Look!!! Look!!!

Woo!  Hoo!!  I gots BLING-BABY!

It's my very first one and I got extensive language as to how to post it on my blog.  

AND... now... it's here!!  I did it!

A Berry Special Thanks to Joanna.  She blessed me with the Award and that made me Smile which is why she got the award in the first place so it's Berry well deserved on HER part!  Thankyouverymuch!

Hugs!

I think I'm supposed to Tag People in this.  Seeing as one of my 4 readers tagged me (at least those who comment and I know of... **subtle hint to comment if you visit so I can see you too!!**)  

I'mma gonna tag Fuschia, Alicia, and Profesora for making me smile by reading my blog!!

P.S.  Did I do it right?!?!

Father's Day - A Day to Honor

Honor - to regard or treat with honor, esteem, or respect; to revere; to treat with deference and submission; when used of the Supreme Being, to reverence; to adore; to worship.

We've been celebrating Father's Day since last weekend when our baseball team made it into the Super Regionals (and play at 2:00 today in the Series).  That's what Hubby's gift was.  Sure, tomorrow he'll receive his steak dinner, cards, and complete control of the remote.  

I'm starting to think that there's a little bit more to this day than gifts and remote controls. (Seriously... it's not THAT new to me..I'm just seeing a new light)  

Yesterday, I did a quick post about some frustrations that I had.  Obviously, if you did the math...a knew the kiddos didn't arrive back until yesterday afternoon, you'd've known that Hubby was the cause of my frustration.  I was miffed because of the fact that he totally wasn't speaking MY language.  Love Language that is.  I think there are 5 of them - Acts of Service, Gifts, Quality Time, Physical Touch, and Words of Encouragement.  I know that Hubby and I are complete opposites in our list.  Which basically means,  we hardly ever understand each other and get along perfectly happy.  Most of the time.  Especially when we type it out for the entire blog world to read, discuss with emphasis, or just have a conversation face to face. 

 You do realize that we aren't supposed to be perfect.  Right?!

Stay with me.  There's a method to my madness.

So, seeing the list of languages in the order above and knowing from yesterday's post that my number one language is Acts of Service AND knowing that Hubby's languages are completely opposite than mine.  You can see that Hubby's #1 Love Language is Words of Encouragement.  Before you beat me down.  There is a difference between (ahem...) intimacy and the definition of Physical Touch.  Stay on topic.  Sooo.. yesterday's post totally did NOT do what I'm trying to type about - and that my friends is where I'm going.  These words are not words we should wait once a year to give our Fathers and Husbands these things should be shared daily.

Honoring Our Fathers

To My Heavenly Father.  A father that gave his child so that the rest of us may have life.  A father that protects, loves, cherishes, and guides during all phases of life.  A sweet spirit of gentleness and peace that covers us in times of need.  I love you.

To My  Husband:  A protector of family and city making sure that our town is safe for all who live here.  A wonderful man who understands that I miss the mark quite often. An extremely patient father with our children.  A forgiving man in a time of crisis.  I'm so in love with you!!  Thank you for being patient with me, loving me, and all of mushy-gushy things you'd be embarrassed about if I shared.  I love you.

To My Earthly Father:  A veteran of the Air Force who sacrificed time with your family in order to maintain the freedom we have all grown to cherish.  The man who could snap his fingers and have the world change in that exact moment (Sis and I would move quicker than light to make sure it happened).  The gentleman that asked "Are you sure??"  before walking me down the aisle and giving me away.  You always had my best interests at heart and never said "I told you so."  I love you.

These are the three most important men in my life.  All of which have had enormous impact on me at some point or even right now.   

A Lesson on Forgiveness

If you remember I was asking for Prayers last week for an event that happened last night.  

I'm happy to say that nothing happened last night.  When I say nothing, I mean that basically ---- we were in the same room together (which hasn't happened in four years).  She didn't acknowledge me, speak to me, or look at me.  But, it's in a step of progress that I was invited and that she stayed in the room while I was there.  At one point we had a "group" conversation filled with memories and I gave some brief input, which she did, after pausing, acknowledge.  There was also another point when I had to ask her specifically when they were leaving, and she answered that quite frustrated-ingly but, she answered it.  

It's a God thing.  I realize it.  He's handling it in his timing, not mine.  I also realized last night, there is a lesson to be learned here.  Actually, there is quite a few.  **Warning** Random thoughts and topics ahead.

1.  God's timing - Is when He knows we are ready, regardless if we think we are.  

Last night was something I've been waiting for and thought I was prepared for 3.5 years.  I realize now that it's taken me that long to learn where I get my strength from, when I should call out for him, and ask others to help.  The event placed several of my friends in the same place to support me.  I also know that his timing is different for everyone. 

Remember I said I was an "otter"?   That's a personality thing, I'm outgoing by nature and prefer to have good times and make sure that everyone else is too.  I also do things at full speed and forget that others don't.  God is doing baby steps for all of the people involved.  My heart is telling me this is because at some points, I need to slow down and for others.... that's how they are prepared to handle it.  

2.  East to West -  That's how far the sin is cast. (Psalm 103:12)  

Because we are human, I think we forget that.  I saw first hand last night how God demonstrates his healing and forgiveness.  My husband was able to go up to a person who had hurt him deeply, hug them, and tell them he loved them.  Here I was, dealing in my own puddle of hurt because of someone who wouldn't acknowledge me - yet Hubby was overcoming the same thing and casting out all of his hurts.  How different we learn!! 

Guess what that taught me!??!  It's not my place to stay in the puddle.  I have to cast out my hurt, I have to wait on her timing(which is ultimately God's), and  I need to love her as Christ loves me.  I know that I've asked forgiveness, that ball is in her court.  It's just time for me to stop acting like the grounded child being angry at waiting.

3.  My God is Good!  ALL the TIME!!

Over all, I had a pleasant night.  We were celebrating a marriage that has lasted for 40 years and has MANY more to come!  Great lessons, pictures, and memories were shared last night to a room full of family and friends.  The people we were honoring were truly blessed by the friends and family that were present.  God was sprinkling moments and memories for us all to learn from - and a good bit of us noticed.

Thank you, Father, for being real to me.  Thank you for always being there.  Thank you for giving me strength and courage as you voiced it.  I continue to ask for healing, in your time.

Thankful Thursday.

I'm thankful.......

I woke up this morning.

I have clothes that fit, no matter what size.

I have coffee to drink.

I have children to wake up and get ready for school.

I have a husband that will pray for me during the day.

I have a profession that I love.

I have a Heavenly Father that has his hand on my shoulder at all times. (even if it's to guide back to His direction)

Sometimes I wonder if we get caught up in what we don't have or what we'd like of someone else's that we forget we already have so much.  Are you thankful?

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)