God's Word for Today

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

In Retrospect......


Well, I see many of you are doing an end of the year retrospective so I thought I would toss mine on the heap as well. 

In thinking about the past year of my life I have to share that there have been many new things, many (many, many, many) difficult things, many painful things, lots of laughter and nearly as many tears to accompany the laughs. 

I began this blogging journey on February 14 (ya know it did not even conncet with me that I started this love affair with blogging on Valentines Day, kind of cool I think) but 126 post later I have found this blogging experience to be one of the most rewarding avenues I have journeyed down this year. 

Over this past 365 days I have encountered so many amazing faith filled bloggers. As I have read your post and you have read mine we have opened our lives and our heart up to each other. I have received comfort, support and a belly laugh when I needed it most. 

Thank you seems very inadequate but it is all I have. 

Contemplating what I would write about has been an interesting journey as well. I love those moments when I feel compelled to pound out a post on my keyboard. I mean "seriously" (to quote a phrase from my favorite show Grey’s Anatomy) what would the world do without the benefit of my opinion. Stop spinning I suppose (yea right!) 

My life has now been altered if ever so slightly, by my entry into the blogging arena. Now when a random... …or thought provoking… or even simply ridiculous thing happens, well it is immediately stored away in the ideas for future post's file. It grows daily by leaps and bounds. 

I also find that now I am incapable of doing anything without the accompanying digital photographs. I mean you never know when something will happen that will merit a post and we all know that if you’re going to blog about an experience you need to have the pictures to go with it. My family has now stopped questioning me for taking bizarre pictures of just about everything. “Just exactly why are you taking pictures of our sock basket?” no longer gets asked at my house. 

My crowing achievement in the blogosphere is learning how to add a Mr. Linky box in a post. I have yet to come up with a creative Mr. Linky worthy blog carnival as of yet so I wait with great anticipation for the inspiration to strike. 

Secondly (and I have to say that I even amazed myself) was figuring out how to add a third column to my blog.  This latest revelation happened only yesterday. I guess you can tech an old dog new tricks after all! I have been so envious of all those wonderful creative bloggers out there with a three column templates that I was nearly drooling. Well I hunkered down last night and resolved to not throw in the towel until I had figured it out. 

After reading through the foreign language also commonly known as “the instructions” about a billion times and starting from scratch at least twice low and behold my blog now has a third column. 

Will wonders never cease? 

Yeaaaa for me!!!!!! 

2009 will bring into my life no doubt a myriad of new thing as well. 

The big 50…

The perils of perimenapause will continue (is it hot in here or is it just me?) 

New friendships…

New arrivals…

Departures…

and the unexpected blessings. 

And all the while life goes on and I get up each morning and go about my normal every day business, check my email to see if I have any comments on our blog, I rejoice when we see that I have a new follower….I wonder why some bloggers have like a billion followers and little old me has only nine, but I rejoice in all nine of you and I am ever so grateful for each and every one of you. 

Life is good! 

As I move into my 50th year on the planet I have to tell ya that I have become so much more comfortable in my own skin, I have a sense about myself that is more that it used to be, or quite possibly I have slipped into the old lady syndrome and I no longer care what others think because of course I am always right (LOL!) 

In any event as the year draws to a close I look back on the year and note that I have survived another one. I have grown and hopefully learned from my mistakes and my brief periods of suffering. 

I continue to thank my Heavenly Father for each moment and remember that as long as I am on my knees in prayer, blanketed in His Living Word and surrounded by like minded sisters and brothers in Christ everything will work to the good and we know what it says in Romans 8:28….that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

I can’t wait to see what 2009 will bring into my life and into yours. 

Happy blogging! 

I love you all! 

Blessings

Robin

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

I see what you're saying - Christmas Edition 2008

Merry Christmas

Here is my contribution to this years "I see what you're saying - Christmas Edition"

It is breif (3:25 minute video) of the Holidays at my house.




Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Blessings
Robin

Monday, December 29, 2008

What a wonderful lazy day.

I slept until 7:30 and woke to a really good cup of coffee, I am savoring the last of my holiday half & half. 

Made a trip to Goodwill to drop off a donation, gotta get that last minute tax deduction. I am sure that my four trash bags full of old clothing will be just the difference in bringing us our huge tax return check (NOT) but they are out of my garage.

