Last "First" Day!!

 

 

       Today is the last first day of public school for Brooks.  He's started his senior year with what I hope to be a "new attitude".  We had a very inspirational sermon yesterday about family from Pastor Marc.  He encouraged us to put on our "Suit of Armor" to withstand the struggles and temptations of this life.

^{Ephesians 6:13} Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

I pray that you will watch over both of my "babies" as they begin this new school year.  Cover them in your grace and teach them that a "full armor of God" will help protect them during this school year and always.

~~~50~~~

August 15, 1962 was the day I was born.  That would make me 50 today!!  How did that happen?  Where did the years go?  I always thought that 50 was SOOOOO old.  I don't feel 50 and I now think that 50 is NOT SOOOOO OLD!!

In my 50 years, I have been blessed with many things. Here is the short list:
I have unbelievable, loving, supportive parents.  (still going in their late 70's)  I have four brothers that would take on anyone for me!  The love of my life is also my best friend!  I get to be the momma to two truly incredible kids!

I have lead, thus far, what might be considered to be an ordinary life.  To me though, it has been extraordinary!!! 

Thank you Lord for blessing me with 50 grace-filled years!  I pray that through your guidance, I will be blessed with 50 more.

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

I love to play poker. 

On Saturday night I played in a 20 seat Texas Holdem' Tournament.  The buy-in was $100.  Long story short, 19 of the players were men and I was the only female.  I was never chip stacked but I managed to play my way to third place!!  Or as I would like to say ~ First Place Female!  I don't know what I enjoyed more, winning the money or beating the guys!!  My strategy when playing against men involves a WHOLE LOT OF PATIENCE. ( As we all know, men don't have lot of that.)  On top of that, men's egos tend to get in the way and they manage to knock each other out.

Can't wait till the next tourney - I'm all in!

Simple Abundance

How much is enough?  When will we be satisfied?  During a difficult time, early in my marriage, I was pretty depressed.  Someone, I can't remember who, suggested that I read the book "Simple Abundance."  The basic theme of the book is stated above.  Most of us have a problem remembering how blessed we really are and how much we really "have".   The book gave the suggestion to start a gratitude journal.  At the end of each day, you write down in your journal, 5 things that you are grateful for that day. ~ Even if one of them is:  I am thankful this day is over!!   I found that I paid better attention to the good things verses the bad, because I knew that I had to write about them in my journal that night.  After a while,  focusing on the positive becomes a habit.  It was by far the most important book that I have read thus far in my life.  I no longer keep a gratitude journal but here is a list of things I am grateful for today.

1.  My family -Bob, Brady and Brooks ~ They are my heart.
2.  An Air conditioned house - It was 107 yesterday in Texas
3.  Lunch with my son - He'll only be at home one more year
4.  My early morning bike ride.  I may not be the most athletic but, at almost 50, I can still pedal 10+ miles 4 /5 times a week.
5.  My 2 four-legged kids - Lucky & Kate - My constant companions and their unconditional love!

 Timothy 6:7-12

⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸ But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹ Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

What's in a name??

Here's what the website: www.kabalarians.com says about my name.

The name Kimberly gives you a strongly independent and highly creative nature, with drive and ambition to have experiences and accomplish things out of the ordinary.

You can work intently at whatever is new and holds your interest at the moment, but your interest wanes quickly when drudgery and monotony set in.

Obstacles to your progress or restrictions on your freedom to act create a sense of frustration which may cause you to feel resentful and even rebellious.

You can then become intolerant of others, and caustic and belittling in your expression, thereby imposing stress on your personal relationships.

Although the name Kimberly creates an active mind and a restless urge to explore new ideas, we emphasize that it causes a restless intensity that defies relaxation.

I would have to say that most of this is true.  I am strong and independent.  I'm not sure how creative I am though.  I can be intolerant of others.  I have to really work on refraining myself when confronted by something I find unjust.  I tend to want to state my opinion when it is not asked for.  I do have an active mind but it does not get in the way of my relaxation!! 

I love my naps!