30 Days of Gratitude-continued

November 8, 2013November 8, 2013 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

Well, I can say this, November is flying by, just like the rest of the year has. I think it gets that way, when you ~~get old~~ gracefully mature. I can say, I have been loving reflecting on my bountiful blessings. Here is what I am thankful for thus far:

Day three

Fried catfish

I am so thankful for fried catfish. Being from the South, you just have to LOVE fried catfish. I just don’t know what I would do without it.

Day four

Friends

I am so thankful for my friends. Especially, my friend Jenn. I can’t ever remember not knowing her. We have gone to church together, school together, & now are doing 5ks together. Wonderful person inside & out! Don’t know what I’d do without her.

Day five

Fall colors

I am so thankful for these beautiful fall colors. This was taken on my way to work one morning. It’s so bright & sunny outside thanks to a little something called Daylight Savings Time being over (which I am not thankful for). Oh wait, I think I am getting off track a bit here…..

Day six

Miss Neenee

I am so thankful for this little girl right in the middle. Miss Neenee just turned 10 years old. (I am tearing up just a little.) She is beautiful, smart, funny, & kind. I love her to pieces! I would rather do without fried catfish, than her. No really, I’m serious. Love. This. Girl.

Day seven

Putting on lipstick without a mirror

I am so thankful for Miss Neenee’s ability to put on lipstick without a mirror. In the South, there are things we mothers teach our daughters. How to cook, how to sew, how to treat others, & obviously important things like how to put on make up. Every lady & little lady needs to know how to put on lipstick without a mirror. You just never know when those lips are gonna need paintin’ ! Here Miss Neenee is applying lipstick on the way to school. Obviously a necessity for 4th grade. 🙂

Day 8

K.K. & Bizba

I am so thankful for these pretty ladies. These are more of my peeps. Really much more than that. They are my sweet girls. K.K. & Bizba are the cat’s meow, the cat’s pajama’s or simply awesomeness wrapped up in 2 precious packages. K.K. & Bizba are the names Mr. Sweetie Pants gave them. They are wonderful Christian ladies, that I am proud to call my daughters.

30 Days of Gratitude

November 2, 2013 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

Have you heard of 30 days of gratitude? I have looked around on different blogs to see how this is done. Basically it is a series of things you are grateful for. It takes you on a 30 day journey of what is important to you. Some folks post a quote about thankfulness every day. Some post their favorite scripture, pictures, whatever means a lot to them, that they want to thank the Lord up above for. Kim at the writeshop has a wonderful blog about it. There is even a Facebook page dedicated to this chalIenge. Love this idea. With November having the biggest gratitude holiday of the year, Thanksgiving, I thought this would be a wonderful month to try this out. I am going to post, once a week, things I am so very grateful for. I know this will be a blessing. It will give me a chance to reflect & acknowledge God’s favor, that is in my life. I encourage you to do this challenge. Whether you post on your blog, write it in a journal, scratch it down on paper, or hold it all in your head- take time to be thankful to the Lord for one thing, each day, for 30 days. I just know this will be a blessing! Feel free to let me know what you are doing. I would love to hear what you are thankful for.

Day one I am so thankful for the Bible. I have been in a wonderful Bible study with two sweet young ladies, for the past couple of weeks. Also, our ladies group that meets every third Friday is great. Sunday school, worship service, our church, none of this would be possible with out God’s word. The Lord is working in mine & my family’s lives. This is all through the Bible. For that, I am thankful.

Day two

I should be washing clothes.

I am so thankful for this little blog right here. God has blessed me so much with it. I would never have met some of you without it. I am proud of the friendships I have made through it. It has been such a wonderful opportunity to reach out to others with it. And with that some of you reach back in to me!! That’s the best thing!!! I love that this blog can be something fun & happy & maybe a thought provoking place. I am so grateful for it!

Sticks and stone may break my bones….. what is the rest of it, Paula Deen?

