Day 25: Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
1. Bee Girl-Pearl Jam
2. Road to Nowhere-Talking Heads
3. When you Really Love Someone-Alicia Keys and Lellow
4. White Moon-White Stripes
5. Funeral-The Arcade Fire
6. Painter Song-Nora Jones
7. Daugther-PJ Live in Cleveland...ONE of my favs:)
8. Waitin' on a Sunny Day-Bruce Springsteen
9. I Walk the Line-Johnny Cash (Lilly loves Johnny Cash)
10. God's Dice-PJ
Aaron does load my ipod...and I RARELY put it on shuffle, but this was fun...the kids liked the songs it picked.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Jenni's Challenge Day 24
Something you've learned
When I did the lent Bible study, I took time to actually learn this scripture about treasures in heaven. Matthew 6:19-24
My favorite verse is the first:
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal."
I don't think it was a focus scripture in the lent book, but my attention was drawn to it because of one of the book club members. I can't remember if it was Nan or Wilma, both are women that I love more and more each and every time our paths cross, but I would be willing to bet that they both feel the same way about the scripture, so it really doesn't matter which one said it anyways! Whoever it was said that they hope that by the time they are called to be with God that they don't have any talents, any gifts, anything left of them to give. They want to be all "used up" and have already given themselves fully to God.
I was speechless. I wanted to read more about this passage. I had to know what they were talking about! Since then I have read this lesson on many occasions. Applied the lesson to multiple different problems at hand.
The position that I receive a paycheck from is as a paralegal at a law firm. More than half of my assignments deal with the administration of estates. When people pass away it is necessary to obtain an attorney to deal with the estate taxes, the probate process and all the forms that must be completed. This is why it is necessary to have an attorney, but sometimes the attorney turns into a referee!
Often the loved ones left here to mourn the deceased argue over money and property. Disputes over money and personal items of value seem to happen all to often if you ask me! Even down to the brooch Granny was wearing at a special occasion. Sometimes it takes everything inside of me not to scream "Hello!! You know that you can't take that thing with you when you go, right!?! The memory of Granny wearing that brooch, yep, you can take it with you, but the $7 brooch that you're fighting with your loved one about, NOPE, can't take it!" This kind of treasure we may see today, but when we get old and die we cannot take it with us.
I have never really been materialistic. I don't like to shop. I have never really felt like I need to keep up with my friends. I like to spend money on things that make me and those around me happy, don't get me wrong, but I understand that you can't take all of your "prize possessions" with you. I didn't ask for anything when my dad passed away and neither did my brother. My mom happily handed out my dads clothes to family members that would appreciate the gesture. She offered his watch to Jake and Aaron, but they knew they wouldn't wear it so they respectfully declined. Why? Because you can't take the worldly treasures with you. If you are focused on collecting money and worldly possessions that is where your heart will be, devoted to the wrong master.
I have since decided to be more conscious to send my treasures to heaven. Give of myself and my time more freely. This morning I stopped at Meijer to grocery shop for the office, you know COFFEE and other essentials. Whether I am grocery shopping for work or myself, I am on a mission...mission to get out of the store as quickly as possible! As I was throwing items from the shelf into my cart I noticed an elderly man struggling to get a few containers of laundry detergent into his riding cart. I could have easily passed by him and went on my way. I could have pretended that I didn't see him struggling. I could have thought to myself, someone else will pass by and help him.
BUT, this moment is the type of treasure that you can take with you to heaven! It took me 5 seconds to move a box and grab the detergent he was struggling to get into his cart. He looked up and smiled at me when he thanked me. I looked down the aisle beside me and Linda Kelly was smiling at me, too. Everyone went on with their day, but we all shared that one treasure. During those 5 seconds that I could have grabbed another item off the shelf, instead we all took the time to smile and greet each other as we passed. That time was spent focused on helping others and that is the type of treasure you get to bring with you. It didn't cost me ANYTHING! My muscles are sore today, but not from picking up his detergent;)
To me this scripture implies that what we value the most is where your heart is. Think about it. Are your thoughts on worldly possessions or on God?
