In All Things

I may not know everything you are going through right now and that’s okay.  I can however share how I am.  We tend to seek out a fix during times of struggle to ease the chaos and fear.  So my God given message will now be shared.

“Every second, minute and moment…one step at a time.  Remember God, Trust God…He is in control and so able!”

Taking one second, minute and moment at a time I have had to remember this previous statement.  In the little and big things…everything.  There have been many changes that have I, and those around me, have endured and are still walking through.  “Whee! What a roller coaster!”  Don’t worry…I will not bore you with ins and outs, details left for a later time, instead I will just try and bring a smile to your day.

I’m sitting here today simply sipping my fancy healthy smoothie. “Yikes, I am making my own smoothies!”  Life is completely different from when I last posted.  I am working a real job and I am attempting to find a new balance to my existence.  The very thought of getting up and ready for work and then coming home to different dynamics has been a heart changing experience.  I have become accustomed to pulling the proverbial rabbit out of a hat that I can’t find.  It is reassuring to know that life is not orderly but filled with layers of inconsistency.  Life is not to be set in stone otherwise we are living in a sad venue of complacency.  It is filled with possibilities and change that need to be faced with discernment.  Face every day as a new and exciting journey…and look for things, “big or small”, that surprise you and put that smile in your day.  In doing this you will always put a contagious smile in the hearts of those around you.

How to succeed in this type of lifestyle

#1 Find that reason to smile, laugh…find joy!

#2 Realize that I am not in control!

#3  Prayers are heard!

#4  Singing really silences chaos!

So the concept to bring a smile to your day is this.

#4 Singing while doing anything…”In your head is fine too”…while vacuuming in true Mrs. Doubtfire style.  Think about it.  You know the scene.  Just google it…smiling yet?  I am just thinking of the scene.  The serene place where we are freely doing something with fierceness with no fear of anything or anyone seeing us.

I am looking forward to writing again.  I have missed this and you!  Please feel free to send your smiles…in pictures or events.  Let’s share with each other!  Who knows I could share your smile with someone who needs something positive in a world of negative.

“Pray big and worry small”

Peach State

 

Peach State says: It Must Be Saturday!

The alarm sounded…sharply crushing any pleasant dreams I may have been dreaming. The overcast sky has not given way to the gentle sunbeams, instead the rain threatening clouds teasingly whisper “Want to go back to sleep?” Yep…

“It Must Be A Saturday!”

I must confess that I felt a bit of track this morning! No usual rush to drink down my Heavenly Brew before hitting the showers. VBS successfully ended yesterday and with it the week-long-smile-glued-on-my-face-way-too-early-no-pajamas-allowed-shoes-must-worn-at-all-times-lack-of-hot-coffee-when-needed-event finally came to a close.

“Hold on…sipping my latte’!”

All in all it was a wonderful week…my class (with only a couple of minor interruptions) was great!
The Motherly Teacher/Administrator did surface on Friday. There were some teen-helpers who saw their duties as not part of their daily schedule. Rolling of the eyes and smart mouthing other peer-volunteers as well as adults had finally reached exploding pressure cooker intensity. The lead staff mentioned concerns and wishes these teens would go home…NOW! I stepped in to smooth things over and long story short….one of the mothers came to me and was not very happy with me. I simply shared that her wonderful-can-do-nothing-wrong-son ( NO I DID NOT REFER TO HER SON THIS WAY…)had disrespected several leadership personnel and a peer volunteer in front of small children and non-church members. One of the main VBS Leaders thanked, me after this confrontation…conversation, for handling it so nicely…sweetly…quietly. UNFORTUNATELY…I guess the mother was not convinced or settled about the matter and rushed off complaining, to anyone who would listen, and even managed to confide in our pastor. “So much for my working in any capacity with the youth/children at our church. I guess I will not be be connected with VBS next year either.”

MY HUBBY WILL LIKE THAT!. Of course now that this stuff may hit the proverbial fan my hubby will have added incentive not to further consider becoming active in his attendance.