June 27, 2013 / kstrick7 / 2 Comments

Paula Deen. Bless her heart. If you have ever suffered from foot in mouth disease, you know what I am talking about. I know I have said PLENTY, that when it came out of my mouth, I wished I could pull those words back in. I know Paula has, too. But I am not famous & in the public eye like Paula is. So, you may not know about the time when I was a senior in high school & insulted an older gentleman.
Our local public library hosted a “Senior Night” , honoring our 12th grade class. After school, we went home, got gussied up in our Sunday best & headed to the festivities. This event was open to anyone, who wanted to stop by & wish our class well. My friend & I were there, sipping punch & eating cookies. We were smiling & thanking those of the community that came. One older gentleman came up to me & my friend & commented how nice we looked. Of course, I returned the gesture on how dapper he looked in his sports jacket.
He replied, “I have had this for quite some time, but I still enjoy wearing it.”
In which I so sincerely said , “Yes, my grandmother says clothes come back in style every 20 years.”
Well, Lord have mercy, that man got all tore about that. And my friend about spit out his punch. Needless to say, my bud there, was too busy horse laughing me to try to help me out.

The upset older fellow spat ,”You, young lady have some manners.” Then, he promptly turned around & stomped off.
I was still standing there with my mouth open, & my friend still laughing hysterically. I was thinking I bet that man is a little more concerned about the future than he was.(Since I had “some” manners or “some” nerve or no manners, or whatever it was the elderly man meant). I won’t ever forget that. But you never knew about it until now, because when I say something I shouldn’t, it’s not like, well, say a celebrity saying something.
For some reason , it is the nature of some people to NOT want other people to do well. I think some of Ms. Paula’s issue is just that. If you haven’t learned by now, celebrity or not, everybody’s not your friend. If you have a handful of friends that you can count on, that love you, that support you, & will be there for you when you need them, you have got a lot! As long as you know who you are deep down, it does not matter what everyone else thinks. I have learned people are going to think what they want to about you, no matter how much good you may try to do. You just have to know, in your heart, the truth. That’s what counts. God knows what you are made up of. Since He’s the only one you have to prove yourself to, the ones , who are talking behind your back, don’t matter anyway.

Now, what all has Ms. Paula said, in her life, 20 years ago, 30 years ago, 40 years ago, that’s going to come back & haunt her? Who knows. At that time in her life she probably never thought she would have as much fame & fortune as she does now. However, we are human. We say & do things that we regret. What do we do when we realize our wrong? We pick ourselves up one more time than what we have fallen down. That’s all God expects. Repentance. Then, we do like Ms. Paula needs to do, hush our mouths & quit talking about it. People forget easily. The ones that love her will be beside her. She has apologized. That’s all she can do. Now, she just needs to step back & wait & pray. If it’s the Lord’s will, He will make a way for her again.
I liked what she had to say on the Today show Wednesday.

“If there’s anyone out there that has never said something that they wish they could take back — if you’re out there, please pick up that stone and throw it so hard at my head that it kills me. Please. I want to meet you. I want to meet you. I is what I is and I’m not changing. There’s someone evil out there that saw what I had worked for, and they wanted it.”

Isn’t that similar to what Jesus told the crowd regarding the adulterous woman?

John 8 talks about Jesus being approached by the scribes & Pharisees. They come to him & say, starting in verse 4 going to verse 11

“Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” This they said testing Him, that they might have something to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised up & said,

“ He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”

And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone & the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord”. And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you: go and sin no more.”

I’m not saying what Ms. Paula said was ok. I’m saying no one is perfect. We all are going to mess up. We need to be more forgiving & less judgmental. Unless you are ok with people treating you with no forgiveness & passing judgment. Treat others like you want to be treated. (Matthew 7:12) Give people the benefit of the doubt. Just like Jesus did in John 8, he did not beat this woman over the head with the fact she had been committing adultery. He did not point a shameful finger at her. He did not get her fired from her job. He did not even demand an apology from her. He forgave her (even without her asking) & told her live a life without sin. What more can you ask of Ms. Paula?

