Rain

I am at home doing business stuff - invoices and paying bills while it is a slow and nice rain. We have been in a drought for awhile, and the rain is just so welcome. Of course, it may all come at once and cause some flooding, but at least we are getting what we needed for so long. I love the rain, but am scared big time of the lightning, wind, hail, and stormy stuff that comes along with it at times. I just pray for people's safety in traveling and during heavy storms.


Rain is necessary for all living things.
Always respect running water after the rain - it can be so forceful.
Ignore comments that say they are tired of the rain (I grew up farming and ranching - we were not allowed to complain about the rain).
Never miss out at least once in your lifetime - a dance in the rain.

Pet

I love pets. My favorite is a dog, but I grew up on a farm/ranch in Doss, Texas, and we had lots of different kinds of pets. Goats, sheep, cows, deer, pigs, dogs, cats, and fish. Most people know that on a ranch - only some animals are truly pets, and the others are wilder, and you don't "pet" them. We would have a baby animal many times not taken care of by the mother, and so we bottle fed many different kinds of animals, and came to love them. That means - we lost a lot of favorite pets, and boy did it hurt. A lot about life and death is taught on a ranch, and part of me wanted to shelter my children from the heartache. Well, everything that you love is worth the risk of loss, and I finally figured out that I learned a lot from my pets, and so my girls should also have that chance. So, we started out with a fish, a gerbil, and a dog (all at once). The dog is still with us, and she is part of our family (our third child and also a "M girl" - Macy). I have learned a lot about pet ownership living in town - things that I never noticed in the country, because it was just known. I try not to be too critical, but notice that some people are truly not the best pet owners. There are also some that just go waaayyyyy overboard with their pets (I may be in that category - not sure). I have learned to just try and keep my mouth shut, and be supportive no matter what. Not sure why - but have been around many tramatic pet incidents that have been tough. For instance, the next door dog attacking a walker with her dog. My cousin having two labs kill his goats, and many howling/barking dogs in the neighborhood that are just flat out lonely! It is truly interesting, and I do know that I am certainly not the most perfect pet owner, but sometimes I pray for common sense when it comes to pet owners. I also see how much joy some pets have given the elderly, other families we know, and that just warms my heart so much. I just hope my girls learn that pets take responsibility, and the balance of life can be a joy when you take care of those in your space in a serious manner.


Pets need attention - play with them as if they were a child - just as you should feed, water, and take them to their yearly doc visits.

Enjoy your pet while they are with you - their lives usually go quicker than our own, and each one is so special. They will love you unconditionally, and they don't talk back!!

Take your pet away from home every now and then (if your pet is able). They would love to see more of the world other than just the backyard. Use a leash though!!

Run

I wanted to share that I ran my very first mile several weeks ago. This is big for me, because I was not in sports during school, and I am almost 40 years old. So, I was very tickled that I successfully ran a whole mile without stopping (at a very, very slow pace). Why??? I don't really know for sure - lots of reasons, but I really thought it would just help me feel less stressed. My first day to try, which was over a month ago - I could not even make it to the end of our block. Two days ago, Monday - I actually ran three miles, and cried. I am hoping to do the Wildflower 5K run here in Fredericksburg next weekend, but have not committed yet. We shall see what happens, but I do have lots of time to think while running - so these are my thoughts...



Remember this verse - For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Understand that anything you make up your mind to do takes time and determination.

Never take your dog running unless they are very well trained, and don't leave home without a kleenex. Never give up - even if you have to just walk (which can also make you feel better).

Mom

Since I got to see my mom today during one of her visits to town - I decided to talk about my M & M girls. Morgan and Malory are really good kids, and I am very proud of them (so is Dad). I realized after having children how much my own parents loved me, and I have to say that I was a lucky child. I hope my girls can say the same. Moms are great - and I am including those with pets as their children. I sure do love my mom.



Make time for yourself - if mama ain't happy - nobody is happy.

Open your ears and listen to your child.

Many hugs, praises, and prayers makes a happy child.

God

I am starting my very first blog post with this title, because everything that I have is a gift from above. I love to talk, and share my thoughts and opinions with others. I have been told that I would talk to a fence post, and definitely have the "gift of gab". I have realized that not everyone wants to listen, and maybe I will not dominate the conversations so much that I have daily if I try out this blog stuff. I think a lot, and maybe my thoughts will also make someone else think.....



Good things happen to those that believe.

Open your heart, and let Jesus inside.

Dare to share the good news with respect and kindess.