Posts Tagged With: faith

Freedom, baby

Posted on September 11, 2016 by emjayandthem

15 years ago today, we experienced an inconceivable tragedy when terrorists attacked our nation simply because of who we are and what we stand for. We will never forget.

4 years ago, we experienced this evil once again when 4 Americans were killed in a terrorist attack while serving in Benghazi, Libya. We will never forget.

We remember the heroic law enforcement officers, fireman and medical units who rushed TOWARDS danger when everyone ran from it. And our men and women in uniform who fiercely protected our freedom then and now.

So to the cowards whose jealousy and warped ideologies motivate attacks on us – I remember what happened here post 9/11: I remember people coming together NOT apart, strangers rescuing strangers and neighbors helping neighbors, people donating blood,money and food, an outpouring of love & pride for our country and renewed appreciation for our service men and women. We united this great nation as ONE. I never saw so many American Flags flying so bright and so often.

We were one nation indivisible with Liberty and Justice for all.

Sneaky terrorist creeps will never be able to take away what is intrinsic to our nature as citizens: our desire to live a full and FREE live. Honor. Faith. Hard work. Patriotism. And FREEDOM, BABY!

We remember the people we lost…and the heroes who rose.

Freedom LIVES.

Random 5 Sunday – 5 years

Posted on October 18, 2015 by emjayandthem

It’s a beautiful sunny Sunday (yay!) so here are 5 randoms from my little corner of the universe.

1 Cooked yesterday and doubled everything. Why? I’m dropping off half to oldest boy and the grands later today. The work/school/homework schedule is just nicer when you have “extras” around. Homemade soup, sloppy Joe’s, Game day brownies and more. To quote Mom, “Love is Groceries.“

2 It was Mom who taught me the significance of caring for others. On Mothering is just one of many posts I’ve written about her. She taught me so many things but, most importantly, she taught me how to mother. And, like her, I’m fierce — no apologies. Because of that, I can’t wrap my head around that our grand children’s mother left them like she did. But it was my wee Mom who reminded me He gave our boy big shoulders for a reason and sometimes Mom & Dad are the same person.

3 Stopped the other day to take this picture – October will end soon and all of this will pass. Don’t miss it.

4 I write as means to formalize my thoughts, connect-the-dots and express myself. Through this experience I’ve connected with many of you, and one I’ve even met in person (lucky me). When I write what I know – posts about life, relationships, personal growth, faith and home – you chime in and I love that so much.

5 Going back to Mom, she was moved to Nursing Home placement this week and, when asked how things were going, her response made me laugh. “I’m doing the best I can and managing to stay out of trouble… so far!” This center is small, 17 beds, and in a rural setting, which is much more her style. Both my sisters are certain she’ll get more personalized care and that’s of comfort to us all. Thinking of her it hit me that 5 years ago today I published my very first blog and, not surprisingly, I wrote about another life lesson learned from Mom. 5 years, 824 posts,179,273 visitors, still writing. Thank you for reading along.

Happy Sunday to you! When you look back over your blogging lifetime, what do you see?

Categories: Attitude, Blogging, Confidence at any age, Determination, Faith, Food, Growth, Home, Life, Love, Opinion, Personal, Quotes, Seasons, Thoughts | Tags: attitude, faith, Fall, family, first blog post, food, growth, Ina Garten, life lessons, love, love is groceries, milestones, Mom, mothering, nursing home, October, on saying yes, seasons, simple pleasures, turkey soup, write what you know | 17 Comments

Random 5 Friday – Stew Leonard’s, gift cards, and happenstances

Posted on October 9, 2015 by emjayandthem

It’s Friday – whoop! I am off today and here are 5 randoms thoughts from my week.

