Bette's Random Thoughts

News

2012-02-09T21:58:00.001-06:00

Well, I finally heard from UA in regards to my application to the doctoral program. I have been invited to an orientation for prospective students March 24. At this point, I believe this means that I haven't been rejectedd, but I have not been offically accepted as of yet. Waiting..........

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T19:16:00.000-06:00

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus
1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Laminin

2011-10-23T20:13:00.003-05:00

Bro. Steve shared a sermon from Col. 1:15-20. His last point was that Jesus is the sustainer of life. He then told us about a protein in the body that is said to be the adhesive that holds our cells together. When looking at a diagram of the protein, it is pretty cool.

http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/aid/v3/n1/laminin-and-the-cross

Testimony

2011-09-18T20:51:00.001-05:00

I was recently asked to give my testimony. I eagerly agreed. I didn't focus on when I first accepted Christ, but what He has shown/taught me over the last two years.

1-Prayer - Husband and I have spent a lot of time in prayer. We have many people praying for us; praying for healing, peace, comfort, joy...........

God hears our prayers and wants us to spend time with Him in prayer; praying for others. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, He says, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven......"

In 1 Timothy 2:1, He tells us, "First of all, then I urge that supplications, prayers and intercessions and thanksgiving be made for all people.

2-Encouragement - Oh at the encouragement I have received from so many. I, in turn, tried to work hard at encouraging those around me.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing...."

Hebrews 3:13 "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."

3-Be Thankful - Even though this time has been hard for us, I have tried hard to be thankful. Thankful for God's love, peace, grace, forgiveness, and comfort. Thankful for friends, medical care, insurance, and employment that allowed me time to take care of Husband.

Husband and I thanked God for our Christian Brothers and Sisters each time we thought of you. "I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3

"Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20

4-Service - We know His word tells us to have fruit of the spirit, to spread the gospel, to do for others. During this time, Husband had a hard time being on the receiving end of this service. God reminded me that wherever I was, I needed to be doing for others. I worked hard at looking for others to serve especially when we were at UAB.

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus." Colossians 3:17

5-JOY - Oh this has been a hard time; a time of trials and tribulation, but I am still filled with God's joy. He sent this joy to me in so many ways. I know this is confusing for some. They do not understand the difference in joy and happiness. I was not always happy, but I always have God's joy.

"Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds...." James 1:2

6- His grace is sufficient! Amen! Husband and I could not have made it without God's grace. This wonderful gift from our loving Father. His grace covered us!

2 Corithinians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient......"

A song by Andrew Peterson comes to mind - it reminds me that I spend too much time chasing worldly things, yet I should be chasing the Lord, as He chases me.

Now and then these feet just take to wandering
Now and then I prop them up at home
Sometimes I think about the consequences
Sometimes I don't

Well, I realize that falling down ain't graceful
But I thank the Lord that falling's full of grace
Sometimes I take my eyes off Jesus
And you know that's all it takes

Well I wish that I could say that at the close of every day
I was happy with the way that I'm behaving

'Cause Job, he chased and answer
The wise men chased the Child
Jacob chased her 14 years and he
Captured Rachel's smile
Moses chased the Promised Land
Joseph chased a dream
David, he chased God's own heart
All I ever seem to chase is me

Well, they say a race can only have one winner
And you know you've got to pull out front to win
God knows the only time I'm winning
Is when I'm chasing Him

Well I wish that I could say that at the close of every day
I was happy with the way that I'm behaving

'Cause Samson chased a woman
and he chased the Philistines
I'm not quite sure what Jonah chased
But I know he caught the sea
Cain, he chased the harvest
While Abel chased the beasts
David, he chased God's own heart
All I ever seem to chase is me

And Jesus chased the moneymen
And he chased his Father's will
He chased my sin to Calvary
And he caught it on that hill
Saul, he chased the Christians
Till his blindness made him see
David, he chased God's own heart
All I ever seem to chase is me

Husband Update

2011-08-09T19:19:00.001-05:00

Good afternoon all. I hope you are finding a way to enjoy this day - a day made and set aside by God. I began my morning praising and worshipping God at FBC Alabaster at the 8:00 service. I have a post in being formulated in my mind from today's sermon.

But on to today's post:
Husband is doing well. Each day I am amazed and sometimes shocked at what he has done or eaten during the day. He is slowly adding foods and increasing the amount. He and I have been going to the park to the walk with the exception of two days. He walked on the treadmill one day and went to the park with one of the dogs without me on the other.

He has had one bad night & day - Friday night and Saturday. He vomited off and on most of the night and suffered a real bad headache on Saturday. Other than that, he is doing really well.

His abdomen looks fabulous. He is going to have only a long thin scar. Of course he will have to take it easy for a while building up his stamina and strength. He will always have to take it easy with lifting, etc. because he could have a hernia form or God forbid, another fistula.

I am amazed at how God has worked through so many during this year and a half. I can not wait to see how God plans to use this in our lives. I know He has already taught me many things through this.

Praising God in all things.

Husband Update 7.29.11

2011-07-29T18:18:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! Well, summer is coming to an end and I suppose everyone is trying to fit in those last minute things before school starts. I just can't believe how fast the summer has gone.

Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that Sam is home from UAB. We arrived home around NOON today. I can't believe they discharged him as quickly as they did today. They promised we would be out by noon and they kept that promise.

Here is some information about Sam's health:

*Sam NO longer has fistulas (holes in his intestines). So NO ostomy (pouch) on his stomach)
*Sam NO longer has a huge hole in his abdomen. So NOTHING leaks out!
*Sam's intestines are working partially.
*Sam can tolerate liquids but cannot tolerate food.
*The hypothesis is that Sam's intestines are still "asleep", plus they are swollen from the surgery. X-rays and CT scans show that Sam's intestines are in good shape and contrast goes from point A to point B. The problem lies with the swelling, inactivity and kinks. As Sam ate, air would enter his system (as it does for all of us). The air made the bowel dilate and a "kink" would be created. This kink would cause a partial bowel obstruction. Partial meaning some food/liquid would pass by while other would back up (causing the vomitting). When Sam stopped eating, the air would disappear and the kink would clear up. Inside the intestines are villa (hair). When intestines are inactive, the villa go to sleep or atrophy. It will take a little while for the villa to wake up and begin to work again.

Sam went a week without nutrition causing him to become weak (as well as irritable). We BEGGED the docs to start the TPN to allow Sam to have some nutrition and give his intestines time to wake up. The docs said, "Oh, yeah. What a great idea." (Okay, we are paying THEM and WE came up with that idea!!!).

So we are home and Sam is on TPN for a couple of weeks.

Sam and I are praising God for the healing He allowed for Sam. We are trusting Him to finish this work! We serve a mighty God and give Him all the glory and honor.

Thank you dear friends for partnering with us this last year and half. Thank you for lifting us in prayer on a daily basis. Thank you for providing encouragement and support. Thank you for allowing me to pour out my heart to you. I am blessed to have such wonderful friends and colleagues.

Husband Update 7.24.11

2011-07-24T09:16:00.000-05:00

Well we hit another speed bump. Let me back up:

1)Sam had the NG tube removed.

2)He was allowed to begin eating. They skipped right over soft foods and told him to eat whatever his body would let him eat. He began small, well his stomach has shrunk, so therefore he can only eat small amounts.

3)They began giving his medications to him orally.

Everything was going super other than Sam's blood pressure was elevated (both top and bottom numbers)! Sam ate a small amount on Thursday evening and then again Friday morning. He did not feel like eating after that. The plan was to be discharged from the hospital today (Sunday).

On Saturday morning, Sam began vomitting. They felt he had a bowel obstruction. They continued to give him his oral medication in between. Saturday evening the decision was made to stop the oral medication, place Sam back on the pain pump and place him back as NPO (nothing by mouth). This helped. He slept several hours and no vomitting. He then went the night without vomitting.

Dr. Reiff, the main surgeon, was just here. He thinks the problem could be the oral medication sitting on the stomach with all that bile, but he is not ruling out an obstruction or the fact that Sam's intestines may still be asleep. He has ordered a CT scan with contrast. If the CT shows an obstruction, Sam will go back on TPN for a short time to allow the obstruction to clear up. He would go home on the TPN. If there is no obstruction, they will begin gradually introducing liquids and foods again. If Sam can't tolerate this, then this will mean his intestines are still asleep. If he can, then WAHOO!

So right now, Sam is still at UAB and will be probably through the week. I will be at work tomorrow to teach a workshop to administrators, then I will be out the rest of the week with Sam.

Hopefully, the speed bumps have been removed and we can go back to coasting.

Husband Update 7.18.11

2011-07-18T14:37:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone. Wanted to give all of you an update on Sam. Right now he is coasting and this is MUCH better than climbing that mountain. He is back in the Acute Trauma Care Unit, room 9216.

He had his bladder catheter (foley) removed today. The Nasal Gastro tube has been put on gravity (no vacuum to suck things out). He walked two whole laps around the hall this morning.

The chest x-rays are showing improvement - no infection.

The prelims on the blood cultures are showing no infection, however they do not trust this until the 72 hour marked is reached. They feel sure it will be negative, but then again.......

The abdomen area on the surface looks good. Prelim xrays look good.

The plan is to get this NG tube out and slowly start him on liquids, soft foods and REAL food.

We are praying to continue on the coasting and no more mountain climbing (no more set backs).

You are very special to me and we appreciate your support.

Bette

Husband Update July 16

2011-07-16T17:07:00.000-05:00

Well, Sam is back in ICU. Yesterday Sam began to have trouble staying awake and breathing. When our son and daughter-in-law was hugging Sam bye for the evening, they noticed he was very hot. I took his temperature and saw he had a fever of 103 degrees. I went to get the nurse. She, of course, took the temperature again. At this point she realized that Sam was in distressed and immediately called for the Resident. Within fifteen minutes there were three Residents in the room. They began assessing the symptoms and ordering all kinds of tests. The GI surgeon was called in as well, since he was on call for the night.

Sam's oxygen level had dropped to 63, the mean is 100. So it was very below acceptable standards. This is why he couldn't stay awake. We were told that there could be many reasons for the symptoms:

1-blood clot - being the worst scenario

2-collapsed lung

3-heart problem

4-infection

5-thick mucus clogging the lung tissue

Various tests were ordered and he was sent to ICU. I stayed with him through the night. Each time the oxygen mask would slip or Sam would try to remove it, his levels would drop. At first we were told that 1-3 had been ruled out and they were thinking it was the mucus, but not ruling out infection. Today our main surgeon came in on his day off (really like this doc) and told us that Sam's left lung in the lower quadrant had collapsed.

While in ICU, he has received breathing treatments, continuous oxygen, two strong antibiotics and just now they were giving him two units of blood. He had to get three while in surgery the other day.

I am so thankful that Chris and Jennifer noticed the fever and that the nurse and Residents reacted promptly. Even though this is a step back for Sam, the prognosis still looks good. We know that God has Sam in His hands and is in control of the situation, regardless of the outcome. We are praying for a complete recovery for Sam. Please continue to join us in prayer.

thank you dear friends.

Husband Update 7.14.11

2011-07-14T15:53:00.000-05:00

Sam and I arrived at UAB at 5:35 am yesterday morning. They took him to the OR around 7:50. After 8 hours of surgery, he was taken to ICU.

Each time we received an update from one of the surgeons, we were told how wonderful the surgery was going and even though they had expected this to be a very tough surgery, it was going relatively well. As a matter of fact, our main surgeon confessed that he had been praying daily about this surgery because he knew it was going to be difficult. He said, "By the grace of God it is going very well."

