In this time of financial turmoil, uncertainty about the future and with many filled with a feeling of hopelessness it is more important than ever for each of us to reflect on our faith. The world is indeed a frightening place. Every day brings more news of a war, of needless death, of financial ruin. These are indeed hard times.
Adding to all of this angst are many faithful people espousing their faith as the way to true relationship with God. They force their beliefs that there is only way to be in relationship with God, their way. My feeling is, “Wow, how arrogant is that?!”
Many of the problems we face as a society today can be traced to these arrogance of beliefs. There are those who are so wrapped up on their own way of thinking they are unable to even hear, let alone process, new or different ideas. When these type of people are in roles of authority or decision making their impact can be devastating to a free thinking society.
At the very core of this problem are individuals or groups espousing their beliefs as being the only way we can receive God and his love for us. What I believe we need to understand is we have a direct connection to God. He is with us and knows each of us individually.
While corporate worship and relationships with other people of faith are essential to our spiritual growth it does not replace our one-on-one relationship with God. There are many who would have us believe that we can only be in relationship with God if we follow their man-made rules of piety and believe only as they say we should believe.
Don’t get me wrong, theology certainly has its place in helping us interpret the Bible and other books of faith and to raise our understanding of God. However, all of this is subject to interpretation and it is up to each of us to seek God and his plan for our individual lives.
I grew up in a very traditional protestant understanding of Christianity. Recently I have found that many denominations and creeds have so narrowed their focus that they have excluded the possibility that others can worship and believe in God in any way but their own. I find this very troubling.
If we are to survive as a society and grow as faithful people we must become more accepting of others and their beliefs. We cannot be so pious to believe our way is the only way. God is not Protestant, Catholic, Reformed, Jewish, Muslim or any other creed. He is God and the bottom line is he has accepted all of us as his children.
He has given each of us the freedom to worship him in the way we see fit. We are only to accept his love. That is it, nothing more nothing less.
So as you sit in your church, temple, or synagogue or wherever you worship your God this week ask him to open your heart to be accepting of the differences in beliefs of others. He is the God of love the unconditional love which encompasses all of us. God is love.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Thoughts and insights
The best part of the flu is not having it.
Don't let anyone punch holes in your happiness.
Charlotte Jones Stringer I like that thought! Thanks!
Margie Schulz AMEN.. :-)
Nancy Hoover That is a great thought. Thank you!
Creative freedom comes when we are unencumbered by the concerns of our everyday lives.
Kimberly Coombs I know what you mean
Being in the majority does not mean one's opinion is necessarily correct or in the best interest of the whole.
Chris Mann On the other hand, it does mean you just voted in a democracy.... :-)
Stacey Friedlein This is true if one takes the conviction of their opinion to the polling place.
Michael D. Davis Good food for contemplation. Thanks for posting Stacey!
Chet Coonrod That's why it's good that we live in a Republic... not a democracy. When gov't is by LAWS, the majority cannot silence the minority just because they don't like what they hear
If your shoes are uncomfortable first check to make sure they are yours.
Enduring another's journey helps bring perspective to our own path.
Share kindness with a stranger.
Amy Mears I did @ 7:30am today in the McD's drive thru---she was a little short on $ for her order........:O)
A man with a plan is a man who can.
How we judge ourselves is often how others will also judge us.
Christine Cousart I hope not!
Without hard work we wouldn't know the joy of leisure.
Todd Nichols It does take hard work!
When we allow our worries to overcome us, they can manifest into the reality we fear.
Tara Cuccia This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes "What you fear, you create" Its so true! Thank you for that reminder.
Kristy Krokos Williamson Thanks I needed that!
Stephanie Deveau have you been reading the fortune cookies again?
Stacey Friedlein No, but I may start writing them
Real strength lies in one's ability to leverage the strength of those around them to achieve the desired goals. The use of such strength can build bridges or drive wedges. Standing by passively usurps an individual’s ability to do either.
When you choose to blaze your own trail there is no wrong direction.
Larry Perez I love this!
