We Didn't Start the Fire: The Simple Woman's Daybook

If you would like to join in and post your own Daybook, please head on over to visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today:  Sunday, August 30, 2015
 

Outside my window …  I awakened to the sound of the gentle rain that sang me a lullaby last night.  By midday it was cloudy and cool (great weather for my afternoon walk on the trail).  Now, the clouds are gone and the setting sun is in the west.

I am thinking...   of my 101 in 1001 list and how to get more of it done.  I said I was picking things that I could do myself, but I may need some help.

I am thankful...  for the rain.  I'm thankful to be back to working out.  I felt like 9 miles of bad road this week.  I worked then went straight home to bed every day.  I walked on the track yesterday and again on the trail today.  It was so great to get back at it.

I am thankful for all of you who read my blog.  I'm honored.


In the kitchen... If I could find out who at Wal-Mart finally ordered plain Greek yogurt in the single serve containers, I'd hug them. I've waited for them to carry for nearly a year.  They have every other flavor under the sun, but not plain.  The only place I could get it was Winn-Dixie.  Sorry, but I don't like to go hither and yon to buy groceries; it wastes gas and time.

From the Workshop...  I'm working on several projects at once.  I'm also working on finding an inexpensive digital camera.  I may have to go to Target to find one similar to my dead one. 

I Am Reading...  I finished I Am a Church Member by Thom Rainer.  The review is here.  New off the shelf:

I also found a website called nerdfitness.com.  This site has many great fitness articles not written by a guru, but an every day Joe.  My favorite post so far has been this one.

 

I am looking forward to...  I start swimming lessons Saturday.  I can swim well enough not to drown, but not with any kind of form. I want to swim laps and be more graceful in the water than a dying flounder. 

I'm also looking forward to the worship team fellowship next Sunday.  Yes, it was supposed to be today, but it was rained out.  Hopefully we'll have nice weather next Sunday.  And hopefully, I'll be in a better frame of mind.
 

I am learning… that if I try to put out all the fires at once, I will be overwhelmed and not put out any effectively

Around the house...   I hosed down the front porch so that I can start enjoying some time out there.  I hosed down the car. Yes, I know I need to wash it, but at least hosing it down knocked some of the dirt off of it.  I also cleaned the trash out of the back seat and floorboard.  Hey, it's a start.  Also cleaned the outside trash can; it smelled like someone threw a dead armadillo in it! 
 

A favorite quote (or two) for today... 

"Righteousness is about what God does in you more than what you do yourself." - Pastor Derek Staples.

"We who are church members are supposed to function in the church.  The concept of an inactive  church member is an oxymoron.  Biblically, no such church member exists." - Thom Rainer

"It is not so true that “prayer changes things” as that prayer changes me and I change things." - Oswald Chambers

One of my favorite things...  Favorite season:  Spring.  Autumn is a close second.

A few plans for the rest of the week:   Working on and in the office.  Work.  Band practice on Tuesday.  Getting back into the workout groove; it's been thrown off this week.

And now for something totally different...

  

 

 From Facebook:  M. Harper shared:

 

 

From Facebook:  D. Havens shared:

 

 

From Facebook:  E. Dryden shared:

 

Five Minute Friday: "Alone"

Our Mistress of Ceremonies for the Five Minute Friday is Kate over at Heading Home.  Hope you link up with us and join the fun.

GO! 

Oh why now?  Why today?  Why a prompt like that while I feel like I do?

You know, I just finished a book talking about how church is not about preferences so I feel like a hypocrite for writing this.  I'm having troubling finding a sense of community at church; the very place I should seek community.  With so much emphasis on "families and children first," I feel left out (yeah, I know, cry me a river).  Yes, families and children are extremely important, but I can't find my niche.  Seems like playing bass guitar isn't enough.  Though I'm playing with a team--and we sound awesome, by the way--I still feel isolated.  Mind you, the ball is in my court; I don't have time to blame someone else.  Like I said, I don't mind being a square peg in a world full of round holes, but don't square pegs need love, fellowship, and community too.  I don't want to just sit around and chew the fat, I want to get involved in helping.  What can I do to strengthen the families and children?

I've been afraid.  Afraid to reach out too much.  Afraid to ask questions.  I've got the idea to ask if there are any other stitchers in our congregation so we can get together to chat and work on service projects. There's bound to be some.  But wait, I have nowhere for us to meet, and what if I get embarrassed or rejected.  *sigh*  Maybe I'm just too demanding and selfish.

STOP!


