I am posting the following email in it's entirety. Please take a few moments to read it. If you have been looking for an opportunity to bless someone this Christmas, well, here it is. My family and I have participated in this festival for about 20 years. The only one we missed was 2007 when one of our daughters went into labor prematurely, and we were all at the hospital. (Our daughter started crying during labor when she realized she was going to miss this party!)
The Wingards do amazing ministry with very little resources. They do the work that most of us would shudder at. This festival isn't about the presents. It's about the opportunity to physically, emotionally, and spiritually touch the lives of 283 children and their families with the love of Jesus!
I know it's been a tough year financially for many of us. And things aren't looking too great for next year either. But look around you, at your home, at your cars, at your . . . stuff. Then just think about your kids only getting 3, that's right, 3 presents for Christmas. Nothing else. Need I say more?
I will be glad to answer any questions. I will do the shopping for you if you want to give money instead of shopping. If you can provide one of the games or booths, that would be awesome. You can message me by this blog, email, facebook, twitter, or call/text me. And Charlotte's number is at the end of the email along with their website. They are a 501c3 charity.
God bless,
Renea
EMAIL FROM CHARLOTTE:
UPDATE!!!!
The Happy Birthday, Jesus, Festival is this Sunday on the Dec. 16th at the Trade Mart in Jackson.
We have pre-qualified and interviewed 283 children for Christmas wishes and help for their family.
WE HAVE ABOUT 73 CHILDREN NOT SPONSORED AT THE TIME OF THIS E-MAIL!
These children are "little lambs" because their Christmas wishes are listed on little lamb cards and are hanging on a Christmas tree at the Flowood Walmart.
These children will show up at the festival on Sunday, because it is being given to honor Jesus....... and the needy and homeless children are HIS special invited guests.
We do not want them to show up at the festival and have to watch the other children receiving gifts and they have nothing to receive.
Please help us spread the word. If you would like to help, but do NOT want to shop or go out to the Walmart in Flowood, then we would be glad for you to financially support the sponsoring of the child and we will do the shopping.
Just call me at 601-906-1976 and we will arrange to come to you!
To summarize, we need the following:
SPONSORS FOR THE NEEDY CHILDREN (lambs on the tree at Flowood WalMart)
BICYCLES....ALL SIZES
A SANTA SUIT IN XXL
DECORATION TEAM TO DECORATE THE FESTIVAL AREA ON SUNDAY MORNING
A CAKE WALK FOR THE FESTIVAL.....this is the Kid's favorite every year!
ACTION GAMES FOR THE OLDER KIDS AT THE FESTIVAL (football throw, basketball throw, ring toss, bean bag toss)
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!!!
PHOTOGRAPHER FOR THE FESTIVAL (TWO HOURS)
SOMEONE TO VIDEO THE FESTIVAL (TWO HOURS)
Please spread the word and help us get these needs out. We know there are folks out there wanting to help someone for Christmas.....you may be the key to connect them to us
....social media! word of mouth! workplace! church tonight! e-mail! facebook! call the TV & radio station! ...........just please help us spread the word!
There is an old Christian song that I remember! It says,
"it only takes a spark to get a fire going, and then all those around can warm up to it's glowing....that's how it is with God's love once you've experienced it You want to spread His love around....you want to Pass It On."
You may be the spark that gets this thing wrapped up and the homeless and needy children will surely be warmed by your love and concern for their needs.
God bless you in a great big way,
Charlotte Wingard
Festival Director
cell: 601-906-1976
Charlotte A. Wingard
1279 N. West St.
Jackson, MS 39202-2059
Women's Pastor
Ministry Co-Director
cell # 601-906-1976
www.wingardhome.org
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Friday, November 23, 2012
Creative Chaos and Martha Stewart Markers
This is an old post that I forgot to publish. A few months ago I got to play with some new, some not so new, products at Michaels for a demo. In case you didn't know, Michaels now has it's own line that is similar to SMASH. It's called Creative Chaos by Recollections, and I LUV it!
