Think Before Speaking

THINK

T is for TRUE

H is for HELPFUL

I is for INSPIRATIONAL

N is for NECESSARY

K is for KIND

T- is it true? Before you say anything ask yourself if it's really true. Proverbs 16:13 "Kings take pleasure in honest lips;they value a man who speaks the truth." Is this absolute truth? Anything beyond this is evil. Don't exaggerate. Don't embellish. That is going beyond the truth.

H- is it helpful? If you've established that what you're about to say is true, now ask yourself if it's helpful. Consider Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Before you say anything ask if what you're wanting to say going to help this person. Be careful not to stop at truth. People say things that damage and hurt others and then throw out the silly statement, "well, it's true" as if that makes it okay. The Bible does not give us permission to say anything just because it's true. It's not good enough just to make true statements. It must be helpful and build others up.

I- is it inspirational? Does it bring people to God? Does it bring glory to God? 1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

N- is it necessary? Why are you talking? Proverbs 10:19 "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." The more you talk, the more chance you have to sin. So, ask yourself these questions. Do I have to say this? Is this really necessary? Why am I about to say what I'm about to say?

K- is it kind? Colossians 4:6 "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Proverbs 12:25 "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." Everything that comes out of our mouth should be kind, giving and full of grace.

Let's THINK before we speak about anyone, including our family members and celebrities. The Bible doesn't make exceptions and neither should we. Let's go out and love!

My Oldest Brother's Passing

Sadly, my oldest brother (Lee Earl) was buried today in Alabama Naional Cemetery in Montevallo, it's considered the "Arlington of the South." As an honorable decorated Vietnam veteran, an Army buglar sounded "Taps" and a U.S. flag was presented by the Honor Guard to the family as well as a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Dignitaries gently placed his cremated remains in the burial plot. It was a lovely tribute to his sacrifices made for our country.

As a lifetime member of 101st Airborne Division, Lee (Earl) earned numerous medal of honors as an Army Sergeant including: Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Army Commendation medal, Vietnam Service medal (with one Silver Service star and 3 Bronze Service stars), Combat Infantry badge, National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Campaign ribbon, Vietnam Conflict Gallantry cross with Palm Unit Citation badge, Vietnam Civil Actions Honor medal, First Class unit citation, and Parachute badge. He for survived a helicopter crash in which he endured a head injury and ear surgery. He pulled out/rescued many soldiers before the fire consumed the vessel. He marched through dangerous rice fields and managed to avoid land mines (thanks to my mother who didn't let a day go by without praying for him). During his military service, he brought many to safety.

For those who did not know him, you should know how creative and talented he was. He could conceptualize an idea and bring it to fruitition. He loved inventing and he built two of his own homes and designed the blue-prints. He designed and layed out all his own landscaping complete with gazebo and rock wall overlooking a waterfall and creek. He was a master wood craftsman and a jewelry designer. He was a collector of old coins, civil war paraphernalia, old jewelry, and silver pieces. He was also an avid University of Alabama football fan. In his health, he was highly energetic, productive, and ambitious.

He served as a long-time employee of the U.S. Corps of Engineers (15 years as a civilian), in charge of million $ projects such as building bridges and roads and helping with major hurricane disasters along the Gulf Coast. Divorced in 1997, he fathered three beautiful daughters: Michelle, Raquelle, & Rachel.

He was a no-nonsense kind of guy with a lot of practical know-how. He approached life with gusto and verve. I miss him immensely, his memory will sustain me. May he rest in peace.

Oktoberfest

Germany:
Located in the midst of Europe, Germany is surrounded by the North Sea, Denmark, Baltic Sea, Poland, Czech, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxemburg, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

From the high Alps, Bavarian plains, flowing hills, and coasts of the Baltic Seas: it all looks like a miniature train landscape packed with the nicest of old towns, medieval houses, gothic churches and small villages.

Germany is the land of poets and thinkers.

A popular German saying has the meaning: "Breakfast like an emperor, lunch like a king, and dine like a beggar."

My husband's maternal side of the family is named Blumenthal. They were originally from Germany. Dale & I would love to visit the country sometime.

