Category: Random Stuff

family · Random Stuff · Random Thoughts · Uncategorized

Shootings in CT

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MORGAN FREEMAN ON THE SHOOTINGS YESTERDAY:

“You want to know why. This may sound cynical, but here’s why.

It’s because of the way the media reports it. Flip on the news and watch how we treat the Batman theater shooter and the Oregon mall shooter like celebrities. Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris are household names, but do you know the name of a single victim of Columbine? Disturbed people who would otherwise just off themselves in their basements see the news and want to top it by doing something worse, and going out in a memorable way. Why a grade school? Why children? Because he’ll be remembered as a horrible monster, instead of a sad nobody.

CNN’s article says that if the body count “holds up”, this will rank as the second deadliest shooting behind Virginia Tech, as if statistics somehow make one shooting worse than another. Then they post a video interview of third-graders for all the details of what they saw and heard while the shootings were happening. Fox News has plastered the killer’s face on all their reports for hours. Any articles or news stories yet that focus on the victims and ignore the killer’s identity? None that I’ve seen yet. Because they don’t sell. So congratulations­, sensationalist media, you’ve just lit the fire for someone to top this and knock off a day care center or a maternity ward next.

You can help by forgetting you ever read this man’s name, and remembering the name of at least one victim. You can help by donating to mental health research instead of pointing to gun control as the problem.”

I will not honor the killer.

I will do as Morgan has asked and remember the lost.

Charlotte Bacon, 02-22-06
Daniel Barden, 09-25-05
Rachel Davino, 07-17-83
Olivia Engel, 07-18-06
Josephine Gay, 12-11-05
Ana M. Marquez-Greene, 04-04-06
Dylan Hockley, 03-08-06
Dawn Hochsprung, 06-28-65
Madeleine F. Hsu, 07-10-06
Catherine V. Hubbard, 06-08-06

Chase Kowalski, 10-31-05

Jesse Lewis, 06-30-06
James Mattioli, 03-22-06
Grace McDonnell, 11-04-05
Anne Marie Murphy, 07-25-60
Emilie Parker, 05-12-06
Jack Pinto, 05-06-06
Noah Pozner, 11-20-06
Caroline Previdi, 09-07-06
Jessica Rekos, 05-10-06
Avielle Richman, 10-17-06
Lauren Russeau, 06-?-82
Mary Sherlach, 02-11-56
Victoria Soto, 11-04-85
Benjamin Wheeler, 09-12-06
Allison Wyatt, 07-03-06

And, this from Proverbs 31 Ministries:

Many times it’s hard to know what to do or say in times of tragedy, or how to process through the pain… Proverbs 31 Ministries has compiled these resources to help you. We’ll continue adding to it for you and are praying.

1. 4 Free Resources for Ministering in Times of Tragedy {Source: Pastors ToolBox with Rick Warren: http://pastors.com/resources-tragedy/

I wasn’t sure really what to say but I felt that I should say something.
Much love to you all.
Blessings – always.
Jerry Ann
clutter · organization · Random Stuff · stuff

Clutter!

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Okay, blogger universe.  I have a question, actually several.

Background:  Both of my parents have passed away, only child.  I have all of their stuff, keepsakes etc.  I also have lots of furniture (rockers, clocks, trunks) that I am not discarding.

I need to start going through photographs, under the bed tubs (4) full of them.  I am not sure what to do with them.  I can scrapbook some of them, but do I toss the rest?  Scan them all? I don’t think some of the general black and white photos that have no one recognizable should be kept?

I want to keep some of things…but deciding on what keepsakes to keep.

I need to start…so one day I will be finished. ugh.

So, how do you deal with keepsakes (of parents), and just in general how do you sort your stuff?

