In my present employment situation, I am subjected to constant television. There are moments when I can change channels, searching a strange 'to me' system for something other than repeating cycle of the same news stories.
This day I happened onto a channel with the sight of starving children living in squalor, [Feed the Children] infomercial. For only $15 a month 1 child can be saved from starvation. Agencies such as these are wonderful! My husband and I have watched (through pictures and letters) a little 3 year old grow into a teenager. Our sponsorship of about $30 a month has not only fed her, but made it possible for her to learn to read and write.
When that infomercial ended, another one came on:
"We can show you how to go from devastating frizzy, dry hair, to . . . long, silky, shining, beautiful hair for JUST: $15.99 plus S & H call and order NOW!"
I would be curious to know which got the most response.....
Until Then,
Katie
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Thursday, August 6, 2009
JUST DO THE DETOUR!
We recently took a trip into 'old home' territory. As we were on our way to the camp ground with a fully loaded 32' 5th wheel in tow. There it was, the dreaded sign: 'Detour ahead'. With a rig like that, a U-turn is not really an option. Narrow winding roads to add to the time and stress.
Well, on the return trip, it was to be different. The men, sitting around the campfire plotting the route to avoid the detour. After delays with vehicle problems. (4 hour delay) we headed back. We took the alternate route to avoid the detour. As we were going along, the comment was made; "Hmm, I did not know that #23 was this far north." By the time we reached #23, we both knew that the detour certainly wasn't 'that' long. As we headed east on #23 it seemed to take forever. THEN IT APPEARED! the dreaded sign: 'Detour Ahead'. We had to laugh. We found a place to turn that rig around and return to the detour we were trying to avoid.
I started to think about that; It is just what we do in life. An obstacle shows up in our path. We know that it is the way we are supposed to go, but we want to Avoid the Detour. We make all sorts of trouble for ourselves. We take the long way around by ourself, thinking we know best, instead of just looking to Jesus who wants to take us THROUGH and teach us on the way.
When will I learn to JUST DO THE DETOUR?
Until Then,
Kate
Well, on the return trip, it was to be different. The men, sitting around the campfire plotting the route to avoid the detour. After delays with vehicle problems. (4 hour delay) we headed back. We took the alternate route to avoid the detour. As we were going along, the comment was made; "Hmm, I did not know that #23 was this far north." By the time we reached #23, we both knew that the detour certainly wasn't 'that' long. As we headed east on #23 it seemed to take forever. THEN IT APPEARED! the dreaded sign: 'Detour Ahead'. We had to laugh. We found a place to turn that rig around and return to the detour we were trying to avoid.
I started to think about that; It is just what we do in life. An obstacle shows up in our path. We know that it is the way we are supposed to go, but we want to Avoid the Detour. We make all sorts of trouble for ourselves. We take the long way around by ourself, thinking we know best, instead of just looking to Jesus who wants to take us THROUGH and teach us on the way.
When will I learn to JUST DO THE DETOUR?
Until Then,
Kate
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Life's Lessons
We sold our home and moved out 7 weeks ago. While waiting for the processes to get into our next home. We are staying at my folks home while they are away. My mother is one to fill her world (postage stamp) lawn with beautiful flowers and plants. She has a knack for knowing where to place what. It is always beautiful. As I was out pulling weeds, and trimming bushes this evening, so many things came flooding back to me.
As you would guess, I was raised on fresh vegetables and surrounded by plants and flowers. Dad kept a few honey bee hives and we had a couple of milk cows, and raised our own meat.
Well, though I did not pay proper attention to learning the gardening and canning processes, I did catch some of the object lessons we were taught along the way.
Such as:
I learned that when I needed a break from mowing lawn, I could wash windows. (taking a break does not always mean 'doing nothing')
The windows we were washing were usually 'storm windows' that had been taken off for the summer replaced with screens. Now in the fall, wash them and put them on. As they each leaned against the house underneath the place they would be installed for the winter; we were each assigned our number of windows to do. Both sides must be clean and streak free. As Dad would come around while we were finishing the window he would say; " Now is it clean with no smudges or streaks?" I was always confident (at least the first one) that it was perfect. Dad would pick up the window and hold it up to the sun, and inevitably there were smudges and streaks. I would go back to cleaning up the streaks and smudges. Dad would say something like; " That is just like our life. We all think we are so good and clean; then we hold our life up to the SON we see how much we need HIS cleansing."
