tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343451952024-03-14T02:00:39.841-05:00The making of a pilgrimage"By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place where he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going." Hebrews 11:8Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.comBlogger208125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-84874459932590578492010-01-29T18:21:00.001-06:002010-01-29T18:23:43.281-06:00new addressI'm now on wordpress. Follow me over to there...http://themakingofapilgrimage.wordpress.com/Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-29409373182915913082009-11-03T13:43:00.002-06:002009-11-03T13:58:19.357-06:00Walking contradictionI'm a walking contradiction. Ask any of my friends and they will tell you that I'm a detail-oriented person, one that pays attention to the small things in a project. They will tell you that I'm dependable and trustworthy. They will tell you I will finish a project given to me. I remember details most people don't even notice.<br /><br />But at the same time I am forgetful. I start many a project that I never finish. I start something with good intentions then leave it. How can someone be so opposite in her ways? Well, while walking this morning (I've started something here...we'll see how long it lasts) these were the thoughts running through my mind.<br /><br />I walked a 5K last Saturday with some friends from church. Our choir director hosted an invitational run/walk. We got a cool t-shirt :) A 5K is just over three miles, that's it. But those three miles showed me how out of shape I am. That's where the walking this morning comes into play. I've decided, and I think with help from the 5K, that I need to get out of bed and exercise in the morning. I've allowed myself to gain too much weight over the last nine years. The scale has slowing but surely gone up.<br /><br />One of the pictures from the walk on Saturday showed me with a major double chin. I DON'T WANT A DOUBLE CHIN! So, as of yesterday I started walking around my neighborhood. Mind you, I've done this before. It lasted about a week. This time I am hoping for a longer run.<br /><br />Why can't I keep up with exercise? I know part of the problem is doing it alone. Guess I need to find someone who will walk with me. But most of my friends run. I can't ask them to walk. That would be unfair to them.<br /><br />Here's to sticking with something that doesn't really have an end to it. I need to exercise my whole life, not just until a certain amount of weight comes off.Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-42921416510019390862009-09-25T15:03:00.002-05:002009-09-25T15:11:18.552-05:00Self talkLast Thursday, I started a new Bible study with some ladies from church. It's all about what we tell ourselves day in and day out. You know, those things you speak to yourself - I'm stupid, I'll never finish that project, I'm not pretty enough for him, I'm so behind, I'm a failure. I could go on and on with so many things we speak to ourselves in the privacy of our minds.<br /><br />The problem with that is the majority of those things are negative. We, in turn, use those thoughts to build a life. We label ourselves according to the contents of those thoughts. And usually, they are not what God knows about us or says we are.<br /><br />I'm being reminded that I must tell myself the truth. God's truth. If I listen to not just the world around me but myself, I will have a mind full of lies and junk. God wants me to build a life on His truth, His power, His provision, His grace and mercy. Most of the things I tell myself are not based on God's truth. I have to change that.Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-23006951636698604952009-09-21T13:01:00.002-05:002009-09-21T13:19:37.815-05:00I'll go with that one...with a side of thatLet us pick from the thoughts floating through my head right now. Like a cafeteria, I'll randomly select some things to tell you.<br /><br />Last week was the opener for many sitcoms and shows. Two of my favorites came back last Thursday night, <a href="http://www.fox.com/fringe">Fringe</a> and <a href="http://www.nbc.com/theoffice">The Office</a>. As always, The Office gave me some awkward moments to live through and silly situations. I'm reminded all the time of my real workplace. Fringe did not let me down, either. The writer have set up a great season. I love the cow. If you watch the show, you know exactly what I mean.<br /><br />A Ladies Bible study started last Thursday night, as well. Everything happens all at once, doesn't it? This study is called Me, Myself and Lies. I look forward to getting to know the ladies in the group. A small group like this allows me to get past a simple hello in the hallway at church. Once again, God has brought a random group of women together for this one. But, as we all know, nothing is random with God!<br /><br />My dear friend <a href="http://www.unfinishedbusiness1001.wordpress.com">Mandy</a> will celebrate her thirty-first birthday next Thursday! I've planned some fun stuff for her this Friday night. I have to pay her back for the awesome birthday present - Heart in concert! I promise you Mandy, you will LOVE Friday night.