Wl McCoy Good qoute...go out in a blaze of glory....haha
Fred Hinegardner I'm all in favor of blazing your own trail. I've made a career of it. Yet, I must say I've wasted a lot of blaze making a lot of wrong turns.
John Mireles Of course if you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there.
Fred Hinegardner Yes, John, but won't doubling your speed and multitasking compensate for being lost?
Fred Hinegardner ...there's an easy layup for you, Stacy.
One's faith has nothing to do with their theology and everything to do with being in relationship with God.
Jessica Bell I couldn't agree more! Great thought. ♥
Miracles happen every day. Acknowledgement allows us to live with great expectations.
Debra Goddard Nice thoughts. Have a good day, Stacey!
Rebecca Houlihan Love this.
What is on the outside may never show the turmoil within.
We fondly remember the past, not because of some romanticized nostalgia but because we survived.
Change is inevitable. Predicting how we deal with it can be impossible. Controlling it should be left to a higher power.
Finding success often comes from growing out of our failures.
Some people write good books and come up with great quotes. I have decided to write good quotes and see if I can come up with a great book.
It is time to stop rewarding ourselves for our self-conceived good deeds and search the next opportunity to do good.
Rules should be made for inclusion not exclusion.
Erin Tyler likes this.
Fred Hinegardner An example, please?
Stacey Friedlein The rules say I cannot provide you with an example.
Fred Hinegardner Hehe - Nice, Stacey. You made me smile. I like constructs that fold back on themselves, like a flower that becomes double-petaled.
Don't mistake being busy with being productive.
Kerri Lydell learning this!
Melissa Atchison Rentfro Oooh that is good
When conservatives and liberals are so extreme they have to look the opposite way to see each other it is time we all reassess our views.
In forgiveness we gain freedom.
Cindy Powell that is sooo true!
Don't live in fear of evil but embrace the love of God.
Riz Crescini Amen, brother!
Fred Hinegardner ok
A discontented heart can be settled by discovering the ache and moving head-on in achieving what the heart desires.
Don't let anyone punch holes in your happiness.
Charlotte Jones Stringer I like that thought! Thanks!
Margie Schulz AMEN.. :-)
Nancy Hoover That is a great thought. Thank you!
Creative freedom comes when we are unencumbered by the concerns of our everyday lives.
Kimberly Coombs I know what you mean
Being in the majority does not mean one's opinion is necessarily correct or in the best interest of the whole.
Chris Mann On the other hand, it does mean you just voted in a democracy.... :-)
Stacey Friedlein This is true if one takes the conviction of their opinion to the polling place.
Michael D. Davis Good food for contemplation. Thanks for posting Stacey!
Chet Coonrod That's why it's good that we live in a Republic... not a democracy. When gov't is by LAWS, the majority cannot silence the minority just because they don't like what they hear
If your shoes are uncomfortable first check to make sure they are yours.
Enduring another's journey helps bring perspective to our own path.
Share kindness with a stranger.
Amy Mears I did @ 7:30am today in the McD's drive thru---she was a little short on $ for her order........:O)
A man with a plan is a man who can.
How we judge ourselves is often how others will also judge us.
Christine Cousart I hope not!
Without hard work we wouldn't know the joy of leisure.
Todd Nichols It does take hard work!
When we allow our worries to overcome us, they can manifest into the reality we fear.
Tara Cuccia This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes "What you fear, you create" Its so true! Thank you for that reminder.
Kristy Krokos Williamson Thanks I needed that!
Stephanie Deveau have you been reading the fortune cookies again?
Stacey Friedlein No, but I may start writing them
Real strength lies in one's ability to leverage the strength of those around them to achieve the desired goals. The use of such strength can build bridges or drive wedges. Standing by passively usurps an individual’s ability to do either.
When you choose to blaze your own trail there is no wrong direction.
Larry Perez I love this!
Wl McCoy Good qoute...go out in a blaze of glory....haha
Fred Hinegardner I'm all in favor of blazing your own trail. I've made a career of it. Yet, I must say I've wasted a lot of blaze making a lot of wrong turns.
John Mireles Of course if you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there.
Fred Hinegardner Yes, John, but won't doubling your speed and multitasking compensate for being lost?