Of course, I forgot to take pictures of the books. But one of them is all black, white, and kraft paper. No color at all. Sounds boring, huh? Well . . . not if you happen to have some Martha Stewart markers on hand!
It's really hard to see all the sparkle. You'll just have to trust me. Here are a couple of the pages that had flowers on them that I 'colored' with these fun markers.
As you can see in the second picture, the Creative Chaos books are 3 ring binders, which I really like better than the spiral binding on SMASH books.
*Pictures are clickable for a better view.
These next two pictures are stamped. The first is a leaf on a wood mounted rubber stamp, I think by Inkadinkado, stamped with Peeled Paint Distress Ink. Then I went over the lines in the veins with a Martha Stewart glitter marker.
This last one has a wreath rubber cling stamp in the middle, I think by Recollections. (I should have written this stuff down.) I stamped with Peeled Paint then colored some of the image with the glitter markers.
THEN the real fun began! I stamped around the wreath with the awesome Stamping Gear by Inkadinkado. I used Peeled Paint and Fired Brick. THEN I traced over the lines with the Martha glitter markers. Look at all that gorgeous sparkle! Its way better in real life. Fun stuff!
So, in case you didn't know this either, we are now teaching a Stamping Gear class and have several classes using distress inks and techniques. If you are in the Jackson, MS metro area, I'll be glad to send you a copy of our Flowood, MS calendar.
We also have a monthly crop for only $5.00. I'd love for you to join us!
Blessings,
Renea
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Enter to win . . .
Want to win a spot in Courtney Walsh's new class at Big Picture Scrapbooking? Check out the link to see how to win!
http://courtneywalsh.typepad.com/telling_stories/2012/11/big-picture-home-blessings-enter-to-win.html#comment-6a00d8341c1a6753ef017c33cf937c970b
Friday, November 9, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
Lessons in Grace
This post has been sitting in my drafts box for weeks. The title of it could have easily been phrased a thousand other ways. For example:
Why I will Never Be a Manager;
Motherly Instincts and Other Forms of Danger to Society;
Stupid Things that Go Through My Head When I'm Angry;
What NOT to Do;
Let He Who Has No Sin Cast the First Stone;
But, I digress. I'll just stick with the original.
A few weeks ago, upon arriving at a small, local retail establishment, I walked by a car that was parked out front, right next to the sidewalk. The car was running. The windows were partially down in front. There was no one in the driver or passenger seat up front. But, to my shock and horror, there was a small child in a carseat in the back. There were actually two carseats, one with the sleeping child, the other empty.
As you can imagine, my mom/grammy instincts kicked into high gear. I stepped inside, saw the manager and promptly informed him about the situation. Fortunately, he was as concerned as I was. He went outside and immediately took ownership of with the situation. He told me later that the young mother's words were, "I was only going to be in there for 2 minutes. They're twins. I can't handle both of them in the store."
Had it been me who found said young mother, these are the immediate responses to that statement that went through my head:
Calling her an idiot while ripping her hair out at the roots.
Calling the police and accusing her of abandonment.
Screaming something like, 'You can't handle them? Here's a word for you: ADOPTION!!!!!'
Snatching the baby out of the car and the other out of the buggy and tucking one under each arm and
running for it.
I have no idea what I would have actually done had I gotten to her first. But, much to the manager's credit, and the safety of the young mother, cooler heads prevailed. His response was simple and direct.
"Young lady, those 2 minutes could have you crying for the rest of your life."
Needless to say, I'm so thankful that he got to her first. How much more impact that must have had on her than all the angry, violent responses that went through my head. How much more gracious and kind his words were. How much more Christlike his compassionate answer was than my tirade would have been.
I was humbled. I was embarrassed. I saw her as a villain. But I was the one who wanted to act like one.
Yes, I'm still outraged that a mother would leave a sleeping baby in the car, with the car running, outside the door of a retail establishment. She should have known better. Maybe she did know better. But all that aside, it doesn't excuse what would have been my angry outburst toward her. Yes, I believe I needed to act, and quickly, when I saw the child in the car alone. No, my violent reaction would probably not have helped and certainly would not have represented Jesus well. Would I have actually played out my in-head scenarios in real life? I'm not sure. The 'mama lion' gene is a pretty strong one and not something to be messed with.