Doing our share of pulling weeds reaped spiritual lessons also. It was taught again to my oldest son when he was being cared for by his Grandma while I worked. He and Grandma were weeding the garden. He was not very happy about the weeding chore and wanted to play ball. His reasoning with Grandma was; "What difference does it make, weeds are normal, why do we have to pull them out all the time!" To that, Grandma went and got some 'chicken wire'. She said, "OK, lets put this around 1 tomato plant and not pull the weeds around it. Just let it be normal." Throughout the summer, that plant was left alone. The others were nurtured, weeded and cared for. It was not long and the damage was obvious. The plant was small and the weeds were tall. The tomatoes were small and few. "You see," said Grandma, "Those weeds are just like sin. They look and feel harmless. It's not a big deal. It's just a little fib and doesn't hurt anyone." IF we do not pull that sin out of our life, it grows big, strong and tall. It will take over our life and make us sick and weak." You see, just like we need to keep the weeds pulled from the plant, we must keep the sin out of our life." You can see the difference. The plants that were taken care of are strong and healthy and the tomatoes are many and large!" "We have to keep pulling the normal sin out of our life, and care for ourselves with God's Word and prayer, so we can bare lots of fruit for Jesus."
Just one more thing, my parents did right!
Until Then,
Katie Grove
As you would guess, I was raised on fresh vegetables and surrounded by plants and flowers. Dad kept a few honey bee hives and we had a couple of milk cows, and raised our own meat.
Well, though I did not pay proper attention to learning the gardening and canning processes, I did catch some of the object lessons we were taught along the way.
Such as:
I learned that when I needed a break from mowing lawn, I could wash windows. (taking a break does not always mean 'doing nothing')
The windows we were washing were usually 'storm windows' that had been taken off for the summer replaced with screens. Now in the fall, wash them and put them on. As they each leaned against the house underneath the place they would be installed for the winter; we were each assigned our number of windows to do. Both sides must be clean and streak free. As Dad would come around while we were finishing the window he would say; " Now is it clean with no smudges or streaks?" I was always confident (at least the first one) that it was perfect. Dad would pick up the window and hold it up to the sun, and inevitably there were smudges and streaks. I would go back to cleaning up the streaks and smudges. Dad would say something like; " That is just like our life. We all think we are so good and clean; then we hold our life up to the SON we see how much we need HIS cleansing."
Doing our share of pulling weeds reaped spiritual lessons also. It was taught again to my oldest son when he was being cared for by his Grandma while I worked. He and Grandma were weeding the garden. He was not very happy about the weeding chore and wanted to play ball. His reasoning with Grandma was; "What difference does it make, weeds are normal, why do we have to pull them out all the time!" To that, Grandma went and got some 'chicken wire'. She said, "OK, lets put this around 1 tomato plant and not pull the weeds around it. Just let it be normal." Throughout the summer, that plant was left alone. The others were nurtured, weeded and cared for. It was not long and the damage was obvious. The plant was small and the weeds were tall. The tomatoes were small and few. "You see," said Grandma, "Those weeds are just like sin. They look and feel harmless. It's not a big deal. It's just a little fib and doesn't hurt anyone." IF we do not pull that sin out of our life, it grows big, strong and tall. It will take over our life and make us sick and weak." You see, just like we need to keep the weeds pulled from the plant, we must keep the sin out of our life." You can see the difference. The plants that were taken care of are strong and healthy and the tomatoes are many and large!" "We have to keep pulling the normal sin out of our life, and care for ourselves with God's Word and prayer, so we can bare lots of fruit for Jesus."
Just one more thing, my parents did right!