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

A to Z meme · ABC questions · Living Proof Blog · Random Stuff

A to Z Meme…with LPM Blog (Beth Moore’s Blog)

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Hey! I saw a cute idea on Beth Moore’s blog (Living Proof Ministries).  
Please feel free to comment with your answer to a letter or link up your own blog entry!
A. Age: 46…proud of every day.
B. Bed size: A King.
C. Chore that you hate: Dusting…the minute I am done, I need to do it again.
D. Dogs: Dexter – Rat Terrier; also Cat: Abigail.
E. Essential start to your day: Coffee. :)
F. Favorite color: PINK! 
G. Gold or Silver: Both are beautiful, and I don’t think I would turn down either
H. Height: 5′ 3″ and round :)
I. Instruments you play: I don’t, can’t sing either, but I do.
J. Job title: Administrative Assistant, Director of Preschool & Children, NOW: Homemaker, Wife, Mother.
K. Kids: Carmen, daughter -19; Stephen, son – 15
L. Live: Florida 
M. Mother’s name: Lore, so wish she was still with me.
N. Nicknames: Cookie, from elementary school friend Mom.  Hand always in her cookie jar.  It stuck.  ;)
O. Overnight hospital stays: Just to bring two babies into the world… well worth the stay.
P. Pet peeves: Wal-Marts —NO it is Wal-Mart!!!!! And, people that never see the good or bright side of things.
Q. Quote from a movie: “A dream is a wish your heart makes” – Cinderella

R. Right or left handed: Right-handed
S. Siblings: Older sister (Carmen) deceased.
T. Time it takes you to get ready: Probably about 50 minutes. I always shower in the morning, the hair must start the day out clean, and fluffy (I am a Southern girl from the 1980’s by the way).
U. Ultimate Vacation: anywhere with my family.
V. Vegetable you hate: Fennel, not a fan – don’t hate. 
W. What makes you run late:  The snooze button. :)
X. X-Rays you’ve had: Lots…. Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, so knees, shoulders, hips, ankles, wrists, fingers.
Y. Yummy food that you make: Sauerkraut, my Mom’s recipe, or Nutella Marble Pound Cake both are comfort food.
Z. Zoo animal: Giraffe. Their chins are always up.  (plus it is a inside family joke, and whenever we try to explain to anyone, they don’t get it. so)
Pick a letter, and leave it my comment section.  I would love to see them!!

family · Goals · kids · organization · Random Stuff · scrapbook · vacation

Cute Stuff

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I am on vacation this week, and it has been somewhat okay.  We have an older vehicle that needed belt repair for a long while, and this week the battery decided it was time to stop working as well.  Repaired to the tune of $420 later.  But I am not going to let that ruin my time off…too much to do…and do it joyfully.

This is what some call a staycation…staying at home while I have vacation from work (bonus – I am not sick). I have goals, and a list of priorities to accomplish this week.  Weekends never seem to be long enough for my organizing, and the week just piles stuff back up. So it is a never ending circle it seems.

Anyway…one of the goals this week was to empty out my pantry.  I knew it was bad, but really had no idea how bad it truly was.  Jar of Alfredo sauce: expiration Feb 2006!  Yep, that plus a lot more.  2 large black garbage bags full, and some time later = organized.  For the moment anyway.  I had the kids help, and hopefully that will play into keeping it for longer than 3 days.

 NOTHING on top of the refrigerator!!! I love that.

A two drawer system (that I found in the garage), and some other tubs (that I can’t find the lids) organized the chips and pasta.  All of my baking ingredients are on one shelf (sugars, cocoa, marshmallows).  It may not look like much, but, oh what a beautiful sight it is for us.

I also added a cutie to my scrap closet.

This was a bonus Decor Elements from Stampin’ Up from a couple of months ago.  I LOVE their design and ease of application.  If you need anything from Stampin’ Up – Julie is great – and you can find her here:

www.craftasticpassion.com

But isn’t it the cutest!  Most people won’t see it, but I do from where I sit in the office.  I need to get some small chalk and a chalk ledge so that I can get some great use out of it. 

Well, back to it…still have more to get done…and it is already Thursday!  Have a great day.