I am so glad you stopped by to visit with me today. I just get down right irritated when I think somebody is being done wrong. I forgive Ms. Paula & I pray she will learn from this & draw closer to God. I think people should not be so quick to jump on any band wagon that comes along. Everybody is wrong occasionally. Some of us more than others! I’m just thankful I have a forgiving God. I am sorry that I rambled on, but I appreciate you listening. I have to go for now, because I should be washing clothes.

It’s Not Easy

June 20, 2013June 20, 2013 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

It’s Not Easy

To apologize

To begin over

To admit error

To keep trying

To take advice

To be unselfish

To be charitable

To face a sneer

To avoid mistakes

To be considerate

To endure success

To profit by mistakes

To keep out of a rut

To forgive and forget

To think and then act

To make the best of little

To subdue an unruly temper

To recognize the silver lining

To shoulder a deserved blame

But It Always Pays!

This was taken from Bulletin Digest. It is a short little read, but has a powerful meaning. I hope everyone is having a blessed day today. I just wanted to stop by and say a quick hello. I will be sure to visit longer next time. I have to be going for now, because I should be washing clothes.

National Multiple Sclerosis Day – It’s today!

May 29, 2013 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

I had no idea there was an actual Multiple Sclerosis Day! I have the deepest respect for those who have MS. My Mama had MS, so I am a first hand cheerleader for anyone with this disease. I know MS normally shows up in people in their 20s & 30s. I did read a story about a girl who found out she had MS at the age of 19. She is such a brave person. Please take time to read her story of courage & hope here.

So thankful for the people who have come up with this idea to honor these precious folks with MS. I am so glad you came by to visit with me today. I have to be going now because I should be washing clothes.

Lord Help Me Jesus

May 1, 2013 / kstrick7 / Leave a comment

Have you ever been through a crisis? I mean just a good ‘ol hard time, that you did not create? Maybe it was a hurt or sick family member or an accident that caused you some money (that you did not have). Perhaps you were dealing with an unruly child or an ex-spouse that was just so hard to deal with that you just thought you would NEVER make it out with any small part of your sanity (not that I know anything about that. Oh wait, yes I do.) Maybe you have lost a loved one, a job or maybe it was your own failed health you were dealing with. Whatever the occurrence was, it was just plain uninvited & unwanted. I know I have been through a lot of things, that I was like, “Really? This is really happening to me?” There have been a lot of times I just wanted to crawl up in a hole & not have anybody bother me, again. But, alas, there’s always been some sort of responsibility I’ve had to another breathing human, that I had to pick up & go on, anyway. Sometimes I can spend an ample amount of time saying, “Why me?” Followed by wringing of hands & feeling not worthy of the troubles that have been laid upon me. When this happens, I have to remember the writer James in the New Testament.

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;

8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

What if when faced with problems, I responded with an open heart & mind by saying,

“What are you going to teach me now, Lord?”

Instead, I want to huff & puff & stomp & cry like a two year old in bad need of a nap. This may be part of my problem. You see, I think God humbles us in ways we don’t expect. I think he does it for our benefit. That’s why I have learned in my short time, on this earth, you can be stubborn to a fault. It does not pay to be so hard headed about everything. And if you are, like me, then God will do things to try to soften your heart, so that He can use you in His service. It would appear, just not being a hard head, would be the solution. However, some folks, like me, are just made up that way & it can take dynamite to make them realize,

“Hey, you ain’t got to be right about everything, Jack.” (That was my Duck Dynasty Si impression for the day.)

Always know, no matter how hard things are, this too shall pass. Things will get better. They will get worse. It’s just life but it’s all in how you handle it.
So, the next time you face a trial, remember, the Lord is trying to teach you something. He loves you so much He does not want you to remain as you are. Submit to His will, so that you may be useful for His service.
I am so glad you stopped by today for a visit. You have just made my day! I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week. As for me, I have to be going because I should be washing clothes.

How to approach a mountain lion

April 1, 2013June 7, 2017 / kstrick7 / 1 Comment

Sometimes you may come across individuals in life that are angry. I don’t mean, someone you have said or done something to & anger was their reaction. I am talking about someone who has an angry spirit. This person wakes up mad & goes to bed mad. And all through the day, they continue to be mad.