Until Then,
Katie Grove
Monday, June 23, 2008
Clinging to My Guns and Religion
Yes, I am clinging to the 'Old Rugged Cross' and I will until I am face to face with Jesus Christ in heaven! A large part of why this great USA was formed, is so that we could worship 'THE ALMIGHTY GOD' as we choose. I have been watching that right diminish, not knowing what to do about it. I still do not know what to do about it. However, It is something that cannot be taken away from me. My body can be killed, but not my soul. Christ was the perfect sacrifice and provided all of us THE CHOICE to pick where we want to spend eternity.
My guns? Well, I have been around them all of my life. Rifles and shot guns used for hunting. I went deer hunting with my daddy. I remember getting on the school bus as a teenager and having the (mostly) boys get on the bus with their rifles in cases and hand them to the bus driver. The bus driver would put them behind the driver's seat. When they got off the bus @ the school they picked up their rifle and carried it into the school. (I do not know if they stored it in their locker or what) but at the end of the day, (3:00 P.M.)they were out the door with the rest of their hunting party for the evening hunt.
I enjoy hunting, my husband enjoys hunting. All 5 of the boys were taught to hunt and learned gun safety. Three of them still enjoy hunting with firearms and bow.
Thanks to Representative C.W. Bill Young of Florida I have become MORE interested in The Constitution and Bill of Rights. (I was at an event a few months ago and he had provided booklets of The Constitution) (I believe that is tax money WELL SPENT!) I am by no means a 'student' of The Constitution but I have become more interested. I have done a little reading.
There is 'THE BILL OF RIGHTS',I am also looking into that. After Obama made his statement about guns and religion and I took exception to that and have been reading a bit about THE SECOND AMENDMENT. Hmmmmm. The framers/founders of our country were concerned about tyranny. I do not know where this statement came from but I certainly know it is true. 'Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.' They, 'the founders of our great country', were concerned that the 'leaders' of this nation would not be able to bully the citizens and have TOO MUCH power over our individual lives. That brings me to a question. Are the politicians that wish to take away our 'right to bear arms', afraid of their 'constituents'? Do these leaders that wish to take away our 'right to bear arms' fear our ability to possibly stop them from complete control? No, I have not freaked out and bought guns and ammunition and built a fortress around my home. Should I?
I for 1 take my right and responsibility to vote very seriously. I have since I was 18 years old. I only wish that the majority of this country's citizens would feel the same. Unfortunately, until that right is taken away, many will not.
I truly am very concerned for the future of our country. Will the citizens of this country truly think of only them self and 'immediate gratification'.
As the late GREAT Ronald Reagan said, "We are always just one generation away from losing our freedom."*
I long to hear ANY politician say something like the late John F Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."
Vote as if your vote will decide the election. 'Fast forward' what will happen IF your vote decides the election.
How much do you value your:
Freedom
Privacy
rights
Until Then,
Katie
*not exact quote but I believe an accurate paraphrase.
My guns? Well, I have been around them all of my life. Rifles and shot guns used for hunting. I went deer hunting with my daddy. I remember getting on the school bus as a teenager and having the (mostly) boys get on the bus with their rifles in cases and hand them to the bus driver. The bus driver would put them behind the driver's seat. When they got off the bus @ the school they picked up their rifle and carried it into the school. (I do not know if they stored it in their locker or what) but at the end of the day, (3:00 P.M.)they were out the door with the rest of their hunting party for the evening hunt.
I enjoy hunting, my husband enjoys hunting. All 5 of the boys were taught to hunt and learned gun safety. Three of them still enjoy hunting with firearms and bow.
Thanks to Representative C.W. Bill Young of Florida I have become MORE interested in The Constitution and Bill of Rights. (I was at an event a few months ago and he had provided booklets of The Constitution) (I believe that is tax money WELL SPENT!) I am by no means a 'student' of The Constitution but I have become more interested. I have done a little reading.
