Live a Meaningful Life

I really like the song This Ain't Nothing by Craig Morgan.  As a matter of fact, it is the first song I have ever downloaded...So, for this post, I decided to make note of some things that are something. 1. Jesus Christ--choosing to give up his place next to Daddy in heaven and becoming the sacrifice for a fallen people-- And then leaving His work in our hands--commisioning us to spread His message. I hope this year I am found guilty of spreading His message even more!  As a matter of fact--I hope that is what I spend most of my time doing--investing in things that are eternal! 2.  My warrior, knight of a husband--he is a constant, living example of Christ to me.  I am so thankful that God gave me the opportunity to be his wife.  There is nothing a women needs more than for a man to be in love with Christ!  3.  John Gannon & Jackson-- constant reminders of God's gift to us and days filled with play and adventure! 4.  The rest of our family--for investing in us--we w

Why do we live the way we live?  Why are people so busy, busy trying to make money to buy things, pay bills, and store for the future--so they can buy things, pay bils, and then, um...die!  Don't get me wrong--I am not advocating free, unrestrained living and/or spending.  We live on a budget and have no desire to have debt.  If we can't pay cash, we can't afford it!  But as I wake up in the mornings, get dressed, go to my job, work all day, come home, keep up the house, spend some time with the kids, on rare occassions-rest, it all seems so futile.  An honest confession--I really get sick of it.  I really think I would like to live in rural poverty.  I see my family of 4 living in a small dwelling--sticks/mud sound great.  We have a wash tub outside that serves as the bath--it has a cool banana leaf surround.  We get up, start the fire to bake some bread for the morning and sit around and tell stories with the neighbors as we kneed the dough or do whatever it is you do to

Oh me...I need to do so many things.  The problem  I don't want to.  I don't want to clean out the cabinets, wash the windows, scrub the tub, put up all the toys AGAIN, sweep/mop the floor, exercise, clean out the fridge, wipe down the cabinets, write a book, go buy some long sleeve shirts, drink more water...need I continue.  As I have sat here typing, my model husband has folded the baskets of laundry we had sitting in the bedroom without whining, dropping any attacking remarks, or even asking me to help.  This is after he cooked supper and made me a plate to carry for lunch!  My goodness I have a good husband.  Not only is he savy around the house, he is quite the eye candy--as a lady at work pointed out today!  And on top of all that, those muscles!!  But even more impressive than all of that--his incredible love and pursuit of Christ. Johnny doesn't seek to shade who he is.  He is confident enough to share his own opinions without fearing the consequences or shading th

1.  If you use a buggy at a store and take it into the parking lot--PUT IT UP!  Lazy, lazy people! 2.  People are just people--we are all similar in many aspects--so why get so uptight when having to speak in front of others and do something in front of a crowd?  Worst case scenerio-you do something stupid--guess what? Everyone appreciates a good laugh. 3.  If you have a pattern of drama in your life...NEWSFLASH--it is not every one else's fault! 4.  Dragons--creatures & people who blow smoke out of their mouths.  If you smoke please realize it stinks really bad, your clothes and everything you touch smell like it and all the nonsmokers around you at the park, in parking lots, etc. hate to beathe it in!  Keep your smoke to yourself--in your vehicle and on your property, I already have a bum lung! 5.  Stop acting like your business and to do list is so important.  Stop to play with your children or grandchildren uninterrupted.  Your business and to do list will still be

Some time ago I read a research article that sought to compare the expressed happiness of people living in other countires to that of people living in the US.  Not suprising to me, the authors found that overall, when compared to other nations, people in the US report themselves as being the most unhappy.  Who would think that people who have food to eat, clean/running water to drink (or at least water that is perceived to be clean--I read an article last year that our water now has traces of lots of meds b/c of the mass use of daily meds and of course for those of you who listen to me rant--there is no possible way that the pipes that bring water into our house can be clean--have you ever looked at that clear piping that runs to water dispensers, ice makers, etc...they turn brown after a while.  If you don't believe me, come to Saltillo Elementary and I will show you one!), anyway, back to my thought--we have houses/places to live, cars to drive, opportunities to make money, extra

What a week--the older Jackson gets, the more the days seem to be a whirlwind.  With each day he becomes more and more mobile and John Gannon is always ready to begin an adventure. Both go to bed late and rise early--afraid they are going to miss out on something fun.  By the end of the week--Johnny and I are exhausted, the house is a wreck--clothes have piled waiting to be folded/hung, toys are in every room and under all of the furniture, and the "needs to be done list" just gets longer.  But who cares--we only have a few more years we get to do this (playing with our boys)--at some point over the years I am sure we will be replaced by other friends and eventually girls...oh, me!!  And that list, well, I guess we can get started on it then! Jackson has been to the dr this week--diagnosed with a viral infec with croup and an ear infection.  John Gannon threw up last night on the way home from the park and has complained today that his throat hurts when he swallows his spit