I am thankful to the lent book group for bringing this passage to my attention. Now when I am debating the solution to a problem I often ask myself, where is your heart focused? Is the focus on earth or heaven? I want my treasures sent to heaven because 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
Maybe you could send your treasures stored in a balloon!! This picture is from a balloon launch in 2010 in memory of Mary Ann Kirkby.
When I did the lent Bible study, I took time to actually learn this scripture about treasures in heaven. Matthew 6:19-24
My favorite verse is the first:
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal."
I don't think it was a focus scripture in the lent book, but my attention was drawn to it because of one of the book club members. I can't remember if it was Nan or Wilma, both are women that I love more and more each and every time our paths cross, but I would be willing to bet that they both feel the same way about the scripture, so it really doesn't matter which one said it anyways! Whoever it was said that they hope that by the time they are called to be with God that they don't have any talents, any gifts, anything left of them to give. They want to be all "used up" and have already given themselves fully to God.
I was speechless. I wanted to read more about this passage. I had to know what they were talking about! Since then I have read this lesson on many occasions. Applied the lesson to multiple different problems at hand.
The position that I receive a paycheck from is as a paralegal at a law firm. More than half of my assignments deal with the administration of estates. When people pass away it is necessary to obtain an attorney to deal with the estate taxes, the probate process and all the forms that must be completed. This is why it is necessary to have an attorney, but sometimes the attorney turns into a referee!
Often the loved ones left here to mourn the deceased argue over money and property. Disputes over money and personal items of value seem to happen all to often if you ask me! Even down to the brooch Granny was wearing at a special occasion. Sometimes it takes everything inside of me not to scream "Hello!! You know that you can't take that thing with you when you go, right!?! The memory of Granny wearing that brooch, yep, you can take it with you, but the $7 brooch that you're fighting with your loved one about, NOPE, can't take it!" This kind of treasure we may see today, but when we get old and die we cannot take it with us.
I have never really been materialistic. I don't like to shop. I have never really felt like I need to keep up with my friends. I like to spend money on things that make me and those around me happy, don't get me wrong, but I understand that you can't take all of your "prize possessions" with you. I didn't ask for anything when my dad passed away and neither did my brother. My mom happily handed out my dads clothes to family members that would appreciate the gesture. She offered his watch to Jake and Aaron, but they knew they wouldn't wear it so they respectfully declined. Why? Because you can't take the worldly treasures with you. If you are focused on collecting money and worldly possessions that is where your heart will be, devoted to the wrong master.
I have since decided to be more conscious to send my treasures to heaven. Give of myself and my time more freely. This morning I stopped at Meijer to grocery shop for the office, you know COFFEE and other essentials. Whether I am grocery shopping for work or myself, I am on a mission...mission to get out of the store as quickly as possible! As I was throwing items from the shelf into my cart I noticed an elderly man struggling to get a few containers of laundry detergent into his riding cart. I could have easily passed by him and went on my way. I could have pretended that I didn't see him struggling. I could have thought to myself, someone else will pass by and help him.
BUT, this moment is the type of treasure that you can take with you to heaven! It took me 5 seconds to move a box and grab the detergent he was struggling to get into his cart. He looked up and smiled at me when he thanked me. I looked down the aisle beside me and Linda Kelly was smiling at me, too. Everyone went on with their day, but we all shared that one treasure. During those 5 seconds that I could have grabbed another item off the shelf, instead we all took the time to smile and greet each other as we passed. That time was spent focused on helping others and that is the type of treasure you get to bring with you. It didn't cost me ANYTHING! My muscles are sore today, but not from picking up his detergent;)
To me this scripture implies that what we value the most is where your heart is. Think about it. Are your thoughts on worldly possessions or on God?
I am thankful to the lent book group for bringing this passage to my attention. Now when I am debating the solution to a problem I often ask myself, where is your heart focused? Is the focus on earth or heaven? I want my treasures sent to heaven because 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."
Maybe you could send your treasures stored in a balloon!! This picture is from a balloon launch in 2010 in memory of Mary Ann Kirkby.
Jenni's Challenge Day 23
Favorite Movie...Since I already listed my favorite movies earlier in this blog challenge, I'll do my favorite books.