Fred Hinegardner ...there's an easy layup for you, Stacy.
One's faith has nothing to do with their theology and everything to do with being in relationship with God.
Jessica Bell I couldn't agree more! Great thought. ♥
Miracles happen every day. Acknowledgement allows us to live with great expectations.
Debra Goddard Nice thoughts. Have a good day, Stacey!
Rebecca Houlihan Love this.
What is on the outside may never show the turmoil within.
We fondly remember the past, not because of some romanticized nostalgia but because we survived.
Change is inevitable. Predicting how we deal with it can be impossible. Controlling it should be left to a higher power.
Finding success often comes from growing out of our failures.
Some people write good books and come up with great quotes. I have decided to write good quotes and see if I can come up with a great book.
It is time to stop rewarding ourselves for our self-conceived good deeds and search the next opportunity to do good.
Rules should be made for inclusion not exclusion.
Erin Tyler likes this.
Fred Hinegardner An example, please?
Stacey Friedlein The rules say I cannot provide you with an example.
Fred Hinegardner Hehe - Nice, Stacey. You made me smile. I like constructs that fold back on themselves, like a flower that becomes double-petaled.
Don't mistake being busy with being productive.
Kerri Lydell learning this!
Melissa Atchison Rentfro Oooh that is good
When conservatives and liberals are so extreme they have to look the opposite way to see each other it is time we all reassess our views.
In forgiveness we gain freedom.
Cindy Powell that is sooo true!
Don't live in fear of evil but embrace the love of God.
Riz Crescini Amen, brother!
Fred Hinegardner ok
A discontented heart can be settled by discovering the ache and moving head-on in achieving what the heart desires.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Marriage epithet
On Wednesday of this week my divorce was final. After more than thirty-two years in a relationship I always felt would last a lifetime it is now over. There are a million emotions running through me.
I am mourning the death of what I once held closest to my heart. A marriage to the person I always considered my best friend. She was my first and only serious girlfriend and we seemed destined to spend our lives together. We had what many would have considered the perfect life. We dated for four years before we married then waited seven years before we had our first child.
On the outside and even in my mind's eye it was a good marriage. However, reality shows we had really grown apart in the last several years and had lost touch with each other and no longer shared the same hopes and dreams for our future.
As with the failure of anything there are feelings of heartache, sadness and disappointment. It is amazing how two who were once so close could grow so far apart. Allowing external things destroy what was once such a vital relationship. During the year since we separated I have tried hard not to assign blame or become angry. Believe me this has been the most challenging year of my life.
In this past year I have gone from having a well paying job, a start up business which was doing well, and we were living in the house of our dreams. Today my business is struggling, our dream home has been sold, I am now living alone in an apartment and I am very lonely.
I feel some guilt for not working harder to make the marriage work. By the time I tried it was too late. I feel guilty that my children have to endure the pain and heartache of their parents’ divorce. I feel guilty that I was not cut from cloth that could simply get a job to earn a wage but that I needed to follow my dream and where I believe God intended me to be.
I feel pain from a broken heart and a severed family. Her family was always very dear to me and my love for them will never change. Her dad was like a second father to me and saw me through a lot of personal trials over the years. Her mom was always loving and supportive and very concerned for our happiness. I feel in many ways that I also failed them.
I have failed. I have failed to keep those sacred vows I took to keep, to love, honor and cherish. It is in this failure I feel the most despair. Often I have asked myself where it all began to go so bad and I can't answer. I know I must share and take blame for where I failed. I ask my children, my family, my friends, my God and most of all I ask Kelly to forgive me for my failure. Most importantly I know I have to find a way to forgive myself.
I am supposed to feel happiness. For the fact the ordeal of the divorce process is over I am happy. For a chance to move forward with my life I am happy. But to think I can simply close the book on thirty-two years of my life is not possible. Much of whom I am and who I will be in the future I owe to Kelly and the time we were together.
The products of this marriage were two wonderful children. Now young adults, they have endured this past year in a very mature and loving manner. I will always love them with all of my being and I pray they will grow to know the love I have felt and they will learn from the mistakes we made.