I know we're supposed to be honest and shot straight from the hip for five minutes, but I grow weary of writing posts like this.  I'm sure you grow weary of reading them.  I feel like a world class hypocrite who just kicked God in the face.  I don't know what the balance is.  On one hand, God is supposed to be my all in all.  On the other, I'm supposed to be part of a community--to fellowship and obey the "one another's" in the Bible.  It has been said that no man is an island and that it is very unhealthy to be secluded (whether in body or in mind) and devoid of physical touch for extended periods of time.  But here I sit like the faithful old dog, hoping...just hoping.  For what?  I'm not sure.

Big Girl Panties [Thursday Thirteen]

I keep hearing the phrase, "Kids are growing up way too fast" thrown around like a Rhonda Rousey punch.  But are they?  Seems to me that kids may be growing but not maturing--and there is a difference.  Seeing so many adult-aged humans running around without common sense or common courtesy saddens me.  The next time one of them comes to me and says, "You don't tell me.  I'm grown!" I'm going to show them this list and tell them to prove it.

Here are thirteen things you should be able to do as an adult.  This is not an exhaustive list, but it's a start.

Read - "Reading is a lost art and I wish people would find it."  Comedian Greg Proops, who is an avid reader, once said that technology and the internet would increase and improve reading.  So far I don't see any evidence of it.  There's a big difference between skimming through Facebook and focusing on a book (electronic or otherwise).  I posted this on another post, but it bears repeating. 

Kind of sad isn't it?  Grown people should be able to read and comprehend. 

Use Manners - Please and thank you aren't just "magic" words;  they are a reflection of your attitude  The more selfish you are, the more likely you are to act rudely...and rude people are notoriously childish.

Use proper grammar - There's nothing wrong with slang in the proper setting, but grownups should know how to speak well. 

Flush a toilet - I do believe there are people who think that every toilet automatically flushes itself.  Hey, this ain't Wal-Mart; nobody wants to be greeted to that floating around.  Also, auto flush toilets don't always work.  Check behind yourself...literally.

Wash your hands - Understand, I was a teacher for more than a decade (counting my substitute years).  I know the benefits of hand sanitizer.  However, it is NOT a substitute for good old soap and water.  It is a supplement to proper hand washing when soap and water aren't readily available.  Kind of like vitamins don't substitute for food, but they supplement nutrients that might be lacking in food.  "It's the same thing."  No, it's not.  Go play in a pile of dog doo-doo and see if you want soap and water or a squirt of hand sanitizer when you're done.

Clean up after yourself - Your mother doesn't work here...and if she did, she'd beat your tail.  Come on, I've seen people who can't throw something in a trash can, just around it.  Really?  These are the same people who would have a duck fit if their children were that careless.

Hold a verbal conversation on the phone or in person - Please, get off the phone and look people in the eye once in a while, try not to text or message everything, and for the love of Mike, listen.

Write with a pen/pencil - No joke, some schools are not teaching penmanship or handwriting anymore.  I'm sorry, but the power will go out, the wifi/data will have a glitch, or someone will hand you a form that you can't E-sign.  And remember, other people have to read that stuff.

Balance a checkbook - "Oh well,  I have electronic banking."  Good luck finding an error if you're not keeping up with it yourself.  Again, something else gone by the wayside.  We were taught how to keep a checkbook in 5th or 6th grade when we were just learning the concepts of broke and hormonal.

Conduct adult business such as paying bills and gathering information on your own -  Please stop calling me to look up phone numbers for you.  Do I look like AT&T? 

Eat - at a table, with a knife and fork, without electronics present, on real dishes, etc. 



No, just, no.

Disagree - Jon Acuff said, "Discourse in our country died the day we decided that if I disagree with you it means I hate you."  Adults can disagree without waging all out war.  There aren't many of those left.  Please become one of them.

Love - Immature love is selfish.  Mature love serves others.

Photo courtesy of praisejesusdaily.com

Auntie's Full Shelf Challenge 14

Book: I am a Church Member.

Author: Thom Rainer

Info: Copyright 2013: Nashville TN:  B&H Publishing Group.

Where acquired: Thrift store purchase.

Why:  My Pastor not only recommended this book, but he and the leadership taught a sermon series on it.  However, at the time I couldn't see spending $13.00 on a book that was less than 100 pages, so it's a good thing I found it at the thrift store.

Rating (on a scale of 1-4 hashtags): # # #
  
What it's about:  

Reiner takes on the culture of entitlement that has pervaded the church.  His book is a strong rebuke to members who see the church as a country club that serves them, rather than a community of God's servants.  He cites examples and issues pledges to combat the ridiculous petty nature of immature church behavior.

Favorite Quotes: 

"We who are church members are supposed to function in the church.  The concept of an inactive  church member is an oxymoron.  Biblically, no such church member exists." - p. 16

"That's right, membership in the body of Christ, the church, is a gift from God.  It's not a legalistic obligation.  It's not country club perks.  It's not a license for entitlements.  It's a gift.  A gift from God.  A gift that we should treasure with great joy and anticipation." - p. 71

What I Liked:

• Reiner doesn't sugarcoat anything.  He states the issues, shows the ridiculousness of them, and offers a scriptural solution.
• The chapters on praying for my Pastor and leaders was eye opening.
• I like the addition of study questions at the end of each chapter.

