The Joylady

I'M BACK!, (But I've always been here) and ready for the 2008 New Year

2007-12-31T19:09:00.000-08:00

July 22, 2005 was my last post. It is now New Years Eve 2007. Wow! Can you believe it? I am posting again after over 1 1/2 years. What a leave of absence!

We are about to launch out into a whole new year - 2008. It will be a brand new adventure. We will be voyaging intbo the unknown, like Star Trek. Does anyone know what could happen during this year? You could end up in some unknown place, you could learn amazing new things, you could gain a whole new group of friends. It is exciting to think about it. Maybe you will be wiser, happier, and a nicer person by the end of 2008. Maybe you will have had so many adventures and lessons learned that you will be able to write a book about it all. The sky is not the limit, because, as everyone living in this era knows, the universe is a big place and maybe that isn't even the limit.

Actually, NO ONE, can tell you where you will be at the end of 2008 or what you will be doing, or anything. I think that is amazing, because it just goes to show you that anything is possible.

No one can keep your future from you. It is a wonderful gift to you. This is your life. Your gift from a wonderful giver. Even if your life has been difficult up until now, or even if your life has been easy. No one can tell you how things will go from here.

Life is a wonderful adventure. Maybe tough, but that can make you strong. Maybe easy, but that could make you grateful. Maybe slow, but that can make you thoughtful. Maybe fast, but that can make you agile. Maybe you are ready for a wonderful new stage of living. Maybe 2008 is also a new beginning.

I just hope and pray for all of you, that your way will be blessed with growing adventures, and with happy times, with love from others and love in your heart. I pray for strength and wisdom to help you in your journey through the year. I pray you will find those treasured moments of peace and joy that gives your heart, your soul, your mind the courage to go beyond the fear and forward throughout this wonderful year.

I'm eager to hear of your adventures when 2009 rolls around. I 'm excited to see how you develop from your passages through each new time. I bet you are growing more wonderful. I won't be surprised to find, that life didn't get you to fold up, but that you came out better than fine.

So, lets all get excited and happy and merry in drinking our wine. Lets rejoice for the life we've been given, for the love, and peace we will find. Till the end of our road life will lead us to that joy we endeavored to find.

2008, we embrace you. We are eager to take your hand. For leading us on you will take us to a new and wonderful land.

Oh, Add This to Last Blog - A Clip From My Prog: That Place in the Sun

2005-07-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a little clip from My Prog 7-22-05:

You may not want to pass through the difficult times. You may be looking at what you imagine would be good for you instead of the reality of what is truely where your soul wants to be. In order for your soul to reach that place it will love, you may need to pass through difficulties, but Oh, the Joy of that place in the sun.

After the Heart Attack

2005-07-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

Life is so intersting and reading my favorite blogs makes it even more so. After reading your blogs, though, I get to feeling bad, since I haven't posted for a coon's age (Hey, I wonder what a coon's age is anyway. Do racoons live a long time? If any of you blogreaders out there know about this, please enlighten us ignorant ones).

Anyway, I Have been BUSY (as usual) and couldn't get online. I know what you're thinking..."excuse, excuse, excuse". Well, my husband DID have a HEART ATTACK! And I am facing financial ruin, ha, such is life. BUT, I know that things will get better. So, really, in all reality, I must honestly say Praise God! Yep, I will do the Joylady bit again and say that I know this is for the best.

I have to admit, that God has never failed me. He has always brought me through the difficult times. He has always blessed me and my loved ones in the end. It just works out for the better. Sometimes the better means I learn what I did wrong, so that I never do that dumb thing again, but it DOES make me wiser, happier, and often even better off in physical tangible ways, too. So, I won't despair, cause I know HE is there.

I'm happy that Joe is still alive. He really is a sweetheart. I am happy, too, that I and my kids, too, will get to be with him more. If you read his blog - Driving Me Crazy On 18 Wheels - you will see how he is all over the country, but not at home very often.

