Monday, February 21, 2011
NATIONAL AMERICAN MISS...365 !!!: Meet The 2010-2011 National All-American Miss Jr. ...
NATIONAL AMERICAN MISS...365 !!!: Meet The 2010-2011 National All-American Miss Jr. ...: " Hello my name is A’lycia Hill I am a junior at Walter Hines Page High School. My activities include cheerleading, student council, p..."
Friday, February 18, 2011
Happy Birthday Nana!
Today my mom, more affectionately known to many as Nana, is 91 years young. This blog is dedicated to her.
What a blessing it is to be her daughter!
My memories of my mother are pleasant ones. I used to call her my 'head cheerleader.' She was a constant source of support and encouragement. Much of who I am today can be attributed to the positive influences of my mother and my grandmother (more about my grandmother on her birthday next week). I speak of my mom in past tense, not because she is deceased, but because Alzheimer's has adversely affected her cognitive abilities to the point that sometimes she doesn't know who she is speaking with when I call her on the phone. The memories of her live on in me, though.
My mom said that growing up, I was a 'daddy's' girl. I'm not too sure about that. My father was an awesome provider. I never really lacked anything. Not while growing up, anyway. I grew up in a middle class family and I knew if I wanted anything, all I had to do was ask my father. But mom gave much more than material possessions. Mom gave of herself. Mom loved me unconditionally, totally, completely. She believed I could do anything, become anything, accomplish anything I set my mind to do. Even when I fell short of her expectations (which I did frequently), she would still believe in me and encourage me to keep trying. 'I can't' was not part of her vocabulary nor would she allow it to be a part of mine.
Mom genuinely loved people and people loved her (and still do). You couldn't be around her without feeling loved and accepted, no matter where you were in life. In her older years, youth and young adults gravitated toward her. She was always so open and loving. Her job as an administrative assistant to the Dean of the Library School at the University of Chicago was perfect for her. The students loved her and were constantly 'hanging out' in her office.
Mom always lived a 'good' moral life. She had been exposed to church and religion all of her life. Her father had even been a Methodist minister. Her heart's desire was always to help and encourage others in what ever ways she could. It wasn't until her retirement years, however, that she fully accepted Christ as Savior. And if you were ever around her, you knew that Jesus was her Lord. She made sure of that. Somehow, the conversation would always turn to accepting Christ and going to church, whether she was talking to a friend or family member or even if she was talking to a complete stranger. The last time I visited her, Alzheimer's had fully set in, yet before I left, she broke into a very LOUD rendition of 'Jesus Loves Me.'
In many ways, I think my life now has begun to mirror my mom's I genuinely love people and people love me (I think). I am unashamedly Christian. I love youth, many of whom affectionately call me 'Grandma.' My heart's desire is to minister, encourage and love others. That is my ministry and the purpose of this blog.
Thanks Mom for your unfaltering love. Thank you for your encouragement and influence in my life and in the lives of others. Thank you for your legacy. Your love is priceless. I am indeed a blessed woman!
Happy Birthday, Nana!
Love,
Your daughter
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Simplicity-KISS
As I write this blog, I wonder if my words are 'flowery' enough. Do I need a Thesaurus within reach? I guess if I really wanted to impress, I could greatly 'expound' on just about any subject. Maybe more synonyms, antonyms, adjectives and adverbs would drive more traffic to my blog or make for more interesting reading.
I'm not out to impress, though. I'm too old for that. I'm not being paid for what I do, so I am not compelled to dot every 'I' or cross every 'T.' My purpose is to share a thought, a smile, an encouraging word. Help others to view everyday life in perhaps a different way. I want to be transparent enough to let others know that I have or I have had some of the same struggles they may be experiencing. I want to share a window through which they may see some of the life lessons I am learning along the way. More importantly, I want to give others a chance to share their lives here by posting comments on this blog. You never know who you will minister to. Even sharing our fears, shortcomings and failures can serve as a catalyst to get up and try again.
So I encourage you to keep reading and if you like, starting sharing. I believe you will be blessed. I promise to:
Keep
It
Simple
Salley (no, I will not call myself stupid...Salley is my last name)
Kisses,
Lolly
I'm not out to impress, though. I'm too old for that. I'm not being paid for what I do, so I am not compelled to dot every 'I' or cross every 'T.' My purpose is to share a thought, a smile, an encouraging word. Help others to view everyday life in perhaps a different way. I want to be transparent enough to let others know that I have or I have had some of the same struggles they may be experiencing. I want to share a window through which they may see some of the life lessons I am learning along the way. More importantly, I want to give others a chance to share their lives here by posting comments on this blog. You never know who you will minister to. Even sharing our fears, shortcomings and failures can serve as a catalyst to get up and try again.
