Nellie's Nuggets

This and That, Thither and Yon'

2007-06-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy few weeks since I last posted. My commitment to maintaining a healthier lifestyle is stronger than ever. God is blessing me in so many, many ways.

I spent a few days in Kingsville helping a friend pack for her in-laws who are moving here to be nearer to family. We were able to get quite a bit packed up and transported to their new townhome. We are anxious for them to make the big move!

After that the two of us and another good friend spent a week at Lake Travis. It was just glorious. The three of us just lounged around, reading, watching movies, floating in the lake, etc. We acted like we didn't have a care in the world. It was a retreat of sorts for all three of us. We've known each other since before any of us had children, so we have lots of history together!

I'm back at home for a few days, but Skip and I will be leaving on Thursday to go hunting at an exotic ranch. We'll spend a night or two with my mom as we go and come back from the ranch. I sure hope he gets some meat for the freezer! Of course, I will not be actually hunting, but I will enjoy the opportunity to get away with Skip and spend some quiet time out in God's beautiful creation.

My "South Beach Buddy" and I are enjoying our efforts. She is one of the "lake trip trio." Even at the lake we had so much fun cooking good, healthy food and encouraging each other. I'm really getting into this cooking thing. Having worked outside the home for so many years, and then with it just being the two of us at home, it has been way too easy to avoid cooking and just head for the fast food or rich and heavy eating out. It is amazing how my tastes have changed in such a short amount of time. Vegetables and fruits never tasted so good. I truly think God is helping me with this by giving me the courage to try new things with confidence. I shall be timid no longer.

I am feeling lots better from a physical perspective and even the scales confirm that I'm being successful. I'm trying not to put too much emphasis on the scales, however. This is much more about being healthy and giving glory to God with this temple he has so graciously given me.

On another exciting note, I'm getting ready to order a new vehicle. My 1999 model has been great, but it's time to get something else. I've settled on a Saturn Outlook. It's a new model for Saturn this year, and it's really a good looking vehicle. I needed something with better fuel economy that would still give me space. There will be room for all of the grandchildren in this one! Not sure we will ever have all of them in the car with us at one time, but just in case....

Guess that covers an update for now. I'll post when we get back from "the hunt" and let you know if there is meat in the freezer.

May those who read this continue to be blessed. I pray for you to experience the presence of God in your lives and to enjoy his bountiful love and grace.

And just for Angie - I'm so proud of you! Know that I'm praying for you every day. We Taurus "bulls" need to stand strong together. God made sure our lives intersected for a special purpose, and our dedication to better physical and spiritual health is surely one of the reasons!

Let's Get Summer Started!!

2007-06-06T09:59:00.000-07:00

I know summer is not "officially" here yet, but in our area of the country it sure feels like summer. We are having our first week of temperatures in the 90's! Hot and humid!!

So, I'm on a mission for the next year (make that the rest of my life). That mission is to improve my physical being. I've spent a year dedicated to my spiritual being, and now it's time to get this Temple in shape!

I was truly inspired by Robin McGraw at the National Women of Faith Conference in San Antonio earlier this year. She talked about losing her mother when her mother was still young and how she missed having her mother with her as her own children grew up, etc. Because of that, Robin makes a very concerted effort to keep herself physically fit. She considers it a gift not only to herself, but to her husband, children, extended family, and to God. Listening to her talk about her mother while my own grown daughter sat next to me was quite convicting. At one point she even gave me a gentle nudge as if to say, "Are you listening, Mom? I don't want to experience what she's talking about. Take care of yourself, please!"

SO, I have begun in earnest. I have a precious friend who has made a commitment with me. We have actually shared our real weight with each other. No one else other than my doctor knows that number! We are currently on the first two weeks of the South Beach Diet. We've done this before and been successful, but as time went by we made poor choices and found ourselves right back where we started - or worse! After talking about it, we decided that maybe it was because we were really trying to do it on our own with no one else helping to hold us accountable. Thus, our commitment to each other was born.

I have also come to realize that I cannot be successful at this if I continue to hate myself for what I have done to my body. That's right I said hate. It's a strong word, but I've realized I had very strong feelings. As a child I was the "skinny" one. Even through college I was very thin, and never seemed to have to worry about my weight. That, in my opinion now, was NOT a blessing. I never learned to eat in a healthy way. I know I was much more physically active then, and that probably accounts for the ease of keeping my weight at or well below recommended levels.

Since then I have yo-yoed my way through more pounds than you care to know about. And I am letting go of thinking about that!

