Friday, November 9, 2007

Little Trouble This Week

Hi J-Land. hope all are doing good. I had some problems , this week. I developed pnuemonia and had a liter of fluid in my lung that had to be drawn off. I also had two units of plasma. I was in the hospital, three days. So glad to be home!! Had my third chemo treatment, yesterday, now I'll be on rest for three weeks and then have a cat scan to see if there's any improvement to the tumors, then start back on chemo. Weather here in Nashville, TN is beautiful and the trees are all aglow!! I love this time of year!! So , you all stay safe and God be with, each of you. I have a couple of things to share, I hope you enjoy. Till next time, Hugs to all, Barbara


                                                


Attitude

There once was a woman who woke up one morning,
Looked in the mirror,
And noticed she had only three hairs on her head.

Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?"
So she did
And
She
Had
A
Wonderful
Day.



The next day she woke up,
Looked in the mirror
And saw that she had only two hairs on her head.

"H-M-M," she said,
"I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?"
So she did
And
She
Had
A
Grand
Day.




The next day she woke up,
Looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.

"Well," she said,
"today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail."
So she did
And
She
Had
A
Fun,
Fun
Day.




The next day she woke up,
Looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head.

"YEA!" she exclaimed,
"I don't have to fix my hair today!"




Attitude is everything.

 
 

Be kinder than necessary,
For everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Live simply,


Love generously,

Care deeply,

Speak kindly.......

Leave the rest to God

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...

 

It's about learning to dance in the rain

 

 

 


Is God Dancing On Your Potato Chips?


Not too long ago I had "one of those days." I was feeling pressure from a writing deadline. I had company arriving in a couple days and the toilet was clogged. I went to the bank, and the trainee teller processing my deposit had to start over three times. I swung by the supermarket to pick up a few things and the lines were serpentine.

 

By the time I got home, I was frazzled and sweaty and in a hurry to get something on the table for dinner. Deciding on Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup, I grabbed a can opener, cranked open the can, then remembered I had forgotten to buy milk at the store. Nix the soup idea. Setting the can aside, I went to plan "B", which was leftover baked beans. I grabbed the Tupperware container from the fridge, popped the seal, took a look and groaned. My husband isn't a picky eater, but even HE won't eat baked beans that look like caterpillars.

 

Really frustrated now, I decided on a menu that promised to be as foolproof as it is nutrition-free: hot dogs and potato chips. Retrieving a brand new bag of chips from the cupboard, I grabbed the cellophane and gave a hearty pull. The bag didn't open. I tried again. Nothing happened. I took a breath, doubled my muscle, and gave the bag a hearty wrestle. With a loud pop, the cellophane suddenly gave way, ripping wide from top to bottom. Chips flew sky high. I was left holding the bag, and it was empty.

 

It was the final straw. I let out a blood curdling scream. "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" My husband heard my unorthodox cry for help. Within minutes he was standing at the doorway to the kitchen, where he surveyed the damage: an opened can of soup, melting groceries, moldy baked beans, and one quivering wife standing ankle deep in potato chips. My husband did the most helpful thing he could think of at the moment. He took a flying leap, landing flat-footed in the pile of chips. And then he began to stomp and dance and twirl, grinding those chips into my linoleum in the process!

 

I stared. I fumed. Pretty soon I was working to stifle a smile. Eventually I had to laugh. And finally I decided to join him. I, too, took a leap onto the chips. And then I danced. Now I'll be the first to admit that my husband's response wasn't the one I was looking for. But the truth is, it was exactly what I needed. I didn't need a cleanup crew as much as I needed an attitude adjustment, and the laughter from that rather funky moment provided just that.

 

So now I have a question for you, and it's simply this:  Has God ever stomped on your chips? I know that, in my life, there have been plenty of times when I've gotten myself into frustrating situations and I've cried out for help, all the while hoping God would show up with a celestial broom and clean up the mess.