Smiling at them & asking them how they are, – that makes them mad.

Minding your own business, that makes them mad.

Acting like you care, that makes them mad.

Not acting like you care, that makes them mad.

The sight of you & you breathing in & out, that makes them mad.

See my pattern here. This post is about what to do if you encounter a mountain lion (an angry person). By the end of this, you will know how to effectively handle a mountain lion. I have done some research on mountain lions. A United States Game & Fish Department had this to say:

What to do if you encounter a mountain lion–

Do not hike, jog or ride your bicycle alone in mountain lion country: Go in groups, with adults supervising children. – Keep children close to you: Observations of captured wild mountain lions reveal that the animals seem especially drawn to children. Keep children in your sight at all times. –

Do not approach a mountain lion: Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation. Give them a way to escape. –

Do not run from a mountain lion: Running may stimulate a mountain lion’s instinct to chase. Instead, stand and face the animal. Make eye contact. If there are small children there, pick them up if possible so they don’t panic and run. Although it may be awkward, pick them up without bending over or turning away from the mountain lion. –

Do not crouch or bend over: A person squatting or bending over looks a lot like a four-legged prey animal. When in mountain lion country, avoid squatting, crouching or bending over, even when picking up children. –

Appear larger: Raise your arms. Open your jacket if you are wearing one. Again, pick up small children. Throw stones, branches, or whatever you can reach without crouching or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly in a loud voice. The idea is to convince the mountain lion that you are not prey and that you may be a danger to it. –

Fight back if attacked: Many potential victims have fought back successfully with rocks, sticks, caps, jackets, garden tools and their bare hands. Since a mountain lion usually tries to bite the head or neck, try to remain standing and face the attacking animal.

One suggestion, about encountering a mountain lion, was to go in groups with adults, supervising small children. If you have to be around an angry person, have other people around & keep small children close to you. Like mountain lions, angry people, a lot of times, may not be encouraged if there are several people around. They may just go on their way. Mountain lions don’t really like confrontation. They do run away if given the chance. If you encounter an angry person, do your best to be with other people & keep your kids away from them, too.

What if you have done everything in your power to stay away from an angry person, but somehow you end up face to face with them? Like encountering a mountain lion, make eye contact, smile, & slowly walk away. Do not rush by or run. This might agitate the angry person even more. And ain’t nobody got time for a bunch of foolishness.

Notice one of the tips are- Do NOT approach a mountain lion. If you know a person is angry, don’t go around them. There is no reason, I can think of, for you to put yourself through what they have going on. So, to the best of your ability- JUST STAY AWAY FROM THEM!

I used to wonder why Jesus talked about in the sermon on the mount, Matthew 5:3-7:27 being meek, being a peacemaker, etc.,. Why would you want to be meek & a peacemaker with someone being so rude & mean? That’s hard. However, as I have gotten older, I understand, it’s a good diffuser to anger. Also, if we are in conflict with someone else, arguing, fussing, fighting, then we are taking away from our service to the Lord. Our main goal is to serve God . If we are wasting our time & energy being at odds with an angry person, we are robbing God of our time to serve Him. And that, my friend, is sin.

I think Zig Ziglar said it best about hard to get along with people.

“Life is too short to spend your precious time trying to convince a person who wants to live in gloom and doom otherwise. Give lifting that person your best shot, but don’t hang around long enough for his or her bad attitude to pull you down. Instead, surround yourself with optimistic people.”

My first knee jerk reaction, to people, is to be nice. But once you have been nice, move on. Let them wallow in whatever it is they have going on. Don’t hang around & get marred down in it yourself.

And of course I love Dolly Parton’s quote,

“Get down off the cross, honey, because somebody needs the wood.”

Which to me means get over whatever it is, quit with the self pity. The world doesn’t revolve around you. Take care of your problems & stop looking for someone to feel sorry for you. You are wasting your time when you are wallowing in self pity. Take responsibilities for your angry behavior & get better. And if you can’t get better, go get help. Don’t make everyone else’s world full of misery, just because yours is.