As I continued to think about this the rest of the day, I was heart-broken at how quickly I ran to judgement. She was young. Very young. She had twins. She may have been a single mom who has no one to help her with her children. She was still a kid herself. She could have chosen to abort those sweet babies. In my anger, offering her help or wisdom never entered my mind. All I saw was the danger to the child.
As Christ followers, we rub shoulders with the world on a different plane than those who don't know Him. We are called to be different, to react differently, to love unconditionally without condoning un-Christlike behavior. At my age, it's easy to forget how young and foolish I once was. This incident may have had more of an impact on me than it did on her. My prayer is that 'in real life' I would have been more loving, more instructive than destructive. I would like to believe that I would have. But I'm just not sure. The whole incident left me with the strong reminder of my loving Father's compassionate response to me. I did nothing to deserve his mercy or forgiveness. But He gave it. Willingly. And when I look at where I am and where I feel I should be, how self-centered and arrogant I can be, I still stand in amazement at His grace. May I grow to be more like Him. And, hopefully, the next time I see a young mother doing something foolish, I will step up and offer something more tangible that will make a difference in her life.
Blessings,
Renea
Why I will Never Be a Manager;
Motherly Instincts and Other Forms of Danger to Society;
Stupid Things that Go Through My Head When I'm Angry;
What NOT to Do;
Let He Who Has No Sin Cast the First Stone;
But, I digress. I'll just stick with the original.
A few weeks ago, upon arriving at a small, local retail establishment, I walked by a car that was parked out front, right next to the sidewalk. The car was running. The windows were partially down in front. There was no one in the driver or passenger seat up front. But, to my shock and horror, there was a small child in a carseat in the back. There were actually two carseats, one with the sleeping child, the other empty.
As you can imagine, my mom/grammy instincts kicked into high gear. I stepped inside, saw the manager and promptly informed him about the situation. Fortunately, he was as concerned as I was. He went outside and immediately took ownership of with the situation. He told me later that the young mother's words were, "I was only going to be in there for 2 minutes. They're twins. I can't handle both of them in the store."
Had it been me who found said young mother, these are the immediate responses to that statement that went through my head:
Calling her an idiot while ripping her hair out at the roots.
Calling the police and accusing her of abandonment.
Screaming something like, 'You can't handle them? Here's a word for you: ADOPTION!!!!!'
Snatching the baby out of the car and the other out of the buggy and tucking one under each arm and
running for it.
I have no idea what I would have actually done had I gotten to her first. But, much to the manager's credit, and the safety of the young mother, cooler heads prevailed. His response was simple and direct.
"Young lady, those 2 minutes could have you crying for the rest of your life."
Needless to say, I'm so thankful that he got to her first. How much more impact that must have had on her than all the angry, violent responses that went through my head. How much more gracious and kind his words were. How much more Christlike his compassionate answer was than my tirade would have been.
I was humbled. I was embarrassed. I saw her as a villain. But I was the one who wanted to act like one.
Yes, I'm still outraged that a mother would leave a sleeping baby in the car, with the car running, outside the door of a retail establishment. She should have known better. Maybe she did know better. But all that aside, it doesn't excuse what would have been my angry outburst toward her. Yes, I believe I needed to act, and quickly, when I saw the child in the car alone. No, my violent reaction would probably not have helped and certainly would not have represented Jesus well. Would I have actually played out my in-head scenarios in real life? I'm not sure. The 'mama lion' gene is a pretty strong one and not something to be messed with.
As I continued to think about this the rest of the day, I was heart-broken at how quickly I ran to judgement. She was young. Very young. She had twins. She may have been a single mom who has no one to help her with her children. She was still a kid herself. She could have chosen to abort those sweet babies. In my anger, offering her help or wisdom never entered my mind. All I saw was the danger to the child.