<br /><br />I just want to say again that I love my church and especially the choir and orchestra. Never have I been in a church where the musicians were so close with each other and desired to minister to the rest of the members as passionately as this group does. I look forward to rehearsals on Wednesday nights. And truly feel like we minister to the congregation on Sunday mornings. Last night, the orchestra blessed us with a concert. They filled the stage area. Actually, they are growing and pushing the choir out of the loft! This is a great problem to have.<br /><br />Has Nashville, Tennessee moved to Seattle, Washington? This constant rain sure seems like it. The sun is out today for the first time since Friday afternoon.Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-74645679692512185722009-09-16T13:54:00.004-05:002009-09-16T13:58:37.878-05:00Flu vaccinationJust a quick question: how many of you, my few readers, get a flu shot each year? I've never taken a flu shot, nor have I had the flu. I'm not saying that to gloat or challenge luck/fate/health. Maybe I'm one of those that is less susceptible to illness. That could have to do with all the germs and dirt I ate as a child ;)<br /><br />I'm simply curious about who of my friends takes the shot yearly, or occasionally.Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-86106142800094933922009-09-14T13:38:00.003-05:002009-09-14T13:53:14.914-05:00Respect versus stupidityI'm rather disgusted with Kayne West's behavior at the VMA's last night. I didn't watch the award show, but while checking facebook, I saw all the people commenting on him. So I went to youtube and found what they were talking about. If you have not seen or heard what Kayne did and said while Taylor Swift was accepting her award, you can easily find it all over the internet.<br /><br />The incident: Taylor Swift won the Female Video of the Year award, beating out Beyonce. Halfway through her acceptance speech, Kayne walks up to the stage and take the microphone out of Taylor's hand. "I am really happy for you," West said. "But Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time." Then he hands the microphone back to Taylor and walks off the stage.<br /><br />What?!?*%&^(#$*~#?! Who acts that way? Oh, yeah...Kayne West does, all the time. We have come to expect him to react when he is not the winner or doesn't like the outcome. I'm sure there were many people who thought other videos should have won, but they didn't storm the stage and take away a new artist's thunder! Grow up!<br /><br />And to Beyonce, thank you for showing us you are a mature, grown up woman. You allowed Taylor to enjoy her moment when you won the Video of the Year award. Thank you for being the better and respectful person. Kayne's actions just show how immature and selfish and disrespectful he is.Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-85086382255198439952009-09-10T08:19:00.002-05:002009-09-10T08:37:55.044-05:00Remembering my Grandma NewSeptember is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. My Grandma New passed away from it in 1991. I was fourteen. I was devastated. My Grandma Smith passed away in 1969, right before my oldest brother was born. None of us knew her. Maybe that's why I was so affected by Grandpa New's passing. I had a great-grandma that was alive until I was in late elementary/early junior high, but I still had only the one grandma.<br /><br />I miss her, still. She made the best pies. You know the kind, homemade crust, custard filling, meringue on top. She would make a pie for your birthday. She made really yummy biscuits, which was a staple in the house. That or cornbread. She introduced me to coffee. Yuck! Or at least that is what I thought at a young age. It's rather delicious now.<br /><br />She kept a strawberry patch. I remember helping weed that stupid thing. But I loved the time spent with grandma. I remember one day in particular. We may have been weeding, we could have been picking berries. I don't recall. What I do remember is this: grandma's phone kept ringing. The first couple of times she didn't care. She walked back into the house and answered the phone. It must have been picking time, people were probably calling to check if she still had berries to pick. Anyway, she came back outside each time. When the phone rang one time she straightened herself, looked back at the house and said, "Well shit!" I looked up at her in such disbelief! My grandma had just cussed! I still laugh about it.<br /><br />I also remember her singing. She had an old hymnal at the house and she would sit at the window and sing. Maybe that's where I learned some older songs, ones we don't sing anymore. Thank you grandma for giving me a love for singing.<br /><br />One time while spending the night, my cousin Christa and I slept in grandma's bed while she slept on the couch. That couch was not comfortable for sleep. But she still gave up her bed. I remember her telling us a scary story, we laid there scared to go to sleep! Thanks grandma...maybe that's where my overactive brain comes from.