Easter Sunday...

Today is Easter Sunday.  A day, Christians all over the world, celebrate with reverence, hope, gladness and gratitude for the sacrifice Jesus made for us.  It is right...it is as it should be...and yet...

I can't help thinking about what God did for us.  
John 3:16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

I am a parent of two beautiful, grown daughters who have embraced my life and made it complete.  I cannot imagine loving anything or anyone enough to motivate me to sacrifice the life of either girl.

Cannot...imagine...and yet...

God found just such a love for all mankind to watch and wait for the unimaginable to happen to his son.  His ONLY son!

How horrifying it had to be to watch Jesus spit on, beaten, whipped and eventually nailed to a cross and left to die.

How heart wrenching not to intervene when Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"  Matt. 27:46

But God didn't save his only son from this horrendous death.  Didn't save when he could have, didn't save when he should have... because of us.  You...me...

We do not deserve such favour, such love.

WE

DO NOT

DESERVE!

And yet, God loved us so much...

I cannot imagine.

Long, Shiny & Black...

I was 18, in college and just beginning my life when my Dad's life ended.  It was unexpected, but then who expects a loved one to die when you're 18?  Not me, that's for sure...

The funeral was May first and it was a cold, grey, snowy day when the limo pulled up to our front door.  A part of me noticed and was impressed by the limo's length and comfort; the way we all fit so easily with room to spare.

I thought the drive seemed agonizingly long as we headed toward the funeral home.  Under normal circumstances, I would have loved the Spring snowfall when the snowflakes were big and fat and fluffy, but on that day, they just seemed dreary.

The warmth of the limo and the sound of the wipers blades clearing the wetness lulled me into a semi-sleep. Click clack, click clack... I was exhausted from three sleepless nights of crying immeasurable amounts of tears from shock and grief.

It was so roomy, so warm, so smooth-riding in the limo that I just wanted to stretch out on the long seat and sleep with my head in Mom's lap.  I wanted to tell her to wake me when this nightmare was over. But there would be no stretching out, no head in lap and no relief from the nightmare.

After the funeral we (my family) were in the lead limo which followed behind the black Cadillac hearse that was carrying my beloved father on his last mile.  I felt numb as I stared at the back of that heartbreaking Cadillac, when the tune of "Someday I'm Gonna ride in a Cadillac"  ran through my head.  I started humming it...I didn't mean to...wasn't really aware I was doing it but, there it was for all to hear.

Someday I'm Gonna Ride in Cadillac

My mother lifted her head and looked at me...my brothers and sister looked...and I waited...

they smiled. 

The hearse turned into the cemetery, the snow kept falling as our limo came to a stop.  Soon this day would be behind me and I was glad.  I didn't want to ride in a limo ever again...

Thoughtful Thursday...

I have rediscovered the virtues and good taste of V8 juice (anyone remember the saying, "Could have had a V8"?  If you do, gawd you're getting old!!

 

 

Anyway, in the spirit of trying to eat and drink healthier I bought a jug of V8 juice which (I hate to admit) sat in the fridge cooling off for quite awhile before I cracked it opened.  But, one day I decided it's time...

 

and was very pleasantly surprised that I did indeed, still like the taste.  Now this is not an endorsement, nor was I held at gunpoint to write this, but by golly, gosh and dang it...

 

if you haven`t tried V8 for awhile, give it a whirl around the dance floor!

 

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Now I do impulse buy...

 

and sad to say, I have bought some useless things over the years, just because this trinket or that shiny thingie caught my eye.  So, I do get buying before thinking, but...

 

some people need less money and more brains! 

 

I heard that Kanye West, a rapper, recently bought a 91,000 dollar t-shirt by Hermes made entirely out of crocodile skin!  Yes, you read this right...91 thousand big ones for a plain, black, short sleeved t-shirt!

 

Is this impulse buying in it's highest form?  Why oh why, would he actually go through with this purchase once he knew the price?  Or did he "just have to have it" and when the price was disclosed, was too embarrassed to say, "Are you out of your cotton-pickin' minds!!" 

 

But maybe he bought it knowing the price...

 

After all, he is Kanye West, the great, god rapper with %7!0 for brains!! 

 

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 One more thing...

 

Oldest Daughter and I were talking the other day about how you can't believe anything you hear, read or see these days. 

 

At one time, you knew if it came from "The National Inquirer" it was likely false, but mainstream media always strive to give the straight goods.  Now, even the local news is slanted toward sensation and misleading statements.

 

The Internet is filled with personal opinion, falsehoods, tricks and outright cheats.  It's very difficult to know what is true.  Just check out Wikipedia!