What I didn’t like: 

• The book was too short and one-sided.  The author should have addressed the other side of the issue.  No, we Christians shouldn't act like a bunch of spoiled brats with our shorts in a bunch, and we should walk in forgiveness.  However, the behavior of church leadership should have been addressed also.  Rainer makes no mention of and has no grace for those who have been harmed by leaders displaying the very behavior he condemns.  I understand that he writes from the perspective of a former Pastor, but surely he understands the pain that members go through.  This book needs a sequel, I Am a Church Leader, that gives some of the same "take this pledge and get over it" advice.
• Are seven pages of accolades for the book (plus the back cover) really necessary?  If the book is that good, let the diverse readers find out and say so, rather than a whole whack of people who agree with you.

To sum up:  I read this book from the perspective of both a church member and a leader, so I understand both sides of the issue.  The author's premise is sound, however, insisting that a church member blindly follows without a whimper is dangerous, and unscriptural.  I Corinthians 11:1 says, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." 

Though a good book, it was out of balance.  I would recommend this book to those who can tolerate a hard message which, truthfully, we all need.  But, I caution those whose feelings are still raw from harm done to them in the church; this book will make you angry.  My suggestion is to read it, do your part by walking in love and forgiveness, and pray for those who've harmed or offended you. 

Split Ends: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Want to join the party?  Go on over to From This Side of the Pond  for the Hodgepodge link-up!

It's hard to believe, but next week's Hodgepodge will find us in the month of September. What's one thing you want, need, or hope to do still before summer officially ends?

Have an "Auntie's Day Out" with some of my babies.  I've planned to do it throughout the spring and summer, but circumstances and finances keep putting kinks in my plans.  Maybe I can get it in before the official end of summer, aka, the first Alabama football game (Roll Tide).

When were you last at 'your wit's end'?

All I'm going to say is that it involved finances and lawyers and leave it at that.

Describe a time you were figuratively thrown into 'the deep end'?

Is that like being thrown under the bus?

Does the end always, ever, or never justify the means? Explain.

The ends sometimes do justify the means.  The means to an end are not always evil or immoral.  it's kind of like dealing with people who think there is only one way to complete a task.  If the task is completed correctly, what difference does it make how?  For example, I crochet with an overhanded grip (like holding a knife).  Some people crochet with an underhanded grip (like holding a spoon or a pencil).  Both grips produce the same result; beautiful stiching.  However, among the many crochet books I've read was an author who insisted that the underhanded grip was the only acceptable means to crochet.  In fact, she was downright insulting to anyone who would dare hold the hook in any other way.  I wonder what she'd say about a video I saw on YouTube.  I wish I could find it again to show you.  It was about a lady in Mexico (I think--the video was in Spanish and I'm VERY rusty) who had no hands.  They showed how she kept house and how she crochets.  She holds the yarn and hook between her wrists and maneuvers the yarn with her mouth.  I guess miss You-Have-to-Hold-Your-Hook-Like-Me would have a hissy fit if she saw it.

What makes your hair stand on end?

Everything.  I don't know where my hair texture came from, but my locks defy gravity.  My mom has soft, easy to manage hair.  My dad, when he let his hair grow out, had nice wavy hair.  Mine has the texture and growth pattern of kudzu!  It takes tons of hair products for my tresses to simply lie down.  That's why they call it "relaxer"-- it's meant for intense hair!

I need a 10 gallon drum of this stuff

I read an article on the website Eat This! Health, that listed 11 foods we can eat to help end bad moods. Basically it's a feed your brain so you're less anxious, grouchy and lethargic. The foods are-mussels, Swiss chard, blue potatoes, grass fed beef, dark chocolate, Greek yogurt, asparagus, honey, cherry tomatoes, eggs, and coconut. Which of those do you think would most help end your own bad mood? Which do you fear, if forced to eat, would put you into a bad mood?

Eggs would definitely help.  I like eggs and try to eat them at least twice a week.  I also like Greek yogurt.  There's so much conflict on honey that I just leave it alone.  I've not tried mussels or asparagus and don't know what Swiss chard is.  I don't buy all this "grass fed, organic" hype.  The only difference in most of that stuff is the price.  By the way, if a product uses less pesticides or chemicals, less machinery, and less environmental resources to produce, why does it cost so dang much?  Shouldn't it cost less since it take less to produce it?  Anyway, I've got an A-Z post coming up about dark chocolate, so I'll let you know how it goes.

What project around your home, office, or life in general feels like there is 'no end in sight'?