There is 'THE BILL OF RIGHTS',I am also looking into that. After Obama made his statement about guns and religion and I took exception to that and have been reading a bit about THE SECOND AMENDMENT. Hmmmmm. The framers/founders of our country were concerned about tyranny. I do not know where this statement came from but I certainly know it is true. 'Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.' They, 'the founders of our great country', were concerned that the 'leaders' of this nation would not be able to bully the citizens and have TOO MUCH power over our individual lives. That brings me to a question. Are the politicians that wish to take away our 'right to bear arms', afraid of their 'constituents'? Do these leaders that wish to take away our 'right to bear arms' fear our ability to possibly stop them from complete control? No, I have not freaked out and bought guns and ammunition and built a fortress around my home. Should I?
I for 1 take my right and responsibility to vote very seriously. I have since I was 18 years old. I only wish that the majority of this country's citizens would feel the same. Unfortunately, until that right is taken away, many will not.
I truly am very concerned for the future of our country. Will the citizens of this country truly think of only them self and 'immediate gratification'.
As the late GREAT Ronald Reagan said, "We are always just one generation away from losing our freedom."*
I long to hear ANY politician say something like the late John F Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."
Vote as if your vote will decide the election. 'Fast forward' what will happen IF your vote decides the election.
How much do you value your:
Freedom
Privacy
rights
Until Then,
Katie
*not exact quote but I believe an accurate paraphrase.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
My Fatness
Yes, I am overweight OR undertall. No matter how I look at it, I have to look in the mirror and deal with reality. I can no longer eat what I want and stay a reasonable weight. My metabolism has changed, like everyone elses does as we age. (Yes my children, IF you live long enough, you most likely will experience the same thing.) I have seen exceptions to this, or so I thought. Upon closer inquiry or observation I concluded, 'maybe not'.
It truly is mind over matter. Questioning myself, I have concluded that I really do not care, at least enough to do anything about it. I have been checking to make sure that I do not gain any MORE, but I can not seem to make myself care to lose the extra weight. It is an ongoing struggle. I am in constant contact with a 43 year old woman that is UNDER weight. The Dr. tells her she should gain 10 #s, but she refuses. She is highly critical of overweight people. "Why don't they just lose the weight!" Finally one day I said, "They/we don't lose the weight for the same reason that you don't gain the weight, it's a psychological problem, we don't want to for some reason." It is just socially acceptable to have the skinny problem VS the FAT problem.
Now obviously I am not going to be critical of over weight/obese people. Here is my question: WHY OH WHY do people clothe them self in such a manner as to show the world their FATNESS? I have literally fought the gag reflex at the sight of some of it! Women showing their mid section and falling out of their tops and displaying their butt cracks. Do you look in the mirror before you leave home?????? If you do, what are you seeing???
Regardless of weight or age, why do women dress intentionally so they think that they are sexually attractive and then become offended when men make sexual remarks or actions toward them. "Isn't that what you were looking for when you dressed like that?"
Parents, are you teaching your children some standards for appropriate attire? I have 5 granddaughters. One of them has parents that simply do not get it. They let her dress anyway she wants, and provide the sexy clothes for her. It breaks my heart. When I said something to my son about it, he scoffed at me and said, "Don't be stuppid, its cute, she's just a little girl." My answer, "At what point do you say, OK, you can't dress like that anymore?" "Plus, the child molesters love lookin at her." His reply: "Mom, you worry about nothing." We'll continue this subject for another day.
Back to my FATNESS. I realize that it is not nice to look at, so I attempt to dress neat, clean, pressed and covered loosely.
My question to the world is: Why do you flaunt your FATNESS? It is ugly. I really do want to understand, or at least hear some sort of explination.
Until Then,
Kate
It truly is mind over matter. Questioning myself, I have concluded that I really do not care, at least enough to do anything about it. I have been checking to make sure that I do not gain any MORE, but I can not seem to make myself care to lose the extra weight. It is an ongoing struggle. I am in constant contact with a 43 year old woman that is UNDER weight. The Dr. tells her she should gain 10 #s, but she refuses. She is highly critical of overweight people. "Why don't they just lose the weight!" Finally one day I said, "They/we don't lose the weight for the same reason that you don't gain the weight, it's a psychological problem, we don't want to for some reason." It is just socially acceptable to have the skinny problem VS the FAT problem.
