HAPPY ONE YEAR BIRTHDAY TO...

It feels funny to make a big deal over something that I created & that I administer... but, today I am making a big deal of AND celebrating the ONE YEAR BIRTHDAY of the stuckinindiana Facebook page! 

It's kind of a dream come true -- in that I finally feel that I have a forum for communicating with so many more people than just my small circle of friends. And, "the world" might not look at what I share. But, at least it's out there in a very accessible format and location.

Love + A Big Piece of Chocolate Cake

Back in the day when all photos were taken in sepia & station wagons with faux wood panel siding decorated the neighborhoods... Back in the day when seat belts were not required & no one cared that the kids were climbing over one another in the back of the cars traveling down the road... Back in the day when the husbands went off to work and the wives stayed home wearing adorable dresses & pearl necklaces... Back in the day when televisions came in only black and white & having a TV was seen as a bit of an extravagance... Back in that day, a young couple lived & served together as pastors at a small Church of God in Lapaz, Indiana...

In Celebration of The LOML

March 27th marks the day that we celebrate the birth of my best friend & spouse... aka The LOML (Love of My Life). Even though I was super tired when my alarm went off at 5:30am this morning, I was excited to go wake the girls & get the party started. The three of us sang to him and gave him cards & presents... and HUGS!!!

Last night (on the LOML's Birthday Eve) I grabbed a few photos to celebrate him...

in the beginning... I dated a surfer

friend for years before dating...

married my best friend

my favorite Words with Friends partner

the romantic - secretly :)

my favorite biking partner

my favorite hiking partner

a man with a very strong work ethic

a talented guitarist

a great vocalist

a fantastic actor

an accomplished cellist...
Maybe NOT

a great Dad & PapaBear

the supporter of the endeavors
of BOTH of our kids

a talented sportsman

my favorite traveling partner
& PIRATE :)

the one whom I stand behind
& stick up for :)

Trust me, I have 100's of pictures that I could share, but, I won't :) I'll close with this one...

loved him & liked him then...
love him & like him now!

That's my CELEBRATION POST for today. I love you BearBear -- even though you never read my blog posts!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

On another day, I'll write a post about how he drives me nuts - in the NOT GOOD sort of way -- but NOT TODAY!!

Linking with Ann Voskamp - A Holy Experience today... 

HOPE, Happy Birthday to ME :) 10-10-13

Seriously... what woman my age gets so excited about her own birthday? 

And, I happen to be "one of those women" who NEVER tells the truth when asked her age. Ask me multiple times & you'll get multiple answers. I seem to answer with the age I feel when asked the question. Some days I feel old. But, most days, I feel pretty young :) One day I'll just own up to the number -- just not this year.

I'm posting today before my day really gets started. So... what's in store for me today on the date of my birth? I have no idea but, I am hopeful & expectant that it will be wonderful. Some of the things which bring me the most joy are: 

• simple, daily blessings from the Lord
• fellowship with friends
• time spent with family
• music
• beauty around me 

If you want to find scriptures about getting/being old, you'll come up with this one:

Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me. Psalm 71:18

Oh LORD, may my life proclaim your mighty power & miracles to all who come after me!!

If you don't have time now to read these great words from Charles H. Spurgeon, please return to them & do so. He paints a beautiful picture with his words about that verse here:

Verse 18. Now also when I am old and grey headed, O God, forsake me not.There is something touching in the sight of hair whitened with the snows of many a winter: the old and faithful soldier receives consideration from his king, the venerable servant is beloved by his master. When our infirmities multiply, we may, with confidence, expect enlarged privileges in the world of grace, to make up for our narrowing range in the field of nature. Nothing shall make God forsake those who have not forsaken him. Our fear is lest he should do so; but his promise kisses that fear into silence. Until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation. He desired to continue his testimony and complete it; he had respect to the young men and little children about him, and knowing the vast importance of training them in the fear of God, he longed to make them all acquainted with the power of God to support his people, that they also might be led to walk by faith. He had leaned on the almighty arm, and could speak experimentally of its all sufficiency, and longed to do so ere life came to a close. And thy power to every one that is to come. He would leave a record for unborn ages to read. He thought the Lord's power to be so worthy of praise, that he would make the ages ring with it till time should be no more. For this cause believers live, and they should take care to labor zealously for the accomplishment of this their most proper and necessary work. Blessed are they who begin in youth to proclaim the name of the Lord, and cease not until their last hour brings their last word for their divine Master. 

Linking October 2013 with The Nesting Place

 for the 31-day Challenge

Birthday Thoughts...

March 8, 2013

While writing a note of birthday greetings on my niece's Facebook wall today...

Ashley, I could write a BOOK about how blessed I am to have you & the other girls for nieces... and Shaney & Kevin for nephews. God has blessed our family with some WONDERFUL young people. May you seek Him more & more each day. Your birthday is being celebrated here on earth & in heaven, as well. We love you!! Uncle B & Aunt C

I was instantly filled with a sense of JOY & thoughts of heaven. Man has not seen nor can comprehend what WONDERFUL things are in store in heaven for those who give their hearts to God here on earth. The thought came to my mind, "I want to die."

I immediately thought, how morose!  But, the truth is that my work here on earth should be completed focused on the prize ahead of me. Showing others the Jesus I know should be my main goal. Bringing others to the saving knowledge of Christ should be my focus.

