Category Archives: Reflections

Gospel of Grace

Posted on January 2, 2012 | 1 comment

“The gospel of grace says that God accepts us in Christ and then he makes us holy. We don’t first make ourselves holy so that God will accept us. When God accepts us in Christ we can experience the indomitable power of the indwelling Holy Spirit to resist temptation, flee from sin, live righteously, and glorify God in all things.” Gloria Furman

I am visiting my sister in Dallas for the first few days of 2012.  I had a few minutes to check my feeds on the blogs that I keep up with.  As I am thinking about this new year, it dawned on my that Christ accepts me as I am and He is the one who makes me holy.  (It is so easy to think that I alone accomplish things and think that I should get the credit.)  It is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that makes it possible for me to flee from sin and to live a righteous life.  I pray that this year that I remember this – that I depend on Christ and not myself to accomplish the things that are set before me.

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I Survived Another Tax Season – Now to Get Back on Track

Posted on October 21, 2011 | Leave a comment

Yea – I survived another tax season. Monday this past week sure was a hectic day. I am still trying to get back on track. On Monday I was at the office by 7:00am and worked until 9:30pm. Talk about a long day.

I read in an article somewhere that what you do on Monday sets the tone for the entire week. I think that is so true. Because of the deadline to get all those tax returns done,  I did not do my regular morning exercise program. ( I am usually exercising by 5:30 am on most mornings. )  Anyway, all this week I have had a hard time with wanting to exercise – and mentally coming up with excuses to cut my exercise time short. At work, I look at my desk and I seem to be in a fog on what to do next. I am having a hard time prioritizing. The same is happening at home. I look around at all the things that I need to do after weeks of neglect and I can not seem to focus on what needs to be done first.

The question is – How do I get back on track? Should I make a list of things to do? Sometimes lists frustrate me because I find things to do that are not on my list and do them instead of what is listed.  Then I am mad at myself for not marking anything off my list.  I know the key is to focus on one task at a time. So here I am it is nearly 8:00am and I still need to get ready for work. So here is my list for right now.

1. Get ready for work.
2. Go to work.
3. Sit at my desk and finish the financial statement I was working on yesterday but did not finish.
4. Start on those payroll tax returns that have an end of month deadline. (I hate deadlines.)

Evening list – after supper.
1. Help my son move into his apartment. My ulterior motive is to check out the apartment.
2. Make grocery list and maybe do the shopping – if it is not too late.
3. Fall into bed exhausted.

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Posted in Interesting Tidbits, Reflections

Last Day of Tax Season 2011

Posted on October 17, 2011 | Leave a comment

Today is the last day of tax season.  I am not at work yet but I am sure that it is going to be a very hectic day. The plan is to skip my usual exercising and be at the office by 7:00 am. Skipping the exercise may not be the wisest move in the long wrong because I read in one of my magazines that exercising on Monday will set the tone for the entire week.  Oh well — got to get the remainder of those tax returns out.  (Personally, I feel very abused when clients drop off their work on the last day for me to complete. )

I know that I probably should have gone into the office to work some this weekend but after increasing my hours for the past 8 weeks I just needed some downtime.  I spent Saturday morning at the gun show with my dear husband and son.  I have never attended a gun show before.  There were guns and more guns and more guns.   We did have a nice time eating at “Kim Son” afterwards.  Later in the afternoon we attended a fiftieth wedding anniversary party.  It is always fun celebrating these milestones with friends, especially seeing people I have not seen in a while.

Sunday was the Volunteer Fire Department Open House.  Actually, that was my excuse for not working – I was volunteering at the Open House.  My job was to help with keep the fire pole line in order.  The kids just loved sliding down the pole.

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Posted in Interesting Tidbits, Reflections

Am I Rude? I Certainly Hope Not.