” I keep forgetting that my sons are the only non-angels away from home” (insert chuckle). “Of course they are not always angels here at home either…”

Funny thing is…by the time all my kiddies (16 active and wonderful upcoming 6-7 graders) left I had been hugged by parents telling me how much their kids loved having me as their teacher this year.

“Great…I Am So Confused!” Am I a wonderful teacher or a spawn of satan that has no business being around kids?

Only my hairdresser knows…no that’s not it…
Let’s find out…1-2-3…3…that’s not it either…
“oh yea…” The jury is still out! ”

I guess I will find out tomorrow. Until then I will continue to finish my wonderful latte’ as I enjoy the peaceful silence. (For the next 30 minutes) I will traveling down to meet my parents for lunch with two of my four sons in about an hour and a half and then back home for…”great!”…some cleaning. I need to play catch up after being gone from my usual routines for two weeks.

Speaking of coffee…(HEHE!) Look what I found and brought home with me from Charleston:

“NOPE!”

Several of my friends are either returning from vacation or leaving for vacation. The ins and outs of schedules and routines put on hold for a week here and there has begun. Thank goodness for Facebook. It will keep me connected while they are gone!

What are your plans for the next couple of months? May I suggest that you avoid talking to any teenagers? Lol…sorry, it just slipped out! Whatever your plans I only ask one thing…send pics and…

Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: A Pause For Remembrance And Prayer

I wanted to take a moment and Pause!

“A Pause For Remembrance And Prayer!”

Once again a massive tornadic fury has devastated parts of the Midwest and prayers and thoughts are filling my Facebook wall. The hearts and minds of Americans are focused on various news outlets as pictures and stories fill the airwaves. Loss of life, loss of property, fear and shock pull this vast country together. Stories of heroism and sacrifice as passers-by turn into lifesavers.

As I watch these events unfold I am reminded of the tornadoes I have experienced. Some with uneventful interruption and some with devastation and loss of life. The fear and respect I now have for these twirling-vacuums continues to grow with each passing picture and story.
As you look at the following pictures PLEASE… join me in lifting a prayer or thought for those suffering due to loss of a loved one and/or in loss of property.

Thank you so much!

Peach State

Peach State says: Soap Box Thoughts

With flustered heart and shaky hands I debate the intent of certain Facebook updates. I cannot find the conservative root in the thought on the page as I read the status again. Is this person, considered a close relationship, attacking people like me with these photos and words or does this person see this post in a different light? I don’t know! “It made me want to scream and press the de-friend button.”

I have found myself perusing my page daily and not liking some of the ideals and lifestyle updates.

“Am I getting to be of the mindset that today’s crazy youth have no clue what truth is in the world?”

I know that differences are needed…Lord knows I am different! (insert laughter here!) But, my concern is the subject matter on my page should reflect my general beliefs and certain things just don’t belong there. I try to be tolerant of the grey areas and overlook the post as I scroll to the next update. I remind myself that those close to me only see my posts and comments on their status’ and find relief. I consider posting the opposite concepts and ideologies to throw a wrench in their page….but, I am not that type of person. You know, as well as I do, that our friends typically share the same general lifestyle beliefs.

Politics comes to mind…I am conservative as are those close to me! I will post about voting…but will not flood the page with who I am voting for. I will urge my Facebook Friends to remember to vote. They have the right to decide for themselves…BUT…please don’t shove your anti-conservative mindset down my throat with your status updates. “Did I say that out loud?”
Maybe I should just relax and drink the rest of my coffee and enjoy my wonderful breakfast of peanut butter crackers.

“Please let me state, for the record, that I am not as square as it may sound! I love my country and I have strong core beliefs. I enjoy laughing and have a unique and sometimes weird sense of humor…alright…sometimes may need to be constantly. Thus, I have friends who are the same way…but our core values and beliefs are the same. I do not aggressively seek out controversy and conflict.

One moment while I wipe the itty-bitty beads of perspiration from my poor brow….phew! I feel so much better! So what should I do? Should I let it go or pick up the proverbial glove of challenge? I could always go with the Sports Rule: 3 Strikes you’re out!. What do you think? Please let me know and have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: A Few Surprises Up My Sleeve!

