In 1987, President Ronald Reagan delcared March to be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month after years of advocacy efforts from The Arc www.arcofcabarrus.org and the intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) community. A lot has happened in the nearly quarter of a century since the proclamation. As a movement, we've taken major steps forward in terms of attitudes and opportunities. Landmark legislation has addressed issues in education, health care and civil rights. Just recently, President Obama signed Rosa's Law to remove hurtful terminology from federal legislation, demonstrating a shift toward greater respect for people with I/DD.
However, there is still much to be done. There are millions of people living wiht an intellectual or developmental disability (closer to 7 million now instead of the 4 million to which Reagan referred). And, their needs and wants have not changed dramatically since 1987, because they are the same basic needs and wants we all have. Opportunity. Respect. Self-determination. Simple things, really, but sometimes frustratingly elusive.
The Arc helps people with I/DD and thier families by creatig opportunities. We foster respect and protect the human rights of people with I/DD through the kind of advocacy that led to President Reagan's proclamation. But, we can accomplish more together with a strong collective voice. So, we invite you to join us during March to raise awareness for I/DD and the challenges ahead. Throughout the month, you'll find posts on our Facebook page with some simple suggestions as to what you can do to help raise awareness. And, we welcome your comments now and always about why protecting and promoting the rights of people with I/DD is important to you!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Weight No More.....
Hey Everyone,
I've had several friends on Facebook and out in public ask me a few questions about my recent and on-going weight loss, so I finally decided that I would break it down here and expose the truth, the whole truth & well, you get the picture.
If you've known me most of my life, you'll know that weight has been a pervasive issue throughout my life from middle-elementary school on until today. Believe me, there are plenty of reasons, and if you want to, go back to the beginning posts on the blog and read about all of them. For now, suffice it to say that life knocks you down sometimes, and for me, food became a source of comfort, a friend, and ultimately an enemy that I haven't felt strong enough to defeat until recently.
Most women would have a panic attack at what I'm getting ready to say: 353. Yep, that's it a number. A significant number, at that, but it's just a number. I'm sure you've already guessed, that was the highest weight I ever hit. At just 5' 5", that's packing a lot of excess weight around.
Last year, my company provided health insurance to all employees, and I began to start wondering about the possibility of having bariatric surgery. I started to do a lot of research, and if you're wondering, Cabarrus County has one of the BEST weight loss centers in the country. Here's the information, in case you're doing research as well: www.carolinaweightlosssurgery.com The website is a treasure trove of information about Dr. Bauman's clinic. Dr. B. has become one of my heroes in life.
Here's the basics of getting approved for surgery (all the pre-op hoops you have to jump through):
1. You attend a seminar at his office where you'll learn about the different types of surgeries (bypass, lap band, etc.) You'll meet plenty of other people who need surgery as well. You'll learn about the side effects, the dangers, and all the positives of taking the step of having surgery. A very important point that's made right up front is this is NOT easy; this is NOT all that will be needed to lose and sustain the weight loss; the surgery creates a TOOL; it's up to each individual patient to take charge of his/her weight loss. This was a very eye-opening experience for me. I've always looked at myself as the largest person in Cabarrus County. Relieving, yet heart-breaking to realize I wasn't even close!
2. After the seminar, you can begin the process of registering to have the surgery.
3. You visit your Primary Care Physician for a battery of lab work and tests. They record your weight history (different insurance companies require different information, so I can only tell you what BC/BS needed). They sign off on a form that agrees that they will be your primary partner in following up on your surgery and weight loss for the rest of your life.
4. You have an appointment for an upper GI xray...you drink some stuff that tastes like it was brewed in the depths of Hades. No big deal really, but not great fun, either.
5. You have a psych evaluation where you meet a person you'll never see again in your life, and he/she has the ability to say yes/no....this was the most stressful part of the whole process for me. Not the actual testing; that was simple, but the wait to see if he approved me for surgery...wow!
6. You start taking tons of chewable vitamins that you will be on for the rest of your life. (If you can find me one that tastes good, let me know!)
7. You meet with a nutritionist that works with the surgeon to explain what will be required of you as far as eating and exercise goes.
8. You meet twice with the surgeon (Dr. B. and his amazing nurse, Tammi). During these meetings, you watch a video with the actual surgery you're going to have. That was kinda fun, but not for the squeemish!
9. After all the doctor visits, his office sends all the paperwork out for approval through the insurance company.
10. Once it's cleared through BC/BS, you get your surgery date!!
I started all the investigation in August, and then my surgery was slated for October 20, 2010. What a day it was!! More to follow later!
I've had several friends on Facebook and out in public ask me a few questions about my recent and on-going weight loss, so I finally decided that I would break it down here and expose the truth, the whole truth & well, you get the picture.
If you've known me most of my life, you'll know that weight has been a pervasive issue throughout my life from middle-elementary school on until today. Believe me, there are plenty of reasons, and if you want to, go back to the beginning posts on the blog and read about all of them. For now, suffice it to say that life knocks you down sometimes, and for me, food became a source of comfort, a friend, and ultimately an enemy that I haven't felt strong enough to defeat until recently.