Johnny and I have the perfect scenerio all planned out.  You know how most people dream of retiring and traveling around in the rv--well, we think it makes more sense to do it now--with our boys.  Wouldn't it be great to teach them about rock formations while taking a hike in the rockies or after reading a silly story about alligators going for a swamp tour in the bayou...man the possibilities.  Stay a month here, a month there--meeting people from all walks of life, sharing Christ and being a part of God's work in different geographical locations--man, it would be great!!  For those of you who are more literal and need a better rationale than just the day dreaming type thing, educational theory has proven we are more apt to learn from what we experience--so when we limit ourselves to daily routine--same job, same grocery store, same scenery, same friends, same church... aren't we in a sense limiting ourselves intellectally? We all know those people "who haven't

Sitting at the kitchen table as wind comes through both screen doors and blows my hair everywhere Watching John Gannon as he brings two warm chocolate chips cookies to share Listening to Jackson squeal as he quickly darts across the living room floor in pursuit of something Watching Johnny get the backpack ready to take the boys on an afternoon hike across the adventurous terrain of Jugfork Seeing two Sams's sized diaper boxes, tied together with ribbon laying on my couch (a complete robot costume of course--outfitted with eyes, mouth, and leg holes) Taking a quick glance under the love seat and seeing a small pink elephant and a potato--Jackson's newest toy... Listening to John Gannon tell his daddy about his new painting, "I made that for my moma." Laughing out loud as I sit here and remember yesterday at the aquarium in Chatanooga when Johnny all most destroyed the backdrop where they were making family pictures...dang, they should have a sign warning people

In the eye of the beholder...well, this is how I see it...why do they always...do they not see what they are doing...I try my best but things never work out...PERCEPTION!  Wouldn't it be great if we could all perceive things the same way?  I mean, if something happened there would be no misunderstandings, no hard feelings, no arguing over who is right--we would all have the same perception!  As a counselor and as someone who just lives life, I see perception cause so much strain on relationships--marriages, friendships, parents/children.  One person acts and does something and it is peceived by others in another light.  The sad part is that most of the time we can't get passed our own perceptions--we never take time to consider our part in all of it "Maybe I have the wrong perception."  Instead, it is always looking for more fault or reasons to blame the other person/people.  I mean, who wants to be wrong, right?  I think another reason it is hard for us to see pa

Life in the house with 2 boys and man is amazing--always full of imagination, adventure, and odd body noises accompanied with laugher. Quietness and alone time are almost none existence.  I have heard parents joke before about locking themselves in the bathroom while they did their business in an effort to at least keep a little dignity!  Well, this morning, business called...so I set out to accomplish the task.  Jackson was crawling around very content and John Gannon was playing army men in the living room.  No sooner than I sat down I hear John Gannon coming.  He comes, sticks his head around the corner and leaves.  "Whew...he was just checking to see what I was doing."  About a minute later, he returns, holding Jackson upright as he practices walking.  When they both make it into the ba.."office"  JG lets Jackson down to crawl.  He then gets right in my face and starts shouting orders of what he wants me to pretend to be doing in our next imaginative adventure. 

Wednesday's are great. I host/lead a women's Bible study group at my house!  We always have a really good time together.  Tonight, we discussed 1 Corin. 3:5-15.  We talked about what we spend our lives "building" and if those things are things that will last--you know--leave a legacy.  I want my legacy to be that of Christ--I want my love for Him to permeate my thoughts and my actions. Anyway, just a question to ponder for bit:  What is it that you have "built" in your life right now that you think will last the longest?  Look for opportunities to invest in the lives of others and grow to love God more! About the women who come to Bible study--they are quite the competitive bunch and occassionally show off their skills until one is victorious--and wins the coveted prize--a bottle of handsoap!  I am beginning to believe that God is trying to teach our group about meekness, quietness, etc.  The quietest girl of the group (who is very competitve) has the reco

