Our 17th Wedding Anniversary - Daddy Was Right!

The Wedding Day - May 17, 1997

Love and Soul - Monthly Event

The Simmons and The Tuckers

Daddy Was Right!

Last Sat, May 17th, my husband and I celebrated our 17th Anniversary doing "something special" each day of the entire weekend. It started on Friday night attending a fun-filled, inspirational Love and Soul event hosted by Kimberly Gunn.  Once a month a great line-up of musicians, comedians and artists come together to share their gifts and talents. This is our third time attending and we are never disappointed.

On Saturday, we had a wonderful, somewhat restful day, beginning with a little exercise, then a "light" breakfast at the Original House of Pancakes.  The blueberry pancakes and turkey sausage were wonderful.

On Sunday, we were blessed to celebrate the goodness of God at Overcoming by Faith in SAV, GA.  After service we had a wonderful dinner with a truly anointed and inspirational couple, Bro. and Sis. Simmons. 

It's hard to believe a week has gone by, so quickly.  As I reflect on our Anniversary, I recall how my Dad was one of the key people who admired my husband, when we were "just friends."  He recognized there was something "special about him," when it "came to me," even before I did.  I was 35 yrs young when I got married, so I wasn't a young chick.  When my Dad gently mentioned Otto as possibly being "more than a friend," the Daddy's Girl that I am said, "You just want to get rid of me hugh?"  

Since that time, I have come to appreciate how "wise counsel" from "select people" can help me see more clearly the "better" choices for my life.  It was amazing how his input along with other "confirmations," helped me to make the second most important decision of my life. I married a true friend and partner in ministry and life. It's rare that you find someone to support you through the good, bad and sometimes "ugly" seasons in your life.  With all of my "special needs," he has been the most patient man of God that I could have hoped for. The Bible says, that a man should love His wife as Christ loved the church.  I believe my husband of 17 yrs is doing his best to uphold that standard and I'm so thankful I listened to my Dad on this one.  Daddy was right!

Ride-a-Long to Get-a-Long

A Special Day On The Streets

I am so glad a fellow Toastmaster introduced our club to the opportunity of becoming a graduate of the Citizen's Police Academy in Savannah, GA.  It has been an amazing 13 wk, 3 hr a wk journey.  I have learned so much and have a much greater respect for the Men and Women in Blue. The learning experience only cost $10, gas to and from training locations, and the investment of time required to attend the Thursday evening sessions, 6:30pm - 9:30pm.

I will share more with you in detail, AFTER GRADUATION DAY on May 15th!

Today, I wanted to give you a glimpse of the highly respected, eye-awakening, thought provoking Ride-a-Long!  We had a time frame of 10 days to schedule our Ride-a-Long, which ideally would be with officers from the precinct in which we live. I chose the the early morning shift from 6:30a-2:30p on the Monday after Easter. 

Without divulging any confidential information, let me say it was a VERY INTERESTING morning.  My partner for the day was Officer Potter who is a young man with a BIG HEART! He is a hard-working  man who is working several jobs to help provide for his family.  He "handled" the various "situations" through investigation, much conversation and exchange of information, with compassion and professionalism.  He treated me and everyone he came in contact with as if we were CEO's or dignitaries. I recognize, he had me as a "close observer," but for some reason I sensed, he wasn't putting on a show for me. He appeared to genuinely respect everyone for who they were and did not prejudge them. In many instances, he even shared "the story behind the situation," which gave light to how he really tries to get each individual's perspective before making decisions that would be best for them and the community.

I applaud Officer Potter's fairness and the way he "connected" with people.  The badge and fancy cop car did not make him feel "superior," but at the end of the day, he just wanted to "do his job well, ideally help someone and his community to have a better day, then return to his personal life with his family." Although each officer that I meet, "policed" a little differently, it is good to know they worked as a "team," backing up one another on every call.   If the initial call didn't require a back up, as the "situation" unraveled, either officer could make that call, being confident that "the Calvary" is on the way! 

I'm not naive to believe that "all officers" serve the community in the same way as Officer Potter.  There are some "really good cops" and some "really bad ones too." As for me, this experience has increased my awareness and desire to pray for and support officers like Officer Potter, who are committed to  "doing the right thing, the right way." Keepers of the peace, I applaud your efforts, for blessed are the peacemakers.

Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live

peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

I Timothy 2:2

 

He Got Up! He Has Risen!

Three of my FAVORITE songs will be ministered during our Resurrection Sunday Celebration!

If you don't already have plans, join Overcoming By Faith at either 9a or 11a 

at the Savannah Civic Center, SAV, GA.

It's so cool being married to the guitar player in the band.  I get a sneak preview of the songs!

I hope you plan to celebrate this special day in a very special way!

The lyrics and music says it ALL today!!!

What's So Good About Good Friday?

For those of you who believe as I do, this is a very special time of year, we celebrate Love coming down in the flesh.  I am honored to say, because He lives, I can face tomorrow.  If it was not for the precious promises planted in my heart, I would not have the sense of Hope and Purpose that I have today.