Most women would have a panic attack at what I'm getting ready to say: 353. Yep, that's it a number. A significant number, at that, but it's just a number. I'm sure you've already guessed, that was the highest weight I ever hit. At just 5' 5", that's packing a lot of excess weight around.
Last year, my company provided health insurance to all employees, and I began to start wondering about the possibility of having bariatric surgery. I started to do a lot of research, and if you're wondering, Cabarrus County has one of the BEST weight loss centers in the country. Here's the information, in case you're doing research as well: www.carolinaweightlosssurgery.com The website is a treasure trove of information about Dr. Bauman's clinic. Dr. B. has become one of my heroes in life.
Here's the basics of getting approved for surgery (all the pre-op hoops you have to jump through):
1. You attend a seminar at his office where you'll learn about the different types of surgeries (bypass, lap band, etc.) You'll meet plenty of other people who need surgery as well. You'll learn about the side effects, the dangers, and all the positives of taking the step of having surgery. A very important point that's made right up front is this is NOT easy; this is NOT all that will be needed to lose and sustain the weight loss; the surgery creates a TOOL; it's up to each individual patient to take charge of his/her weight loss. This was a very eye-opening experience for me. I've always looked at myself as the largest person in Cabarrus County. Relieving, yet heart-breaking to realize I wasn't even close!
2. After the seminar, you can begin the process of registering to have the surgery.
3. You visit your Primary Care Physician for a battery of lab work and tests. They record your weight history (different insurance companies require different information, so I can only tell you what BC/BS needed). They sign off on a form that agrees that they will be your primary partner in following up on your surgery and weight loss for the rest of your life.
4. You have an appointment for an upper GI xray...you drink some stuff that tastes like it was brewed in the depths of Hades. No big deal really, but not great fun, either.
5. You have a psych evaluation where you meet a person you'll never see again in your life, and he/she has the ability to say yes/no....this was the most stressful part of the whole process for me. Not the actual testing; that was simple, but the wait to see if he approved me for surgery...wow!
6. You start taking tons of chewable vitamins that you will be on for the rest of your life. (If you can find me one that tastes good, let me know!)
7. You meet with a nutritionist that works with the surgeon to explain what will be required of you as far as eating and exercise goes.
8. You meet twice with the surgeon (Dr. B. and his amazing nurse, Tammi). During these meetings, you watch a video with the actual surgery you're going to have. That was kinda fun, but not for the squeemish!
9. After all the doctor visits, his office sends all the paperwork out for approval through the insurance company.
10. Once it's cleared through BC/BS, you get your surgery date!!
I started all the investigation in August, and then my surgery was slated for October 20, 2010. What a day it was!! More to follow later!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Oh, How I've Missed You!
I wasn't sure my little corner of the blogosphere would still be here when I came back for it! But here it is, and there you are! My readers! So glad to see you again...I've missed you!
So, so much has gone on in the past year or so since I've written, and I must confess, I find myself aching to write again, so here we grow again! My hope is that, as you read these posts, especially if you read from the beginning, you'll see a tremendous amount of growth and change in me over these months away.
Growth, in the sense of some spiritual maturity and just life knowledge. As I type this, hard as it is to believe, I am just a few days away from turning 40 years old! My how time flies, but these grey hairs in my head certainly attest to the "sands through the hour glass" streaming away.
I'm a member of a new church now, called The Village. (Feel free to check us out at www.thevillagechurch.us) I'm responsible for all the communications that goes on, and while I'm certainly not perfect in all I do there, I'm enjoying learning new avenues for my responsibilities. This year, I'll be taking over the newsletter and the website (that oughta be fun), as well as continuing the weekly e-blast update that comes out. I'm also helping to plan monthly fellowship events called "The Village Potluck", and I serve on three leadership committees, so my time is quite taken up with meetings, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love the people I serve with and beside. It's finally become a joy to serve in a church setting again.
Change, in several realms of my life. I suppose the first and foremost of these is in my physical well-being. In October of last year, I made a very difficult decision to have gastric bypass surgery. Trust me, ANYbody who tells you this is the "easy way out" has either never had the surgery or needs his/her brain operated on! Easy? No way. Effective? Definitely; if you follow the guidelines. As of this morning, I've lost a slight bit over 70 pounds. Now, if I could just get my butt moving more, the pounds would pour off easier. (Someone out there owes me an elliptical machine,....if you happen to know (or BE) that person......I'm just sayin'! But you still rock!)
I'm still working at The Arc....love the clients, love my co-workers, and love many aspects of my job. It's not what I'm supposed to "do" for the rest of my life, but it's where God has placed me for such a time as this, and so I choose to do my best to make the most of it. Now, if anyone KNOWS what it is that I'm supposed to be doing with the rest of my life, could ya give a girl a clue, here?
Last year, The Old Courthouse Theatre produced a play called "The Boys Next Door" about a group of young men with developmental/intellectual disabilities. The Arc was able to sponsor a benefit performance of the production. What a blessing it was!! I met some amazing people, and have a newly adopted family of theater performers! That has been SUCH A BLAST!! I used to hang around the Theater folks in school, but not really since then, so I've had a great time getting to know everyone at OCT. If you haven't been to a local theater production, especially at OCT, I highly encourage you to do so. Go check them out at www.oldcourthousetheatre.org You'll be mightly glad you did!