Cleaning my car.  It's not that bad, but I need to be more consistent with it.

Insert your own random thought here.

Sometimes it's harder in life not to quit than it is to quit.  I'm at that crossroads right now.

Smile and Wave: The Simple Woman's Daybook

If you would like to join in and post your own Daybook, please head on over to visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today:  Sunday, August 23, 2015
 

Outside my window …  To quote The Southern Women Channel, "It's hotter than a Billy goat's butt in a pepper patch."

I am thinking...  

I'm wondering what the Sam Hill I was thinking to attempt Zumba again.  For those of you who don't know, I've had a hate/hate relationship with Zumba. I've read articles, tried DVD's, and went to three different "instructors."  All produced the same results--frustration.  Bless her heart, the Zumba guru at work tried her best.  Call me stupid, but I still need someone to explain what we're doing (thus the term "instructor") instead of jumping right in and hoping I'll catch on.  Is it OK for me to say that a workout just isn't for me without feeling guilty?

On the upside, I thought of some T-shirt slogans while I was marching in place wondering what the heck we were doing:

I run because I suck at Zumba.
 
Zumba is the Common Core Mathematics of the fitness industry.
 
No Quiero Zumba.
 
Zumba:  Producing Depression Since 2001

Which one do you like most?  Let me know in the comments section, you might see it on a shirt in the coming weeks.

I am thankful...  for God's mercies that are new every morning. 

In the kitchen... OK, so I was going to get back to my A-Z challenge and stomach ugly hit...
 

From the Workshop...

This is my second mini blanket for the World's Largest Christmas Stocking project.  I was inspired by a photo from the Crochet Crowd's Facebook page.  A member had made something similar without a pattern.  I traced it out on graph paper and made a mini version of it.  I plan to make another larger one in baby colors.

Sorry the photo is blurry, but just as I was taking the picture, my digital camera died.  I thought it was the batteries, but no, it's dead, Jim.  So I took this with my laptop's built-in webcam; not an easy task.  I'll have to go on the hunt for an inexpensive digital camera soon.

I Am Reading...  Finished Secrets of Becoming a Late Bloomer by  Connie Goldman and Richard Mahler.  The review is here. 

 

I am looking forward to...  cooler weather, bike rides on the trail and the worship team fellowship next Sunday. 
 

I am learning… that in general I don't know what I'm doing.

Around the house...   I moved my writing table to a more inviting area of my bedroom.  I'd show it to you, but alas, my camera is dead.
 

A favorite quote (or two) for today... 

"L. A. public pools don't have lifeguards-[they] have life coaches. If they see you struggling in the water, they say, 'Are you happy with the decisions you're making?' and give you a pamphlet for a yoga studio. - Craig Ferguson

"Brown paper towels are like biscuits made with shortening and sweet milk; they don't sop up nothin'." - Auntie's Musings

"Discipleship happens in the everyday moments of life." - Pastor Zack Casey

One of my favorite things...  Favorite flower:  Rose

 

A few plans for the rest of the week:   Reorganizing my section of the office and my craft area, washing the car (yeah, I know), going to a worship team fellowship on Sunday.
 

And now for something totally different...

 

NEW!

CHAMPION MOMENT

These moments may seem small to others, but they mean something to me.  They may relate to health, major accomplishments, or just conquering something in life altogether. 

 

This week, I finished 365 miles of walking/running.  Last year it took me all year to reach mile-a-day status.  So now let's see what the rest of the year holds.

 

 

From Twitter:  @b0ringtweets tweeted: "I'm going to Jigsaw Club tonight, and before you all ask me what the first rule of Jigsaw Club is, it's work from the outside in."

 

From Twitter:  @GregBQuotes tweeted:  "I can normally work through anything, and get it down…I tried Grape Nuts one time and I had to spit 'em out." #cereal

 

From Twitter:  @WomenSouthern tweeted:  "Today's southern philosophy: Ailments and happiness both get bigger if ya keep tellin' folks about them."

 

From Facebook:  Quilters Block of the Month shared:

 

From Twitter:  @JeffBryanDavis  tweeted:  "Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down." -- guy who doesn't know how bridges or similes work.

From YouTube:

Five Minute Friday: "Find"

Our Mistress of Ceremonies for the Five Minute Friday is Kate over at Heading Home.  Hope you link up with us and join the fun.

GO! 

"Reading is a lost art and I wish people would find it." 

I've repeated that phrase many times over the past few months.  Yes, I'm mostly referring to adults who refuse to read important notices or directions.  However, many have lost the joyous art of reading books.  There is so much to find--so much discovery--in reading. 

As a child I didn't find reading enjoyable.  With my childhood eyesight problems, reading was painful and I hated it.  That is, until I found audio books.  Audio books opened a whole new world for me. 

