Mean people

Have you ever wonder why people are mean?  Not everyone...just certain people.  

Recently I've encountered mean people, and I've had to remind myself that the concept of authorship is key to surviving these experiences.

Why are people mean? Here's the short answer: They're hurt. Here's the long answer: They're really hurt.   At some point, somebody—their parents, their friends, their employers, their spouse...someone—did them dirty. Maybe they were crushed. Maybe they're still afraid the pain will never stop, or that it will happen again.  Maybe that's why they hurt others.  I wonder why mean people don't censor themselves.  Why don't they process the hurtful things they say and do?

The fact is that we've all been hurt, and we're all wounded, but not all of us are mean. Why not? Because some people exude kindness, care, compassion, and forgiveness.   I hope (and pray) my life exemplifies one that is not 'mean',one that offers love and compassion.  What ever happened to "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all", or 'Do unto others as you would have them to do unto you."?  

May my life shine on others. May I be an encourager and an uplifter.  May I show love, not hurt.

Adam's Graduation

 
This afternoon, we witnessed Adam's graduation from Michigan State College of Law.  It was a beautiful ceremony - very small and personal.  The professors were so proud of these students' hard work and dedication.  We were especially proud of Adam, as he was the student speaker at the graduation.  He presented a wonderful speech to the graduates and families and friends.  

Now...he gets to study and concentrate for three months to prepare for the Bar Exam in February.  Yipee! 

After the graduation, we celebrated with dinner at PF Chang's and then gathered at Julia and Adam's beautiful house for a time of festivities and desserts.  So proud...

December Dance Club

Last evening, we went to Dance Club.  It was a wonderful evening shared with good friends.  The  meal was amazing, the band was outstanding, and everyone looked beautiful...all sparkly and bright!

Kathy and Gena

Mark and Gena

Steve and Rosie

...tis the season

The house is decorated, the gifts are under the tree, the stocking are hung, and the ground is covered with snow.  Christmas is just around the corner...

As I patiently wait for the 'big' to arrive, my heart grows tender with childhood memories...  ...memories that taught me the true gifts of Christmas were Peace, Joy, and Love  
...memories of specially chosen presents stuffed under our Christmas tree 
...memories of homemade Christmas cookies, frosted perfectly
...memories of Christmas carols shared around our upright piano

It's my prayer that my children gather memories and traditions as we celebrate together this year.   It is pure joy to me to have Jonathan and Sarah, and Julia and Adam gather in our home this Christmas season. What could be better?   

I'm wishing you a joy-filled Christmas, and a holiday filled with love.  Celebrate the Reason for the Season ~ JESUS. 

Good news...yipee

It seems like there's been a lot of sad and depressing news ...cancer, infection, death, divorce, loneliness, etc.  BUT, last week, we received wonderful news!!  Jonathan and Sarah called to let us know they were EXPECTING!!  Their wonderful and exciting news warmed my heart and restored my joy!!  I can't even believe Craig and I will have a GRANDBABY!!  I'm going to be a MIMI!!  OMG!!   I've already started a countdown till June 9th, 2011.  Can't wait!    

 

What a BEAUTIFUL baby!! 

Fall

Fall is a lovely time of the year. 

         These things make me happy... 

• cool breezes coming from the sky, dotted with puffy clouds
• the colorful leaves slowly drifting into scattered piles
• the fresh cornucopias of harvest blessings
• Halloween costumes 
• bags and bags of candy
• homemade soup steaming on the stove
• pumpkin pie and apple crisp
• Candy corn mixed with salty peanuts
• girl's  weekend up north
• visiting local orchards- fresh donuts and honeycrisp apples
• Scarecrows and corn husks decorating the light posts
• Jack-o-lanterns lit on the porch
• long walks in the cool evenings

Autumn is wonderful...if I were a bird, I'd fly all around the globe, roosting in all the 'autumns' of the world.

      Things I don't love about autumn...

• MEAP tests
• knowing the cold and snow of winter is right around the corner
• late sunrises and early sunsets

Fortunately for me...the positives far out weigh the negatives of Autumn.   Let's enjoy the few days we have left of God's beauty.

Pure beauty...

Girl's weekend

Of course, we visited the pumpkin lady

Last weekend was a wonderful girl's get-away weekend.  Nine girlfriends trekked west across our great state to Pentwater.  There, we celebrated Marilyn's 'big' birthday!!  It was a time to not only celebrate Marilyn's birthday, but it was a time to catch up on what was going on in each other's lives.  Together, we laughed until we cried, ate lots of good food, hiked, climbed, walked, watched a movie together, ate more, shopped, admired God's handiwork in the beautiful colors painted on the trees, picked perfect pumpkins, and slept in till 8:00!  For me, the weekend was like being on a paradise vacation on a far-away island.  I'm so blessed with special friends.  Memories, words of encouragement, uplifting conversations, kindness, thoughtfulness abounding, pumpkins, chocolate. . . so much more. 

Marilyn's delish birtday cake

Present time  ...in our jammies

This says it all :)

On top of Mt. Baldy - simply beautiful (Stella and Cathy were still shopping)

Final photo shoot at the beautiful Pentwater Gazebo