Because of my spiritual growth this past year, I have come to realize that I must first love myself as I am and be content with that. Only then can I truly begin to change things. Acceptance of that has been hard. I am so thankful that God has taught me so much about his unconditional love this last year. What a gift! I believe Him now. Why does it take so long for us (me!) to believe Him? I don't know. I'm just grateful to be where I am now.

I will not be giving weekly specifics on my progress, but I will post occasional "aha" moments and joyful experiences. I appreciate your prayers for me as I enter yet another phase of "growth." And here I thought that by age 58 I would be all grown up. Yea, right! If I ever declare myself fully grown would someone please slap me back into reality?!

My wish for all who may read this is that we will become more and more aware of God's presence in our lives, and more and more dependent upon Him to supply all that we need. He does a great job!!

Another Grandchild!!

2007-05-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted for months, so please forgive me if anyone is reading this.

Last week, our fourth grandchild was born. Hank arrived on Thursday, May 3rd, and weighed in at 8lbs. 8 ozs. and measured 21.5 inches in length. A healthy baby boy, indeed! This is the first child for our son and daughter-in-law. Proud parents and grandparents are still marveling over this little miracle.

Isn't he just adorable? God is so good. We are truly blessed.

On another note, I had a milestone myself yesterday. Yep, turned 58 years old. Whew! One of my best friends from high school sent me a birthday greeting and asked, "Where did the last 40 years go?" Now that was enough to set me off on a journey down memory lane.

So much has happened in those last 40 years since graduation from high school. As I reviewed major events, both joyful and sad, I realized once again how present God has been in my life. I didn't always recognize his hand, but I can see now that he was always there. What a comfort.

I hope that you can see and hear God in your life. If you haven't seen him in a while, take a look around. I mean a good, long, in depth look. It won't take you long to see him. You will be amazed how present he is and what gifts he gives you every day!

I think I'll go now and spend a little one on one time with him.

I have lots of good things to share with him!

I've Been Tagged!

2007-01-15T18:27:00.000-08:00

This one is fun!

Here is how it works:
1) Grab the book closest to you
2) Open to page 123, go down to the fourth sentence
3) Post the text of the following three sentences
4) Name the author and book title
5) Tag three people to do the same

"I find that when I travel, I can easily and enthusiastically practice four offices per day: morning, noon, evening, and nighttime. However, when I'm home, it's a lot more difficult to separate myself from Julie and our three young children to go off and pray. Julie and I have experimented some with involving our kids, and I imagine this will be easier as they get older."

The Sacred Way by Tony Jones

The chapter from which these sentences are taken deals with the discipline/practice of The Daily Office. For those unfamiliar with this practice, it involves setting aside a period of time several times throughout the day to read selected readings of scripture and to pray. It is a part of what is sometimes referred to as "keeping or praying the hours."

I have been doing this for a few months now with the help of The Divine Hours by Phyllis Tickle. I highly recommend it!

And finally, I tag Angie B., Mary Lou, and Dusty R.

Renewal

2007-01-10T10:13:00.000-08:00

At the behest (isn't that a great word?!) of my friends Angie and Dusty, I am returning to blogging. The two of them shamed me into it during our Growing Deeper Spirituality retreat in Nashville last week. Thanks, my friends, for your encouragement!

One of the reasons I stopped blogging regularly was because I get so caught up in reading other people's blogs and am so impressed by their thoughts that my own thoughts seem small and insignificant.

Lots of things have happened in our family since I last blogged, but one of the happiest is that we are now awaiting the birth of our fourth grandchild in early May. Our son and daughter-in-law are expecting their first child, and it's a boy. They live a mile or less away from us, so it will be a new experience to have a grandchild that close. What fun!

This week I have been "confined" at home due to the fact that my car is in the shop for repair and "renewing." I have a 1999 Expedition that has been one of the best vehicles we have ever owned in terms of reliability. We have had to do very little with it other than the routine maintenance outlined in the owner's manual. We have a great mechanic that works on our vehicles when necessary, and we trust him explicitly to tell us what needs to be done. Thus, when I took the car in on Monday, I told him to look it over well and fix anything that needed attention. We are coming up on 100,000 miles after all! Yes, I run the roads frequently!

Later in the day on Monday, he called with news of what needed to be done. Let's see, the wheel bearings needed to be repacked because they were almost dry; we needed to have the transmission system flushed; the cooling system flushed; plugs replaced; and new shock absorbers. Whew! It seems like a lot, but considering how little we have had done to the vehicle since we bought it, it's not a surprise.