 

Magazines are filled with pictures of models and celebrities that have been so altered and adjusted that in most cases, the results are totally artificial.

 

Politicians lie through their smiles...

 

Ad commercials mislead and misinform...

 

The service industry rips you off without a second thought...

 

Where has honesty and integrity gone?

 

I know there have always been the snake oil salesmen.  Never in the history of fallen mankind has there ever been pure candour, but there was a time when what we saw, heard, read was predominately truthful.  When...

 

a man's word was his bond...

 

a handshake formed a binding contract...

 

a picture was worth a thousand words...

 

That time has gone with the horse and buggy; I miss it...

 

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Happy Trails to You.... 







Tuesday Tid Bits...

I woke with a headache today which means today's post may or may not make sense...

I think I'm tired of Oprah and her advice!  There I said it out loud...

I was watching her "last chapter"...oh, excuse me..."next chapter" the other night and she was having such a loverly conversation with 2 VERY powerful and VERY influential women.  One was "something or other" Sandberg, the leading lady at Facebook and the other is a Chief Justice (might remember her name "sans" headache) who was appointed to the United States Supreme Court by President Obama.

In both discussions Oprah discussed these women's rise to the top, their books and their viewpoints on how all women can succeed (just like them). Huh uh...well...

just once I'd like to see Oprah sit down with two working women from the "backside of nowhere" who have succeeded at raising three great kids, one husband, multiple dogs, cats, birds and an occasional mouse on a small income in a smaller house AND still manage to be filled with joy, love and generosity.  Hmmm...Wouldn't that make an interview?? 

I'm not saying that in all of Oprah's years of meeting and greeting people, she hasn't interviewed the ordinary woman, but never in the context of these two prominent women.  What "normal" everyday lady could compete? 

The ordinary women is only influential in her own small world.  She is COO of her 1200 sq. ft. home and was appointed by her family.  There are no books, no speeches, no videos and certainly no, Oprahs singing her accolades all over  Prime Time TV and yet...

this is the most common type of woman; plain, unadorned, simple.  I was a much greater fan of Oprah's years ago when she struck a cord with the everyday woman, like myself.

Before she became an advice guru...a spiritual guide...a sage...when she had flaws and was imperfect.

 

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Ta Ta...

Thoughtful Thursday...

 

 

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

 

Maslow created this pyramid of needs in 1954 based on years of research and training.  With few alterations, it is generally accepted today as outlining our fundamental needs to live a full, satisfying life.

 

A full satisfying life...methinks this could mean much different things to people.  If you are starving, any food would represent a satisfying life.  That would be all it takes, until...and this is where it gets interestin'.

 

Once full and regularly fed and watered, our wants start climbing the pyramid. We'll then start desiring shelter, a family, safety.  After these needs are satisfied, we'll want a job, friends, respect and so on and so on until we reach the top.

 

This is the psychological hook marketers use to seduce us into wanting what they're selling.  A simple bowl of soup and glass of water will appease a starving man, but once full, well...wouldn't a steak and a 1000 dollar bottle of wine be sooo much better? 

 

Wouldn't a 5000 square foot home and a Cadillac be much more pleasing than a cracker box and a station wagon...and what about...

 

a bigger TV...

 

a better, higher paying  job...

 

no job, independently wealthy...

 

a sexier wife...

no wife...
 

more kids...

 

better behaved kids...

 

no kids...

 

No wonder we are NEVER HAPPY!!  Advertisers know we'll desire and pursue bigger, better, newer if shown the way.  It becomes a vicious cycle of debt, worry, more debt and never, ever being able to keep up!

 But their way will never get us to the top of Maslow's pyramid which is self-actualization or what some refer to as attaining our `"higher" self's or becoming enlightened...or

 

what I call our spiritual relationship with God...this is the true way to attaining happiness, not buying in (literally) to the false promise of consumerism.

So what does a spiritual relationship with God look like?  It will be different in some ways with every individual, but there are some basic guidelines that you'd see in your life.

 -  you're contented in your life just as it is, which doe not mean you're without goals or ambition, but rather you are happy regardless.

-  you talk (pray) to God about all things in your life, seeking his will (not your own).  For example you'll pray about; decisions, other people, changes, ambitions, etc.

-  you'll read the Bible regularly discovering more and more the true character and nature of God.

These are just some examples of our search for "self-actualization" that Maslow was talking about with his pyramid.  Wherever, this pursuit takes you or however it looks; the world's ways of newer, bigger, better should be losing it's grip on your life. 