Well, the Cox boys and I made it to the Jeep this morning to begin our morning journey to Ms. Rachel's house.  As we passed the neighbor's house, I happened to notice a large dog in their yard--and I suddenly realized, it was no dog at all--it was one of our horses.  I do have to stop my story for just a minute and wonder why this never happens when Johnny is at home?  I mean, it happens on the day that I am dressed for work (with a dress and flat flip flops on), have the boys strapped in and the grass is freshly mowed...why?  Anyway, I back up, turn around and go back home.  I wonder how he got out and if it was any use for me to bother putting him back up.  I mean, if the fence is broken, he will just walk back out.  But, I also knew I couldn't be irresponsible and leave him out. So, I started the task--I went to get some horse food, the barrell was very low and I couldn't reach it, so I had to lay it down and kinda crawl inside to get some food in the scoop---mmm, mm

I have been thinking alot about friends today, so I thought I would introduce you to some of mine, in no particular order. I have a friend who has a great sense of humor.  As a matter of fact, we always share a good laugh before we depart company.  She thinks she may be a super fighter--so watch out--she would probably have my back!  She is very task oriented, cultured (very opposite of me), and has all these weird rules she abides by.  She is dependable,  a hard worker, a good cook, and great mom & wife.  I have a friend that thinks the same thoughts as I do.  I mean, even the evil ones.  She is funny, a giver, and has a very determined spirit.  She has a gift--she can speak in a man voice--which by the way, is a great tool in getting another man to listen to you--we tried this in Bible study one night!  She confronts me and challenges me.  She is compassionate, an encourager, and fun! I have a friend that I am glad is my friend, because if she doesn't like you...well, y

We were cruising North Gloster tonight/actually last night, on our way to meet someone, and IT happened.  There had been some small talk going on in the Cox automobile, some imaginative story-telling, and an occassional "John Gannon, leave your brother alone."  From the outside it would appear that our journey to take care of a little business and buy some food would be typical.  Johnny and I were trying to say a few words to each other as there was a rare moment of silence from the back...and then it happened.  John Gannon says, "Lazy people!!"  Johnny and I look at each other with that curious look--you know, the one that says to the other, "What's he talking about?" So, I pryed, "What ya talking about?"  "That buggy, somebody just left it there." he says.  I don't think either of us responded, but I have to confess...I was proud.  That's right son!  They should have put it up, you tell 'em--and other similar phrases s

Have you ever thought about your mortality and what that really means?  Really, have you ever considered it?  Of course, if you are a Christian you would be pressured to "Sunday School Answer" and with your most respectful voice say something like "yes, none of us are promised tomorrow, and I am suppose to live each day as though it is my last."  Or maybe, you listened to Tim McGraw's song Live Like You Were Dying , got goose bumps, and decided to make a bucket list or branch out and try something new.  I don't know, but have you every really thought about it? I have.  If you asked me before a few weeks ago, I would have given you a little different perspective than I would today--probably something along the lines of a "Sunday School Answer".  Not because of anything tragic has my perspective changed, but because of some circumstances and the awesome Holy Spirit working in mine and Johnny's lives.  For those of us who know us, the past year,

Yesterday, I had a wonderful experience as I was getting ready to leave for work.  On a typical day, John Gannon is whining because I had to wake him up and is pleading with me in that high-crying pitch voice, "PLEASE let me lay back down and get my nap over with."  Of course, this never happens during the day when I am home or need a break! Meanwhile, little Jackson is crying in an effort to tell me he hates being strapped into a carseat and the he prefers to be mobile--"I mean, goodness moma, get me out of these straps and let me crawl around.  I have stuff I need to put in my mouth!"  And me, well I am just trying to remember to grab my lunch, keys, purse, and make it out the door with all of that and both children. But Friday was different.  John Gannon woke up in a peaceful mood, telling stories and laughing.  Jackson was content in the carseat, and I only had to grab my purse--keys were stapped on it and I had my lunch already at work.  As we were getting re

Welcome--to a glimpse into my brain.  I have always wanted to journal.  You know, write in those cute notebooks, deep reflections about life and scripture, share funny stories, and leave my children the library of notebooks to figure out what to do with when I die.  But I am a failure...I buy the notebook, write a time or two, and I am done.  I am like the person who wants to be out of debt but keeps using the credit card.  I "say" I want to, but I obviously don't desire it enough or have enough discipline to actually do it.  So, I decided to try it a new way--I have enjoyed posting on caring bridge and like the comments and the interactiveness of it, so here I am, staring at the screen, typing.  We'll see.  I plan to share some of my rants, random thoughts, and reflections about life.  Hopefully we'll laugh some--you know like those of you who enjoyed the toilet seat cover story on caring bridge, I have plenty of those.  But my main goal is for these words and th