All of that got me to thinking about what would need repairing if I took myself in for a spiritual check-up. Hmmm... don't think too long about that! Seriously, I really have come to acknowledge that for years (and years) and I have done little more than "routine maintenance" on my spiritual life. Being involved in the "Growing Deeper" program has forced me to see areas of my life that need attention and repair/renewal.

Dry wheel bearings: I haven't maintained my spiritual bearings for the last few years. Getting back into the Word and spending time with God has added the lubricant of his constant, unconditional love.

Transmission system flush: Just what was keeping me going smoothly? There was a lot of sludge in my heart and mind that needed to be flushed out so that I could "change gears" in a more forgiving, loving manner.

Cooling system flush: Ah yes, the cooling system. It needed a good cleaning as well. Sometimes I allowed myself to get way too "hot" about something, bordering on the boiling point. Other times I was so "cold" about things that I refused to involve myself at all. My system needed flushing so that I can have a balance to keep things on as much of an even "temperature" as possible.

Plugs replaced: What was I plugging into all the time? Unfortunately, I was plugged in far too deeply to the things of this world. My plugs were shot because they were connected to the so called power of this world. My plugs have been replaced and are securely connected to the Lord and His power.

New shock absorbers: Without good shock absorbers, you have a pretty rough ride with sometimes unexpected jolts. That's been true of my life for a while now. Even with good shock absorbers you get an occasional jolt. The difference is that you have something to soften it. I needed new shock absorbers. I needed to be riding on the Word of God. His Word and His constance presence in my life are the only things that can soften the jolts of this life and remind me that He will hold me securely no matter how rough the road gets.

My knowledge of vehicle mechanics is quite limited, so some of my comparisons may be lacking; however, the beginning of each new year gives all of us a chance to renew some things. I've found I needed to renew lots in my spiritual life. God is helping me.

What about you? Have you been in for a spiritual check-up lately? Don't be afraid. God can renew/repair whatever needs attention. Trust Him.

I'll do my best to post at least once a week from now on. The next post will be much, much shorter, I'm sure!

And for my friend, Dusty. I would love to get my 4 year old granddaughter together with your 3 year old daughter. They are both beautiful! Here's a picture of my granddaughter.

Awake!

2006-08-10T04:25:00.000-07:00

It is not quite 6:30 a.m. and I have been awake now for almost two hours. Have you ever just been awakened from a very brief but restful sleep and you can't go back to sleep even though it is not nearly time to wake up, much less GET up? It happens to me every once in a while. I really believe it is the Holy Spirit prodding me to spend some time in quiet communion with God.

I've realized that when it happens, I usually have something that has been on my mind - in the far recesses of active thinking- that I need to make a decision about or come to some conclusion about. I've had several such things on my mind of late. For example, how to handle a situation with a friend who is going through a difficult time in her marriage; what I want to teach when I start teaching ladies Bible class later this fall; how all of my study about the spiritual disciplines will really affect my life and what effect that will have on others like my family and friends.

This morning I felt a calling to prayer. I've spent the past hour or more in prayer about the things I've mentioned. I praise God that He has given me direction and some answers. He is so good. I can't share all of the answers I have received this morning. Some of them are just too personal. My purpose in posting this morning is just to remind myself and anyone who cares to read this that God speaks to us in so many ways. I haven't always listened. I've had to learn to be quiet and be still. You don't have to wait for God to come to you. He is always there. We must learn to just be still and quiet and accept his presence. He wants to hear you and he wants to talk to you. That's why I was awake this morning. God called me through the Spirit, and we have had a great conversation!

Reading and Writing - Again!

2006-07-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

I really thought I was finished with "school" when I retired from public education last June. But I guess school never leaves someone who "played" school as a child, taught school from age 22-48 years old (with a few years off to raise our children), and administrated at school as a 50+ year old. It must be in my blood. Or maybe it's not school that's in my blood, but a yearning for learning. I think that's it.

Anyway, I'm hitting the books again and writing responses to the reading. It's all a part of the Growing Deeper Spirituality program I am doing through the ZOE Group in Nashville. As usual, I've been a bit of a procrastinator in getting all of my work done in preparation for a retreat/residency in Nashville week after next. Reading Marjorie Thompson's Soul Feast and Holloway and Lavender's Living God's Love has kept me busy. I need to complete my response papers to these two books before I go to Nashville. That's not really hard. I just do a lot of "marinating" over my words before I "publish" when I am required to turn something in. Also have to write a spiritual autobiography. That one is finished in my head, but not on paper.