Gee, what else? Ummmm, I'm a Bears fan now! DA BEARS! (Just a random, thrown in there.)
I've really stepped away from politics, although I will offer an opinion here....Hey! It's my blog, and I can post what I want! LOL The recent tragedy in Tuscon is dispicable and shows the worst of our society. The rhetoric, vitriole and hatred those on the extreme right and left spew is just nothing short of useless. Surely, the American people are better than this. Don't we want our representatives to fight for our beliefs? Of course, we do. But, we must, we must find ways to do it that will keep the political pundits who make their living stirring up dissention and discord at bay. How? I wish I knew....my prayer is that we can begin today. I think it's a great idea that the House of Reps will be bi-partisan seating during this year's State of the Union address....hoping no idiot shouts out "You Lie!" again, but that's just my personal plug there.
It's basketball season....oh, my Tar Heels!! Bless your sweet little, trying, hearts!
Oh, back to the Bears...HOTlacher!!!
For those of you who will ask, Mom & Dad are doing great! Mom's still working as the Register of Deeds for Cabarrus County, and Dad is King of the Honey-Do list (and the Kara-Do and the Mother-in-law-Do lists!)
For that 40th Birthday Party, let me just add that you're all more than welcome to attend! It's gonna be on Saturday, January 29th from 2-4:30 PM @ The Village Church; check the website for address/directions. No gifts necessary, unless ya just want to! Cards are great for me! We're gonna have a great time, celebrating ME being "Fierce, Fabulous & 40!" So none of that "over the hill" junk!
Updates, updates, I know that's all this is. So I'm going to wrap up with an invitation to go check out a video testimony I shared in church a few months ago. If you want to, feel free to mosey on over to http://vimeo.com/channels/thevillagechurch#17313483 and scroll to the 26 minute mark or so. First time I've ever shared my testimony in church in a large group setting!
I am in a writing mood....so you faithful readers know what that means. I write a lot! So, expect some new updates along the way. I'm definitely MORE than a beautiful mess now!!
Love y'all along the journey,
Kara
So, so much has gone on in the past year or so since I've written, and I must confess, I find myself aching to write again, so here we grow again! My hope is that, as you read these posts, especially if you read from the beginning, you'll see a tremendous amount of growth and change in me over these months away.
Growth, in the sense of some spiritual maturity and just life knowledge. As I type this, hard as it is to believe, I am just a few days away from turning 40 years old! My how time flies, but these grey hairs in my head certainly attest to the "sands through the hour glass" streaming away.
I'm a member of a new church now, called The Village. (Feel free to check us out at www.thevillagechurch.us) I'm responsible for all the communications that goes on, and while I'm certainly not perfect in all I do there, I'm enjoying learning new avenues for my responsibilities. This year, I'll be taking over the newsletter and the website (that oughta be fun), as well as continuing the weekly e-blast update that comes out. I'm also helping to plan monthly fellowship events called "The Village Potluck", and I serve on three leadership committees, so my time is quite taken up with meetings, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love the people I serve with and beside. It's finally become a joy to serve in a church setting again.
Change, in several realms of my life. I suppose the first and foremost of these is in my physical well-being. In October of last year, I made a very difficult decision to have gastric bypass surgery. Trust me, ANYbody who tells you this is the "easy way out" has either never had the surgery or needs his/her brain operated on! Easy? No way. Effective? Definitely; if you follow the guidelines. As of this morning, I've lost a slight bit over 70 pounds. Now, if I could just get my butt moving more, the pounds would pour off easier. (Someone out there owes me an elliptical machine,....if you happen to know (or BE) that person......I'm just sayin'! But you still rock!)
I'm still working at The Arc....love the clients, love my co-workers, and love many aspects of my job. It's not what I'm supposed to "do" for the rest of my life, but it's where God has placed me for such a time as this, and so I choose to do my best to make the most of it. Now, if anyone KNOWS what it is that I'm supposed to be doing with the rest of my life, could ya give a girl a clue, here?
Last year, The Old Courthouse Theatre produced a play called "The Boys Next Door" about a group of young men with developmental/intellectual disabilities. The Arc was able to sponsor a benefit performance of the production. What a blessing it was!! I met some amazing people, and have a newly adopted family of theater performers! That has been SUCH A BLAST!! I used to hang around the Theater folks in school, but not really since then, so I've had a great time getting to know everyone at OCT. If you haven't been to a local theater production, especially at OCT, I highly encourage you to do so. Go check them out at www.oldcourthousetheatre.org You'll be mightly glad you did!
Gee, what else? Ummmm, I'm a Bears fan now! DA BEARS! (Just a random, thrown in there.)
I've really stepped away from politics, although I will offer an opinion here....Hey! It's my blog, and I can post what I want! LOL The recent tragedy in Tuscon is dispicable and shows the worst of our society. The rhetoric, vitriole and hatred those on the extreme right and left spew is just nothing short of useless. Surely, the American people are better than this. Don't we want our representatives to fight for our beliefs? Of course, we do. But, we must, we must find ways to do it that will keep the political pundits who make their living stirring up dissention and discord at bay. How? I wish I knew....my prayer is that we can begin today. I think it's a great idea that the House of Reps will be bi-partisan seating during this year's State of the Union address....hoping no idiot shouts out "You Lie!" again, but that's just my personal plug there.