Although my vision was later corrected well enough for me to read standard print books, I still find much pleasure in the occasional audio selection.  I can work on other projects and still keep up with a good story.

I loved reading to my students.  When I babysat my grandniece, one of the first things she would ask me was "Can we read a book?"   She now in 1st grade and learning to read herself.  I hope for the honor of once again having the opportunity of helping others find the joy of written words.  

STOP!

 

Corn Pone: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Want to join the party?  Go on over to From This Side of the Pond  for the Hodgepodge link-up!

 

Way back when (the Hodgepodge bicentennial to be precise) several of you submitted questions as part of a giveaway I was hosting. I went back to that list for inspiration today and found a question  submitted by Marla, who blogs over at Marla's Musings. Thanks Marla! She asks-At what age did you feel like a 'grown-up'? What keeps you young now?   

When I answered a similar question back in 2013, my answer was that I didn't feel like a grown up.  Today, I still don't feel like a grown up.  I still feel like I did when I graduated from college--like I'm still trying to find my place in the world.  I'm still searching for acceptance and community.  I guess if I haven't found it by now, I may never find it.  Places where I felt accepted at first have turned into sources of pain and rejection.  I'm not saying that the rejection isn't warranted; I simply long for a way to stop it.

As far as what keeps me young:  my relationship with Christ, laughter, doing the best I can with tending to my health, finding ways to play (riding my bike, painting, etc).   Coincidentally, I just finished reading a book on this very subject.  The review is here if you're interested.

When did you last buy a vehicle? Was this by design or because you had no other option? Was the car/truck purchased for your own personal use or was it bought for someone else to drive? On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being delightful and 1 being 'pass the Excedrin') how would you rate the experience?

God gave me a miracle vehicle in December, 2006.  The vehicle I owned previously was another miracle, so I've not had the experience of purchasing from a dealership.  Hopefully in the next little bit, I'll be able to do so, and hopefully it will be my dream car.  I'll most likely purchase from Lipscomb Auto Sales, the dealership that repairs and maintains my current automobile.

This is my dream car; the Buick Lacrosse.

Corn bread, corn chips, corn pudding, corn on the cob, cornflakes, corn chowder-your favorite of the corn-y foods listed? What needs to be served alongside your selection?

Popcorn is actually my favorite corn-y food.  However, creamed corn runs a close 2nd.  Put that with some mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and some form of chicken--I am from the South you know--and Sunday dinner is ON.  May do this very meal Labor Day weekend since it's not a weekly staple.

Speaking of corn, here's a corn-y joke.

What's something in your life that regularly requires you to 'put your thinking cap on'?

Life itself.  No chance of me going around with my brain on autopilot around here.

Share a favorite movie set in a school or classroom, or whose theme relates to school days in some way.

Lean on Me.  This 1989 movie, though inspirational, is hard to watch.  Not just because of the language or subject matter (unfortunately, I'm used to that), but because the "before" state of that school is the state of many current schools and may very well be the state of the majority of the schools if we as a country don't get back to real education and discipline instead of focusing on test scores instead of teaching children to learn, letting bad behavior go undisciplined and good behavior go unrewarded, and producing students who make it to college and still can't read (I've seen it happen). 

This is one of my favorite scenes from the movie.  If you are sensitive to language, skip to the next question.

Reading, writing, and 'rithmatic' are commonly referred to as the three R's. What are the three R's in your life right now?

Reading, writing, and resting.

What's something you've learned or tried recently you can say was as 'easy as ABC'?

I can't think of anything at the moment.

Insert your own random thought here.

I usually share my art on my weekly daybooks, but I keep forgetting to share it here.  This is my latest project.

"Walking on Sunshine." 8 x 10 acrylic on canvas. 
 For purchasing information, click here.



Auntie's Full Shelf Challenge 13

Book: Secrets of Becoming a Late Bloomer.

Author: Connie Goldman and Richard Mahler

Info: Copyright 1995: Walpole NH:  Stillpoint Publishing

Where acquired: Purchased at library book sale.

Why:  As one who is well aware that this earthly life is not forever, I want to finish strong and be a viable member of society when my time to depart comes.  Unlike most of the "misery loves company" literature that's out there for the older set, upon cursory glance, this book appears to go against the grain of the morbid views of aging.  Like Lewis Grizzard says (and I paraphrase), I like to study and hang around with old people; I want to be one of them someday.

Rating (on a scale of 1-4 hashtags): # # # 1/2
  
What it's about:  

The authors paint a glowing, yet realistic picture of aging gracefully.  They discuss how practicing such activities as maintaining a healthy body, cultivating intimate interrelationships, gardening, humor, and spirituality produce a productive human being rather than the typical image of the "rocking chair jockey."

