Grabbed my bag, grabbed my purse and headed out the door this morning, my breakfast and water in one hand, my keys in the other, typical day like any other. My housemate had left before me, so I was on door locking duty. My habit is to grab the newspaper off the porch, put it in my bag and I read it at work.
So, locked the door, and glanced across the street and the guy’s car is still there in the driveway. It seemed odd because we usually leave about the same time and I was running late. Things are not well across the street, because his wife, daughter, two sons, daughter in law and grandson have all moved out of the house, so it’s just him and their three to five dogs. Not sure on the count.
Why this is important is that the dogs have been getting out lately, so we’ve taken to watching to try to put them back in the fence when we see them. By “we” I mean my housemate Penny. So my glance included whether or not any of his dogs were loose. They weren’t. And this paragraph is a monument to the first three letters of my title, A D D, because I certainly am chasing rabbits right now. FOCUS!
I locked the door and turned to grab the paper and my attention was drawn to the fact that the neighbor was still there, so I thought, good for him, he’s taken the day off today. Then I got to wondering if he was feeling a little abandoned by his family, since he is the only one there now, except for the dogs, and started feeling a little sorry for him. I shut the screen and unlocked my car and climbed in. Got to work and realized I’d forgotten to grab the newspaper. Sigh. Threw my whole routine off.
Since I forgot the hard copy at home, I went on line to scan the news, and clicked on a story I wanted to read and the link took me to another story. Okay. Had no interest in that story so I clicked my link again. The same thing. Now you would think twice would convince me that the link is faulty, oh no, I clicked it twice more just to make sure, then called the thing stupid. Yeah, IT’S stupid.
I think I choose to blame this one on A D D. My focus got shifted off the newspaper and it got left behind. Old age is when I walk into a room and can’t remember what I went in there for, or I open the cabinet and there sits the milk, or open the refrigerator and find the mail.
Brain Leakage? That’s my favorite.
That’s when all the useless information I have stored in my brain finally gets a chance to come out. Usually at the most inopportune times, and the most random statements get made. What’s funny is the person on the receiving end doesn’t know I’ve already had a whole conversation in my head and they are just hearing the end result. You ought to try it sometime. It’s a hoot. I actually believe my eyes twinkle when that happens. It’s a candid camera moment.
Till next time, thanks for playing!
Stevie
Copywrite © 2010 Fort Worth, TX - Stevie Stevens. For information contact faithleap@sbcglobal.net
Friday, July 30, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
My Heroes
I’m putting pen to paper as I’m propped up in bed. It’s nearly midnight and I have to be up to go to work in just a few hours, but the words won’t let me sleep—not till I get them out of my head and on to paper.
I wrote an e-mail earlier today about Queen Liliuokalani and mentioned she was a hero of mine and that got me to thinking about heroes in general. Don’t know if heroes is the correct word, but is it the best description for now.
So indulge me as I share some of mine. When you get your own blog, you can share yours.
Deborah. The only female judge mentioned in the Bible. The original woman in a combat zone.
Queen Esther. For such a time as this. Life or death decisions from a man she married, but hardly knew. She saved her people.
Mary, the mother of Jesus. An unwed, pregnant girl, chosen to be the mother of the savior of the world. How at odds she must have felt with the traditions of her world and promises of the new world her son brought.
Mary, the sister of Lazarus. Shocked a room full of men by using a bottle of perfume as a foot bath. The reasons were lost on all but Jesus.
Maratha, the sister of Lazarus. I refuse to call her the “other” sister, or also the sister, as she is just as important as Mary. She tried so hard. I’d like to think that she mended her ways and became a little more “Mary like”.
Clara Barton and Florence Nightingale. Both of these women sacrificed much to bring relief and treatment to injured and dying soldiers. Standing firm in the face of opposition, they saved lives in time of war. Ms. Barton went on to found the Red Cross and ended up forced out of her own organization and losing her health.
Amelia Earhart. She had an adventurous dream and it cost her her life.
