AHA!

Bet you thought I had lapsed back into my old ways of procrastination, didn't you?! Just been busy at work, walking in the afternoon, and other things that had to be done (not to mention just resting). Keeping four attorneys happy at the office getting all their work out without any of them feeling like I'm showing preference to one of the others can get a little pressured sometimes. Needless to say, they keep me busy. One of them is about to be gone for two weeks, so I'll get a bit of a breather.

I'm excited about going to Angela's this weekend (leaving tomorrow from work). We will be singing at their church on Saturday night, and then I'll drive back here early Sunday morning in time to play piano for my church. It's been a while since I've gotten to sing with them and I'll probably be a bit rusty. But, Angela, Steve, Meredith and Ethan will probably do most of it anyway, which will be a real treat for me.

I have a friend/former co-worker who is going to church with me Sunday, and I'm excited about that. Her husband died several months ago, her only child lives in Atlanta, and she's alone. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of a renewal of our friendship. After church, we'll have lunch and then go to the T'ville On Stage theater production in the afternoon. I have forgotten the name of it but have heard raves about how good and funny it is. It will be a full day!

Until next time (which will probably be Monday)...Wanda.

Friends

I was blessed today to hear from another friend in Mississippi that I haven't talked to in a long time. What a joy! I have three friends from Mississippi who are truly that -- it doesn't matter how long we've been apart or how long its been since we talked, we just pick up where we left off. That is a real blessing.

When someone pops into our minds and we think of them several times during the day, that probably means we should call and chat. Friends are too few and far between to let slip through our fingers, and it only takes a few minutes to reconnect. I'm talking mostly to myself, because a lot of times I'll intend to send a card, visit someone, or call and just keep putting it off. The result? I've cheated both of us out of a blessing. So, I'm going to do better!!!!

My local friend and I walked our three miles around the lake this afternoon, so I'm tired. I still have a couple of projects to work on before bedtime and better close this out. Until next time...Wanda.

Chatter

For lack of a better title, as I have nothing in particular to report on tonight; just didn't want to break my chain of blogging. Today being Sunday and my favorite day of the week (besides those ending in "y"), it was a good one! Church this morning was very good, lunch with the church bunch was enjoyable as usual, and my afternoon was spent putting pictues in my Women's Ministry scrapbook. I really should have walked but the pictures were calling me, so I gave in. Tonight was another good service at church, and I came home and ate too much and am miserable. Guess that means I'll really have to walk lots this next week. Hope all of you had a wonderful day and look forward to a great week. I love my job, I love Mondays (and each day thereafter), and look forward to being busy. I have some folks I want to send cards to, calls to make, plans to be made, housework to be done, activites to participate in, etc. What else is new?! Until next time...Wanda.

Women of Influence

That's the name of the ladies' function I attended today with Debbie and Ramona at Angela's church. I came home inspired and encouraged to be more conscious of my influence on others. We all are, you know, whether for good or not so good, so it's very important that we remember that we are God's children and let others see Jesus in us through our words, actions, body language, attitude, integrity, dependability, punctuality, thoughts, etc. etc. Get the point?

The only part of the day that I wish would have been different is to have been able to spend more time with my daughter and family. Emily had a softball game and I only got to be with her about 10 minutes. Ethan, of course, couldn't attend the ladies' thing and I only got to be with him for about the same amount of time. However, Meredith and Angela thrilled my heart - Angela is such a wonderful pastor's wife, mother and daughter that I'm always brought to tears when I'm with her. Meredith sang a solo ("Come to Jesus") and that really brought my tears. I love her so much and am so proud of her testimony. I'm going back down there next weekend (Friday after work and stay until early Sunday morning and then drive home in time to be at my church service) as they are having a sing and we are the program. ha. It's been a while since I've sung with them, but I can hardly wait.

Ok, I have things to do - like pop some corn and watch "Water Horse" that I bought at the Christian bookstore this afternoon. Until next time...Wanda.

So Excited!

These are my buddies - Debbie and Ramona (always has her eyes closed in pictures - ha). They are going with me tomorrow to Angela's.