<br /><br />You know the powder that you get in a round container? My grandma had that. And whenever I see or smell those, I remember her. And I miss her all over again. I love you grandma and am ready to see you again!Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-22099100044064725642009-09-09T08:04:00.002-05:002009-09-09T08:21:29.577-05:00HeartMy friend <a href="http://www.unfinishedbusiness1001.wordpress.com">Mandy</a> is an amazing friend! She took me to see Heart last night in concert! Wonderful birthday gift. My birthday is this Saturday, Sept. 12...just saying.<br /><br />Ann and Nancy still have it. They still rock. Nancy still has a power house voice. Ann still rocks the guitar. She does a cute jumping up thingy when she gets into a guitar rip. They started the concert with Barracuda - AWESOME! Seriously - AMAZING! They continued with all the songs we wanted to hear.<br /><br />The night started with a lady whose name I can't remember, last name is Grace. First name starts with an A. Anyway, she was really good. But, since I don't know her songs, I have no idea what she was singing, making it hard to be excited about her. She was good though, I'll have the check her out.<br /><br />Alison Krauss came out at one point. She rocks! She is super talented. It was cool to see her up there with Heart.<br /><br />The concert was at the Ryman. The more I go there, the more I like that place. My suggestion, always sit in the balcony. Much better seats for the most part. Most seats up there have a great view of the stage. And since the rows are tiered, you don't have to worry too much about a guy sitting in front of you with a big cowboy hat on. There was a guy there last night with one on...why would you wear one to a Heart concert?<br /><br />So, thank you Mandy for a great birthday gift!Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-55057356388481298742009-09-08T09:57:00.002-05:002009-09-08T10:07:28.273-05:00Before speaking, read the factsI'm a registered Republican. I vote in most elections, local to national. Most of the time I stand with my fellow Republicans. But ya'll! Really! Before coming out again the speech President Obama will make today to students all over the nation, please take the time to read his <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/">speech</a>. I've included it here in case you haven't read it.<br /><br />I have read it. And for the life of me, I can't figure out why people are in such an uproar. His speech is very forthright and uplifting. He challenges the students to work hard and not give up.Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-56987154387308595342009-09-07T11:07:00.003-05:002009-09-07T11:44:13.157-05:00Lazy dayMy cats are entertaining me right now by trying to get at a bug or insect in between windows. They have spent some time in front of the window, on their hind legs for a good part of it. It drives them nuts not being able to get to something right outside the window. They spend many hours in front of the kitchen window, watching a squirrel that chose to sit on the ledge and eat. They make a strange noise stemming from frustration. If you have a cat, you know what sound I speak of.<br /><br />Long weekends are a wonderful treat! I slept in and haven't done anything yet. I might go out and eat lunch at a fun place. Don't plan on any housework being done. No work on anything today! I'm trying to get Mandy to go with me somewhere.<br /><br />Hope everyone is having a great day!Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-83895181434038335712009-09-04T08:20:00.003-05:002009-09-04T08:28:08.353-05:00Latest laser treatment<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/SqEUsIgE4gI/AAAAAAAAAl8/ZUb4KPcf8Q8/s1600-h/102_9654.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/SqEUsIgE4gI/AAAAAAAAAl8/ZUb4KPcf8Q8/s320/102_9654.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377602178485903874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/SqEUrmpKJEI/AAAAAAAAAl0/R6MVEuy_fhk/s1600-h/102_9653.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/SqEUrmpKJEI/AAAAAAAAAl0/R6MVEuy_fhk/s320/102_9653.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377602169397191746" /></a><br />My mom mentioned last night that she hadn't seen any pictures from my recent treatment. Here are two from the day of...<br /><br />I didn't take any over the past week. Sorry! This past week the dots have turned from black to dark red to light red. Right now you can barely see the dots. Over the next couple of weeks it will appear as though we did nothing. Then we should start to see fading. Right about now, you think the treatment was in vain because nothing appears different and the color of the birthmark is more red than before.<br /><br />I'll be sure to post a picture showing the fading that occurred. I think there will be significant fading this time.Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-88167816876310811402009-09-03T08:14:00.004-05:002009-09-03T08:30:39.021-05:00A little David Cook to start the day offDavid Cook won a couple of seasons back on American Idol. Over the weeks, he became my favorite singer on there. He's got a slight rocker thing going on, and I love it. So, this morning while flipping through channels, on my way to the weather channel (which I watch a lot...like my parents), I saw the music video for his recent single <span style="font-style:italic;">When you find you</span>. Great song.<br /><br />The video was shot in a style that is becoming popular. They record the scene then play it backwards. Now, I know that is not a new method but I have seen an influx of it on the television. Unlike many times I've seen this backwards play, it actually fit this song. One line says "When you find you, come back to me." This method just seems to fit what the song says. So props to the producer who saw what worked for this song.<br /><br />I'm watching the news while typing this. I can see that traffic is backed up all over the city. I'm sure the rain has caused people to forget how to drive. Speaking of rain, my little kitty, Sugar, is hiding inside the couch. I haven't seen her this morning and probably won't. The weird thing is that Boots, the older kitty, is out and about. She used to hide at the first drop on rain. Guess they have switched places.Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-52772144338254644942009-09-02T13:35:00.004-05:002009-09-02T13:46:48.453-05:00Challenge for myselfThis month I will try my hardest to post something on here every week day. You may end up with stuff not written by me to fulfill this challenge but there will be something posted here.<br /><br />The reason for this challenge is not just to post on the blog for posting sake. I need to vocalize lots of stuff. Get thoughts out of my brain and into the open. So, to start the month off...<br /><br />Does anyone else find the lack of sitcoms on television annoying? Most shows are now reality based or game show material. Where have the smart script writers gone? There are a couple of shows hidden among the shows that require no brain activity on the viewers part.<br /><br />I want a good sitcom back! Have we dumb down our society enough the past ten or so years that we no longer care to be challenged with controversial topics or quick whit? You would think so by a quick run down of current shows lists. A word to producers and writers: I can handle a story line that continues past one episode. And I can handle a grown up conversation mixed with humor. And I can process big words and deep philosophical ideas. So, give me a show that contains that. Thank you.Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-58360419781776460492009-09-01T13:57:00.003-05:002009-09-01T14:23:40.476-05:00Payday shoppingLast night I went shopping. This is actually an unusual activity for me. I needed new shoes, like good ones. Ones that gave my feet support. Ones that gave me an arch since my feet are basically flat. Ones that are comfortable and can be worn with most casual outfits. Ta-da! <a href="http://www.newbalance.com/outdoor/footwear/WW645/">Here</a>'s what I bought. I love the coloring and they are super comfy!<br /><br />I also stopped by Lane Bryant after seeing a coworker with <a href="http://www.lanebryant.com/product/Knit-drama-top/26136/pslot/26.uts">this</a> great shirt on yesterday from said store. There is a cool zipper on the top, allowing you to make the neck opening as small or open as you like. I plan to wear it next week for the Heart concert my wonderful friend Mandy is taking me to for my birthday. By the way, my birthday is September 12, a couple of Saturdays from now. I like green, books and collect crosses. Just in case you want to know.<br /><br />After the shirt buy, I found some great necklaces to accent the outfit for the concert at Forever 21. That store is overloaded with jewelry. I could waste a lot of money in there.<br /><br />So, I will look amazingly hot at the Heart concert. And, my feet are very happy now.Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-62143766896066857922009-08-24T09:08:00.006-05:002009-08-24T09:36:29.317-05:00HomeBack on August 8, I took advantage of the sales tax free weekend we have in Tennessee once a year. It's wonderful! Well, I bought new sheets for my bed and a new extra pillow. I use a memory foam pillow but keep another one off to the side. One of my cats usually takes up nightly residence on that one.<br /><br />I washed the sheets and put them on my bed Sunday afternoon. I slept on them that night. It was heavenly. They are 400 or 450 count sheets...meaning comfort :) But I didn't get to enjoy their softness and freshness again until thirteen days later. My grandpa passed away that morning and I house/dog/cat sat for some friends once I returned from his funeral.<br /><br />I can't tell you how happy and anxious I was to get home to my bed, my kitties, my own everything. The friends I house sat for are great people, with a great dog and cat and house. Nothing bad about staying there. I just wanted to go home. I felt out-of-sorts. It was weird to come back from a funeral and immediately start house sitting.