They were able to "take down" or as we would say, cut away, all the bad parts of the small intestines and sew them back together. One part of the intestines was attached to Sam's pelvic bone, but they were able to remove and repair it. Once the two main surgeons did their job on the intestines, the Plastic Surgeon and his team moved in to do the reconstruction. Dr. DeLaTorres called after they were finished and told me that things went beautifully and "be sure to Mr. Nix I saved his belly button." Sam had asked him earlier if he could fix the navel. According to one of the residents, "the belly button is in the correct place and looks normal. Mr. Nix can now be a swim suit model."

Sam stayed only ONE night in ICU and was NOT on the ventilator. He was moved to the step-down unit this morning around 9 am. He is in a lot of pain as to be expected, but other than that things are going very well.

We are not sure how long he will be in the hospital, but longer than a week. The docs are expecting a full recovery!!

I want to thank all of you again for your prayers, concerns, and words of encouragement. I am confident that God heard your prayers.

Update on Husband

2011-06-24T16:29:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone. I hope this finds you enjoying your time either at work or away with your family. I wanted to give you an udpate on Sam.

@At this moment, Sam is still in the hospital. He will be here through the weekend and possibly several days next week. He is in the North Pavilion, room 9208.

@Nursing care is so much better this time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are more willing to give us information than the "White Coats".

@Sam has two types of staph (neither of which is the MRSA type). We had been told that it was the MRSA (resistant) type and then this morning told it is NOT. Praise God!!!!!

@Sam has been taking two very strong antibiotics. Since the three day blood culture showed MSSA (sensitive) they have changed one of them. He is responding well and looking so much better.

@They gave Sam two pints of blood because his blood was low. That is looking better.

@Surgery has been scheduled for July 13 and hopefully they will keep this date.

thank you to all for your prayers and words of encouragement. Love to all

Bette

memories

2011-06-17T21:36:00.002-05:00

I sit here on a Friday night watching a rerun of Star Trek the Next Generation, playing on FB and listening to Husband munch on dry spaghetti noodles.........my mind begins to wander.....
......... It is a hot Thursday afternoon in August....it is time for me to drive to Homewood to my part-time job at UPS. I stop by the Junior Food Mart to get a soda and snack for my drive. On my way to the counter, I bump into a man, a dirty man. As I look closer and as he says, "excuse me", I see that I know this fella. "Hello Sammy." This fella is in my Sunday School Class. I had taught his two children in Sunday School with a dear friend. I had just been "hired" by his parents to interpret for some distant relatives who are deaf. Sammy is in his work clothes and is filthy. Sammy makes small talk with me and then asks if I have plans for Friday. "Yes, I have plans, I have to work." He then asks, "Would you like to go out on Saturday?" "Yes, but I have plans to attend Christmas in August at the Church. If you don't mind, we can do that first and then go out." He agrees. Oh, my heart is skipping beats. I am so excited. Why would he want to go out with me? Did I hear him right?

Many years later I find out that Sam had seen me in town running errands and followed me to the Junior where he got up the courage to ask me out. How funny! We married three months after that first date and have been married for 22.5 years now.
I am truly blessed to me married to this man.

Encouraging Scripture

2011-06-17T12:22:00.001-05:00

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3,7

‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. 2 Tim 1:7 (AMP)

I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8 (AMP)

Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail). Psalm 55:22 (AMP)

He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved. Psalm 62:6 (AMP)

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 1 Peter 5:7 (AMP)

The Lord is good, a Strength and Stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows (recognizes, has knowledge of, and understands) those who take refuge and trust in Him. Nahum 1:7 (AMP)

“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

Surgery for Husband

2011-06-12T18:36:00.002-05:00

Husband saw the surgeon on Wednesday and surgery has been scheduled for June 22. We have been told to expect it to be a very LONG surgery. There are three main surgeons, one of which is a plastic surgeon. The plan is to cut out and reattach the three bad areas of small intestines; reconstruct abdominal muscles, facia and outer skin.

Husband had to go back to UAB on Thursday to have his PICC line replaced. It was infected once again. He has felt bad for several days. He seems to be feeling better today. I am thankful!

Please be in prayer with us for a complete recovery.

Thank you.

Check out my new blog

2011-05-22T17:03:00.001-05:00

http://bettescrochetcorner.blogspot.com

Update on Sam

2011-05-20T17:46:00.001-05:00

The plastic surgeon scheduled Sam to have a pulmonary (lung) test. We tried to get the appointment for today since we were at Kirklin Clinic, however they did not have any openings. Sam's appointment will be on Monday.

Here is what the surgeon told us:

There doesn't appear to be a problem that would hinder him from doing his portion of the surgery.
He would be responsbile for pulling together Sam's abdominal muscles and skin. He may have to graft or use biological mesh in this process.
When they do this type of surgery it "pulls" everything up tight. This tightness, coupled with the swelling from the surgery, will push on Sam's lungs. This can cause Sam to be on the ventilator for a longer period of time.
The pulmonary test will see if Sam has an underlying problem with his lungs.
The plastic surgeon (or really his scheduler) will now get with the other two surgeons and schedule the surgery. He said he should take several weeks to get this scheduled. It is going to be a very long surgery and they will need to make sure they have a day clear to focus on Sam.
I want to thank all of you for your prayers and ask that you continue to pray for Sam while he waits for the last leg of this trip (hopefully the last leg).

I hope you each have a wonderful weekend.

Crimson Tide Afghan

2011-05-15T18:37:00.002-05:00

I created a Crimson Tide Afghan. I would like to sell it outright or sell raffle tickets. 100% of the proceeds will go to Diaster Relief efforts for the Tornado Victims in Alabama.

I need advise:
Do I sell it on ebay?
Do I sell raffle tickets on FB and/or at work?
Other?

What do you think will make the most money?

Today's the day

2011-04-20T07:08:00.004-05:00

Husband and I have been waiting for this day for a while. As the day approached, I found my anxiety growing. I often wept when alone in the car thinking of the possibilities. Late at night, as I was in the bed alone and Husband in the recliner, I wept -------Questions: Will Husband be healed and be able to sleep with me once again? Will I be able to feel his arms around me as we drift off to sleep or in the early morning fighting the knowledge we had to get up soon? Will God decide that Husband no longer has a job here and calls him home? What if the surgeon screws up again? How will Husband handled that news?

So, my mind has been filled with questions and anxiety, BUT I know regardless of the outcome, God is in control. God will equip us to handle whatever He sends. We will praise our Father regardless......

In a couple hours we will know if Husband will have surgery to repair the fistulas. Then we get to wait until the day of the surgery...............

God is always faithful!

Prayer

2011-04-11T21:31:00.002-05:00

Dear Lord,
I love you so very much. Thank you for each and every blessing you have given Sam and I. Thank you for being with us during this awful time in our lifes. The one thing that has made this bearable is knowing that You are in control; that you have a plan for us.

My heart is breaking oh Father. It is breaking for my husband. He is so ready for this horrible ordeal to be over. He is in pain and tired; tired physically, mentally, emotionally. Tired of being sick. He is bleeding and now with a fever. I am not telling You anything You don't already know, but Lord, I feel the need to share.

Please, Father, please take the pain away. Please heal his broken body. Restore him. If this is not Your will, please equip us to handle the situation.

Thank You Lord for hearing the cries of Your child. I do love you!

In Your beloved name I pray,
Amen

God's Cake

2011-03-28T19:07:00.001-05:00

Sometimes we wonder,
'What did I do to deserve this?' or
'Why did God have to do this to me?'
Here is a wonderful explanation!
A daughter is telling her Mother how everything
is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend
broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.
Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and
asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the
daughter says, 'Absolutely Mom, I love your cake.'
'Here, have some cooking oil,' her Mother offers.
'Yuck' says her daughter.
'How about a couple raw eggs?' 'Gross, Mom!'
'Would you like some flour then?
Or maybe baking soda?'
'Mom, those are all yucky!'
to which the mother replies :
'Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves.
but when they are put together in the
right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! '
God works the same way. Many times we wonder why
He would let us go through such bad and difficult
times. But God knows that when He puts these things
all in His order, they always work for good! We just
have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all
Make something wonderful!
God is crazy about you.
He sends you flowers every spring and
a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.
He can live anywhere in the universe,
and He chose your heart.
If you like this, send this on
to the people you really care about.
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are
here we might as well dance!

The Land of Beginning Again

2011-03-06T20:31:00.001-06:00

I wish that there were some wonderful place
Called the Land of Beginning Again,
Where all our mistakes and all our heartaches
Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door,
And never be on again.

I wish we could come on it all unaware,
Like the hunter who finds a lost trail;
And I wish that the one whom our blindness had done
The greatest injustice of all
Could be at the gates like an old friend that waits
For the comrade he's gladdest to hail.

We would find all the things we intended to do
But forgot, and remembered too late,
Little praises unspoken, little promises broken,
And all of the thousand and one
Little duties neglected that might have perfected
The day for one less fortunate.

It wouldn't be possible not to be kind
In the Land of Beginning Again;
And the ones we misjudged and the ones whom we grudged
Their moments of victory here
Would find in the grasp of our loving handclasp
More than penitent lips could explain.

For what had been hardest we'd know had been best,
And what had seemed loss would be gain;
For there isn't a sting that will not take wing
When we've faced it and laughed it away;
And I think that the laughter is most what we're after
In the Land of Beginning Again.

So I wish that there were some wonderful place
Called the Land of Beginning Again,
Where all our mistakes and all our heartaches
And all of our poor selfish grief
Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door,
And never be put on again.
by Lolita Hiroshi

A STORY YOU WILL LONG REMEMBER...

2011-02-14T20:10:00.001-06:00

"FAILURE.... ..
is the man who stays down when he falls."

Father John Powell, professor at Loyola University in Chicago, writes about a student in
his Theology of Faith class named Tommy.

Some twelve years ago, I stood watching my university students file into the classroom for our first session in the Theology of Faith.

That was the day I first saw Tommy. My eyes and my mind both blinked.. He was combing his long flaxen hair, which hung six inches below his shoulders. It was the first time I had ever seen a boy with hair that long. I guess it was just coming into fashion then. I know in my mind that it isn't what's on your head but what's in it that counts; but on that day I was unprepared and my emotions flipped. I immediately filed Tommy under 'S' for strange...very strange.

Tommy turned out to be the 'atheist in residence' in my Theology of Faith course. He constantly objected to, smirked at, or whined about the possibility of an unconditionally loving Father/God. We lived with each other in relative peace for one semester, although I admit he was for me at times a serious pain in the back pew.

When he came up at the end of the course to turn in his final exam, he asked in a cynical tone, 'Do you think I'll ever find God?'

I decided instantly on a little shock therapy. 'No!' I said very emphatically.

'Why not,' he responded, 'I thought that was the product you were pushing.'

I let him get five steps from the classroom door and then called out, 'Tommy! I don't think you'll ever find Him, but I am absolutely certain that He will find you!' He shrugged a little and left my class and my life.

I felt slightly disappointed at the thought that he had missed my clever line -- He will find you! At least I thought it was clever. Later I heard that Tommy had graduated, and I was duly grateful.

Then a sad report came. I heard that Tommy had terminal cancer. Before I could search him out, he came to see me. When he walked into my office, his body was very badly wasted and the long hair had all fallen out as a result of chemotherapy. But his eyes were bright and his voice was firm, for the first time, I believe. 'Tommy, I've thought about you so often; I hear you are sick,' I blurted out.

'Oh, yes, very sick. I have cancer in both lungs. It's a matter of weeks.'

'Can you talk about it, Tom?' I asked.

'Sure, what would you like to know?' he replied.

'What's it like to be only twenty-four and dying?'

'Well, it could be worse.'

'Like what?'

'Well, like being fifty and having no values or ideals, like being fifty and thinking that booze, seducing women, and making money are the real biggies in life.'

I began to look through my mental file cabinet under 'S' where I had filed Tommy as strange. (It seems as though everybody I try to reject by classification, God sends back into my life to educate me.)