It started a week ago with my responding to a need! I was checking my email, all three accounts, for a missing email and found a message from the Director of the Children’s Ministry at my church. Due to situations beyond our control! We need your help! Please call to volunteer! So I called…and boy did I surprise the Director with my response. I still have A Few Surprises Up My Sleeve!

She was in shock that I called her…

“Are you sure?” she asked with surprise in her voice. I chuckled and said “Well you needed help and I can help!” I guess the thought of my teaching had never occurred to her. She asked me a few questions about my schedule…”Are you singing Sunday?” I quickly responded…”I am not on the schedule…at this time!”

Here is a little known secret. I have taught Sunday School before. I have not been involved with this aspect of service for about 10 years…this is because the churches I attended during this period of time did not need my help or the timing did not work with the schedule of my other ministry. I have worked in Children’s Church and even organized and started one up in a church. I have taught every age group…even a couple of Senior Adult classes, when I was filling in for my grandmother. I grew up in a home where my dad was a school teacher…my mom was a church and school secretary…my dad was a Minister of Music. Is it any wonder that I would not follow in their footsteps? I love teaching…and have even worked in both public and private school situations.

Back to the Director’s conversation!

Once it was established, the date was set…She was still in shock! I said…”Many people have no clue to who I am and what I can do! I am more than just a singer!” Then out of no where came this voice… “I have been a Sunday School teacher before!” NOOOO! It was to late and the statement rang like the huge bells in a oversized church tower. It was like telling a thief you have a stash and giving them the combination to the safe. I could literally hear the lightbulb over her head turn on…”What?” I felt like I had been swept off my feet…Her next comment took me back to my “Happy Place!” “My husband would not like me to steal you and use you in the Children’s Ministry…” (Her husband is the pastor!) “He loves to hear you sing!”

A calm disposition replaced the frantic back peddling as we ended our conversation.

The Children’s Minister came up to me Wednesday night, as I was talking with the Director of Vacation Bible School about the class and age group I would teach during VBS, and told me my son did not believe him when he told him about my teaching his class the following Sunday. My son had told him…”You don’t know my mom…she doesn’t teach she sings!” I guess I have A Few Surprises Up My Sleeve!

Yesterday was the day…I was all prepared and put the lesson in my Bible. “I usually do not take my bible in book form…I use the app on my iPhone or iPad.” My son and I left for church and as I drove I got a text…”I meant to call you…I will need u if that’s ok! Tank u!” (This is the message as I received it..) The message was from my Minister of Music. I quickly called him as I maneuver the curves of the road and the very narrow bridge. He needed me to sing on the Praise Team and assured me that I would be done in time and would have time to spare. He was right!

I got to the class and began to set up…the children came in and sat down. There were 10 5th Graders…the five boys sat at the front table and the girls sat at the back table. The introductions were made as I tried to find out the personalities of the children based on their parents. As expected, I was constantly taking things out of my son’s hand and moving things from his reach. “His ADHD meds were not working….!” There was one boy, sitting at the other end of the table from me…His eyes twinkled with mischievous delight. “He reminded me of….well… me!” We got everything accomplished with no civil disruptions or violent outbursts. The children were dismissed! Off I ran to the choir room for preparation for the 11:00 service. My BFF, a public school first grade teacher, asked me how it went. I told her I thought it went well…”I was really quite surprised!” I was warned about the behavior issues with the boys…the only issue I had was my son. The other boys were just being boys. I can deal with that…and…I would much rather have a room full of mischievous boys than finger waving divas. She asked how I broke the ice with the young hooligans. “That was easy…I just mentioned a few things like…black belts…pulling legs of spiders…you know? She smiled her sneaky little smile!

After church was over I went to retrieve my son and headed home. I asked him how he felt Sunday School went…”They liked you!” “The other kids…they didn’t believe you were my mother…” I smiled on the inside! He seemed truly surprised and said he actually learned something…”Really…What did you learn?”

“I learned not to sit next to you when you are teaching!”

It seems that I have an uncanny ability to move pencils and papers away from my son while teaching a class and never miss a step. He was amazed at my moving around the class and keeping eye contact with everyone else while seeing him not sitting correctly in his chair.

