Comeback Kids

May 11, 2011 by 2 Comments

Yay! Our strawberry patch has continued its comeback! Last spring, after a year of almost being completely wiped out, we had a few strawberry plants push through the sod and proudly produce a few berries for us (there would have been more if it hadn’t been for neighborhood thieves. And now I’m happy to report that this spring the patch is back—and even stronger than last year. I think we’ve got a comeback kid on our hands!

Oh, there are still plenty of gaps between plants. But more plants have made an appearance this year, and one area has even filled out rather nicely. We had good rain not long ago, but as you can see, we’re in need of more now. I have high hopes, though, of enjoying a few more fresh strawberries this year and would love to be able to make some jam for my kids—but that might be pushing it for my little comeback patch, given the fact that the birds love its berries, too. Darn birds! :)

You can bet I will be cheering for my strawberry patch, though. Everyone cheers for a comeback kid, right? It’s almost impossible not to. Who’s not inspired to see someone rise from the ashes of defeat or disaster and try to get back in the game? It takes real courage, fresh hope, and gritty determination to raise your head once you’ve been knocked flat.

Let’s ask ourselves if there’s anyone we know who needs someone in their corner right now, someone cheering them on as they try to make a comeback. Just as I might try to chase a few birds away from my strawberry patch or give it some much needed water, let’s offer our comforting presence and words of encouragement to the comeback kids in our lives as they raise their heads and hearts and try to gain their footing again.

And most importantly, let’s lift these comeback kids to the Father in prayer. He’s the One who can make their victories sure. And He wants to be in their corners, too.

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

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Filed Under: cheer, fighter, nature, spring, victory

Confessions of a Chocoholic

April 13, 2011 by 5 Comments

This piece first appeared in a special humor issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter/ezine. The next issue will come out the first week in May. If you’re not already receiving Life Notes, sign-up is free and to the right!

I might as well be honest about it. I’ve loved chocolate longer than I’ve loved my husband. And that’s a pretty long time now, given the fact that we’ve been married for 35 years. I guess you could say chocolate was my first love. Sorry, honey.

Since chocolate and I go back such a long time together, I think it’s about time I acknowledge my favorite chocolaty treats. I’d say it’s time they got their due, wouldn’t you? So in no particular order—because I don’t think I could make a choice where some of them are concerned—here are My Top Ten Chocolate Loves:

1. Harry & David Dark Chocolate Truffles. If these don’t turn you from light to dark, nothing will.

2. Brownies with Chocolate Chips. Hot, cold, hour-old, day-old, week-old. Any will do.

3. Chocolate Sheet Cake. Best with homemade ice cream, but I can handle it all on its own.

4. Peanut M&Ms. Yes, I can be healthy and have protein with my chocolate.

5. Chocolate Cream Pie. I’ve never met one I didn’t like.

6. Fudge. It’s not just for Christmas anymore. Well, at least not in my dreams.

7. Molten Lava Cake. If Chili’s ever quits serving this, someone just slit my wrists.

8. Chocolate Shakes. I wonder if Braum’s would consider instituting IV drips??

9. Fudge Brownie Ice Cream. I’ll take mine in a dish. After all, a girl’s gotta watch her calories.

10. Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies. Too much of a good thing? Never!

And we lived happily ever after…

“God…richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” 1 Timothy 6:17b

*Are you a chocoholic? If so, what’s your favorite chocolate indulgence? If not, what kind of “oholic” are you? C’mon and fess up — it will be fun! :)

*Flickr photo by shimelle, Creative Commons License

Filed Under: cheer, chocolate, fun

Celebration Anyone?

February 27, 2011 by 10 Comments

6913508663_46a750aeba_zAnyone due for a time of celebration? Has it been awhile since you’ve jumped for joy? Well, I give you permission, my friend. Go ahead and kick up your heels. You don’t have to wait for some major event to happen. Celebrate what you’re happy about right now!

Our daughter Kelli and her husband Jake did that very thing this past week. They celebrated the completion of a huge mid-term paper Jake had been working on for quite some time. In spite of a snow storm, they went out to eat to celebrate and finally spend a little time together. Yes, they were due for some kicking-up-their-heels time, and they took the time to do it.

Celebrating does our hearts good, doesn’t it? Let’s not wait until we have a birthday, an anniversary, a new job, or a graduation to do it. Let’s approach life with an attitude of celebration and jump for joy over some of the smaller things that happen around us each day as well.

Just think of all the possibilities. Like Kelli and Jake, we can celebrate the completion of a project or the attaining of a goal. We can kick up our heels over making it through another work week or getting to spend some time with loved ones. We can celebrate a good report from the doctor or a refund on our taxes. (Well, that last one may be wishful thinking… :) )

In our spirits we can celebrate a host of daily blessings from God. The beauty of a sunset, the companionship of a friend, the comfort of His Word, or just the privilege of being His child. All of these things — and many more like them — call for celebration.

