Peace

Peace.  What is 'peace'?  The dictionary definition is:

1.  the normal, nonwarring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world.

 

2. an agreement or treaty between warring or antagonistic nations, groups, etc., to end hostilities and abstain from further fighting or antagonism: the Peace of Ryswick.

3. a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations: Try to live in peace with your neighbors.

4. the normal freedom from civil commotion and violence of a community; public order and security: He was arrested for being drunk and disturbing the peace.

 

5. cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension.

 

Do you have peace?  Sometimes I have peace.  Sometimes I have to make peace.  Sometimes I have to allow peace.  Sometimes I have to demonstrate peace.  And sometimes, as a mother of two small boys, all I want is a little piece of...peace.

 

Sometimes we need to teach our children the meaning of the word.  Often, we trudge through life without it...always wishing it would stop and visit, but never truly inviting it.  

 

What do we have to do to obtain some peace?  Sometimes we must acquiesce to someone else's ideas, suggestions, appeals, requests, arguments or needs.  In our culture, the very thought of this sends shivers down our spines.  "But I'm RIGHT!", "But I DESERVE this!", "Would you just LISTEN to me?", we think to ourselves.

Have you ever heard the old adage, "Would you rather be right or happy?".  Those things seem to not relate to one another at first glance, but think about it for a minute.  Is this argument, request, appeal (fill in the blank) really worth it?  Occasionally the answer is, "Yes."  However, more often than not, things just are not that big of a deal.  This is true with our spouses, children, friends, family and passions.

Is it ok to have disagreements?  Of course.  Is it alright to want to prove your point?  Sure.  Is it a good idea to have a passion?  Yes, it is.  Is it good for us to make these things our life goal?  Not if you want peace.

So next time you find yourself getting all red in the face and about to orbit outer space over whether or not the toilet paper should go on top or underneath or whether or not your toddler spilled milk all over your newly cleaned floor...just remember...would you rather be right or happy?  

Peace to you and yours.

 

 

Ways to serve our friends

In the last couple of years, I have tried to find ways to serve my friends (family included).  Jesus served his friends and others while he was on the earth...he must want us to do the same.  I am not a very creative person by nature...I tend to find one thing that works and stick with it.  However, when it comes to serving my friends, I feel I should begin to stretch myself just a little and find new ways, every now and again.

My typical service is to bring a meal.  Often, one of my friends has just had a baby, is ill or just overwhelmed in general and I enjoy taking a home-cooked meal to help lighten their load.

I need some help coming up with new ways I can serve my friends and family.  Please keep in mind I have 2 young boys so there are some things I simply cannot do at this point in my life.  However, I am aware there is more available to do than what I am currently doing and I am open to suggestions.

Anyone??

Bath or Shower?

Image via Wikipedia

Perhaps this is too personal a question, but I am genuinely interested:  Do you prefer to bathe in a bathtub or a shower?

I prefer a bathtub typically.  There is a time and a place for a shower, but I enjoy the relaxation of lounging in the bathtub.  I enjoy the ease of shaving my legs in the bathtub.  I enjoy the possibility of bubbles in a bathtub.  I do NOT enjoy trying to wash my hair in the bathtub.  I have long hair so I do not wash my hair daily anyway.  So on my 'hair wash days', I take a shower.

What is YOUR preference and why?

5 things I just CANNOT do...

I am stealing this idea from a friend of mine.  I so enjoyed reading her post, I thought I would try it myself.

5 Things I Simply CANNOT do:

1.  I cannot parallel park.  I have tried and tried and tried.  I have determined for the safety of myself and others, I will walk, no matter how far.

2.  I cannot masticate my food properly.  I have tried to slow down while eating and chew my food the 25-40 times required per bite...but it just doesn't happen.

3.  I cannot move my ears without touching them.  My Grandpa Burkey could do this (when he was alive) and when I was a child I was always asking him to show me how.  I could never get the darn things to move!

4.  I cannot bring myself to pay for primping products.  I don't use hairspray, I don't buy lotion (I make my own), I don't dye my hair (anymore), I don't get my nails done or even paint them.  All of these types of things I view as frivolous (for myself) and I just can't bring myself to pay for them.

5.  I cannot do my own hair in fancy do-ups.  It's all down, all up in a ponytail or french braided.  That is the extent of my hair doing capabilities.  I WISH I was more talented...alas, I am not.

What can YOU not do??

Trip to San Diego

We took a trip this Labor Day weekend to San Diego.  When I say 'we', I mean Darren, Me, Luke, Zachary and Denise (my mother-in-law).  We ALL drove down in a Toyota Camary.  Yep, that's right!

We got to go to the San Diego Zoo!  It is HUGE.  It was lots of fun.  We asked Luke what his favorite animal was and his reply was, "The Sky Tram!".  LOL!  No joke!

We went to San Diego to visit my brother-in-law Dustin who is stationed near there.  He is in the Navy.  Zachary was NOT a good traveler.  He was up almost all night most of the nights.  We came home 1 day early because of it.  The days were fun, the nights were torture. **sigh**

Anyway, below are some pics from the trip during the day when we were having fun...

Me on the Sky Tram

Luke LOVED the Sky Tram

Zachary did NOT love the Sky Tram

Darren and Luke at the amphitheater in Balboa Park

Luke on the Saber Tooth Tiger

I am pretty sure this is the only picture we got of Zachary smiling!  ; )

Chick, chick, chickie!

We have 3 baby chicks.  We got them yesterday.  They are Light Brahma chicks and they are 3 weeks old.  We HOPE all 3 of them are hens.  (crossing fingers)

We need help naming them.  I like; Winkin, Blinkin and Nod.

What are YOUR suggestions?

Whole Wheat

Many of us like the IDEA of baking with whole wheat flour for health purposes.  Sadly we have found that with the exception of bread making, using whole wheat flour makes most of our baked goods dry. 

I have found the PERFECT solution.  White whole wheat flour.  The brand is King Aurthur (which I love anyway) and I found it at Food 4 Less so it's not expensive.  The whole wheat flour we are accustomed to purchasing is called 'hard red wheat'.  This new flour is made with 'hard white wheat'.  The color is lighter and the texture is softer. 

I have used it for cookies, banana bread and muffins so far and I LOVE it!  You should give it a try!