These readings and all of the prayer, reflection and contemplation associated with this program are revealing a lack of discipline in my life. Is it ever too late to develop self-discipline? I hope not! It's not that I'm not disciplined in some areas of my life. It has just become more and more apparent to me that I need to spend much more time with God alone than I have been doing most of my life. The time I have taken to sit quietly and just listen for Him has resulted in so much more than I expected.

I highly recommend these two books. They will challenge your thinking and introduce some new ideas for many.

Need to get back to the task at hand:hitting the books and getting those words on paper. This next week I'll be gone to a mini-retreat at a lake house near Austin. That should provide me with the final drafts of my assignments as well as provide an opportunity for some quiet relaxation.

Will try to post again before I leave for Nashville. Have a great week!

Catching Up

2006-07-02T17:13:00.000-07:00

Since I last posted, we have been quite busy. Skip and I helped Sarah and Easy move into their new home, and we all celebrated Paris' 4th birthday. Yes, the Princess is FOUR! It doesn't seem possible. Of course, I can hardly believe that I have been retired for a year as well. This time last year I had no idea that we would have another grandbaby, Sarah and Easy would move into their first dream home or that I would have lived at my mother's house for three months of the year. Whew! I get tired all over just thinking about it all. I hate having to admit that age is making a difference in the time it takes me to recover from all of this activity.

I'm still trying to figure out how to insert pictures at different locations in my post, so here are some pix from the Big Move as well as from the birthday party. Enjoy!

Easy loading items into our vehicles.

The new dining room full of stuff!

In Vivi's new nursery.

The house!

Now for some shots from the birthday party:

Paris enjoying the water.

Tripp loves the water as well.

The cake was beautiful thanks to Kara Dennis!

The new aquarium from Uncle Matt & Aunt Kara is a big hit! She now has three fish in it: Ernie, Howie and Fishie (Fishy?)

Vivi is not quite sure about all of this. Maybe by Christmas she'll be more into the party atmosphere. Oh my! Three children at Christmas - I better start shopping soon!!

As you can see our lives are full and happy. The Lord has blessed us richly and we thank Him. May He bless each of you reading this as well as we approach our celebration of independence in our nation.

More later.....

I've Been Busy!

2006-05-16T15:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's been months and months since I posted anything. But I have really been very busy. In December my mom fell and broke her hip. She is 84. This was the first really serious health problem that Mom has had in many years. She required two surgeries before the hip was really repaired. After the first surgery, she had quite a bit of pain and was having lots of trouble getting around. After the second surgery she had hardly any pain, and she is now walking well with a cane. She is still frustrated that she is so slow, but I think she is doing a wonderful job in her recovery. I stayed with her for 3 months, and during that time I did not have much time to blog, although I did enjoy reading other people's blogs!

After returning home, I was busy preparing to help our daughter, Sarah, who was expecting our third grandchild - another girl. Vivian Faith Foster was born on April 21st and weighed 7lbs. 6 ozs. She was 19-1/2 in. long. She lost a good bit of weight after her birth, but now she is gaining and is filling out those newborn outfits! (See her picture above!!)

I'll try to post much more often now that my life is somewhat back to normal. Whatever normal is! I have lots of thoughts and lots of things that have happened over the past few months, so I'll be sharing a few of them each week. And, of course, I'll keep you updated on all of the family.

I just love being a grandmother. (Or, in my case, I love being Graggie!)

It's Veterans Day

2005-11-11T05:46:00.000-08:00

As I picked up the newspaper this morning and turned on the morning news, I was inundated with information about Veterans Day today. Being a "military brat" it always brings me joy to see our current military men/women and our veterans being given honor for their service.

I have not been directly associated with the military for many years now, as my father retired from the Air Force while I was in college, and my husband was out of the Navy when we met. However, I still vividly recall my childhood in the military. That's right, my childhood "in the military." If you are a member of a military family, you might as well consider yourself part of the military. Especially if your family happens to live on base/post.

Although at the time, the negatives of being a military child seemed dramatic, I now consider most of those negatives to be positive experiences. Especially the moving around, changing schools, etc. It was so hard to move just when you seemed to have settled in to a community, a church, a school, and had formed strong friendships. I was distraught every time we moved. I was a relatively shy, quiet child, and it was a challenge to be one of the "new" kids at school so often. You know, figuring out the pecking order of the class, learning which teachers were cool/uncool, and making new friends! Not to mention that the school curriculum was not the same. Our last move to Texas when I was in high school resulted in my being in several classes with all seniors although I was only a junior. That's not because I was so smart, it's just that the curriculum in the state of Virginia was a little ahead of the state of Texas at that time. That was especially interesting because I was going to a high school in a smaller community, and I was one of only two new kids in the junior class at school that year. Can you imagine? That's a whole "nother" story as they say. But all of that moving around gave me wonderful opportunities for travel and forced me to learn how to make friends more easily.