The Power of One
The Celestine Prophecy
The Road
The Notebook
In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day
I have read and watched the Road and STILL don't want guns in my house...this was one of the conversations last night:)
The Power of One
The Celestine Prophecy
The Road
The Notebook
In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day
I have read and watched the Road and STILL don't want guns in my house...this was one of the conversations last night:)
Monday, July 18, 2011
Jenni's Challenge Day 22
What's in your car?
Lots of hair since I brush my hair on the way to work and the brush I use to brush my nappy hair.
One of my black winter coats...it's only supposed to be 90 today, I might need it!
A green scarf that's been in there for probably 5 months.
A few water bottles.
A few pictures.
A few wrappers.
A few mapquest print outs of directions and the sheet music for "Blessings".
An extra purse.
A hair tie.
Some change.
A few in some instances means 20, but some it means 3;) My car is filthy and I have zero desire to clean it:) This was just on first glance inventory...I'm sure I'm missing lots of things that shouldn't be in your car!
Lots of hair since I brush my hair on the way to work and the brush I use to brush my nappy hair.
One of my black winter coats...it's only supposed to be 90 today, I might need it!
A green scarf that's been in there for probably 5 months.
A few water bottles.
A few pictures.
A few wrappers.
A few mapquest print outs of directions and the sheet music for "Blessings".
An extra purse.
A hair tie.
Some change.
A few in some instances means 20, but some it means 3;) My car is filthy and I have zero desire to clean it:) This was just on first glance inventory...I'm sure I'm missing lots of things that shouldn't be in your car!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Jenni's Challenge Day 21
Favorite Picture of yourself of all time. Why?
Favorite picture for variety of reasons. Taken on SB 2002 Panama City Beach. I watched the sunrise this night...as you can see, it was beautiful. Moments and memories that will always be in my heart.
Vain reasons: You can see the bottom of my belly button ring that I LOVED! This was one of my favorite shirts AND purses of all time (I liked the jeans too, but not one of my all time favorites)!! I was super tan.
This was before I was a grown up...no bills, no worries, no stress...just fun!
Grown up picture favorite is the one at the bottom of my blog...we need new family pictures soon because Keegan has changed into a little boy. I no longer have a baby...
Favorite picture for variety of reasons. Taken on SB 2002 Panama City Beach. I watched the sunrise this night...as you can see, it was beautiful. Moments and memories that will always be in my heart.
Vain reasons: You can see the bottom of my belly button ring that I LOVED! This was one of my favorite shirts AND purses of all time (I liked the jeans too, but not one of my all time favorites)!! I was super tan.
This was before I was a grown up...no bills, no worries, no stress...just fun!
Grown up picture favorite is the one at the bottom of my blog...we need new family pictures soon because Keegan has changed into a little boy. I no longer have a baby...
Jenni's Challenge Day 20
Nicknames
I don't have any cool nicknames like Tammy, "T-Dawg" Donley or Laura, "Dubs" Hillkirk...just annoying ones that were put in place to annoy me really.
Bunion-Jay and his friends LOVED to call me this. I actually don't think they ever called me Laura and most of the time they didn't call Dubs Laura either, but called her Wednesday instead. I doubt most of them even know our real names!! They were big into nicknames, they all have them too:) And they are all much cooler than Bunion or Wednesday.
Onion-Naturally Runion Onion...got this alot in hs and it didn't bother me at all so I don't know why people continued to say it, but whatever:)
Runion-Laura STILL calls me this so I guess now it's a nickname because it's no longer my name...and I've been married for 7 years...I think she'll call me this forever:)
There is a LONG list of names that shouldn't be published that are used frequently to describe me...NICE is NOT one of them:)
I don't have any cool nicknames like Tammy, "T-Dawg" Donley or Laura, "Dubs" Hillkirk...just annoying ones that were put in place to annoy me really.
Bunion-Jay and his friends LOVED to call me this. I actually don't think they ever called me Laura and most of the time they didn't call Dubs Laura either, but called her Wednesday instead. I doubt most of them even know our real names!! They were big into nicknames, they all have them too:) And they are all much cooler than Bunion or Wednesday.