In the days and weeks ahead I expect my life will be very different from my past. I will need to start to have new dreams and goals. God has gifted me with so much and I will continue to seek His will for how I am to use these gifts in service to him and my fellow man.
The healing process for me has begun. The writing of this note is the beginning. It is the first time I have been able to write anything in several days. To me it is a sign that God is at work in helping me to heal. Over the next weeks and months I would ask you who read this to say a little extra prayer for me, for Kelly and for the kids that we may all heal.
There will always be a special place in my heart for this relationship and the life we were allowed to share. I wish only happiness for Kelly and hope she finds what she is seeking in her life. She is and always will be special to me. To Kelly, be happy and remember ILU.
I know all of this is a process. For me I probably have made it more difficult than I needed but it is who I am. So, my dear friends seek happiness and when you find it hang on to it for all you are worth.
As I seek a new life this is the lesson which I am taking with me. To hold on to those who are closest and not let anything keep me from finding new happiness.
I am mourning the death of what I once held closest to my heart. A marriage to the person I always considered my best friend. She was my first and only serious girlfriend and we seemed destined to spend our lives together. We had what many would have considered the perfect life. We dated for four years before we married then waited seven years before we had our first child.
On the outside and even in my mind's eye it was a good marriage. However, reality shows we had really grown apart in the last several years and had lost touch with each other and no longer shared the same hopes and dreams for our future.
As with the failure of anything there are feelings of heartache, sadness and disappointment. It is amazing how two who were once so close could grow so far apart. Allowing external things destroy what was once such a vital relationship. During the year since we separated I have tried hard not to assign blame or become angry. Believe me this has been the most challenging year of my life.
In this past year I have gone from having a well paying job, a start up business which was doing well, and we were living in the house of our dreams. Today my business is struggling, our dream home has been sold, I am now living alone in an apartment and I am very lonely.
I feel some guilt for not working harder to make the marriage work. By the time I tried it was too late. I feel guilty that my children have to endure the pain and heartache of their parents’ divorce. I feel guilty that I was not cut from cloth that could simply get a job to earn a wage but that I needed to follow my dream and where I believe God intended me to be.
I feel pain from a broken heart and a severed family. Her family was always very dear to me and my love for them will never change. Her dad was like a second father to me and saw me through a lot of personal trials over the years. Her mom was always loving and supportive and very concerned for our happiness. I feel in many ways that I also failed them.
I have failed. I have failed to keep those sacred vows I took to keep, to love, honor and cherish. It is in this failure I feel the most despair. Often I have asked myself where it all began to go so bad and I can't answer. I know I must share and take blame for where I failed. I ask my children, my family, my friends, my God and most of all I ask Kelly to forgive me for my failure. Most importantly I know I have to find a way to forgive myself.
I am supposed to feel happiness. For the fact the ordeal of the divorce process is over I am happy. For a chance to move forward with my life I am happy. But to think I can simply close the book on thirty-two years of my life is not possible. Much of whom I am and who I will be in the future I owe to Kelly and the time we were together.
The products of this marriage were two wonderful children. Now young adults, they have endured this past year in a very mature and loving manner. I will always love them with all of my being and I pray they will grow to know the love I have felt and they will learn from the mistakes we made.
In the days and weeks ahead I expect my life will be very different from my past. I will need to start to have new dreams and goals. God has gifted me with so much and I will continue to seek His will for how I am to use these gifts in service to him and my fellow man.
The healing process for me has begun. The writing of this note is the beginning. It is the first time I have been able to write anything in several days. To me it is a sign that God is at work in helping me to heal. Over the next weeks and months I would ask you who read this to say a little extra prayer for me, for Kelly and for the kids that we may all heal.
There will always be a special place in my heart for this relationship and the life we were allowed to share. I wish only happiness for Kelly and hope she finds what she is seeking in her life. She is and always will be special to me. To Kelly, be happy and remember ILU.
I know all of this is a process. For me I probably have made it more difficult than I needed but it is who I am. So, my dear friends seek happiness and when you find it hang on to it for all you are worth.