So I encourage you to keep reading and if you like, starting sharing. I believe you will be blessed. I promise to:
Keep
It
Simple
Salley (no, I will not call myself stupid...Salley is my last name)
Kisses,
Lolly
Monday, February 14, 2011
Share the Love
Hi Everyone!
I'd like to challenge everyone to do something special this week. Whether it is a random act of kindness, i.e., paying for the person behind you in the fast food drive thru or buying a meal for a homeless person, etc. Or maybe visiting a shutin, or making a phone call to that 'not so nice' relative and letting them know you are thinking about them. Maybe paying a bill for a friend or volunteering to help an elderly person around the house. The list goes on and can be as creative as you can imagine. Let's just do something and share the love with someone. Then post your experience(s) here, if you'd like.
I'm looking forward to your comments. Please participate and accept the challenge!
Happy Valentine's Day! Let's 'Share the Love!'
I'd like to challenge everyone to do something special this week. Whether it is a random act of kindness, i.e., paying for the person behind you in the fast food drive thru or buying a meal for a homeless person, etc. Or maybe visiting a shutin, or making a phone call to that 'not so nice' relative and letting them know you are thinking about them. Maybe paying a bill for a friend or volunteering to help an elderly person around the house. The list goes on and can be as creative as you can imagine. Let's just do something and share the love with someone. Then post your experience(s) here, if you'd like.
I'm looking forward to your comments. Please participate and accept the challenge!
Happy Valentine's Day! Let's 'Share the Love!'
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Just Be
Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God...
I posted something similar to this on Facebook a few weeks ago, but God has once again ministered to me through meditation on His Word and I wanted to share it here. Praying that someone will be blessed and encouraged by this post.
Then, the Lord woke me up around 5:30am this morning and gently reminded me to 'Just Be.' He is to have priority in my life. Make time for Him first and He will come alongside to help me with the rest. It isn't about what I can accomplish on my own, but what He will do through me. Loving and helping others is what I do...what I am called to do in my life. I must first submit (daily) to Him, and let Him plan my day. By submitting, the burden of 'doing' is lifted and I can relax and 'Just Be.' Spending time with Him first brings a refreshing and a supernatural energy to do only what He calls me to do for the day. After all, the steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37).
About two years ago, the Lord ministered to me as I meditated on the first part of Psalm 46:10...'Be still and know that I am God.' I examined that all-familiar phrase and broke it down:
Today, as I reexamined that same scripture, studying the words 'Be Still' found in Psalm 46:10, I found that the Hebrew words can also be translated, 'Enough,' 'Stop,' 'Let go,' etc. (see reference below). Enough with the worrying. Stop trying to figure it all out. Let go and let God handle everything. Just Be!
Love ya!
Reference taken from a footnote in the Fire Bible, Student Edition (my youngest granddaughter's bible):
'Psalm 46:10 BE STILL. The Hebrew words here can also be translated, "Enough," (i.e., "Stop"), "let go," or :"quit holding on" to things that may be distracting or weighing you down spiritually---things that keep you from honoring God and giving Him his proper place in your life. Through God's Word and through individual lives, we have seen enough evidence of God's presence and power at work for his people (vv. 7-9) that we can be at peace in the fact that he has everything under control. God is all-powerful, and eventually everyone who ever lives will recognize and acknowledge that fact. He will always take care of his people and accomplish hi purposes on earth.'
I posted something similar to this on Facebook a few weeks ago, but God has once again ministered to me through meditation on His Word and I wanted to share it here. Praying that someone will be blessed and encouraged by this post.
Went to bed last night feeling a bit overwhelmed. How would I accomplish everything I need to do in the coming weeks? Trying to get started on a new home-based business Trying to get exposure for my blog and keeping it up to date. Helping my beautiful granddaughter prepare for an upcoming pageant. Being there for my daughter as she prepares for the birth of her third daughter, my fifth grandchild. Helping my 'adopted' daughter while she is recovering from surgery for the next six weeks. House and pet sitting for a friend while she is out of town. And in the midst of it all, finding time for everyday life like work, volunteering, homeschooling, family, church...God?
Then, the Lord woke me up around 5:30am this morning and gently reminded me to 'Just Be.' He is to have priority in my life. Make time for Him first and He will come alongside to help me with the rest. It isn't about what I can accomplish on my own, but what He will do through me. Loving and helping others is what I do...what I am called to do in my life. I must first submit (daily) to Him, and let Him plan my day. By submitting, the burden of 'doing' is lifted and I can relax and 'Just Be.' Spending time with Him first brings a refreshing and a supernatural energy to do only what He calls me to do for the day. After all, the steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37).
