Crying, Pride and Hope

Son & Horse Dog

We had a celebration weekend of non-stop events with my son.  He left for the Marine Boot Camp today.

I now cry over all his mess stuff that is here in our home.  I did get 5 hours of sleep before waking to tears again.

This is no comparison to death but I do have a heart ache.  I have hope and pride both.  

I am learning to have more compassion, more feelings for our Military!  

Thanksgiving Memories

This is such an ordinary pic of Thanksgiving Day.   Son did pose with his Grandfather, as others are talking distracted!

We had a wonderful dinner with family (a bit sad)..... since my son is leaving soon for Boot Camp.

These are memories to keep.  Fortunately we have ability to photograph our memories, before we forget them!

As I look back at Thanksgiving's of the past.  I do miss the one's who have passed on.  Enjoy your family,  while you appreciate them now.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Taking the time to express our gratitude

Having a joyful and thankful attitude

Admitting thankfulness for blessings received

Needing to acknowledge what we have believed

Keeping minds focused on God as we pray

Seeking to be grateful to God every day

Gaining in knowledge of spirit and mind

Imitating Christ in being loving and kind

Voicing our worship with songs we raise

Improving in offering grateful praise

Naming Christ the Lord as our Savior & King

Giving thanks and praise to God for everything

            © Connie Arnold, 2010
Inspirational Poetry Home

Laughing and Crying Feelings

Since it is one week until my son goes to Marine Boot Camp (plans are made).   The grief is beginning for me....
 
I keep reminding myself that he will be better off in the long run.  Moms do want the best for their children.

We have a full week ahead with Thanksgiving, going away party, cleaning house and travel.  I will be laughing with family and crying in my heart as I worry about my son.

We have improved communications however but not Boot Camp! We can only do hand-written letters???

Many Moms have gone down this road before me.  I know it will be for his best, many men tell me!

Pain and Stretching My Legs

Jer 15:18

Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, .....

Pain does seem to be part of life with many people sometimes.

Recently I have had leg spasms, they actually elevate my legs upwards while sitting or sleeping. (worse than a charlie horse)

It was painful enough that I sought help at The Shepherd Center in Atlanta.  I had to go out of my comfort zone....

They advised to try stretching my quads in the leg while laying on the bed since I cannot stand. 
 
Stretching my leg muscles has relieved the pain some.   The pain of stretching is momentary to help the longer term pain, daily.

Spiritually, we need to stretch our lives out to others.   I personally believe it will help the daily pain....

The Secret of Beauty

photo © Gary Strader

 Beauty is one of many good things

that God so freely gives,

surrounding us in this beautiful world

in which each of us lives.

We don’t always see the beauty,

life’s problems can cloud the mind,

but the beauty is always present,

ready for us to find.

God’s love also is ever present,

surrounding us each day,

and although we sometimes are unaware,

that love never fades away.

The secret to seeing the beauty

and God’s love that is everywhere

is to make ourselves present to God

through worship, thanksgiving and prayer.

© Connie Arnold,  2010   

I am observing the beauty around me, as the seasons change!

Fears.....Exposed

 

I found a scorpion in our house, took my time about spraying it with bug spray.  It almost got away, and they sting!

I told hubs, I am insane.  If it had been a harmless ugly spider?  I would have rushed with heart racing, to see it's demise!

Let Our Light Shine is a new blog friend.  She did a post for me, about a fear of spiders. Read here to see her enlightening post of fears exposed.

"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant..." Psalm34:4

I realized this fear makes no sense.   (This will be my last post about spiders.)  Ponder your fears again, to overcome them!

Veteran's Day Past/Present

Hubs saw this sign while in the Navy in the early 1980's.   Our young people were shocked at this attitude, when hubs told them this.

Fortunately society has a different attitude toward Veterans now!  Our Veterans deserve the utmost respect.  They give of themselves to allow us freedom.

A few decades later they receive respect.   This is a case of attitudes do get better, with time....

We had a wonderful day with our 2 fabulous kids.  A day of fun eating at nice Restaurants.   Sam's Club gave him a Hugo folding cane  (I hope to use it someday, maybe)

Time spent with family is enjoyed by me all.   Attitudes can change!

Remembering Scott Ledford

1984

One year ago today, he went to Heaven.  All were in shock since he was a healthy 43 year old man.

Aneurysms are never expected.  Life is unpredictable.

This photo is the way I remember my cousin.  I talk to his Mom often, no words can describe her pain...

This subject does not go with the title of my blog, but I want to remember him today??

Many situations in life, we will not understand.

Friday Flashback, Georgia Mountains

Fond Memories here.  Thanks to Sherry, whom I grew up with.  She shared these photos with me, they do remind me of home

National Forrest

God's painting

Jacks River

Photogenic Eye

When it looks bad-Remember Eunice

Eunice, what a story of a friend.  She was an alcoholic, almost homeless a long time ago.

She found the Lord, then began to help others that were homeless.  "I could have been on the streets", was her saying.

She went the extra mile to help everyone.  She took some to Church, cooked etc. 

Unfortunately Eunice's job ended, then she lost her home.  This happened years before the recession.  We all tried to help her.

As troubles continued, Eunice had a knee replacement because of pain. She had to stay in a Nursing Home for 2 years with complications.

Doctors had to amputate her leg from the knee down.  Eunice is now recovering again.

Every time I call her now, she says baby I will be ok.   I am doing better now.

A case of when it seems bad, it could be worse. 

Why?  We do not understand it.  We all pray for her, prayer is all she wants.

I have beenTagged.....

Wanda at The Watered Soul   tagged me.

Here’s the fun questions:

1. What is your favorite season?  Spring
2. What phrase do you find yourself saying like your parents, although you thought you’d never be caught repeating such words? Because I said So
3. What was your first Christmas gift that you received? 1965 Barbie Doll
4. Which are you more likely to do: sing karaoke, bungee jump, or speak to a large crowd? Bungee Jump haha!
5. When driving do you go the speed limit, just a wee bit over the limit, or make sure you just a little bit under the speed limit?Younger-a bit over, now a bit-under
6. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your younger self? Relax, enjoy life!
7. Besides the Bible, what book has had a great impact on your life? 90 Minutes in Heaven
8. What’s something you would include on your bucket list? See Grand Canyon