Live a Meaningful Life

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 ...

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 i...

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 com...

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 t...

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...

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...

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 mai...