My DH turned up some dirt in the front bed, as it was surprisingly warm enough to get out and plant a few iris bulbs given to me by a friend.

Took a nap!

My sweet DH brought me a bunch of yellow roses. They are beautiful!

I continue to wait with great expectation for my Christmas Cactus to bloom. 


This was right before Christmas..It is almost ready to bloom now!!!!!

Bla Bla Bla, no sintelating stories today or deep revelations.


I am just basking in the lazieness of the day!

Blessings
Robin

Friday, December 26, 2008

The expection builds.............



Well after several long evenings with lap top positioned on my knee and ignoring the television and my family I have finally put the finishing touches on my "I see what you're saying" video. 

I have to confess to experiencing moment of obsession over these last few day as I assembled all my necessary pictures and clips, but I also have to share that I now feel like Steven Spielberg as I learned to maneuver around my Movie Maker program. 

We all wait with great anticipation for Tuesday to see what everyone has put together.

Now on to a completely unrelated topic. 

To answer a question that few of you who commented on my "Female-No Alarm" post had.

Much to my dismay I never was able to find out exactly what "Female - No Alarm!" actually meant. 

It remains a mystery!

The world - or me may never know!

Blessings
Robin



Saturday, December 20, 2008

Female - No Alarm!

Several weeks ago (12/5 thru 12/7) God was kind and the circumstances fell into place for me to be able to join my husband for the weekend in Puerto Rico

Before telling you all about how wonderful my trip was I had to take a few moments and share with you a truly unique experience I had at the airport. 

Being the travel impaired individual that I am I left the house at 6:30 am to insure that I would have ample time to make my 11:05 flight. God took pity on me and for a Friday morning the expressway was remarkable free of traffic. 

I arrived at the MARTA station and purchase my Breeze pass, again my inexperience was showing as I ended up paying for two round trip fairs instead of one, but as each trip is only $1.75 I was only slightly inconvenienced and the cards are re-usable as well so I shrugged it off and proceeded up the stairs to my train. 

The trip to the airport takes about 45 minute so I opened a book (The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers, which by the way is very good, not as good as Redeeming Love but a great weekend read) borrowed from a friend and settled in for the ride to the airport. 

Fast forward 45 minutes and I arrive at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. Again God was kind and there were multiple Delta ticketing kiosks available. I stepped up to one with my pre-printed flight information and entered all the proper information and was issues a boarding pass. I was amazed at the ease of the process and my traveler’s anxiety is little by little easing away with each completed step. 

The Delta Ticketing agent on hand pointed me in the right direction toward security. 

A few more moments and I am in the line for the security check, boarding pass and driver’s license in hand I approach the first check point. 

I hand over my boarding pass and the agent, I will call her TSA agent #1 who scribbles on it and circles a few thing all the while mumbling something that with the noise of the crowd about me I can’t hear, she hands me back my boarding pass and instruct me to a different line. 

The second TSA Agent (agent #2) informs me that it is in fact my luck day. 

I have been randomly selected for additional security screening. 

Yaaa for me! 

I am curtly instructed to step into this lovely Plexiglas box. It is open on my end with a door with a handle on the other end. It looked very much like a display case at a history museum. 

As I step into the box, now mind you I am in my stocking feet as my shoes are now being examined for explosives and to my shock and amazement TSA agent #2 loudly (really loud, yelling even) announces to all present 

“FEMALE – NO ALARM!” 

In my mind I am wondering exactly what this means. I turn and walk the few short steps to the end of the display case and try the handle. It is locked. I find this just a bit disturbing. As I am standing in this lovely locked Plexiglas display case desperately juggling the door handle back and forth trying to get out  I have a lot of wonderfully random thoughts which are now running thought my brain. 

To my left I can see the sour looking TSA agent #3 as he is examining my luggage on the x-ray machine. He glances up and I smile as sweetly as I can at him. He looks at me with a scowl and I am wondering what he is thinking. He glares at me and then back at his screen, then back at me a few more time. I have to tell you it was just the littlest bit uncomfortable not to mention intimidating, yet I held my sweetest most genteel smile on my face. 

Again TSA agent #2 yells at the top of her lungs 

“FEMALE – NO ALARM!” 

Silly me, I again try the handle to my display case. It holds firmly locked. 