“I’m Mom! I was please to hear that I still have A Few Surprises Up My Sleeve!

Will I do it again? “Probably!” Will I do it next week? “No! … Music Ministry commitment.”
I love to keep people guessing…”Don’t you?” It is fun to see the reaction on people’s faces when they figure out that I have A Few Surprises Up My Sleeve!

Peach State

Peach State says: Up All Night!

I will keep this short and sweet!
I have had not one wink of sleep.
So now I sit with coffee in hand,
And quote Psalms 121 so I can stand.

Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: “You’ve Got To Be Kidding!”

What?…No Way!…“You’ve Got To Be Kidding!” I am going to start ignoring American Idol.. This season only had, in my opinion, three good singers make the cuts from Hollywood Week. I have been voting for two the last couple of weeks. The so-called “tremendous talent” I just don’t see it. I see growlers and screamers…jazzy mumbles all who can sing…but tremendous talent…No Way! Last nights elimination of Colton Dixon, one of my favorites, was not a surprise. The Judges have their favorites…the gushing sentiments and standing ovations for these performers leave me shaking my head. “Did they hear the same performance I did?” “You’ve Got To Be Kidding!”

For those of you who may be shaking your heads at my ignorance…let me explain my background.
I was raised in a musical home. We all sing…and lead in our music ministries. My father was trained and performed in many venues just like my youngest sister and myself. My brother is an incredibly talented singer and instrumentalist. My other sister is involved with the music program at her church. My family have never been just choir singers, not that there is anything wrong with being a singer in a choir, we are used in other ways musically. I know there is more to this American Idol business than singing…but these judges did not pick the best and brightest this season at all, with the exception of three of them, out of the original singers that made it to Hollywood.

Maybe I have gotten old…”No..that can’t be…based on the type of music I listen to!” I was raised with a love for good music…no matter the type. I enjoy many different types of music…even instrumental classical. I feel sorry for the American Idol show and realize that this will probably be the last year, or season, that I will watch. My husband gets a kick out of me every week! I hold my phone in my hand with finger ready to dial and vote, like a mad dog, for my favorites. I have chosen the winner, early on, every season! One of my favorites is still in the mix…I will not mention her name…but, she has a spunky personality and incredibly big voice.

My husband, who does not have a musical bone in his body but thinks he does, cannot understand the judges either. My husband will spin and look at me, with that eyebrow raised, and say…”Eeww did you hear that?” “What did you think about that performance?” If my husband hears bad notes and questions the judges favorites there’s a problem. Maybe the melodious dragging of fingernails on a chalkboard is responsible for the “goosies” the judges experience. Most of the hopeful’s performances leave my eyes glazed over like a “deer in the headlights” with my mouth open wide as I think “You’ve Got To Be Kidding!”

Sorry for the rambling on…back to Colton! Kudos on the graceful exit! Colton has touched many with his belief based performances. Last night’s performance was an uplifting experience as he fell to his knees and sang from his heart. He knew! He was at peace! I cried as I watched this young man, full of spirit, sing the last note. “I will buy his CD!” My son, who does the audio/visual for a band, agreed! He could not believe Colton Dixon was eliminated. We will miss this young man and his creative versatility. The music business is not finished with him!

I know I may sound a bit picky…but we all have our likes and dislikes. I like melody…not note seeking growls. What do you like? Let me know! Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: ’twas the Day Before Easter

’twas the Day Before Easter and all through this house…not a creature was stirring…”Well that’s not true!” 3 of us are up…not functioning well…but up! There is a lot to do today so I can enjoy my time with family tomorrow. Where shall I begin?

Haircuts….check…did that yesterday!

Easter candy…check…did that yesterday!

Eggs boiled…check
Now I have the eggs ready for the egg coloring and Easter Egg Hunt at a friend’s house later this morning. I will put some in the fridge for later…Deviled Eggs…”Yummy!”

Ham…check
The Spiral Ham is in the fridge already…just waiting for a re-heat.

Potatoes diced and boiled…check
I cheated a bit…OreIda Red Potatoes in the freezer section…just zap and cool…add the mayonnaise mixture for the Potato Salad.