As I seek a new life this is the lesson which I am taking with me. To hold on to those who are closest and not let anything keep me from finding new happiness.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Even more random thoughts
The perspective of one's world is measured by the expanse of their mind and their willingness to comprehend what it contains.
When you find the thing you do best. Pursue it with all of your heart, all of your mind and all of your soul. And trust God to lead you on the most wonderful journey of your life.
Fred Hinegardner The thing I do best is sitting on the couch in front of the TV. I'm not very good at what I SHOULD be pursuing, but expect I'll get better at it as I go. Not many started out good at what they do. What I'm pursuing at the moment is what I'm worst at. I pump air into my flat tire instead of overinflating a good one.
Tonya Burnett Davis Thank you for this!
Heather Jahn Amen!
Those who scream the loudest generally know the least.
In the busyness of your week don't forget to set aside some time for yourself.
Holly Walker like this.
Judy Roberts Thank you. Even setting time aside to think of your maker.
Tina Feten Thanks for the reminder Stacey!
A simple smile can change your life forever.
When we can learn from those with whom we do not agree, we grow in our own understanding and opinion. To ignore opposing opinion is to remain ignorant in why we believe the way we do.
John Scott Yes,,,,
Acknowledge your failures and overcome them with persistence and a never die attitude.
Bruce D. Roberts And, keep two dollars in your pocket for coffee.
Lisa Francescon YES!!
God speaks to my spirit and I know his voice.
Gary Silber Thank you for a great thought to start my day. Blessings Gary Silber
Happy 16th to my son Kyle.
Holly Walker SIXTEEN????? ALREADY???? Seem like he should only be 7! Time sure passes quick - huh?
Fashion question two. Brown or black shoes with navy blue pants?
Inku TheInku Yo The important thing is that your belt match the shoes. Black shoes? Black belt. Brown shoes? Brown belt.
Angela Cartwright Gottsch black. However, if you like the retro salesman look - white.
Valerie Morrison I would say brown and yes the belt needs to match.
DeAnna Dimmitt belt and shoes do need to match but navy blue is a cool color so it goes better with black than with brown.
Georgina Ghionis Black shoes - with a black belt :)
Giving your child more freedom to make choices should come only after you have taught them responsibility.
Fred Hinegardner Whenever my kids asked for the freedom to make their own choices, I generally let them. That was how they learned responsibility. Both are now successful and have never screwed up yet.
Cyndi Hall-Wilcox As much as it may hurt at the time they grow wiser even by sometimes making the wrong choice. You just have to be there to support them and know you did right because they learned a lesson from the choice.
Fred Hinegardner Thank you, Cyndi. You sound experienced.
Nothing allows more free thinking and perspective than when you are pushing a lawnmower.
Fred Hinegardner Riding one's even better. I keep paper and pencil in it.
Ignoring those who can help you most is akin to deciding you want to fail.
Fred Hinegardner Yep. Problem is, people don't usually ignore those they THINK can help. Their "decisions" are always against those who they think CAN'T help. People fiercely defend the way they've always been doing things, and when that way starts to fail, they defend it even harder.
We keep doing what we've always been doing and praying for a different result.
Are the color of my socks supposed to match my pants or my shirt? This always confuses me.
John Lo Ur tie
Ella Carlson Pants. I was educated on this by a snooty salesman when I took my son for his first suit.
Jim Roshan Your underwear - just in case you're in an accident and you have to go to the hospital!
Sam Gardner The main thing is... the socks have to match each other! And stay hidden beneath your trouser legs anyway. But relax, there will always be a fashion Nazi handy to inform you of your error.
Stacey Friedlein Sam, I have trouble matching my blue and black socks. What do you suggest.
Louisa Larson Don't worry about it! If you can't tell, most likely other people won't be able to either. At least that's what MY husband tells me when I'm agonizing over pairing his socks.
Cindy Powell Match your pants or go crazy and buy some striped or polka dotted socks with bunnies...all bright colors and wear them!
Stacey Friedlein I do have a pair of Bugs Bunny golf socks and a pair of Road Runner Socks, Guess they would go wtih about anything.
Scott Tidmore Stacey... some things are better kept secret..
