Once upon a time, there was a little girl who went to a great big place that was kind of like a party. At least, there were lots of people, so it must have been a sort of a party.
This party thing was in the middle-to-end of winter. So, just about everybody wore coats. It even snowed!
The little girl had a beautiful black coat with many distinguishing marks upon it. Such as a broken belt loop, a large collar, and important identification in the button-up pockets.
The little girl carefully placed her coat down with her brothers things, then she went off to mingle with the many people.
At the end of the day, the girl raced to the spot where her coat was, snatched it up, slung it over her arm, and raced to the car. You see, she was doing something else that night, and didn't want to be late.
So, she went home and had dinner, and then, she was getting really late, so she hurriedly put her coat on, and ran to where she was going; somewhere not far away.
A few hours later, she put her coat on again, and walked, more leisurely home. She had been home a few minutes when she happened to put her hand in her coat pocket; the one that was supposed to have her important identification in it.
Alas and alack! It wasn't there! She searched the other pocket, and then, she realized with a great shock, that this was not even her coat! What could have happened!?
She raced back to the place not far away, thinking that perhaps she had accidentally made the switch there. But no, the people there had never seen the coat.
With a sinking feeling, she realized that the switch must have been made at the sort-of party. And, said party could very well have be over.
Nearly in tears, (said important identification would have cost much money to replace) she went back to the party thing. There, she found with great joy, that not only was the party not quite over, but, the people knew what had happened. I had taken an acquaintance's coat, acquaintance had taken a mutual friend's coat, and mutual friend had taken my coat. What a mix-up!
Now, I have my own coat back. I think I am the only one of the three to have theirs back as yet. I still don't know what or how the whole thing actually happened. But, it just goes to show you what one small thing that one small person does can affect many people around.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Common Courtesy?
Where has it gone?
I will never forget the guy, in the singular because he's the only one who has ever done so in my experience, who stood up when I entered the room to shake his hand, and stood up when I left. Honestly, it's just a really nice gesture to a lady.
I appreciate that my Dad taught me and my brothers these rules regarding seat assignments...
1: If the seats are all taken, and a lady enters the room, guys get up!
2: If the seats are or are not taken, and there is a lady standing up, guys offer up your seat.
3: If there are no seats available, and you know where you can get one, go get it for a lady.
4: By the way, this doesn't only apply for ladies. If there is a parent or adult significantly older than yourself in the room, give 'em your seat. And ladies should also get up for older adults.
And hey, what about opening the door for someone?
In the olden days of yore, long ago, it was typically only the gentlemen that opened the door for a lady. But, really now, it's just polite to open or hold the door for someone either carrying something, or following right behind you; whether it's a lady or not.
When I was little, Dad always had himself, or one of my brothers on the outside, closest to the road, when we walked.
And what about those other things. After all, a gentleman should be a gentleman, but a lady should also deserve to be called a lady.
If you're at someone's house and they're in the middle of a project, it's polite to offer your help, or, just pitch in without asking, just so long as you know what you're doing!
So much for today's dose of info, tips, and other miscellaneous word gadget stuff.
Signing off!
I will never forget the guy, in the singular because he's the only one who has ever done so in my experience, who stood up when I entered the room to shake his hand, and stood up when I left. Honestly, it's just a really nice gesture to a lady.
I appreciate that my Dad taught me and my brothers these rules regarding seat assignments...
1: If the seats are all taken, and a lady enters the room, guys get up!
2: If the seats are or are not taken, and there is a lady standing up, guys offer up your seat.
3: If there are no seats available, and you know where you can get one, go get it for a lady.
4: By the way, this doesn't only apply for ladies. If there is a parent or adult significantly older than yourself in the room, give 'em your seat. And ladies should also get up for older adults.
And hey, what about opening the door for someone?
In the olden days of yore, long ago, it was typically only the gentlemen that opened the door for a lady. But, really now, it's just polite to open or hold the door for someone either carrying something, or following right behind you; whether it's a lady or not.
When I was little, Dad always had himself, or one of my brothers on the outside, closest to the road, when we walked.
And what about those other things. After all, a gentleman should be a gentleman, but a lady should also deserve to be called a lady.
If you're at someone's house and they're in the middle of a project, it's polite to offer your help, or, just pitch in without asking, just so long as you know what you're doing!
So much for today's dose of info, tips, and other miscellaneous word gadget stuff.
Signing off!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
A Blessing
So, I have to say, I absolutely love the people God has in my life right now. All of them. But this week, I have one particular awesome family in mind.
