Living Rural

Garfield has the right idea.

Our weekends should be relaxing - giving our mind and our body time to recover from the busy-ness of our lives. Saturday should be filled with whatever de-stresses you: mind, body, and soul. Sunday should be spent in YOUR CHURCH; whatever that means to you - in the Church of your choice, walking in nature, being creative, meditating, exercising, etc. A time to reconnect, rejuvinate your inner self, and dream of things to come.

Weekends should be about family and friends; sharing together; playing together; and loving one another without any expectations or conditions - the true meaning of kindness.

Just think about how we treat strangers during the week… with respect. Do we treat the people who mean the most to us the same way? Usually not. In the presence of those we care about we feel safe which allows us to let go and “be ourselves.” When stress builds up, we take it out on those we love. Let’s make a conscientious effort to treat the people we love with respect everyday this week.

Deal?

Check out The Quote Garden

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. ~Mark Twain

Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness. ~Seneca

A kind word is like a Spring day. ~Russian Proverb

Let’s set the example.

Remember… “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Today the sun is shining, the temperature is close to normal, finally above freezing! Everyone is doing last minute shopping and making last minute preparations for the BIG meal tomorrow. People are smiling. The smells are fantastic! It is beginning to smell, feel, and look like CHRISTMAS.

Our family, all but Leslie and John, will gather here at Mill Run in the morning. We will hug and laugh and begin cooking! This year we will fry the turkey(2), a whole chicken and bake a ham. Of course, we will have herb stuffing, cranberry sauce(the jellied kind!), rice and butter beans, squash casserole, sweet potato souffle, biscuits, sweet ’southern’ tea, and pumpkin pie… yum!

We have decided to keep Christmas very simple this year. We chose to fore-go presents and share a small amount of money with each person. It eliminated the hassle of holiday shopping, the awful traffic, and was less expensive. Our present is our health, our happiness, and our family sharing the holiday. My prayer for you and your family - being together, safe, warm, and happy…

Merry Christmas! 

Remember… “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Are you like me - finding it extremely hard to believe today is December 15? Only nine days until Christmas! For all my advice for getting organized for the holiday season … I haven’t. It is old time procrastination, plain and simple. Of course, having less money to spend has a little to do with it, too! I, like the entire economy, have tightened my spending habits - whether I want to or not, LOL!

I refuse to let it dampen my Christmas spirit! The presents are not important. The time with family and friends celebrating the wondrous birth of Jesus is the TRUE meaning of Christmas.

Here is my Christmas Angel to watch over you and your family during this beautiful holiday season. I hope you spend this Christmas with your loved ones sharing the love of our Heavenly Father.

Visit here for the Christmas Story.

Blessing from above to you and yours!

Remember … “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Beliefs?

What are they? Where are they … in our mind, our brain, right, or left … The drawing “maps” the areas and what is kept there. This was found while doing a research project on decision-making.
Can you see the areas given to “beliefs”? Can you count how many?
What are the other areas called? Evidence! The drawing truly puts in perspective the amount of our thought, judgment, and decision making processes are based on our BELIEFS.

Faith is what our country was built upon. It is what most people live by today. In this economic deflation, it is even more important for every decision to be based on beliefs built on Faith. This will help our country to return to basics and begin
to rebuild our economy for the good of all Americans.

For the holidays each person should search their beliefs and pass on
kindness, prayers, and blessings to those less fortunate. Sharing with
others will make each one appreciate what we have been given and oh the joy
that will fill the hearts of the giver and the receiver!

December is a special month. A time of endings and the thoughts of new beginnings. Take the time to relish each day this month. Do not let stress spoil this special time of year.

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

The second day of  NaBloPoMo *National Blogger Post Month* and I am 2 for 2 … WTG, Pamela!

This cartoon cracked me up … if you are a “Baby Boomer” with an empty nest … you should be ROFL, I am! Sorry, girls, I know it does not really apply to you, but the cartoon is FUNNY. They are waiting for their ride to the polls to VOTE for their MAN -  John McCain.

Please DO NOT FORGET TO VOTE TOMORROW, this election will go down in the history books for sure. “You betcha! :)  I love the Christianity Today and their webiste. Be sure to check it out before you VOTE tomorrow.

Today is the first day of my last week in this course, The Psychology of Judgement and Decision-Making, at AIU - only nine more classes to go and I will have my Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with Healthcare Management - yay, ME! Wow, I am “tooting my horn” today!

But I want to give a shout out to all the bloggers at 451press to get out and support your candidate tomorrow. In this election, EVERY VOTE WILL COUNT!

Remember, ” Y’all come back! Ya’ hear?”

SUCCESS

You will need the help of others… connect.

• Focus on people
• Be likable
• Show others you  care
• Remember every one’s name
• Walk slowly through the crowd
• Be generous

Do more than exist … LIVE.

Do more than touch … FEEL.

Do more than look … OBSERVE.

Do more than read … ABSORB.

Do more than hear … LISTEN.

Do more than listen … UNDERSTAND.