 

What often happens instead is that God dances on my chips, answering my prayer in a completely different manner than I had expected, but in the manner that is best for me after all. Sometimes I can see right away that God's response was the best one after all. Sometimes I have to wait weeksor months before I begin to understand how and why God answered a particular prayer the way he did. There are even some situations that, years later, I'm still trying to understand. I figure God will fill me in sooner or later, either this side of Heaven or beyond.

 

Do I trust Him? Even when He's answering my prayers in a way that is completely different from my expectations? Even when He's dancing and stomping instead of sweeping and mopping? Can I embrace what He's offering? Can I let His joy adjust my attitude? Am I going to stand on the sidelines and sulk, or am I willing to learn the steps of the dance He's dancin' with my needs in mind? I'll be honest with you: Sometimes I sulk. Sometimes I dance. I'm working on doing more of the latter than the former. I guess the older I get the more I realize that He really does know what He's doing. He loves me and I can trust Him. Even when the chips are down.

 

Author Unknown

 

 

 


"All races and tribes in the world are like different colored flowers of one meadow.All are beautiful"


 


                                                          


                                                      

58 comments:

Anonymous said...

Barb so glad you are home and feeling better:) love the tato chip story so true:) keeping you in prayer dear one

Deb

Anonymous said...

Glad to see that your spirits are still up and that you are enjoying the natural beauty of the world at this time of year.  Hugs, Tells x

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear you're keeping your head high and enjoying your surroundings.

Guido

Anonymous said...

h

Anonymous said...

Sorry for the things you had to go through. You are in my prayers every day. God Bless, Janie

Anonymous said...

Was thinking of you and am praying...wishing you a good weekend!  Hugs,TerryAnn

Anonymous said...

well gal you are now with our creator ...how Ienvy you...we will miss you

patty

Anonymous said...

h

Anonymous said...

Such sad news in J/Land today.Came over from Sugars Journal.RIP Dear one.Prayers being said for all the family.Amen.Kath
astoriasand http://journals.aol.co.uk/astoriasand/MYSIMPLERHYMES

Anonymous said...

I just got the news my friend..may you rest in peace..my prayers go out to your family and friends!  Hugs,TerryAnn

Anonymous said...

Prayers for your loved ones and family. You are now in the arms of Jesus. God Bless to your family. Janie

Anonymous said...

I can over from Sugar's journal. I am so sorry, May God be with the family and uplift you and give peace during this time. Helen

Anonymous said...

So very sorry to hear this news.... prayers and strength going to family and friends.   May your walk with the Angels be tender and sweet.
d

Anonymous said...

So sorry, rest in peace Barb.  May God comfort your family and friends.

http://journals.aol.co.uk/jeanno43/JeannettesJottings/

Anonymous said...

Not known you for long, only in the latter days of your struggle. I am pleased for you the pain and suffering is now over, and you'll be at rest. I wish your family strength at this very sad time, and offer my condolences.

Anonymous said...

God bless you all.  Love, Shelly

Anonymous said...

Just came over from Jeanette's. So sorry to hear the news.
Deepest sympathy to all your family at this terrible time.
Carolx

Anonymous said...

Just came over from Jeanette's. So sorry to hear the news.
Deepest sympathy to all your family at this terrible time.
Carolx

Anonymous said...

I got the sad news from Jeannette's.  I have never visited here until now but I can see J/land will be a richer place for having known you.  God bless you and your loved ones.
Angie, xx

Anonymous said...

