My mom turned 82 on Thursday. I am not only blessed to still have her in my life, I am blessed to have had her for a mom for the last 50 some years. I called her Thursday evening and she just wanted to talk and talk. No, there was no spectacular news to discuss, just that her children had called her on her birthday. She wanted to know how my children were and if there was anything new in my life. Although she has never liked cats, everytime I talk to her she asks how Buffy is.
I never get sick when I do not think about her. Don't we all want our moms when we are ill? Bernie always has to go get me Campbell's Chicken Noodle soup, 7-Up, and sherbet. Isn't that what Mom always gave me?
She loves her family so much, but once in a while, she will say something about one of us that just cracks us up. Like when Anna had just had her hair cut. The back was short and the style was to gel it and it stuck straight up. Mom did not say anything at first, but when Melodie and Anna left to get groceries, she said, "I didn't know Anna drank - her hair looks like a drunken rooster!"
She has always been so wise and intuitive. She was always one step ahead of us no matter what we were doing at the time. She was always game to do anything Dad wanted to do. What memories we have of pushing a van out of a mudhole, driving on mountain tops, etc.!
Dad and Mom are moving back to Illinois. Why? Family!!
Now, that is Shappy Living!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
A Year Ago . . .
this week, I flew to Tennessee for the first visit with our "married" daughter, Melodie. Since I have always given Josh Leathers such a rough time, I suppose that it is time I tell what I really think about him.
Since he is four years younger than Melodie, I began praying for him WAY before he was even born. I prayed for his parents to teach him right things and to raise him for God. I prayed for him to do well in school and to be saved at a young age. I prayed that he would be exactly what Melodie needed and that they would both know God's will in their lives.
I remember the first time Melodie (at age 21) called to tell us about Josh. "Mom, he is SOOO mature . . ." I replied, "Melodie, how old did you say he is? Seventeen? And his birthday was less than 5 months ago?"
We made a trip to meet Josh in February of that year - we went to Cracker Barrel - Josh's favorite?!?!?! He was a very proper gentleman, and we could see why Melodie liked him. He was very respectful to her and understanding of her "ways". He was even kind when she drove his truck all the way to church in the wrong gear!
Then, when our Pastor first met him, he told me, "Norma, let him stay at college for four years and he will be a wonderful husband." At that, I trusted Him to do His will in their lives.
The first time Josh came to Detroit, Sunday afternoon found Josh and me sitting outside talking while everyone else in the family took naps. I don't think you should just leave a guest and go take a nap, so we talked and talked. He is a talker (I don't know anyone else like that!)
I love to tease Josh (cumberbund!!), but Josh has been perfect for our Melodie. He protects her and guides her in the right ways. Even though he took her away from us, we know she is okay as long as he is with her. He has also been a counselor to us at times - he does have wisdom beyond his years.
It is uncanny how their lives memic our early married days, and it is refreshing to see! May they have may more years together . . .
Now that's Shappy Living!
Since he is four years younger than Melodie, I began praying for him WAY before he was even born. I prayed for his parents to teach him right things and to raise him for God. I prayed for him to do well in school and to be saved at a young age. I prayed that he would be exactly what Melodie needed and that they would both know God's will in their lives.
I remember the first time Melodie (at age 21) called to tell us about Josh. "Mom, he is SOOO mature . . ." I replied, "Melodie, how old did you say he is? Seventeen? And his birthday was less than 5 months ago?"
We made a trip to meet Josh in February of that year - we went to Cracker Barrel - Josh's favorite?!?!?! He was a very proper gentleman, and we could see why Melodie liked him. He was very respectful to her and understanding of her "ways". He was even kind when she drove his truck all the way to church in the wrong gear!
Then, when our Pastor first met him, he told me, "Norma, let him stay at college for four years and he will be a wonderful husband." At that, I trusted Him to do His will in their lives.
The first time Josh came to Detroit, Sunday afternoon found Josh and me sitting outside talking while everyone else in the family took naps. I don't think you should just leave a guest and go take a nap, so we talked and talked. He is a talker (I don't know anyone else like that!)
I love to tease Josh (cumberbund!!), but Josh has been perfect for our Melodie. He protects her and guides her in the right ways. Even though he took her away from us, we know she is okay as long as he is with her. He has also been a counselor to us at times - he does have wisdom beyond his years.
It is uncanny how their lives memic our early married days, and it is refreshing to see! May they have may more years together . . .
Now that's Shappy Living!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
The Importance of Words
I have always heard to watch what you say, but the first time I REALLY understood the power of words was after my second daughter was born.
Our pastor at the time had 4 boys, and he loved our first daughter, Melodie. I had been his secretary for 5 years and right before Anna was born, he took another church and was leaving Michigan. The last 3 days before he left, I was in the hospital with Anna. He told me that he and his wife would come to see the baby and me before they left Michigan. They came up on Sunday afternoon and as we were looking at the new baby, he said words to me that I have never forgotten. OH, THE POWER OF WORDS!
I was reminded of this story today as I arrived at work. A coworker came to me first thing and told me that she was praying this morning. Then she said something so unexpected that I thought again, OH, THE POWER OF WORDS.
Our words can tear down people or build them up. Regardless of which way you use our words, some words will never be forgotten.
Anna is 24 years old now and I still remember those kind words . . .
I don't believe I will ever forgot the words said to me today . . .
Who have you encouraged today? Did you say something that was not encouraging to another person?
Remember Thumper's famous quote . . . "If you can't say something nice, say nothing at all!"
Now, that's Shappy Living!