I wouldn't trade all of those experiences for anything! I had a blessed life then just as I do now.

I guess that today just caused me to reflect on how we often think of the men/women in uniform as individuals in their service. But that is not the case. The spouses and children of these individuals as well as their parents and siblings also serve. As you stop today to give thanks for our military, remember all of their family members as well. They too serve our country.

As I went to hang our flag outside this morning, I stopped to think about my own family and how being in military service impacted our lives. I also thought of the families of all of my uncles who served. It was a sweet moment for me. Among my extended family members well over 150 years of military service was given in the twentieth century. I am proud to have been a part of that. Thank you Daddy, Uncle George, Uncle Clyde, Uncle James, Uncle Forrest (all of whom are now reaping heavenly rewards) and my precious husband, Skip. You all served well.

God bless all of our veterans, their families, and all who currently serve our country.

Tagged!

2005-09-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

All righty, Miss Deana! You tagged me, so here goes:

7 Things I plan to do before I die:

Take an Alaskan cruise
Write something that gets published
Watch my grandchildren grow up
Get my closets organized
Throw away unnecessary paperwork (after I determin what is really necessary!)
Refinish at least one piece of furniture
Be a great-grandma!

7 Things I can do

Play the piano
Make a great pound cake from scratch
Be a good friend
Tie a cherry stem in a knot with my tongue
Teach elementary, junior high and high school
Stay up very late and still get up early in the morning (at least I can do that now)
Skin a deer (I have pictures!)

7 Things I cannot do

Turn a cartwheel
Pick up snakes (eww!)
Lose weight quickly
Draw, paint beautiful pictures
Stay mad at my husband
Stay away from my grandchildren longer than a month
Make good gravy

7 Things that attract me to another person

Humor
Compassion
Belief and faith in God
Wisdom
Eyes
Smile
Integrity

7 Celebrity Crushes

Robert Redford
Paul Newman (Okay, so I'm old!)
John Grisham (yes, the author)
John Travolta
Harrison Ford
Kevin Spacey
Tom Selleck

7 Things I say the most

Absolutely
Hush, Willie!
Down, Dudley!
Yes, I fed the dogs
How are my babies? (grandbabies)
I'll pray about that
Love you!

7Bloggers I'm tagging

Sarah Foster
Sarah Paulk
Matt
Sandy
Kyle
Gina
Lesa

17,500 MPH??!!

2005-07-26T14:07:00.000-07:00

Did you see the shuttle take off today? Being a newly retired person who has not yet tired of being able to lazily drink my morning coffee and read the paper while listening to Regis and Kelly, I caught it in real time.

I couldn't help but hold my breath and say a prayer for safety as the engines began to roar and the fuel ignited in preparation for launch. Then, I sat mesmerized as I watched the launch and thought about where it was headed and the people who were on board. This from a woman old enough to have also been mesmerized when Alan Shepherd simply went straight up and came back down decades ago. (Every school child watched on a TV in the classroom. That was really high tech for the age!)

As the shuttle headed for orbit, the announcer gave updates on the height and speed achieved. I heard him say that a speed of 17,500 mph would be reached in order to send the ship into orbit. I can't even imagine 1,000 mph, much less 17,000+. (I almost said I couldn't image 100 mph, but then I remembered some of my youthful escapades in one tank of an Oldsmobile on some south Texas highways.)

I was struck by this level of speed. Here I am trying to slow down my life and these folks are being subjected to high speed in order to go into orbit. You know, I think high speed is what causes most people to go into orbit.

Have you noticed that when we remain calm and steady we don't have as much tension or friction with others? I haven't "gone into orbit" since I retired. Wow! No wonder my husband is so pleased to have me at home. I'm a nicer person.

Crazy, random thoughts brought on by a historical moment in the ventures of space exploration.

I'm glad I don't have to get to that high level of speed to reach the heavens and speak to and know my Father. "Be still and know that I am God." Thank you, Lord, for giving me the best reason in the world to be still!!

What Have I Done Today?

2005-07-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

This week we have had our 3 year old granddaughter with us for a vacation. I'm not sure exactly whose vacation it has been. A little bit of the 3 year old's and a little bit of her mother's and a little bit of mine and Skip's. We have all enjoyed a different week - a vacation of sorts from our routines.

In the midst of this, I have been reading blogs and have found an interesting thread of commonality among the ones I have read. It seems that many of us, especially with the occurence of terrorism in London this week, are finding ourselves wondering what we need to do or can do to make a difference in this world of ours.