David S Pickel The color of my sock is often an issue at my house. "Quit looking at my feet and look me in the eye"
Tracy Michelle Silva Depends on the rest of the outfit.
Suki Brown are your socks the same color? I'd go with one matching the shirt and one matching the pants, then you are covered!
Stacey Friedlein Suli, That sounds like a plan. To everyone else, thanks for your input.
Fred Hinegardner We're supposed to wear socks? Dang. No one tells me anything.
Make the most of every opportunity. Tomorrow it may be gone.
Face the morning sun and feel the glory of a new day.
Kimberly Coombs There is no sun here, just rain...But there is the SON! Happy Sunday ;0)
When a door closes a window opens. Be prepared the window could be on the ninety-third floor.
Bruce Mayhill That is why I always wear my cape!
Bruce D. Roberts That sounds like it was spoken from experiance....and you are so right.
Stacey Friedlein Yeah, I am getting really good at building the parachute on the way down.
Wl McCoy Jump! Jump!...haha
Fred Hinegardner Go ahead and jump. God will catch you
The best gifts often come with no fancy wrap, ribbons, or bows.
Lori Bailey Simkavitz I like that!
If I can make a positive difference in the life of just one person today, I have served my purpose.
Tina Marie Vance-Crnic I like this one.....need to steal it today! (For my ststus too!)
Patience and perseverance can be difficult attributes but the results can be amazing. Pray to God with conviction and he will answer your prayers.
Lisa Francescon So true. Thanks for the wonderful words to start my day.
Becky Homich Thank you for posting this thought. It is just what I need to read today.
When you have a fire on your tail you can either douse it out with water or throw on a little gasoline and allow it to be a motivator.
Give the gift of kindness. Do a random act today for someone you do not know.
Sharma Kaefer Ferrugia Amen!
Some things are just not worth the investment. Don't let desire outweigh common sense.
Cyndi Hall-Wilcox Common sense seems to be lacking these days.
Scott Tidmore I think I traded my common sense in on something... don't even remember what it was now...
When you find the thing you do best. Pursue it with all of your heart, all of your mind and all of your soul. And trust God to lead you on the most wonderful journey of your life.
Fred Hinegardner The thing I do best is sitting on the couch in front of the TV. I'm not very good at what I SHOULD be pursuing, but expect I'll get better at it as I go. Not many started out good at what they do. What I'm pursuing at the moment is what I'm worst at. I pump air into my flat tire instead of overinflating a good one.
Tonya Burnett Davis Thank you for this!
Heather Jahn Amen!
Those who scream the loudest generally know the least.
In the busyness of your week don't forget to set aside some time for yourself.
Holly Walker like this.
Judy Roberts Thank you. Even setting time aside to think of your maker.
Tina Feten Thanks for the reminder Stacey!
A simple smile can change your life forever.
When we can learn from those with whom we do not agree, we grow in our own understanding and opinion. To ignore opposing opinion is to remain ignorant in why we believe the way we do.
John Scott Yes,,,,
Acknowledge your failures and overcome them with persistence and a never die attitude.
Bruce D. Roberts And, keep two dollars in your pocket for coffee.
Lisa Francescon YES!!
God speaks to my spirit and I know his voice.
Gary Silber Thank you for a great thought to start my day. Blessings Gary Silber
Happy 16th to my son Kyle.
Holly Walker SIXTEEN????? ALREADY???? Seem like he should only be 7! Time sure passes quick - huh?
Fashion question two. Brown or black shoes with navy blue pants?
Inku TheInku Yo The important thing is that your belt match the shoes. Black shoes? Black belt. Brown shoes? Brown belt.
Angela Cartwright Gottsch black. However, if you like the retro salesman look - white.
Valerie Morrison I would say brown and yes the belt needs to match.
DeAnna Dimmitt belt and shoes do need to match but navy blue is a cool color so it goes better with black than with brown.
Georgina Ghionis Black shoes - with a black belt :)
Giving your child more freedom to make choices should come only after you have taught them responsibility.
Fred Hinegardner Whenever my kids asked for the freedom to make their own choices, I generally let them. That was how they learned responsibility. Both are now successful and have never screwed up yet.