As Christ followers, we rub shoulders with the world on a different plane than those who don't know Him. We are called to be different, to react differently, to love unconditionally without condoning un-Christlike behavior. At my age, it's easy to forget how young and foolish I once was. This incident may have had more of an impact on me than it did on her. My prayer is that 'in real life' I would have been more loving, more instructive than destructive. I would like to believe that I would have. But I'm just not sure. The whole incident left me with the strong reminder of my loving Father's compassionate response to me. I did nothing to deserve his mercy or forgiveness. But He gave it. Willingly. And when I look at where I am and where I feel I should be, how self-centered and arrogant I can be, I still stand in amazement at His grace. May I grow to be more like Him. And, hopefully, the next time I see a young mother doing something foolish, I will step up and offer something more tangible that will make a difference in her life.
Blessings,
Renea
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Wow. Have I really not posted in that long? Sigh.
Well, tonight I just wanted to pass along this info. I know we are all busy, especially around the holidays. But this is such a great event to get involved with. My family and I help every year and it has become one of the most precious highlights of our Christmas. The year my daughter gave birth to our 1st grand daughter, 3 1/2 weeks early, on the way to the hospital, my daughter said, "Oh, no, Mama! I won't be able to help with the festival now!" Yep. It's that important to us.
Date has been set for the
Happy Birthday, Jesus Festival !!!!!!
Sunday, December 16 th 3 pm until 5 pm
Mississippi Trade Mart on the Jackson Fairgrounds
Evangelism at it's finest....bringing physical help and the gospel to the widows, children, the needy, and the homeless.
reserve your ministry booth today...
our "little lambs" will be available on November 1
"Gonna ba parrrrrtieeeee....whooop! whooop!"
For more info on their ministry, you can visit their website. http://www.wingardhome.org/
Or you can find Charlotte Wingard on Facebook.
Or you can ask me.
So I'll just leave you with this:
If Christmas is really all about Jesus . . .
If Christmas is really all about giving . . .
If Christmas is really about sharing the gospel . . .
And you always thought you might ought to be doing more . . .
Or you wondered how you could help, even if you don't have much money to give . . .
Or you want your children to see how blessed they are . . .
Or you want to teach your children to be more gracious . . .
Or you don't have one spare dime to spend but you still want to help . . .
I could go on and on. I certainly don't have all the answers on how Christmas should be practiced. But I can tell you that my kids have been to and been in lots of Christmas musicals, Christmas programs, done school lessons on Christmas, made gifts for neighbors, family, and friends. All of those are good things. But in all honesty, none of it, all put together, has ever had the impact on them that this festival has.
There are lots of ways to help.
I'd love to help any of you get involved. Feel free to ask questions!
Blessings!
Renea
Well, tonight I just wanted to pass along this info. I know we are all busy, especially around the holidays. But this is such a great event to get involved with. My family and I help every year and it has become one of the most precious highlights of our Christmas. The year my daughter gave birth to our 1st grand daughter, 3 1/2 weeks early, on the way to the hospital, my daughter said, "Oh, no, Mama! I won't be able to help with the festival now!" Yep. It's that important to us.
Date has been set for the
Happy Birthday, Jesus Festival !!!!!!
Sunday, December 16 th 3 pm until 5 pm
Mississippi Trade Mart on the Jackson Fairgrounds
Evangelism at it's finest....bringing physical help and the gospel to the widows, children, the needy, and the homeless.
reserve your ministry booth today...
our "little lambs" will be available on November 1
"Gonna ba parrrrrtieeeee....whooop! whooop!"
For more info on their ministry, you can visit their website. http://www.wingardhome.org/
Or you can find Charlotte Wingard on Facebook.
Or you can ask me.
So I'll just leave you with this:
If Christmas is really all about Jesus . . .
If Christmas is really all about giving . . .
If Christmas is really about sharing the gospel . . .
And you always thought you might ought to be doing more . . .
Or you wondered how you could help, even if you don't have much money to give . . .
Or you want your children to see how blessed they are . . .
Or you want to teach your children to be more gracious . . .
Or you don't have one spare dime to spend but you still want to help . . .
