Thanksgiving 2011

Day Twelve Help

We had a yard sale and my family pitched in so well and between the 5 of us made the day so much more successful. I could not have done it alone. In fact, I would not want to be alone anymore.

There was time when I was OK alone. I knew nothing else. I can't imagine going back to that and to be quite honest, I am a little anxious about the empty nest thing.

It seems life is one adjustment after another and after 50 years of it, it looks as if I would be prepared for that.

Whatever comes, my family helps me get through it and I love and appreciate them beyond words.

Day Eleven Veterans

Today, I am thankful for souls that are courageous, generous, honorable, selfless, and sacrificing. I am thankful for our veterans.

The disruption of not only their lives but the lives of their families is a very large sacrifice and they do it willingly because they live their values.

I am forever grateful for their love of country and their protection of the freedom I enjoy.

God Bless America and God Bless Our Troops!

Day Ten Grace

Today my baby is going to become a teenager. In fact, she has been a teenager for about thirty minutes now. Wow, my baby is a teenager.

I remember so well when that wonderful creature entered our lives. She has added such laughter, joy, and drama to our world. Her grandmama says God broke the mold when he made her. Her antics, phrases, jokes, replies, retorts and dramatic theatrics have entertained and sustained us through the years.

She is such a blessing and I can't imagine how dull life would be without Gracie.

We had our boy and our girl and we almost stopped at two. I am so very thankful we decided three would not be so bad. On the contrary, it has been one of the best decisions we ever made.

I love you, Gracie. You are my favorite 13 year old in all the world!

Day Nine New Tires

Before...

After!


This may seem petty to some, but when you drive a set of tires over 15,000 miles beyond what they are expected to tolerate and the tread is so thin that you can push on the tire with your fingers and it moves, when you ask God every time you enter the vehicle to please get you to your destination without a tire exploding and causing loss of control of the vehicle, when you have everybody under the sun telling you how badly you need new tires, when you avoid any unnecessary trips and most certainly avoid any bad highway no matter how far out of your way you have to travel, then you finally have the ability to obtain new ones...it is so very awesome!

I thank God for my new tires just as often as I asked Him to protect me with the old ones, so I thought it only fitting that I add that to my list of Thanksgiving.

Day Eight Happiness

Today, I am functioning on very little sleep so my giddiness could well be attributed to a lack of rest. Whatever the reason, I am as light as a feather today. I feel good and I feel happy. I am trying to enjoy it as deeply and thoroughly as possible. I don't get many of these kinds of days lately, so I drink it in, for as long as I am able.

Today, I am thankful for happiness that ignited in my belly, spread to my heart, infiltrated my head, and consumed my life for a whole, entire day. It felt great!

Here's an afterthought...what if the happy mood can be attributed to eight days of gratitude? Hmmmmm.....

Day Seven Organization

I have been working to develope my organization skills. Mind you, I have never even considered myself as one having such skills, much less being able to develope them.

Getting back into the workforce has helped me discover and hone those skills dramatically. Keeping an organized work space has significantly enhanced my desire to attain that level of organization at home. So I have begun to work on it. I hope to have it spread and travel into every facet of my life. It is a process that I am finding very rewarding.

I have been steadily cleaning out clutter and unused items. I organize items that I am putting back into storage and the best part is when I look into my closet and all my clothing is separated not only by item category, but by color as well, I get this overwhelming sense of accomplishment and yes, joy! It makes for simplicity in the hustle-bustle of the morning routine. I was ready to leave the house a full twenty minutes early this morning, so for that reason I am very thankful that old dogs really are able to learn new tricks.

Sit back and just watch me go!!!!

Day Six Laundry

Today I am thankful that laundry is almost completely done! Do you know how rare it is in a household of 5 that ALL the laundry is done on any given day?
It piles up in no time and takes forever to get finished, but this day...it is done.

I know it will begin to multiply beginning tomorrow morning, but that is a blessing in itself. I am blessed enough to have clothing to dress my family and keep them warm.