It has caused me to think about "What have I done today?" Exactly what have I done on any given day to be Jesus to others and give hope to those who thought there was no evidence to support any hope. How have I lived my life so that anyone watching me would see Jesus? What have I said, even in passing, that would tell others where they can find hope and peace in the midst of turmoil? How have I used my time? Have I been reading something daily that will help me know the heart of Christ better? Have I been so self-absorbed that I failed to see a simple need that I could have met for someone else? These are basic questions, but I believe that we have to start with the basics in order to grow.

In the days and weeks to come I will be asking myself these questions and more every day in an attempt to improve how I live my life as a child of God and a sister of Jesus Christ.

Answered Prayers!

2005-07-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

Our son-in-law has a new job! Praise God. He starts his new employment on July 11th. Thanks to all of you who have been praying for this with us. It is such a joy to see God working. We thought on several occasions that a job was in the works, and it didn't happen. Now we know that it was because this was the job Easy was to have.

Our week with Paris Grace has begun. What fun we are having! She is just a typical three year old in her freedom, as well as her demands. Those of you who have forgotten what it is like to have a 3 year old around don't know what you are missing. I'm sure I will have adventures to share within the week.

Are You Focused?

2005-06-30T00:35:00.000-07:00

A few months ago our family became amused at our granddaughter's use of the word "focused." It seems our daughter and son-in-law had been telling her, "Paris, focus" whenever they were trying to talk to her about something important or helping her do something she was having difficulty doing.

She would announce at various times, "I'm focused." Then, about a month ago, my mother (Paris' great-grandmother) asked her what she was focused on. She answered, "John." Now John happens to be a little boy who was in her pre-school class. Whenever Paris says John's name, it is drawn out and she smiles and ducks her head a little. All of this from a just turned 3 year old.

We continue to ask Paris who/what she is focused on, and her answer changes from day to day and time to time. For instance, when she and her mother had a day just for the two of them last week, she told her mom, "Mommy, today I am focused on YOU!" Isn't that sweet?

As I've pondered this little expression of hers - I'm focused- it has become a point of consideration for me. Who am I focused on? What am I focused on? Is it myself and my own needs? My husband and his needs? Our extended family and their needs? My friends and their needs? And then I pull myself up short and hear that inner voice reminding me that I should be focused on God, His Word, my brother Jesus and their needs.

Woa, Nellie! What are their needs? That I should write their words on my heart, worhip them, submit myself to them wholly, and live my life so others will come to know them as I do: master, savior, friend, the ones in control.

Ah, yes, the FOCUS. Unfortunately, I frequently have been rather myopic in my focus. I've kept my focus up close and it has not extended outward to the long range vision area. I question myself on how I have shown God/Jesus to others.

Then tonight at church, one of my favorite people (because he is so unselfish and humble) shared thoughts on making God our focus and finding ways to show him to others in our every day life. Kaboom!! Hit in the head with it again. Okay, okay, I'm getting the message. I haven't yet shared with my friend that God spoke to me through him. Yes, I'm one of those people who believe that God speaks to us if we will just learn to be quiet and listen.

It has been placed in my heart and head to be more focused on God and Jesus and to strive to find better, stronger ways to live their ways for others to see. Come join me as I seek to focus more on God, to write His Word deeper on my heart, to acknowledge Him with all I do, and to show Him to others with my life.

Lord, thank you for sending me this message through a precious child and a dear friend. Help me to "keep my focus" and send someone to remind me when my focus gets fuzzy.

Keep on Prayin'!

2005-06-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

The latest news on the job search is encouraging. A second interview with a large company in Houston went well today. We are almost fearful of getting our hopes up, but I have decided to just outright claim this job for my son-in-law. I was listening to KSBJ while in my car during the day today (running errands, shopping, etc.) and I just had this "feeling" that good news was on its way. I know, I know, feelings are not always to be trusted, and the good news may not be this particular job, but it certainly was an encouragement. So, keep the prayers going - I'll keep you posted!

By the way, the shopping I was doing was for my granddaughter's third birthday tomorrow. Her party is on Saturday, and she is so excited. Most of the kids in her pre-school class had birthdays in June, and she has attended all of their parties. She was counting down to her own party by listing the parties that came before hers. When she went to the latest party on Tuesday, she announced to her mother as they left, "Now it's my turn!" Ah, the joys of childhood. Can't wait to see her!