1) Trader Joe’s opened a store here recently. Never been there but folks here are awfully hyped up about this grocery store. If you want to experience THE grocery store, visit Stew Leonard’s – the world’s largest Dairy store – in Norwalk, CT. I remember taking oldest boy there when he was very little, and the prices were well worth the singing cows and dancing milk cartons … Now THAT’s a grocery store. 🙂

2) I won an award at work and picked Visa gift cards as my prize. I don’t need more stuff. Instead I stopped, after work, for a mani/pedi and became one with the massage chair. Felt like a genius. I still have a little $ to spend but I’m one to make a list and a careful purchase. Likely involving books … got any recommended reading for me?

3) It’s Fall and I cook more when as weather cools. Brought out my Wolfgang Puck electric pressure cooker for a yummy dinner this weekend. The best part? Beef stew, braised chicken, or a succulent roast in under an hour. (I was scared to death of the one Mom used as we grew up – it had a screaming sound and jangly top that threatened to blow at any minute. Whenever it came out – outside I went!) Get yours here.

wolfgang-puck-automatic-8-quart-rapid-pressure-cooker-d-20130813151431583~269531_001

Here’s what mine looks like – no jangling bits to blow off in my face!

4) Tuesday morning, while waiting for the results of medical tests, I quietly sung one of my favorite Elvis Gospel songs. The next morning I turned on my Mp3 for the drive to work. The MP3 has nearly 1,000 songs on it and is always set to “shuffle” – meaning it shuffles songs randomly. That song came on first. Coincidence? Nope.

5 ) 22 days till Halloween! I no longer decorate for it like I did when the boys were little but I do love shopping with the Grands for their costumes. We touch and try on crazy hats, test drive the spooky sounds of store displays and thoroughly enjoy the outing. I remember these kinds of costumes, and our faces sweating underneath them. How about you?

google.images.com

How was your week? Ever been to a Trader Joe’s or Stew Leonard’s? If you had a $100 gift card to spend, what would you buy? Do you have any page-turners to recommend? Ever cooked with a Pressure cooker? How do you feel when you experience random happenstances? Are they random? And what costume do you remember sweating under?

Categories: Faith, Family, Food, Friendship, Fun, Growth, halloween, Holidays, Joy, Life, music, Opinion, Personal, Self Discovery, Thoughts | Tags: angel kisses, buying books, casual luxuries, chance, coincidence, destiny, Elvis Presley, faith, fate, Fridays, gift cards, gospel music, halloween costumes, happenstance, HSN.com, I don't know just what I'd do if the Lord wasn't walking by my side, karma, love, prayer, pressure cookers, Random, Reading, Stew Leonard's, Trader Joe's, Wolfgang Puck Pressure cooker | 12 Comments

Being thankful for doors that closed

Posted on June 16, 2015 by emjayandthem

When I look back at some of my career opportunities (and those that weren’t) I’ve learned to be grateful for closed doors.

Encouraging someone recently, I offered this, “You have to believe that you deserve a good life. A happy, meaningful and beautiful life. Every time the door closes is a test of faith; sometimes you won’t know till years later what was on the other side. You just have to believe that He knows the plan for you and trust that it’s good.” Tears filled my eyes as I said what I did and – truth be told – these words weren’t mine, someone gave me this message to share and I did.

We have all had times when the door closed — moments that, looking back, weren’t for you in the first place. Dead-end jobs. Bad people. Relationships that suck the life out of you.

Like the faithful being led out of bondage, a shut door can be a metaphor for the closing of the Red Sea. No more chains on us!

When this happens, yes sometimes I stare at the lock for a while. Other times I see things for what they are and give a prayer of gratitude for the people who rejected me, the superior who discounts me, the friend who slights me. That’s when I dig my heels in and move forward anyways. And I always find that, had I remained where I was, I would have missed where I am.

Every time He shuts a door, there is something better coming. I’m sure of it.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

What closed doors are you grateful for?

Categories: Attitude, Determination, Faith, Family, fear, Forgiveness, Growth, Life, Life Lessons, Personal, Quotes, Relationships, Self Discovery, Uncategorized, Wisdom, Writing | Tags: chains of bondage, closed doors, encouragement, faith, Jeremiah 29:11, journey, Red Sea, seeing past life's obstacles, tests | 26 Comments

Worth it

Posted on March 27, 2014 by emjayandthem

Every so often, another writer’s post touches my heart in such a way that I think about it long after I’ve stopped reading.