It's basketball season....oh, my Tar Heels!! Bless your sweet little, trying, hearts!
Oh, back to the Bears...HOTlacher!!!
For those of you who will ask, Mom & Dad are doing great! Mom's still working as the Register of Deeds for Cabarrus County, and Dad is King of the Honey-Do list (and the Kara-Do and the Mother-in-law-Do lists!)
For that 40th Birthday Party, let me just add that you're all more than welcome to attend! It's gonna be on Saturday, January 29th from 2-4:30 PM @ The Village Church; check the website for address/directions. No gifts necessary, unless ya just want to! Cards are great for me! We're gonna have a great time, celebrating ME being "Fierce, Fabulous & 40!" So none of that "over the hill" junk!
Updates, updates, I know that's all this is. So I'm going to wrap up with an invitation to go check out a video testimony I shared in church a few months ago. If you want to, feel free to mosey on over to http://vimeo.com/channels/thevillagechurch#17313483 and scroll to the 26 minute mark or so. First time I've ever shared my testimony in church in a large group setting!
I am in a writing mood....so you faithful readers know what that means. I write a lot! So, expect some new updates along the way. I'm definitely MORE than a beautiful mess now!!
Love y'all along the journey,
Kara
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Vision
There is a God in heaven, who sends His thunder, who sends His rain.
Lifting up all the prisoners, so they'll dance in His joy again.
I have beheld the wonder, of this kingdom of His praise
Where captives retrieve their innocence, and the dead rise from their graves!
And I'll dance for you! I'll shout for you, Daughter of Zion, Daughter of grace,
And He'll run for you, and twirl for you, releasing healing in His wings.
There is a God in heaven, and He alone treads the earth
The high places shake, when the morning breaks and He comes to give us birth
Ushering us in to a new day, to a dawn of rest in Him,
Bringing us forth in a new way, to be dancing in His arms again.
And He'll dance for you! He'll shout for you, Daughter of Zion, Daughter of grace
And you'll run again, ann you'll twirl again, dancing in His praise.
He wants you dancing in His praise.
So Lord let the prisoners go free!! So Lord, let the blind eyes see.
Now Lord, come and bring relief touching earth in victory - mending Mary at Your feet
And we'll dance for you! We'll shout for you - Daughter of Zion, Daughter of grace,
And we'll run with you and twirl with you, healed by Your wings of praise, healed by Your wings of praise - resting in Your gaze, dancing in this place - now.
Release! Release! Release! Release the sound of heaven in waves upon Your sheep - deep calling unto deep -the dead awaken from their sleep, slumbering souls no longer weep, but leap, but leap, but LEAP!
New heights for the ransomed, says the Lord.
Behold the King of Kings, and His reward is found in the least of these who surround Him as perfume at His feet.
Be released.
In waves...the Lord says your healing, Daughter of Zion, is going to come in waves .
Do not despair though it feels long in coming, for I am ever working on Your behalf.
I see the Lord is gathering jewels - very carefully, with each step of our journeys, He is carefully choosing the jewel He wishes to fashion - the gift, the glory, that will accompany the trial and that will ultimately become the mansion He is preparing for us.
"There is more waiting for you than you now realize, so don't lose heart, and don't give up," says the Lord. MY children. MY children. My own.
Lifting up all the prisoners, so they'll dance in His joy again.
I have beheld the wonder, of this kingdom of His praise
Where captives retrieve their innocence, and the dead rise from their graves!
And I'll dance for you! I'll shout for you, Daughter of Zion, Daughter of grace,
And He'll run for you, and twirl for you, releasing healing in His wings.
There is a God in heaven, and He alone treads the earth
The high places shake, when the morning breaks and He comes to give us birth
Ushering us in to a new day, to a dawn of rest in Him,
Bringing us forth in a new way, to be dancing in His arms again.
And He'll dance for you! He'll shout for you, Daughter of Zion, Daughter of grace
And you'll run again, ann you'll twirl again, dancing in His praise.
He wants you dancing in His praise.
So Lord let the prisoners go free!! So Lord, let the blind eyes see.
Now Lord, come and bring relief touching earth in victory - mending Mary at Your feet
And we'll dance for you! We'll shout for you - Daughter of Zion, Daughter of grace,
And we'll run with you and twirl with you, healed by Your wings of praise, healed by Your wings of praise - resting in Your gaze, dancing in this place - now.
Release! Release! Release! Release the sound of heaven in waves upon Your sheep - deep calling unto deep -the dead awaken from their sleep, slumbering souls no longer weep, but leap, but leap, but LEAP!
New heights for the ransomed, says the Lord.
Behold the King of Kings, and His reward is found in the least of these who surround Him as perfume at His feet.
Be released.
In waves...the Lord says your healing, Daughter of Zion, is going to come in waves .
Do not despair though it feels long in coming, for I am ever working on Your behalf.
