You Can't Shake This Kingdom

Here's a quote from a friend of ours that I loved, so I decided to steal it,

"We survived an earthquake and a hurricane in the same week here in North Carolina. There's something we can tell our grandchildren one day."

After Bobby and I were married in 1996, we came back from our honeymoon just in time to experience Hurricane Fran. It was a long night of wondering if our new home would hold up under the intense wind and rain. We watched our creek become a lake, getting uncomfortably close to the house, and we lost power for a week and a half. A giant tree fell in our backyard, but thankfully it landed sideways and not on the house. We had no cash, no food, not much gas, no water, and no ice. We ended up eating the top of our wedding cake (that I was going to freeze and save for our first anniversary).

So, when I heard Hurricane Irene might be headed our way, I decided I was going to be prepared. I shopped for food, water, flashlights, batteries, everything they tell you to get. Thank goodness we didn't end up needing any of these things here where I live. But I did stay glued to the t.v. to see what was happening just east of our town. My heart goes out to all those who lost a loved one, and/or had damage to their property.

There are many crisis going on today, whether it be natural disasters, or the economy, unemployment, divorce, etc. I can not stress enough the importance of praying for our Country (starting with our own homes, the "Church", your community, local government, on up to the Government...pray!!!) I'm not always in agreement with the direction of our Nation, but I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. I can't always say I'm proud of our decisions, but I am very loyal and patriotic. However, when I saw this picture of the damage from Hurricane Irene, it reminded of something very important. . .

We are first and foremost, children of the Kingdom of God, and secondly, Americans.

No matter what happens in the present or future, it's good to know that I am a part of a Kingdom that can not be shaken! (Hebrews 12:28)

We Caught Each Other

Fifteen years ago on this very day...I married my best friend! The man the Lord picked out for me, in good times and in bad (and we've had our share of both) to journey not only through life with, but more importantly through our walk with the Lord.

One of the best things about our marriage is that we think so much alike. I know people say "opposites attract", but for us, it's like we share a brain, LOL. Once again this was proven to me last night...

Bobby was working late - I knew our anniversary was the next day but I hadn't gotten him a card yet. My son needed a new lunch box because he'd lost his last year, so I used that as an excuse to run to the store at almost 8 p.m.

I'm standing in the card aisle marked "Anniversary" and had just started reading my first card, when I hear someone behind me laughing...I knew immediately that I was totally busted!

My husband, Bobby was coming to the store for the very same reason (so he'd been caught as well). He walked up while I had the card in my hand and all I could say was

"Here is the card I would have gotten you. Go ahead and read it now and we don't have to buy it".

We must of looked ridiculous standing in the card aisle laughing.

Okay, so we're not the most thoughtful, or romantic couple. We're not big on planning ahead (obviously). We don't spend a lot of money on gifts to show how much we care. But after 15 years, we still manage to laugh...a lot, and that to me, is priceless.

P.S. We will go out to dinner tonight (thanks to my brother for babysitting!), and he did surprise me this year with a Day spa massage that I haven't redeemed yet, but I'm looking forward to.

Don't Settle For Good Enough

It's been nine weeks since I fell and broke my arm and wrist. My stitches are out, I've done away with my sling, and I'm going to physical therapy once a week. I'm slowly but surely getting back to normal. For the most part, this is a good thing, although I must confess, I wasn't looking forward to having to cook again!

I am, however, very excited to be typing this post with BOTH hands. Last time I blogged, it was with one finger on my left hand...not fun! Which explains why it's been so long since my last post.

I've learned many lessons through this whole ordeal - I will share one with you today. I've learned to persevere.

One of my biggest obstacles is to fight the "it's good enough" attitude. I have a tendency to do things half way and say "it's good enough". So when I got most of the use of my hand/arm back, and was able to do some things for myself, I noticed that I started slacking off on my physical therapy exercises. But I absolutely can NOT go through life with a weak, partially working right hand! So, I will have to exercise self-discipline and keep at it. Maybe this lesson on perseverance will help me with so many other areas in life where I've settled for less than my best.

If that is the case, then it will ALMOST make braking my arm/wrist worth it. I said ALMOST!