Sometimes You Need A Hiatus...Don't Beat Yourself Up About It

Those of you that follow this site and The Mom Squad site, know that I LOVE my online school experience. Argosy University is a wonderful school and for the most part, every single class, and almost every professor has richly added to my life but for the second time in a year I believe I am burned out. There is a lot of reading and writing to do and though I usually do my school work while caring for Mom I found myself several weeks ago, burned out as a caregiver and my school break did not coincide with the respite granted via Hospice. Consequently, a self-induced schoolwork break was unintentionally imposed. Now, it is time for the school break and I am going to do my best to go great guns when the break ends. I was on the Dean's List for almost the entire year. Things happen. I was beating myself up about it and then I decided that was Satan just trying to bring me down. I choose to give all glory and honor to God and I thank Him for the renewed strength and the renewing of my mind. In fact, I thank my Heavenly Father for even shutting me down when I truly need to shut down. If we push ourselves beyond our ability it may be damaging to our physical and/or mental health. So take a break without the guilt! Then get back in the saddle and ride better than ever.

What Are The Odds Of A Person Being A Good Spouse If They Had No Example of That Growing Up?

A friend of mine said something to me today that really got me thinking. If one has not experienced a beautiful, loving marital relationship via their parents, grandparents, etc. how would they really know what to do and what to expect regarding marriage? I was blessed to see my parents lovingly interact for 30 of their 50+ years together and I am sure it set a high standard. There is television of course which shows every possible scenario regarding relationships but I am not sure if people really hold on to positives seen on television as the negatives seem to be more prevalent. Many times, I presume if a person has had no concrete example, they may simply go into marriage due to the love they believe they feel for their significant other but may have very little basis or structure as to how to proceed day to day. They may not really know what love is or how to even love themselves so the relationship can become complicated. Then when things become stressful due to financial struggles, employment issues, children and child rearing, illness, maybe the couple doesn't know how to deal with the difficulties and from there they may grow apart, begin to rely on dependencies like other people (affairs), chemicals (drugs/alcohol) and exhibit erratic behavior (psychological malfunctions/illegal activities) which only separate the couple more. They may lose sight of what attracted them to the person in the first place and love begins to diminish. Sometimes a person might get so wrapped up in working and material things that they once again begin to neglect their spouse in ways that really matter like sharing their time, activities, quality moments and communication. BUT first and foremost, there is God and if both parties truly know Him, I believe they can make it through anything. He is our Ultimate Love and I truly believe that, even if someone has not experienced an earthly example of a wonderful relationship, if they seek God, they can receive a pattern through God's Word and the example of the relationship Jesus Christ wants to have with each of us. The Bible teaches us in I Corinthians 13:4 that "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." When we love, we are supposed to put the needs of our spouse before our own. We are to express sensitivity and caring. I wonder how many husbands know how special it is to bring flowers home for no reason...to help with the housework especially when both parties work outside the home in an effort not to overtire the wife, so they both can sit down at a decent hour together to share their day and relax. I wonder how many wives consider putting the children to bed by a certain time, for no other reason than she wants to have time for herself, making the effort to look and smell her best to then create that loving visual that her husband needs..soft music...conversation...taking a walk...engaging in massage. Couples need to be mindful whether it is 5 months or 50 years that this person is your blessing. Nurture this relationship and be thankful for it always. We must also exercise the Fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Everyday might not be roses but a single strand of thread is not nearly as strong as a strand of 3 God, you and your mate - Keeping God first as you and your spouse take life's journey can make for the most special relationship ever. In Christ, you are a new creation and in Him, all things are possible. So, all that considered, I just answered my own question. If both parties are in Christ, God can make good spouses and long-term loving marriages regardless of a person's upbringing. Your relationship with Christ is really the key. Blessings.

Bless You Pointer Sisters!!