I have been so privileged this week (and next week) to spend some time with this family during the birth of their baby daughter, who is absolutely adorable, like her mother. :)
Also with their son, who is also adorable, and calls me 'Abbu' and calls sister 'Asis.'
Also with their parents, who inspire me with their example of parenting and husband/wifeing. (hehee, spell check actually thinks 'wifeing' is a word.) :D
Anyway, I just had to share that with you all! It's positively fun and awesome and cool and fun and awesome.
I have been so privileged this week (and next week) to spend some time with this family during the birth of their baby daughter, who is absolutely adorable, like her mother. :)
Also with their son, who is also adorable, and calls me 'Abbu' and calls sister 'Asis.'
Also with their parents, who inspire me with their example of parenting and husband/wifeing. (hehee, spell check actually thinks 'wifeing' is a word.) :D
Anyway, I just had to share that with you all! It's positively fun and awesome and cool and fun and awesome.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Out of the Mouth of Babes
While cleaning out my desk this week, I came across a little something I wrote many years ago. One might call it a journal entry, but, I have never actually kept a journal. Occasionally, over the years, I have written such things, but they are scattered far and wide about the house and are in multiple 'journals,' or notebooks which have since been filled with things other than actual journal entries.
All that to say, here it is verbatim, spelling errors and all! Enjoy!
"age 10
Abigail My lessons in
early life
I still have a lot to learn, but have learned already quite a few, like
not lyeing which I still do but not as much.
I have also learned not to argue to much when a false accuseation is directed at
me, but to instead go to God
and ask Him to remove my
bitterness towards that person
because of that false acauseation.
I have not yet learned
how hard it is to say
thank you to the Lord but
am learning right now to say
say thank you."
Hehe, I hope you think this is as amusing as I thought it was! :D I have a feeling this was inspired by this episode.
All that to say, here it is verbatim, spelling errors and all! Enjoy!
"age 10
Abigail My lessons in
early life
I still have a lot to learn, but have learned already quite a few, like
not lyeing which I still do but not as much.
I have also learned not to argue to much when a false accuseation is directed at
me, but to instead go to God
and ask Him to remove my
bitterness towards that person
because of that false acauseation.
I have not yet learned
how hard it is to say
thank you to the Lord but
am learning right now to say
say thank you."
Hehe, I hope you think this is as amusing as I thought it was! :D I have a feeling this was inspired by this episode.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Rules and Guidelines
It's been an interesting week and a half. So, a short update on that before I give you some much needed rules regarding snow etiquette!
Last week, a good friend of mine, aged 14, was diagnosed with leukemia. It's hard to know what to think or say when you get that kind of news. The emotional stress was compounded by the fact that we share many mutual friends. I think we did a lot of dumping on each other! Praise God, the young man has now been released from the hospital. You can continue to pray for him however, that he would keep responding well to his treatment, and that his exposure to other illnesses would be limited.
Ok, now it's time to talk about snow. Obviously, it's been snowing here, and I have a prime place to watch everybody get into trouble. You see, no one seems to know how to drive in it. I live across the street from a steep hill. Every time it snows, very few people seem to be able to get up it. Here are some driving rules passed down from experienced drivers. (I.E. my dad!)
Driving Instructions
If you're going up a hill, maintain your speed gently. If you start to slide, that is not a reason to jam on the brakes. Just keep going slowly and carefully and it should work.
If you're going down, try going in neutral.
When you come to a stop, any stop, if it's clear, don't come to a complete stop. You're more likely to slide if you accelerate from a full stop.
You can drive in other people's tracks. It has the advantage of not having to plow through snow, but it is more slippy, so be careful!
Don't panic. Drive slow, drive safe.
Walking Instructions
Always be extra careful when taking an un-trained dog on a walk in his first real snow. He'll want to pull you quite a bit faster than is safe.
When walking up a hill, don't walk flatfooted. Use your toes, sometimes with a little force, to dig steps. It takes more energy, but it is safer!
When walking down, well, I would recommend a sled! But if you don't have one, or it's not feasible for you, walk slow, and use your heels in the same way that you use your toes when going up. Look for the flat spots.
When walking anywhere, don't walk in the previously trodden path, (unless you happen to know there's a ditch elsewhere) Someone else's footprints or tire tracks are usually even icier than walking in fresh snow.
Playing Instructions
Follow walking instructions.
Stay well away from traveled roads. Don't sled on hills ending in a ditch or traveled road, OR a creek! brr!