Mother's Birthday

Today is the "9-11" anniversary, grandparents day, and my mother's 87th birthday! Since most of you have never met her, allow me to tell you about "Mama." She's free-spirited, amusing, sharp witted with a quick mind, and highly intuitive. She was a partner with my father for 62.5 years of marriage. She was a devoted mother of six children whom she raised and disciplined. During those years she managed a household: cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, decorating, . . . She always had a good eye and taste for fashion.


She's friendly, outgoing, and socialable, very fond of people in general. She knows how to make people feel welcomed and comfortable. She loves and nurtures children. She has a heart for the downtrodden, you could say she's a defender of the underdog. She strongly believes in fairness and resents false displays of caring and emotion. She hates arrogance and believes humans should never be demoralized. She has always desired our family to be warm, loving, and stable.


She loves the Lord and lives an honest, moral life. She has and continues to live a life of integrity. I truly love you mother, Happy 87th Birthday!

Back to School

"School days, school days, dear old golden rule days. Reading & writing & 'rithmetic..." It's interesting how one simple jingle can immediately summon countless memories of childhood. With the onset of fall, comes the exciting rush of a new school year.

Labor Day Weekend

Celebrated the last hurrah of summer with family and friends! Dale's childhood friend spent the weekend with us. He and his wife (Barry & Kathy) live in Nashville, they drove out here in their motorhome. Dale barbecued brisket and we had family & friends over. We had a great time. We also took our visitors site-seeing to Point Defiance Park and to Seattle to see the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. We got to see them in March 2008 when we flew to Nashville.

ABCs of ME

A - Attached or Single - happily married
B - Best Friend - Sharon
C - Cake or Pie - Toss up
D - Day of the Week - Friday (date nite)
E - Essential Item - Diet Coke can
F - Favorite Color - Blue
G - Gummi Bears or Gummi Worms - neither
H - Hometown - Garywood Alabama
I - Indulgence - Naps
J - January or July - duh, July
K - Kids - Two fabulous grown sons
L - Life is Incomplete Without - family, I love them all
M - Marriage Date - December 24, 1978
N - Number of Siblings - Five: 3 sisters, 2 brothers
O - Oranges or Apples - oranges (in season)
P - Phobias or Fears - mice!
Q - Quote - "Eat, sleep, and be merry"
R - Reason to Smile - great husband!
S - Season - Spring, the grey begins to dissappear
T - Text or Talk - definitely talk, preferably in person!
U - Unknown Fact - I was a girl scout
V - Vacation Destination - anywhere warm with sand and palm trees, especially in January
W - Worst Habit - scratching my head
X - X-Rays or Ultrasound - ultrasound, take advantage of newer technology
Y - Your Favorite Food - Pizza or Pasta - pasta with sauce
Z - Zodiac Sign - Sagitarrius (Dec 21)

Jordache's Birthday

Today, my younger son is 23 years old! Hard to believe. He's turned into a nice young man, learning to be a good husband and father. He's sensitive, good-looking, intelligent, compassionate, laid-back, and fun to be around (a great catch, Sabrina). He has a drive to reach his goals in life. Recently, he's managed to turn adversity into opportunity. He's social, persuasive, and has strong communication skills which should serve him well in his career. His optimistic attitude and vitality gives him a deep appreciation of all that life has to offer. Jordache, I hope you realize all your dreams, Happy 23rd Birthday!

Boy, Do I Know My Guy!

1. What's he doing right now? Riding his bicycle to town to run some errands.

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Vinegar and oil or Italian dressing.

3. What's one food he doesn't like? ONIONS! and peanut butter.

4. When you go out to eat, what drink does he order? He drinks a variety of liquids, he doesn't like to get in a rut.

5. Where did he go to high school? Curtis High School, University Place, Tacoma WA

6. What size shoe does he wear? Usually a Size 10, occasionally a 1/2 size up or down depending on the make/brand.

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Well, he has a collection of hot wheels. If money was no object, he'd collect old cars.

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? #1 Italian sub, occasionally he'll order a club, Rueben, or Monte Cristo.

9. What would this person eat every day if he could? Wood- fired thin-crust pepperoni pizza with fresh tomatoes, artichokes, and jalapenos.