<br /><br />So, last Saturday night I crawled into my bed with the new sheets and slept soundly. Like, really soundly. When I woke up on Sunday, I felt so rested. Then I took a nap on Sunday afternoon. I love my bed. And I love being back home.Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-39618094353905721902009-08-09T22:04:00.004-05:002009-08-09T22:47:12.846-05:00What a day that will be<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/Sn-V3MhAbaI/AAAAAAAAAls/CShK5XkI2W0/s1600-h/n504797415_98731_3205.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/Sn-V3MhAbaI/AAAAAAAAAls/CShK5XkI2W0/s320/n504797415_98731_3205.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368174056333929890" /></a><br />My Grandpa New passed away this morning. He is now at peace in the Lord. Grandpa has been ready to go home for many years. Every time I visited him, he told me he wished the Lord would take him on home. Today, God answered that prayer.<br /><br />As I mourn over this post, I also rejoice. Only a Christian can put those things together. In Christ, I have a hope. In Christ, I have joy that goes beyond the circumstance. Grandpa understood this. He knew in the Lord was his hope. The following song by Steven Curtis Chapman says exactly what I mean.<br /><br /><blockquote>...Through the cloud of tears, I see the Father smile and say "well done."<br />And I imagine you where you wanted most to be,<br />Seeing all your dreams come true 'cause now you're home,<br />And now you're free.<br /><br />We can cry with hope, we can say goodbye with hope<br />'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end,<br />And we can grieve with hope,<br />'Cause we believe with hope there's a place by God's grace,<br />There's a place where we'll see your face again.<br />We'll see your face again.<br /><br />We have this hope as an anchor<br />'Cause we believe that everything God promised us is true.<br /><br />So we can cry with hope and say goodbye with hope.<br /><br />We wait with hope and we ache with hope<br />We hold on with hope, we let go with hope.</blockquote><br /><br />You will be missed on this earth, Grandpa. But you are exactly where I long to be. Someday, we will be together again. As your favorite song says, "What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall. When I look upon His face, the one who saved me by His grace." And I can still hear you sing that song while sitting in your chair at home. Your voice was basically gone, but you still sang it will all your heart. I love you.Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-76610563371039867982009-08-05T11:41:00.003-05:002009-08-06T11:19:30.960-05:00Surprise bubble bustedMy mom's birthday is today, she is +%#/~ years old. I'm not putting how young she is on here, I'm not stupid! :)<br /><br />I ordered flowers for my mom, they would be delivered to her workplace this morning. Mom works as a library aide at an elementary school. The kids start back later but the staff is there already. Since the kids aren't there yet, they don't work all day; knowing this, I made sure the flowers were delivered in the morning, to make sure mom got them.<br /><br />Well...while talking to mom last night, she told me she was off tomorrow (today) on her birthday. What?! But the flowers are going to be delivered at the school, not the house! My well laid plans went out the window!<br /><br />I tried to stop the delivery this morning but didn't get in touch with the flower shop until the driver was out and about. My mom's flowers are sitting at the school, awaiting her pick up. I had to tell my mom about the surprise so she would go by the school before the rest of the staff left.<br /><br />I tried to be a good daughter and surprise my mom with pretty flowers. It didn't work. Oh well, she'll have flowers later on today.<br /><br />Happy Birthday Mom! You're the best! I'm so blessed to have you as a mother. May you have many more years of happy birthdays!Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-18903874533605047792009-07-29T08:21:00.003-05:002009-08-06T11:19:51.564-05:00Feline greetings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/SnBNWBmz1oI/AAAAAAAAAlk/DlBucnzbqGQ/s1600-h/102_9597.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/SnBNWBmz1oI/AAAAAAAAAlk/DlBucnzbqGQ/s320/102_9597.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363872196981937794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/SnBNVjONF5I/AAAAAAAAAlc/49wNs4H2oZo/s1600-h/102_9592.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/SnBNVjONF5I/AAAAAAAAAlc/49wNs4H2oZo/s320/102_9592.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363872188825671570" /></a><br />My kitties just wanted to say hi. Recently, Boots and Sugar were sick, but both are back to health. Sugar never stays still long enough to get a picture that is clear, hence the blurry image. But she is feeling better. She had an upper respiratory infection. So did Boots. Boots had a rougher time though. She has a chronic dry eye condition. Her eyes get dry and get scratched easily. Boots wanted to show you that her eyes are clear and tell you that all the medication she was on helped her a lot.Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-38107793132281016142009-07-27T08:13:00.007-05:002009-08-06T11:20:11.917-05:00Still smilingIf I had a written out list, Steve Green would be on it as a person I want to meet someday. Well, I got to do so last night! I'm still smiling. My church hosted him and I was honored to sing back up with him on a few songs. For most of the evening, I was on cloud nine and everything felt surreal.<br /><br />I could go on and on about Steve Green. Suffice to say, he is an amazing singer and man of God. He truly ministers to you. His song choices turn your heart and mind to Christ. Here is proof that I actually meet him.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/Sm2pjgIPDTI/AAAAAAAAAlE/OTbFz16eXAI/s1600-h/102_9634.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/Sm2pjgIPDTI/AAAAAAAAAlE/OTbFz16eXAI/s320/102_9634.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363129158653119794" /></a><br /><br />Thanks to Mandy for the picture! Here is Mandy and Rachel acting silly, they say the caption for this picture is "Mindy gets to sing with Steve Green!!!!!!" Sorry for the blurring view.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/Sm2qJdltqvI/AAAAAAAAAlM/BRl9fqdPypI/s1600-h/102_9615.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/Sm2qJdltqvI/AAAAAAAAAlM/BRl9fqdPypI/s320/102_9615.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363129810806483698" /></a><br /><br />My camera died a while back and a coworker gave me a camera for free. Well, that camera doesn't have a tighten and widen function. So, you can't see my face but here is a picture of us singing behind Steve. I'm on the second row, far right.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/Sm2qjATCqiI/AAAAAAAAAlU/xiC8ilGG3Vs/s1600-h/102_9620.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/Sm2qjATCqiI/AAAAAAAAAlU/xiC8ilGG3Vs/s320/102_9620.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363130249620138530" /></a>Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-11647207214204649482009-07-22T10:17:00.006-05:002009-08-06T11:20:32.493-05:00Role model to meGrowing up in the 1980's, I always saw Mikhail Gorbachev on the news. Yes, he was a leader in the feigned U.S.S.R. Yes, that country did not have a great testimony. But, every time I saw Gorbachev on the television, I felt a connection. If you grew up in that time period, you already know why. If not, this picture should explain.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/SmcusJZIeTI/AAAAAAAAAk8/r0vuyXQFRe0/s1600-h/gorbachev.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 219px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/SmcusJZIeTI/AAAAAAAAAk8/r0vuyXQFRe0/s320/gorbachev.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361305217378318642" /></a><br /><br />In my hometown of Somerset, Kentucky, I was an oddity. Not a freak or weird person, but an oddity. The only other person I knew with a birthmark was the son of a lady my mom knew from working at school. He underwent laser treatments for his birthmark on the back of his neck and back. His parents are where my parents got the information to first investigate laser treatments for me.<br /><br />So, whenever I saw Gorbachev's face, I would perk up and pay attention. He was an inspiration to me. Not his country or his politics. But his person. He. I saw through him that I could be in the public eye and be accepted for my abilities.<br /><br />This <a href="http://ponderingsfrompluto.wordpress.com/2009/07/03/mikhail-gorbachev-to-have-famous-cranial-birthmark-removed/">blog</a> tells of Gorbachev having laser treatments and surgeries to remove the birthmark. I'm a little saddened by this news. I wish him all the best, but it's like an icon or role model that you've held up being taken down. He is known for that birthmark. I understand he needs to do this for medical purposes, just as I am doing these current laser treatments to diminish future medical issues. But I'm still sad.Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-49577455387662799442009-07-10T08:04:00.004-05:002009-08-06T11:20:46.480-05:00VisitorsMy coworker, Michelle, has a one-year-old boy named Micah. He is CUTE! He had some pictures done yesterday and mommy brought him by the office so we all could see him. He's just adorable. Of course, we all had to hold him :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/Slc9q0We2jI/AAAAAAAAAk0/fPBJAqMjyBc/s1600-h/102_9573.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/Slc9q0We2jI/AAAAAAAAAk0/fPBJAqMjyBc/s320/102_9573.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356818087597234738" /></a><br />He was very content in Robert's arms.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/Slc9qnOp4BI/AAAAAAAAAks/cdZadDF0cj4/s1600-h/102_9576.