'But what I really came to see you about,' Tom said, 'is something you said to me on the last day of class.' (He remembered!) He continued, 'I asked you if you thought I would ever find God and you said, 'No!' which surprised me. Then you said, 'But He will find you.' I thought about that a lot, even though my search for God was hardly intense at that time.

(My clever line. He thought about that a lot!)

'But when the doctors removed a lump from my groin and told me that it was malignant, that's when I got serious about locating God. And when the malignancy spread into my vital organs, I really began banging bloody fists against the bronze doors of heaven. But God did not come out. In fact, nothing happened. Did you ever try anything for a long time with great effort and with no success? You get psychologically glutted, fed up with trying. And then you quit. 'Well, one day I woke up, and instead of throwing a few more futile appeals over that high brick wall to a God who may be or may not be there, I just quit.

I decided that I didn't really care about God, about an afterlife, or anything like that. I decided to spend what time I had left doing something more profitable. I thought about you and your class and I remembered something else you had said: 'The essential sadness is to go through life without loving. But it would be almost equally sad to go through life and leave this world without ever telling those you loved that you had loved them.''

'So, I began with the hardest one, my Dad. He was reading the newspaper when I approached him.
'Dad.'
'Yes, what?' he asked without lowering the newspaper.
'Dad, I would like to talk with you.'
'Well, talk.'
'I mean. It's really important.'
The newspaper came down three slow inches. 'What is it?'
'Dad, I love you, I just wanted you to know that.' Tom smiled at me and said it with obvious satisfaction, as though he felt a warm and secret joy flowing inside of him. 'The newspaper fluttered to the floor. Then my father did two things I could never remember him ever doing before. He cried and he hugged me. We talked all night, even though he had to go to work the next morning. It felt so good to be close to my father, to see his tears, to feel his hug, to hear him say that he loved me.'

'It was easier with my mother and little brother. They cried with me, too, and we hugged each other, and started saying real nice things to each other. We shared the things we had been keeping secret for so many years.

'I was only sorry about one thing --- that I had waited so long. Here I was, just beginning to open up to all the people I had actually been close to.'

Then, one day I turned around and God was there. He didn't come to me when I pleaded with Him. I guess I was like an animal trainer holding out a hoop, 'C'mon, jump through. C'mon, I'll give you three days, three weeks.'

'Apparently God does things in His own way and at His own hour. But the important thing is that He was there. He found me!

You were right. He found me even after I stopped looking for Him'!!

'Tommy,' I practically gasped, 'I think you are saying something very important and much more universal than you realize.

To me, at least, you are saying that the surest way to find God is not to make Him a private possession, a problem solver, or an instant consolation in time of need, but rather by opening to love. You know, the Apostle John said that. He said: 'God is love, and anyone who lives in love is living with God and God is living in him.'

Tom, could I ask you a favor? You know, when I had you in class you were a real pain. But (laughingly) you can make it all up to me now.... Would you come into my present Theology of Faith course and tell them what you have just told me? If I told them the same thing it wouldn't be half as effective as if you were to tell it'

'Oooh, I was ready for you, but I don't know if I'm ready for your class.'

'Tom, think about it. If and when you are ready, give me a call.'

In a few days Tom called, said he was ready for the class, that he wanted to do that for God and for me. So we scheduled a date.

However, he never made it. He had another appointment, far more important than the one with me and my class. Of course, his life was not really ended by his death, only changed. He made the great step from faith into vision.

He found a life far more beautiful than the eye of man has ever seen or the ear of man has ever heard or the mind of man has ever imagined.

Before he died, we talked one last time.

'I'm not going to make it to your class,' he said.

'I know, Tom.'

'Will you tell them for me? Will you... tell the whole world for me?'

'I will, Tom. I'll tell them. I'll do my best.'

So, to all of you who have been kind enough to read this simple story about God's love, thank you for listening. And to you, Tommy, somewhere in the sunlit, verdant hills of heaven --- I told them, Tommy, as best I could.

If this story means anything to you, please pass it on to a friend or two.
It is a true story and is not enhanced for publicity purposes.

With thanks,
Rev. John Powell, Professor, Loyola University, Chicago

Give ear

2011-01-30T18:04:00.002-06:00

Psalm 80
1Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth 2before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh. Stir up your might, and come to save us! 3Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. 4O Lord God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers? 5You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in full measure. 6You make us the scorn of our neighbors; our enemies laugh among themselves. 7Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved. 8You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. 9You cleared the ground for it; it took deep root and filled the land. 10The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches; 11it sent out its branches to the sea, and its shoots to the River. 12Why then have you broken down its walls, so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit? 13The boar from the forest ravages it, and all that move in the field feed on it. 14Turn again, O God of hosts; look down from heaven, and see; have regard for this vine,
15the stock that your right hand planted. 16They have burned it with fire, they have cut it down; may they perish at the rebuke of your countenance. 17But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand, the one whom you made strong for yourself. 18Then we will never turn back from you; give us life, and we will call on your name.
19Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=65248248

Update on Sam

2011-01-27T20:22:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to give everyone an update on Sam:

If you were to look at Sam, you might think that NOTHING was wrong. He looks good! He has even gained weight, which bothers him. He had me ask the nurse to cut the caloric intake down on his TPN (food in a bag). J Most of the time, Sam is upbeat and humorous as ever. Every now and then Sam gets sad and frustrated. Those days are really hard.

However, the fistulas are still present. He has a horrible yeast infection due to all the liquid that exits his abdomen area. He has been experiencing a mysterious fever every night for almost a month now. His temperature has gotten as high as 103.7 degrees. Due to this, I took Sam to see the doc yesterday. They ordered some diagnostic tests to see if they can pinpoint the problem. The doc thinks it could be an infection at the end of catheter (which ends in his heart). Each night as Sam is hooked up to the IV and the TPN runs through the catheter, it picks up a little of the infection and passes it through his body, thus the nightly fever. So one of the tests was to check for this infection. We are NOT sure if that is the problem, but just a hypothesis. They really don’t KNOW, but we hope they find the answer soon.

I received a call today from the Case Manager at UAB and she said the doc has now ordered CAT Scans of Sam’s chest, abdomen and pelvic area. I am waiting to hear when that will be. I’ll let you know what we find out.

I do appreciate the support/encouragement. Sam and I thank God daily for you.

Anniversary

2011-01-11T19:20:00.002-06:00

Most anniversaries are spent celebrating, being joyous, excited about another year; well today January 11 is the one year anniversary of Sam's accident. At this time last year, Sam was in ICU after having his intestines squished by a tree limb. The family and friends were in the Trauma Burn ICU Waiting room.

So much as happened since that day, good and bad.

Please continue to pray for Sam. Thank you.

this blog still exists?

2011-01-08T16:59:00.002-06:00

Yes, I have two blogs: one for my rambling thoughts and one for my crocheting adventures. The other is still under contruction, but I am still here. Care? Well, it doesn't matter because I like blogging and regardless if it is read by others or not.

new blog

2011-01-01T21:23:00.002-06:00

I have begun a new blog; it is under construction at the moment.
http://bettescrochetcorner.blogspot.com/
More to come

Coconut Cake Recipe - YUMMO

2010-12-27T20:03:00.003-06:00

CAKE Ingredients:

1 large egg

5 large egg whites

3/4 cup cream of coconut

1/4 cup water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon coconut extract

2 1/4 cups cake flour (9 ounces), sifted

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon table salt

12 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), cut into 12 pieces, softened, but still cool

2 cups packed sweetened shredded coconut (about 8 ounces)

BUTTERCREAM ICING Ingredients

4 large egg whites

1 cup granulated sugar

pinch table salt

1 pound unsalted butter (4 sticks), each stick cut into 6 pieces, softened, but still cool

1/4 cup cream of coconut

1 teaspoon coconut extract

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

1. For the Cake: Adjust oven rack to the lower-middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with shortening and dust with flour.

2. Beat egg whites and whole egg in large measuring cup with fork to combine. Add cream of coconut, water, vanilla, and coconut extract and beat with fork until thoroughly combined.

3. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in bowl of standing mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Mix on lowest speed to combine, about 30 seconds. With mixer still running on lowest speed, add butter 1 piece at a time, then beat until mixture resembles corase meal, with butter bits no larger than small peas, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes.

4. With mixer still running, add 1 cup liquid. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy, about 45 seconds. With mixer still running, add remaining 1 cup liquid in steady stream (this shoudl take about 15 seconds). Stop mixer and scrape down bowl with rubber spatula, then beat at medium-high speed to combine, about 15 seconds. (Batter will be thick.)

5. Divide batter between cake pans and level with offset or rubber spatula. Bake until deep golden brown, cakes pull away from sides of pans, and toothpicks inserted into center of cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes (rotate cakes after about 20 minutes). Do not turn off oven.

6. Cook in pans on wire racks about 10 minutes, then loosen cakes from sides of pans with paring knife, invert cakes onto racks and then re-invert; cool to room temperature.

7. While cakes are cooling; spread shredded coconut on rimmed baking sheet; toast in oven until shreds are a mix of golden brown and white, about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring 2 to 3 times. Cool to room temperature.

8. For the Buttercream: Combine whites, sugar, and salt in bowl of standing mixer; set bowl over saucepan containing 1 1/2 inches of barely simmering water. Whisk constantly until mixture is opaque and warm to the touch and registers about 120 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, about 2 minutes.

9. Transfer bowl to mixer and beat whites on high speed with whisk attachment until barely warm (about 80 degrees) and whites are glossy and sticky, about 7 minutes. Reduce speed to medium-high and beat in butter 1 piece at a time. Beat in cream of coconut and coconut and vanilla extracts. Stop mixer and scrape bottom and sides of bowl. Continue to beat at medium-high speed until well-combined, about 1 minute.

10. To Assemble the Cake: With a long serrated knife, cut both cakes in half horizontally so that each cake forms two layers.

11. Put a dab of icing on a cardboard round cut just larger than the cake. Center one cake layer on the round.

12. Place a large blob of icing in the center of the layer and spread it to the edges with an icing spatula.

13. Hold the spatula at a 45-degree angle to the cake and drag it across the surface to level the icing. Repeat steps 12-13 with remaining cake layers.

14. To ice the sides of the cake, scoop up a large dab of icing with the top of the spatula and spread it on the sides with short side-to-side strokes.

15. Sprinkle the top of the cake with coconut. Then press the coconut into the sides, letting the excess fall back onto a baking sheet.

I doubled the cake receipe so I could make the cake taller.

2010-12-23T19:31:00.001-06:00

I borrowed this from a letter I received from Johnye Horton.

"I use the word Miracle to mean an interference with Nature by supernatural power." C. S. Lewis

Jesus' conception and birth would, most definitely, fall under this definition. I have been preaching and pastoring for over 30 years, and yet every time I reflect on the Christmas story I continue to be greatly amazed at the reality that Jesus Christ, God Almighty became flesh, just like you and me, My pastor, Joel Frederick shared something that spoke to me.

"In an effort to share the meaning and purpose of Jesus to VBS children I took a glass jar and scooped up a large portion of an ant hill which was full of ants and closed the lid. I asked the children how I could communicate with the ants if I wanted to. After several typical children responses I suggested to them that if I wanted to communicate a message to the ants I should become an ant. I could then go into the jar, live among them and speak ant language. They all agreed. I then told them that is what Jesus did at Christmas when he was born as a baby in Bethlehem. By being a human being like us He could talk to us, teach us and show us how much God loves us. He could bring God's message to us."

I ponder the reality that God, in His infinite wisdom and power, could have provided salvation in what ever manner He chose. Yet he chose the most personal way possible. He became Human like us. Immanuel - God with Us!