In the meantime, I'm realizing that every day should be a birthday party of sorts. Every day is a new day in my life with Christ. Because of his cleansing blood and grace, I get a "do-over" when I need one. Praise God for the glorious sacrifice of his son and for the mercy he shows me every day. May I never take it for granted, but share the joy and hope that comes from a committed, continual walk with Christ. He will even carry me until I am strong enough to stand. What a gift every day - it's a present, just like a birthday present only - better!

Please pray for a job!

2005-06-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

Have you ever needed a job? I mean REALLY needed a job? Well, my sweet son-in-law needs a job. He is so talented and intelligent. He was laid off from his job last October just before their second child was born.

Thus far, their little family has been able to keep things going with small jobs on the side and with a little help from an inheritance from a grandmother. But, my goodness, it is time for a JOB!

They had a disappointment earlier this week when a job he interviewed for went to an individual who already worked with the employer. Bless their hearts, they took the disappointment in stride and said that maybe that family needed the job more than they did.

Anyway, if you read this, please pray for a job for my son-in-law to become reality. They have been very faithful and have not questioned why things have gone the way they have.

We all know that God will provide. I just believe ever so strongly in the power of prayer.

I'll keep you posted!

I Miss Daddy

2005-06-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

Well, this Father's Day is almost over, but I realized again today just how much I miss my father. It has been seven and a half years since he passed away, yet there are still times that missing him just engulfs me.

It happened at church this morning when one of the men spoke about fathers before leading a prayer. He mentioned that there were probably many in the audience who had lost their fathers and WHAM! it hit me. I miss Daddy.

I don't think we ever get over losing our parents. Mom is still with us, and I don't like to think about the fact that one day she will be gone as well. She is such a feisty, fun woman of 83!

Daddy would be so proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He would delight in spoiling Paris Grace, and Tripp, too. Although we tend to think that all men want a son, Daddy was always partial to little girls. My sister and I were so fortunate to have a father who showed his love to us in so many ways: by providing for us, laughing with us while playing games, loving our mother so dearly, and of course, by disciplining us when we made bad choices. He was probably the most forgiving man I have ever known. (My husband runs a close second!)

I shed some tears this morning as I thought of Daddy and how much all of us miss having him here with us. Then I wiped away the tears as I remembered where he is and with whom he now lives. Wow! Talk about a gift.

I miss you, Daddy. I am so blessed and thankful you were my father.

Another "Last"

2005-06-16T19:17:00.000-07:00

Today I attended my last official Principals' Meeting for GCCISD. It felt strangely euphoric as I listened to the issues being discussed and knew that I would not have to deal with them come August. One of my colleagues accused me of being absolutely giddy. I must agree that I felt that way.

Another retiring principal and I were "roasted" by our supervisors before being presented with a lovely gift of recognition for our years of service. As I listened to the "incidents" of my career recalled by my peers I had to laugh with the group. Especially when I was presented with a pair of suspenders to hold my skirt up. That was given in remembrance of the time my skirt literally fell off while I was teaching second grade. As I recall, that happened during year 2 or 3 of my career in Goose Creek, and through the years I have never been able to live that one down. Someone always remembers and mentions it. The best part is that whoever brings it up always mentions that I seized it as a teachable moment to tell all of the little girls that now they could see why it was important to always wear a slip! Of course, if I am wearing a skirt when the story is told I always have to prove that I still wear a slip. Someone asked me about it after the meeting today, and I was able to slightly lift the hem of my skirt and verify that ,yes, I still wear a slip!

As my final days of work are quickly coming to a close I realize what a very special time in my life the past 17 years have been. During that time our children have graduated from school, married (quite happily), and I have been blessed with two beautiful grandchildren. I went back to school, earned my Master's Degree and Administrator Certification, became an assistant principal and then a principal. All of that while staying married to the love of my life, Skip. The combination of personal and professional goals that have been met are strong reminders that I can do nothing without God and the saving grace of Jesus.

I have always tried to share my faith and beliefs to as great an extent as I legally could in my professional life, and I know in several instances I have been an influence for good. It is so very true that God will guide you and that with his watering you can bloom where you are planted. I have also come to realize that his pruning, though painful at times, has allowed me to be a better servant for him.

Now I look forward to the next opportunities he will place before me. How can I not be excited?! What awaits me? Where will he lead me? How can I serve him more? I'll keep you posted as I discover the answers.

(By the way, the latest book I am reading is Leaving the Saints by Martha Beck. (Sorry, but I don't know how to underline. Let me know if anyone reading this knows how to do that.) I am about half way through the book, and it is very interesting. I saw her on TV doing an interview and was curious to read her book. She shares some interesting facts about the Mormon church.)

