Monday, January 5, 2009

Check This Blog Out....

Every once in a while, ya'll know I like to share a new site or a favorite site. So here's a site I discovered today.
Go check it out....

www.bjdonahue.blogspot.com

Ever Wonder?

Do you ever wonder about people you see out in public? I'm one of those people that loves to know everything and learn everything. And if I don't know...I'll find out. Some call it nosey, I call it my job. LOL.

When I go to Wal Mart and I'm standing in the never ending lines, if my kids aren't with me. I either play on my cell phone (check the news, email,etc.) or I just watch people. Sometimes people blend in with everyone else and than there are the people that really stand out. Either because of an outfit, a hair do, the way they carry themselves or how they interact with other people. I like to observe people and try to figure out what their story is.

A few days before Christmas I was there with my daughter. And she was being good, but like me was getting tired and hungry. We saw this beautiful well dressed lady and she just stood in line like us, patiently waiting our turns. But this woman had 3 screaming tired little boys with her. I'd say between the ages of 2 thru 7 years old. My thoughts were; are her kids always like this, so she's learned to tune them out, what kind of home life do they have, is she a happy person or just sliding by in life?

Another time, I saw this elderly lady. I'd say maybe in her late 80's shopping with no one. And I wondered if she had any family, if she spent most of her time alone and she was happy. I know just because you're at Wal Mart or elsewhere alone, doesn't mean you're a lonely person. But it's just one of many things I wonder. I also wondered if she was born and raised here. And what types of historical events had she witnessed or been a part of.

There's also this lady that I see walking down Route 42, south bound close to the Route 33 Intersection. She's not dressed well and I think she might be homeless. I feel bad for her, because her face and the way she carries herself...she just seems so lonely. I don't know if she's homeless, I don't know if she's the happiest person in the world, but she seems lonely. I wonder if she has a family, a home, a job, anything to eat. But now a days you cant just walk up to some one and start asking questions. Sadly, you also cant just walk up and offer to help out.

Every person I see, I wonder about them. I'm sure they do the same with me, especially when I'm grouchy rushing through a store(s) like a maniac. That's usually when I try not to speak to anyone, because it's better to zip my mouth than to be grouchy with others who have no clue why I'm having a bad day.

One thing I usually do is say a silent prayer for the people I'm curious about. Because I don't know their story. They might have the best life and still be unhappy and they might have a horrible life and stay close to God knowing things will get better. I would love to know everyones stories. But reality tells me that's impossible. I guess in my own mind and in my prayers for them, I can write my own story.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Things I've Learned

2008 is now done, gone and over with. And I cant really say 2008 was a good year for me....because it wasn't. But like my Pastor said "Don't live in the past. And we cant flip our calenders back. " Of course he had more to that and today's sermon was very good as always, but some sermon's tug on your own heart strings more than other sermons. This one tugged on all my heart strings.

So here's just a few things I learned in 2008 and the first week of January 2009. I learned alot more than this, but I learn things everyday, so I don't want to bore ya'll too much.

I learned that I want to get to know God better, more personally and have a stronger relationship with Him.
I learned that I CAN and know how to say NO. I actually just learned that a few days ago.
I learned when I say "no", I will most likely tick some people off.
I learned that my kids will always try my patience, even when they grow up, get married, etc.
I learned that praying and encouraging adults/teens/kids to come to church always works out in God's time.
I learned that Face Book is an awesome way to find old friends and make new ones.
I learned that Virginia, well at least Rockingham County in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley...doesn't have very
exciting weather thanks to our awesome and beautiful mountains.
I learned I need more excitement in my life, including the weather. LOL.
I learned that I continue to think the computer was the greatest invention of all time.
I learned that it's okay to let the 'younger' generations teach us older folks how to do stuff.
I learned that when I'm telling my kids, nieces and nephews stories and they roll their eyes...it doesn't mean they don't want to hear the stories. They're rolling their eyes because they actually have to stop and listen to us. LOL
I learned that when we reach out and help, pray or just listen to friends, family or strangers it helps us deal with issues in our lives that we're having.

I had more, but I can't think of them right now. Maybe these things aren't exciting to ya'll, but each one of them means something to me. You can share what you learned in 2008 if you like. Enjoy 2009, God has big plans for all of us.