Now obviously I am not going to be critical of over weight/obese people. Here is my question: WHY OH WHY do people clothe them self in such a manner as to show the world their FATNESS? I have literally fought the gag reflex at the sight of some of it! Women showing their mid section and falling out of their tops and displaying their butt cracks. Do you look in the mirror before you leave home?????? If you do, what are you seeing???
Regardless of weight or age, why do women dress intentionally so they think that they are sexually attractive and then become offended when men make sexual remarks or actions toward them. "Isn't that what you were looking for when you dressed like that?"
Parents, are you teaching your children some standards for appropriate attire? I have 5 granddaughters. One of them has parents that simply do not get it. They let her dress anyway she wants, and provide the sexy clothes for her. It breaks my heart. When I said something to my son about it, he scoffed at me and said, "Don't be stuppid, its cute, she's just a little girl." My answer, "At what point do you say, OK, you can't dress like that anymore?" "Plus, the child molesters love lookin at her." His reply: "Mom, you worry about nothing." We'll continue this subject for another day.
Back to my FATNESS. I realize that it is not nice to look at, so I attempt to dress neat, clean, pressed and covered loosely.
My question to the world is: Why do you flaunt your FATNESS? It is ugly. I really do want to understand, or at least hear some sort of explination.
Until Then,
Kate
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Speech Patterns
We are all aware of the fact that in this United States as we go East to West and North to South, there are different speech patterns. And of course we can go North of the border, "Aye".
I am asked from time to time where I am from. When I say, "Minnesota", the quick response is, "Of course, I can hear the accent!"
When we moved to Florida, one of the things I thought I was going to be relieved of hearing the phrase, "You guys." I strongly dislike that phrase. Just as much as I dislike, "You people." I was unable to run away from, 'you guys' or 'you people.'
Any phrase or word can be over used. Anyone who has spent a lot of time with me or worked with me would probably be able to think about it and recall seeing me wear a rubber-band around my wrist from time to time. It is a simple but effective way to correct bothersome speech patterns. Each time I use the word or phrase that is problematic, I just pull that rubber-band and let it snap my wrist. First of all, I am amazed at how often I say the word or phrase. It takes several days, but I can usually brake the poor or irritating speech pattern.
I have an acquaintance that prides herself in learning new words to make herself sound 'more educated'. Then she way OVER USES them, so it is pretty obvious that she is trying to impress. It is great to consciously continue to learn, but do not over use it. (It is counter productive)
Those of us in sales, and for life in general need to be forever cognisant of our speech patterns.
We all need to listen much more than we speak. We need to ask questions rather than inform others about ourself.
I was speaking with a business associate the other day and it SEEMED like every other word was 'you know'. It was all I could hear! So I looked at the second hand on my watch and made a mark on a piece of paper each time he said, "you know" IN 60 SECONDS, he said, "you know" 14 times! That is every 4.28 seconds!
GIVE THAT MAN A RUBBER-BAND
Am I willing to ask someone close to me to help me by telling me what corrections I need in my speech patterns?
I had better be, I have a feeling that those close to me will read this and be letting me know.
Until Then
Kate
I am asked from time to time where I am from. When I say, "Minnesota", the quick response is, "Of course, I can hear the accent!"
When we moved to Florida, one of the things I thought I was going to be relieved of hearing the phrase, "You guys." I strongly dislike that phrase. Just as much as I dislike, "You people." I was unable to run away from, 'you guys' or 'you people.'
Any phrase or word can be over used. Anyone who has spent a lot of time with me or worked with me would probably be able to think about it and recall seeing me wear a rubber-band around my wrist from time to time. It is a simple but effective way to correct bothersome speech patterns. Each time I use the word or phrase that is problematic, I just pull that rubber-band and let it snap my wrist. First of all, I am amazed at how often I say the word or phrase. It takes several days, but I can usually brake the poor or irritating speech pattern.