This post is a bit late but I had to write it. I had the pleasure of seeing The Pointer Sisters for the first time. The event took place at Cain Park and I am telling you they were MAGNIFICENT!!! They looked incredible. One of the things they are known for is their style. They have such energy, their voices are incredible and the songs really took me back. Anita and Ruth Pointer are the two originals remaining in the group at this time. June, one of the founding members, bless her heart, passed on several years ago and Bonnie, the other founding member, is still a powerhouse but from what I later read has had difficulties with drugs. I am actually praying for a reunion of the 3 sisters. God is able. In the meantime, Ruth's granddaughter, Sadoku, completed the trio and she is a welcomed treat.

If you E-V-E-R get the opportunity to see them, you certainly will not be disappointed! I would go again in a heartbeat. Here's to Cain Park doing more advertising next year and filling the seats to the rafters.

Spyro Gyra was a Hit!

You know I am always on the lookout for wonderful entertainment...FREE, low cost, stimulating to my spirit and senses...I love the arts. Well, Cain Park has been fulfilling all of these desires this summer. Yesterday, in the warm summer breeze, Spyro Gyra filled the air with its melodic tones, spirit-filled moves, nastalgic info and a bit of humor. I had actually forgotten just how many of their hits I had been privy to over the years. It was a full house. THANK YOU SPYRO GYRA FOR COMING TO CLEVELAND! Thank you Cain Park for such stellar entertainment. The schedule still has tons of wonderful events coming from dance troups, plays, concerts and recitals. There is also an art gallery on the premises now open and a wonderfully stocked refreshment stand. Hope to see you there. www.cainpark.com.

P.S. Remember, in this economy if you cannot afford something you want to see, at any venue, give the organization a call and ask about their Volunteer needs. I used to do that at Wolf Trap in VA and seeing Miss Dianna Ross during my first assignment was a SWEET TREAT

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DADDY - WE MISS YOU...

Memories of our Father – We called him Georgieboy
What a wonderful man he was, full of laughter, full of joy
Hard working and full of life. He made time for us.
I guess he was frustrated at times but he never made a fuss.
Oh how he loved our Mom, his Model A and fishing
He made his own drum grills and left the neighbors wishing
For just a taste of his Q with his famous homemade sauce
For just a moment with him again, I’d pay any cost
He made homemade wine too for that we’d all stand still
His day of retirement from TRW was truly quite a thrill.
I could talk to him, you know, no matter what was on my mind
He never seemed too busy, he was truly just that kind
At night I’d watch him on his knees, his prayers were very long
In church his deep voice belowed - The Sweet By and By was his song
Forever thankful for this man who rates a 10+ on the meter
A self-made man, an innovator that knew God was his leader

Has Someone Been On Your Mind Lately - Also Great Ideas For Father's Day

Wonderful memories of those that have made an imprint on our lives are truly soothing. At times, we can do nothing but enjoy the memories as the person we are thinking of has passed on. In that case, you can still honor their memory and ease your longing for them by writing them a letter, sharing things you would have normally shared with them. Pulling out old photos and making a collage, mobile or adding a few laminated pictures to your favorite wind chime is a great tribute to them as well (Great Father's Day Gift Ideas).

If you think the person is still alive, but you have lost track of their whereabouts, Facebook is a great application to locate someone.

Once you have found them, send them a message, give them a call or send them a note. Consequently, they may be thinking of you too.

God Can Bring Amazing People Into Your Life

I love to write. Almost everyone I know, knows that. LOL. I have compiled numerous book drafts, scripts, poems, etc. but usually I share them only with my family(and my Mom Squad sisters), receive their accolades and tuck them back in a drawer. I have been praying to get out of that box. I want to come out of my shell and not feel that the work is too personal to share. Well, God gave me information to connect with a group of people that can encourage me in just that way. I had a marvelous lunch with the wonderful woman that created the group and it was so special. I felt like James Lipton today, host of Inside the Actors Studio, and my new friend was so lovely and forthcoming about her life and love of writing and for actors. It touched my heart and truly inspired me. Now, I know that I am ready to take things to the next level...whatever that may be. And I know God has already equipped me. I'll keep you posted. If you have an aspiration, keep praying and planning and eventually God will give you the desires of your heart. He never fails.