It is mentally exhausting being around someone that is angry, all the time, about everything. Everyone has problems. Everyone has things they wish they did not have to face. However, being thankful is a good place to start changing your life. There is always, always, always, something to thank God for. Humble yourself. Count your blessings. Make right what you can. Then, move on.

I have heard mountain lions are solitary creatures, ready to pounce. Don’t be a mountain lion. If you have wronged someone, make it right. If everything & everyone is wrong, it might be time to start considering a change of heart. Once you make a change in your attitude, things will begin to get better all around you. God doesn’t want us to be angry & bitter. However, it doesn’t take long for the devil to take a hold of our thoughts & motives. Before long, everyone is against us. Or so Satan wants us to think. You can justify your reasons of being angry six ways to Sunday. It still is sinful.

James 1:19-20 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. v. 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

It still takes a mental & physical toll on you, as a person to stay so upset all the time. If for nothing else, give up the anger for your well being.

“A good way to have the last word, is to apologize.” .

I have enjoyed you coming by today. I love having you stop in. I thank God for you & that you gave me a little piece of your time today. I know I was on my soap box a bit. But that’s why I have this blog. To have an outlet to just get stuff out there. I hope you don’t mind. I do think it very necessary to pray for angry people. They need prayer the most. I wish you a wonderful week. As for me, I have to go now, because I should be washing clothes.

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness week March 11-17

March 15, 2013March 14, 2013 / kstrick7 / 2 Comments

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness month. March 11-17th is MS Awareness week. My Mama had MS & died at the age of 55. There have been many developments & break-throughs with MS, since she was diagnosed. Here are some questions & answers, that you may find interesting, about MS:

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system (the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord). It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. This means the immune system incorrectly attacks the person’s healthy tissue.

MS can cause blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, slurred speech, tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue, problems with memory and concentration, paralysis, and blindness and more. These problems may be permanent or may come and go.

Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, although individuals as young as 2 and as old as 75 have developed it. MS is not considered a fatal disease as the vast majority of people with it live a normal life-span. But they may struggle to live as productively as they desire, often facing increasing limitations.

Who gets MS?

Anyone may develop MS but there are some patterns. More than twice as many women as men have MS. Studies suggest that genetic factors make certain individuals more susceptible than others, but there is no evidence that MS is directly inherited. MS occurs in most ethnic groups, including African-Americans, Asians and Hispanics/Latinos, but is more common in Caucasians of northern European ancestry.

How many people have MS?

More than 2.1 million people are affected by MS worldwide. Because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not require U.S. physicians to report new cases, and because symptoms can be completely invisible, the prevalence of MS in the U.S. can only be estimated. The Society continues to advocate for the establishment of a national registry that will track the number of people living with MS and has made a commitment to re-evaluate the current prevalence estimate and investigate the process by which an updated estimate can be identified.

What are the typical symptoms of MS?

Symptoms of MS are unpredictable, vary from person to person, and from time to time in the same person. For example: One person may experience abnormal fatigue and episodes of numbness and tingling. Another could have loss of balance and muscle coordination making walking difficult. Still another could have slurred speech, tremors, stiffness, and bladder problems.

Sometimes major symptoms disappear completely, and the person regains lost functions. In severe MS, people have symptoms on a permanent basis including partial or complete paralysis, and difficulties with vision, cognition, speech, and elimination.

What causes the symptoms?

MS symptoms result when an immune-system attack affects myelin, the protective insulation surrounding nerve fibers of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Myelin is destroyed and replaced by scars of hardened “sclerotic” tissue. Some underlying nerve fibers are permanently severed. The damage appears in multiple places within the central nervous system.

Myelin is often compared to insulating material around an electrical wire; loss of myelin interferes with the transmission of nerve signals.

Is MS fatal?

In rare cases MS is so malignantly progressive it is terminal, but most people with MS have a normal or near-normal life expectancy. Severe MS can shorten life.

Does MS always cause paralysis?