Don't pack your snowballs too hard, throw them too hard, or aim ice balls at a face.
When belly flopping onto a sled, go in low. Don't hit with your knees first. It hurts!
Never knock over someone else's creation unless you ask first.
Try to make the perfect snow angel, with no grass showing! I dare you!
Dress warmly.
Be a good sport. Have fun.
Last week, a good friend of mine, aged 14, was diagnosed with leukemia. It's hard to know what to think or say when you get that kind of news. The emotional stress was compounded by the fact that we share many mutual friends. I think we did a lot of dumping on each other! Praise God, the young man has now been released from the hospital. You can continue to pray for him however, that he would keep responding well to his treatment, and that his exposure to other illnesses would be limited.
Ok, now it's time to talk about snow. Obviously, it's been snowing here, and I have a prime place to watch everybody get into trouble. You see, no one seems to know how to drive in it. I live across the street from a steep hill. Every time it snows, very few people seem to be able to get up it. Here are some driving rules passed down from experienced drivers. (I.E. my dad!)
Driving Instructions
If you're going up a hill, maintain your speed gently. If you start to slide, that is not a reason to jam on the brakes. Just keep going slowly and carefully and it should work.
If you're going down, try going in neutral.
When you come to a stop, any stop, if it's clear, don't come to a complete stop. You're more likely to slide if you accelerate from a full stop.
You can drive in other people's tracks. It has the advantage of not having to plow through snow, but it is more slippy, so be careful!
Don't panic. Drive slow, drive safe.
Walking Instructions
Always be extra careful when taking an un-trained dog on a walk in his first real snow. He'll want to pull you quite a bit faster than is safe.
When walking up a hill, don't walk flatfooted. Use your toes, sometimes with a little force, to dig steps. It takes more energy, but it is safer!
When walking down, well, I would recommend a sled! But if you don't have one, or it's not feasible for you, walk slow, and use your heels in the same way that you use your toes when going up. Look for the flat spots.
When walking anywhere, don't walk in the previously trodden path, (unless you happen to know there's a ditch elsewhere) Someone else's footprints or tire tracks are usually even icier than walking in fresh snow.
Playing Instructions
Follow walking instructions.
Stay well away from traveled roads. Don't sled on hills ending in a ditch or traveled road, OR a creek! brr!
Don't pack your snowballs too hard, throw them too hard, or aim ice balls at a face.
When belly flopping onto a sled, go in low. Don't hit with your knees first. It hurts!
Never knock over someone else's creation unless you ask first.
Try to make the perfect snow angel, with no grass showing! I dare you!
Dress warmly.
Be a good sport. Have fun.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Reviewing 2011
I have to say, this last year was one of many ups and downs for me.
I began the year as one of the most ultra-depressed persons that you have ever seen. Nearly six straight months of doing absolutely, positively nothing, every day, all day will do that for you. And I'm not exaggerating. I still get the willies when I think of the scathing, horrible letter I nearly sent to one of my good friends full of awful sweeping, usually false, statements about everything and everyone. I must say I am thankful I didn't send that letter! Early 2011 was filled with a time of listening to Satan's lies and deceptions.
This is not to say I didn't have plans! College, a job, working in ministry; it was all there. But, as the year went on, I gradually discovered that these plans were a large part of the problem. I absolutely refused to listen to what God wanted me to be doing. Hence the misery and depression. Amazingly, when I gave up my plans, God gave me His peace that passes all understanding. I have to say, it was and is one of the most wonderful things that has ever happened to me. If you aren't at peace with God, get there! (You can read more about my early year here at: http://servantofjoy.blogspot.com/2011/03/stories-of-my-life-peace-and-pieces.html)
Over the summer and fall, I had many opportunities to observe and ponder some godly Christians who have and are in my life. I am so blessed to know so many people. You can read about some of them in my Letters of Gratitude, beginning with: http://servantofjoy.blogspot.com/2011/10/letters-of-gratitude.html
Also in the summer, fall, and winter, I had the thrilling experience of observing my big brother become involved in a courtship. He is now engaged. You can read about it on my previous post.
Some specific abstract highlights from the year:
I've already mentioned God's wonderful peace.
Something I've been thinking about lately is the freedom to like and love others while disagreeing.