Laundry is a never-ending process in our home, but I know one day sooner than I like to think, the piles will shrink as each of my babies leaves home to strike out on their own. I will smile and enjoy even this daunting, menial task because it allows me to serve my family.

Day Five Alabama

I am thankful that I live in the great state of Alabama.

I love the fact that tornadoes are just about the only real natural disaster we have to face. We can run from the hurricanes, we don't have big earthquakes, we don't face tsunamis or typhoons.

I am appreciating the fact that we have two great colleges with fabulous football teams and that we are in the SEC! Best football ever, hands down!

I love that we can get to the mountains in a matter of hours and to the coast in less than that.

I appreciate that we have large areas that are still undeveloped. A lot of nature still lives here with us and we like it that way!

I love that we still have our slow southern drawls, that we take life a little more slowly than other places, that we still show respect to our elders, that we still cling to our southern roots.

Love my Alabama!

Day Four Loving My Job and Co-workers

I spent 15 years at home with my children as a stay-at-home mama and I loved it. It holds the title for the best position I have ever held and I am so blessed to have had that precious time with my babies.

Having said that, I am also blessed to have landed the job I now hold. I not only love my job, but the people I work with. I value how special and unique that is. I genuinely like every person with whom I work. I have fun with them in between the work times. We laugh and enjoy being around each other on a daily basis.

Today, I am thankful that I like the ones that I spend so much time with each day and that I like what I do while I am at work. It is remarkable to me that in my lifetime, I have held three jobs that didn't seem like work because of the level of enjoyment and fulfillment I extracted from each one of them.

Thanking God that He has provided such wonderful places from which I have been able to gain employment and help sustain my family.

Day Three Colors of Autumn

On my morning commute there are numerous trees and shrubs that are vividly exhibiting the vibrant coloring of autumn. My spirits are always lifted when greeted by any of the beautiful colors of God's nature, but Autumn is my favorite.

So today, while the hues of autumn still sparkle in their splendor, I am choosing them to highlight my third day of Thanksgiving. I believe that to pass by any of God's majestic and glorious creations without acknowledging the beauty of His handiwork is very ungrateful and I want to be appreciative of Him and His blessings foremost.

Thank you, God, for all the glory and splendor of your lovely world.

Thirty Days of Thanksgiving

Guidance

Health

I have been reading a very strange book that even more strangely has resonated with me. It is called One Thousand Gifts and I am discovering the answers to some of my burning, life-long questions are to be found, according to this author, in gratitude.

So when my friends on Facebook began the annual tradition of posting thirty things for which they are grateful, one on each day of this month of thanksgiving, I decided to join in.

I missed the first day, so I will add it to todays post.

Day one - I am grateful for finding this book that has helped me see some light at the end of this tunnel. To read how someone else has experienced the confusion, the doubt, the fear, the questions, that for years I had hidden deep within myself, never letting them surface for fear of rejection, abandonment, or humiliation at the hands of humanity and how she has discovered an actual solution that she proved in her own life, has been a tremendous boost to my psyche, my spirit, and my soul. Although I realize this author is not my saviour, she is pointing the way back to Him through her heart-breaking, gut wrenching, soul search. She is showing me the "how" in finding my peace, my faith, and my Savior. She is doing this by letting me see her messy life, her mistakes and flaws. She does not stand in judgment or preach from her piety and holiness. On the contrary, she has laid open her soul and shown me from her angst and doubt that one can recover through expression of gratitude for the blessings we take for granted every single day. How through becoming keenly aware of all the small but really good things in our life, we can affect a change in attitude, resulting in a change in self. I thought it only fitting that she and her wonderfully weird book should be the first on my list for thanks. I am daring to live fully right where I am. Thanks, Ann Voskamp!