Again and again (and again) TSA agent #2 yells at the top of her lungs 

“FEMALE – NO ALARM!”

 “FEMALE – NO ALARM!”

 “FEMALE – NO ALARM!”

 I begin to feel like an ancient archeological artifact safety encased on display. “Look boys and girls, this is how travelers looked like in the olden days, note the glazed look of inexperience upon her face!” 

There were a few hand gestures involved “Yes! That’s my bag!” as I point to my carry on. 

Then to my right I can see TSA agent #4 begins to riffle though my grey bin inspecting my purse, my camera bag, and my shoes (again) and my zip lock bags with all my personal necessities. I am wondering if maybe I have exceeded the limit on just how many travel size shampoos you can bring in your carry on or possible if TSA agent #4 is wondering exactly how many times I am planning to wash my hair while I am on vacation. 

Every time TSA agent #2 rang out into the air with her now familiar song of “FEMALE – NO ALARM!”  I was uncertain as to the intended meaning of this now very familiar phrase. 

“FEMALE – NO ALARM!” does this mean: “Please do not worry about this poor unsuspecting woman in the display case. We have her in custody and every thing will be fine. There is NO NEED TO BE ALARMED. 

Or could it possible mean: “Let’s totally freak this poor inexperienced grey headed woman out for no apparent reason because after all there was NO ALARM!” 

I mean really, as I was safely tucked away in my hermetically sealed display case, there was nothing to do but allow my mind to wander. And wander it did! 

Were they going to let me out?

Is agent #4 going to confiscate my flat iron!

Do they really think I am a terrorist disguised as a middle aged mother of two teenagers?

Exactly what does “FEMALE – NO ALARM!” really mean?

How many more time will agent #2 yell out “FEMAILE - NO ALARM!”?

Is agent #3 going to let me have my travel size shampoo back?

I am thinking that I am very glad I have socks on and I am hoping that the last person to stand on this mat inside of this display case had socks on as well! 

Now I am beginning to become really …ALARMED! 

For what seems like the hundredth time TSA agent #2 yells (again) at the top of her lungs “FEMALE – NO ALARM!” and at last the latch at the end of my museum display case magically gives way and I am free. 

I step from my Plexiglas case and breathe a sigh of relief. 

My freedom is short lives as I am approached by TSA agent #5 …. “Step this way please.” He orders. 

I am obedient to the very core of my being and follow him. 

TSA agent #..... what is this now... lets see 1....2....3....4....5.... Ahhh here we are TSA agent #6 approaches me with her security wand. 

We play a wonderful game of “Simon Says”. 

Raise your arms, feet apart, turn around… I was expecting to be told to hop on one foot and do the hooky pooke but she only padded me down, inspected all my pocket and appendages. 

After having gone through this slightly traumatic ordeal, the only explanation for what happen next was that I had reverted back to a child-like state. I pleadingly looked at TAS agent # 6 and politely asked permission “May I sit on this bench and put my shoes on?” 

I already had a game of “Simon Says” so why not “Mother May I” 

As I sat breathing and putting my shoes back on and shoving my zip-loc bags back into my carry on I looked at all my other fellow travelers and I thanked God that I did not work at the airport. 

A few moments later as I settled in to have an egg and sausage croissant and a cup of coffee I had to pull out my journal and record this wonderfully strange and even humorous course of events. 

Once I has successfully purges my brain of the remarkable and some what ridiculous procedures of my security experience I was able to turn my focus to more pressing matters such as sunshine, warm beaches, palm trees and my wonderful husband who would in a few short hours be picking me up at the airport in sunny Puerto Rico. 

After leisurely eating my breakfast, texting my husband to let him know I had arrived safely at the airport and recording the traumatic event of my trip through security I arrived at Delta Gate A-04 at 10:05. 

They begin boarding twenty minutes later. 

So maybe leaving at 6:30 am for an 11:05 am flight wasn’t such a bad idea after all. 

Airport trauma aside, my time with my husband in this beautiful, warm, breezy, sunny, peaceful, relaxing…….place was just the medicine I needed. It was one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating trips we have ever taken. The most strenuous thing we did all weekend long was pressing a few elevator buttons and deciding what to order for dinner each night. 

It was heaven! 









Blessings

Robin

Friday, December 19, 2008

It' all a blur

Oh my where does the time go! 