So tell me, what have you been celebrating lately? Anything going on in your life that makes you want to jump for joy? If not, take a minute to count your blessings. You’ll be kicking up your heels in no time!

“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” Job 8:21

*Flickr photo by Ant1_G, Creative Commons License

Filed Under: blessing, celebrate, cheer, fun, joy

For Fun: You Might Not Know…

February 2, 2011 by 13 Comments

Hope you’re ready for some of my silliness :) In spite of recent sad times and the massive blizzard that blasted our area on Monday, I’m continuing this week’s spirit of fun with another light-hearted post today. Get ready to giggle :)

A couple of years ago, I shared some random tidbits of info about myself so you could get to know me a little better. I thought this might be a good time to see if I could add 10 new things to that list, so here goes.

If you don’t know me very well, you might not know:

1. I’ve lived in Kansas all my life. No, I don’t own any ruby slippers :)

2. I still have my tonsils. And appendix. And gall bladder. And… Okay, I’ll stop there :)

3. I’ve never had long hair. When you’re as beautiful as I am with short hair, why complicate life? :), Ha!, and LOL.

4. I’ve never colored my hair. Again, why mess with perfection? (Somebody stop me!)

5. I don’t like tomatoes, mushrooms, or foods with cream cheese. Yes, this includes cheesecake. Shocking, I know, but true :)

6. As poor college students during our overnight honeymoon, we saw Gone With the Wind at the movies. Pathetic, but also true. (Don’t worry, we took a real trip a couple of years later.)

7. I had to be rescued during swimming lessons as a kid the first time I jumped into the deep end of the pool. I was only a few feet from the side, but all I could do was bob up and down. I think it was the first time that instructor got wet all summer :)

8. I don’t know how to start our lawnmowers, probably because Don always does the mowing. But then again, he doesn’t seem to know how to start the washer, the dryer, the… You get the picture :)

9. When sitting and relaxing on the couch in the evening, I sometimes rub my feet together like a cricket. What can I say? I get it from my dad :)

And…

10. I celebrate with chocolate. I reward myself with chocolate. I carry some sort of chocolate in my purse at all times. And it just occurred to me that maybe I should start punishing myself with chocolate, too…. Could it be time for an intervention?? :)

What don’t I know about you? Please share!

…a time to weep, and a time to laugh…” Ecclesiastes” 3:4a KJV

*If you enjoyed this type of fun post, you’ll get a kick out of my “Confessions of a Chocoholic” in the current issue of Life Notes (my quarterly inspirational newsletter). Sign up is free and to the right!

**Don’t forget to enter the “I Love Chocolate” Giveaway. Just scroll down to the post below, and you might be in chocolate heaven come Valentine’s Day!

Filed Under: cheer, fun, new thing

The Grandstands

November 3, 2010 by 5 Comments

True to our own little tradition, Don and I went to the movies on Halloween. This year we saw Secretariat and joined thousands, past and present, who have watched victory unfold from the grandstands. Couple this inspiring story of a triple crown winner with the movie’s amazing and moving musical score, and you feel like you’re there, one of many pulling for the big, red horse to win it all.

I couldn’t help but notice one young moviegoer who was so engrossed in the story playing out before us that she nearly came out of her chair with excitement during the last race segment. Sitting in front of us and down a few seats, she rocked on the edge of her chair in time to the beat of Secretariat’s hooves. She was determined to help him win — as were the many who were really in the stands that day.

The energy and cheers of the fans undoubtedly provided Secretariat with the extra measure of inspiration and determination needed to gain the victory. And when the victory was won in such an amazing fashion, the grandstands erupted in unbridled cheers. Not only did the fans earnestly pull for Secretariat, they rejoiced wildly in his victory.

A scripture passage from Hebrews tells us that we, too, are surrounded by such a throng as we run the race of life. People are in the grandstands for us. Yes, folks are pulling for us. Not only those who know and love us, but the scripture refers to those who have gone on before us. What a powerful thought — the hosts of heaven pulling for us, willing us to do our best and then rejoicing in our victories.

Anyone in need today of an extra measure of inspiration and determination as you run life’s race? Close your eyes and envision the grandstands around you. Remember they’re filled with people who want to see you win. Do you hear the cheers? Let them spur you on to victory. Press on. Give it your best!

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1

Flickr photo by Ryan Bjorkquist, Creative Commons License

*The Life Notes Subscriber Appreciation Giveaway deadline is this Sunday. Details are in my Oct. 10 post and sign-up is to the right. Don’t miss out on the chance to win a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble!

Filed Under: cheer, determination, movie, perseverance, victory
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