As I mentioned in my last post, a long-lost friend was found today. We talked for 30 minutes on the phone and would have talked longer but I had to get back to work. It was as though the years just melted away and we picked up right where we left off. Now that's a friend! She now lives in Texas, so I can't pop over and see her anytime soon. However, she's coming over this way sometime in the next few months, so we will work it out somehow to get together for a few minutes or a day or two of visiting. In the meantime, we'll keep the phone lines hot. She still talks 90 miles an hour, so there's never a lull in the conversation. That's one of the things I love about her - never at a loss for words. ha.

Hope all of you have a great Saturday! Until next time...Wanda.

It's a habit!

(Can you tell I'm still reminiscing about my California trip? Mickey let me try out his car!)

Well, it didn't take three weeks of doing this for it to become a habit. It seems that I'm drawn to this computer every night to write something! However, I really don't have anything to share tonight except that as I walked my three miles this afternoon, I counted my blessings and thanked God for his work in my life.

There is one thing I've very excited about. A dear friend that I had lost contact with over the years is about to be found!!!! Her daughter and my oldest were best friends when they were little, and the mom and I were as well. The daughter saw one of my children's picture/name on My Space and contacted them. So, tomorrow I plan to make contact with the mom and do some "catching up." These computers are wonderful!

I'm planning to go to Angela's on Saturday for a tea/brunch with her church ladies and am looking forward to that as well as seeing the three grandchildren I haven't seen in a while. Hope all of you have a wonderful weekend and honor God with the way you live! Until next time...Wanda.

Secretary's Day

Much to my surprise, when I walked into my office this morning there was a pretty pink plant and an envelope on my desk. It had not dawned on me that today was Secretary/Administrative Asst. day, but my bosses remembered. There was a gift card to Outback in the card, so I'll have to see about putting that to use soon. Of course, one of them had written a note of thanks for all that I do in the card, and that was also appreciated. I love my job!

We had a wonderful crowd at church tonight and a good lesson as well. It was on spiritual growth, and that's been one of my desires the last few months. So, I'm looking forward to this series of Wednesday night lessons and even have some homework to do. Guess I should quit this and go get started. Until next time...Wanda.

Fish in the Lake

Yes, Stuart, there are fish in the lake. I saw three people pull some out today. One fellow decided his was not big enough, so he threw him back. The other two were good size and went into their coolers. I had to walk by myself today as my buddy was sick. I didn't mind, however, as I saw friends I hadn't seen in a while and just enjoyed being outdoors. There was a wonderful breeze, and I saw the world in action (firetruck with siren blasting, police cars, ambulance, and a train that crossed over our walking path). When I got home, I had two caramel rice cakes with peanut butter. YUM! (That one was for you, Kim! HA) That's all I've had, so I'm hoping the exercise and cutback on eating will get a few more pounds off. Will keep you posted on that (as if you are really interested). Hope all of you are having a wonderful week. Until next time...Wanda.

Cherokee Lake

This is my new favorite place to walk. It's exactly one mile around the lake, so three laps and I get in my three miles. It is beautiful and a perfect spot for walking, fishing, picnic-ing, or just taking a lawn chair to sit and watch the people or read. I can hardly wait for my children and grandchildren to come visit me so we can enjoy this together. I apologize for all the space between pictures on my blog - Wannie will have to show me how to correct it on her next visit. I'm tired, so this will be short. But aren't you proud of me for blogging so often!?!?!? Until next time...Wanda.

Saturday Doin's

You know I was expecting another beautiful day today. Well, when I got up this morning and looked outside - you guessed it - it was raining. Not hard, just enough to need an umbrella. I didn't let that stop me. I went to the beauty shop at 8:30 a.m., was out by 9:30 a.m., and the rain had stopped. The rest of the day was gorgeous; thank you, Lord. Got my errands done - CVS for vacation pictures, Ambers Two to drop off donations (consignment shop), etc. Came home and cleaned house, made lunch, and had a nap. The phone woke me (yes, Jawan, I was dozing when you called but didn't want to admit it - ha) and I chatted with Wannie. Hadn't much more than sat down when it rang again, and it was my friend Connie calling to see if I could have dinner with her tonight as her husband was otherwise engaged. So, she came and picked me up and we went to Applebees for dinner and was joined by a friend and former co-worker, Nancy. It was a wonderful spending time with both of them, especially Nancy. I hope all of you had a great day and will be in God's house tomorrow. Until next time...Wanda (see, I'm trying to change from "Mom").