I have post whirring around in my head, menu plans that need planning, gifts to wrap, working part time, let me clarify so you get the full picture........working part time at an office that is currently moving from an old and cramped office space to a new and more spacious office where I will actually have my very own office with a desk and a chair, it does not take much these days to make me happy. I thought packing my home was a chore. Let's just say yuck! The chaos will be short lived hopefully and all will be back to normal by the middle of next week. Another added bonus is that all the real heavy and complicated parts of the move were taken care of by professional movers. Big yaaaaaa!

Add in the reality of generally being old and to use my new favorite word "decrepit" I find that it at time is simply easier to sit and do nothing rather than obsess over all the thing that have not been done, written or planned, moved or unpacked.

A big thank you to the Microsoft powers that be for expeditious issuing a patch for the security issues. 

I will say that the added bonus to all of this is that I did download a free copy of the Google browser and have found that there is a spell check feature built in to the program. This may not seem like an important detail but for the spelling impaired it is a wonderful tool when you are leaving a comment on a blog, your spelling error's show up and if you right click you are able to correct your mistakes. Unless I am totally misinformed this feature is not available when commenting on a blog using the explorer browser. 

Oh! and my new favorite bargain are some really cool latte' mugs at the final clearance of the Linen's n Thing's going out of business sale! I hate that they are going out of business and all the people who work there are now out of a job, but the mugs are really great!

Well I'm off to unpack my new office, oh my stars I don't think I know how to act. I even have a door and two windows!

As I was brushing my hair and dressing I had additional thoughts for this morning post but in the short time that it took me to move from one room to another as well as a phone call from a friend theses no doubt brilliant thoughts have left my head. 

Blessings
Robin

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Warning! Warning! Danger Will Robinson! Danger! Danger!

Hello to all,
I saw a report on Good Morning America this morning about a press release from Microsoft about a potential security risk using their Explorer browser software. It seems that hackers have forund a flaw in the program (are we surprised!!!! maybe Mac’s are not a bad idea after all) and are able to access secure passwords and other information stored in Explorer. Microsoft is urging people to refrain from using Explorer browser. The news report also said that Microsoft is working on a security patch to fix this problem. Since I am not able to use my browser at home (I am posting this at the office) I am not able to give you the ABC website with the link to this report.

So until Microsoft fixes this problem all those who use Microsoft Explorer, me included will be at risk of having their personal information accessed by unscrupulous hackers. Now I realize that little old me is probably safe from prying eyes, I mean who am I in the grand scheme of things, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

Let us all pray that the powers that be will get this problem fixed. I will soon find out if I can I live with out logging on to my blog for more that a few days or doing a Google search! Well I am about to find out just how addicted I am to blogging and the internet. Are my hands starting to sake or have I had one to many cups of coffee, no internet, no blogging say it ain't so!!!!!!!!!!

Let’s get cracking Bill, I got stuff to say and thing to post and this security risk is getting in my way!
Blessings
Robin

Friday, December 12, 2008

Oh my stars, I got a blog award.

The Lemonade Award

Which recognizes blogs that reveal great attitude and/or gratitude.

My sweet accountability sister and fellow blogger skoots1mom honored me with an award.
I have to tell you that there are not many people who you can completely count on in this life. I know that with out reservation that the friendship we share is one that is built on trust, love and a shared belief in our Heavenly Father. She is one of my dearest friends and has on many occasions been the strength that has held me up when I simply could not bear up under the weight of some very dark valleys.

In an effort to be obedient (well maybe halfway obedient, like skoots1mom I am only going to honor a few of my blogging friends) I am following the directions and passing this award on to several bloggers that I read that for me bring so many different things to my life, not to mention the specified great attitude of gratitude.

Sassy Granny has a unique wit and depth, you may read about history, science, her daily life or just what’s on her mind. I enjoy stopping by for my daily dose of this Sassy Granny. I can now claim my gray hair and unattractive neck as “credentials”. Now I call that a great attitude. Love ya Sassy Granny

http://walkingfaithfully.blogspot.com/: I just love her blog, what can I say the chicken stories and the puppy stories and in general her outlook on life are a breath of fresh air. I feel a kindred spirit with her desire to live simple and frugally. I love her tips and her attitude of appreciation for the simple things of life.

http://meyersonthehood.blogspot.com/: I love her sense of humor, her perspective, her attitude. I find her post to be filled with a sharp wit as well as a true heartfelt caring for those she loves.