About two years ago, the Lord ministered to me as I meditated on the first part of Psalm 46:10...'Be still and know that I am God.' I examined that all-familiar phrase and broke it down:
Be still and know that I am God
Be still and know that I am
Be still and know that I
Be still and know that
Be still and know
Be still and
Be still
Be
Then the Lord said, 'Just Be'
Love ya!
Reference taken from a footnote in the Fire Bible, Student Edition (my youngest granddaughter's bible):
'Psalm 46:10 BE STILL. The Hebrew words here can also be translated, "Enough," (i.e., "Stop"), "let go," or :"quit holding on" to things that may be distracting or weighing you down spiritually---things that keep you from honoring God and giving Him his proper place in your life. Through God's Word and through individual lives, we have seen enough evidence of God's presence and power at work for his people (vv. 7-9) that we can be at peace in the fact that he has everything under control. God is all-powerful, and eventually everyone who ever lives will recognize and acknowledge that fact. He will always take care of his people and accomplish hi purposes on earth.'
Monday, February 7, 2011
Free Makeover
Controversy has surrounded this young man's life, but I believe this song is anointed. Listen to the words and allow the words of this song to minister to you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFPHBzpyvkE
2 Corinthans 5:16-18
Galatians 6:14-16
James 1:17-19
Romans 6:4
Psalm 139
Psalm 44:20-22
17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFPHBzpyvkE
The new year brings desires and opportunities for 'new beginnings.' The shortcomings, mistakes and yes, let's call it as it is, even the sins of last year motivate us to try to make changes in our lives. So we make resolutions and try to make changes on our own. Many of us mistakenly look for immediate change. We try so hard to make it happen. Then discouraged, we give up and go back to what is easy and comfortable. Or there are those of us who are aware that we need to make positive changes, but why even bother? We have tried before and failed. Status quo is less complicated.
Change, though, takes time. And, I believe, it is something that we cannot accomplish on our own. First we must recognize and admit the need for change. Some of us have worn masks for so long, hiding who we really are, that we have accepted the facade. We continue to live our lives keeping up the appearance that everything is okay. Why risk exposing ourselves to the reality of change? But God knows who we really are, even behind the mask. Change, then, has to begin by admitting to the One who knows all, that we have fallen short and then earnestly asking for His help.
Then, like an onion, God begins to peel back the layers of our lives and by His Spirit, exposes the core of who we really are. The part of us that we hide from others, or even from ourselves.
Then the Master Potter begins to recreate us through our brokenness, shaping and molding us into the person He intended us to be. Sometimes the process may be lengthy. Many times it is painful. But in His loving hands, a new reality is created. An opportunity for a new beginning is given to us again.
Just as we feel the need to start afresh each year, God gives us an opportunity to start afresh each day. His mercies are new 'every morning.' Great is His faithfulness. We can change. We can be made over. His makeovers are free. It begins with our submission to His creative and loving hands. God can and will make us over...and over...and over again.
Love ya!
2 Corinthans 5:16-18
Galatians 6:14-16
James 1:17-19
Romans 6:4
Psalm 139
Psalm 44:20-22
17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
Thursday, February 3, 2011
In Celebration of Life
It has taken me several days to post this, but I am praying that someone will be helped by it.
Life, to me, should be celebrated. No matter how it came to be. God is the giver of life; no matter how it was conceived. Do I condone pregnancy out of wedlock? Of course not! I believe sex outside of marriage is NOT what God intended. Abstinence is possible; even in today's world. Sex is not a tool to be used to keep a man or women interested. It is not an avenue to provide something fun to do. Within the confines of marriage though, sex can be a beautiful expression of love and intimacy. It is a choice that one has to make.
Getting off my soapbox and back to the subject matter. I believe that all life is 'God breathed.' God has a plan and purpose for every created being. No life is a mistake. Look at Psalm 139:13-16. See the creative hand of God evident in life? See how God knows life even at the time of conception? Life is beautiful and wonderful. Life is truly a gift from God. Children are truly a gift from God.
Life, in my opinion, begins at the moment of conception. Psalm 139:16 says, ...your eyes saw my unformed body...Think about it. How awesome is that? Life then, is not just a group of cells to be disposed of at will. Again, I say, life is God-breathed. It is to be celebrated.
Approximately two years ago, my grandson was born prematurely. He lived about 8 hours. As I witnessed the physical and emotional pain of induced labor that my daughter was going through, I knew that people were praying for us. Calls came from the church, bringing prayers and words of encouragement. I remember in one of those calls, someone prayed and counseled me saying that God had a plan and purpose for my grandson's life. How could that be? Yes, I questioned God. Then Christian, my grandson, was born. I touched his skin. I looked at his perfectly formed hands and feet. Then, even though no attempt was made by hospital staff to save his life, I saw him take a breath while in his mother's arms. It was at that point in time I realized Christian's purpose. For me, seeing his perfectly formed hands and feet; touching his skin and witnessing him taking a breath served to solidify my belief in the Creative Hand of God. Yes, I was hurt and disappointed, but yet, not angry at God. My belief in God and who He is was strengthened that day and I promised Him that I would share my experience with others.