It's me again!

I have so many pictures from my trip that I just had to post another or two. Bet you didn't know Billy Graham had a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, did you? I didn't. The next picture is of Kim and Shane's daughters - Jamie and Tiffany (Jamie is the oldest - that's Kim in the background). The last picture is Renae and Paul's oldest daughter, Kristi, with her new flame, Tai. This one was taken at Medieval Times, which, if you've ever been there, explains the crown she's wearing. We all had to wear them.

They say if you do something long enough, it becomes a habit. Well, I'm working on making a habit of daily blogging. Bet that's shocked a few of you! I have nothing in particular on my mind to write about except that it's Friday and the weekend is before me. Today was in the 80s, so I'm hoping tomorrow will be that way too as I have errands to run (nails, hair, CVS to check on pictures, consignment shop - thanks to my daughter, etc.). My Friday night dinner buddies had their grandbabies at their house, so I went to McDonalds (drivethrough) and then shopped for my secret sister a gift.

Hope all of you have a wonderful weekend. I'll chat with you soon! Until next time...Mom. (I really shouldn't sign off that way as more folks read this than just my children. Ok, I'll think of something for next time.)

California family

It's been years since my own children have seen their cousins in California and longer than that since the Mississippi portion of my family has seen them. So, I thought I'd at least post my sister's children (Renae and Paul; Terry and Sharon; Kim and Shane). Renae and Paul live in Fullerton, CA, Terry and Sharon live in Roswell, GA, and Kim and Shane live with Norma and Gwin in Los Angeles. They are all so special to me, and I had so much fun visiting with them last week.

We have a beautiful lake just one street over from my house, and I've just this week discovered what a treat it is. A sidewalk has been put in all the way around it, bridges have been built over the water, benches are placed here and there, picnic tables, a children's playground, and the rose garden are all there as well. Lots of people were there walking, some were fishing off the bridges, and families were strolling their children. Ramona and I walked there day before yesterday, and I went by myself this afternoon. I asked someone how far it was around the lake and was told it is exactly one mile. I was on my third lap around when I asked, so I got in three miles before coming home. Think I'll head for bed as soon as I finish this.

Ok, this is my third day in a row to blog, which is some kind of record for me. Don't get excited for I'll probably lapse back into procrastination mode soon.ha. Until next time...Mom.

Afterthought!

Just a shot of Norma and me with some actor outside of Grauman's Chinese Theater. There were bunches of these people dressed in costumes wanting to have their picture made with you. Then, after the picture was made, they asked for a tip. That's the way they made extra cash when not rehearsing or acting. I gave him $1 - do you think it was worth it? ha. I learned my lesson quickly and didn't take pictures with anyone else in costume.

This is what I really wanted to blog about tonight. I wish I had a picture to prove this, but I don't have it yet. I forgot to tell you that I got to play the piano on Main Street in Disneyland while on our trip!!!!! There was a ragtime pianist playing while people ate in the outdoor part of the restaurant. Some lady from the crowd asked the pianist if she could play, and he said yes. She played beautifully - ragtime just like he had been doing. While she was playing, Renae and Debbie decided they would ask him if I could play. They did, he said yes, and I played - not ragtime but southern gospel! They got my picture so I'll have to wait until they send it to me to prove that I really did! Don't know how I forgot to tell you about that as I felt quite honored. Ok, that's told so don't you feel better? I do. ha. Would you believe I've just tonight unpacked my suitcase (home on Sunday and here it is Wednesday). Talk about procrastination! I don't know what U.S. Air did, but they ruined my suitcase. The fabric was torn off on one corner and the frame was all bent out of shape. Oh well, I do have another smaller one so I'm not going to worry about it. Guess I could have filed a claim but they gave us a safe, smooth flight so we'll call it even. Enough for now. Until next time...Mom.

Recouping!