He has been in the hospital since Monday and today is Friday. I am hoping he will call any minute to say "come get me, hon, they are letting me out of the hospital". Then, it will be a new beginning for us. A bit scarey, because of the uncertainty. It will definitely be a faithwalk.

I want you all to know, though, that I also am very very happy and thankful for all of the wonderful people in my life. I love how you show your love for me and my loved ones. All of you my sweet family and friends have been super encouraging and your prayers have saved Joe's life. I know your prayers will also get us through the difficult financial dilemma, and I thank you for that, too. You are all so wonderful! You make life wonderful. We are so blessed to have your love! Thank you.

A Draft I Should Have Posted Over a Week Ago

2005-07-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

This is an older post (maybe about a week and a half ago), but I haven't posted in a while and this was left as a draft, so I am going to post it. Maybe it will fill in a few holes as it relates to what my hubby, "Driving me Crazy", has been saying in his blog. So, without further ado, here it is:

My hubby, driving me crazy on 18 wheels, has been driving me crazy at home, ha! I love him, eventhough he is a hyperactive goof ball, sometimes. I guess that is why he is a good trucker, too,'cause he just keeps moving his wheels and mouth, ha. Anyway, he is actually a sweetie, eventhough his mouth gets him in trouble. You women know what I mean about those times when our man gets himslef into a heap of trouble by being insensitive to our womanly needs, ahem. Well, they are just different and we have to train them in these ways. Don't give up girls, these things take time, and I guarantee you that there is no man on the face of this planet who does not need this training on the needs of us women.

Anyway, having finished with the training session, we are again back on track. We have been very busy, too, as our kids just attended a prom and graduation. Our daughter (Roses are Blue)has pictures in her prom dress posted on her site. It was great fun for us, too, with kids getting ready in our RV, and all the hubbub. Then Rosie and Ricky accompanied us to go visit my hubby's brother and their family. I had never met them before, so it was very eye opening and things began to make sense as we learned about family history. My husband's father just passed away, so we (me and my kids) will meet his mother for the first time ever at the memorial service. This is kind of sacary for "Driving Me Crazy", though, 'cause he hasn't seen her since he was 16. I guess he must have been a troublemaker teen, because he has been the black sheep of his family ever since. Of course, he is no longer that kid, but is a wonderful man now, all grown up, except for occational bloopers with his wife (ahem), but he is great, so I hope his mom will except him now and that they will get close.

*Since I wrote this, "Driving Me Crazy"'s mom has changed her mind and said she didn't want him to attend the memorial service. Sad story. She doesn't know what she is missing, 'cause he really is a wonderful person.

Oh, how blind we can be when we block out love. Blind to a whole world of growing and learning together and loving.

My PROG !( No, that's not a typo),-Not, Blog, Not Frog, but PROG!

2005-06-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

"Ok", you might be thinking, "get on with it already, WHAT int the blue blazes is your PROG?"
I have just started a new thingy, sorta like a blog, but I call it "PROG", because I'm tired of messing things up. I feel like I'm always trying to get myself out of a mess, s00000000....

My PROG is my daily Prayer Log. Yep, it's true. It has really come to that. I have to schedule time now, daily, to get guidance from THE MAN! I mean, lets get real, here. I AM a mess. You all know it, if you know me. Be honest. How in the SKY BLUE BLAZES am I going be successful, unless I get directions from BIG DADDY! Not you, Joe, no offence, but I mean THE BIG DADDY.

Ok, I know some of you guys aren't to sure about BIG DADDY. But, I still am. I'm totally convinced, always have been. I have to admit, I think I must be His darling, eventhough I am a mess. I mean, if you REALLY knew me, you would KNOW that he does miracles DAILY for me.

Anyway, it's high time I got a little more honest with myself and face facts that "if He is real, He sure as H...(and you know the rest)can guide me. S0, I lay in my bed with my head propped up with pillows and my knees up and lay my laptop on my lap and I talk to him about all my messes. Then I shut up, clear my mind of all its messes, and listen. When something starts to come I type it.