The rest of the dinner is easy and already bought…check

Bake the Carrot Cake…I will do that later today!

Yeah! That won’t be to much for the day…”Will it?”
I have the Easter Egg Hunt about 10 and the trick will be balancing the time with shopping for two more Easter Shirts… I also need to pick up a Birthday Card for my third son…he turns 19 tomorrow!
There may be a Praise Team and band practice this afternoon but I have to wait to hear from our director.

I can remember, as a child, the seeking of the lost eggs. I don’t think I really enjoyed this activity but, would participate because of the younger siblings. I did love the Easter Basket! My mother changed the type of Easter Basket as we go older. One year I got a cute trash can with items for my room…I was 14 years old. I will not have any baskets to prepare this year…our youngest told us this past week that he knew there was no Easter Bunny. “Big Mistake!” Sooo…I will have a large bowl filled with grass…”The Easter Nest”…which will be filled with an assortment of family favorites along with a Chocolate Easter Bunny for all family members.

Having four boys I have been fortunate not to have to deal with fancy dresses and hairstyles much less the ribbons and bows to coordinate. I remember the Easter my mother curled my hair and my little sister’s hair…in true matching style! I don’t think she ever did it again! Pink Velvet Ribbons, from the ribbon on the matching dresses she made, were placed in our hair among the large curls.
We were quite the picture of perfection…until my little sister ran outside to check for eggs. The curls fell out in the humidity!

There was never an Easter without our celebration at church. My father would often go to the Sunrise Service and we stayed home with mama…joining daddy at church for the Sunday School hour and the major Easter Service. Easter is my favorite time of the year not for the chocolate but for our beliefs.

It will be a lovely day, with family and friends, filled with celebration at church and at home. The only bad thing about tomorrow is not living real close to my parents and other family members…Oh! and the lack of sugar free chocolate available. I grabbed what I could…

How will you spend your Easter? What activities will fill your day? Whatever your traditions I wish you a wonderful Easter…Have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: It’s Not a Typical Saturday!

As I sit here, in the dimly lit room, gentle reminders of my day invade like shadows flowing over the grassy meadow. This day is way outside the box in the realm of our normal Saturday activities. There will be no yard work today! There will be no major cleaning! We are all going in different directions…except for my youngest…he will be with me! It’s Not a Typical Saturday!

Everything started normally with morning coffee and visiting of Facebook and emails. “Yes I checked my blog stats too!” I prepared my husbands breakfast and latte and took it to his office. This is when my day changed…my 18 year old, who is typically up around 8:45am on Saturdays, was up and getting ready for his day. “Oh yeah! He has the walk today!” He is helping his girlfriend with her Senior Project…a fundraiser for a Wounded Soldier! I am very proud of my son and his girlfriend for taking this on! Anything for our service men and women!
When he finishes with the fundraiser he will be going to a community function and volunteering there. It is an Easter Egg Hunt and usually has over 200 children attend…not to mention parents.

My oldest is moving today…He is relocating to another apartment on the other side of the state. He seems very excited at the direction his life is going. I can only give him advice and pray for him!

My 21 year old and my husband are off to their jobs…Me on the other hand am headed out of town today! It’s Not a Typical Saturday!

I mentioned earlier this week about the conflicting schedule commitments…Well arrangements made were changed and I am headed about two hours south…for the funeral of a dear family friend.
He and his family have been part of my family since I was 17 years old. The recent struggles, of this sweet spirit, were numerous as the doctors tried to fix one problem only to find others lurking below the surface. His health diminished quickly and the family began to prepare for the worse.
This will be a “home going” funeral. We have all been touched and will miss him. This will be a bittersweet reunion of family and friends.