I recall formatting a template for a tract many years ago, What's So Good About Good Friday?  Well, the Good News is that He came and was touched with our infirmities.  He died that we might live.  He knows what we go through and tempted in all points, but without sin.  He walked upon this earth, in order to be that sacrificial lamb for us.  He is our example and source of Hope, Peace, Healing and Strength.

We are so thankful throughout the year, but especially in this Easter season, we recognize what a sacrifice He made, so that we can have life and that life more abundantly.  Regardless of this ever-changing world, God has given us His son, He sacrificed His life for Us and His Love Remains The Same!

As we choose to watch the "Passion of the Christ" on an annual basis and pause to consider what sacrifice He made, I am inspired to reevaluate the life that I live in honor of Him. I hope this post will inspire you to do the same.  Selah

Attitude of Gratitude: The Jar That Inspires

A couple years ago, I was introduced to the idea of having a Attitude of Gratitude Jar, as it was shared in response to a table topics question at a Toastmasters meeting.  Since that time, it has been a source of inspiration in our household. 

What is an Attitude of Gratitude Jar?

It is a plastic/glass jar that can be purchased from any local store, with slips of paper placed on the inside. The slips of paper document any moment that you want to acknowledge your appreciation for something good that has happened in your life.  For example, my most recent note voiced my appreciation for getting a higher tax return that we did last year.  That's something to celebrate in our household!

How can it benefit the family?

It can offset the negativity that seems to predominate the news and most conversations in the world today. It will force us to focus on that which is GOOD vs that which is BAD.  It can help children and adults to make a conscious effort to look at their life from a more POSITIVE perspective.  This helps develop an attitude of gratitude, for the little things in life, that matter most.  There is always something to be grateful for in our lives each and every day, so why not focus on that?  This little jar, placed in a prominent place, can promote a consistent effort of each family member to think on that which is good and gain a greater appreciation for life! 

How can it be used?

The choice is yours! It can be a wonderful family-friendly, inspirational activity on Thanksgiving or at the close of the year, in which each family member can take turns reading the notes placed in the jar.  How wonderful would it be to have each family member have a certain color paper and have somewhat of a "competition."  Who can write the most notes each year?  How cool would that be? It would allow that competitive nature to be applied in a very positive way?

The other option is to utilize the jar as a means of encouragement throughout the year.  Even if you live alone, you can pull from it at any time during the year and remind yourself of those GOOD things that have transpired.  I promise you, it will stir up the joy within you and it can be a source of inspiration throughout the year!  It's doesn't cost much, requires very little time, but the benefits includes more reflection, greater peace, more joy and laughter, along with attitude adjustments on a regular basis.

Kiss anxiety and depression good-bye, say hello to more joy, peace, 

and a home filled with a common ground of appreciation, 

with an Attitude of Gratitude Jar!

[Philippians 4:6-9]

Holding Hands - Simple yet Beautiful!

How often do we see people holding hands? What a sweet expression of affection. It's an innocent, yet powerful display of  a true love connection. It's not offensive.  It's family friendly. It's often overlooked and under rated.

I say, let's bring it back! As I watched these two love birds walk in front of me on a bright sunny morning, their walking and holding hands showed me something.  It exemplified to me that love between two people can withstand the test of time.  True love, is gentle.  True love is patient.  True love can be displayed in the simplest of ways.

This type of love is discreet, yet deep. Very much in contrast to the way we see "so called love" portrayed on TV or in the movies. I would like to see more movies that allow me to use my imagination and not just show everything, every body part, up close and personal. "Too much information" is not healthy for anyone.  

This couple held hands while having light conversation and many moments of just "being there" for one another. I was inspired to do more of the same with my husband.  I hope this post will inspire you to keep your love simple yet beautiful too.

Don't Sweat The Small Stuff

We believe for the best, but how do we deal with the unexpected? When LIFE happens? That unexpected flat tire? That tree branch breaking, falling and causing damage to your home? The unexpected abnormal lab result? Your job description being expanded and you have less time to do more? How do we handle THOSE PEOPLE who just don't do things the way you think they ought to be done? While driving, they cut in front of you, without signaling? They are just so different, they just seem to "get under your skin?"

I am inspired by how Pastor Joel Osteen reminds us to avoid letting "situations" disturb us in a way that we lose our joy and peace. It's encouraging to know that even though me may be "wired" a certain way, we can change our perspective and respond better to every situation.

I recognize I can be "more intense" about certain things and at times "get a little bent out of shape." I am so thankful to have an extremely patient husband who gently helps me to "keep things in perspective." A loving mother who taught me the Prayer of Serenity. An amazing mentor and inner circle of friends who help me to stay focused on the Big Picture. Training and teaching atmospheres such as my church, Toastmasters and even my place of employment.

In addition to this message, I am reading an insightful and inspirational book by Richard Carslon Ph.D, Don't Sweat The Small Stuff. This easy-to-ready book is reminding me of simple ways to keep the little things from taking over my life.

May you be encouraged this day to enjoy your life to the fullest and not sweat the small stuff!