You know this isn't something new. I did this when I was a young whippersnapper of about 19. I would wake up before my brain was fully awake (not that it ever totally is, ha), and I would start writing on the pad of paper I would always keep beside me there. I didn't know what in the Blistering World I was writing. After I finished writing it, I would read it and WOW! It was DEEP, like, HEAVY, MAN! That is how we talked back in the late 60's early 70's. I actually learned from those writings. I learned a lot of deep lessons.

So, you can say what you want, but SOMEBODY was telling me some pretty deep stuff. Well, I found out that SOMEBODY, has been a part of MY BODY for quite a while now. Probably always has been, ha. So... I'm gettin back into the old habit of doing that first thing. I'm saving the logs in a file, too, with the date on it (it is so much easier for me to do these things with my trusty sidekick laptop). I do love my little buddy laptop. He's so faithful! He's a cute little bugger, too.

So, MAYBE, I will decide to open my PROG to you guys, too. Then, when I start finding all these great real estate deals, and I get all these great ideas, you guys will know from whence it comes. Anyway, it will probably be pretty obvious, that it sure won't be by my own super organized brain, that I become successful and attain my goals.

Gettin' Out of the SOOT!

2005-06-10T20:52:00.000-07:00

I have been on a detour from Blobland again. I was buried alive in stacks of paperwork and business! I thought I would never get back! Oh, thank God, I made it! I was living in a panic to get it all done and was getting weary, to say the least. I hardly looked at my kids for several days.

How DOES this happen? One minute I'm going along thinking everything is hunky dorey (whatever that is), and then WOW, I'm hit between the eyes with one emergency after another, until I feel like I'm in a desperate race to save us all from catastrophe.

I said to my hubby, the other day, "honey, we live by SOOT, Skin Of Our Teeth." We are both ready to rise above it all, though. Now, when I say ready, I DO MEAN READY! Look out world, cause I'm a comin up from this SOOT pile. I'm going to push us out of this situation real soon. Don't worry, honey I did a Financial Report Card last night, and things are beginning to look better.

I do have a more spiritual side, folks, but lately it has been buried in paperwork, sorry.

My New Website

2005-06-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

I am embarking on a new career. Real Estate. Here is a house I am selling right now.
You may recognize this as one of the houses that was my home. I have 2 properties right now, but I am about to get out there and get many more.

I know some of you are probably thinking, "Here she goes again!" But, I have a quest for moving forward and for learning. I really have been enthralled with real estate for some time now, because it is the best way to get wealthy. Now, mind you, I am not a money idolizer, infact, I am sick of it ruling my life and the lives of my loved ones. This is the very reason I am determined to conquer its hold on me and my family. I want to get enough of it to set us free from its slavery. I know I will succeed, because it is difficult to stop the truely determined person who doesn't let anyone dissuade him or her. That is me to a T. Once I decide to do something, people watch me go off and I can almost here them in the background mumbling to themselves "oh, my gosh, should we stop her? Is she going to lead us all to disaster!" Even now, I can hear my sweet hubbie's teeth chattering as he moans his little Eeyore dirges. "Oh, no," he bemoans, "There she goes again, spending all our money on some Real Estate Course."

But, I think he is actually "Wonderful". What would I do without such a wonderful man, who lets me live my dreams, even to his own hurt. It is hard to have faith in someone else's dreams. I want him and all of you to know that these aren't dreams, but the are well planned missions. I feel like an explorer in strange lands, but I know I am building something fantastic.

People thought I was crazy to run off and join some crazy Christian Missionary Group when I was young, but I loved it. I am never sorry I did. I had so many wonderful adventures and learning.

They thought I was absolutely wacked to give birth to and raise 9 children. I would have thought that about myself when I was young and single and thought I couldn't even have children and never pictured myself as a mother. BUT, those children were the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me.

I think life just gets better and better. Any difficult times are just a thing on the road, that we can pass right by as we keep our eyes on the road ahead. My eyes are on freedom for our future, and I am going to get it.

As for my site, I am still working on it. Anyway, it is free hosting and they give you some great tools. I'm not crazy about the ads, but maybe I will upgrade when I can afford it.

