you, transform you, or renew you instantly. He puts you through a process. This process requires patience. It requires a steadfastness and a faithfulness. It requires ongoing trust and obedience!

I believe if we keep our minds stayed in preparing for the battle that is beset before us each day is enough to keep us busy. There are so many hurting people who need love, encouragement, and kindness shown, instead of being shoved aside and left to not ever feel the happiness we could pass on inside of us for the joy we have from knowing a Savior who has given us so much! Yesterday I was talking with a lady who said all she has is work and hitting the bed; work and hitting the bed; etc. same rut every single day. I said, "Prepare yourself to change it!" I can't wait to talk to her today and she if she took one day to change it and if she "gets a life" - then let me know and from there she begins a change and it won't be easy at first, but the steadfastness and faithfulness will give her the confidence she needs to stop the hurting she is feeling.

I am thrilled to be able to help her. And I know she will experience joy unspeakable as she prepares herself on a different course, different pace, instead of running from the real problem, facing it and have oh such wonderful peace! Enjoy your Wednesday!!!!

Managing Time!

Oh wow! That sounds so easy and like fun!

Time cannot be bought or rented.
Time cannot be saved - you cannot store, freeze, or can time.

Time cannot be manufactured.
Time expands before your baby arrives and contracts after the delivery.

Time is slower for your children than for you.

The issue is really life - not time. We need to better manage our time and I call it Learn to prioritize........1. God 2. Husband 3. Children 4. Self 5. Family & Friends 6. Work and last but not least, Time for the unexpected! Titus 2:3-5

I hope this has been encouraging....I know it encourages me! Also, read Solomon's wise observations on time Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 Make it a good Tuesday!!!! : )