Favorite Quotes: 

"...youth seldom encompasses the wisdom and vision earned over a lifetime of experience.  As we grow older, we tend to discount the opinions of others and pay more attention to our inner needs and desires." - p. 130

On physical health:  "Let's be clear from the outset that this isn't a chapter on how to plan your daily exercise schedule or menu.  We won't outline specific techniques for staying healthy; plenty of excellent books, videotapes, and other materials can help you with that."  - p. 178 (That was refreshing.)

"During his eight-year tenure as the United States Surgeon General, Dr. C. Everett Koop pointed out that 'disease is not a part of aging.  In the older body, most all natural functions continue, but even if there is a decline in the system output, it is still enough to support the body in a disease-free condition.'"- p. 191

"I don't think of myself as a young man or an old man.....You don't look at the changes that take place in a plant in those terms.  You don't say, 'This is a middle-aged flower.'  No, a flower is born, it lives, and it dies;  the process is all one.  And people are really no different." - John Houston, p. 193-194

"Without laughter," [Norman Cousins] says, "we are often cut off from a whole range of life-affirming feelings, including faith, love, determination, and creativity." A lot of us, it seems, are starved for joy. - p. 205

"Humor is tragedy plus time." - Carol Burnett. - p. 206

On gardening:  "Losing contact with nature is like throwing gold into the sea and losing it." - Eddie Albert - p. 251

What I Liked:

• It let me know I was already doing a lot of things right.  Many of the suggested elements of the successful late bloomer, I already practice.
• Although they danced around the subject in the spirituality chapter, the authors did mention Christianity among their examples of spiritual pursuits.  I wasn't expecting that.
• Examples of successful late bloomers weren't specific to socioeconomic standing or gender and race wasn't even mentioned.  In other words, their stories easily relate to anyone.

What I didn’t like: 

• The authors advocate "shacking up" as a viable solution to meet the need for intimate companionship.  That goes against my greater sensibilities and common sense.
• The book did get repetitive and a little long winded in places.

To sum up:  If you want to be a successful productive late bloomer instead of a curmudgeonly old fart, this book's for you.  :)

Stop the Insanity: The Simple Woman's Daybook

If you would like to join in and post your own Daybook, please head on over to visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today:  Sunday, August 16, 2015
 

Outside my window …  Clouds that hopefully signal a soon coming lullaby of rain.  We're due to get a Fall preview this week.

I am thinking...  

I'm wondering if I am becoming too cynical.  Recently read a social media post where a wife told her husband.  "Thank you for laying down your life (and desires) for me and our family."  One, I get tired of couples who talk to each other over social media for all to hear, but won't speak to each other face-to-face.  Second, her statement sounds like "thanks, honey, for having no ambition, no dreams, and no life outside of what I want you to have.  After all, if mama ain't happy, nobody's happy, right?"  Yuck!  Is that what being a wife is all about?  Doesn't sound very appealing.

I am thankful...  for an understanding mom, for favor from God and man, for my job and my co-workers. 

In the kitchen... Time to hit the store again.
 

From the Workshop...

"Walking on Sunshine." 8 x 10 acrylic on canvas. 
 For purchasing information, click here.

I Am Reading...  Finished The New Testament in Modern English by J. B. Phillips.  The review is here.  Only a few pages away from finishing another selection.  New off the shelf:

 

I am looking forward to...  Fall, football season (Roll Tide), bike rides on the trail, the Janey Furnace 5k (I think that will be my next one).  I'm also looking forward to our weekly message at church.  Our Pastors are doing a series on the book of Proverbs.  It's been great so far.  My life is definitely testing me on whether I'm paying attention or not. 

Our church just hired a new College Pastor.  I'm looking forward to meeting him and his wife.  She's pregnant with their first child due in September, so we'll have a new little one to spoil.
 

I am learning… more and more about the faithfulness of God. 

 

Around the house...   Time to regroup and reorganize.

A favorite quote for today... 

"Humor is tragedy plus time." - Carol Burnett

Both honourable marriage and chastity should be respected by all of you.  - Hebrews 13:4 (Phillips)

One of my favorite things...  Favorite radio program:  Rick and Bubba

A few plans for the rest of the week:   Work, getting ready to start on Christmas items.  Yes, I'm late, but I'll catch up.
 

And now for something totally different...

Since I work at a fitness facility, I have access to several fitness magazines.  What's the deal with "Star" workouts?  These are articles that feature a celebrity claiming they have this intense workout regimen and do all these fantastic exercises. However, in the section with the actual workout, it's someone else pictured doing the moves?  Makes me awfully suspicious.  Come on, we're talking about Hollywood; people who binge, purge, starve, have plastic surgery, and their photos are altered, but they want to convince the reader that they work out just like everyone else.  OK, if they do, we need to see pictures of them, not someone else.

Here's another one...