Yes, I look forward to being in heaven. Yes, I look forward to no more pain, no more heartache, no more sadness, etc. I can't wait to see my father & to meet a sister whom I never met. I long to say thanks to Kate Powell & Hazel Paige Settlemyer & Louise Sain who modeled Godly women for me in my early years. I yearn for hugs & conversations with girlfriends who have become like sisters... and sisters who are dear friends.

Happy Birthday Ashley!
SEEK HIM IN ALL YOU DO :)

I know that my life here is like a vapor in comparison with eternity. But, I know & I am at peace with what God has for me to do... and for what I may need to endure here on earth... to further the kingdom of God.

Each day brings blessings in the good times, as well as the bad. I am thankful for that. I thank God for placing wonderful people in my life.

Crazy Combo's! - 31 DAYS OF CRAZY - 15 October 2012

What do the following three things have in common?  What goes into making a great combo?

Thanks Deanna, Ruthanne & Jessica!!

What DO they have in common?  

1. They are crammed in to my totally cool handmade basket.
2. They are all rather circular in shape & form.
3. They all contain (or are) a dairy product.
4. They are all delicious and, for the most part, nutritious. 
5. They are all birthday gifts for me from friends who KNOW me pretty well...
6. And, they all make me smile :)

My sweet daughter delivered 2 containers of ice cream (coffee & butter pecan, my favorites) the night of my birthday.  Earlier that evening a dear friend gave me TWO 1-pound bags of M&M's.  I love those.  And, then my sweet neighbor friend, Ruthanne, gave me a half dozen FARM FRESH EGGS!!!  (From the hen house of Lillie. Louisa, Lavern, Lucille & Lydia)

Both happiness & joy come in different sizes & shapes. Sometimes happiness comes because you're reminded of a simpler day.  Sometimes joy comes from the HOPE you hold for a better tomorrow than what you are experiencing today.  Both happiness & joy are important to a healthy life.  So, don't limit what makes you smile to what others think is valuable. Choose your own crazy combo's & share your smile with the world!  

His Words: 

(got this idea from Chase Tibbs' blog)

• "Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you." Psalm 86:4 NLT
• "Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found." Psalm 119:35 NLT
• "The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing." Proverbs 10:28
• "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." John 16:24 NLT

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Crazy Celebrations! - 31 DAYS OF CRAZY - 14 October 2012

I'm a party girl!  Although, maybe not in the "eyes of the world."  But, I love a good party. And, I love celebrating friends, dates, events, holidays, accomplishments, new chapters, successes, the value of a life gone on to heaven... you name it. There's enough craziness & negativity in the world... why NOT celebrate the good things - no matter how seemingly small or insignificant!?!?!

FAVORITE birthday card from a
college friend who still feels
like a sister!!

This past week was full of celebrating for me. It was birthday week! And, as I told one friend, "You couldn't pay me to say my age aloud.  But, I'll tell people behind me in the grocery store line that my birthday is that day!"  Birthdays aren't about AGE to me.  They are about celebrating the great things that happened in the last 365 days & looking forward to the great things that are sure to happen in the next 365 :)

There's something about celebrating too... it takes your mind off the things that can drag you down.  There's a verse in the Bible that says that worrying doesn't add one more moment to our lives.  And, I'm convinced that celebrating adds more LIFE to our days.  If we're focusing on celebrating something, we can't be focused on worry or fear.  Briefly glance down at the obstacles of life and then gaze up to the light & life that can direct you along life's path.

Party on Wayne... or whatever your name is :)

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His Words: 
(got this idea from Chase Tibbs' blog)

• "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" Luke 12:25
• "The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together! Matthew 25:21 NLT

Crazy Birthday Girl! - 31 DAYS OF CRAZY - 10 October 2012 BIRTHDAY BIRTHDAY BIRTHDAY ALERT!

Some day I will outgrow this little girl thing of MAKING A HUGE BIG DEAL of my birthday.  But, it's not happening this year.  

I couldn't care less if I get a gift or not.  I just want to have fun.  Who was that brilliant singer who sang, "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"... just kidding!  Well, I am a huge birthday fan... not how old I am (oh my!)... but, that it's to be a time of JOY!  I believe that God has a purpose for every person.  And, I believe that God doesn't do anything less than SPECTACULAR.  So... I must in some way be SPECTACULAR if I am seeking to serve Him in this life here!

Here's a bullet point description of my spectacular day...

• Began with midnight calls from my two kids - both wanting to be the first to say Happy Birthday to me :)
• Breakfast in bed (coffee & cinnamon crunch bagel) - served by the LOML - and opening cards that came in the mail over the past few days

 

• Walk on country roads with friend & neighbor, Ruthanne, & her dog... spotting a baby raccoon high in a tree peering down at us
• Cleaning, mopping & moving things around in the laundry room - to accommodate the repairman who FIXED MY BROKEN DRYER - hooray!

Even the dryer repairman wished me
a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

• Sitting outside in the hot sun & cool air to read my book for book club tonight

• Getting tons of sweet notes via Facebook & Twitter and some phone calls too!
• Book club... treats & MORE

 

• Dinner cooked for me at home & some more surprises from the LOML & my daughter. Boots from the LOML... and my 2 favorite flavors of ice cream from the daughter when she came over to surprise me :)

  

What a day!!

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