I could go on and on. I certainly don't have all the answers on how Christmas should be practiced. But I can tell you that my kids have been to and been in lots of Christmas musicals, Christmas programs, done school lessons on Christmas, made gifts for neighbors, family, and friends. All of those are good things. But in all honesty, none of it, all put together, has ever had the impact on them that this festival has.
There are lots of ways to help.
I'd love to help any of you get involved. Feel free to ask questions!
Blessings!
Renea
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Wow. This site has more amazing artistic stuff than I've seen in a long time. Or ever. Seriously.
http://www.visualnews.com/2012/07/07/scraps-of-denim-transformed-into-beautiful-portraits/
http://www.visualnews.com/2012/07/07/scraps-of-denim-transformed-into-beautiful-portraits/
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Time . . .
Lately, well, not just lately, but even more so lately, I've been feeling completely overwhelmed. Just so busy that my whole life seems to be spinning out of control. And I feel helpless to stop it. There was a quote I tweeted from the sermon Sunday that just hit me squarely between the eyes.
"That which we practice daily is what we really believe. All else is religious garbage."
What I practice daily is work. And more work. And still more work. Then I whine and complain about work. Then I feel guilty because all I do is work. Then I feel frustrated about all the things I want to do and don't have time - because of work. I've been praying about this and trying to figure out a reasonable answer. The simple answer is less work. But life isn't so simple.
Last night I found this note I had written recently.
A page from my journal
I edited it somewhat below. But I want to remember that every day I live is a gift from God. I didn't do anything to earn it. I certainly don't deserve it. Yet, He continues to give me another day. Time. A gift. I need to refocus my energy and thoughts to this end.
Time . . .
Occasionally seems to stand still.
But usually flies by.
Savor each hour, each minute.
Don't spend all your days looking so intently toward tomorrow that you miss what today has to offer.
Cherish the good times.
But don't assume that the hard times are of no value.
Each day holds 24 hours in which to grow.
To learn.
To perceive new opportunities.
To remind someone they are loved.
Be not a slave to father time.
Life is but a moment in this world.
Before time began, God was.
Time will end.
He still will be.
Blessings,
Renea
"That which we practice daily is what we really believe. All else is religious garbage."
What I practice daily is work. And more work. And still more work. Then I whine and complain about work. Then I feel guilty because all I do is work. Then I feel frustrated about all the things I want to do and don't have time - because of work. I've been praying about this and trying to figure out a reasonable answer. The simple answer is less work. But life isn't so simple.
Last night I found this note I had written recently.
A page from my journal
I edited it somewhat below. But I want to remember that every day I live is a gift from God. I didn't do anything to earn it. I certainly don't deserve it. Yet, He continues to give me another day. Time. A gift. I need to refocus my energy and thoughts to this end.
Time . . .
Occasionally seems to stand still.
But usually flies by.
Savor each hour, each minute.
Don't spend all your days looking so intently toward tomorrow that you miss what today has to offer.
Cherish the good times.
But don't assume that the hard times are of no value.
Each day holds 24 hours in which to grow.
To learn.
To perceive new opportunities.
To remind someone they are loved.
Be not a slave to father time.
Life is but a moment in this world.
Before time began, God was.
Time will end.
He still will be.
Blessings,
Renea
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Monday, June 11, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
MICHAELS, MADISON GRAND OPENING EVENTS!
You won't believe all the stuff we're giving away!!!
Great prizes given away EVERY DAY, SUNDAY, JUNE 3rd - SATURDAY, JUNE 9th! Come in and register!
Sunday, June 3rd - Prize Wheel from 1-4pm. Lots of cool prizes given away! Spin the wheel and win! It's that simple! We will be giving away all kinds of prizes. Art supplies. Scrapbook supplies. A Cricut Expression 2! A Speedball Silk Screen kit! And so much more!
Free Tote Bag to the 1st 10 people who sign up for a Knack Club Card.
Free Child Safe Kid's Fingerprint ID card (while supplies last)
Free Model Car kit to kids (while supplies last)
Free Patons Yarn Tote Bag with any purchase in yarn or sewing (while supplies last)
And LOTS more!