Guido from Northern Trip sent me over.
In reading this journal,I can tell you had a wonderful outlook on life,something the rest of us need reminded of from time to time.
Bless your family as they struggle with the loss of you here on earth.
May they look to the heavens and know their brightest angel watches over them in their everyday lives.
My sincere condolences to all who mourn your loss,dear lady..
~~~~~~~~~
connie

Anonymous said...

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy for your loss.  
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Barbara, though we weep for you for a season, we know that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.  Condolences to your family.  I am praying for you.

Krissy
http://journals.aol.com/fisherkristina/SometimesIThink  

Anonymous said...

h

Anonymous said...

Came by way of Sugars blog, may God bless your family.
From,
Rita

Anonymous said...

Came by way of Sugars blog, may God bless your family.
From,
Rita

Anonymous said...

Saw this mentioned on Sugars Life, came to pay my respects.
Saying prayers for all.
Wendy

Anonymous said...

I am not sure if the family will read this but if they do please know your mom was so loved and a very special lady. Barb how beautiful heavan must be no more pain. i miss you

Deb

Anonymous said...

h

Anonymous said...

Barb's family will be in my thoughts and prayers, this week.  Heard about the passing from Sugar.  Joni

Anonymous said...

Blessings & Prayers to the family.


Brenda

Anonymous said...

My condolences to you all.

Sandra x

Anonymous said...

ANother tragic loss. I will be praying for Barb's family. She will be missed.
Barb- http://journals.aol.com/barbpinion/HEYLETSTALK

Anonymous said...

(((((((((((((((((HUGSTOYOU))))))))))))))))))I am sorry for the loss.I will be praying.

Anonymous said...

Empathy for her family - and a wish I knew this person better.  Still I join in anyone rejoicing her entry into another existence with no pain, no fear.  CATHY
http://journals.com/luddie343.DARETOTHINK/

Anonymous said...

h

Anonymous said...

my heartfelt condolences to the family of this dear woman who fought a tough battle.  she is at peace now.  may you find some comfort in knowing that.

blessings and sympathy,

regina

Anonymous said...

May you now have the relief and comfort you so deserve. Heaven has called a very special Angel home. My thoughts and prayers go up for family and friends. GOD bless you,
Katie

Anonymous said...

Sister Sugar had a post about Barb. Was sorry to hear of this. Praying for the family.
Sue & Bob

Anonymous said...

Barb may you rest in peace.  My thoughts and prayers are with her family.  May God comfort you at this time.
Pat

Anonymous said...

God Bless Barb... Linda

Anonymous said...

May you rest in eternal peace.Deepest sympathy to the whole family and God Bless you all

Anonymous said...

 Barbara's family.  My deepest sympathy in your loss.  She was a special woman and will be missed.

              Julie

Anonymous said...

My sincere condolences to Barbara's family and loved ones during this time!  May God comfort and give each of you peace during this time of loss!  My prayers are with you!  

Anonymous said...

Sending my deepest sympathies.....

Gretchen

Anonymous said...

h

Anonymous said...

So sad.  Hugs to Barb's family.  I, too, will miss her.  Tells x

Anonymous said...

I never had the privilege of knowing Barb but a loss in J-Land touches us all.  We are a real community.  God rest you Barb and comfort your family.  Your picture and journal link have now been added to J-Land Angels, our permanent memorial to those we have lost.

http://journals.aol.co.uk/jeanno43/JeannettesJottings/

Anonymous said...

I am sorry that I never got to know her, she seems to have been a wonderful person. God must of needed a good Angel...my condolences to family and friends. Sandi

Anonymous said...

So sad to hear she lost her fight for life. What a wonderful woman. God rest her weary but faithful soul. She had such a great out look on life. I hope to follow her example. My sincere smypathy is with her family and all who loved her.

God Bless,
Tia

ADB said...

Barbara,
You were an example to many in your heroic struggle. We are happy your pain is over, but sad to have lost you. Your writings remain alive for us all to enjoy.

ADB said...

It is now nearly three-and-a-half years since you passed beyond pain and suffering, Barbara. Rest in peace, but also rest assured you will never be forgotten. Your writings will remain here to remember you by.

ADB said...

Came across your blog again, Barb, and remembered your valiant struggle, now more than 4 years ago. We will never forget you.

Guido (aka pharmolo)

Sugar said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sugar said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sugar said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sugar said...

We do not forget our own! It's been a few yrs now, but I come again, this time via Guido's link on "FB's Formerly AOL J-Land". I wanted to come by & offer my support to all the family & friends who lost this very dear lady, here in this world. But be assured she'll be waiting in the next. May God bless...

ADB said...

More than five years since your passing, but what is the meaning of time where you are now, Barb? Rest in peace, assured that we will never forgot you.

Guido

ADB said...

Reasoning no longer applies where you passed away to Barb. Rest in peace, we'll never forget