2005-06-11T18:18:00.000-07:00

The TEPSA Conference was great. Lots of fun and laughter with many of my colleagues. Oh yes, I did some shopping as well. Bath & Body Works was having their semi-annual BOGO sale. (I love BOGO!)

And, of course, I had to visit Gymboree and purchase new outfits for Paris and Tripp. Couldn't leave Skip out, so a trip to Barnes & Noble resulted in a new military novel for him.

Just so you know, all of these shops are within walking distance from the hotel, and I didn't miss a single session I was scheduled to attend. :)

Once I left Austin, I traveled straight (well, maybe there was a curve or two) to Bryan/College Station to meet up with Sarah and family to travel on to Baytown. That was Thursday evening. Early, early Friday morning, Sarah and Easy left with friends to head to Atlanta for a business conference. Fortunately for them they were ahead of Hurricane Arlene on their way there, and it looks like they will be missing most of the action on their way home tomorrow. Thank you, Lord.

Paris, Tripp, Dadoo and I (that's the Graggie part!) have had a great day together today. Slept late (as in 6:30 instead of 5:00) and then played all morning. Skip mowed and edged while I did laundry and cleaned up the kitchen. Can you believe I still know how to get things done with two children - one almost three and the other one almost 8 months?!! I really impressed myself. Maybe I need them around all of the time. I think I have accomplished more with them here than I do when I don't have them. Then again, maybe it's just my new focus. What do you think?

The kids are down for the night, I've had my shower and shampoo, so I'm going to get a cup of tea and sit back and read my latest.

I'll give you a review after I finish reading it! That's it for today's nugget.

Paperwork is a drag!

2005-06-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

Retiring is great, but completing all of the paperwork to do it is really a pain! I spent at least two hours today filling out forms, getting signatures, making copies of birth certificates, etc., etc. And all of this was to enable me to FINALLY be free of so much paperwork!!

Whew! Who knew when I entered the education profession that it would be so full of paperwork, when all I wanted to do was teach students. My, my can we cut down any more trees?!

I'll be gone for the next few days to TEPSA Conference in Austin. That's the annual conference for elementary principals. I decided to go this year to have one final trip with my colleagues. And since I plan to stay up to date on education, it will give me an opportunity to hear some of the latest (but maybe not the greatest) news in elementary education. Of course, along with attending sessions at the conference, there will be some shopping and opportunities to indulge in visiting some of our favorite restaraunts. ( P.F. Chang's and The Cheesecake Factory!!) I'll try to be good. Don't want those pounds I've lost to come creeping back.

I'll give a report on my journey when I return. Now I have to go pack!

Retirement is coming soon!!

2005-06-05T15:04:00.000-07:00

I guess anyon who read this is wondering why I haven't "blogged" since spring break. Well, so much has happened, I'll summarize: I decided to retire at the end of this school year, I had major surgery to repair a very large hernia, we closed school for the children at the end of May, and now I am in the process of cleaning out my office, finishing up all the paperwork that principals do in the month of June, and looking forward to my last day - June 30th!

Wow! I am so excited about retiring. More time with my mom and the rest of my family is what really urged me towards my decision. Of course, some events related to school also played an important role. As far as that goes, I mostly just got tired of all the "junk" that comes with trying to do the best you can in a difficult position. Since I am in a position to take early retirement, I decided that I could do more with my time and be a much happier person if I retired now instead of later. Make sense? If not, it's okay, because it makes sense to me.

Hmm.. what shall I do with all of the time I will have now? Travel, read books, sleep late (if I can!), watch movies, do some writing, get more involved with church related activities, get deeper into the Word and have a closer walk with God. I like the sound of it all. Can't wait to get started. But first I think I'll take a Sunday afternoon nap - they're the best!!

Back to School

2005-03-13T19:35:00.000-08:00

Spring Break has been awesome. Getting away to Lake Travis with friends was a wonderful retreat from the "real world," and spending time with family is always a treat.

So, it's back to school and the goings on at Pumphrey Elementary for me tomorrow. We'll find out how our first round of TAKS Reading testing went for our 3rd and 5th graders. I feel good about it, so I hope my feeling is on target. We need a boost.

Went to our small group meeting tonight. What a blessing! It was great to hear the stories of some of our group members and know them on a deeper level. Who knew that Harold and Don knew each other in high school and at Lee College?!

Take care everyone and let your light shine for the Lord!

N

I'm a Blogger?!

2005-03-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I've joined the blogging craze. Like my friend, ML, I started this only because I wanted to respond to one of her blogs. Go figure! Anyway, I'll give it a try and see if this is as much fun as it looks.

Later!
Nellie