Just Ruthie: I love reading about her memories of China, her perspective and her attitude of gratitude, oh and she just became a great granny!!!

I could go on and on and on. Yet I simply do not have time to nominate all of you as I have a Christmas family gathering at my house tomorrow and a company Christmas party tonight and my bathrooms need to be cleaned blab la bla bla…….life happenes while your are posting to your blog.

I have found this exploration into self expression with the written word through blogging one of my most rewarding experiences I have done in a very long time.
It began on a whim and now nearly a year later I have found that it is a source of comfort, friendship, strength, a laugh when it is needed most as well as a sense of connection to something much bigger than myself.
So now here are the rules for this award:

• Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
• Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
• Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
• Share the love and link to this post to the person from whom you received your award.
Blessing
Robin

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Just a Giggle to start the day



Several days ago a sweet friend sent me an email with several Maxine cartoons attached.
The older I get the more similar Maxine and I become.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

What is your favorite ornament?

Before we get to the incredibly Rocket Scientists portion of this blog, I am officially launching my first Mr. Linky opportunity for all to participate in, woo hoooo.

I wanted to give you all a glimpse into no doubt what has happen and is happening all over the world. Our homes are taken from a state of clutter and chaos as we unpack and unwrapped all the decorations and begin the transformation.

So here goes.

The Before...................................................


The After.........................................

Now for the Rocket Scientist portion of this post! I am so impressed with myself for figuring this out, you all will have to forgive me. I am sure (I hope) it will wear off quickly!
So what is your favorite ornament?

I shared with you in a previous post abut my favorite Christmas ornaments. We all have them, the ones made by tiny hands with glitter construction paper and lots of glue. I wanted to share with you my most precious Christmas ornaments.

The first one was made by my son when he was probably 4 or 5 years old. It is a sweet little baby Jesus made from a peanut. It brings back all the wonderful memories of when my son was little and sweet.

The second one was made by my daughter when she was about the same age. She had a special nursery worker, Miss Joy was her name. I attended a Wednesday morning bible study and many times my daughter had Miss Joy all to herself. She was a sweet older woman who loved my daughter just like a grandmother. She went out of her way to provide crafts for the children to make and often times brought things on her own for them to do. It is a simple empty toilet paper holder wrapped in construction paper with some yellow yarn, but its worth to me is more than gold.

I love these two ornaments and it does not feel like the tree is fully decorated until these two ornaments are unwrapped and hung on the tree.

So what is your favorite ornament?

Leave me a comment to let me know you are participation. I know there will be some wonderful ornaments shared as well as all the special memories connected to all that glittter, glue and construction paper.
Merry Christmas
Blessings
Robin

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Thursday, December 4, 2008

I’m leaving on a jet plane……….

It is with great regret (LIKE SO TOTALLY NOT!) that I share with all of you that I will probably not be posting to my bog for the next few days.

Sadly, I have to take a trip to Puerto Rico (OH MY STARS!!, my husband has totally redeemed himself for jetting off and leaving me at home a few month ago to this sunny destination while I was at home with a nasty cold) and bask in the sun and lay on the beach and generally relax and totally not think about my last few Christmas gifts that need purchasing or the nasty day to day dramas that life brings my way.

If I can pull myself away from my lounge chair on the beach I may post a few pictures so you can all feel (totally jealous) like your there with me.

I am flying out in the morning and will have Friday afternoon and evening, all day Saturday and I will fly home on late Sunday afternoon.

I have to praise Jesus for my sweet accountability sister who is opening her home to my daughter for the weekend, my husbands frequent flyer miles, a paid for hotel and rental car, there are a few perks to having a husband who travels from time to time, so all I have to pick up the tab for are my meals while I am there.

You know the song……………

All my bags are packed (almost, a few things are still in the wash)
I’m ready to go

Bla bla bla bla
Bla bla bla bla
Bla bla bla bla
Bla bla bla bla

But, I’m leavin on a jet plane
Don’t know when Ill be back again (on Sunday afternoon, bummer)
Oh babe, I hate to come back home!

Blessings
Robin

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

I couldn't stop with just my house!



I figured since I was decorating my house for the holidays my blog needed a bit of a holiday make-over as well!

Blessings
Robin

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