11am-2pm - Cricut Expression 2 demo
1-3pm - Adhesive Dot Glitter Frame - Make-It Take-It
2-4pm - Wilton Cake Decorating Demo
2-4pm - Jewelry Make-it Take-it
Monday, June 4th - 4-7pm - Jewelry Demo - Spiral Knot Bracelet
Tuesday, June 5th - 4-7pm - Kids' Demo - Foam Stamped Frame
Wednesday, June 6th - 4-7pm - Scrapbooking Demo - We Can Help Classroom Chart
Thursday, June 7th - 4-7pm - Fine Arts Demo - Artist Loft Visual Journal
Friday, June 8th - 4-7pm - Yarn Demo - Pom Pom Chicks
Saturday, June 9th - 11am-1pm - Card Making Demo
12 - 2pm - Duck Tape Demo
12 - 1pm - Cake Decorating Demo
1 - 4pm - Cookie Decorating Make-It Take-It
2 - 4pm - Jewelry Pink & Lavender Pearl Necklace Make-It Take-It
Plus learn about the great activities coming soon for kids, fun stuff to keep them from being totally bored this summer and driving you nuts!
All kinds of good stuff! Come see us!
You won't believe all the stuff we're giving away!!!
Great prizes given away EVERY DAY, SUNDAY, JUNE 3rd - SATURDAY, JUNE 9th! Come in and register!
Sunday, June 3rd - Prize Wheel from 1-4pm. Lots of cool prizes given away! Spin the wheel and win! It's that simple! We will be giving away all kinds of prizes. Art supplies. Scrapbook supplies. A Cricut Expression 2! A Speedball Silk Screen kit! And so much more!
Free Tote Bag to the 1st 10 people who sign up for a Knack Club Card.
Free Child Safe Kid's Fingerprint ID card (while supplies last)
Free Model Car kit to kids (while supplies last)
Free Patons Yarn Tote Bag with any purchase in yarn or sewing (while supplies last)
And LOTS more!
11am-2pm - Cricut Expression 2 demo
1-3pm - Adhesive Dot Glitter Frame - Make-It Take-It
2-4pm - Wilton Cake Decorating Demo
2-4pm - Jewelry Make-it Take-it
Monday, June 4th - 4-7pm - Jewelry Demo - Spiral Knot Bracelet
Tuesday, June 5th - 4-7pm - Kids' Demo - Foam Stamped Frame
Wednesday, June 6th - 4-7pm - Scrapbooking Demo - We Can Help Classroom Chart
Thursday, June 7th - 4-7pm - Fine Arts Demo - Artist Loft Visual Journal
Friday, June 8th - 4-7pm - Yarn Demo - Pom Pom Chicks
Saturday, June 9th - 11am-1pm - Card Making Demo
12 - 2pm - Duck Tape Demo
12 - 1pm - Cake Decorating Demo
1 - 4pm - Cookie Decorating Make-It Take-It
2 - 4pm - Jewelry Pink & Lavender Pearl Necklace Make-It Take-It
Plus learn about the great activities coming soon for kids, fun stuff to keep them from being totally bored this summer and driving you nuts!
All kinds of good stuff! Come see us!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
MAY is really a big month! It's MOVING MONTH for the north Jackson Michaels. Yep, we are moving to Madison! It's gonna be fun!!!
This week, Thursday, May 24th, 6-9pm, is Friends and Family Preview night! If you're reading this, then you're my friend! Ha!
So, if you want a coupon for 20% off your ENTIRE REGULAR PRICED PURCHASE, just send me a message on Facebook and I'll email you one tomorrow night! Or, just let me know you're coming and I'll have one at the door for you!
We are located about half-way between WalMart and Malco Theater, right next to Home Goods.
We officially open Friday, May 25th!
Grand Opening is Sunday, June 3rd!
Just wait until you see the BEE-UUU-TEEE-FULLL classroom! Woohoo! Not only is it gorgeous, there's more room for CROP NIGHT!!!! Woohoo, again!