Cyndi Hall-Wilcox As much as it may hurt at the time they grow wiser even by sometimes making the wrong choice. You just have to be there to support them and know you did right because they learned a lesson from the choice.
Fred Hinegardner Thank you, Cyndi. You sound experienced.
Nothing allows more free thinking and perspective than when you are pushing a lawnmower.
Fred Hinegardner Riding one's even better. I keep paper and pencil in it.
Ignoring those who can help you most is akin to deciding you want to fail.
Fred Hinegardner Yep. Problem is, people don't usually ignore those they THINK can help. Their "decisions" are always against those who they think CAN'T help. People fiercely defend the way they've always been doing things, and when that way starts to fail, they defend it even harder.
We keep doing what we've always been doing and praying for a different result.
Are the color of my socks supposed to match my pants or my shirt? This always confuses me.
John Lo Ur tie
Ella Carlson Pants. I was educated on this by a snooty salesman when I took my son for his first suit.
Jim Roshan Your underwear - just in case you're in an accident and you have to go to the hospital!
Sam Gardner The main thing is... the socks have to match each other! And stay hidden beneath your trouser legs anyway. But relax, there will always be a fashion Nazi handy to inform you of your error.
Stacey Friedlein Sam, I have trouble matching my blue and black socks. What do you suggest.
Louisa Larson Don't worry about it! If you can't tell, most likely other people won't be able to either. At least that's what MY husband tells me when I'm agonizing over pairing his socks.
Cindy Powell Match your pants or go crazy and buy some striped or polka dotted socks with bunnies...all bright colors and wear them!
Stacey Friedlein I do have a pair of Bugs Bunny golf socks and a pair of Road Runner Socks, Guess they would go wtih about anything.
Scott Tidmore Stacey... some things are better kept secret..
David S Pickel The color of my sock is often an issue at my house. "Quit looking at my feet and look me in the eye"
Tracy Michelle Silva Depends on the rest of the outfit.
Suki Brown are your socks the same color? I'd go with one matching the shirt and one matching the pants, then you are covered!
Stacey Friedlein Suli, That sounds like a plan. To everyone else, thanks for your input.
Fred Hinegardner We're supposed to wear socks? Dang. No one tells me anything.
Make the most of every opportunity. Tomorrow it may be gone.
Face the morning sun and feel the glory of a new day.
Kimberly Coombs There is no sun here, just rain...But there is the SON! Happy Sunday ;0)
When a door closes a window opens. Be prepared the window could be on the ninety-third floor.
Bruce Mayhill That is why I always wear my cape!
Bruce D. Roberts That sounds like it was spoken from experiance....and you are so right.
Stacey Friedlein Yeah, I am getting really good at building the parachute on the way down.
Wl McCoy Jump! Jump!...haha
Fred Hinegardner Go ahead and jump. God will catch you
The best gifts often come with no fancy wrap, ribbons, or bows.
Lori Bailey Simkavitz I like that!
If I can make a positive difference in the life of just one person today, I have served my purpose.
Tina Marie Vance-Crnic I like this one.....need to steal it today! (For my ststus too!)
Patience and perseverance can be difficult attributes but the results can be amazing. Pray to God with conviction and he will answer your prayers.
Lisa Francescon So true. Thanks for the wonderful words to start my day.
Becky Homich Thank you for posting this thought. It is just what I need to read today.
When you have a fire on your tail you can either douse it out with water or throw on a little gasoline and allow it to be a motivator.
Give the gift of kindness. Do a random act today for someone you do not know.
Sharma Kaefer Ferrugia Amen!
Some things are just not worth the investment. Don't let desire outweigh common sense.
Cyndi Hall-Wilcox Common sense seems to be lacking these days.
Scott Tidmore I think I traded my common sense in on something... don't even remember what it was now...
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Riding the pigs
The boy’s were outside playing like most days they spent on their grandparent’s farm. Grandpa had gone to town to deliver some milk to the creamery and make a stop at the local tavern.