No. Moreover, the majority of people with MS do not become severely disabled. Two-thirds of people who have MS remain able to walk, though many will need an aid, such as a cane or crutches, and some will use a scooter or wheelchair because of fatigue, weakness, balance problems, or to assist with conserving energy.

Is MS contagious or inherited?

No. MS is not contagious and is not directly inherited. Studies do indicate that genetic factors may make certain individuals susceptible to the disease.

Can MS be cured?

Not yet. There are now FDA-approved medications that have been shown to “modify” or slow down the underlying course of MS. In addition, many therapeutic and technological advances are helping people manage symptoms. Advances in treating and understanding MS are made every year, and progress in research to find a cure is very encouraging.

What medications and treatments are available?

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that a person consider treatment with one of the FDA-approved “disease-modifying” drugs as soon as possible following a definite diagnosis of MS with active or relapsing disease. These drugs help to lessen the frequency and severity of MS attacks, reduce the accumulation of lesions (areas of damage) in the brain, and may slow the progression of disability.

In addition to drugs that address the basic disease, there are many therapies for MS symptoms such as spasticity, pain, bladder problems, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, weakness, and cognitive problems. People should consult a knowledgeable physician to develop a comprehensive approach to managing their MS

Why is MS so difficult to diagnose?

In early MS, symptoms that might indicate any number of possible disorders come and go. Some people have symptoms that are very difficult for physicians to interpret, and these people must “wait and see.” While no single laboratory test is yet available to prove or rule out MS, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a great help in reaching a definitive diagnosis.

Read more on diagnosing MS at www.nationalmssociety.org

On That Red Dirt Road

March 14, 2013 / kstrick7 / 6 Comments

I was listening to the radio the other day. I love country music. So, of course it was on a country station. I have heard the song “Red Dirt Road” by Brooks & Dunn ever since it came out. It’s a song about a person’s life that was experienced on a “Red Dirt Road”. Well, of course I relate to that. I was raised on Rural Route 2, right where the black top ended. (Which is just about the wording of the 1^st line of this song). In Northeast Mississippi we had lots of red dirt roads. But while I was listening to this song, for some reason it clicked finally what the duo was saying. They talk about all this stuff that happened on the red dirt road, which was their life. The song’s chorus goes like this:

It’s where I drank my first beer.

It’s where I found Jesus.

Where I wrecked my first car: I tore it all to pieces.

I learned the path to Heaven, Is full of sinners an’ believers.

Learned that happiness on earth, Ain’t just for high achievers.

I’ve learned; I come to know, There’s life at both ends, Of that red dirt road.

I think there is a lot of truth in this. The part about happiness on earth ain’t just for high achievers- really is true. Even the simplest of people can be completely happy. Happiness is an easy thing to achieve, if you are willing to do what the Bible says. In Proverbs there was a man named Agur. He declared what he had learned on his “Red Dirt Road”.

Proverbs 30:7-9

Two [things] have I required of thee; deny me [them] not before I die:

Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:

Lest I be full, and deny [thee], and say, Who [is] the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God [in vain].

Agur wanted to be rid of a life of excessive pride & lying. Then, he did not want to be rich or poor, since there are problems with both. In verse 9 he explains if we are prideful or rich we think we don’t need God. If we are poor, we could be tempted to steal & curse God (a big ol’ helpin’ of a “Why me, Lord?” attitude). I think there is a BIG lesson in those couple of verses. One that I needed to hear for sure. I need to be more content. I need to enjoy what God has allowed me to achieve on my red dirt road of life. (Instead of always looking for something more to make me happy.) Did you notice Agur did not want a lot of money? I think if we had a lot of money we would be in a constant state of greed, making sure nobody’s trying to get our money. Then we could be worried that something would happen to our money. All that time spent trying to keep hold to all that we have. When, you can’t take it with you. In my life time, I have seen so many people act so silly over stuff. You know what? When the Lord calls them home, what’s going to happen to that stuff? Somebody else is going to end up with it. I haven’t ever seen a U-Haul (full of stuff) pulled behind a hearse. Have you? I think ol’ Agur hit it all right on the head.