You should be calmer, more joyful, more mindful and above all these...

more loving toward all others in all circumstances...
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Tha...tha...that's all folks!



What this Old Broad knows for Sure aka Wednesday's Wisdom....

What I know for sure is that people shouldn't be treated special, preferred, chosen...

just because they're celebrities.

Once again Lindsay Lohan has eluded jail time even though she crashed her car and resisted and lied to police officers.  She received a 90 day "lock down" rehab stint, psychotherapy and 30 hours community service for this stunt crime.

She has committed similar crimes...

not once...

not twice...

not even three...

but, SIX times! Six times in court for her criminal acts and she still gets a wrist slap.  Are the courts waiting for her to seriously injure or kill someone???

If you or I pulled this kind of crap, do you think it would be called a "stunt" and we'd get community service??

Lohan may be an addict and no doubt her lunatic mother and publicity seeking father are responsible for many of her demons, BUT she is 26 years old!  It's time she either genuinely sought help or was thrown into jail! 

Harsh??  Perhaps...

She is a so-called movie star and yet, the most media exposure she seems to receive, is her revolving door court appearances.  Lohan is a fading star and methinks (call me cynical) these "stunts" could all be very premeditated...

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I know for sure I can be a cynic realist, but sometimes I can't help, but think that today's technology may be more insidious than we even suspect?  This is about my laptop...

I bought it on payments and ever since it's been paid for I've been having nothing, but trouble with it.  Could it be something else causing the problems?  Sure...

It could be a virus.

It could be the battery is failing.

It could be the frickin' bogey man!!  BUT, it is none of these!  So...

I tested and retested, ran virus and malware scans, googled, rebooted, kicked, scratched and yelled; yet nothing has fixed it!  So, you ask (you did ask, right?) what is it doing?

It...has...gone...wonky!!  Try googling it...there is so such a description! And...guess what I got when I asked specifically about my model?  It says, "This is an old model, try our new Inspiron laptops with Intel Core!"

OLD!  They have got to be kidding!!

I just paid for this black hearted beast and NO; I did not finance it over 20 years!!!

So, back to my original point...(yes, there is a point to this rant)  Since it's been paid, my laptop has not worked properly.  I can't help, but think that there could be a wee, little treat hidden deep inside the hard drive that is set to go off the moment the last payment is made. 

Cynical?  Maybe...

A little conspiracy theoryish?  Perhaps...

But, possible?  Why not...
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Toodle Loo Kangeroo!

What this Old Broad knows for Sure aka Wednesday"s Wisdom...

I haven't kept up with my posts this week, but I have a good excuse.  I haven't been feeling well from a sinus/ear infection; headaches, pain, excessive fatigue and generally feeling... blah, ailing, under the weather!

But, I will try my best to give my unfailing wisdom today, cos goodness knows what you'll do without it...

It's interesting watching folks in a doctor's office.  Through half-lidded eyes and modest nosiness, I studied how every person was playing around on their phones; texting, games, what have you.

My initial thought was what happened to reading or if, like myself, truly sick, attempting to nap?  But then I observed a little child baking pretend cakes in the pretend house while her texting mother pretended to be interested.

I know for sure at my "delicate" age that this scene made me sad; I know how quickly these years with your young kidlets fly by.  I wanted to gently take this mother's phone and stomp on it!

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I know for sure that if Justin Beiber doesn't smarten up and get his act together (real life act) he will soon become yesterday's pop hero...

How can I know this for sure?

Sorry, Beib fans, but our young lad from Canada is nothing more than today's pop sensation with all the teenyboppers. He is famous, but he is NOT an icon.  Pop stars come and go with every generation; their misbehavior is less forgivable than long-standing super-stars.

His fans will outgrow him anyway, but these days, he is going out of his way to alienate them...

Who does he think he is when attacking the press?  The Hulk?

Me tinks this boy's fame has gone to his head!  Or else he hasn't checked the mirror out lately, because in reality he is just a skinny, white boy (despite the rapper language and arse hugging pants)!

Fighting, using foul language, cancelling concerts, etc. is making "The Beib" little more than an unfortunate joke...

and the Selena Gomez break-up will only go so far.

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Tha..Tha..That's all folks!

Mindful Mondays...

I have been known to rant and rave...'tis true.

I've also, been known to be mistaken...I know, I know, it's so hard to believe...

So, when I first read the following scripture...which, thankfully was awhile ago...

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I went on a rant to God that sounded something like this...

My Rant...

Really Lord?  Really?

I'm suppose to be thankful when my life is falling apart and I think I might be losing my mind?  You...have...got...to...be...joking!  How can a good God ask me to be thankful for that...