Posted on October 10, 2011 | Leave a comment

Today is the first day of what I am going to call “hell” week.  October 17 is a big day for tax accountants.  We are  or at least our office is working desperately to get out all the individual tax returns that are on final extension.  As the pressure builds to beat the deadline, tempers flare.  To make matters worse our fearless leader has been out of the office since the first of October and now not only our our tempers short but also our clients are not happy.  Not a good situation at all.  It makes for a horrible Monday.

Anyway, as I was reading the paper this morning I came across this article written by the “You Docs” called “Incivility at Work?”  As I read the article I decided that I needed to apply these tips especially this week when it will be so easy to be rude and nasty.

1.  Respect others. Look for the best in people. Speak kindly. Bite my tongue when I am about to gossip or make a witty-cruel comment.  Listen to my coworkers.

2.  Avoid the verbal toxin at the office.  If it happens, then think upbeat thoughts afterwards.

3. Don’t make excuses for my own rude behavior.

4.  Try to find meaning in what I do.

Here are the reasons why I need to put this in place.

1.  It infects my home life.  Rudeness has a ripple affect and I will then treat the ones I love with unkindness.

2.  It is a health threat.  Negativity and chronic stress boost my blood pressure.  Being polite and positive does the opposite.

3.  This is definitely true – I do not work as hard and I resentment grows within me.

 

 

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Posted in Interesting Tidbits, Opinions, Reflections

September 11, 2011

Posted on September 11, 2011 | Leave a comment

Last night I went to the annual fire department banquet. This is the second year that the Fallen Firefighter Ceremony has been conducted. I find this ceremony to be very touching. Here is a picture of the table that is set.

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The white tablecloth symbolizes the purity of the fallen firefighters intention to respond to their department’s every call.

The red rose is for those who made the ultimate sacrifice – they gave their life so others could live.

The white carnation is for those who witnessed and experienced tragedy and destruction firsthand, and are still with us today.

A slice of lemon on the place is to remind us of their bitter fate.

There is salt on the table to symbolize the tears shed by family and friends.

The glass is inverted — they cannot toast with us today.

The chair is empty—they are not here, and we do not want to forget them.

 

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Posted in Interesting Tidbits, Pictures, Reflections

I Think I Need to Give Up Reading the Paper

Posted on June 26, 2011 | 2 comments

Have you ever wondered if you are an optimist or a pessimist?  Well, I have.  I would like to think that I am an optimist and think that everything is going to turn out fine.  I decided this morning that I am really a pessimist.

When I was younger – a lot younger I used to wake up and sing the  song “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah”.  Here are the words to the song.

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
My, oh my, what a wonderful day
Plenty of sunshine headin’ my way
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay

Mister Bluebird’s on my shoulder
It’s the truth, it’s actual
Ev’rything is satisfactual
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
Wonderful feeling, wonderful day, yes sir!

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
My, oh my, what a wonderful day
Plenty of sunshine headin’ my way
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay

Mister Bluebird’s on my shoulder
It’s the truth, it’s actual
Ev’rything is satisfactual
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
Wonderful feeling, feeling this way

Mister Bluebird’s on my shoulder
It is the truth, it’s actual… huh?
Where is that bluebird? Mm-hm!
Ev’rything is satisfactual
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
Wonderful feeling, wonderful day!

So, I began to wonder what changed.  Why do I not wake up every morning and want to sing this song.  Instead my head is full of worry – what will happen at work,  will I still have a job, what if I lose my job, what if…. what if…. I hate being in the land of “what if.”  The only thing I can figure is that when I was younger – a whole lot younger I did not wake up every morning and read the paper.  Somehow,  I decided that waking up early – drinking a cup of coffee and reading the paper before anyone else in the house reads the paper was enjoyable and of course would fill my head full of knowledge about the world.  Instead I think it has created a person who sees negative things.  It is a scary thought  – to give up reading the paper with a cup of coffee.

Here are some positives if I were to give up the paper –

To be truthful my family gives my a very hard time about reading the paper first thing. They know that I get irritated – not just a little bit but quite a bit if I have not touched the paper first. (I know I have sharing issues and honestly I am trying to work on it.)  I now let them read the classifieds and auto/house buying section while I am reading the rest of the paper.  If I gave up the paper it would improve family relations.