I see the Lord is gathering jewels - very carefully, with each step of our journeys, He is carefully choosing the jewel He wishes to fashion - the gift, the glory, that will accompany the trial and that will ultimately become the mansion He is preparing for us.
"There is more waiting for you than you now realize, so don't lose heart, and don't give up," says the Lord. MY children. MY children. My own.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Donnie
As this is Memorial Day weekend, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to fail to recognize and remember my cousin, Staff Sergeant Donald M. Shue. Donnie was a member of the Army's Green Berets during Viet Nam. In November of 1969, he disappeared after being overrun by enemy troops as he and two other Americans were on a covert operation inside of Laos. His family never heard from him again, and many years later, he was designated as "Presumed Killed in Action".
Several months ago, we got word that a Laotian farmer and his son had been working a field and came across some old bones and various other remains. Calls were made to the US Embassy and to the Army, and a retrieval team came and returned the remains to the US to await identification. Our family was notified, and now we're waiting on his sister to get the test results. Forty years later........
How I pray we get to bring him home and give him a proper burial as he deserves. Thank you, Donnie, for the ultimate sacrifice you gave to protect our nation. The world is less bright for having lost your light.
Several months ago, we got word that a Laotian farmer and his son had been working a field and came across some old bones and various other remains. Calls were made to the US Embassy and to the Army, and a retrieval team came and returned the remains to the US to await identification. Our family was notified, and now we're waiting on his sister to get the test results. Forty years later........
How I pray we get to bring him home and give him a proper burial as he deserves. Thank you, Donnie, for the ultimate sacrifice you gave to protect our nation. The world is less bright for having lost your light.
Monday, May 24, 2010
What If....
Kleenex Alert: This may get a little bit sappy!
Last week, a friend of mine told me I absolutely had to go see the new movie "Letters to Juliet". Now, typically, being told to go see a chick flick that you know is going to be one of those love stories that makes your heart all a'flutter isn't out of the realm of the ordinary for me. However, THIS time was special. The friend that made the recommendation? A man! Yep, loyal readers, you heard me right....a M-A-N, honest to goodness, red blooded, hard workin', American MAN! He loved the movie, said there was a moment of extreme profundity (never used that word before...it means "profound" or it was DEEP!), and told me to be prepared with the Kleenex.
So, last Thursday, to escape the craziness of the world, I went to the theater. Bag of popcorn and Diet Coke in hand, I walked into the theater where 11 other women were preparing to be whisked away to the beauty and majesty of Tuscany. (I SO know where I want to go on my honeymoon if I ever have one. More on that comment a bit later.)
I'm not about to spoil the plot for you if you've not seen it, but the truth is, there's not that much of a plot....it's one of those "boy meets girl, boy gets girl, boy loses girl, 50 years go by, will boy and girl be reunited" type stories.
My friend told me to listen for two words in particular that were profound, and that we would discuss their meaning afterwards. Watching the movie, I kept waiting for these magical two words that were going to change my life. This went on for over an hour and I got nothing! I honestly thought I would have to go back to him and say, "I guess I'm a dunce...I didn't catch them." But, I trusted him. He said it would be rather obvious if I paid attention.
Near the very end of the movie, those two words hit me like a ton of bricks, and for more reasons than my friend could possibly have known.
WHAT IF?
Oh goodness. If I could tell each of you how many times I've used those two words in my life, and if I had a dollar for each time I've used them, I'd BE in Tuscany!! In the movie, "what if" is described as two words which, when separated, have very little value. Put them together, and they signify much more. I've known this to be true for many of my adult years.
As most of you know, I've spent many years struggling (while in college and in more recent years) with panic attacks. When fears come at you like the wind to assail your mind and your spirit, honestly, you feel tossed to and fro. When you allow those fears to begin to take over, you begin to worry about all the "what ifs" in life.....here are what a few of mine look and looked like:
Last week, a friend of mine told me I absolutely had to go see the new movie "Letters to Juliet". Now, typically, being told to go see a chick flick that you know is going to be one of those love stories that makes your heart all a'flutter isn't out of the realm of the ordinary for me. However, THIS time was special. The friend that made the recommendation? A man! Yep, loyal readers, you heard me right....a M-A-N, honest to goodness, red blooded, hard workin', American MAN! He loved the movie, said there was a moment of extreme profundity (never used that word before...it means "profound" or it was DEEP!), and told me to be prepared with the Kleenex.
So, last Thursday, to escape the craziness of the world, I went to the theater. Bag of popcorn and Diet Coke in hand, I walked into the theater where 11 other women were preparing to be whisked away to the beauty and majesty of Tuscany. (I SO know where I want to go on my honeymoon if I ever have one. More on that comment a bit later.)
I'm not about to spoil the plot for you if you've not seen it, but the truth is, there's not that much of a plot....it's one of those "boy meets girl, boy gets girl, boy loses girl, 50 years go by, will boy and girl be reunited" type stories.
My friend told me to listen for two words in particular that were profound, and that we would discuss their meaning afterwards. Watching the movie, I kept waiting for these magical two words that were going to change my life. This went on for over an hour and I got nothing! I honestly thought I would have to go back to him and say, "I guess I'm a dunce...I didn't catch them." But, I trusted him. He said it would be rather obvious if I paid attention.