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

Random Stuff · Random Thoughts · share

My heart is heavy.

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My heart is heavy is a comment made by a coworker on Wednesday after a particularly difficult afternoon.

Prayer.  Pray without ceasing.

A story was repeated to me yesterday, and I would like to share a snippet.

Satan is speaking with an observer about his tools.  He has many tools that he uses to cause harm, and to keep us from God.  This one is famine, and this is disaster, but this one is the best one of all.  He points to the one he uses on Christians, it is the tool of discouragement.  This one makes them fail.  It is a simple tool, and many people, even other Christians help me use it on their own.

Discouragement.

I am praying for discernment on the path chosen.  I have been through difficult passages before, some more difficult this one.  But…I have never felt bombarded like I do today.  Spears, arrows, bullets are flying at me with such force.  I have no time to breathe and defend one of them, let alone, all of them.

Each difficulty that we are given is for God’s glory to be shown.  It shows that He sustains us through all.  I am praying for strength and an answer to this path.  Change is difficult for all, but we must adapt, bend, comply. 

Moses asked God to “show him His Glory” in Exodus.  I am doing the same today.  Sustain me, Lord.

How we feel led to share God’s love is a path God given. It maybe to a homeless drunk needing food or a kind word, to a leader of a childrens program in a hurry to complete a project, to listening to a coworker who is needing a hug and affirmation, to a spouse that has had a difficult day, to a child that may only have one good meal a week, to a youth needing guidance, to you, and to me.

How do you share God’s love?  Are you discouraged?

“Sometimes we are told to quietly lean on our Savior and rest. At other times God calls us to actively wait.  But we are always to stay close to our Redeemer.” – Kelly Minter

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” – Ephesians 3:20 NIV

“You will not have to fight this battle.  Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverence the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.” – 2 Chronicles 20:17 NIV

Blessings.

Changes · Mom · Random Stuff · Random Thoughts

Changes

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Life changes…

David will be starting a new job on Monday.  It is a great opportunity for him professionally, and will enable us to climb out of our debt hole just a bit quicker.  Changes…for me as well at work.  Trying to stay focused on the organization of the house, getting things ready the evening before, memorizing Bible verses, doing my bible study, and…laundry.  ha.

Today was a hair day.  I love hair days, you can change your hair as often as you want.  You could have blond, red, auburn, brown, black hair in a matter of minutes.  Short, long (extensions) doesn’t really matter any more either.

This picture was taken on New Year’s Eve.  David and I celebrated with dear friends (and neighbors), and had a great time.   One of my favorite colors is pink.

My hair used to be thick, brown with highlights when I was younger.  I am thinning (I do not like this at all), and try to style to hide it.  Men can have thin hair, and they are called distinguished.  Well, not me.  My mother was a hair dresser/stylist/beautician in a small town.  I grew up having my hair cut (not always the way I wanted), but whenever I wanted, and she loved to play with color.  When a new product came in, she would want to try it out on me.  I loved/love being able to change my hair so quickly.  Changing habits or physical appearance (body) is much harder to do.

So…my new do: 

The picture is from a iphone, and a self portrait (with the help of a bathroom mirror).  So…I love the color, especially this time of year.  I am a creature of habit with my hair, and normally default back to styling one way.  I do like the way this frames my face (I have lost a little bit of weight), and thins me.

So…what do you think?

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Random Stuff

Positive Thinking

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Stress causes me to think the worst.  I am really quite a positive person.  I am a glass full, not even half full, but full full.

What we see and hear, and how we react to it, is directly connected to everything we are and do.  Positive thinking is a very real and powerful thing.

“Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”  –Mark 11:24 KJV

Believe it, live it.

Yep.  That is all.

family · Random Stuff

Family – lost and found

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Here is a short history of me.  My father Jerry David was killed during active duty in Germany 3 months before I was born.  My parents were living on an Army base in Germany, 1966.  My mother, Lore, went to live with my father’s family in Livingston, Texas.  I was born in August of 1966, in Nederland, Texas.  My grandparents, 2 uncles, and aunt helped my mother with me and my colic.  Not a easy time for anyone especially me. 