Onion-Naturally Runion Onion...got this alot in hs and it didn't bother me at all so I don't know why people continued to say it, but whatever:)
Runion-Laura STILL calls me this so I guess now it's a nickname because it's no longer my name...and I've been married for 7 years...I think she'll call me this forever:)
There is a LONG list of names that shouldn't be published that are used frequently to describe me...NICE is NOT one of them:)
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Jenni's Challenge Day 19
Something you miss: Freedom pre-children.
Do you remember when you could just run up to the store without packing a diaper bag, loading the car and having to walk out of the store with suckers that end up making everything the monsters touch sticky? Or take it a step further, do you remember going to the store to get some eggs and bread and that would be your dinner until you worked again...even it was a week? Once you have children you have to plan meals...and they can't eat hot dogs and pizza every night...you have to include veggies (EWWW) and fruit and you know the whole food group bs.
How about sleeping in after you stay out too late? Nope, don't even think about it! Not with kids! Oh, unless you're the dad I have learned. "Mom, I'm hungry" or "Mommy, Keegan pooped" always happens well before 8am. Sometimes you can barely muster the strength to pour the cereal, not spill the milk and shove the bowl in front of them with the hopes that the Saturday morning cartoons will babysit for an extra hour...but is it worth it? Usually just as soon as you doze back into a peaceful sleep, dreaming of freedom pre-children, a box of cereal is dumped all over the floor or someone colors on the wall in permanent marker...oh and that list of things that happens when you choose sleep over supervision, they are usually things you only admit to your closest friends!
Ever remember having to find a babysitter when you wanted to go out, go running, take a weekend trip somewhere or search for the perfect outfit? Nope, not unless you were dumb enough to have a dog:) Once you find a babysitter, is it worth it to watch your little ones be nervous and sad that you're leaving them with this strange human being that they have never met? But you REALLY need to get out, so you leave them stranded with the stranger and hope for the best!
Do you remember watching a movie and starting it before 10pm? By the time you get the kids to bed, take a deep breath and still decide you want to stay up late and be tired at work all day is watching an adult movie even worth it? Probably should just start Aladin at 6:30!
Love my children to death, but anyone that doesn't admit to missing freedom pre-children is a) lying b) Lying or c)LYING.
PS: I think the blog challenge is good for me:) I could have wrote a depressing post for this one, but instead I smiled the entire time I was remembering pre-children:)
Do you remember when you could just run up to the store without packing a diaper bag, loading the car and having to walk out of the store with suckers that end up making everything the monsters touch sticky? Or take it a step further, do you remember going to the store to get some eggs and bread and that would be your dinner until you worked again...even it was a week? Once you have children you have to plan meals...and they can't eat hot dogs and pizza every night...you have to include veggies (EWWW) and fruit and you know the whole food group bs.
How about sleeping in after you stay out too late? Nope, don't even think about it! Not with kids! Oh, unless you're the dad I have learned. "Mom, I'm hungry" or "Mommy, Keegan pooped" always happens well before 8am. Sometimes you can barely muster the strength to pour the cereal, not spill the milk and shove the bowl in front of them with the hopes that the Saturday morning cartoons will babysit for an extra hour...but is it worth it? Usually just as soon as you doze back into a peaceful sleep, dreaming of freedom pre-children, a box of cereal is dumped all over the floor or someone colors on the wall in permanent marker...oh and that list of things that happens when you choose sleep over supervision, they are usually things you only admit to your closest friends!
Ever remember having to find a babysitter when you wanted to go out, go running, take a weekend trip somewhere or search for the perfect outfit? Nope, not unless you were dumb enough to have a dog:) Once you find a babysitter, is it worth it to watch your little ones be nervous and sad that you're leaving them with this strange human being that they have never met? But you REALLY need to get out, so you leave them stranded with the stranger and hope for the best!
Do you remember watching a movie and starting it before 10pm? By the time you get the kids to bed, take a deep breath and still decide you want to stay up late and be tired at work all day is watching an adult movie even worth it? Probably should just start Aladin at 6:30!
Love my children to death, but anyone that doesn't admit to missing freedom pre-children is a) lying b) Lying or c)LYING.
PS: I think the blog challenge is good for me:) I could have wrote a depressing post for this one, but instead I smiled the entire time I was remembering pre-children:)
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