Flowers, Candy, and a Starbucks Gift Card

Isn't wonderful how the people at church, your "church family," can be so much like family? To those of us who are far from family, or old friends, it is a blessing. I was pleasantly surprised by the showing of affection tonight after church. I don't know who there is keeping track, but someone remembered that my birthday is tomorrow, and there was an iced sheet-cookie and lots of presents, which was astounding. Cake and cards I understand, but the gifts were above and beyond necessary, and it was humbling.

I am so thankful for my church. I have told many people, and in front of my pastor and his wife, no less, that the one number one thing that has made my transition from Virginia to Louisiana bearable is that I have a wonderful church to attend. AND I already knew the pastor and his wife from years ago. I can't imagine moving here and not knowing anyone but my husband. I am so thankful that God showed me mercy in that area when he decided to move me from my roots. I love my husband, but the loss of constant familiar contact with old friends would have made my homesickness unbearable for my poor husband!

So thanks to my wonderful church family, this second important date during my husband's deployment will not seem so empty, as I am going into tomorrow with the love of new friends and the feeling of acceptance that you can only know by experience, not verbal description.



It is now midnight, CST. Happy birthday to me!

Gubenatorial Victory

Even though I could have come up with many other things I would RATHER have been doing on my wedding anniversary, I was happy to have the opportunity to vote and elect a breath of fresh air for Louisiana. We have a few crucial races that are now at the runoff stage, and I do hope that everyone will return to the polls next month to complete the elections. Congratulations, Bobby Jindal!

One Year Later

Happy anniversary, darling. I know we are apart this year, but remember my heart is always with you.

Is our health worth convenience?

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,295761,00.html

Forget about inhaling the fumes from ARTIFICIALLY FLAVORED butter microwave popcorn--that stuff is INGESTED. Why do we think artificial flavors are harmless--they are chemically based. Yet most of America blindly goes about buying food without reading the ingredients or considering the chemical, preservative, and dye content. I wonder how many chronic or terminal illnesses could be/can be avoided or even reversed if we did read and consider. And my mother laughed at me for using an air popper...

I Thought I Lived in the Country

I was excited to view the Perseid meteor shower last night since it was supposed to be the prime and peak viewing time. While I did see a couple streaks in the sky, one which seemed to be close to the tops of the trees, how disappointed I was once I got outside. Until last night I hadn't realized just how many of my neighbors have ruined our country nights by having STREET LIGHTS. And wouldn't you know the worse offenders were in the exact direction that I needed to face last night--toward the north. I expected some residual light from the city 10 miles up to the north. Why do people move to the country and drag their STREET LIGHTS along with them? Stay in the city if you want city surroundings. It's as bad as people moving from DC to Winchester for the country living. That's what they say, but they forget to count the cost--living in the country means you don't have all the comforts of city-home living like your favorite store/shop right around the corner. So they petition for those businesses to move into the area and, voila, metropolitan enlargement. ARGH As hot as it has been during the day, we even had a relatively cool night for star-watching. Motion lights on the corner of the house I can understant, but not the continual lighting from country street lights. What an oxymoron.

Two Down, Two to Go

Rather surprising that two weeks have passed since Chris left for training. I'm doing fine, except for missing him. Not the kind of crying-ones-heart-out missing, but just feeling like the rest of you is not there. Of course, I can't wait to see him. He's doing very well--getting into shape, something I hope he keeps up with once he gets back. We've both been too inactive, and it's showing.

Heard a song a little while ago that I haven't heard in a very long time, and I thought I would post it for encouragement to anyone who needs it.

Pick up your heart and Carry it to healing hands

There is no scar, no pain He won't understand

Those broken dreams you've carried this far

Need his touch to mend

Pick up your heart and Carry it to healing hands

What brought you here to this time, to the place

Where your own strength has found its end

And the load that you bear is too heavy to carry

Come bring it all to Him

For the souls that know surrender

He is gracious to hold us so tightly

Pick up your heart and Carry it to healing hands
There is no scar, no pain He won't understand
Those broken dreams you've carried this far
Need his touch to mend
Pick up your heart and Carry it to healing hands

Life Goes On

The grass is mowed, the dishes are washed, and almost of all of the laundry is done. After two days of not feeling like doing anything, I had had enough, and asked God to give me some life so I could get up and get going. He did, and I have. Grocery shopping was an odd feeling today, as most of what I normally look through and look at was unnecessary for just me. Not even a year, yet, and there are plenty of habits and routines already established. We think old married couples are in a rut. It really isn't a rut but a routine with which both parties are comfortable and doesn't need to be changed. A rut was what I was getting into--ever heard the saying that a rut is nothing more than a grave with both ends knocked out?