...and this is your will for me?  Just because I am a Christian?  Because I believe in Jesus?

What?  So, because I'm a Christian I must suffer and...be thankful for suffering?  Why am I even a Christian then? 

I thought being Christian meant I'd be blessed and blessed?  That there would be perks.  So, what is this all about...

...be thankful for rotten circumstances?  I don't think so!
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God's answer...

My Child, My Child...

...you have misunderstood.  I am not asking you to be thankful for the circumstances, but rather, in all circumstances.

There is a difference...can you see it? 

You live in a fallen world and the devil prowls like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  He will bring you many crosses to bear in this life.  I am asking you to thwart the devil and remain thankful despite these troubles.

This is my will...

know My Child, that your trials are so much easier to bear when you remain in Christ Jesus...when you know you are loved and protected...when you remain thankful in your circumstances.

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33
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I bowed my head...in humility...I stood corrected.

Wildcard Friday...

Here is a picture of my beloved puppy...

He is more than a dog.  He is my buddy...my support...my joy!  After injuring my back 3 1/2 years ago, I was in a great deal of pain while waiting on surgery, which was a long time coming.  Even after it was finally done, I still have daily, persistent pain.  This little dog has been my constant companion through it all.  He helps me face the pain and disability day...after...day...after...day.  He makes me laugh, is always underfoot, licks the tears from my face when I cry and loves me no matter how miserable I feel.

He is loved...

He is spoiled rotten...

Why else do we have pets?  So, my question is; why do some pet owners feel the need to "teach" their dog (who is a pet) to endure unreasonable rules and limits?

I get dogs need training to be housebroken, social, polite (no snapping or jumping up) not unlike how we teach our little children. And yes, some kids can so snap and jump up...

I get this...and I'm not speaking about pets who are abused or owned as a working animal (i.e. farm dog). That's a whole another blog. No, I'm just grieved by folks who get a dog as a family pet then, refuse to love or spoil it too  much.  Why else do we seek to bring this creature home, to do our housework??

I also, don't understand when pet owners treat their dogs unnecessarily harsh like forcing them stay outside when they ask to come in?  Sure they can ask repeatedly to come in and out (just like children) but, what is the big deal? Get off your lazy butt or get a doggy door!

Then there are owners who have stricter feeding schedules for their dog than high fashion, runway models do.  Why?  I've been told by dog owners that they don't want their dog to get fat.  Huh?  Is he/she planning to compete in a beauty pageant?  Is your poor, chubby puppy an embarrassment to you?  I agree being obese is no healthier for your pet than it is for humans, but don't you allow yourself treats or an extra serving now and then?  Well...

Or how about the pet owner who only allows their dog to stay on a certain mat or in a kennel (when allowed) in the house?  Double huh??  I get you may not want the dog to get on furniture if it is a large breed or sheds lots of hair, but to be confined to jail when inside...triple huh???

Most dogs are pets.  They are truly man's best friend. They deserve to be treated with love, respect and yes, amply pampered.

If not, why bring the dog home?
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Toodle Loo Kangeroo!

Thoughtful Thursday...

Here is my take on the "News of the Moment"...

Another example of Government official's stupidity...

There is an ongoing action starting across Canada to ban all youth aka teenagers from tanning beds because of the danger of skin cancer.  Now I have never been a fan of tanning beds.  At first I just couldn't get over the fact they look like lighted coffins, my claustrophobia kicked in...but later I wondered how much safer than using the actual sun? 

There are experts in this area (whoever they are) who say these beds are ohhhh so much safer, but I dunno?  Perhaps...

Still, banning youth aka mostly teen girls won't deter them from suntanning; it'll just drive them to use the natural sun.  Vanity, thy name is a teenage girl!

So, is this any safer?  Does banning tanning beds really accomplish diddly-squat?  I don' tink so...
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Oh, my shattered nerves!  Apparently, West Jet is implementing a one bag (not including diaper bags) carry on per passenger.  OMGoodness!  What a fuss this has created!

So, exactly how much stuff does one really need on an airplane?  Are you planning to spend your vacation on the plane?  Come on guys, there's only so much room in the metal tube!
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Guess what?  Scientists have just discovered what mothers from bygone years have always known!  It seems they've learned that by introducing allergy producing foods (i.e. peanut butter, eggs) to your baby at around 6 months of age, that the likelihood of your child developing lifelong food allergies/sensitivities is hugely diminished.  Dah!  Coulda just asked Grandma...
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Ohhh crap!  Literally!