I'm a little excited. Can you tell? lol
More on Grand Opening soon . . .
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Lessons learned while hanging out with my grandson:
I spent the day with this beautiful little boy. What a fun time we had! We had lunch together with his mom and one of my daughters. Then we were off to a busy day outdoors in the 90 degree weather. Whew! It was hot!
First we listened to one of Papa's bands, Latinismo! Little man was the center of attention. So adorable! Then we headed to a carnival to ride some rides and sweat some more! lol
So these are a few of the thoughts running through my head after a very active day with this little bundle of energy.
1. If you find something you enjoy, give it 100%. And don't worry about who's watching or what they'll think.
(Dancing while Latinismo! is playing. Adults are usually more concerned about what others will think than about their own enjoyment. I think the crowd enjoyed watching more than he enjoyed dancing!)
2. If you're curious about something, tune everything else out and look and listen intently. You never know what you might learn.
(Fascinated by the drummer, he literally didn't move through three songs! And I bet if you asked him afterward, he would say he knew how to play drums. When was the last time you tried to learn something new?)
3. Anything can be interesting if you just take time to look.
(While we sat in a coffee shop to cool off for a few minutes, he 'read' a golf magazine. Every. Single. Page. Cover to cover. Trust me, he isn't into golf. But that was irrelevant. There were pictures so he put words to them. How quickly we lose the ability to use our imagination!)
4. Making friends really isn't that hard. It only takes a few minutes and just one thing in common. In this case, a simple desire to go down the slide and 5 minutes. 2 minutes waiting in line, 2 minutes going up the stairs, 1 minute flying down the slide.
(The little boy in the middle was an almost instant friend. After just 5 minutes of 'knowing' each other, they were ready to go on to the next ride together! We adults usually just make things too complicated.)
.
5. Persistence often pays off! And you never know how you'll do on something if you don't try.
(I NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, do carnival games. I also never ride carnival rides. But today I did both. He got me on the kiddie cars AND the bump cars. Yep. Grandchildren are the grandest! Anyway, the first thing he saw when we arrived was a kid with a 'flaming bat.'
"Grammy, I want a flaming bat."
"Grammy, I really like that flaming bat!"
"Grammy, can we get a flaming bat?"
"Grammy, will you get me a flaming bat?"
The bats were at the balloon-dart-throw game. Thinking I was being very proactive, I asked the carnival worker what it would cost to get one of those bats if I couldn't pop the balloon. He said just pay $5.00 and if I missed, he'd still give little man the bat. Since I had that information, I let little man throw. He missed the first time. But the nice guy gave him another chance. He popped a balloon on the second try! Silly Grammy. Should have had more faith! He got the flaming bat.)
6. And most important lesson of all. It's ok to just be silly sometimes! Life is short. Enjoy it!
As adults, we often judge ourselves and others by the labels that society gives. Disabled, challenged, special needs, too short, too tall, too fat, too thin, too old, too young, too inexperienced, too rude, too shy, too . . . fill in the blank. We all have limitations and areas where we just don't quite measure up, mentally, socially, or physically. I have a math disability. Not technically, but let's just say that college algebra was NOT my friend. The older I get the more I realize I also have a memory disability. lol. Maybe you are directionally challenged. Are you someone who wonders how you ever got from point A to point B before you had a GPS in your car?
No matter what limitations we have, we all have something to offer to the world. I love being around this little guy. He reminds me that right now, this very minute, is important. He challenges me to stop what I'm doing and see life from his point of view. He heads into whatever direction his imagination takes him with no regard for danger or consequences. He's intense. He's demanding. He's beautiful!
What labels, limitations, or disabilities are you struggling with? Is there a direction that your imagination is trying to take you but you're just too afraid to yield to it? Maybe a new job, a new ministry, a new relationship? Is God trying to give you a new plan for your life but your labels are holding you back? Be thankful that the only label God has given you is 'child of mine.' All you have to do is accept that. What a precious gift!.
Blessings!