Near the very end of the movie, those two words hit me like a ton of bricks, and for more reasons than my friend could possibly have known.
WHAT IF?
Oh goodness. If I could tell each of you how many times I've used those two words in my life, and if I had a dollar for each time I've used them, I'd BE in Tuscany!! In the movie, "what if" is described as two words which, when separated, have very little value. Put them together, and they signify much more. I've known this to be true for many of my adult years.
As most of you know, I've spent many years struggling (while in college and in more recent years) with panic attacks. When fears come at you like the wind to assail your mind and your spirit, honestly, you feel tossed to and fro. When you allow those fears to begin to take over, you begin to worry about all the "what ifs" in life.....here are what a few of mine look and looked like:
- What if I go out with friends, start to have a panic attack, need to leave and then ruin everyone's night out?
- What if I go to class and in the middle of the professor's lecture, I have to get up and leave, and then I look stupid?
- What if I get out on 85 and there's a wreck? I'll be trapped and can't escape.
- What if I trust someone and they break my heart?
- What if I try to do something I've never done before only to look like an idiot?
- What if I fail?
- What if I succeed?
What if? What If? WHAT IF?? AAARRRGGGHHHH STOP THE MADNESS!!!
In the movie, "what if" was placed together to pose the question of "what if we dare to dream and dreams really do come true?" Or, "what if you never take the chance to love, and it passes you by?" "What if the things we've longed for really are possible in our lives?" "What if?"
My friend was right, and I'm eternally grateful to him for helping me look for the two words in a new light. As we were talking about the movie and I was crying, sharing why those words were so profound to me (he hadn't learned about the history of the panic stuff yet), he asked me a really great question: "Isn't it great that God has now been able to redeem those two words for you so that the next time you start to think "what if" in a bad way, you can now counter it with asking the same question in an affirming way?"
God, thank You for great friends who cause me to think and to look at You in a whole new way. So, my dear friend, you know who you are. I've thanked you before, and I will again here. May God truly bless you as you ponder your "what ifs".....I've shared mine with you, so I can't wait to hear more of yours, too!
OH! And as for where I'd like to go on my honeymoon, well, "what if"???
What If........
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
"You See the Real Me"
Authentic. \au-then-tik\ adjective. From Latin, meaning worthy of acceptance or belief as conforming to or based on fact; not false or imitation; true to one’s own personality, spirit or character.
Have you ever had one of those lightning bolt moments? One of those unique moments in time where everything seems to stop as a ray of enlightenment hits you? Better yet, has something you’ve always believed been challenged to the point that you see your previous beliefs might not be the essential “truth” as you’ve known it?
I had one of those moments recently, courtesy of my Mom. We were chatting on the phone as we do each night, and we were talking about a good friend of mine who is going through some relational issues. She told me something to the effect that it was a shame that he and I never were anything more than really good friends. I thought about it for a second, but quickly shot back that it wouldn’t have worked out, “we just don’t share a lot of the same hobbies and interests”. As only a Mom can, she asked me very candidly, “How do you know you don’t like doing some of the things he does? You’ve never tried them before.”
Ok, OUCH!! Guilty as charged. Lock me up and throw away the key. I hated to really look at what she said and the truth behind her question. See, Mom is right…as she is with a lot of things. For so long, I’ve lived a life in a victim’s mentality, ashamed of my past, fearful of the unknown, trying to hide from anyone and anything that threatened my “status quo”. Wow, typing this is really difficult! If confession is good for the soul, and I believe that it is, then it’s about time my soul started rejoicing today!!
In the short 39 years of my life, just a few of the highlights (or lowlights) of hiding due to insecurities include:
· Not applying to the college of my dreams (UNC) because I was afraid I might be rejected. (In years since then, I know that I probably would not have been, but that fear held me back, nonetheless.)
· Hmmmm, I now realize that excuse up there was what I TOLD myself. Oh Lord, this is difficult. The real, 100% honest to gospel truth is that I didn’t want to show up to Chapel Hill in a bathing suit. A what, you might ask? Yeah, there it is. I said it. A bathing suit. At Carolina, all incoming Freshmen in those days had to pass a swimming test to be admitted, or that became your first Phys Ed class. At 18 years old, and looking like I thought I did in a bathing suit….I was NOT going to let that happen. Heck, these legs haven’t seen the light of day since I was about 12! So my dreams of being a Tar Heel and receiving my degree from UNC never saw the light of day because of my own insecurities.
· I didn’t go to my high school prom because I didn’t have a date. Going dateless is not such a bad thing at all….great that I realize it now, huh? I would definitely encourage anyone who’s a Junior or Senior in high school to GO to prom, regardless of whether you have a date or go with a group of friends. Life’s too short to worry about what others think, but you could never have sold that line to me up until about 2 years ago. Sad, really!
· Since most of my insecurities that I’ve dealt with in the past stem around weight issues and body image, let’s just get that one on the table too. Recently, I make a flip comment via text to a friend about having to go get my “glamour on”, and how that would take a minor miracle for me to do. (I’m so great at encouraging myself, aren’t I?) He immediately texted back, “YOU ARE WAY TOO HARD ON YOURSELF”. Yes, that is certainly the truth. Hearing it from others is incredibly encouraging. Hearing it to the depths of my being has been a struggle my entire life.