Our pastor at the time had 4 boys, and he loved our first daughter, Melodie. I had been his secretary for 5 years and right before Anna was born, he took another church and was leaving Michigan. The last 3 days before he left, I was in the hospital with Anna. He told me that he and his wife would come to see the baby and me before they left Michigan. They came up on Sunday afternoon and as we were looking at the new baby, he said words to me that I have never forgotten. OH, THE POWER OF WORDS!
I was reminded of this story today as I arrived at work. A coworker came to me first thing and told me that she was praying this morning. Then she said something so unexpected that I thought again, OH, THE POWER OF WORDS.
Our words can tear down people or build them up. Regardless of which way you use our words, some words will never be forgotten.
Anna is 24 years old now and I still remember those kind words . . .
I don't believe I will ever forgot the words said to me today . . .
Who have you encouraged today? Did you say something that was not encouraging to another person?
Remember Thumper's famous quote . . . "If you can't say something nice, say nothing at all!"
Now, that's Shappy Living!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Happiness in your Spirit / Chaos in your World
How do you keep your spirit in the midst of life's problems? There are many ways, but one that has helped me immensely the last few months is WRTW - Hammond. It is a radio station and TV viewing of the services at First Baptist Church, Hammond. The music and programing has soothed my spirit and encouraged me to continue to do right things in my life. When I am ill (or like tonight, church was cancelled) I can watch the services and hear the music. Good Christian music and preaching put life's problems in perspective!
Now, that's Shappy Living!
Now, that's Shappy Living!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Quote of the Day
Talking to Melodie today, she told me she blogs every day . . . do I HAVE to???? Anyway, at the hospital where I work, I send out a "Word of the Week / Thought of the Day" email every day to the workers in my suite. Today's quote was . . .
"Now that it is all over, what did you really do yesterday that's worth mentioning?" Coleman Cox I began thinking . . . what did I do? In today's world, the written note is a thing of the past . . . I was able to send out six such notes. And last night, I made about 40 cards to file for later use. We all need to know what people think of us . . . that we are VERY important to someone. Tonight Bernie made a hospital visit . . . very refreshing to fill a need.
Now that's Shappy Living!
Take time today to do something that is important to someone else. Brother Hyles used to say . . . "Be nice to everyone, because everyone is having a tough time."
"Now that it is all over, what did you really do yesterday that's worth mentioning?" Coleman Cox I began thinking . . . what did I do? In today's world, the written note is a thing of the past . . . I was able to send out six such notes. And last night, I made about 40 cards to file for later use. We all need to know what people think of us . . . that we are VERY important to someone. Tonight Bernie made a hospital visit . . . very refreshing to fill a need.
Now that's Shappy Living!
Take time today to do something that is important to someone else. Brother Hyles used to say . . . "Be nice to everyone, because everyone is having a tough time."
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Two weeks ago today . . .
Two weeks ago today, I flew to California to visit the girl who led me to the Lord 36 years ago (I was only 4 years old!!!!!). I had been wanting to go see her for some time and this year it just seemed so right. We hadn't seen each other in 35 years, but we had talked often and I knew we had a lot in common. In fact, within the first hour of landing in Ontario, she had her husband take us to Joann's!!!!
Pokey loves to sew and quilt and she teaches second grade in a Christian school. I knew her husband because she was dating him when I met her (found out he and I graduated together in 1974!). I had never met her daughter (or her new husband). They were all very gracious to me.
The weather could not be beat! It was sunny every day and in the 80-90's! I had a beautiful view of the mountains from my hotel room. VERY different from Detroit weather/scenery!
I wish we had a "word-o-meter" for that long weekend. Barely a moment went by that weren't talking or laughing. Those talks soothed my soul in ways that cannot be explained. Just to know someone who thinks like you and understands without having to explain every detail. It was very difficult to leave, and I miss her more than I could ever imagine.
Some people said I should have stayed longer, but the long weekend was just perfect in every way. I do find myself thinking all the time about what she is doing at this exact moment - it is 4:00 PM there now, so she is thinking about dinner . . . (unless she is sewing!!!).
Now, that's Shappy Living!
Pokey loves to sew and quilt and she teaches second grade in a Christian school. I knew her husband because she was dating him when I met her (found out he and I graduated together in 1974!). I had never met her daughter (or her new husband). They were all very gracious to me.
The weather could not be beat! It was sunny every day and in the 80-90's! I had a beautiful view of the mountains from my hotel room. VERY different from Detroit weather/scenery!
I wish we had a "word-o-meter" for that long weekend. Barely a moment went by that weren't talking or laughing. Those talks soothed my soul in ways that cannot be explained. Just to know someone who thinks like you and understands without having to explain every detail. It was very difficult to leave, and I miss her more than I could ever imagine.
Some people said I should have stayed longer, but the long weekend was just perfect in every way. I do find myself thinking all the time about what she is doing at this exact moment - it is 4:00 PM there now, so she is thinking about dinner . . . (unless she is sewing!!!).
Now, that's Shappy Living!
Friday, January 28, 2011
My New Blog
My friends Pokey and Erika have had blogs that I have enjoyed reading so much. I wanted to start a blog, but wasn't sure how. Then today, my daughter, Melodie started a blog and I knew I had to get one started, also.
What should I name my blog?? I tried several names and they were taken, of course. Since I LOVE Clinique's Happy perfume (and an ONLY allowed to wear it evenings and weekends) and I love my life, I chose "Norma's Happy Living" (NOT Norma' Shappy Living). Although Shappy Living MIGHT be a good thing.
Now, that's Shappy Living!
What should I name my blog?? I tried several names and they were taken, of course. Since I LOVE Clinique's Happy perfume (and an ONLY allowed to wear it evenings and weekends) and I love my life, I chose "Norma's Happy Living" (NOT Norma' Shappy Living). Although Shappy Living MIGHT be a good thing.
Now, that's Shappy Living!
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