He had found it was easier to go by himself to town. This way there was no chance Stacey or any of his brothers would be able to tell grandma about the stop at the tavern. When he did take Stacey, who was now eight years old, he would set him up on the bar and buy him peanuts in exchange for keeping quiet about the side trip.
On this day Stacey and his twin were bored. They had tired of playing in the hayloft and did not feel like going up to the mound to play. It was then the twin had an idea. He said to Stacey, “Let’s go chase the pigs in the hog lot.
Grandma had already gotten after them for chasing the chickens and disturbing the hen’s roosts. She scolded them because if the chickens got riled they would not lay properly and there would be no eggs to sell.
With little encouragement Stacey decided the twin had a good idea and it would be fun to chase the pigs. Along with the pigs were a few old sows that were farrowing the newborn piglets. The boys not realizing the danger of chasing pigs in the hog lot, with the sows and their newborn piglets, were having a great time. That is until grandma caught them.
Apparently sows become very mean and very aggressive when they have newborn piglets. The old woman came running out the back door of the house. She was attired in her usual paisley printed cotton dress and a pair of work boots. To say she was yelling would be an understatement.
She grabbed each boy by the scruff of their necks and dragged them out of the hog lot and into the house. The boys had never seen her so angry or upset. She grabbed the switch off the back porch and started wailing on the twin, something she had never done before. He immediately started to cry and after a few swats she let him up.
Now it was Stacey’s turn for the switch. The old woman laid him across her knee and began whipping him with the switch. But Stacey refused to cry. The more grandma spanked him the more he resolved not to cry. This made the old woman even angrier and she continued to wail on his backside but still no tears or screams. Soon the old woman gave up and decided there was no point in any more spanking.
It was the one and only time grandma ever spanked the boys, though they probably deserved it often. She was driven by her fear of what would have happened to those boys if one of the sows had gotten a hold of them. A lesson both boys learned that day through the business end of the switch and the love, care and concern of grandma.
Change is God's way of helping us to grow
The days have passed and turned into weeks. There is much activity in my life. I have been apartment hunting and will be moving in a couple of weeks. Adjusting to a new lifestyle and less space will take some time but like all things I will make it work.
My business has begun to gain some traction and I am fully optimistic in its future success. Today I begin interviewing candidates for the newly created Business Development Manager. I am encouraged by the quality and number of applicants and feel comfortable the right person is among them.
God continues to lead me on this path. Every time I get to the end of a path a new direction appears. The trail is often not marked but I step forward in the knowledge God is with me.
It was a year ago last Sunday when I first sent Susie an e-mail with a smile. It is a smile which has had a profound impact on who I am and she has given me so much encouragement as I move forward with where God is leading me. I truly love her and am grateful for every day we are given together.
The distance remains an obstacle for us. Sixteen hundred miles makes for some loneliness but has also given us time to really get to know each other and build a relationship through words and understanding. We both believe God has a plan for us and will let us know when the time is right for us to be together. His grace is what sustains us and allows us to be patient.
Where there is God there is hope, love and a sense of purpose. The good news is God is everywhere and all we have to do is reach out and He will sustain us. Blessings to each of you in your own journeys.
My business has begun to gain some traction and I am fully optimistic in its future success. Today I begin interviewing candidates for the newly created Business Development Manager. I am encouraged by the quality and number of applicants and feel comfortable the right person is among them.
God continues to lead me on this path. Every time I get to the end of a path a new direction appears. The trail is often not marked but I step forward in the knowledge God is with me.
It was a year ago last Sunday when I first sent Susie an e-mail with a smile. It is a smile which has had a profound impact on who I am and she has given me so much encouragement as I move forward with where God is leading me. I truly love her and am grateful for every day we are given together.
The distance remains an obstacle for us. Sixteen hundred miles makes for some loneliness but has also given us time to really get to know each other and build a relationship through words and understanding. We both believe God has a plan for us and will let us know when the time is right for us to be together. His grace is what sustains us and allows us to be patient.
Where there is God there is hope, love and a sense of purpose. The good news is God is everywhere and all we have to do is reach out and He will sustain us. Blessings to each of you in your own journeys.
Monday, July 27, 2009
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