This one did.

It’s one man’s story of faith. Of love. Of moments that matter.

Moments of grace and humor and serendipity.

One man’s story.

Read it here: http://richripley.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/the-touchstones-of-our-heart/

somehow this picture belongs here. Google.images.com

He’ll understand why bacon is here! Google.images.com

Categories: Beauty, Blogging, Faith, Family, Forgiveness, Grief, Growth, Home, Life, Men, Personal, Relationships, Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tags: Christian, death, faith, God, Jesus Christ, life, men's retreat, pig cup, relationships, Rich Ripley, serendipity, Touchstones of our Heart, walk in faith, Walk of Emmaus | 10 Comments

The fight

Posted on December 17, 2013 by emjayandthem

“A fight is going on inside me,” said an old man to his son. “It is a terrible fight between two wolves. One wolf is evil. He is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other wolf is good. he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.

The same fight goes on inside you.”

The son thought about it for a minute and then asked, “Which wolf will win?”

The old man replied simply, “The one you feed.”
―Native American proverb

Who are you feeding?

Categories: Animals, Family, Growth, Holidays, Home, Personal, Uncategorized | Tags: anger, arrogance, attitude, benevolence, Christmas, compassion, ego, empathy, envy, faith, false pride, generosity, good, greed, guilt, Hope, humility, inferiority, joy, kindness, lies, love, peace, personal development, proverb, regret, resentment, self-pity, serenity, sorrow, spiritual growth, superiority, truth, wolf | 22 Comments

See the need

Posted on November 27, 2013 by emjayandthem

I admit it: I’m a softie for men who share their feelings.

Hubbs does it easily, my Dad, loving and kind, showed it in the tender way he cared for us and all living things.

When a man shares his thoughts openly, there’s a certain level of trust that’s required, paired with the confidence of knowing that sharing their most heartfelt thoughts is possible… and not punishable.

My Iowa blogging friend, Rich Ripley, is a such a man.

His posts are usually crafted with a healthy dose of humor, but every so often, he lets himself go there.

He goes where most rarely will. He goes deep.

This post, about holidays and loneliness and the true meaning of Christmas, is one of those posts. Read on….

I distinctly remember Christmas Eve that night. I watched the dinner time news (all the talk was of Christmas events…go figure). The TV shows were (surprise) Christmas shows. I turned the TV off, and took a look outside my apartment window and saw….multicolored Christmas lights glistening off of a blanket of new fallen snow (no lying…north-central Iowa gets snow early and often).

I heard church bells ringing as Christmas Eve services started and ended.

It was awful. I was so alone. I went to bed early…I couldn’t take the depressing heaviness on my heart any longer. Dear God…so alone and sad. Thankfully…I fell asleep quickly.

Read more here http://richripley.wordpress.com/2013/11/15/theyre-out-there-and-i-aint-talking-about-zombies/

room for one more? (google images)

Categories: Blogging, Charity, Family, Holidays, Joy, Life, Men, Relationships, Uncategorized, Wisdom | Tags: alone at the holidays, charity, Christmases of old, faith, friendship, including others, kindness, random act of kindness, Rich Ripley, see the need, whatever you did for the least of us you did for Me | 15 Comments

Bombdiggity Do

Posted on October 3, 2013 by emjayandthem

The Devil loves it when people are miserable. Oh yeah, he lives for that.

He loves to see us whine, complain, gossip, and separate from each other.

He loves to destroy communities, countries and cultures.

Loves it.

Here’s something I’ve learned — if you’re someone who counts your blessings, suddenly you find yourself with more to count .. and those who are down and sad are drawn to that grateful, happy energy. They want some of it. The D doesn’t want them to have it, and therein starts the strife.

I say … shine on anyways.

Crank it up. Let ‘er rip.

“This little light of mine .. I’m gonna let it shine…”

Ha!