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/Slc9qnOp4BI/AAAAAAAAAks/cdZadDF0cj4/s320/102_9576.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356818084074741778" /></a><br />He totally loved Zora.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/Slc9qRICwkI/AAAAAAAAAkk/SOC5ZQzA1lA/s1600-h/102_9571.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/Slc9qRICwkI/AAAAAAAAAkk/SOC5ZQzA1lA/s320/102_9571.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356818078141432386" /></a><br />Look at those curls! Love it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/Slc9qBE2syI/AAAAAAAAAkc/O9UmTrJsHlc/s1600-h/102_9570.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__vyah875V00/Slc9qBE2syI/AAAAAAAAAkc/O9UmTrJsHlc/s320/102_9570.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356818073833091874" /></a><br />He was smiling right before we snapped the picture. Isn't that just like most kids and smiles and pictures?!Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-67563819291215675492009-07-09T11:15:00.005-05:002009-08-06T11:21:05.525-05:00My hopeI have the privilege to sing with Steve Green on July 26 at Judson Baptist Church. An ensemble will accompany him on some songs. Steve Green has been a favorite singer of mine for many years. Sandi Patti and Steve Green tapes (yes, tapes) were always playing in my bedroom. My poor family had to listen to me attempt Sandi's high notes. They liked it much better when I stuck with Steve.<br /><br />One of the song we will sing is from his newer album <i>Always: Songs of Worship</i>. Here are the lyrics to the song. Along with the melody, this song draws you into a worshipful attitude. This song describes where my hope lies, what my future holds.<br /><br /><i><span style="font-weight:bold;">Glory</span></i><br /><br />One day eyes that are blind will see You clearly<br />And one day all who deny will finally believe<br />One day hearts made of stone will break in pieces<br />And one day chains once unbroken will fall down at Your feet<br />So we wait for that one day come quickly<br /><br />We want to see Your Glory<br />Every knee falls down before Thee<br />Every tongue offers You praise<br />With every hand raised<br />Singing Glory<br />To You and unto You only<br />We'll sing Glory to Your name<br /><br />One day voices that lie will all be silent<br />One day all that's divided will be whole again<br />One day death will retreat and wave it's white flag<br />One day love will defeat the strongest enemy<br />So we wait for that one day come quickly<br /><br />We know not the day or the hour<br />Or the moments in between<br />But we know the end of the story<br />When we'll see<br /><br />Your Glory Every knee falls down before thee<br />Every tongue offers You praise<br />With every hand raised<br />Singing Glory<br />To You and unto You only<br />We'll sing Glory to Your name<br /><br />Another song will great lyrics:<br /><br /><i><span style="font-weight:bold;">Majesty (Here I Am)</span></i><br /><br />Here I am humbled by your Majesty<br />Covered by your grace so free<br />Here I am, knowing I'm a sinful man<br />Covered by the blood of the Lamb<br /><br />Now I've found the greatest love of all is mine<br />Since you laid down your life<br />The greatest sacrifice<br /><br />Majesty, Majesty<br />Your grace has found me just as I am<br />Empty handed, but alive in Your hands<br />Majesty, Majesty<br />Forever I am changed by Your love<br />In the presence of Your Majesty<br /><br />Here I am humbled by the love that You give<br />Forgiven so that I can forgive<br />Here I stand, knowing that I'm Your desire<br />Sanctified by glory and fireMindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-62890411965421643752009-07-02T09:06:00.003-05:002009-08-06T11:21:22.118-05:00Running in circlesMy life has consisted of a continuous circle or errands this week. I'm house/dog/cat sitting for some friends this week. At the same time, I have two kitties of my own at home. Boots, the oldest, had to go to the vet on Tuesday and now needs medicine three times a day. Aspen needs to be let out every few hours and Boots needs her meds every few hours. Basically, I run around town all day caring for pets while trying to fit work in there somewhere.<br /><br />On the bright side, their dog, Aspen, is a sweetheart and loves to lick you...all the time...on anything near her mouth...all the time. Keekers, the cat, is a sweetheart too. The times I have visited the house in the past, Keekers hid from everyone, so I didn't know Keeker's personality. I've found that Keekers is a gentle and laid back cat, fun to be around. Aspen is very obedient and sweet.<br /><br />My roommate, Wendi, and I seem to run circles around each other, as well. Never quite meeting up. This week I've been house sitting. Last week she was in Florida. Today she leaves again for Florida. We really do lead separate lives.<br /><br />Boots is doing much better! I won't go into the details but she had a cortisone shot on Tuesday and she has an ointment for the eyes. The ointment is working out so much better than eye drops. It's a fiasco to get drops in her eyes. The ointment goes in with little fuss from her. I'm definitely sticking with ointments from now on.