Another thing He's shown me this year is His un-ending faithfulness, mercy, and loyalty to me as "His child the Sinner" (my nickname for myself! :D)
I am so excited about everything He has in store for me this coming year. "The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
I began the year as one of the most ultra-depressed persons that you have ever seen. Nearly six straight months of doing absolutely, positively nothing, every day, all day will do that for you. And I'm not exaggerating. I still get the willies when I think of the scathing, horrible letter I nearly sent to one of my good friends full of awful sweeping, usually false, statements about everything and everyone. I must say I am thankful I didn't send that letter! Early 2011 was filled with a time of listening to Satan's lies and deceptions.
This is not to say I didn't have plans! College, a job, working in ministry; it was all there. But, as the year went on, I gradually discovered that these plans were a large part of the problem. I absolutely refused to listen to what God wanted me to be doing. Hence the misery and depression. Amazingly, when I gave up my plans, God gave me His peace that passes all understanding. I have to say, it was and is one of the most wonderful things that has ever happened to me. If you aren't at peace with God, get there! (You can read more about my early year here at: http://servantofjoy.blogspot.com/2011/03/stories-of-my-life-peace-and-pieces.html)
Over the summer and fall, I had many opportunities to observe and ponder some godly Christians who have and are in my life. I am so blessed to know so many people. You can read about some of them in my Letters of Gratitude, beginning with: http://servantofjoy.blogspot.com/2011/10/letters-of-gratitude.html
Also in the summer, fall, and winter, I had the thrilling experience of observing my big brother become involved in a courtship. He is now engaged. You can read about it on my previous post.
Some specific abstract highlights from the year:
I've already mentioned God's wonderful peace.
Something I've been thinking about lately is the freedom to like and love others while disagreeing.
Another thing He's shown me this year is His un-ending faithfulness, mercy, and loyalty to me as "His child the Sinner" (my nickname for myself! :D)
I am so excited about everything He has in store for me this coming year. "The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." Numbers 6:24-26 (KJV)
Monday, December 26, 2011
Exciting Times
My big brother is home for the week. He brought his fiancee, Sarah, and her sister, Hannah, with him.
I have to say, they're pretty amazing people. I'm so thrilled to have a new sister, (almost) and an extended family.
Sarah is gorgeously pretty, but I don't have a picture here, because my computer won't let me put one up. She is from Mississippi. They met three years ago when my brother was doing job training there.
Hannah is funny. She and Dad especially have hit it off. (Secretly, I'm very jealous of her wit.)
I can totally see that the two families are going to fit in amazingly.
In other news, I'm getting a new computer. It should be arriving this week. It is a much needed upgrade from my ten-plus-year-old Dell with graphics, memory and a million other problems. (Including not letting me post pictures of the amazing Sarah. I think I mentioned that already.)
My mother has wonderful taste. I just thought I'd mention that.
For Christmas, I received, among other things, a very blown-up, full-size canvas of my favorite picture of myself. It's very cool. I also got a cameo. I've never had a cameo. It's really pretty.
New Year's is just around the corner. There are so many exciting plans already for the 2012. I'm going to a wedding in Mississippi (Not sure who's...just kidding) I also get to nanny for a little bit in Feb. for some amazing friends, and I'm crossing my fingers in the hopes of returning to the speech and debate arena temporarily; only this time, as a judge, instead of a competitor.
Just as a warning however, if you too have many plans for the new year, be sure to get them done before next Dec. because the scientists say the world will end. :D
I have to say, they're pretty amazing people. I'm so thrilled to have a new sister, (almost) and an extended family.
Sarah is gorgeously pretty, but I don't have a picture here, because my computer won't let me put one up. She is from Mississippi. They met three years ago when my brother was doing job training there.
Hannah is funny. She and Dad especially have hit it off. (Secretly, I'm very jealous of her wit.)
I can totally see that the two families are going to fit in amazingly.
In other news, I'm getting a new computer. It should be arriving this week. It is a much needed upgrade from my ten-plus-year-old Dell with graphics, memory and a million other problems. (Including not letting me post pictures of the amazing Sarah. I think I mentioned that already.)
My mother has wonderful taste. I just thought I'd mention that.
For Christmas, I received, among other things, a very blown-up, full-size canvas of my favorite picture of myself. It's very cool. I also got a cameo. I've never had a cameo. It's really pretty.
New Year's is just around the corner. There are so many exciting plans already for the 2012. I'm going to a wedding in Mississippi (Not sure who's...just kidding) I also get to nanny for a little bit in Feb. for some amazing friends, and I'm crossing my fingers in the hopes of returning to the speech and debate arena temporarily; only this time, as a judge, instead of a competitor.
Just as a warning however, if you too have many plans for the new year, be sure to get them done before next Dec. because the scientists say the world will end. :D
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