Do you show up in life? Are you authentically present in every situation? I’ve started wondering about that recently. Do I show up with the real Kara when I meet people, or am I a shell of the real person who’s hiding inside behind a mask of insecurities? Does the real Kara peek out from time to time? What does she look like? Who is she even?
What once was a very successful coping mechanism—my weight—I now realize is just a shell that has only served to limit me in my adult years. It also served to inscribe on my heart a great sense of worthlessness as a child and teenager. That shell no longer helps protect me from what I, as a child with a child’s mind, deemed to be dangerous, and it’s time to unleash the real person inside the shell.
I think I’ve always had glimpses of the real me: I’m creative, have a poet’s soul, am intelligent, funny and witty, a person of deep faith, a true friend to my friends, an encourager, compassionate, loving, and probably a number of other things that I won’t waste your time reading! But I also have fears, I question myself and life, I crawl into my cave when I feel lonely, I doubt my abilities at times, I wonder “why” an awful lot, and I question my calling in life.
The answers to those questions lie in the word authenticity. I want to be a person who reflects Christ's love on a daily basis to my family, my friends, co-workers, and strangers on the street. But I can't do that without the willingness to meet life head on as my true, authentic self. So, look out world....a new Kara has been surfacing for the past two years! It's time for the butterfly to escape her cocoon and emerge so she can fly.
Do Good Things,
Kara
Have you ever had one of those lightning bolt moments? One of those unique moments in time where everything seems to stop as a ray of enlightenment hits you? Better yet, has something you’ve always believed been challenged to the point that you see your previous beliefs might not be the essential “truth” as you’ve known it?
I had one of those moments recently, courtesy of my Mom. We were chatting on the phone as we do each night, and we were talking about a good friend of mine who is going through some relational issues. She told me something to the effect that it was a shame that he and I never were anything more than really good friends. I thought about it for a second, but quickly shot back that it wouldn’t have worked out, “we just don’t share a lot of the same hobbies and interests”. As only a Mom can, she asked me very candidly, “How do you know you don’t like doing some of the things he does? You’ve never tried them before.”
Ok, OUCH!! Guilty as charged. Lock me up and throw away the key. I hated to really look at what she said and the truth behind her question. See, Mom is right…as she is with a lot of things. For so long, I’ve lived a life in a victim’s mentality, ashamed of my past, fearful of the unknown, trying to hide from anyone and anything that threatened my “status quo”. Wow, typing this is really difficult! If confession is good for the soul, and I believe that it is, then it’s about time my soul started rejoicing today!!
In the short 39 years of my life, just a few of the highlights (or lowlights) of hiding due to insecurities include:
· Not applying to the college of my dreams (UNC) because I was afraid I might be rejected. (In years since then, I know that I probably would not have been, but that fear held me back, nonetheless.)
· Hmmmm, I now realize that excuse up there was what I TOLD myself. Oh Lord, this is difficult. The real, 100% honest to gospel truth is that I didn’t want to show up to Chapel Hill in a bathing suit. A what, you might ask? Yeah, there it is. I said it. A bathing suit. At Carolina, all incoming Freshmen in those days had to pass a swimming test to be admitted, or that became your first Phys Ed class. At 18 years old, and looking like I thought I did in a bathing suit….I was NOT going to let that happen. Heck, these legs haven’t seen the light of day since I was about 12! So my dreams of being a Tar Heel and receiving my degree from UNC never saw the light of day because of my own insecurities.
· I didn’t go to my high school prom because I didn’t have a date. Going dateless is not such a bad thing at all….great that I realize it now, huh? I would definitely encourage anyone who’s a Junior or Senior in high school to GO to prom, regardless of whether you have a date or go with a group of friends. Life’s too short to worry about what others think, but you could never have sold that line to me up until about 2 years ago. Sad, really!
· Since most of my insecurities that I’ve dealt with in the past stem around weight issues and body image, let’s just get that one on the table too. Recently, I make a flip comment via text to a friend about having to go get my “glamour on”, and how that would take a minor miracle for me to do. (I’m so great at encouraging myself, aren’t I?) He immediately texted back, “YOU ARE WAY TOO HARD ON YOURSELF”. Yes, that is certainly the truth. Hearing it from others is incredibly encouraging. Hearing it to the depths of my being has been a struggle my entire life.
Do you show up in life? Are you authentically present in every situation? I’ve started wondering about that recently. Do I show up with the real Kara when I meet people, or am I a shell of the real person who’s hiding inside behind a mask of insecurities? Does the real Kara peek out from time to time? What does she look like? Who is she even?
What once was a very successful coping mechanism—my weight—I now realize is just a shell that has only served to limit me in my adult years. It also served to inscribe on my heart a great sense of worthlessness as a child and teenager. That shell no longer helps protect me from what I, as a child with a child’s mind, deemed to be dangerous, and it’s time to unleash the real person inside the shell.