Choose life and celebrate it. Don't throw away (abort) the gift of God that is within you. Don't judge the person who chooses life instead of abortion. Celebrate the life within and trust God for the rest. I will neither condone or condemn those who have chosen to conceive out of wedlock, but rather I will celebrate the life that God has created and learn from it.
Youth, please remember to choose to honor God with your body. Treat it as the temple of God. You are the creative workmanship of God. Peer pressure and the mentality of the 'world' would try to encourage you to dishonor God with your body, but with God's help, you can wait. Abstinence is a viable option. Focus on becoming the person that God created you to be. Celebrate YOUR life.
My son and my daughter have given me five wonderful grandchildren (including Christian) and one more 'on the way.' I am so blessed. They have enriched my life! I also have another grandson (by marriage), and though I don't get to see him, I am proud to be his grandmother. In addition, I have 2 other grandchildren that the Lord has placed in my life. I love them as if they are my own. Beyond that, I have an abundance of children who call me 'grandma.' I believe that my relationship with all of them is God-ordained. I am truly blessed and in spite of any circumstances, I celebrate their lives as a gift from God. I choose to CELEBRATE LIFE!
Love ya!
Jeremiah 29:11
Psalm 139
Genesis 2:5
Romans 12:1-2
I Corinthians 6:12-20
Life, to me, should be celebrated. No matter how it came to be. God is the giver of life; no matter how it was conceived. Do I condone pregnancy out of wedlock? Of course not! I believe sex outside of marriage is NOT what God intended. Abstinence is possible; even in today's world. Sex is not a tool to be used to keep a man or women interested. It is not an avenue to provide something fun to do. Within the confines of marriage though, sex can be a beautiful expression of love and intimacy. It is a choice that one has to make.
Getting off my soapbox and back to the subject matter. I believe that all life is 'God breathed.' God has a plan and purpose for every created being. No life is a mistake. Look at Psalm 139:13-16. See the creative hand of God evident in life? See how God knows life even at the time of conception? Life is beautiful and wonderful. Life is truly a gift from God. Children are truly a gift from God.
Life, in my opinion, begins at the moment of conception. Psalm 139:16 says, ...your eyes saw my unformed body...Think about it. How awesome is that? Life then, is not just a group of cells to be disposed of at will. Again, I say, life is God-breathed. It is to be celebrated.
Approximately two years ago, my grandson was born prematurely. He lived about 8 hours. As I witnessed the physical and emotional pain of induced labor that my daughter was going through, I knew that people were praying for us. Calls came from the church, bringing prayers and words of encouragement. I remember in one of those calls, someone prayed and counseled me saying that God had a plan and purpose for my grandson's life. How could that be? Yes, I questioned God. Then Christian, my grandson, was born. I touched his skin. I looked at his perfectly formed hands and feet. Then, even though no attempt was made by hospital staff to save his life, I saw him take a breath while in his mother's arms. It was at that point in time I realized Christian's purpose. For me, seeing his perfectly formed hands and feet; touching his skin and witnessing him taking a breath served to solidify my belief in the Creative Hand of God. Yes, I was hurt and disappointed, but yet, not angry at God. My belief in God and who He is was strengthened that day and I promised Him that I would share my experience with others.
Choose life and celebrate it. Don't throw away (abort) the gift of God that is within you. Don't judge the person who chooses life instead of abortion. Celebrate the life within and trust God for the rest. I will neither condone or condemn those who have chosen to conceive out of wedlock, but rather I will celebrate the life that God has created and learn from it.
Youth, please remember to choose to honor God with your body. Treat it as the temple of God. You are the creative workmanship of God. Peer pressure and the mentality of the 'world' would try to encourage you to dishonor God with your body, but with God's help, you can wait. Abstinence is a viable option. Focus on becoming the person that God created you to be. Celebrate YOUR life.
My son and my daughter have given me five wonderful grandchildren (including Christian) and one more 'on the way.' I am so blessed. They have enriched my life! I also have another grandson (by marriage), and though I don't get to see him, I am proud to be his grandmother. In addition, I have 2 other grandchildren that the Lord has placed in my life. I love them as if they are my own. Beyond that, I have an abundance of children who call me 'grandma.' I believe that my relationship with all of them is God-ordained. I am truly blessed and in spite of any circumstances, I celebrate their lives as a gift from God. I choose to CELEBRATE LIFE!
Love ya!
Jeremiah 29:11
Psalm 139
Genesis 2:5
Romans 12:1-2
I Corinthians 6:12-20
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