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to our Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Categories: Attitude, Beauty, Confidence at any age, Faith, fear, Growth, Quotes, Thoughts | Tags: a city set on a hill cannot be hidden, awesome, bombdiggity, encouragement, faith, gratitude, let your light shine, Matthew 5:14-16, what being thankful can do | 22 Comments

It’s not forever

Posted on January 30, 2013 by emjayandthem

Till we’ll go from this:

to this:

and back around to this:

“Once she stopped rushing through life, she was amazed how much more life she had time for.” – Unknown

Frankie has perfected the art of slowing down.

Frankie has mastered the art of slowing down.

Have a great day, friends!

*all Emjayandthem photos

Categories: Animals, Attitude, Faith, Growth, Quotes, Relationships, Seasons, Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tags: faith, gratitude, home, music, Prince of Peace, seasons, slow down, The Byrds, winding road | 22 Comments

You’re the apple

Posted on January 23, 2013 by emjayandthem

I shared a favorite quote with a fellow blogger who needed to read it.

And then I thought, you might need to read them, too.

Words to remember when the road gets rocky, the load is heavy, and you just can’t see the point.

“God knows your value; He sees your potential.

You may not understand everything you are going through right now.

But hold your head up high, knowing that God is in control and he has a great plan and purpose for your life.

Your dreams may not have turned out exactly as you’d hoped, but the Bible says that God’s ways are better and higher than our ways, even when everybody else rejects you, remember, God stands before you with His arms open wide.

google.images

He always accepts you.

He always confirms your value. God sees your two good moves!

You are His prized possession.

No matter what you go through in life, no matter how many disappointments you suffer, your value in God’s eyes always remains the same.

You will always be the apple of His eye.

He will never give up on you, so don’t give up on yourself.” – Joel Osteen

“Every thought is a seed. If you plant crab apples, don’t count on harvesting Golden Delicious.” ~Bill Meyer

Categories: Attitude, Faith, Growth, Life, Love, Personal, Quotes, Self Discovery, Thoughts, Uncategorized | Tags: apple of his eye, arms open wide, bill meyer, blogging, encouragement, faith, God, Joel Osteen, positive thinking, pupose, relationships, troubles, value | 13 Comments

Giving it up

Posted on January 3, 2013 by emjayandthem

A lot of folks are talking about what they’re giving up right now. I’m surrounded by “resolution commentary:” no more this and a lot more that.

I hear them and I’ve been there, too.

But something occurred to me last night that I hadn’t considered: how about I give it up to Him?

How about if, instead of trying to fix or do it all, I turn my worries over to Him?

How about if, instead of the same old resolutions, I make just one new one: to go to Him?

How about it?

message from God

*image from Pinterest.com

Categories: Attitude, Faith, Gratitude, Growth, Joy, Life | Tags: burdens, faith, love, New Years, personal, prayer, Prince of Peace, relationships, resolutions, worry | 28 Comments

Silent Magic

Posted on December 20, 2012 by emjayandthem

grand-daughter MJ enjoying the tree; an emjayandthem photo

I admit it, I haven’t been feeling it. Not at all.

Especially after last week.

But I’ve had a little person around who can’t help but remind us of the wonder of Christmas. Of taking pleasure in small things. Of enjoying all moments. Of taking nothing for granted.

And when I’m with her and her bright little self is snuggled up against me, I feel it, too.

“Christmas magic is silent. You don’t hear it—you feel it, you know it, you believe it.” – Kevin Alan Milne, The Paper Bag Christmas.

Categories: Family, Growth, Holidays, Joy, Quotes, Uncategorized | Tags: children, Christmas, faith, Kevin Alan Milne, simple pleasures, The Paper Bag Christmas | 24 Comments

Posts Tagged With: faith

Freedom, baby

Random 5 Sunday – 5 years

Random 5 Friday – Stew Leonard’s, gift cards, and happenstances

Being thankful for doors that closed

Worth it

The fight

See the need

Bombdiggity Do

It’s not forever

You’re the apple

Giving it up

Silent Magic

Peeps Poppin' in

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