This man and his family have been involved in most of our family celebrations. My baby sister and the daughter of this man resemble Siamese twins separated at birth. I have fond memories of this large, teddy bear like man meeting me at the door of my old church. His arms were open wide…not to hug me but to take the precious cargo I had in my arms. I had moved to Washington State and not been home in quite a few years. I had come home and had my first born with me. “He is mine…give him over…don’t worry he won’t be passed around…he will stay with me!” I just smiled knowing this gentle giant wanted to be the first to hold him and would not share! He was this way with each of my sons…meeting me at the door in silly anticipation. As the boys have grown…they have still maintained a relationship of sorts with this sweet man and his family. When I told the boys of his passing…a quietness settled and voices quivered. Disbelief and the typical questions for those affected followed. My boys have not experienced death this close except twice. They have been aware of other losses but not influenced directly. It’s Not a Typical Saturday!

I must go get started…a lot to do in and hour and a half! I will head out and arrive early at the little church. The family will be gathering before the service. There will be many familiar faces quick to give a hug with tear filled Kleenex in hand. This is the third funeral (Home Going’) I have been to this month.

Take care of those important people in your life…and have a great day!

Peach State

Peach State says: Anchors of Friendship

I wish you could meet me friends…they are the best! They are there when I call and there when I don’t. They lift me up whether I need it or not. They give me a reason to laugh and smile and share in my times of tears. I love my friends…they are my Anchors in Friendship!

First let me say that I have a group of within a group! Don’t shake your head…I have mentioned before that I have a strong core group of friends. With the love of cooking and sharing recipes to cleaning tips and hints to help in the raising of children…we all input guidance and knowledge. Isn’t this what friends do…no matter the situation. We share the funny and important stuff with those we care about because they may have a future need for the information we gave them. So let me break it down for you!

There is the group that I talk to occasionally. These are the ones I may talk to once in a blue moon because of distance. We talk and there is an automatic pick up where we left off mentality. We were close when we lived close to each other but…living across the country from each other can cause a few problems. Facebook has been wonderful with keeping the lines of communication open. Before we only had snail mail and phone calls.

There is the group that I still talk to from churches in the area. They are few in number and seem to evaporate after time. I have one I still see and talk to but…it just isn’t the same. (I have only been at three churches in the area…two of which were never really a fit)

This next group is the group with a group! Some of them have been there for the past 10+ years, since moving to this area, and have grown into the deepest, family replacing, type of friends. I could not go through my day without talking to them at least once. This little group has increased in the past few years to include new personalities that, to me, feel like they were meant just for me. “You know who you are!” (take a moment to give yourself a hug and know that I love each of you very dearly and keep reading)

There are days that the phone is attached to my ear…if we are not together in person. This is the group that we are talking on the phone with them as we walk across the parking lot or church building to see them. This group is centered around my church and my faith. We sing together…often break out into silly laughter together. ( Oh Where is My Hairbrush?) Sorry…I was just thinking about our recent time together and it brought a warmth to my heart. This group is consistent and supportive. They are my Anchors of Friendship!

The bonds this group shares is not an isolated occurrence. This type of friendship happens at churches and schools around the world. You may have a similar group that anchor you. When you feel like things could not be worse…they are right there for you…holding you hand and picking you up. They don’t ask for explanations…they just give you support and love! They are quiet when you are quiet and rowdy when you are rowdy. “We tend to be rowdy a lot lately!” The interesting thing about my wonderful group is the differing personalities. We are not of the same age group…they have not clue who my husband is but, would love him if he would give the opportunity to them. Backgrounds and life experiences are packed full of delights and tragic events. We are more alike than we may realize.

I am really a very blessed person to have this group of God given friends. I wish I could tell them how I feel…but…we are always to busy singing and laughing! The joy that flows from my heart when I think about them fills my day and eases the struggles that I encounter on a daily basis. “Some of this group understand the intricacies of my life.”

Through this group we have other friends with whom we associate with even outside church activities. We are really an interesting bunch of ….delinquents…no! That seems a little young and harsh…grapes. “I like that!”. I used to not understand that concept when I first heard my Aunt and Uncle talk about their group this way. Think about it for a second…always in a bunch…there may be some that are bruised and some not fully ripened and some that are just right…all together they are wonderful. They continue to grow and multiply and become a hardy, rooted plant just like friends. Anchors in Friendship are long lasting and true!

I hope you can take an opportunity to tell your friends how much you appreciate them today! Everyone needs to smile at least once a day! Until the next time…have a great day!

Peach State