Queen Liliuokalani of Hawai’i. She only wanted what was best for her people. She was jailed and eventually lost her kingdom. She was dignified and respectful through the whole affair.
My grandmother, Esther Stevens. She was a divorced single mom who raised three children at a time when it was socially unacceptable. She gave them her strength and her strong faith in God.
My Aunt Gladys Pierce. She took a lot of good natured ribbing from the family. She spent most of her teaching career with mentally challenged students. She never married, but fiercely loved her nieces and nephews. I’ve been told I’m a lot like her. She gave all children her love and respect.
Friends that God has put in my path: Grandma O, Grandma Jackie, Mary, Charlotte, Sher, Beverly, Penny and Tina, Joyce, Kathy and Cathy . I’ve learned so much just by association. They each give the best parts of themselves.
My niece, Heather. She had her life turned upside down and shaken and has landed on her feet. She gives love to her son and compassion to those she meets through work. Her faith, determination and sense of humor has brought her through much, and will continue to serve her well. I love you, H.
My mother. She gave me life. She showed patience, as I was a strong willed, manipulative child, and she always gave me just enough rope to let me hang myself on several occasions, yet she never let go of the other end. I love you, Mom.
Thank you God for heroes.
Stevie
Copywrite © 2010 Fort Worth, Texas, Stevie Stevens. For information contact faithleap@sbcglobal.net.
I wrote an e-mail earlier today about Queen Liliuokalani and mentioned she was a hero of mine and that got me to thinking about heroes in general. Don’t know if heroes is the correct word, but is it the best description for now.
So indulge me as I share some of mine. When you get your own blog, you can share yours.
Deborah. The only female judge mentioned in the Bible. The original woman in a combat zone.
Queen Esther. For such a time as this. Life or death decisions from a man she married, but hardly knew. She saved her people.
Mary, the mother of Jesus. An unwed, pregnant girl, chosen to be the mother of the savior of the world. How at odds she must have felt with the traditions of her world and promises of the new world her son brought.
Mary, the sister of Lazarus. Shocked a room full of men by using a bottle of perfume as a foot bath. The reasons were lost on all but Jesus.
Maratha, the sister of Lazarus. I refuse to call her the “other” sister, or also the sister, as she is just as important as Mary. She tried so hard. I’d like to think that she mended her ways and became a little more “Mary like”.
Clara Barton and Florence Nightingale. Both of these women sacrificed much to bring relief and treatment to injured and dying soldiers. Standing firm in the face of opposition, they saved lives in time of war. Ms. Barton went on to found the Red Cross and ended up forced out of her own organization and losing her health.
Amelia Earhart. She had an adventurous dream and it cost her her life.
Queen Liliuokalani of Hawai’i. She only wanted what was best for her people. She was jailed and eventually lost her kingdom. She was dignified and respectful through the whole affair.
My grandmother, Esther Stevens. She was a divorced single mom who raised three children at a time when it was socially unacceptable. She gave them her strength and her strong faith in God.
My Aunt Gladys Pierce. She took a lot of good natured ribbing from the family. She spent most of her teaching career with mentally challenged students. She never married, but fiercely loved her nieces and nephews. I’ve been told I’m a lot like her. She gave all children her love and respect.
Friends that God has put in my path: Grandma O, Grandma Jackie, Mary, Charlotte, Sher, Beverly, Penny and Tina, Joyce, Kathy and Cathy . I’ve learned so much just by association. They each give the best parts of themselves.
My niece, Heather. She had her life turned upside down and shaken and has landed on her feet. She gives love to her son and compassion to those she meets through work. Her faith, determination and sense of humor has brought her through much, and will continue to serve her well. I love you, H.
My mother. She gave me life. She showed patience, as I was a strong willed, manipulative child, and she always gave me just enough rope to let me hang myself on several occasions, yet she never let go of the other end. I love you, Mom.
Thank you God for heroes.
Stevie
Copywrite © 2010 Fort Worth, Texas, Stevie Stevens. For information contact faithleap@sbcglobal.net.