As we enjoy our families, with all the joy children and grand children bring, may we pause for a moment and meditate on this awesome gift. God came to us!

May each of you have a blessed Christmas!

new yarn

2010-12-09T19:19:00.003-06:00

I just finished a beautifully created scarf, only to find the yarn I used stretches. The scarf is extremely LONG, too LONG. It is beautiful nonetheless. Don't think I will give it to its chosen receiptent though. I just found another pattern for that person.

Sweet Letter

2010-11-14T19:36:00.002-06:00

Sam received this letter while he was in the hospital from one of his former softball players.

Hi Mr. Sammy!

I saw on Ms. Bette's blog that your recovery is still a slow process. I hadn't realized you were still in the hospital and now that I do, I want to send my support and prayers. I'm not sure you realize, but I'm so grateful you were part of my life. I learned so much from you, not only about softball, but also about working hard and having a positive attitude. Those lessons still stick with me today. I was devastated to hear of your accident, but it pains me even more to know you are confined to the hospital, still in pain. I will be praying for your complete recovery and that you get to be outdoors being active in the near future! I know how tough you are and that God has great plans for you. I truly do love you Mr. Sammy!
Sincerely,
>>>>>>>>>

I cried as I read the letter. You never know how you touch the lives of others.

Friday, November12

2010-11-12T07:43:00.001-06:00

Hooray! Hooray! Shouting for joy!
We think, I say again, think, Sam is being discharged from the hospital today!
Today Sam has been in the hospital 5 weeks and 2 days. We are sooooooo ready to be home.

Thursday, October 28

2010-10-28T21:34:00.000-05:00

Today, Sam celebrated his 47th birthday. He had a sleuth of visitors, received a ton of cards and birthday wishes. He even received two gifts from a nurse and a patient care technician. The nurse gave him new tape on his nose of his NG tube and the PTC gave him a new catheter bag. (LOL) With all of this, Sam was sad most of the day. Each day he gets a little more sad.

The doctor told us this morning that Sam's NG output is decreasing and it is the same as an average person's output and the drainage from the wound is decreasing. In a day or two (which means longer b/c the weekend is up coming), if the drainage continues to be lower, they will turn OFF the NG tube and see if Sam can process the bile in a normal way. If he can, they will remove the NG tube. If they remove the NG tube too soon, they will have to put it back in and Sam is REFUSING this! So they are being very cautious about removing it. The doc reminded us that this is a slow process.

Sam is so ready to get out of the bed, eat and drink something, and GO HOME!

We do appreciate your prayers and I ask that you remember Sam's emotional state. Thank you so very much.

Oct. 25 Sam Update

2010-10-25T15:26:00.001-05:00

Good afternoon Friends:
I wanted to give you an update on my husband. The main surgeon was here this morning and said we should continue to be patient because we will be here at UAB a while. The plan is to manage the open wound area with a Pouch Wound Drain (much like a colostomy bag, but for open wounds). The fistulas (openings) are still allowing stool and bile to enter in the area so it must be drained out. The larger fistula is probably from a leak in the colon (where they reattached the colon during the reversal) and the smaller fistula is probably from the small intestine (where they cut it accidently during the reversal). The doc told us they would continue to run various tests to check the systems (CT scans using contrast, xrays, blood work).

Sam's is infection free and everything seems okay (blood count, etc.) They are still feeding Sam via IV (directly to the blood by passing the digestive system). Sam is still on bed rest. They have changed from breathing treatments to a nebulizer (beacuse the spots on his lungs are no longer there). The PT has begun again, but exercises he can do in the bed.

We are waiting, hoping, praying and we appreciate your prayers.

His address here is
Sam Nix Room 9301
UAB - North Pavilion/TBNU
1802 6th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294

Update

2010-10-21T08:21:00.000-05:00

Well, it is 7:56 am on Thursday morning and we have not received any bad news in a little over 24 hours. :-)
Sam had a good day yesterday. My brother-in-law came over from MS and forced me to go home to sleep (first time home in two weeks). I was told that the staff was in and out ALL night long, so Sam did not sleep very much. I suppose the staff came in a lot because I have complained about the PM staff neglecting Sam. After two complaints about this to the right person changed that scenario, which is good and bad. Good because now they are doing what they should be doing, bad because Sam feels good enough to sleep now and couldn't because of the interuptions.

Medical Update
*The NG tube is doing its job of keeping the bile off of Sam's stomach; relieving the nausea and the pressure on the small bowel blockage. (The doc told us yesterday it may take weeks or months for the blockage to actually go away.)
*Sam's blood pressure has been in the normal range for 24 hours, no fever or breathing problems.
*As far as we know, the blood cultures were negative for Staph. They took blood 3 days ago and cultured them for that length of time. After 24 hours, the culture was negative. After 48 hours the culture was negative. We haven't heard about the 72 hour culture. We have been told that sometimes a culture will show negative after 24and 48 and then show positive at 72. We are hopeful it will be negative.
*Sam felt really good yesterday. His sense of humor was back. He kept his pain at bay with the use of the Morphine Pump.
*The doctors have not visited as of yet this morning, so I am not sure if anything else has changed. As I mentioned in a previous email, we are on an episode of HOUSE. The team comes up with a plan and then it gets changed. Sometimes the change is because of a reaction from Sam's body; sometimes the change is because.................. (If they tell us something new I will send an update.)
*Sam's mood has changed considerably because he feels better. He had been in a state of dispair. He is hopeful now.

We know we have a long road ahead of us, but we don't have to take this road alone. We have YOU and so many others praying for us and cheering us on, but more than that, we have GOD our FATHER leading the way, walking with us and guarding our backs. What an awesome God!

Love

2010-10-17T23:43:00.003-05:00

Twenty-two years with the greatest guy in the world b/c of love.

As I sit on the most uncomfortable couch/bed ever, watching my man breathe or making sure that he does breathe, I am thinking about my love for this man and his for me. It is an overwhelming love - all consuming - unconditional - forgiving - forever kind of love, a once in a life time love!

My heart overflows with love for Sam and his for me. I am fortunate to have a husband that shows his love in so many ways and I pray that Sam can say the same for me.

I love this man so much that I would gladly take his place on that hospital bed. I would rather it be me than him. He deserves so much more from life that this.

Dear Lord,
I beseech you to hear this humble cry. Please provide comfort to Sam, healing him in body, soul and mind. Please be with him as he goes for his tests tomorrow and may they provide the doctors with the answers. Please be with each physician, nurse, technician and help them use the knowledge you have bestowed upon them. Please keep them single-minded on their job. Please be with Chris and Samantha and the Nix family as we await word. Lord, we acknowledge that only you has the power to heal Sam. You are the great physician, the Lord of Lords, the Almighty and I bring my heavy heart to you on bended knees. Oh Lord, I love you so very much. You love me and desire a relationship with me even though I am unworthy. My sweet husband has modeled Your love in our relationship. I thank you for that. I thank you for watching over us; protecting us; providing for us; forgiving us when we fail you.
Thank you Father, for hearing your humble servant.
In your most heavenly name,
Amen

Surgery

2010-10-06T19:13:00.002-05:00

Sam is having surgery tomorrow, Thursday, October 7 to have his colostomy reversed. He has been waiting on this since his accident, last January. We know that MANY people live with colostomies every day, but this has been so hard on Sam!

We are praising GOD for this miracle.

Update

2010-10-01T18:21:00.001-05:00

Well we saw a 4th year Resident today and not the surgeon, however Sam is scheduled for a Colon Test on Wednesday, October 6 at 8:00 and then meets with the surgeon at 12:30. If the test yields good results, Sam could have surgery on Thursday or Friday!

Please continue to pray for us. :-)

Tomorrow - Oct. 1

2010-09-30T16:47:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is the day we have been waiting for - the day Sam talks with the surgeon about reversing his colostomy. I am relieved the day is here, but scared to death.

Oh Lord, please be with Sam and the surgeon. May you hear Sam's plea.

emotions

2010-09-11T19:35:00.002-05:00

Emotions are strange, interesting things. A person can feel sad, depressed and show characteristics of anger; feel angry and show characteristics of sadness. One can be worried and show fatigue. I could go on and on, but maybe you understand what I am saying.

Since January, I am seen a lot of different emotions from my sweet husband. It has been hard for him. It has been hard for me. And as October 1 gets closer, it is as if Sam is on one big emotional roller coaster. October 1st is when Sam sees the surgeon about reversing his colostomy. He is anxiously waiting for the day, but also worried, scared........

Back in April when the doc told us that he would come in October to discuss this, Sam could look to October with hope. As the time as gotten close, within reach so to speak, the light of hope has seemed to be clouded with gloom and despair. Sam is scared that the reversal will not be successful, which is totally understandable. The doc told us that there would be only ONE chance to for the reversal. If it doesn't work, Sam will get the colostomy again. You see, there is not enough colon left for the doc to do the surgery multiple times. ONE chance. ONE.

I know we have a mighty GOD. He is the great physician. He has the power to make this happen. But what if God chooses not to allow it to be reversed? How can I help my sweet husband handle that news?

I know that God will be with us regardless of the results. He is faithful! I am staying optimistic, positive, believing, praising God.........Sam is scared, worried, .......

Please pray for Sam! Pray for calmness, comfort, complete healing.

Thank you.

Educators as Students

2010-08-27T17:03:00.002-05:00

I have been teaching a lot of workshops lately. I am reminded that educators do not make good students. They exhibit behavior they would NOT allow in their classrooms. They have sidebar conversations, send/read text messages, act silly to the point of disruption, etc.........

I found myself telling a group of educators "I am a jealous teacher. I want your full attention. I want you to act like you expect your students to act." I am glad to say that I got just what I asked for.

I shouldn't have to make statements like that..........

So if you are an educator, be mindful of your behavior the next time you are the student.

2010-08-20T20:06:00.001-05:00

Marco

2010-08-15T20:01:00.001-05:00

Duck

.........

2010-08-06T21:20:00.001-05:00

Thinking............

Heartstrings

2010-07-25T18:49:00.002-05:00

How can one small boy tug on my heartstrings like Noah can? Every time I look into his smiling face, my heart skips a beat. Here is a list of things I love about this boy:
1-his smile
2-when he backs into me so I will hug him
3-our cuddle time before or after a nap
4-his laugh
5-his love for POP
6-the way he answers yes/no questions with a shake of the head (meaning no)
7-the way he comes to me for comfort after he has been told no or for any reason; especially when he chooses me over POP (this doesn't happen often)
8-he love of the his 4-wheeler rides with POP
9-his love of rocks (just like his momma)
10-he mischious side; gets that from POP
11-the easy way he goes down for a nap or for the night (very few times have there been a problem)!
12-NOAH!!!!!!!!!!

We are blessed to have him in our lives. May the Lord continue to keep His hands upon this precious child.

Fun Cake Design

2010-06-16T19:41:00.004-05:00

Yesterday we celebrated Samantha's birthday (even though it was on the 5th). I wanted to make her a cake. I saw a magazine in the grocery store with a fun looking cake. It was decorated like a slice of watermelon. I thought, I can do that! So I did with a few ideas of my own.

Watermelon Cake Recipe
By Woman's Day Staff from Woman's Day July 1, 2010

INGREDIENTS
· 1 box (18.25 oz) yellow cake mix (I used the butter recipe flavor)
· 1 box (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix (I added strawberry gelatin)
· 4 large eggs
· 1 cup water
· 1⁄3 cup oil
· 3 1⁄2 cans (16 oz each) vanilla frosting (I used Wilton icing)
· Red, orange, leaf green, yellow and black gel or paste food color
· Chocolate-covered raisins (Raisinets) (I used cocoa roast almonds.)
· You’ll also need: pastry bag, coupler, petal decorating tip 101S or 101 or basketweave tip 44 or 47

PREPARATION
1. Heat oven to 350ºF. Coat two 9-in. round cake pans with nonstick spray. Line bottoms with wax paper; coat with spray.

2. Combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, water and oil in a large bowl. Beat at medium speed with electric mixer for 2 minutes. Pour evenly into prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until wooden pick inserted in centers comes out clean.

3. Cool in pans on wire rack 15 minutes; invert cakes onto rack, remove paper and cool completely.

4. Tint one can frosting red-orange. Using leaf green, yellow and a bit of black, tint one can frosting pale green. Remove 1/2 cup pale green frosting to a pastry bag fitted with decorating tip. Using more leaf green and black food color, tint remaining pale green frosting until it turns dark green. (I added strawberry gelatin to the red icing.)

5. Stack cake layers on a cutting board; cut crosswise in half. Set one piece aside.

6. For large melon slice: Sandwich 3 cake layer halves with 1/3 cup white frosting between each (invert top layer so flat side is up). For small melon wedges: Cut reserved piece of cake into 3 wedges. Frost slice and wedges with a thin layer of remaining white frosting.

7. Frost rounded edges of cakes with dark green frosting. Using flat slide of decorating tip, pipe pale green frosting along edge of dark green frosting on sides and top. Pipe squiggly lines onto sides over dark green frosting. With spatula, smear pale green lines to create the look of watermelon skin.

8. Reserve 1/2 cup red-orange frosting. With remaining red-orange frosting, frost top and straight sides of cakes, leaving about 1/2-in. border of white frosting. Cut chocolate-covered raisins in half lengthwise. Place cut-side up into red-orange frosting for pits. Refrigerate several hours or overnight to set. (I pushed the almonds into the icing without cutting.)

9. Remove large melon slice to serving tray, standing it on rounded edge. Frost back side of cake with reserved red-orange frosting; decorate with additional chocolate-covered raisins. Place small wedges on tray with large slice. (To serve large cake, place it back onto a flat side before cutting into slices.) (I did not frost the back side of cake. I left it on its side.)

I tried uploading the pictures, but had a problem. Here is the link so you can see the pictures.

http://www.womansday.com/Recipes/Watermelon-Cake-Recipe

truly random thoughts

2010-06-06T15:52:00.003-05:00

Sam is progressing. He has been attending physical therapy and going to the gym. I believe he is beginning to get a little relief from the pain in his hip. He is still not seeing progress with his leg/foot working, but.............. not giving up.
Summer is here. I work 3.5 days this week and then I'm off for a while. I do have days to work throughout the summer. I'm looking forward to being off.
I plan to work with a trainer at the gym for 6 weeks. I start tomorrow morning - 5 a.m. Whew that is earlier. I have choices between three times: 5 a.m.; 8:30 a.m. or 6 p.m. I am going to try the 5 a.m. Let's see if I can get out of the bed for it; if not the 6 p.m. will do.
Noah spent the night with us last night. Pop and I had so much fun with him. He is growing so much. His receptive language is phenomenal; his expressive language is forming. Everything with fur is a "kittycat". LOL He is so lovable, adorable, precious, handsome,........ oh I could go on and on......... LOVE THAT BOY!!!!!!
My dad had outpatient surgery his past week. He has 2nd stage of Barrett's disease; just two stages above having esophageal cancer. Ablation was used to burn a layer of tissue from the esophagus. The doc said the spot was much larger than he thought and he did not get to burn all of the bad tissue in this session. Dad will have to have this repeated several times.

Neurology appointment

2010-05-17T14:12:00.001-05:00

Sam went to a neurologist today. He asked a lot of questions, had Sam move his body and extremities; it was disturbing to me when the doc hit Sam's right knee with the mallet and the leg did NOTHING. His left leg moved every time.

The doc scheduled a nerve conduction test for Thursday to pinpoint the origination of the nerve problem. He is suggesting several different locations: right knee, right hip and lower back. It could be just one or a combination of the three.

He also referred Sam to a Physical Therapist. Sam received 5 In-Home visits from Home Health Care, but the doctors at UAB did not believe he needed more therapy. The neurologist said that Sam should have been getting it along. So we are waiting on the PT office to call and schedule those appointments.

We do appreciate your prayers and I ask that you pray specifically for Sam's emotional state. Thank you friends.

Update on Sam

2010-04-30T14:46:00.000-05:00

Well, today's visit was enlightening and confusing. As the nurse practitioner came in, she asked, "So Mr. Nix why are you here today?" DUH, you scheduled the appointment for him. She said, "No, we didn't. You are not supposed to be here until October." No, I have right here in my folder and journal where your office made the appointment .

Okay, so after this discussion (argument) ended, she gave us so MUCH information about Sam's MRI that we did NOT have before. Information that the Spinal Specialist didn't give us. Sam has several bulging discs, pinched nerves and one disc that is almost non-existent. Of course, NONE of this is a result of the accident, but pre-existing. The accident just exasperated the problem. She told us that Sam's hip and leg problem needs further testing - like a nerve conduction test (which is something another nurse suggested two months ago). The doctor at the clinic told her to send Sam back to his primary physician for a referral to a neurologist. I asked if we could just find our own neurologist. So that is what I am doing now.

Before we left, I had the nurse give me a copy of the MRI print out AND a copy of the MRI itself (the actual imaging on a disc). So we are armed and ready to take this to a neurologist.

So, was this visit an accident or providential? My thought is that God is paving the way for Sam to get the information and help he needs to recovery. The information may not be coming from the physicians, but from their competent nurse practitioners.

mysterious sickness

2010-04-17T16:34:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday, I woke up feeling horrible. My head felt like a hot air balloon, stuffed full of snot. I slept in a few hours and then off to work. I worked a half day. I was still feeling horrible when I went home Tuesday evening. If I thought Tuesday was bad, Wednesday was WORSE. Oh my goodness, my fever was sky high, chills, sweats, chills, sweat - aching all over. I could not raise my head off the pillow without feeling sick as a dog. My throat hurt so badly, swallowing anything was miserable. I called my ENT who was gracious to call in some antibiotics and a Dose pack to help with the swelling. Sam brought me a phenergan to help with the nausea. He found me lying in the floor; sprawled out on the hard wood floor, cooling off there. Sam said, "Baby do you want me to help you back to the bed?" "No, I think I will just stay here for a while." And I did, but soon back to the bed to get warm.
I stayed in bed for TWO days with fever and this sickness. I am feeling better now. My sinuses are still bothering me, but I am on the road to recovery.

fun

2010-04-12T17:23:00.003-05:00

This morning around 7:00, a friend returned our call to tell Sam and I that we had permission to fish at her lake. It took us a little while to get things done here before we left. We missed the early morning fishing time, but an opportunity to fish is an opportunity to fish and you DO NOT TURN THAT DOWN. So, off we went. We used a paddle boat to move around the lake. We had several strikes before Sam brought a fish to the boat. It was a small bass, but it was aggressive ;-) I landed one soon after, but Sam said it didn't count. As I brought it to the boat, and I mean, right to the edge of the boat, the fish jumped off the hook. "It doesn't count unless you get it into the boat." We didn't "catch" any other fish, but we did have a lot of strikes. We just couldn't set our hooks.
As we were fishing, I couldn't help but thinking about how fishing reminds me of teaching. A fisherman will bait his hook with what he thinks will appeal to the fish in hopes to reel them in. Just as a teacher finds interesting ways to appeal to the students in hopes of reeling them in. Just as a fish may follow the bait only to swim away, a student may follow the lesson only to lose interest or get distracted. A student may also be scared away by the teacher or even the "size" of the lesson. A fisherman must be willing to change hook sizes, bait, techniques, etc. to appeal to the fish, just as a teacher must be willing to make changes to help the students.
I don't have to bring a fish into the boat to count the trip as successful. I just need some nipples, strikes, bites........
Oh, the fun of fishing.
A side note: I went about three hours and then I told Sam I couldn't wait any longer, I had to "go". We paddled up to a place where Sam thought I could exit the boat without problem. Well, as I was stepping onto the bank, the boat began to drift away. Sam, in his weakened state, could not hold the boat into place. Picture me doing the splits - one foot on the bank - one foot on the boat - trying my hardest to keep from falling. Well, one foot/leg did end up in the water, but ONLY after I pulled my hamstring of the other leg. Oh my goodness at the pain. I cried it hurt so badly. Sam tried hard not to laugh. He admitted later, "I wanted to laugh harder but I knew you were really hurt and laughing would hurt me." URGHHH. I am having to baby my right leg.
Still had fun......

Service of Shadows

2010-04-02T21:38:00.002-05:00

This evening at FBC Alabaster, we had a Service of Shadows. This service is meant to bring our focus to the cross, to remind us of how Jesus willingly went to the cross for each of us.

At the beginning of the service, our Minister of Music shared a personal story with us. He told of how each morning after breakfast, he reads a story from a Children's Bible that puts the scripture into rhymes (to make is simple for the kids). Today's story was of the Cross. The story ended with Jesus' death. One of his boys said, "But Dad, tell the rest of the story." He replied, "That is all of THIS story." The son repeated with earnest, "But Dad, tell the rest, you know about the resurrection." He reminded us that we, as Christians, want to focus on the resurrection; the hope, the marvelous joy of knowing Jesus lives. But we do need to be reminded of what happened prior to the crucifixion and on the cross. Jesus died for us. He bore much pain and humiliation for us. He was ridiculed, mocked, insulted, wounded, broken and He did it willingly.

Think about the cross.

Prairie Days

2010-03-19T22:36:00.003-05:00

Some of you may find this silly, but I spent the week rereading the Little House series. I remember reading them when I was young and fondly remember watching the series on TV. It was always one of my favorites.

As I was reading, I thought about how wonderful/blessed I have it now with life: a house that holds out the cold/heat, heating unit, electricity, indoor plumbing, washing machine, dishwasher, car, store bought clothes/good/furniture........... The life on the prairie was very hard - I don't know if I would have survived!

Someday, I would like to go to Minnesota and see Laura Ingalls Wilder's home/museum. Husband told me I could go any time I wanted to as long as he didn't have to go. :-)

Update on Sam

2010-02-26T12:39:00.001-06:00

Sam had a spot with some infection and we had to go to the doctor today. The doc cut out a spot of tissue, with no antiseptic or anything, just snip snip. Sam was quite nauseated from the whole experience. The rest of the area is healing nicely. We have an appointment to return next Friday IF the area looks worse or if Sam develops a fever, etc.

The doc is also ordering an MRI to check on the pain Sam is experiencing in his right hip/leg/foot and left foot. Sam's pain level has increased in these areas. The pain in the left foot is new. The doctor thinks the nerve that was affected during the 3rd surgery is possibly "miss firing" and sending "messages" randomly in the lower extremities. The MRI should rule out other possibilities.

We do not know when the MRI will take place. UAB is supposed to call us once it is scheduled.

We do appreciate your prayers.

Quote

2010-02-11T08:40:00.002-06:00

I just finished reading Open by Andre Agassi. I read the book because a friend gave it to me to read while Sam was in the hospital. It was an interesting read. I found it interesting that Agassi opened a charter school in Vegas. The school has a Code of Respect that is stated each day. I really liked this.

The essence of good discipline is respect.
Respect for authority and respect for others.
Respect for self and respect for rules.
It is an attitude that begins at home,
Is reinforced at school,
And is applied throughout life.
(p. 382)

2010-02-08T09:31:00.003-06:00

Shout with joy to God, all the earth!
Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious!
Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!
So great is Your power that Your enemies cringe before You.
All the earth bows down to You;
they sing praise to You,
they sing praise to Your name."

Come and see what God has done,
how awesome His works in man's behalf!
He turned the sea into dry land,
they passed through the waters on foot-
come, let us rejoice in Him.
He rules forever by His power,
His eyes watch the nations-
let not the rebellious rise up against Him.

Psalms 66:1-7

Update on Sam

2010-01-31T11:12:00.000-06:00

It is hard to believe that just three weeks ago on Monday, Jan. 10 at 9:15 Sam was pinned to a tree 25 ft. in the air. We have been home a week, since Monday, Jan. 25 7:30 p.m. Sam has made a lot of progress during this time. He is slowly regaining his color and strength. His right leg is beginning to respond a little more each day to Sam's commands. He is working hard with his physical therapy. He is sleeping more and more each day, which is a huge blessing. Sleep was evading him. It is good to see him truly rest.

We have tons of visitors which is helping Sam mentally and emotionally. Samantha, Ryan and Noah came to visit on Saturday. Sam had to resist his desire to pick up Noah. It was funny to watch the two of them play chase down the hall. As Sam walked with the aid of his walker, Noah crawled after him. Then Noah would turn around and giggle, as Sam came back. So funny!

It was wonderful to go to worship Sunday morning as Sam and I went to the early service at our church. There is nothing like offering thanks, praise and honor to our Lord in His own house.

Again, I want to thank you all for your prayers, words of encouragement, offers of help and friendship. We are blessed.

Life Lessons

2010-01-29T17:18:00.003-06:00

I've been thinking a lot about the life lessons the Lord may be trying to teach Sam and I and possibly others. Here are my thoughts:
1-trust solely on the Lord (not on myself or earthly things)
2-Praise God through all things
3-enjoy my time with family and friends and do this more often
4-rest
5-humility
6-accepting help/assistance (this is really more for Sam since I usually do not have trouble about asking for help)
7-share my faith as much as possible - through example, words, deeds
8-daily devotion and prayer time (Sam and I have done this separately for many years. We have decided to do it together starting today.)

I may never fully understand why this accident happened, but I do know with 100% that God reigns, loves His children, and I will be with Him one day.

Rejoicing

2010-01-20T05:54:00.003-06:00

I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say: Blessings and honor and glory and dominion to the One seated on the throne, and the Lamb, forever and ever! Rev. 5:1

As I was praying this morning, I talked with the Lord about how Sam's accident has been bringing Him glory and honor. I am in awe. I pray that the Lord's kingdom will be expanded as we spread the word of Sam's recovery and God the credit. It is by God's hand he has been healed.

We serve an awesome Saviour. I knew this before the accident, but proclaim it loud now. I will proclaim everywhere I go.

May you find rest in God's arms.

2010-01-17T01:00:00.002-06:00

But I will sing of Your strength and will joyfully proclaim Your faithful love in the morning. For you have been a stronghold for me, a refuge in my day of trouble. To You, my strength, I sing praises, because God is my stronghold---my faithful God.

Psalm 59:16-17

I love You Lord and I lift my voice to worship you, oh my soul rejoice

Take joy my King, in what You hear, may it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.

Holding tight to His hand.

2010-01-14T22:40:00.001-06:00

for updates: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/samnix. please keep praying!

Husband

2010-01-14T22:24:00.002-06:00

My dearest Husband,

I miss you dear, even though I've seen you every day for short periods of time here and there. I miss you terribly. I am waiting for the day when you can walk out of this hospital. But first, we must get you ready to get rid of that ventilator.

I have been praying for you every day, praying for your complete recovery, praying for God's will in your life; praying for Christopher and Samantha; praying for your mom and siblings, praying for the medical team that is serving you. I am also praying for the other families around us.

I am trying to hold it together while I'm visiting you and with the kids. When I find a moment to myself, I can let down my guard and grieve for you. Sometimes it is harder than others to keep it level.

I get excited when I see you respond to Samantha's voice with a smile or a head nod; moving your foot off the bed getting us to put it back and then back down again. I love seeing your eyes open, turn your head to try and see someone better.

I grieve when I see you struggle to free yourself from the restraints, writhe with pain; not responding to us.

I know God has you in the palm of His hands. He has been with you and us every step of the way. I am trusting in His promises.

I am also trying to continue your work; God's work; finding ways to share a kind word here or there; sharing in our bounty (snacks, etc. sent to us); praying with others and their family members.

You have surgery tomorrow at 7:30 and I am also praying that Dr, Reiff will be able to completely repair your large intestine and close you up completely.

Baby, I hope you rest well tonight. I will see you first thing in the morning.

I love you!

Celebrations

2010-01-02T16:55:00.002-06:00

Wow! New Year's Eve was a blast. We had a house full; then we spent the day over at Mimi's with a house full of family. Sam and I taught Emma how to play the game Clue.

Emma is my great niece and we enjoy having her come and visit during the holidays. Emma usually rides the tractor with Sam and makes alien drawings in the grass. She didn't get to do that this year. She and I paint each year. We painted the picture below. Emma picked the picture and did most of this herself. I think it is the best we have done together.

Sam and I ended 2009 with family, food and fun. We began 2010 with family, food and fun! We are so blessed!

My prayer is that each of you will be blessed this year. Seek God each day!

New Year's Eve Tradition

2009-12-30T14:50:00.003-06:00

Several years ago, Sam and I began hosting a NY's Eve gathering. We watch movies, eat pizza and shoot fireworks. Our nephew, Richard, is a usual guest to the party. However, Sam and I really think he is more of a host than a guest. Our great niece, Emma, has attended many of the parties as well. We never know who may show up, but we always have a crowd and always have fun.

If you are in the area, drop by and enjoy the good clean fun. The more the merrier.

Noah will be coming to spend the night with Pop and I on Friday night. We are excited about having him. He is such a delight.

Happy New Year to everyone. May the Lord bless you and your family.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

2009-12-25T17:43:00.002-06:00

Even though historians say that Jesus was actually born in March, we as Christians celebrate his birth on December 25.

Happy birthday to You,
Happy birthday to You,
Happy birthday dear Jesus,
Happy birthday to You!!!!!!

Each year for the past 21 years, I have enjoyed singing (well the Nix clan sang and I signed) Happy Birthday to Jesus. It is a tradition for the Nix clan. Nancy, Sam's sister, plays the organ and the group sings to various Christmas Carols and holiday songs. The last song we sing is Happy Birthday. Such a great way to remember that the holiday is not about gifts, food, trees, etc. It is about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ!

May each of you have a wonderful, blessed Christmas and may the Lord be part of your holiday tradition.

Christmas

2009-12-24T15:17:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas to you!

As I sit here at my computer, typing this blog, my prayer is that you will be blessed this year. I also pray that you accept God as your Lord and Savior, if you haven't already. God sent His only Son to earth to live among men, to teach and lead people to understand God's love and then to die upon a cross, so that He could be resurrected. He died as an atonement for our sins, so we could have a relationship with His Father.

If you would like more information on how to become a Christian, please feel free to contact me.

In His Service,
Bette

Keyboard by Candlelight

2009-12-19T11:25:00.002-06:00

If you are available, in the area and want a wonderful experience, come by First Baptist Church of Alabaster either at 3:00 or 6:00. A talented group will be performing various Christmas music on four grand pianos. It is an experience you will totally enjoy.

First Baptist is located behind the Alabaster Library at the intersection of 3rd Ave and 1st Street.

Hope to see you there.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Christmas

2009-12-14T20:23:00.002-06:00

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be taxed, everyone to his own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, being great with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manager." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on Earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
Luke 2: 1-16

me

2009-12-11T16:37:00.002-06:00

I'm sick. I slept most of the day today. I have no voice or the voice I have doesn't sound like me. It is raspy, rough and just ugly sounding. I have this horrible cough, headache and just feel horrible. This is the first time I've been sick since September. Wow, I went two months without an infection. This is sooooooo good for me. Those allergy shots are really working.

I hope this doesn't last too long and doesn't return.

Update on Noah

2009-12-07T19:38:00.002-06:00

Noah has a double ear infection *sigh* poor fellow! Please keep him in your prayers

For all of you prayer warriors out there, please pray for Ms. Palmer, Toni Blackwell's mom. I saw Toni at Wal-Mart today and she said her mom is not in good condition. She had cancer, treatment, a lesion on her brain, high blood sugar induced by steroids (640), a tear in her colon. She is still in the hospital and recovering. Toni told me that she is not worried about her mom passing because she is a believer, but she is sad because she will miss her mom terribly. As she cried, I said, "I know your sweet mom will be with God and the tears are not for her. They are for you." She agreed. I prayed with her in the parking lot. Please pray for this family; Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, Toni/Mike Blackwell, Tommy and his family, younger sister, Lori? and family; plus loads of grandkids.

Thanks to all.

bitter sweet

2009-12-06T16:40:00.002-06:00

Last night Pop and I had the opportunity to keep Noah for Sami and Ryan. We have been so excited about this adventure. Pop has been keeping Noah on various days for Sami and we have had him during the afternoon, but not over night. Well, the time came. Everything went according to plan. We played, feed Noah, played, feed Noah, bathed and feed Noah and then off to sleep he went. Whew! That was easy............until 12:00a.m. Noah awakened and was inconsolable. He had a fever and we were not prepared for baby fever. No infant Tylenol or Motrin. I got him back to sleep and thought, whew, it lasted a whole fifteen minutes and then we were up again. Pop and I took turns with Noah, while the other tried to get a little sleep. Even though Noah was sick, it was sweet cuddling with him in our bed. Pop held Noah on his chest and patted that sweet baby to sleep and then I would have a turn. At some point, he snuggled between the two of us. *Big Sigh*
We both felt so bad for Noah because he couldn't tell us what was wrong and we knew that he felt horrible. A couple of times, after awakening, Noah was all smiles and wanted to play. We thought, "it's over. Thank God." But it wasn't and the sobbing would return.

I texted Sami about 6:30 to tell her we had a rough night and Noah was feverish. When they arrived around 10:00, Noah's temperature was 103 and he was much cooler than he had been during the early morning hours.

I hope Noah has a quick recovery from whatever this is and we can keep him again soon.

Thankful

2009-11-15T19:21:00.002-06:00

I am thankful for.......
God
His Son
His faithfulness, forgiveness, mercy, love, assurance, promises
my husband
two children, their spouses
wonderful grandson
friends/family
home
job
so many blessing that I don't deserve, yet He bestows them. I hope that I am using them wisely and my usage brings Him glory and honor.
What are you thankful for?

more on self-centeredness

2009-11-08T21:25:00.002-06:00

Self-centeredness is not just related to drivers, but to people in general. I recently heard of an employee being corrected by the boss. The employee was not working up to par, plus two fellow colleagues had recently complained. The employee is now land blasting the two colleagues for being two-faced backing stabbing people.

Okay, we see this everyday in our society. People do not want to own up to their own mistakes or responsibilities. It is easier to blame others or to avoid the work. Easy is not always the right way.

Jesus was not self-centered. He was not to blame, but he took the responsibility to his death. What a great example of what we should be

self centeredness

2009-11-05T19:00:00.002-06:00

I've been thinking about this post for quite some time. So here goes.....

As Sam and I drove home on the road to our house, a road that has a 45 mph limit, curvy in spots, hilly in others and a in one spot there is both, a male barrels around us. Okay, no big deal right? I didn't tell you the road had a double yellow line, curve and a hill. There was NO way the driver could tell what was coming over the hill and around the curve, yet he took a risk. Not only did he risk his life, but ours

This gave me pause. I began thinking more about self-centered drivers.

My office is on Hwy. 31, near the junction of Hwy 119. As my colleagues and I leave work in the afternoons/evenings, it is often hard, no impossible, to get across two lanes to turn left to go towards the interstate. It is also hard, no impossible, to turn right and get into the turning lane to transition to Hwy 119. Instead of leaving an opening, drivers get in this long line, with no spaces between bumpers to allow us to leave the parking lot. I often have to turn right, drive down to the city hall and backtrack to a road that leads to Montevallo. No big deal? Well, when I am in that situation, I leave a space in front of openings like this.

