EXCUSES

Lately I’ve been finding excuses for a lot of things.  What really brought that to my attention was this morning.  I have been “oversleeping” a lot on Sunday’s.  There have been different “legitimate” excuses, but this morning is almost unbelievable!  The time change is NEXT weekend, but my clock radio changed last night!  I woke up, and of course, I had overslept, but I thought if I hurry I can still make it to church.  I hurried to the kitchen to get my cup of coffee (I just can’t make it without my daily dose of caffeine) and all of my clocks were one hour later.  I thought, what the heck is going on?  I should have already left!  I checked my Iphone, computer, and all of the other “battery” operated clocks and they were all one hour later—only my clock radio had reset itself.  What do I do now?  The only thing I know to do—check my email, read the newspaper (especially the obit’s), and get updated on Facebook.

Well, that’s my “excuse” this morning and I’m sticking to it.

DR

10/30/11

WORDS

Have you ever thought about the words you use or call someone?

Today I went to see my dad and the new sitter was there with him. I could tell that she is a very caring person. She had just gotten his clean Depends and pants on and then changed his shirt. She washed his face and combed his hair and then she said, Ok Darlin’, let me help you up. I said, boy I bet you feel really pampered, and he said, “I do.” I then said, and especially these names they call you and my dad said, “but they don’t mean it.” I asked Henrietta if she heard what he said and she said yes and I do mean it. My dad grinned. Yes, he’s 89 and loving all the pampering he is getting.

We need to be so careful of how we treat others, and I’m so guilty about being so outspoken and the words just flow out of my mouth. But, I’m trying to “think” before I “speak.” Yes, I’ve had my feelings hurt over some “hurtful names” and it has made me stop and take account of myself. I need to be a better friend. I need to say comforting and helpful things and not say anything mean. Even if I’m kidding—I need to stop before something comes out that I will regret later. Sometimes I think I need to be like I was when I was a kid—never opening my mouth to say anything. My mother was of the opinion that “children should be seen and not heard” and I wasn’t about to dispute her opinion!

Everyday when I wake up, I realize that our time here on earth is so short. We need to live each day like it is our last—because the way people drive it could very well be our last! Be careful of the things you say. If someone is mean to you, maybe they’re just having a bad day. Those are the people you need to be especially kind to. We really don’t know the problems that someone else may be going through and when we ask, “how are you?”, do we really want to know…. I’m sure you have had the same experience that I have had when I answer, all of a sudden that person is not even looking at me anymore and I could walk away and they would never even notice.

Be good to somebody today. Call a friend today and tell them what they mean to you—that may be just the encouragement they need.

Dr
10/27/11

Detour

Detour

Last night I was on my way to Bible Study and traffic was backed up at the Ridge Cut—as usual. I really felt compelled to turn around and go to Hixson to hear Perry Stone. I’ve really never been a follower of Perry Stone, but I knew I had to go. I got off the interstate and headed back to Hixson. I am so glad that I went. His message was about being the “first born” child. I am a first born child—I am an only child. He also talked about widows—and yes, I am a widow. I can’t explain the message here, I only know that I needed to hear it.

How many times have we really “listened” to our inner voice and made a “detour”? I have done it before. One time I felt compelled to turn into the parking lot of a furniture store. That was the time that a man prayed over me and told me my husband would not have to have a heart transplant. At the time I thought the man was crazy. Two weeks later we were told that Charles didn’t need a heart transplant. For some unknown reason his heart was healing. I didn’t even know that man’s name. The next day I learned his name and he became a good friend. I even sold their home in Ringgold, GA. I’m still friends with him and his wife today. What if I had not heeded that still small voice?

Right now, I feel like a lost person trying to find my way again in the world. Patience has never been one of my virtues. I am learning to be happy in this new phase of my life. Yes, it gets lonely. I’m thankful that Charles insisted on me getting Chloe right after my Tag died. So many deaths in the month of March and he insisted on me getting a new little puppy. How could another puppy ever replace my Tag? Tag who always knew when I was sick and would lay on my stomach. That was the only time she would do that. How did Charles know that after he died that I would hold that little puppy close to me and cry and Chloe would lick my tears? No, Chloe did not take Tag’s place, she’s different. She’s actually more affectionate and stays right by my side. She wants my undivided attention. When someone calls me, I have to go out on the porch or close the door because she barks. She knows my daughter’s and son-in-law’s voice and “talks” to them on the phone. Yes, I know you think I’m crazy—but she has helped me this past year and a half.

What lies ahead? I don’t have any idea. Detours? I don’t know. I’ll just listen to that inner voice and go.

DR
10/20/11