After Mom's Day

2005-05-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, Mom's Day is Over, (So to Speak), but Never, Really! Yep, Mom's day is always! We always have the joy of motherhood. Anyway, I just want to say that REALLY, I know Mother's Day is for Mom's, so people will give them recognition and appreciation (especially from their own great kids), but actually, I think we Mom's need a day to express to our kids just how THEY have changed our lives, just by being born from our wombs. Oh, and for letting us be a witness to their growth, OH, My Gosh, what a marvelous thing to be a part of! To watch a human being grow through ALL the stages and to be loved by that little person all throughout the process. To be the main figure in that little person's life and then to watch them bloom into adulthood. To witness the unveiling of that soul... this is similar to watching a butterfly emerge after seeing it from it's beginning, through ALL the stages, only MORE. This is more, because your heart is connected in every way. SO, this is just the best gift to any human being...this gift of parenthood. I want to say, that My Kids have been and continue to be the VERY BEST MOTHER's DAY Gift of all! What's more, they are amazingly wonderful people, every one of them. I was blessed with 9 wonderful people (who started as babies from my womb) and I can't thank God enough for being so generous with me. These people are very unique and special. Each one of them has wonderful qualities that perhaps even they themselves may not yet be aware. You, too can be a part of watching them grow. If you don't believe me, then just read their blogs in "My Bloglist" and get to know them. Find the joy of getting to know these wonderful human beings and you will discover that you will even learn more about yourself and and the life you have been given.

Now Lets Get on the Healthwagon!

2005-04-26T19:03:00.000-07:00

Ok, Folks, I'm not gettin any comments! I know I stopped blogging for a long time, though, so I guess it is my fault. ANYWAY, here I go on the blogwagon again. This is my SECOND post in one day!

I just realized that I haven't told you about our new push for exercise. It feels so good! This is the second day that we worked out, cause we joined the community center. I also ordered one of those Core Exercise programs, which includes the ball. I worked out on a Core ball today and it really DOES work you out! I'm gonna get slim and trim, so LOOK OUT! I'm gonna be a healthy ol' mama. Actually, for those who don't know yet, I am actually somewhat of a health fanatic and I LOVE IT!!!

I feel so bad for people. Most people are oblivious as to what is really happening with them. If they really KNEW what is in their food, they would get sick just thinking about it. I have done lots of intense research and I can no longer in good concious eat the garbage. If you ever do research on some of the chemicals in that food, you wouldn't eat it either. It's know wonder Americans have the worst health of any nation.

It costs more to eat organic, but in the long run it really doesn't. You get a lot more flavor and 10 times the nutrition. And it's a heck of a lot cheaper than paying the hospital bill later. I think the worst is the situation with the meat, though.

Hey, check out this short little entertaining cartoon movie called "The Meatrix". And if you would like to more, check out this website for some life changing info.

Boy Am I Blessed!

2005-04-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

I don't know how I managed this, 'cause I can tell you I'm a comedy of errors. I'm just continually amazed at how I truely am blessed. I'm blessed in the best possible way, too. I have the most wonderful family - my wonderful kids, my sweet husband, and even my terrific friends. I want you all to know that you don't have to be some really smart person, or to be super witty, or wealthy or any of that. You don't have to be beautiful, or popular, or powerful either. If you are blessed, you've got the best of the best. Sure, I have frustrations like anyone else. I have difficult times, I get angry, I get out of it, too. Yet there is one thing that separates me and sets me up above my troubles - I can't deny, I'm so amazed at these Blessings God has given me

Take Heart Mommies Everywhere! Here is the Joy of Motherhood Returned.

2005-04-25T21:55:00.000-07:00

My sweet daughter wrote this.

So, I write this post for all you mommies everywhere.

Don't fret for the small stuff, mommies, everywhere. In due time, you WILL see. Don't fret for the big things either, when the way seems hard to find. Your day glorious, on the horizon will fly. How does it somehow come to be? Though you may not see it now, be sure. Everything always turns out way better than you could believe.