Renea
First we listened to one of Papa's bands, Latinismo! Little man was the center of attention. So adorable! Then we headed to a carnival to ride some rides and sweat some more! lol
So these are a few of the thoughts running through my head after a very active day with this little bundle of energy.
1. If you find something you enjoy, give it 100%. And don't worry about who's watching or what they'll think.
(Dancing while Latinismo! is playing. Adults are usually more concerned about what others will think than about their own enjoyment. I think the crowd enjoyed watching more than he enjoyed dancing!)
2. If you're curious about something, tune everything else out and look and listen intently. You never know what you might learn.
(Fascinated by the drummer, he literally didn't move through three songs! And I bet if you asked him afterward, he would say he knew how to play drums. When was the last time you tried to learn something new?)
3. Anything can be interesting if you just take time to look.
(While we sat in a coffee shop to cool off for a few minutes, he 'read' a golf magazine. Every. Single. Page. Cover to cover. Trust me, he isn't into golf. But that was irrelevant. There were pictures so he put words to them. How quickly we lose the ability to use our imagination!)
4. Making friends really isn't that hard. It only takes a few minutes and just one thing in common. In this case, a simple desire to go down the slide and 5 minutes. 2 minutes waiting in line, 2 minutes going up the stairs, 1 minute flying down the slide.
(The little boy in the middle was an almost instant friend. After just 5 minutes of 'knowing' each other, they were ready to go on to the next ride together! We adults usually just make things too complicated.)
5. Persistence often pays off! And you never know how you'll do on something if you don't try.
(I NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, do carnival games. I also never ride carnival rides. But today I did both. He got me on the kiddie cars AND the bump cars. Yep. Grandchildren are the grandest! Anyway, the first thing he saw when we arrived was a kid with a 'flaming bat.'
"Grammy, I want a flaming bat."
"Grammy, I really like that flaming bat!"
"Grammy, can we get a flaming bat?"
"Grammy, will you get me a flaming bat?"
The bats were at the balloon-dart-throw game. Thinking I was being very proactive, I asked the carnival worker what it would cost to get one of those bats if I couldn't pop the balloon. He said just pay $5.00 and if I missed, he'd still give little man the bat. Since I had that information, I let little man throw. He missed the first time. But the nice guy gave him another chance. He popped a balloon on the second try! Silly Grammy. Should have had more faith! He got the flaming bat.)
6. And most important lesson of all. It's ok to just be silly sometimes! Life is short. Enjoy it!
As adults, we often judge ourselves and others by the labels that society gives. Disabled, challenged, special needs, too short, too tall, too fat, too thin, too old, too young, too inexperienced, too rude, too shy, too . . . fill in the blank. We all have limitations and areas where we just don't quite measure up, mentally, socially, or physically. I have a math disability. Not technically, but let's just say that college algebra was NOT my friend. The older I get the more I realize I also have a memory disability. lol. Maybe you are directionally challenged. Are you someone who wonders how you ever got from point A to point B before you had a GPS in your car?
No matter what limitations we have, we all have something to offer to the world. I love being around this little guy. He reminds me that right now, this very minute, is important. He challenges me to stop what I'm doing and see life from his point of view. He heads into whatever direction his imagination takes him with no regard for danger or consequences. He's intense. He's demanding. He's beautiful!
What labels, limitations, or disabilities are you struggling with? Is there a direction that your imagination is trying to take you but you're just too afraid to yield to it? Maybe a new job, a new ministry, a new relationship? Is God trying to give you a new plan for your life but your labels are holding you back? Be thankful that the only label God has given you is 'child of mine.' All you have to do is accept that. What a precious gift!.
Blessings!
Renea
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Easter!
Happy Easter to everyone! I can't begin to convey how much this weekend means to me. I never cease to be amazed at the grace, mercy, and tremendous love that was shown to the world, to me, by our Savior. Humbled and overwhelmed.
Blessings!
Renea
Blessings!
Renea
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Classes . . .
LOL! If you look at my "Classes" page, I really didn't put all those extra spaces in when I typed it. Seriously. I have no idea why they are there. Geez.
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