Norma and Gwin at Sea World

Me and Debbie on ski lift

Me and Norma

Me, Norma and Debbie at The Grove

Debbie, me and Norma at Universal

After ten days vacationing in Los Angeles, CA, I made it through my first day back at work. We had such a wonderful time visiting with my sister and her family and thoroughly enjoyed everything! There's not a more perfect host and hostess in the world. She and Gwin entertained us royally with places such as Medieval Times, Universal Studios, Rainforest Cafe, Church, Hollywood, Disneyland/California Adventures, Sea World in San Diego, The Grove, Farmers' Market, Cheesecake Factory, American Doll store, sightseeing in L.A., and a live Broadway play to end the week. We walked, ate, walked, ate, shopped, ate, -- get the idea?! ha. Many stars should be in the crown of Gwin. He's the most patient, calm, cooperative, and fun man I know. He took us everywhere, told us to take all the time we needed and do whatever we wanted to do, and found him a place to sit and read while we did it. I don't know of another man anywhere that would do that with three women or more. On our excursion to Disneyland/California Adventures, there were 18 of us and he never complained. I love you, Gwin!!!!

My precious son, Stuart, picked Debbie and me up at the airport in Atlanta Saturday night. Debbie's husband met us down the road, got his wife and her belongings, and they headed for the mountains for a few days. I got to spend the night with Stuart again and go to church with him Sunday morning. That was a wonderful experience. Of course, I loved getting to visit with him in his new place and he cooked spaghetti for us for supper. Just wish we lived closer so we could see each other more often. I was back on my piano stool at my own church Sunday night, and that is always a wonderful feeling.

I came home determined to get a few more pounds off and started off really good this morning with a Slim Fast, two slices of pizza and a salad for lunch, walked for 40 minutes after work, ate a tomato and cucumber with Ranch dressing for supper and then...you guessed it - I pigged out on chips. Where oh where does my willpower go? Guess I'll just have to walk faster and more often to offset those fat grams.

Ok, I've rambled enough to make up for the weeks I didn't post anything. So, until next time...Mom.

"Destiny"

I just returned this afternoon from the "Destiny" Women's Conference in Destin, FL with the theme "How Do I Know I Heard God's Voice?" It was a wonderful weekend meeting new friends, hearing stirring testimonies, being taught the word (by Ann Nunnally of Thomasville, who also is the head of the committee that puts the retreat together every year), singing songs of praise, and eating delicious food. There were ladies from Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Minnesota in attendance with all ages from 2 months to 84 years. One young lady was saved the first night and many decisions and breakthroughs were made by others. The guest speaker was Linda Goldfarb from San Antonio, TX and she was wonderful. That's her in the second picture with me (she's the pretty one - ha). The trip there and back with my friend, Connie (that's her in the first picture with me), was wonderful as well with non-stop talk. We also roomed together and instead of watching TV at night, we talked. She's on the committee that puts together the retreat every year, and I'm thankful she insisted that I go with her. Tomorrow, it's back to work but with a renewed determination to spend more time with the Lord so I'll be sure when I hear his voice. So, until next time...Mom.

Hopeless case!

Guess I have just proven that I'm a hopeless case when it comes to procrastination. I know it's been weeks since I blogged. I wish I were more like my second daughter and would do it daily. Where did she get that? I know it was not from her parents so it must have been from another generation. I'm so glad she is good at it, loves doing it, and is consistent. I would be so disappointed if I clicked onto her blog each day and there was nothing new. ha. Thank you, Jawan, for sharing whatever is on your heart, especially those three precious grandchildren! I do get such joy in showing them off to my friends and co-workers.

I am excited about next weekend as I'll be going to Destin for a women's conference with a friend of mine. They have had it every year now for probably 10 or more years, and I've never gone before. She said God had laid me on her heart to go this year, so I'm hoping that means there's a special blessing in store for me. I'll let you know.

We had a new lady to join our church this morning (Judy), and she and I are becoming friends. She has also joined our Sunday School class and went to lunch with us today after church. She's single (divorced) and lives really close to me, so I'm looking forward to getting to know her better. I already know she LOVES southern gospel music, which means we have a lot in common. We all know that God brings people into our lives for a reason and I'm hoping this friendship will be for the good of both of us. She's looking for a job but is not stressing because she knows God will provide.

Ok, I think I "done good" ('scuse the English) with this post and I don't want to overdo. ha. So, until next time....Mom.

Another milestone!

My baby turned 32 today!!! Wow, how time flies. Happy Birthday, Stuart, and I hope you had a wonderful day and will have many, many, many more. It seems when your children are little that they will never grow up but all of a sudden they are grown, gone from home and making a life of their own. I'm so proud of my three and pray that they will seek God's will for their lives and then have the courage to make the right decisions, live as they know they should, and put God first in everything.