10. What is his favorite cereal? Kellogg's Raisin Bran or Walmart's brand of raisin bran.

11. What would he never wear? The color pink and Speedos

12. What is his favorite sports team? NBA: Portland Trailblazers; MLB: Seattle Mariners; NFL: Seahawks; College: UnivAla or UW

13. Who will he vote for? Conservative Republican or any other fiscally conservative.

14. Who is his best friend? That would be me of course. Who else?

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? Stay up late. He likes to wake up at 6:00am or even earlier.

16. How many states has he lived in? Two: Only one year in AL, the rest in Washington St.

17. What is his heritage? He's a mutt: 1/4 Italian, 1/4 Czech, 1/8 German, and some English.

18. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake? He likes white/yellow cake with cherry frosting.

19. Did he play sports in high school? Yes, he was on the cross-country team, member of the 10,000 mile club, & ran 5 marathons!.

20. What could he spend hours doing? This question is really asking what he loves to do.
1. Sitting on our new deck, enjoying the scenery, listening to music
2. Scanning the internet for interesting sites/deals: ebay, Craigslist,...
3. Watching TV on his big-screen in the media room: sports, concerts,...

I KNOW WHO I AM

I am God's child (John 1:12)

I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )

I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a body of Christ member (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free from condemnation Rom. 8: 1-2
I am a significant citizen of Heaven. (Phil 3:20)
I am free from any charge against me Rom 8:31
I am a minister of reconciliation for God2Cor :17
I have access to God through the Spirit Eph :18
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly Eph 2:6
I cannot be separated from God's love Rom 8:35
I am established & anointed by God 2Cor:21-22
I am assured things work for good Rom 8:28
I am chosen/appointed to bear fruit Jn 15:16
I may approach God with confidence Eph 3: 12
I can do all things through Christ Phil 4:13
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3)
I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1)
I am God's workmanship (Eph.. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven ( Col 1:14)
I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
I belong to God!

Do you know who you are?

Southern Rules

“Sir” and “Ma’am” are not just for occasional usage.

Men hold doors for women/ seniors.

If someone else needs a seat, you give them your seat, and you don’t complain.

“Being a good Samaritan” is not just a saying, its an understood way of life.

"Darling”, “Sweetheart”, “Honey”, and “Dear” are used, for the most part, as endearing expressions.

You can dislike someone as much as you want, but when you see them you act cordially.

When you bump into someone you say “pardon” or “excuse me.”

Waving at people you don’t know or asking how they’re doing is not to be looked down upon.

You can take time to slow down. Slower paced lives are happier lives.

Say “God bless you” when someone sneezes.

When in doubt, be as polite as possible. Only confront others when confronted.

People hug one another, its OK.

If you disagree with something, be polite. “Oh….I see,” or “Oh…thats nice, Darlin” will suffice.

Saying grace at the table, even to yourself, should not be looked upon with disdain.

The only place where cars still stop (even on the highway) for funerals.

ALL people have the ability to behave like Southerners, though not necessarily recreate the accent.

You Know You're From Alabama When . . .

1. You can properly pronounce Arab, Boaz, Opelika, Oneonta, Tuscaloos, and Eufaula.

2. You think people who complain about the heat in their states are sissies.

3. A tornado warning siren is your signal to go out in the yard and look for a funnel.

4. You know that the true value of a parking space is not determined bythe distance to the door, but by the availability of shade.

5. Stores don't have bags or shopping carts, they have sacks and buggies.

6. You think everyone from a bigger city has an accent.

7. You measure distance in minutes, not miles.

8. You listen to the weather forecast before picking out an outfit.

9. Someone you know has used a football schedule to plan their wedding date.

10. You aren't surprised to find movie rental, ammunition, beer, and bait all in the same store.

11. You think that Krispy Kreme donuts are the only ones that exist.

12. You actually get these jokes and are "fixin' " to send them to your friends.

13. You've had to switch from heat to A/C in the same day.

14. You use "fixin" as a verb. Ex. I'm fixin' to go to the store.

15. You carry jumper cables in your car . . . for your OWN car!

16. You go to Gulf Shores every summer.

17. When getting aquainted with someone, the 1st thing you ask: Alabama or Auburn fan?

18. You install locks and security lights on your house and leave both off.

19. You think the 1st day of deer season is a national holiday.

20. You call a garden hose a "hose pipe."

21. You don't carry/take something, you "tote" it.

22. Asian food is always "chinese," even though it may be Thai, Korean, Japanese, etc,...

23. Mamanem means the whole family. "Are mamanem comin'?"

24. You know all four seasons: almost summer, summer, still summer, and Christmas.

25. You say "sir" and "ma'am" even if you think the person may be a day older.

And finally, you are 100% Alabamian if you ever had this conversation:

"You wanna coke?" "Yeah." "What kind?" "Dr. Pepper."

Thank You, God, For Everything

Thank you, God, for everything
The big things and the small,
For every good gift comes from God
The giver of them all.

And all too often we accept
Without any thanks or praise
the gift of God send as blessings
Each day in many ways.

And so at this time
We offer up a prayer
To thank you God for giving us
A lot more than our share....

First, thank You for the little things
That often come our way,
The things we take for granted
But don't mention when we pray,

Then, thank you for the miracles
We are much too blind to see,
And give us new awareness
Of our many gifts from Thee,

And help us to remember
That the key to life and living
Is to make each prayer a prayer of thanks
And every day Thanksgiving.

Helen Steiner Rice

Southern Women

Appreciate their natural assets:

Peachy skin (thanks to humidity); Born knowing how to flirt; Southern drawl

Know their manners:

"Yes, ma'am"; "Yes, sir"; "Why, don’t you dare darlin`!"Have priceless expressions:"Y'all come back!"; "Well, bless your heart.";"Drop by when you can.";"That’s so nice."

Know everybody's first name:

Honey; Darlin'; Shugah; You Handsome Devil

Know the movies that speak to their hearts:

Fried Green Tomatoes; Driving Miss Daisy; Steel Magnolias; Gone With The Wind

Know their religions:

Baptist; Methodist; Football

Know their country breakfasts:

Grits; Country ham and red-eye gravy; Mouth-watering homemade biscuits & jam

Know their cities:

Chawl'stn; S'vanah; Foat Wuth; N'awlins; Addlanna

Know their elegant gentlemen:

Men in uniform; Men in tuxedos; Rhett Butler

Know their prime real estate:

The Mall; The Country Club;The Beauty Salon

Know the three deadly sins:

Having bad hair and nails; Having bad manners; Cooking bad food

I've Been Tagged

I am . . . the hostess with the mostest!

I miss . . . my father. No longer can I pick up the phone to speak with him or travel back to visit him.

I think . . . my husband is the best in all the world!

I love . . . shopping in unique shops/boutiques, not malls (everything seems to be the same).

I know . . . I'm supposed to drive 70mph on the freeway!

I want . . . to leave behind a lasting impression on my family and friends.

I search . . . Google.com for knowledge, answers to questions, curious topics . . .

I wish . . . upon fallen eyelashes I find!

I hate . . . onions and good-byes.

I am scared of . . . rodents of any kind, any critter with a long thin tail.

I fear . . . I could have another mini-stroke or even worse a full blown stroke.

I am always . . . browsing catalogs/magazines/newspapers.

I hear . . . trains running on the track in the distance.

I don't always . . . answer phone calls, return e-mails, answer the door, etc . . .

I wonder . . . what the future holds, guess I'll have to wait to find out.

I care . . . too much about strangers. If I see an ambulance or a stranded vehicle, I pray for 'em.

I regret . . . don't even get me started, there is always something I could have done better: raising my sons, being a daughter, ... Or something I should have done: made a call, wrote a note, visited, ...

I believe . . . the bible is the inspired word of God.

I danced . . . the night away at my son Jordache & Sabrina's wedding!

I write . . . whatever pops into my head, dangerous, huh?

I win . . . something occasionally when playing Bunko!

I lose . . . everthing - battles, my mind, eyeglasses, keys, remote controls, self-control, . . .

I never . . . refuse dessert when it's offered, thus my size!

I listen . . . to my playlist selections (they're on my blog). It's quite a mix of music styles.

I can be found . . . sitting at the computer making graphic designs, posting a blog, checking e-mail, and reading facebook entries.