Saw this in my Facebook feed a few days ago:

Not to be insensitive, but two people do not constitute a plague.  Can we stop with sensationalizing everything and get back to reporting the 5 W's?  For the love!

 

From the Empty Nest Blog:

 

 

From Twitter:  @bridger_w tweeted:  "Roasting marshmallows is perfect for those times when you want a treat, but you also want to smell like you just escaped a house fire."

From Twitter:  @b0ringtweets tweeted:  "I'm going to Jigsaw Club tonight, and before you all ask me what the first rule of Jigsaw Club is, it's work from the outside in."

From Facebook:  D.Milner shared:

 

 

From Facebook:  M.White shared: 

 

 From Facebook:  Nerdgasm shared:

 

Auntie's Full Shelf Challenge 12

Book: The New Testament in Modern English.

Author: J. B. Phillips

Info: Copyright 1958: New York:  The Macmillan Company

Where acquired: Thrift store find.

Why:  I'm an avid user of the King James Version of the Bible.  Even after years of reading and studying it, I still get bogged down in some of the Elizabethan English and phraseology.  I've seen many good quotes from the Phillips Translation, found it online at biblegateway.com, but hadn't seen any physical paper copies on the shelves of the bookstore.  When I saw this one at the thrift store I immediately purchased it.  My intention was to read this over Lent.  As you can see, it took a little longer than that.  :)

Rating (on a scale of 1-4 hashtags): # # # #
  
What it's about:  

Phillips, who was a British minister and Bible Scholar, translated the New Testament into more modern English because his Bible students had difficulty understanding the King James Version.  The translation was completed during the World War II era and published in the late 1950's.  (Info from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bertram_Phillips)

Favorite Quotes:  There are way more than this, but I will keep it to a minimum

Colossians 3:14 - And, above everything else, be truly loving, for love is the golden chain of all the virtues.

I Thessalonians 1:2-3 - We are always thankful as we pray for you all, for we never forget that your faith has meant solid achievement, your love has meant hard work, and the hope that you have in our Lord Jesus Christ means sheer dogged endurance in the life that you live before God, the Father of us all.

I Thessalonians 3:10a - How can we thank our God enough for all the joy you give us as we serve him...?

Hebrews 13:4 - Both honourable marriage and chastity should be respected by all of you.

I John 3:8 - Now the Son of God came to earth with the express purpose of liquidating the devil’s activities.

What I Liked:

• This Bible version is very scholarly even while trying to be an easier read for the masses.
• Phillips merely translated from the original Greek texts (info from Wikipedia); he didn't throw in his own commentary or interpretations as some other versions, such as the Good News Translation, have done. 
• Though the "modern" English is from 1940's Britain, it had a conversational flow to it.
• This is going to sound weird, but having an original hardback copy of the 1958 publication thrilled me.  Although the previous owner wrote in it (I hate that and I couldn't erase it all), this worn volume felt like I was touching a bit of history and spirituality at the same time.

What I didn’t like: 

• No true verse numbers.  I know with this type of translation it's difficult, but still.  It's easier to read through but not easy to accurately quote or locate individual passages.
• No references for Old Testament quotes, plus they were quoted in King James.

To sum up:  This translation is excellent for those who can't (or won't) wade through King James English, those who want to spice up their Bible reading with something less familiar, or simply to have another view on scripture.  It doesn't deviate from the message or history of the New Testament.  It simply restates it.

Five Minute Friday: "Learn"

'Our Mistress of Ceremonies for the Five Minute Friday is Kate over at Heading Home.  Hope you link up with us and join the fun.

GO! 

"Ancora Imparo." (Yet I am learning)

I read this Michelangelo quote in the Father Tim novel Shepherds Abiding by Jan Karon.  Father Tim Cavanaugh was learning a new skill to make a unique Christmas present for his wife.

Am I teachable?  Am I using my head for something other than a hat rack?  Am I learning evermore so that I may give unique gifts into people's lives? As I grow older, I struggle against the tendency to become curmudgeonly, what we call "An Old Far" in the South.  Curmudgeons don't learn, and they generally don't teach either; they point.  They point at what others should do, but they don't.  They point out minor flaws or discrepancies, while giving themselves the grace to act a fool.  They point out what's wrong, but never raise a finger to help fix it.  They also point always to the past; never growing, never learning, never looking ahead to possible joys.  Their brains shrivel in the perpetual state of "We never did it that way before."

No, this is not for me.  I like to learn new things, or how to do old things in a new way.  Life's just more fun that way.

STOP!

Move Along: The Weekly Hodgepodge

Want to join the party?  Go on over to From This Side of the Pond  for the Hodgepodge link-up!

When was the last time you relocated? Did you move yourself or leave it to the professionals? Are you happy staying put or is there a move in your future? Best thing about moving to a new city or town? Least favorite and/or hardest thing about moving house?