What about drivers that do not pay attention to the laws of the road. You know, turning right on red? It is bad when the driver forgets (or just doesn't do it) they are supposed to actually STOP at the red light, decide if it is safe then make the turn. Just the other day, I was sitting at one light and I watched 6 drivers go straight through a red light without stopping. Three of which almost hit other drivers!

In my book, these drivers are self-centered. They are more concerned about their agendas than the safety of others. They put people at risk because they are in a hurry, because they want to get through that next light before it changes, because they can, because they care more about themselves than any one else

What say you?

still here; working on a new post

2009-10-28T19:33:00.001-05:00

For all of my blog friends, I'm still here. Each day I think of what I would like to post on my blog. Working on something for now enjoy this

A remarkable phone call from a 12-yr old boy to Houston radio station KSBJ FM 89.3. So profound, the station has it posted on their website.
Click below to listen to it. It's short.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=zCdZwitrNoY

handling other people's business

2009-10-20T16:27:00.002-05:00

If you know my mother-in-law, please do not share this story. It will only worry her.

I stayed on the phone for quite a while today trying to take care of some business for my mother-in-law. My MIL is legally blind and it is hard for her to do this kind of thing for herself. Let me just say this was HARD for me and I do not have a disability. Why do companies make it so hard to handle business over the phone? I was transferred numerous times and didn't know it until a different voice came on the other line. Finally, I got a call back at 11:10 and was told things were taken care of. Whew, what a relief.
I called another company involved with this later in the day to make sure things were indeed fine, only to find out they weren't. Not only were things NOT settled, but "Pattie" told me that the information I was given was erroneous. I was yanked this way and that only to be sent back to the original company.
At the original company the young lady that answered the phone didn't have a clue, a few french fries short of a happy meal, a few bricks shy of a load, elevator didn't work, much less go to the top............ She started to pass me on to some man, but decided to give me a number to another department. So here I go again.........
At least I was in the right place, they knew "Pat" from the 11:10 call, but she had gone home for the day. Drats..... "Patsy" typed everything I said, I know because I could hear the keys pounding away. When I told her what "Pat" told me earlier in the day, she said, "Well I can't comment on that". She did tell me that she had sent "Pat" an email with my request and "Pat" should return my call tomorrow.
I could tell you everything that was said, by whom and the time they said it....... I took good notes. Maybe tomorrow things well be fine and I will not have to call someone and threaten them with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). I will if I have to though.
This is what we have to look forward to with the President Obama's Health care plan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fall

2009-10-16T16:58:00.001-05:00

Yeah! Cooler weather is all around. Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. Spring is the other.

Public School

2009-10-08T19:43:00.002-05:00

This is probably not the best title for this blog, but I couldn't think of another.

Today, a school employee made a bold statement during a workshop. She stated that students that have behavioral problems and/or mental illnesses should not be in public school but be institutionalized. She asked something like "Why should we allow them to be in schools when they disrupt.....show defiance......are bad role models......take so much time away from typical students...."
WHEW! I about came unglued! I did try to keep a straight face and level voice, but I failed miserably. I proceeded to voice my opinion vehemently. Nothing I said seemed to make a difference in this person's opinion. Someone interrupted and told the person that "the federal law stipulates that all have the right to a public education and it is not for us to make those decisions"......"perhaps you should begin writing/contacting your legislatures, congressman....."......"change professions".
I know that not all children should be in the general education classroom. Believe me! I know this. But how dare anyone say that all children with behavior problems and/or mental illnesses should be institutionalized. Even typical children can be defiant, disrupt the learning of others, be bad role models........ Educators (administrators, teachers, aides) are often bullies, defiant, bad role models and yet they are in charge of a classroom/school full of children.

Poppa

2009-10-03T16:53:00.003-05:00

I had an opportunity to speak with Samantha earlier today. She was grieving over the loss of Ryan's grandfather. This grief brought back memories for her over losing her own beloved grandfather - Poppa.
James Leon Nix - aka Poppa - was the father to five children (four boys and one girl) and grandfather to nine grandchildren. Since Poppa's death three great-grandchildren have been born.
Poppa was a godly man with a huge heart. His love for God was shown in all he did. He especially loved his family. He enjoyed having his grandchildren around him. He made sure to spend quality time with them, especially Christopher and Samantha. He would tell them stories from his past - childhood memories, war time memories, memories of Sam and the siblings, memories of many, many things. He visited them at school, took them to visit shut-ins and those sick in the hospital. Poppa taught my children how to show love to others.
Poppa also taught those around him how to enjoy humor. He was mischievous and enjoyed teasing those he loved. Poppa brought happiness to my life.
If you know Noah, if you are around when Noah has siblings or when Chris and Jen have children, please take the time to tell them about their precious Poppa. Help his memory live on by living a godly life, laughing as much as possible, sharing your stories with those around you and just being a good person.

To Poppa,
I love you and I miss you. Please give Jesus a hug for me. I will see you again one day.
Love,
Bette

The Love Dare

2009-09-30T19:17:00.001-05:00

The Love Dare book is wonderful. I hope you enjoyed days 1-10. It is worth the money.

Day 10 Dare

2009-09-30T18:41:00.002-05:00

I forgot to put the Dare for Day 10.

Do something out of the ordinary today for your spouse--something that proves (to you and to them) that your love is based on your choice and nothing else. Wash her car. Clean the kitchen. Buy his favorite dessert. Fold the laundry. Demonstrate love to them for the sheer joy of being their partner in marriage.

Day 10

2009-09-29T21:18:00.004-05:00

Love is unconditional

God demonstrates his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Love that "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (1 Corinthians 13:7) does not come from within. It can only come from God.

The Scriptures say that "neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created things, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39). This is God's kind of love. And thankfully--by your choice--it can become your kind of love. But first you must receive it and share it.

And don't be surprised, when your spouse begins living confidently under its shade, if he or she doesn't become even more lovable to you than you remember. You will no longer say, "I love you because..." You will now say, "I love you, period."

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I told this on Day One, but want to make sure that everyone knows this information comes from the book The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick taken from the movie Fireproof.

Day Nine

2009-09-28T20:27:00.004-05:00

Love makes good impressions

Greet one another with a kiss of love. 1 Peter 5:14

Think of the opportunity you have to greet each other on a regular basis. When coming through a door. When meeting for lunch. When saying good-night. When talking on the phone.

It doesn't have to be bold and dramatic every time. But adding warmth and enthusiasm gives you the chance to touch your mate's heart in subtle, unspoken ways.

Think about your greeting. Do you use it well? Does your spouse feel valued and appreciated? Do they feel loved? Even when you're not getting along too well, you can lessen the tension and give them value by the way you greet them.

Remember, love is a choice. So choose to change your greeting. Choose to love.

Think of a specific way you'd like to greet your spouse today. Do it with a smile and with enthusiasm. Then determine to change your greeting to reflect you love for them.

******************************************************
I told this on Day One, but want to make sure that everyone knows this information comes from the book The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick taken from the movie Fireproof.

Day Eight

2009-09-27T17:12:00.003-05:00

Love is not jealous

Love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire. Song of Solomon 8:6

It is time to let love, humility and gratefulness destroy any jealousy that springs up in your heart. It's time to let your mate's successes draw you closer together and give you greater opportunities to show genuine love.

Determine to become your spouse's biggest fan and to reject any thoughts of jealousy. To help you set your heart on your spouse and focus on their achievements, take yesterday's list of negative attributes and discreetly burn it. Then share with your spouse how glad you are about a success he or she recently enjoyed.

******************************************************
I told this on Day One, but want to make sure that everyone knows this information comes from the book The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick taken from the movie Fireproof.

Day Seven

2009-09-26T21:52:00.004-05:00

Love believes the best

[Love] believes all things, hopes all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7

You must develop the habit of reining in your negative thoughts and focusing on the positive attributes of your mate. This is a crucial step as you learn to lead your heart to truly love your spouse. It is a decision that you make, whether they deserve it or not.

For today's dare, get two sheets of paper. One the first one, spend a few minutes writing out positive things about your spouse. Then do the same things with negative things on the second sheet. Place both sheets in a secret place for another day. There is a different purpose and plan for each. At some point during the remainder of the day, pick a positive attribute from the first list and thank your spouse for having this characteristic.

******************************************************
I told this on Day One, but want to make sure that everyone knows this information comes from the book The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick taken from the movie Fireproof.

Day 6

2009-09-25T16:45:00.003-05:00

Love is not irritable

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city. Proverbs 16:32

Love will lead you to forgive instead of holding a grudge. To be grateful instead of greedy. To be content rather than rushing into more debt. Love encourages you to be happy when someone else succeeds rather than lying awake at night in envy.........reminds you to prioritize your family rather than sacrifice them for a promotion at work. In each decision, love ultimately lowers your stress and helps you release the venom that can build up inside. It then sets up your heart to respond to your spouse with patience and encouragement rather than anger and exasperation.

Choose today to react to tough circumstances in your marriage in loving ways instead of with irritation. Begin by making a list.... of areas where you need to add margin to your schedule. Then list any wrong motivations that you need to release from your life.

******************************************************
I told this on Day One, but want to make sure that everyone knows this information comes from the book The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick taken from the movie Fireproof.

Day Five

2009-09-24T18:32:00.003-05:00

Love is not rude

He who blesses his friends with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be reckoned a curse to him. Proverbs 27:14

Do you wish your spouse would quit doing the things that bother you? Then it's time to stop doing the things that bother them. Will you be thoughtful and loving enough to discover and avoid the behavior that causes life to be unpleasant for your mate? Will you dare to be delightful?

Here are three guiding principles when it comes to practicing etiquette in your marriage:
1-Guard the Golden Rule - treat your mate the same way you want to be treated. (See Luke 6:31)
2-No double standards - be as considerate to your spouse as you are to strangers and coworkers.
3-Honor requests - consider what your husband or wife already asked you to do or not to do. If in doubt, then ask.

Ask your spouse to tell you three things that cause him or her to be uncomfortable or irritated with you. You must do so without attacking them or justifying your behavior. This is from their perspective only.

******************************************************
I told this on Day One, but want to make sure that everyone knows this information comes from the book The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick taken from the movie Fireproof.

Day Four

2009-09-22T20:10:00.003-05:00

Love is Thoughtful

How precious also are Your thoughts to me....How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. Psalm 139:17-18

A husband should listen to his wife and learn to be considerate of her unspoken messages. A wife should learn to communicate truthfully and not say one thing while meaning another.

Contact your spouse sometime during the business of the day. Have no agenda other than asking how he or she is doing and if there is anything you could do for them.

******************************************************
I told this on Day One, but want to make sure that everyone knows this information comes from the book The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick taken from the movie Fireproof.

Day Three

2009-09-21T18:19:00.003-05:00

Love is not selfish

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor. Romans 12:10

Whether you like it or not, you have a reputation in the eyes of those around you, especially in the eyes of your spouse. But is it a loving reputation?

Whatever you put your time, energy, and money into will become more important to you. It's hard to care for something you are not investing in. along with restraining from negative comments, buy your spouse something that says, "I was thinking of you today."

******************************************************
I told this on Day One, but want to make sure that everyone knows this information comes from the book The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick taken from the movie Fireproof.

Day Two

2009-09-19T18:00:00.003-05:00

Love is Kind

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgivien you. Ephesians 4:32

Today's Dare: In addition to saying nothing negative to your spouse again today, do at least one unexpected gesture as an act of kindness.

******************************************************
I told this on Day One, but want to make sure that everyone knows this information comes from the book The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick taken from the movie Fireproof.

Day One

2009-09-18T21:32:00.004-05:00

Love is Patient - Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

This is the assignment for Day One of The Love Dare.

This Love Dare journey is a process, and the first thing you must resolve to possess is patience. Think of it as a marathon, not a sprint. But it's a race worth running.

The first part of this dare is fairly simple. Although love is communicated in a number of ways, our words often reflect the condition of our heart. For the next day, resolve to demonstrate patience and to say nothing negative to your spouse at all. If the temptation arises, choose not to say anything. It's better to hold your tongue than to say something you'll agree.

******************************************************
This information comes from the book The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick taken from the movie Fireproof.

Teach Your Children Well

2009-09-14T20:15:00.005-05:00

The following is an article found in Phi Kappa Phi FORUM Fall 2009 and written by William A Bloodworth, Jr. I thought it was note worthy. Please take the time to read the entire article.

I doubt I would have gone to college, much less become a college president, had I not attended a little country school in Wilson County, TX, in 1954 and '55.

An 11-year-old refugee from urban elementary schools in San Antonio, I had been living with my mother, a waitress, in a series of cheap apartments - and then in a housing project - after her third failed marriage.

Meanwhile, my father and stepmother had gone into debt to buy a 250-acre cattle and grain spread 40 miles away, and had convinced my mother that rural life would make me a better man.

Three years later my father gave up on the farm and sold it as a loss, but for a spell I became a farm kid. And I attended Stevens School.

Where the name came from, or when the school opened, I never knew. It sat five dirt-road miles from the farm, and no matter the weather, I walked a half-mile to and from the school bus stop.

It was a four-room school, in two white frame buildings, for about 120 students from first to eighth grade. Carved out by an accordion divider, each room contained two grades taught by one teacher. The restroom facilities were outhouses on the other side of a dusty baseball field and next to a mesquite-and-cactus cow pasture enclosed by barbed wire.

I spent the seventh and eighth grades there, showing up the first day in a pair of drugstore cowboy boots. All the other boys wore scruffy work boots, ragged tennis shoes, or nothing on their feet. They were real farm kids - with German, Polish and Hispanic last names - whose families struggled for subsistence. To them I looked like a city softy - and I had a funny last name. To make matters worse, the other boys in my class were older, larger and meaner. So were most of the girls. They all loved to make fun of me, and I, ignorant of their ways, gave them plenty of opportunities to do so.

But I eventually adapted and thrived. A prime reason: my teacher for both years, and all subjects, a man in this mid-thirties name W. Dain Higdon. Mr. Higdon also doubled as school principal, school district superintendent, bus driver, agriculture teacher, and athletic coach.

He made all learning important, from diagramming sentences to castrating pigs, because he made us students feel important, no matter, and because of - our background, because of who we were and could be.

And he was my first male teacher and the first man ever to talk to me with pride about his college education.

After Stevens School, the failure of the farm and problems of a broken family upended my secondary education; I wound up going to four high schools in three cities. I started to college at age 16, struggled with immaturity, and seemed to change majors almost every semester.

When I became, in succession, a public school teacher, college professor, and university administrator, if along the way I ever doubted the value of a subject, I had only to remember Mr. Higdon's enthusiasm for everything he taught. And if i ever doubted the value of my students, I had only to remember how he valued us at Stevens.

At my inauguration as a college president in Augusta, GA, Mr. Higdon sat next to my wife in the first row.

I wish I could say that I had taken the time to invite him. Though I kept a photograph of him in my wallet during high school and college, I had been out of touch with him for decades and didn't even know his address.

Be he, at 75 years old, found me through a notice in the San Antonio newspaper and let me know that he would make the journey.

In my speech I thanked him for his influence on my career. "Through his example," I said, "he also taught me the nobility of teaching."

But, thinking back, I know that it wasn't just Mr. Higdon. Both a person and a place bestowed upon me a certain pride in learning - and some lessons in humility and perseverance.

I suspect that we all have comparable places and people in our backgrounds.

The school closed two years after my graduation, and Mr. Higdon died shortly after my August State inauguration. A barren field now covers where Stevens once stood, no signs remaining of a threadbare but rich institution, almost unimaginable today, where Mr. Higdon nurtured Texas farm kids. But the school and the teacher remain with me.

After reading this, I thought of the teachers that influenced me: Ms. Lamont Franklin, Ms. Mitizi Wheat, Ms. Shelia Lewis, Mr. Bill Smith, Ms. Wingard, Ms. Nancy Brooks, Ms. Eveyln Blake, Mr. John Draper and so many more. Thank you for valuing me and showing me that I indeed have value and could make a difference in this world.

Praying for Others

2009-09-09T20:19:00.002-05:00

As I sit here typing this blog and as you read this entry, there are many people that we know that need our prayers. Perhaps your friend is sick with the flu or your friend is worried about her son will get the flu or some other illness. Maybe one of your colleagues was diagnosed with a brain tumor this summer and there is nothing the doctors can do or a student died at a young age and the family is grieving, a former student's brother died, your husband is sick, your daughter is worried about finances, your son's job puts him in danger, some one's mother has cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, a kindergartner is showing aggression to his teachers and peers disrupting the learning environment, a third grader has been to four schools this school year and is foster care, now hospitalized due to a visit with the father, a colleague is having difficulty with family issues, the economy and unemployment..........the list goes on and on.
Praying for others is very important and pleases God. He wants us to lift others up and be supportive. I am thankful that we have a Father that listens to our pleas.
Who did you pray for?

Celebrating Holland - I'm Home

2009-08-27T20:21:00.001-05:00

Celebrating Holland- I'm HomeBy Cathy Anthony

(my follow-up to the original \Welcome to Holland\ by Emily Perl Kingsley)

I have been in Holland for over a decade now. It has become home. I have had time to catch my breath, to settle and adjust, to accept something different than I'd planned.

I reflect back on those years of past when I had first landed in Holland. I remember clearly my shock, my fear, my anger, the pain and uncertainty. In those first few years, I tried to get back to Italy as planned, but Holland was where I was to stay. Today, I can say how far I have come on this unexpected journey. I have learned so much more. But, this too has been a journey of time.

I worked hard. I bought new guidebooks. I learned a new language and I slowly found my way around this new land. I have met others whose plans had changed like mine, and who could share my experience. We supported one another and some have become very special friends.
Some of these fellow travelers had been in Holland longer than I and were seasoned guides, assisting me along the way. Many have encouraged me. Many have taught me to open my eyes to the wonder and gifts to behold in this new land. I have discovered a community of caring. Holland wasn't so bad.

I think that Holland is used to wayward travelers like me and grew to become a land of hospitality, reaching out to welcome, to assist and to support newcomers like me in this new land. Over the years, I've wondered what life would have been like if I'd landed in Italy as planned. Would life have been easier? Would it have been as rewarding? Would I have learned some of the important lessons I hold today?

Sure, this journey has been more challenging and at times I would (and still do) stomp my feet and cry out in frustration and protest. And, yes, Holland is slower paced than Italy and less flashy than Italy, but this too has been an unexpected gift. I have learned to slow down in ways too and look closer at things, with a new appreciation for the remarkable beauty of Holland with its tulips, windmills and Rembrandts.

I have come to love Holland and call it Home.

I have become a world traveler and discovered that it doesn't matter where you land. What's more important is what you make of your journey and how you see and enjoy the very special, the very lovely, things that Holland, or any land, has to offer.

Yes, over a decade ago I landed in a place I hadn't planned. Yet I am thankful, for this destination has been richer than I could have imagined!

Welcome to Holland!

2009-08-24T19:38:00.001-05:00

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy . You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice . You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland ."
" Holland ?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland ?? I signed up for Italy ! I'm supposed to be in Italy . All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy ."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy , less flashy than Italy . But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills.... and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy ... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland .

c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley

Count it pure joy continued

2009-08-19T18:16:00.002-05:00

My first thought about today's post was to vent about my day. As I logged onto my blog, I saw my last entry and was reminded that I should be rejoicing. I should rejoice that my Lord is gracious enough to allow me a wonderful job, a job that allows me to help students and families, as well as teachers, paraprofessionals and administrators. Even though today was extremely hard, let me say again, extremely hard, I will rejoice in my Savior's love, protection, grace, mercy, protection.....

My prayers go out to all educators (regardless if you are a para, teacher, administration, etc.), as well as students and their parents. If you will lift me up in your prayers as well.

:-) God has this one!

2009-08-16T22:08:00.002-05:00

Count it pure joy!

proud

2009-08-07T18:03:00.002-05:00

I am proud to say that I successfully rode the Yamaha V-Star (650) up our big hill today to the house. Typically I ask Husband or Chris to ride the bike down the hill for me and then they get to drive it back up. The gravel scares me on the bigger bike, it is not a problem on the little bike (125). Well, today riding it up was no problem :-) Now to get up my courage and ride it down the hill.

I am also proud of my nephew, Christopher T. Moore. He graduated from his speciality school in the Air Force. He graduated from basic training in March and finished up today with his speciality school. He should be on his way home. I am very proud of him! He will be stationed in New Mexico.

Have a great weekend everyone.

been thinking

2009-07-31T21:25:00.007-05:00

Due to a recent conversation, I've been giving some thought to a topic. I've been chewing my cud trying how to put it into words as not to offend, but to give people pause.........

Let me begin with something very familiar - the definition of fairness. I can tell you that fairness means to be just, free of favoritism, impartial.....making a decision based on what is needed by one, a group, a society, but not everyone. It does not mean same as most of the world believes. A teacher may make a decision for one student and not for the rest of the class. This is fair if the decision is just. Yet this same adult may scream, "foul play, not fair" if a colleague is granted something that is needed and the exact same thing is not given to all employees.

I often hear in my job, "I cannot do that for Pat because I cannot do it for all my students" or "How do I explain this to the other students when they question me about why Pat gets a break and they don't". I respond with my standard answer, "Fair does not mean same. Fair means giving Pat what he needs as well as giving the others what they need. Be just with your decisions."

Let's take this idea out of the public school to the college level. One student may be given extra time on an assignment for a valid reason. The rest of the students may feel that favoritism is being shown. They are not privy to the decision, but they know the outcome. Is this fair? It is if the professor made the decision based on information given and he/she made their decision in a just manner. Also, if the professor based all requests in a just manner, weighing each student's case individually. I know when I taught at the collegiate level I told my students "assignments are due when they are due, but I know that real life happens. So if you find yourself in a predicament contact me and give me your reason. I will discuss it with you and make a decision." There were many times, I allowed the student to turn the assignment in late without penalty, but in others I told the student they would receive a penalty if turned in late. Fair? I think so, because I weighed each decision. I looked at the circumstances and tried very hard to make my decisions based on what the student divulged. Sometimes I felt the student was being irresponsible and I would tell them so.

Have I ever cried "foul"? Sure. Was I right in my opinion? Maybe, but probably not. There have been many times when I didn't have all the information. I knew what I had heard. I knew what I believed. I did not KNOW all the facts. I cried "foul" because I didn't get the same treatment. Same. Sometimes I think I was right because I felt the decision was based on favoritism. But see again it is what I think and not what I know. I, me, Bette, personally need to be careful with my words and actions. I need to stop judging situations. It is not up to me to judge!

Okay, so am I saying it is not okay to question actions? Of course not. I am saying we need to be careful how we do this and we need to make sure we have all the facts and right information. Once the decision has been rendered, we need to be mature, professional, just...... either accept the decision or move up the ladder, do not go out into the public and hash it out there. Do not hold grudges or be vindictive. Handle it the right way.

So what about the person that is gets whatever? How should they proceed? Well, in my opinion they should act in a mature, professional and christian manner. They should find a way to show kindness and love. They should also be sure that they are acting in a just manner and not asking for favoritism.

My cud is out in the open. What say you?

Bette's Random Thoughts

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.........

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