Just look at those amazing ones that came from your own womb. Nurture them with your gift of love, then more sure than any guarantee, you will see that love come back someday when you may least expect, or maybe later, every day, in some very special little way.

Your little ones will grow, go off and on their own, but surely as the sun does shine, that day will one day come, when in the distant sunset glow you see your bird come gliding back with gifts of love and life for you. And then the Joy within your heart will overflow its borders. Oh, how wonderous, how glorious this life of love we have!

So, paint you picture, mommies, everywhere, with love. Paint it, too, with hope, though hope is really small, for surely as the sun does rise, will come clear victory. And even greater and more true and sure as sure can be, the Joy of Life will come to you and be your masterpiece.

Posted on: Sun, Apr 24 2005 11:55 PM

"My Poor Blogspot" or "Have Shell Will Travel"

2005-04-19T21:06:00.000-07:00

Well, for all you who have given up on any news from my blogspot. I guess you are in for a surprize, because I'm really, back this time. No kidding! I have been on a long journey away from blogging. AND, I really WAS on a long journey! Infact, since my last blog, I went down to Florida to visit my sweet daughter, Loxy, then up to see my sister in St. Louis, Mo. After that I went back to Tennessee, moved out of my house and all the way over to "deep in the heart of Texas". So, that really HAS been a journey.

I am presently living in a 5th wheel RV in a camping resort and I have to say..."I'm lovin it!" I really don't think I will miss living in a house. I like the simplicity and living close to nature. I'm liking learning to pull my house, too. A bit scarey, though. I feel like a hermit crab.

My other daughter showed me her pet hermit crabs the other day. She had their cage all set up with 3or 4 empty shells, each painted a different color and design. Beside them stood a little sign with the words "For Rent". She told me that they like to change their little mobile homes every so often. They are quite cute, I thought, but then, when I saw those little eyes peeking out of that cute little mobile shell house and peering into my own eyes, I was reminded of myself, ha! I could relate to my own new little mobile house. I'm lovin' the little hermit crab life! "Have shell will travel!"

Blog of the Day:

2005-02-20T19:55:00.000-08:00

Blogger Knowledge: Eats, Blogs & Leaves

|~j u s m e a l o ne ~|

2005-02-19T21:36:00.000-08:00

|~j u s m e a l o ne ~|
Don't give up sweet girl. Just as there are stars in the sky, that's how many wonderful things are ahead of you to discover. When your so close to your present situation, you can't see all those wonderful things in store for you in your future. I know you will find them if you believe. And I know you are a very precious person. You are unique. You are a very beautiful person inside. I hope you discover your own beauty. I hope you will gain confidence in it, too, so that you will shine like the stars in the sky. God and the angels love you soooo much. They see your beauty. I bet you will discover it, too, if you keep looking with hope.

2005-02-19T20:17:00.000-08:00

My Sweet Hubby and Me - Still In Love!

2005-02-19T20:16:00.000-08:00

It's me!

Here I Go, Jumping On the Blogwagon!

2005-02-19T19:08:00.000-08:00

I have often wondered why I laid down my love of writing. As a young single person, I loved to journal. I loved to write about anything and always imagined myself as a writer. I was an English Major in college and Journalism was my minor for a while until I fell in love with teaching.

I'm sure I laid down the urge to write when I took up the challenge to become an active missionary and an adventurer traversing through distant lands. Then when I became a wife and a mother to 9 amazingly wonderful little people, I guess I just knew I wouldn't have the time.

Yet, here I am leaping onto the Blogwagon. What a wonderful invention - the blog! Imagine, if our ancestors had been able to hop on this wagon, I bet we all would probably have wonderful accounts of their life stories and their deepest thoughts and feelings. I believe we would probably have gained courage from their accounts as well as wisdom from their lessons. We probably would feel more of a family bond with our ancestors, too and we would have a wonderful sense of belonging. Can you imagine the affect this could have on our society, if everyone had a strong family bond and an appreciation for ourselves and our heritage?