Day two - As a 50 year old, I am thankful for health. Not only mine, but my family's as well. Everyday it seems, I read of someone who is facing a life threatening illness, struggling with some infirmity, or watching helplessly as their children are affected by some malady. I am so very thankful that even though we have our small and minor ailments, none of us has ever faced any really serious problem with our health. I feel so blessed and favored and it humbles me to realize, "There, but by the grace of God, go I". No matter where I have wandered, no matter how far I have roamed from Him, my God has been faithful to keep me and mine, to guard us and protect us and that fact is anything but lost on me. I don't know why I have been favored, only that I have and I am very thankful for the blessing. I am sure genetics play a part, but it is He, Who put me in the lineage from which I came, so I praise and thank Him for all the tiny components that make up the person that is me.

A Saturday Outing

Beautiful old marble building!


The State Bible


Pine Burr Quilt official state quilt design


Mammoth tooth found in Alabama


Hair and button jewelry display


Bronze Door that depicts historical events in Alabama


Amputation kits that date back to Civil War times


Quilts made from 1851-1882

I am so excited to be going to the Grand Opening of the first phase of new exhibits at the Archives and History Building! Michael has never been and the girls are game to go since they have not seen the building since about 4th grade.

We are taking Micah to Elmore to attend a Christian rock concert (with Mylissa) called Enfuego on Saturday (all day) then heading to the Archives Building to enjoy some history.

I do love downtown Montgomery because of it rich history and grand architecture. It is a pleasure to work in the downtown area. I only wish it was closer to home.

I have included some photos of what we saw on our visit. It is worth the time and effort to go visit our heritage and see how our state developed through the years.

My Crazy, Beautiful, Wonderful Life

My world has been rocked from one extreme to the other in the last two years. I have managed to keep my head afloat, keep my sanity in tact(for the most part), keep my children alive, keep my my marriage alive, and keep body and soul together.

I have spent the entire two years adjusting. Adjusting to this, morphing into that, evolving into this other thing. I have achieved chameleon status having learned to adapt to whatever the circumstance. The balance is yet to come, but somehow I think it is on its way.

I have grown from a "fly by night" child, into a chameleon who doesn't even know who I am any longer. From one extreme to the other in true "Laura" form. I have lived most of my life with "black/white" being the dominating force. All or nothing was my motto. That has brought with it much heartache and scads of trouble. There was no gray area, no in-between.

I am becoming a more tolerant person. A person who is compassionate and flexible. A person who can live and let live with full understanding that each is responsible for their own life and actions.

The pendulum is still swinging, but the velocity has slowed and the goal seems attainable.

Balance. Nothing in excess, all things in moderation. Balance.

Cycles

I am learning that life comes in cycles.

It cycles up and life is filled with fun, excitement, happiness, joy, peace, prosperity, health, well-being of mind, body, and spirit.

It cycles down and life becomes drudgery, trudging through each day with problems, challenges, seemingly overwhelming obstacles, pain, sorrow, heartache, sickness of the mind, body, and spirit.

Then it starts all over again with most of our time being spent somewhere in between devastation and bliss.

No one is immune. No amount of money changes life's ability to flatten a person. No amount of faith will prevent tragedies. The most highly skilled doctors cannot promise a life filled with health and well-being, unaffected by illness or death. No race, creed, status, gender, or religion can stop the power of life cycles.

I have learned to expect the unexpected. That does not mean I live with fear or trepidation. It means preparedness and being proactive. I realize life is ever changing and to assume circumstances will remain constant is naive, at best.

I have learned that less is more, but only if you really love the things you have. Happiness comes to people who don't necessarily have the best of everything, but who make the best of everything. Happiness, for those who have everything is difficult to achieve, for what is the value of a life in which there is nothing left, for which to live? The pursuit of happiness is rewarding in itself and the journey from birth to death is where all the excitement and adventure lie. The security lies beyond.