It seems that fecal matter was discovered on those popular bagged salads that are soooo convenient to buy.  The best guess for the source of contamination is infected ground water that is used on the growing greens...

Hmmm...perhaps I might consider buying my leafy greens separately and going through the effort of triple washing myself!

And now that you are so much more informed, go have an excellent Thursday...
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That's it...that's all!

What this Old Broad knows for Sure aka Wednesday's Wisdom

What I know for sure is that in life, we need to belief in something bigger than ourselves. With Easter coming soon it may be a good time to check out our state of belief...

Do you window shop? 

I once heard a minister ask, "Do you really buy it or do you window shop?"  In other words, do you really...I mean really, believe in what you say you believe? 

This question made me ponder, am I one of those Christians who proclaim faith in God, but when push comes to shove, believe more in myself and my own abilities, than some unseen God?  This question burned deep into my soul and I was forced to truthfully examine my heart.

So, the fire was lit...and this is what I know for sure...

• when I was younger and prayed, I had my own agenda written all over it.  I wanted God's will to align with mine.
• life is filled with hard times that are difficult, but heh, I could handle it until...I couldn't.
• that life can quickly turn from experiencing happiness to misery in a heartbeat.
• that what I truly believe will either carry me or drop me on my head.
• that there have been times when I've taken God for granted and treated him like a slightly senile Santa Claus...to my own peril.
• that sadly, I have learned the hard way that God doesn't need my assistance; he has all things handled.

And finally...

• window shopping is for fools!

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Ta Da!!

Tuesday Tidbits...

Here are some interesting, hmmmm, facts about getting older that everyone should be warned aware about...

...think about the word menopause;  men...on...pause.  Despite what some celebrities say (i.e. Suzanne Somers) about the fab-u-lous  sex life you can look forward to as you age; don't kid yourself!  Not that a mature sex life isn't okey-dokey, but the facts are, after hauling your sorry butt off the couch and getting to the bed well...mostly, all you can think about is how comfy it looks for sleep! 

So...unless you have gobs of money for biohormonal whatchamacallit's, personal trainers and chefs it is best to stay in the "real" world and accept sleep often trumps you-know-what...sorry!

...as we age, things don't just go south, they head for the Antartica.  Our parts change shape and suddenly, your butt goes "flat" and your belly's got "back"!  J-Lo just wait, it'll happen to you, too!

...your patience declines equivalent to your husband's hearing loss.

...developing aches and pains is normal as we age.  It often begins in our late 30's or 40's, but there comes a time when we suddenly start hurting in places that are immoral and illegal!

...you're looking through old photos of your mother who is 50+ and abruptly realize you're looking at your face!

...your husband is laughing as he tells you a story about some "Old Gal" who was hitting on him at the coffee shop and when you ask, "How old?", he says, "Oh, around ______ (fill in your age)!!

...our memory isn't what it once was so, we cleverly substitute words like; thingabobs, doodads and &%!Z0 forget it!

And finally...

“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”
― Sophia Loren

 

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Tha..tha..that's all folks!

 



Mindful Mondays...

Going to do something different this Monday. Instead of being mindful I'm going to list all the things I mind, meaning, all the things that irk, irritate or generally drive me crazy!

I mind...

...that we feel the need to molly coddle every one's fragile ego from infancy to death. What's with that?  Fact is, no one is more special than anyone else!   Individually we are nothing, but a tiny bit of protoplasm in a great big world, sitting in an endless universe. Get over yourself!

...stupid commercials that insult our intelligence.  You know the kind, that imply that by using their (unnamed) kind of shampoo and conditioner you will find the man of your dreams!
 As if...  And if it really were true, you'd be stuck using that same old brand of shampoo/conditioner forever, unless you wanted to risk losing your man.  With all the clever and witty commercials that are on T.V. was it Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock when these dumb ass ads were put together??

...this age of "politically correct" drives me bonkers.  What happened to calling a "spade a shovel"?  No one is being fooled; not really.
So, I use the correct lingo to describe someone as "vertically challenged" or "developmentally challenged", it's not as if you don't think the "incorrect" terms, short and retarded!  Admit it, yes, you do...
I get that this all started by simply trying to be sensitive and not too rude or obnoxious. This is good...until it got crazy...and stupid!

...people who pry where they shouldn't!  MYOB!  Yes!  Mind Your Own Business!  You know who you are...you just can't stand not knowing so, you have your nose where it shouldn't be...and generally have some wrong opinion regarding the same.
Here's the deal...(sample of politically incorrect) ...Get a life and quit being so frickin' nosey!!
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Nuff said...