I moved from JackVegas to Weaver last year.  I covered the ordeal (among other things) in last year's 30 Day Photo Blog.  While I'm thinking about it, I may do another one of those soon next year.  Anyway.  I packed what few belongings I had into milk crates and laundry baskets and transported them in myself, save a couple of furniture pieces that absolutely would NOT fit in my car.  Thank God for friends with pickup trucks and skills with spatial relations.  I'm staying put for the moment, but I still have hopes of moving into my own house (preferably in California but that's God's call).  Weaver is a beautiful small town, plus I have the convenience of living only about a mile from the Chief Ladiga Trail.  My least favorite part about moving is not being able to do it the right way with proper packing boxes and such.  Well, there's always next time.

When were you last 'moved to tears'? Explain.

Unfortunately, it was out of anger.  I didn't direct it at anyone, but I did cry.  I had a crisis come up that I couldn't handle at the time.  I don't know how well I'm handling it now, but I have to go on.

Do you have rules about eating in the car...any forbidden foods? What's the last thing you consumed in your car? Your go-to car snack when traveling long distance?

I would have rules about eating in the car if I had children.  The last thing I ate in the car was a pack of peanuts and some iced tea.  I don't really have a go-to car snack, but I do like to keep something to drink handy (water, tea, juice, etc).

Share a favorite song relating to cars and/or driving. 

Several come to mind:  Little Red Corvette by Prince, Pink Cadillac by Natalie Cole, Freeway of Love by Aretha Franklin, Get Out of My Dreams (Get Into My Car) by Billy Ocean, and Drive by the Cars.  Here's one that might surprise you.  When I was kid, I really liked this one.

 

What's your most frequently visited drive-thru...Starbucks? the bank? the pharmacy? some other window?

Though I'm doing much better about this, I would say Sonic.

"He who hesitates is lost"...would you agree? When it comes to making decisions do you generally act quickly or do you more often than not fall into the 'lost' category?

It depends on the reason for the hesitation.  If it's because something doesn't feel right or one wants to pray and get wise counsel, then I'd say that I don't agree with the statement.  If it's a matter of being wishy-washy and unable to make decisions, then I'd say that statement holds true.  For me, I fall into the first category most.  I occasionally can't make a decision and miss out on something good.

When was the last time you got lost? Was it stressful or an unexpected happy adventure?

Let's just put it this way, I hate being lost.  It is never an unexpected happy adventure.  How does being late and scared out of your gourd qualify as a happy adventure?

Insert your own random thought here.

Got a lot going on, not all of it good, but God is faithful.  I will come out on top.

Doo-Doo Brown: The Simple Woman's Daybook

If you would like to join in and post your own Daybook, please head on over to visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today:  Sunday, August 9, 2015
 

Outside my window …  Still in the throws of a hot, but beautiful summer.

I am thinking...   about Dave Ramsey and how I wish I could have a face-
to-face consultation with him (or two).

I am thankful...  for air conditioning.  Our unit was out for two days and I felt absolutely boiled.  The repair was simple (thank the Lord).   I'm also thankful to start a new week.  This one wasn't the greatest, but God is faithful.

In the kitchen... I hit a milestone.  I actually finished a large bag of spinach before it went bad.  This week, I'm going two for two.  I enjoy spinach, but it's hard to finish it before it turns into compost.
 

From the Workshop...  I'm still working on the service projects I mentioned last time.  I'm also trying to come up with an idea for a door prize for the senior center.  It's due Friday.  I have my idea for next month, but nothing has hit me for this month yet.
 

I am reading...  Finished Get Out of That Pit by Beth Moore.  The review is here.   I'm nearly done with two other selections.  When those are done, it will be time to pick something new from the shelf.

 

I am looking forward to...  being out of debt.
 

I am learning… that there are lawyers who aren't scumbuckets...I just haven't met them yet.   If you are a lawyer, read my blog, and are not a scumbucket, show me, don't tell me.

 

Around the house... time to start decorating the craft area with new Christmas items...when I make them, that is.  :)

A favorite quote for today... 

"I believe strongly in support groups, but a support group alone will never get us out of a pit.  Somebody in the group better be on the upside looking in.  Preferably way up.  Otherwise we're liable to keep cheering back and forth, 'That was so good!' when in reality, none of us is doing well.  If we keep patting each other on our broken backs, how will they ever mend?" - Beth Moore

One of my favorite things...  Current favorite TV program:  Whose Line is It Anyway?

A few plans for the rest of the week:   Work, rest, cleaning up a pile of financial doo-doo (hopefully), catching up on reading and craft projects.
 

And now for something totally different...

 

From Facebook:  Nerdgasm posted:

 

 

From YouTube:  J.Butler posted: