Thanksgiving!

A few of the things I am very grateful for today (in no particular order)…

·         Thanksgiving gatherings with family

·         My little sister bringing me coffee and hilarity

·         Beauty

·         Meaningful moments

·         Chapstick

·         I adore this blog: http://notetoself.typepad.com/note_to_self/

·         Parents who care, protect, provide, and love

·         Soft things

·         My new little sister

·         Electricity

·         Encouraging conversation

·         A country that allows me to think and write whatever I need to

·         Speedy transportation
·         I  have fun with this blog http://matchbookmag.com/blog/·         Perfume…

·         Kind people

·         Exercise and adrenaline

·         Smiles

·         Military men and women  who sacrifice for freedom

·         Friends who love truth

·         Wholesome food

·         A paying job
·         This makes me smile http://advancedstyle.blogspot.com/

·         Blue eyes

·         Clean, running water

·         God’s Word, Comforter, salvation, and truth!!!!

·         Cooking and baking

·         Good habits

·         The fact that bugs die

·         Sleep

·         Obedient, loving dogs

·         Excellent examples

·         My Best Friend Who sticks closer than a brother, Who I love and adore.

·         Laughter

Recent Occurences

Some things happened this week.

·         At work, Richard’s daughter rang into his cell phone, nestled in his pocket. He snatched it up, “Honey, I told you not to call me at work! No, no, no…We’ll talk about Facebook when I get home. Now…No. Hang up. I’m at work!” He quickly clicked it shut and began explaining rapidly that he told her never to call during work and he was so sor—and the boss (my dad) asked for her number. Dad dialed her number. Dad says, “Is this Ricky, daughter of Richard Thomas? Yes, well, this is Richard’s boss calling.” That’s all he said. She started screaming, “Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! I got my dad fired! He’s fired! Oh no! AAAAAHHHHHH!” The terrible man on the phone handed it to her daddy and let him do all the calming. This is my dad’s sense of humor. He’s kind of funny—like that.

·         Which reminds me. My dad wears a brace on his leg under his pants. At church in the presence of a crowd of small boys, he will sink push pins through his pants into his “leg” one after the other, slowly, unflinching. He will watch their little petrified, awed expressions as he continues his row of sharp objects down his obviously calloused limb. Then he chuckles when they grim-facedly try it…without a brace on under their pants. Needless to say, he rates rather high in the respect of these wee men folk.

·         So, it’s a good day when you buy your little sister a Christmas gift and the sweet blonde girl behind the counter says to choose a free color of OPI nail polish. I picked “I’ve Got the Blues for Red.” Watch out. I has red nayeels.

I've Got the Blues for Red

·         Realized today that all my “most embarrassing stories” are supposed to be embarrassing to me, not the listener. I don’t have any like that, though. They’re all just hilarious.

·         I did not watch “Breaking Dawn” nor do I plan to, actually. Matter of fact, I never saw “Titanic” either. Don’t stone me. I’m yet romantically intact and sufficiently culturally educated.

·         Momma canned more pumpkin. I tried to take the rings off of the sealed jars, all my muscles straining, my teeth clenched. A sigh may have escaped me. It was impermeable! Utilizing hot water, lid tapping, my fellow house-women, soap, and all accessible means of screw-lid removal…I failed. And this is coming from a buff water buffalo of a woman. The lid remains, awaiting a dashing, gallant prince…water buffalo.

So handsome!! Nevermind.

·         I got a gift card for one of my favorite stores from my bosses. They are so awesome.

·         Prepping for the storm, I poured water from old gallon storage jars into a pail for the bathroom—while in the kitchen. My mother asks me why it was not done in the bathroom. My father asks me if I can even move the bucket. I confess my laziness combined with Herculean strength to the doubting onlookers. Tongue-in-cheek, I avow to my cynical audience my ability to carry the full five gallon bucket of water at arm’s length, by its edge to its final destination without difficulty. I do so, complete with additional demonstration of its ability to be held at any level requested. All this to say, “I’ve been working out and it’s working out.”

·         I went out to early morning coffee with a mommy. I love how moms are so perfect for their children, how there could never be a better match than that of a mother with her child and their needs. We went to Ace Hardware and shopped together, too. Aren’t simple pleasures the best?

·         I did more unthinkable things to back my beliefs this week. I know. That sounded horrible when I said that last week. Trust me. It’s a good thing to say “no” to things you think you really “want” sometimes.

·         I AM SO EXCITED FOR THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT IS MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY OF ALL HOLIDAYS AND I AM GOING TO CELEBRATE LIKE I HAVE A MILLION THINGS TO BE GRATEFUL FOR, BECAUSE I DO.

·         My sister made pumpkin scones, twice. I looked at them longingly, twice.

·         As much as it is possible to do so, I “caught up” one afternoon over texting with my handsome, athletic, Godly, charming, normal cousin in Marysville, Missouri. He’s so cool and so taken.

·         Last week I should have mentioned that I went to the gym as a guest visitor with my girlfriend. We kicked our cardio up a notch by talking while doing. But, I compensated by doing the world’s weakest weight job in front of the mirror and crowd of little, spooky eyes. I only stared at someone’s muscles’ abilities in complete shocked awe once. I closed my mouth after a while. I had a good time with my friend, though, especially afterwards chatting in the van until we had to stop.

·         No. Seriously. The bulky, ripped Asian was hanging on by one hand, holding his body over said hand, and slowly rotating his extended legs all the way around said hand midair, in a giant body circle. Like forty reps both directions. I didn’t know it was possible without special effects. It was part of my week, OK?

·         We threw a party for all the employees at Master’s Orthotics & Prosthetics. We did that because it’s a Thanksgiving tradition and we like these people we work with. So she’s eight, quadrupled in size, and very needy. Business is good, competition is better, but we are the best. www.facebook.com/mastersoandp

·         My older brother turned 25. Twenty-spicecake-five-oh. What a miracle. Who would’ve known we would both live this long? And him, verily, even unto such a ripe, old age?

·         I went to visit a friend. I faux-finished her bathroom wall with glaze of green, wielding a sea sponge of yellow. We talked about life and marrying men over fifty. Then we kindly reassured each other that although it may be necessary, we were completely joking. The parrot laughed.

·         My brain made five pies one morning and then my hands did one afternoon. I liked watching people’s faces while they ate them and that’s not weird. Yes, I made them from scratch with homegrown ingredients, but only because I don’t know how else to make them. Care for a slice of apple, cherry, pumpkin, blackberry, or chocolate a la mode?

·         So, I got very sick. I threw up a few times. I got bleary vision and fun stuff like that, but I laid in my brother’s bed so that when he comes home the germs will be waiting for him. Aren’t I just precious sweet?

·         I texted my bro in earthquake land only to find out one of his floor mates has caused a writhing, slithering, shiny cockroach infestation. So, I stopped texting him. Just like that.

·         I adore people. But, especially the ones who decide to change and actually do what’s right after they’ve done what’s wrong. Just had to say that.

·         I apparently “got lost in Walmart” in three Black Friday friend tagging Facebook posts. Yes, this is noteworthy. I now absolutely refuse to go to Walmart on Friday. I’m taking my Walmart fate into my own hands now.

·         Don’t break your neck. It is not cool. It hurts. And my dad will put a halo on you in the emergency room while you are drugged. And if you’re allergic to morphine and start attacking him, he will still torque it into your skull. Ok? Ok.

·         I actually did monogram cut-out cookies for placecards at a dinner party. True story.

·         So if you put tiny red wagons in a tall glass vase, next to a tall glass vase lined in snowflake-cut tissue paper accented with flameless candles, next to a tall glass vase with a swirl of colorful wide ribbon curled inside, all on top of a bisque runner with stacks of coordinating wrapped gifts it makes a beautiful centerpiece for a business party with a red wagon mascot, right? Right? Party is ready.

If you felt that I asked a lot of questions seeking affirmation today, its because I like you because you read my blog. That’s all. If I said too much about parties, it is because I was responsible to think too much about them. Have a good week. Mine was actually pretty sweet. Don’t you think?

The Dog At Your Throat

A dog stalks across the room, his beady eyes showing brilliant white around the edges. He pauses, soaking in your every weakness with his wrathful glare, foam gathering around his mouth. His lips curled back and his hair spiked up across his hackles, a low growl escapes as he hunkers down. Suddenly he makes the rush for your throat. He explodes into an angry, snarling bark…and licks your hand and drops to your feet, his tail thumping joyously against the floor.

So apart from highly unlikely, we would call a dog like that “crazy.” No healthy creature can lie about who he is and what he thinks! The merciful among us would take that Fido to the vet, in a cage, with a muzzle. And the unmerciful—well, Dad would dig a hole. So how come we let people act like that and call it normal?

Being “double-faced” is nastier in human form than any crazed animal could be. The girl who smiles at you with frosting on her cake-like words, and finishes you off with a piece of her mind behind your back to another person for dessert, is just as crazy as a mad dog. Who are we kidding? Some parts of our country have a cultural habit of politely passing phrases in conversation embalmed in sugar, to cover for actual personal abhorrence. But really, why bother if you’re not going to change your personal opinion?

Real is real is real is real is real. Be whoever you are to everyone because anything else is unhealthy, unnatural, wrong. Period. (If being nice to someone that you bad mouth behind their back is what you consider “real” then just stop right here. You might just need to go to Urgent Care yesterday.)

The Ultimate Wisdom says to “love one another.” It even says to “love your enemies and bless them that curse you.” That doesn’t leave room for backstabbing, let alone disliking people. If you don’t like someone that much, you either need to get it fixed inside of you, or talk to them about it. Scary thoughts from God, right there.

Perhaps it can be illustrated by the example of those people who act like they have everything because they don’t, so nobody will give them anything because they look like they have it all. It works out so well for them. Why do some feel like they have to lie like this in words or behavior?

Some possible honest reasons people may do this if they (or we) really ask themselves (or ourselves) “why”:

·         Doesn’t think people will respond kindly if he expresses himself honestly

o   That’s legitimately sad. You are a worthy person and your opinion presented out of loving care for others, counts!

·         Wants to be admired by everyone more than he wants to be a real friend to anyone

o   This happens frequently out of pure selfishness. Keep asking how that’s going to get you admired.

·         Is self-focused, manipulative, or greedy

o   Its time to update your sweet personality.

·         Doesn’t like who he is or doesn’t  know who he is

o   Sometimes tearing others down is the response of someone who is confused about himself. Find your permanent identity in what Someone greater than yourself says about you...not in conveniently lowering others.

·         Subconsciously thinks people like fake jerks and are dumb enough to never figure him out

o   Sorry if you thought it wasn’t obvious when you’re lying.

·         Says whatever comes to mind

o   Whoops!

This behavior of undercutting people you won’t confront, or those whom you just shallowly dislike, is a reflection of an inward struggle. There is no condemnation from me upon those who do, just an advisory warning for their own safety. Well, I can never say it better than Scripture, really.

He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; Proverbs 26:24 

He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool. Proverbs 10:18 

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Proverbs 27:6

Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. Proverbs 12:22 

Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips. Proverbs 24:28 

Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. Proverbs 26:23 

Pretty close. Its at least one of our great privileges.

I Could Have Killed

The very first time I drove a fifteen passenger van was almost the last. Far away from home and hearth I was sent on a mission by my manager to deliver some important documents to a nearby office. Only the ominous van was available to make the trip. I climbed up into the seat, conveniently leaving my license at the front desk. I proceeded to rev the engine and began leaping forward out of the covered entry.

Suddenly, I saw my name emblazoned on a black and white newspaper spinning around and around coming closer to my face. “Teenage Girl Kills Pregnant Michelle Duggar and Infant in Fatal Crash.” I kid thee not. The sweet Mrs. Duggar was coming around the corner pillar holding her baby and happened to step in front of the van as I was accelerating into the two feet between us.

As you well know, the television star and lovely matron is now expecting again, therefore I did not hit her. Very good deduction you have there, Watson. The brakes on said wicked van caused it to lurch violently, but stop successfully. A generation of children was saved.

But why did I see the spinning newspaper with the headline? How often is that the first thing we see? Of course, I feared for her life and the children and all associated family, friends, and all…But the first thing I thought of was –my reputation.

The following months that ensued brought trials that further taught me that no one has a reputation that serves the Lord with their whole heart. We have to give it away completely if we are going to do what is right and live a clean life. I am reminded of the men who watched Daniel daily for weeks on end to trap him doing something wrong, how they gave up, and decided to fabricate a way of throwing him to the lions. Person doing good: that is what will happen to you and its not Murphy’s Law.

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

2 Titus 3:12-14

We can be encouraged by this. It is a good thing if you are being put down for your faith in continuing to do right despite the odds! Getting hit by the wind shows you are in the front of the race. But if we’re not living boldly enough to be confronted, maybe we need to step it up. Because “all that will live godly in Christ” will get at least their reputation pricked…

The following is one of my all time favorite passages for inspiration. It addresses where our reputation belongs—and where a follower of Christ belongs.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:5-11

We get to choose what to do with our reputation. Do we constantly defend it, even to ourself? Do we let it go and just do what's right and let it show? So, that’s what I’m thinking about today. Don’t ask me why. That’s the fun part.

Week in Review

Much time has passed and this is some of what I’ve been doing…

Don’t let your mamma throw out the water the pumpkin cooked in before canning. It is so delish.

The man behind me in line at the store talked to every article he pulled out of his cart as he put it on the conveyor. I almost helped him. A) Because it looked like fun. B) Because we would have emptied his cart a lot faster. C) Because I was curious what he would say to me, after hearing him eloquently socialize with a new pair of jeans.

Laughed and cried muchisimo at the Young Ladies Retreat over the weekend and only stayed up until 4am. It was loaded with challenging devos, yummy food, and awesome beautiful inside-and-out, single, young ladies. (Yes, I have all their phone numbers. Why do you ask?)

I have a friend who tells me the truth about what’s right and what’s not…and she’s nice. Isn’t that amazing? She also has experience in the “men’s department” and the section titled “marriage.” How I love her and her advice. And she’s cute. And she blogs. http://becomingbeautifulgirl.blogspot.com/

Who puts egg white in chocolate? I didn’t realize it was there until after I ate the scrumptious morsel and had an uncivilized allergic reaction for three days…

If you juice chard in the morning, your sister won’t steal your tasty breakfast anymore.

Ready to run some errands.
Me with my juice and her with her choice.
How different could we be?

I went to a gathering with lots of women in a lovely house and we watched a DVD of Janis McBride. Pretty much amazing. She’s a woman of God. My heart was lighter and heavier all at once inside me.

The cat seems quite taken with communications lately. She walks upon keyboards in the house and consistently leaves the same cryptic message and opens all search programs. Eerie? Somewhat: mostly because she makes scowly faces.

I got it run my sis to her days of classes, clubs, and appointments. Unsocialized homeschooler? I doubt it. More like “privately-tutored celeb” and I am her chauffeur, near as I can tell. I basically had to wait by the car with my shades on while she got photos with her fans at science class.

OK. We decided I look Native American here. Maybe I am.

I brought in the season officially by sipping a bona fide caramel, crème brulèe, salted, with whip espresso as I spent my dad’s money in the grocery store.

Experienced one of those shopping trips where people keep stopping in the main aisle after they pass, back up with their cart, and stare in your general direction a bit obviously. Sadly, I repeatedly noted I wasn’t small enough to hide behind the Bigelow tea box I was examining—repeatedly.

This week, I got to do the unthinkable as feet to my words that I believe what I think. Life is interesting.

I finally did an ultimate home spa one night. To top it off, I lit every candle we own and almost died. The combined fragrance of seven different scents was perfectly asphyxiating. With my last breath, I blew them out and fell back into the tub. It was so relaxing.

All week I’ve desperately want to make some to-die-for cookies for my biggest bro. So, I will.

I am juicing my way to health with a brief stint of only ingesting home-juiced, organic goodness. With each passing day I look more like a supermodel and feel less like a supermodel looks. Unless I’m going high fashion: then I can keenly understand the bleak, hungry look. But I do love aiming for being my best somewhere in there.

Doesn't she look happ--I mean, hungry?

I went to one of my favorite stores, got an amazing deal, and stocked up for under $30. I love being a woman.

My brother and I scooted our seats up to a barrel in our coffee shop and discussed life over coffee before work. We are such old souls bemired with joys.

Boots are awesome. I live in my boots. So, I need more…So I am considering these. Yes, considering.

Another lovely friend is getting married! Yes, she’s the one who texted me in the airport that she had just gotten engaged and we should get together…as I flew to a wedding. She will be beautiful and local and we can still drink coffee together like we did this week. That’s plus one for life. Oh, and she might let me do her flowers.

Our van got smooshed. Then it got fixed. May I recommend spacial reasoning education to an anonymous family member?

I got a gigantic truck from grandpa. Now I park in the far reaches of lots where no one but the cool people park. Oh yeah.

So, I crashed a friend’s family dinner party. Yes, I scooted up to the table and brought awkward with me. Those dear people were so kind.

This is the glorious fall wherein I dream of making and baking. I wish to make every pie I imagine, every cookie known for sublime deliciousness, and all manner of savory delights. This is happiness. Thanksgiving, here I come!

A little inspiration.

Why does she, the sis, look so happy? It disturbs me.

This was also disturbing—in a super fun way.

Hung this on our door made from stuff laying around the house. I know it’s not finished, but that’s what you get when you grab stuff and do it as you’re running out the door…

This is what I have been staring at this week. It is mesmerizing. It was taken by a friend in Vietnam during his recent travels.

By Ryan O'Callaghan

I want this. The beauteous dress, I mean.

Picked up some flowers for a friend this week and had to snap a photo of this.

Can’t you just see the room to the left? I think there’s sheers from the twelve foot ceiling to the floor, blowing gently from the balcony overlooking the hodgepodge city below. The bed is brass and huge, covered in a vintage coverlet and visually anchored on top of a colorful, hand-woven, native rug with fringed edges. There’s only a few other things in the room: an old, rugged brown trunk and a couple tarnished candlesticks hold their own on the stone hearth over the sooty fireplace. It’s a tad dirty, but that’s just because it’s older than me. I’m already there.

Today I am making five pies for a dinner party. I wish you could come and eat my pie. I wish I could eat my pie.

So this is my favorite song sung by yours truly, recorded on my Android phone.

That’s all. I’m loving this crazy life and I’m so full of awe for the God in Heaven. He is just too much! However, I will especially love life when I can get back on chocolate (without egg white) again. Have a marvelous, beautiful, thankful day!