For many reasons, my mother left their care and moved to Enterprise, Alabama. She had a support network, and felt this was her best move.  I don’t really now specifics, mainly due to my Mom being quiet about it.  She didn’t speak much of bad things in her life.  She loved Jerry, and felt she was doing what was best for us.

We visited often when I was young.  Not many memories, but I have pictures, and plan to ask who is who.  My Mom remarried when I was 3, Leroy Thurman, and he raised me as his own.  I really didn’t know anyone else.  Once they were married, I remember traveling once, maybe twice, to see them.  But it just didn’t work out to visit them. We did visit my mothers family in Germany, and they are precious to me. But…

Life went on, and I didn’t see my paternal family again until I was 17.  It was a short weekend, and as a teenager, didn’t really want to spend it with my Mamaw.  She was a strong lady, and able to do much.  In the last bit of years of my life, I have lost many family members, including my Mamaw, and Mom.  Only through Facebook, have I reconnected with my Aunt Clairece, and through her my Uncle Jake.

We plan to travel to Spring, Texas, where my Uncle Jake and Aunt Barbara live.  It will be a short trip, mainly to retrieve a piece of furniture from my Mom (left long ago with my Mamaw), and the property is being sold – so I have been offered the piece.  The furniture isn’t the main reason I am wanting to travel.  I want to hear about my grandparents, father, and family.

I pray that I laugh much, and cry much.  I hope to have memories to pass on to my children of my father, and family.

Lost and found.  Sometimes, it can be found just in piece of furniture.

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

MIA · Random Stuff

Missing In Action

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Well, I will try to be short and sweet. I haven’t had time to sit and write, let alone upload pictures, post blogs, etc.  Family and extended family in many different directions this weekend, and tomorrow is Wednesday.  (And, yes, I know all of you do this as well.)  I promise to catch up this weekend, and to get back on track.

I will have menu’s for the following week as well.

Have a blessed week.

Love,
Jerry Ann

encourage · Prayer · Random Stuff

Today’s Daily Devotion

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Then he said to me: “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole earth; “Every thief shall be expelled,” according to this side of the scroll; and, “Every perjurer shall be expelled,” according to that side of it.”  Zechariah 5:3 NKJV

I am struggling with this, especially today.  This is my devotion today, and the little story that came with it was about a woman witnessing another woman shoplift.  She did nothing about it, and thanked the security cameras so that she didn’t have to confront the person or security to take up her time.  The decision of confronting the person or turning her in was a difficult one.  Is it to be made?  All of us sin.  We are all forgiven if we choose it.

The prayer that went along was this:
Dear Lord, heavenly Father, I pray for Your righteous justice for this woman and for everyone, because we’re all sinners.  Bring us discernment and judgment as we go through each day, and help us to make the right decisions.  In Your holy name, amen.

I truly want to do the right thing.  Is it always what we should do?  We are supposed to confront our brother or sister in Christ when we are aware of wrong doing.  Someone else took care of that for her.    I pray that I do what God wants me to do, especially in difficult situations.  It doesn’t always work that way.

Do you watch and do nothing just to let past be the past?  Do you pray for that person that you are aware of wrong doing? I struggle with that more than anything.  Pray for the person?  Seriously?  Yes, Lord I know, what I am supposed to do, but I don’t always WANT to do it.  I don’t always want to do what people tell me to do either.  hmmm, I think I see a pattern.  It is easier sometimes not to do anything.  It causes less conflict, stress, and issues. 

Then I think about my character.  Is my witness and character what God would want it to be?  Do I show in my daily actions of doing the right thing?  Does it show that I am loving and forgiving? 

Lots to pray about today.  I pray that you have a good day, and that you make right decisions.

Blessings.