I now know it is not necessary to react immediately to non-emergency circumstance. Most of the time, I and everyone with whom I am interacting are better served when cooler heads prevail. Taking time to breathe, reflect, pray, and think are key in managing crisis when it arises. Sometimes sitting back, doing nothing, and letting God fight my battles is the most beneficial for all involved. Being more assertive and less aggressive when dealing with others is more productive. Respect goes a long way with people from any age bracket, culture, socio-economic background, race, or religion.

Most importantly, I have learned the value of holding fast until life cycles again. Therein lies my hope. Whether in my marriage, my parenting, my finances, my health, even my faith, if I can hold tight to what I have, life will once again turn in my favor.

Committment to those I love means even when life turns sour, I must remember my obligations and stand strong until life allows me to enjoy them once again, because it will. It is as inevitable as the changing of the seasons.

Life Lessons From Blueberries

I borrowed this from a friend's blog called Priceless Parenting. She is a counselor and specializes in child/parent relationships. Today's post is indeed priceless! Check out www.pricelessparenting.blogspot.com for more gems and jewels of parenting wisdom.


/A two-year-old girl was at our house picking blueberries and immediately eating each one. My husband stood nearby explaining to her how picking blueberries was like many life experiences. Some were kind of sour, some were sweet, some looked like they would be good but weren’t and others turned out to be better than they looked.

Like life experiences, just because one blueberry doesn’t turn out as good as expected, it doesn’t mean it’s time to stop picking blueberries. Rather each sour one teaches you what to look for in the ripe, sweet ones. He encouraged her to keep on picking and reassured her that way she’d be bound to get her fill of sweet, wonderful experiences!/

I Am Inspired! Let Me Show You Why

It is coming and I am more than ready for its arrival! I think I shall paint it!

Could It Be?

I feel great today!

Could it be the lower humidity that would indicate the sooner-than-later arrival of autumn?

Could it be, I am so unbelievably relieved to have my girls in Greenville?

Could it be, the maturity, empathy, compassion and accountability, my son is exhibiting, on a consistent basis?

Could it be, learning at my evaluation I am now considered "full-time permanent" making the difference?

Could it be, Michael is finally getting some business and keeping more upbeat because of it?

Could it be, I am finally over the crud I had?

Could it be, I am finding my faith again?

Could it be, gratitude and thankfulness for all the blessings, even through the storm?

Could it be, the realization that God has never once let me go, even when I didn't live up to His expectations?

Could it be, that acceptance of the fact that I am unable to let God down, when He is holding me up?

Could it be, all of the above?

I think so, but whatever the reason, I am enjoying this day, loving this day, and living this day. What a great feeling!

Life's Challenges and My Hopes

I hope through all the challenges we have experienced in the last two years, our children have been taking notes. Life is hard, but choices we make can ease that journey or toughen it. I certainly hope our children are listening to us and watching us closely so they learn what mistakes and poor choices can do to a person or an entire family.

I hope as well, they are paying attention to how we are learning to make wiser, better choices and how our lives are beginning to improve because of them. I hope they will borrow our life lessons and not insist on paying for these difficulties on their own.

I am feeling today as if things are brightening. It has been a very long time since I felt that and it feels so good. I hope I am not setting myself up for yet another disappointment. Time will tell...

Carolena's Race

Everyone enjoyed the 5K that was run/walked on Saturday to raise monies for sweet Carolena. 317 people participated and the goal was exceeded. I don't have a final total, but it was a hefty amount that will help offset many medical expenses. We are humbled by the concern that was exhibited for our family, not only by friends and family members, but by total strangers whose heartstrings were tugged by Carolena on the news, in the newspaper, or word of mouth. Ashley, Kevin, and family were overwhelmed by the response and the unadulterated outpouring of love, concern, and generosity of others.

This all came with a price. Todd and Kyle were sick with Strep and fever over the weekend and Carolena is now in the hospital fighting an infection. Most kids stay home and recover, but a baby with literally half a heart is at high risk and must be in close proximity of medical staff. The good news is the tests for Rotovirus, Influenza, and RSV have returned negative.