<br /><br />That's all you get from me right now. Bye bye.Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-61089856651262366952009-06-22T22:11:00.005-05:002009-08-06T11:21:40.631-05:00IrritationI used to watch <a href="http://www.tlc.com">Jon and Kate plus eight</a> on a some what regular basis. I ended up at home around the time the new episode came on and would watch it. Back at the beginning, the struggle to survive each day with six babies was interesting to me. Even though Kate was a smart mouth to Jon, I enjoyed watching the whole family interact.<br /><br />Their children are adorable and they would make me smile with their cute sayings and facial expressions. But something has happened since the previous season to the one that started a couple of episodes ago. What in the world happened to this adorable family and the couple named Jon and Kate Gosselin?<br /><br />On tonight's new episode, Jon and Kate told us they are separating. That news did not shock me, I was expecting it. What I wasn't ready for was their blase attitude about their marriage. The only thing they would talk about was the children. What about the two of you? Kate said Jon never talks with her about the trouble between them. This may sound mean but, after watching this show for a couple of years, I can see why he would be hesitate to converse about anything. Kate barks at Jon, calls out faults in front of people, argues with him in front of the kids. Would you want to talk with someone like that?<br /><br />Now, before you go off on me with the previous statement. I'm not letting Jon off the hook, by any means. I've never been good at communication. Knowing this about myself, I work on it. I am better at talking with people than five years ago. What about Jon? Looks to me like he has never taken steps to improve in this area. A marriage that works demands communication.<br /><br />Both Jon and Kate spoke of the last year being tough. A year. Actually the last seven months. Seriously? Seven months and your separating? What?! What have you done in attempts to reconcile with each other? Have you talked through any of the struggles? It appears that neither of them want to work through this. And that saddens me.<br /><br />There are many other things I could say in this post but I'll refrain. I'm sad for them. I'm very sad for the children. They have to go to school with kids who have parents who watch that show. What comments will they have to live through because of their parents decisions? So sad.Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34345195.post-53842504755020148042009-06-18T14:27:00.003-05:002009-06-18T14:44:31.459-05:00A little rant“One of the most dangerous threats facing black America right now is quietly stealing our children at a young age. Incarceration is becoming the new American apartheid, and poor children of color are the fodder. So many poor black babies in rich America enter the world with multiple strikes against them: born without prenatal care, at low birth weight and to a poor, and poorly educated, teenage single mother and an absent father.”<br /><br />This is from an <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/06/17/edelman.children.prison/index.html">article</a> I just read on cnn.com. I agree that many black babies are born on a road that many times leads right to jail or poverty.<br /><br />My beef with this article is the misplacement of what to do about it. From the above quote, I can site one huge area that will help with the volume the writer speak of – single teen mothers with no father present. Is it really so difficult for a parent to teach a female child to keep her legs closed and a male child to keep his ‘stuff’ zipped up?! I would like to see statistics on the parents of these single moms and absent dads. Did they finish high school? Are they on government assistance (first or second generation)? Is the father present?<br /><br />And this discussion should be talked about within each race represented in the United States of America. I’m a white female but have many friends who fit the above description. Many parents do not instill into their child a moral code that, at the least, keeps them from becoming a parent before high school graduation. I know many people would scream at me for such a statement, but its truth. Sorry for not sugar coating it. <br /><br />Many people say my suggestion for fixing this situation is naive and out-of-touch. So often society and media outlets tell us it is unreasonable to ask kids to abstain from sexual behavior until are young adults. It wasn't unreasonable for me! I simply chose not to do it. It's called self-control and making choices WAY before the circumstance arose. I find it selfish to bring a child into this world when you yourself are a child and can't support it.<br /><br />OK, rant over.Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12503537923614974024noreply@blogger.com1