I hope you don’t mind that my post today includes, Jesus, beer, & happiness. Because I don’t believe in any way, that those things go together. It just worked out that way, for once. I will ask for forgiveness because Lord have mercy, I don’t want anybody to be offended by it. Ya’ll just have to understand where I am coming from with this. I’m so glad you chose to stop by & visit with me. I love it when you come by! I have to be going for now, because I should be washing clothes.

Super Bowl ponderings- Has anybody thought about the Harbaugh boys’ Mama?

February 1, 2013 / kstrick7 / 1 Comment

Unless you live under a rock, somewhere without any media influence, or are just so unplugged & unconcerned that you have nary a clue….you know that Sunday is the Super Bowl. All the excitement is filling the air. Commercials are on t.v. People are talking about it on the radio. The internet is a buzz with the anticipation of the most important football game of the year. Even people, like me, who really don’t give a hoot who wins- gets in the camaraderie of things. (We are doing our 1st official Super Bowl couch gating this time! Soooo looking forward to the food!) I will be making some tasty dishes from Christy at http://www. southernplate.com. Football fans everywhere are asking themselves, will I root for the Baltimore Ravens or the San Francisco 49ers? And to top it off, the coaches of each respected team, are BROTHERS.

Super Bowl coaches are brothers!

I was thinking about the wonderful time the Super Bowl is for folks, & I realized, we should be ashamed of ourselves. In the scheme of things there’s happiness & anticipation. However, did anybody consider how the Harbaugh’s Mama was going to be feeling about all of this? Bless her heart. She must be in the worst of predicaments, as a mother. Being from the South, it’s just natural to love & hold our mamas in high regard. So, when I first heard the coaches were brothers, well a plethora of questions came to mind: Who will she cheer for? Will she wear 49’er or Raven colors? When one team leads another, will she be excited? Does she have a favorite son? How does she pray for her son’s team to win, when she has a son on each playing team? Will this not make things a smidge awkward the next time they get together for dinner? I mean, she wants to be happy for one son, but can’t really show it or it will make the other one jealous, thus creating a hostile home environment for the Harbaugh’s at the least? I wonder if the Harbaugh boys ever considered what this might do to their mama?

Haubaugh parents- with sons & other family member

Harbaugh parents- with sons & other family member

All of this going around in my head made me do a little research, to see what Mama Harbaugh thought. I do not personally know Mrs. Harbaugh, so I did what anyone would have done- looked it up on the internet. Because the internet only reports the truth, right? From the USA Today article, I read, it seems like the Harbaugh’s have it all dealt with. Jack & Jackie Harbaugh, parents of Jim & John Harbaugh, gave a press conference regarding their 2 boys. (That was thoughtful of them.)
Parents Jack and Jackie, both in their 70s, live in the Milwaukee area. They won’t be wearing 49ers red or Ravens purple. You win some, you lose some – in bowling terms, they’re guaranteed a split. They got a taste of it in 2011 when the Ravens beat the 49ers in the regular season.
“That thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, and on Sunday night we’re going to experience both of those great emotions,” says Jack.
“We’re going to hug both of them,” Jackie says.

Are those two not the Cat’s meow? That is truly a wonderful way to look at all of this. Precious.

So how do you get 2 sons in such an incredible place in life? This is what Jim Harbaugh said of his Dad:
“When we were growing up, my dad would play catch with us, he would take us to games, and most of all he believed in us. We grew up just like him,” Jim says.

This reminds me of what Proverbs 22:6 says: Train up a child in the way he should go & when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Daddy Harbaugh seems to know what it takes to make winners. Making his boys feel important to him.
You know, I was worried about Mrs. Harbaugh & what this Super Bowl was going to do about the relationships in her family. But, I think the Harbaugh parents have it all figured out. I am so happy. All of that competition could be a real mess for them. One more thing to think about, Jay, which is Jim’s son is an intern for his Uncle John. His own flesh & blood rooting for the opposing team. There’s another double edged sword to consider!
I hope you all have a terrific time watching the Super Bowl. I have to be going now, because I should be washing clothes.