Do more than think … REFLECT.

Do more than just talk … SAY SOMETHING.

Author Unknown

Remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

Not much going on this week - resting. Not sure if it is recovering from surgery or just an awfully L. O. N. G. week, but I am thrilled the week-end is here . I never knew resting could be so exhausting! I have found a photo I really like and it reminds me of “my little piece of heaven” here on our wonderful earth. I am going to use it for until I tire of it! It is peaceful, it reminds us - we are not in control … but a much higher power, our Heavenly Father, and all the glory goes to Him!

A lot going on in the news - politics, are YOU ready for November 4th?
Election Day “>

Oops, time sure flies when you’re having FUN!

Remember,“Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

If you have tried to get here over the past few weeks, you probably had trouble. The reason for the delays,“experiencing high load” message, and “unable to load page” is a change of server, upgrading the system, and upgrading software, etc. The inconvenience to each of us should be worth it once it is complete. That is my story and I am sticking to it! Insider humor, bear with me it has been a long, hot week. Thank you for continuing to try, it is good to have you here!

In honor of the Fourth of July, here is a salute to our freedom and those who protect it and a little history lesson from my long distance carrier, AmericanFone …

INDEPENDENCE DAY!

We declared our independence, our right to be free as a nation, 232 years ago this month. If there is one lesson we have learned in that time, it is that freedom and independence are not solid and eternal. They are slippery and constantly changing. You cannot put them in an air-tight viewing box, like the Declaration of Independence itself. If you do not watch carefully, if you do not tend them and keep them alive, they die out. They go away.There may always be people with less-than-honorable intentions ready to chip away at your freedoms and usurp your independence if you let them. But thankfully, America is also full of people who are fiercely protective of what our forefathers’ and patriots throughout the generations since have fought to protect. Not only in wars, but by writing, speaking out, voting and battling injustice in the courts. A salute to the courageous patriots who Keep the flame alive!

A SHORT HISTORY OF INDEPENDENCE DAY  “Taxation without representation is tyranny!” That was the rallying cry of the American colonists rebelling against British rule. The colonists were being forced to pay taxes to England with no representation in British Parliament. They had no say about how much tax they would pay no say as to how their tax money was to be spent. With rumors of rebellion, growing, British troops went in to keep the colonists in line. The colonists tried to broker a peaceful solution, but their attempts were repeatedly rebuffed. On June 11, 1776, the colonist’s Continental Congress met to declare officially, in writing, that they were no longer willing to live under British rule.Thomas Jefferson, known for his great eloquence and statesmanship, was given the job of creating the document. In addition, a difficult job it turned out to be! More than 86 alterations were made to the document before it was declared complete. On July 4, 1776, the final version of the Declaration of Independence was signed and copies were sent out among the colonists. The Fourth of July has been celebrated in the United States every year since, but it was not until 1870 that Congress officially declared it a National Holiday. In 1938, Congress re-affirmed Independence Day, making it a paid holiday for all federal employees. Today, people across the country celebrate and acknowledge their priceless gift of freedom they enjoy with parades, picnics and glorious fireworks displays.

is important to me in my Christian walk with my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is a day of celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from death, which forgives the sins of all people who repent and believe in Him. Yes, I am a Christian. I walk in faith everyday, trusting my Lord that He has my life in His control. Without this faith, my life would be meaningless, as in materialistic and humanistic, i.e. of this world.

 What does Easter mean to you?    The King James Version can be found   here.

 I hope you know the Lord. I hope you will be with family and friends today in the church of your choice worshiping because HE IS RISEN.

 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.(John 3:16-17) 

Has it affected you, a family member, friend, co-worker, or an acquaintance through one of the aforementioned?                                            Chances are that it has, or will. My father-in-law suffered from MS for over 30 years, passing in 1982. He was a brilliant man that could not voice or make his brilliancy known, as his ability to communicate was slowly taken away. Oh, but those eyes!  How they could talk!  For those of us privileged to be close to him, we knew what he meant - each sparkle, each blink, every tear.  I feel privileged to have known him and loved him …. here, it comes …. BUT, I would not wish his life with MS on anyone. 

Official PR Announcement:        

The Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre (MSRC) www.msrc.co.uk and cre8Buzz http://cre8buzz.com/ announce the launch of a unique and inclusive Multiple Sclerosis Community on the Internet, providing not only up to date MS News and Stories, but a place where those affected by Multiple Sclerosis can communicate with others affected by the disease, and the wider public, by means of Online Blogs, Discussion Forums and Net-based social interaction.

To find out more please visit the cre8Buzz Multiple Sclerosis Community at: http://www.cre8buzz.com/multiple_sclerosis

 About the cre8Buzz MS community:

The place for families and friends affected by Multiple Sclerosis to Connect, Share, and Promote.

Connect:

Connect with others with MS. Talk, befriend, engage.