I have an acquaintance that prides herself in learning new words to make herself sound 'more educated'. Then she way OVER USES them, so it is pretty obvious that she is trying to impress. It is great to consciously continue to learn, but do not over use it. (It is counter productive)
Those of us in sales, and for life in general need to be forever cognisant of our speech patterns.
We all need to listen much more than we speak. We need to ask questions rather than inform others about ourself.
I was speaking with a business associate the other day and it SEEMED like every other word was 'you know'. It was all I could hear! So I looked at the second hand on my watch and made a mark on a piece of paper each time he said, "you know" IN 60 SECONDS, he said, "you know" 14 times! That is every 4.28 seconds!
GIVE THAT MAN A RUBBER-BAND
Am I willing to ask someone close to me to help me by telling me what corrections I need in my speech patterns?
I had better be, I have a feeling that those close to me will read this and be letting me know.
Until Then
Kate
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Age Sensitive (revised)
I am not one of those who feel the need to hide my age. Plus, I do not understand what is going through the mind of a person that feels the need to hide their age.
Now, I am embarrassed to admit that I also dyed my hair and changed my style for a few years. I gave into wanting to please my husband. I look back on it now and I really looked stupid. It is true that my hair started to turn gray early. (late 40s) I still wish I had not given in to the pressure.
Why this came to mind again, was because I saw yet another woman 'trying' to look half her age and I thought, "Who does she think she is kidding?" And then...! when one of these woman 'attract' a younger man and they believe they are pulling it off, that is really pretty sad. Don't kid yourself honey, maybe he needs a mommy, or you need to be a mommy. Or does he think you have something he wants? Money, position, a place to live? If both people are aware of 'what the attraction is' then go for it. However, when someone starts out trying to appear to be something they are not; that is not likely.
I am 56 years old and can find no reason to be ashamed of that. After all, the alternative to having birthdays would be.......death?
Maybe someone can explain to me the problem with being 56 or 60 or 65 or.... Someone help me understand !
I am glad that I am not out looking for a job at my age. Why? For some reason companies do not want to hire someone over 50. And as employees hit the 50s, it seems like life is made difficult to 'encourage' those people to resign. Maybe someone can explain that to me too. Let me see... 50 years old, hmmm. Experience..maturity..usually good work ethic..10 to 15 good working years left. Sounds like a good employee to me.
As I was growing up, I NEVER was embarrassed to be with my parents. I do not understand that either. What is that about?
So, if someone would please explain to me what the problem is with having more birthdays is, or why kids do not want to be with their parents, I would really appreciate it.
Until Then,
Kate
Now, I am embarrassed to admit that I also dyed my hair and changed my style for a few years. I gave into wanting to please my husband. I look back on it now and I really looked stupid. It is true that my hair started to turn gray early. (late 40s) I still wish I had not given in to the pressure.
Why this came to mind again, was because I saw yet another woman 'trying' to look half her age and I thought, "Who does she think she is kidding?" And then...! when one of these woman 'attract' a younger man and they believe they are pulling it off, that is really pretty sad. Don't kid yourself honey, maybe he needs a mommy, or you need to be a mommy. Or does he think you have something he wants? Money, position, a place to live? If both people are aware of 'what the attraction is' then go for it. However, when someone starts out trying to appear to be something they are not; that is not likely.
I am 56 years old and can find no reason to be ashamed of that. After all, the alternative to having birthdays would be.......death?
Maybe someone can explain to me the problem with being 56 or 60 or 65 or.... Someone help me understand !
I am glad that I am not out looking for a job at my age. Why? For some reason companies do not want to hire someone over 50. And as employees hit the 50s, it seems like life is made difficult to 'encourage' those people to resign. Maybe someone can explain that to me too. Let me see... 50 years old, hmmm. Experience..maturity..usually good work ethic..10 to 15 good working years left. Sounds like a good employee to me.
As I was growing up, I NEVER was embarrassed to be with my parents. I do not understand that either. What is that about?
So, if someone would please explain to me what the problem is with having more birthdays is, or why kids do not want to be with their parents, I would really appreciate it.
Until Then,
Kate
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