It would save money.  The paper costs roughly $180 a year.

I could sleep later – No, I can’t sleep later.  I could find something inspiring to read. But not too interesting because then that is all I would want to do.

My outlook on life might improve. I would once again be able to wake up and sing “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” instead of worrying about the bills, job, ect.

Here is the downside maybe – Am I more knowledgeable today for reading the paper that I was the day before?  Well, that is a big question to ponder and I suppose I will spend some time today thinking about whether I am more knowledge today than yesterday.

I do think that I am just going to print out these words, visually these words, and see if my outlook on life improves.  But wait this morning I just read and article about titled “Why imagining success doesn’t get you there”…….

 

 

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Posted in Reflections

Where is the Time!

Posted on June 24, 2011 | Leave a comment

I have always had a problem with time management. I look at others and they seem to have it all together. I know that it is probably not true but I feel inadequate anyway. I have tried various techniques but I have a hard time with follow through. I suppose the reason that this is on my mind is because I might have to work this weekend on a “rush” job. It is always hard for me to work on the weekends after tax season especially if there is no tax deadline. Well, I suppose I need to get busy and get to work so I can evaluate if I will have to work this weekend. I really would like to hear how others manage their time.

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One of Those Days

Posted on May 22, 2011 | Leave a comment

Today was one of those days that I had the hardest time choosing what to wear to worship services this morning. Pretty sad since my closet is full of clothes. The first outfit was a floral skirt and coral colored knit top. Something must have happened to the knit top. I put on my slimming camisole but low and behold I had “boobs” on my back. Decided that I need to get serious about my dieting or better yet just buy a new top to go with the skirt. (Will most likely try to lose weight since it is that time of year that more skin is shown.) On to outfit number two – this one was a flowing dress that has one of those V-necklines. If I do not wear a camisole underneath then all the world would be able to view a part of my body that I personally do not want to show everyone. Anyway the dress has cream polka dots. I do have a cream camisole but nowhere to be found. Must be in the laundry and I am too lazy to dig it out – No I would not were something that needed washing to church. One to outfit number three – a new knit dress that has geometric designs. It is black, tan, gold. Slipped it on and I think it looks great. It is sleeveless. I had to find a black camisole to go underneath so everything was covered just in case I needed to raise my arms. Yes, a black camisole was in my lingerie draw. It is a go – I would post a picture but it look me forever to post some pictures yesterday so your imagination will have to do.

I think I will make it to worship services on time.

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Posted in Interesting Tidbits, Opinions, Reflections

Thoughts From Today’s Devotional Reading

Posted on May 8, 2011 | Leave a comment

I have been reading “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young. This book was recommended by my coworker when we were struggling with all the changes in our office. It helped me when trying to get through what seemed to be horribly grueling tax season. This is what speaks to me from today’s reading.

1. I should not long for the absence of problems. This is unrealistic. Really touched a nerve here because I am always wanting a life right now free of problems.

2. The life free of problems come in heaven not earth.

3. Begin each day anticipating problems, asking G_d to equip me to handle these problems. What an eye opener – usually my prayer is this – G_d please just make this go away not G_d please help me through this so I can learn to depend on You to help me overcome my troubles.

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Spring is Here

Posted on February 25, 2011 | 1 comment

It only seems a short time ago that I was shivering from cold. Today I took my Sony Cyber-shot camera with me on my morning walk. I did not take my Nikon D40 since it is hard to carry a larger camera and to walk with Maximus. I have owned this camera for several years but have not learned about all the settings.  I took these pictures using the telephoto setting, the wide angle setting, and then the normal setting.  My pictures are not very good but I did want to show everyone of the beauty that I saw on my walk.

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I also saw a cardinal and several mockingbirds.  I heard a woodpecker but could not see it. I hope everyone has a good day today.

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Posted in Interesting Tidbits, Opinions, Reflections