Friday, July 9, 2010
I DON'T WANNA WEEK
This was an IDON’TWANNA WEEK. Started with a holiday and then I didn’t want to come back to work, I didn’t want to go to small group, I didn’t want to go to Weight Watchers . . . you name it!
In the midst of the IDON’TWANNA WEEK, I reached a milestone in that I set and reached my Weight Watchers goal. This has been an on-going journey since March of 2008. I didn’t see myself as “whale woman” but knew I needed to lose a few pounds, so off I started, one step at a time, one ounce at a time -- which is really how every journey starts.
I just put my foot out there and off I went. I snacked and munched my way through vacations, holidays and weekends at my parent’s snack laden house. I walked mile after mile burning off calories and sweating. I lost 20 pounds then 30 until I reached yesterday when I had lost a grand total of 47.6 pounds. That is a 2 year old child. That is 190.4 pounds of pressure off my knees when I walk.
Yes, I’m pleased with my success, and the surprised looks I get from people I haven’t seen in a while are great, but that’s not what this is about. This is about that I didn’t want to go to WW yesterday. I knew I had gained, I knew it would be futile, I knew negatives to infinity and beyond, yet I went. Actually I kind of dragged myself there, and look at the good thing that happened! Goal and six weeks to Lifetime membership.
Part of it was that I have been struggling some the past few weeks with the sameness of ordinary life. That nothing major is planned. God and I have been visiting about it, and I got to spend time with my favorite 14 year old and my favorite 10 month old on Sunday. I got to spend Monday with my favorite 10 month old as well. Then I reached a goal yesterday. Been a long time since I set and reached a goal--feels good. Didn’t run out and eat a big Mexican food dinner either. Mostly because I can’t eat big any more, but that is not the reward I want for all this. I posted a before and after picture on Facebook and the comments have been great, but that’s not why I did it either.
Why did I do it? I don’t really know. The doctor suggested I lose a few pounds, but didn’t insist, I just did it because I was nudged by the owner of the temple. I had let my body go and wasn’t honoring God because I was out of shape, so he nudged me. He took the spoon out of my mouth, he helped me walk away from the animal cookies, gravy, birthday cake and large Sonic cokes I kept shoving in my mouth. He walks with me by the river in the 100 degree heat and he smiles down at me at every .2 weight loss. The owner of the temple is pleased with my progress.
And He sees my struggles. That .2 I lost yesterday put me at goal. Sometimes the bigness is in the small things, .2 weight loss, time with special people. And sometimes I just need to climb up in the lap of the one who made me and let him hold me a while, to soothe the hurt feelings, kiss away the tears and let me know he is pleased with me. Remind me that he delights in me. Just as I am, Then he nudges and I become better. He nudges and I WANT to become better.
Not bad for an IDON’TWANNA WEEK.
Here’s to nudges.
Stevie
copywrite © Stevie Stevens, Fort Worth, TX July 2010. For information contact faithleap@sbcglobal.net
In the midst of the IDON’TWANNA WEEK, I reached a milestone in that I set and reached my Weight Watchers goal. This has been an on-going journey since March of 2008. I didn’t see myself as “whale woman” but knew I needed to lose a few pounds, so off I started, one step at a time, one ounce at a time -- which is really how every journey starts.
I just put my foot out there and off I went. I snacked and munched my way through vacations, holidays and weekends at my parent’s snack laden house. I walked mile after mile burning off calories and sweating. I lost 20 pounds then 30 until I reached yesterday when I had lost a grand total of 47.6 pounds. That is a 2 year old child. That is 190.4 pounds of pressure off my knees when I walk.
Yes, I’m pleased with my success, and the surprised looks I get from people I haven’t seen in a while are great, but that’s not what this is about. This is about that I didn’t want to go to WW yesterday. I knew I had gained, I knew it would be futile, I knew negatives to infinity and beyond, yet I went. Actually I kind of dragged myself there, and look at the good thing that happened! Goal and six weeks to Lifetime membership.