Share:

Share your stories, pictures, ideas experiences, give a little of yourself to others

Promote: 

Promote the wonderful community of MSers, family, friends, and supporters who are all fighting this disease

By partnering,

cre8Buzz/MSRC will create THE single “HUB” for family, friends and those affected by MS to come together and drive public awareness of the disease. By leveraging the power of social networking MSRC and cre8Buzz are excited about the ability to give a voice to those with MS and empower them to interact with others with the disease in a safe and supportive environment, breaking down the barriers of isolation which can occur for those suffering from a chronic disease.

 About cre8Buzz:

cre8Buzz is a social network, designed to connect and promote the voice, talents, and ideas of people and communities to the world. cre8Buzz wants to change the world by bringing people together over common interests, and ideas to provide information, interaction, and entertainment.

About MSRC - Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre:

Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre (MSRC) is a proactive and innovative charity, passionately committed to supporting anyone affected by Multiple Sclerosis through access to unbiased information and advice. Our approach is to encourage  make choices that are appropriate to their daily lives, empowering them to   potential.

MSRC Services

Personal MS Support

24 Hour Telephone Counselling within the UK on 0800 783 0518 (Option 1)

Specialist MS Advisor

New Pathways Magazine

MS Discussion Boards

 Live MS Chat Room

 MS Information Leaflets  

MSRC Insurance Services

Please Contact Us:

Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre,

7 Peartree Business Centre,

Peartree Road,  Stanway, Colchester, Essex. CO3 0JN

Telephone 01206 505444 Non UK - +441206505444    Fax 01206 505449

Website: www.msrc.co.uk  Email: info@msrc.co.uk    

Special thanks to Antman for buzz’n this info and being a huge part of our world at cre8Buzz.                              Remember, “Ya’ll come back, ya’ hear!”

Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that
nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.
– Oprah Winfrey

We must be the change we want to see in the world.
– Mahatma Gandhi

The most important human endeavor is the striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our very existence depend on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life. - Einstein

Triumph often is nearest when defeat seems inescapable. -
B. C. Forbes

A few of the quotes that I have read over the past few days that have stayed with me. I kept a ‘Book of Quotes’ in my youth, what fun it would be if I could find the book now! If I ever find it, we will read it together …

Until then, check out Wisdom Quotes. Quotes for every one.

This has nothing to do with quotes, but it made me laugh!

“Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

href=’http://www.livingruralonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/watch_movie.gif’ title=’The Dash’>I have to admit I watched it a third time. I have not been able to stop thinking about it. The things it brought to the surface, things I should have done, things I did I should not have done. I have been going around like this, inside my head, for several days. The music is beautiful, haunting in a way. The pictures are gorgeous. The message is straight from above. I hope you will pass it on to those you love, to those in pain, friends, enemies (who you will forgive and ask for their forgiveness, after viewing the video!), and all your email “buddies”. If we could pass this to everyone on this earth, what a better place we would live it and a better place to leave to our children. It can and it will make a difference … let it. Now that you have seen it - did it make you think of your “Dash”? Will you be proud of what your “Dash” leaves behind? Following the simple truths it talks about will change your life and the lives of the people closest to you … let it.

A note about the weekend posts here at living-rural. They will be informal and about MY life living in a rural area. Be prepared and not surprised, OK? It is a gorgeous day! Last night the temperature was a little cooler, a nice change from the unusually warm and humid weather we have had all fall and the forecast said it would be the same for today. The sun is out and it is a tad bit cooler, a great day to be outside. So after church, all our members stand outside and get caught up with each other and the happenings in their lives. It is a nice twenty to thirty minutes, laughing and caring about each other! Our town is rural and our church is small, but the love shines through … it is a shame we are losing that closeness in our surrounding larger towns. It seems wethey want to go to church and be out at noon to race to the Country Club or a restaurant to eat quickly so they can get to the golf course or tennis court or “whatever” for the afternoon. For me, I like the fellowship in front of our church rather than the “hustle and bustle” of keeping up with the “Jones.” My, my I am ranting today. I just was so happy and when I write I go where my heart leads, so it was on my heart and went right to the page. You will get used to that, if you come here often which I hope you do. I will write and hopefully you will comment!So until tomorrow … go outside and enjoy your “space” and remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

church, weather, nature, small towns, Country Club, restaurants, weekends

It’s here! The official start of National Blog Post Month! First posted here.

I am so excited. This is going to be such a challenge and uplifting experience for everyone committed to writing a post every day during the month of November. Some folks are using a THEME ; I am “winging it”! This blog has always been eclectic. I follow my heart when I write, good or bad.

This week has been full of challenges and sadness. Our community lost several young people to tragedy this past weekend. A horrible fire … Iraq … traffic accidents. All sad and leaving our hearts heavy and wondering “why”? When young people die it is somehow harder to understand and accept without questioning the reason. There are no answers. Faith will see us through the pain and sorrow by His Grace.

Tomorrow is another day … one to praise Him!

Happy writing! And remember, “Y’all come back, ya’ hear!”

NaBloPoMo, Fall, Autumn, Faith, Grace, death, Iraq, accidents, November, writing