Being raised in a preacher's home, I've heard, read and been taught all my life that our strength comes from the Lord. I've always believed that, but just recently I've come to know that in a new way. Going through this bout of depression, spiritual warfare, or whatever else you want to call it, I find that the only way I find real peace is to RUN to God's Word and talk to Him in prayer. Only then do I find my spirit calming down and my mind thinking right. I know God will see me through and that He has something good in store for me. So, even though I've seen and experienced answers, I still need your prayers.

Until next time...Mom.

To God Be The Glory!

After two full weeks of intense TLC from my daughters, son, grandchildren, church family, counselor, and medicine, the "STUFF" I last wrote about is almost gone. I went back to work this week and, except for the first day, have had a very good week. I know I would be amazed if I knew the number of prayers that have been said on my behalf, and I'm grateful for every prayer, call, visit, hug, and card that came my way. I found that singing hymns out loud, quoting scripture out loud, reading the Word out loud, and praying out loud really put the devil on the run and gave me the strength I needed to get through the day/night. Hopefully, I won't have to deal with that kind of thing again, and I give God the glory for it all. HE is the One who saw that I was surrounded by my family and friends and answered their prayers (and mine). We serve an awesome God who does all things for our good and His glory. It is my prayer that I learned some things during this time that will be beneficial down the road for myself or someone else. I plan to be back at my post of duty at church (piano) this Sunday and can hardly wait. So, until next time...Mom.

Dealing With "STUFF"

Gee, it's been ages since I blogged but have some pretty good reasons (or excuses). I've been dealing with a lot of stuff -- depression, etc. -- and even yet do not have a handle on it. However, I'm on a plan so maybe before long I'll be able to report victory. If you've never experienced depression, I pray that you never will. If you have, then you can relate to where I am and know that I need your prayers. I'm surrounded with family and friends who are doing just that for me and am so thankful God has placed them in my life. There's no reason I can think of that brought this on as I have a wonderful family, friends, job, home, automobile, finances, and all the necessities for living a good life. Maybe it's just a test God is putting me through to prune me for bigger and better things. When this is all over, I will be glad to use it for His glory if He so desires. It has rained all day today, so I've not been out of the house. I've watched TV, read my Bible, been on the computer, prayed, and talked on the phone to family and friends. I'm hoping I can spend the night by myself tonight without having to have someone come over the stay with me. I am on a mild antidepressant, but it hasn't had time yet to get into my system. Maybe in another week it will kick in and make a difference. So, between now and my next blog, I covet your prayers. Until next time, I love you.....Mom.

Blessings in Disguise

My granddaughter, Emily (above - age 7), got to spend the night with me last night and a few hours this morning before returning home. We had a good time eating dinner last night at McDonalds, renting and watching Ratatouille (?), sleeping late, having breakfast together, watching Hairspray, practicing her piano lesson, playing on the computer, etc. Naturally, she did not want to go home when her Dad and brother came by to pick her up. I'm so thankful my grandchildren want to come to my house and hate to leave. I love them all so much!!!!

I initially had plans for this weekend before finding out that Emily was coming. A friend of mine had sent me four free tickets to attend a Christmas concert at the Cultural Center for last night. I gave three of them to friends at church who said they would love to go with me. Well, when I found out I could not go because of Emily coming, I called one of the friends and told them I could not go. Bottom line, none of them went either. I feel bad that free tickets were not taken advantage of, but I know I was doing what I was supposed to be doing - enjoying my grandchild. Next, I had planned to go with a couple of friends for the day to Market Days in Tallahassee. That didn't pan out either, but you know what? I'm not disappointed that I didn't get to go (except to enjoy the fellowship of my two friends) as, again, I had my priorities in order. After Emily left, I dropped off bags of clothes to the consignment shop for Angela, did some more Christmas shopping, had my nails done, wrapped presents, etc. None of that would have gotten done if I had been gone all day. So, sometimes our failed plans turn out to be blessings in disguise. There will be other concerts and other market days but Emily will only be little once and I will not be on this earth forever.

Tomorrow is Sunday and, as always, I look forward to being in God's house. I look forward to being with God's people, friends, and all the activities of the day. I hope everyone who reads this will also be in church worshipping. Until next time...Mom.