Part of it was that I have been struggling some the past few weeks with the sameness of ordinary life. That nothing major is planned. God and I have been visiting about it, and I got to spend time with my favorite 14 year old and my favorite 10 month old on Sunday. I got to spend Monday with my favorite 10 month old as well. Then I reached a goal yesterday. Been a long time since I set and reached a goal--feels good. Didn’t run out and eat a big Mexican food dinner either. Mostly because I can’t eat big any more, but that is not the reward I want for all this. I posted a before and after picture on Facebook and the comments have been great, but that’s not why I did it either.
Why did I do it? I don’t really know. The doctor suggested I lose a few pounds, but didn’t insist, I just did it because I was nudged by the owner of the temple. I had let my body go and wasn’t honoring God because I was out of shape, so he nudged me. He took the spoon out of my mouth, he helped me walk away from the animal cookies, gravy, birthday cake and large Sonic cokes I kept shoving in my mouth. He walks with me by the river in the 100 degree heat and he smiles down at me at every .2 weight loss. The owner of the temple is pleased with my progress.
And He sees my struggles. That .2 I lost yesterday put me at goal. Sometimes the bigness is in the small things, .2 weight loss, time with special people. And sometimes I just need to climb up in the lap of the one who made me and let him hold me a while, to soothe the hurt feelings, kiss away the tears and let me know he is pleased with me. Remind me that he delights in me. Just as I am, Then he nudges and I become better. He nudges and I WANT to become better.
Not bad for an IDON’TWANNA WEEK.
Here’s to nudges.
Stevie
copywrite © Stevie Stevens, Fort Worth, TX July 2010. For information contact faithleap@sbcglobal.net
Friday, July 2, 2010
Fourth of July
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands, one nation, UNDER GOD, indivisible with
liberty and justice for all.
My country was founded by valiant men and women who came over seeking a new start, free from religious oppression. They stepped ashore at Plymouth Rock. They endured indescribable hardships as they sewed the seeds for a new nation.
As the colonies grew, so did the taxation from England, until they were in dire circumstances and most of the money in the new world went back to England.
Finally having enough revolution broke out and my country was born. Courageous men signed their names to the Declaration of Independence not caring what the consequences might be. That’s the holiday we celebrate this week-end, the beginning of our nation. Thirteen colonies united to become one country UNDER GOD. To these great men, less government was better. How different from our government today where more is more.
I am proud to be an American. I get goosebumps when the Star Spangled Banner is played and tears come to my eyes when I see row after row of white cross headstones. People fought and died for this country, and it seems our leaders of today are spitting on their sacrifice.
So in the midsts of our bar-b-ques, and fireworks and family time, let’s pause a moment to remember all those who have fought and are fighting to keep the free in freedom.
Patriotically yours,
Stevie
copywrite 2010, Fort Worth, TX by Stevie Stevens. For information contact Faithleap@sbcgloba.net
liberty and justice for all.
My country was founded by valiant men and women who came over seeking a new start, free from religious oppression. They stepped ashore at Plymouth Rock. They endured indescribable hardships as they sewed the seeds for a new nation.
As the colonies grew, so did the taxation from England, until they were in dire circumstances and most of the money in the new world went back to England.
Finally having enough revolution broke out and my country was born. Courageous men signed their names to the Declaration of Independence not caring what the consequences might be. That’s the holiday we celebrate this week-end, the beginning of our nation. Thirteen colonies united to become one country UNDER GOD. To these great men, less government was better. How different from our government today where more is more.
I am proud to be an American. I get goosebumps when the Star Spangled Banner is played and tears come to my eyes when I see row after row of white cross headstones. People fought and died for this country, and it seems our leaders of today are spitting on their sacrifice.
So in the midsts of our bar-b-ques, and fireworks and family time, let’s pause a moment to remember all those who have fought and are fighting to keep the free in freedom.
Patriotically yours,
Stevie
copywrite 2010, Fort Worth, TX by Stevie Stevens. For information contact Faithleap@sbcgloba.net
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