We are praying this baby will be able to fight off the infection and that her immune system will be just a wee bit stronger for the worry of it all.

Please pray with us.

Baby C | With Expectancy

I added photos to a blogpost by a pastor who wrote about our Carolena and the Race for Baby C that happens this weekend. May God bless Pastor Corey and all who help with the events this weekend! Go Team Long!


Race For Baby C!


Carolena on her rocking horse


Sleeps as if she is praying


Carolena playing in her box


The Long Family


Baby C | With ExpectancyA few weeks ago, I was informed about a little girl named Carolena that lives in Southwest Florida that was born with Heterotaxy Syndrome. If you are like me, the name of this disorder itself is not familiar. That is because it is extremely rare. Heterotaxy Syndrome is a disease that affects multiple organs, the most important one being the heart. In laymans terms, only one of her ventricles works. I don’t have to be a heart surgeon to know this is not good.

As you can imagine, Carolena has incurred a substantial medical bill that now leaves her parents in a difficult situation. Not only do they have their precious baby girl on the front of their mind. They have to figure out a way to pay for her medical care. Because of this situation, family and friends of Baby C (Carolena) have organized a 5k run walk that will take place this Saturday at Centennial Park in Fort Myers. The cost is $25 for adults and $15 for children under 18. All proceeds for this event go to help the medical costs incurred both past and future. The race starts at 8:00 am and no, you do not need to run the whole thing. If you are anything like me, running to the mailbox and back is about all that I can handle.

To be completely honest with you, I have never met little Carolena. I don’t know her parents. Carolena has lived and fought for her life for 2 years and I didn’t even know it. I don’t know what it is like to only have 1 ventricle working on my heart. I don’t know what it is like to be a parent of a child who has had 2 open heart surgery’s thus far with more on the horizon. My youngest daughter Sadie was hospitalized for about a week when she was born with a breathing issue. No parent should have to watch their kid hooked up to that many machines. I remember feeling overwhelmed and helpless as it seemed that my child’s future was in the hands of physicians and it seemed like there was nothing I could do. This family has gone through significantly more than anything I have ever experienced.

As a pastor, there are some things I don’t understand or have answers to. I can’t give an answer as to why Carolena was born this way. I don’t know why a God that has the ability to heal has not yet done so for this precious little life. I don’t know why health care coverage is so expensive or why sometimes, life is given and taken away so tragically. Those are just a few of the questions I can’t wait to ask God someday. Yet in spite of my questions, I still choose to trust God. Why? Because He is God and I am not.

I was reading a verse in Psalms earlier today that really struck a cord with this situation with baby Carolena and her heart. This is what Psalm 147:3 says:

“God heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.”

Sometimes I hear of stories like Baby C and think to myself, “what good could I possibly do?” I’m just one guy. I don’t have the ability to fix the heart of a baby girl. I don’t have the resources to pay for the incredible cost. I don’t have the words to reassure the family and answer the questions as to why this happened. But instead of focusing on what I don’t have, it’s time to start focusing on what I do have. I have legs. I have a voice. I have resources that God has blessed me with. I have a soul. Sometimes the way God heals the broken hearts of people and bandages their wounds is by using his followers to do it.

As his followers, it is time that we follow the example of our creator. He is the heart mender and the burden bearer. He wants to use us as his church to be the light of the world. I believe with all of my heart that if Jesus was here on this Earth, He would be at the race for Baby C on Saturday. Why? Because He is a God of compassion. He doesn’t wait for us to get our lives straight before He comes and rescues us, He always makes the first move. The good news is that Jesus will be at this race on Saturday. Why? Because He lives in the hearts of those who strive to roll up their sleeves and shine some light in a world full of darkness. If you would like more information on how you can get involved, please contact the church office at 239.458.0813.

I’m racing for Baby C on Saturday. I hope to see you there.

With Expectancy!

Corey

corey@firstassemblywest.com