Words That Make Me Work

This morning, I came across an unfamiliar word. I had to stop reading, look it up, and "play" with it to try to incorporate it into my memory. (Once in a while that works, more often, it does not.) Most of the time, I reread the sentence in an effort to grasp the meaning of the word in question. I've never been able to ignore it and continue reading. Sometimes, I've gone so far after I've looked up the meaning of the word, to write an abbreviated definition next to the line of printing in the margin of the book. Of course, this would only be in a book of mine, never a borrowed book or a library book.

I’ve always wondered what other people do when they come across a word or a phrase that they’ve never before encountered. Do they grab a piece of paper and jot it down so they can look it up later? Do they stop reading to look it up in the dictionary? Do they google it, or do they just continue reading and forget about that word?

How do you handle that?

Celebration = Good Times, Good Memories

Many are asking: what did you DO to celebrate your anniversary? We thought about having a dinner with all of our family and friends, but because we've lived in the same location for over forty years, we know so many people. We were concerned that someone would be left out, and we certainly did not want that. We also thought that if invited, people would worry about what gift to give, and we decided that we did not want to burden people with buying gifts; after all, in fifty years, God has blessed us with so much. We have everything we need.

So, we had a dinner with our children and their children and other family at a nice restaurant out of town. Good food. Good times. It makes for good memories. Pictures to follow.

What do you do to celebrate a special day?

Made it: One Half A Century!

A wedding is an event, but a marriage is an achievement. - Unknown

At 1:20 pm, Monday, July 7, 1958, a scared young couple took blood tests and said "I do," never realizing how quickly the years would pass. They had only known each other for two months and four days! Everyone said that it'd never last! But they were in love, and they knew better.

Now, fifty years later, some still have a hard time understanding why this marriage has lasted. Here are several reasons:

1. Their home is Christ-centered. At age twenty-seven, the husband accepted Jesus as his savior, and two years later, at age twenty-six, the wife made that same commitment. They brought their two children up in the ways of God; they attended church. Grace before meals was a given--still is. Family devotions were held each evening at 7:00. The Bible became the book of guidance.

2. The couple are best friends. Every Friday night was Date Night. There were lean years when they couldn't afford a night out, so they would simply walk the mall. They'd get a babysitter or pay the oldest child a small amount. They know one another. You can ask one an opinion question, and the other will know the answer. However, they are not carbon copies! There is an occasional squabble. But underneath, the foundation of love exists.

3. They respect each other. Years ago, they made a promise to not make jokes at the other's expense or speak badly about the other in public.

4. There is trust. Neither have ever played the jealousy game.

5. They laughed. They sang. They even used to dance! They enjoyed their life together.

6. They believe in the word, "commitment." They made a deal. They said, "I do," and when things got tough, they still DID.

Today, fifty years later, they celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary!

What Flavor Shake Are You?

I took this quiz and discovered that:
Vanilla, yes, but definitely not boring.

I am subtly complex and deeply sophisticated.

I'm the type of person who has always been ahead of their time.

I don't fall for gimmicks or tricks. I am drawn to what's true.

I am a vanilla shake

Take this short five question quiz to find out: What Flavor Shake Are You?

Be sure to come back and leave a comment telling me which flavor you turned out to be!

Charles Schultz Said...

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions.

Just read the email straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.



How did you do?


The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.


Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one;

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.



Easier?


The Lesson...

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care.