I think I’ve always had glimpses of the real me: I’m creative, have a poet’s soul, am intelligent, funny and witty, a person of deep faith, a true friend to my friends, an encourager, compassionate, loving, and probably a number of other things that I won’t waste your time reading! But I also have fears, I question myself and life, I crawl into my cave when I feel lonely, I doubt my abilities at times, I wonder “why” an awful lot, and I question my calling in life.
The answers to those questions lie in the word authenticity. I want to be a person who reflects Christ's love on a daily basis to my family, my friends, co-workers, and strangers on the street. But I can't do that without the willingness to meet life head on as my true, authentic self. So, look out world....a new Kara has been surfacing for the past two years! It's time for the butterfly to escape her cocoon and emerge so she can fly.
Do Good Things,
Kara
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Living A Life in the Overflow
Kara Annette McAbee
Tar Heel Born & Bred
1971 - ?
(**Confession---this blog post has yet to be edited. I've got a burden to share these words right now, so I'm posting without editing....anything spelled incorrectly, poor grammar, etc. will be corrected when I get back to it tomorrow! I hope you'll overlook anything like that, and just hear my heart. Thanks. Kara)
A lot of life goes on between the dash. Laughter. Tears. Joy. Sorrows. Giggling and cooing. Toddling around. First words. First loves. First heartbreaks. Good decisions. Poor decisions. Regrets. Health battles. Losing loved ones. Grief. Friends. Loves lost. Rejections.
I suppose that it's up to each of us how we choose to live our own dash. Will we become world famous leaders, poets, mine workers, secretaries, mommies, friends, lovers, athletes, etc.?
I've spent many a year, and I would suspect that most of us do, wasting the time that my dash represents. In recent weeks, however, I've decided to take better stock of how I'm using my dash. In my favorite poem, "Desiderata", there's a line that says we should "take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth."
In the Bible, there was another person who reflected back on the folly of his youth and much of his life, King Solomon. Solomon, as you may recall, was the son of King David. He was wealthy beyond compare. He had multiple wives and concubines. Servants galore. Palaces. Gold. Silver. Livestock. Land. All the things that money (and wars) could afford a king.
Yet Solomon, reknown for his wisdom recorded in Proverbs searched over his vast kingdom and all that he had amassed, and in the book of Ecclesiastes, he records the following:
"Smoke, nothing but smoke. There's nothing to anything—it's all smoke. What's there to show for a lifetime of work, a lifetime of working your fingers to the bone? One generation goes its way, the next one arrives, but nothing changes—it's business as usual for old planet earth. The sun comes up and the sun goes down, then does it again, and again—the same old round. The wind blows south, the wind blows north. Around and around and around it blows, blowing this way, then that—the whirling, erratic wind. Everything's boring, utterly boring—no one can find any meaning in it. Boring to the eye, boring to the ear. What was will be again, what happened will happen again. There's nothing new on this earth. Year after year it's the same old thing. Does someone call out, "Hey, this is new"? Don't get excited—it's the same old story. Nobody remembers what happened yesterday. And the things that will happen tomorrow? Nobody'll remember them either. Don't count on being remembered." (The Message)
Sounds like Solomon had a serious case of the "poor pitiful me's". (Luckily they make medicines for people with these kinds of moods now!) Solomon is basically saying that, despite all he had accomplished through the course of his life, it was all pretty much meaningless. What he was failing to take into consideration was the power and the joy in a life fulfilled by allowing God to bring you to a full awakening of all we are meant to be in Him. Serving others, giving back to others, encouraging them, listening to them, providing counsel, etc. when you are not operating out of the overflow of the Holy Spirit is nothing but smoke. Our efforts are in vain, and we are not effective in our attempts to minister to those around us. If we are to be light to this hurting world, we must take seriously our own individual spiritual growth and development.How do we do this?
I believe the secret is found in cultivating a lifestyle of worship. Worship is something we've distorted and shrunk to fit into our "one size fits all" society. Most people would define worship as singing in church to a particular style of music. After all, it carries the name "praise and worship", so that must be it, right? Well, yes and no. Of course, singing is a part of worship, as long as it is done in spirit and truth, with the right motives. It's certainly not about "flipping on a switch" on Sunday morning, checking in at church with all our friends, saying a prayer, dropping some money in the offering plate and then running out at 11:58 to get to the buffet line before the Baptists do.
Worship is, and should be, a lifestyle. It's what I do. It's who I am. It consumes me. When I wake up in the morning, I'm already conversing with God, because He wakes me with a song already in my mind. I welcome the morning by saying "good morning" to Him, and I begin to ask Him to be with me throughout the day. My morning devotions, prayer and quiet time alone with Him are the sweetest parts of my day. I never say "Amen" during a prayer, because I don't believe that prayer should ever stop. He's the dearest, most trusted friend I have, or ever will have, so why would I need to put an end to it? As I'm driving, I'm singing, thanking Him for His creation, asking Him to bless the person who almost totalled my car (yes, that was yesterday), etc. At work, I'm working for Him, even though I'm in a secular job. I know that what I'm doing is blessing Him because I'm focusing on being a blessing to my co-workers and the people I work for.
A lifestyle of worship is not difficult. It's simply a matter of being present. Present in the moment so that you can recognize the people who God places in your path. Present so that you can give back to Him, and present so that He can constantly be refilling your earthly vessel. Then, out of the overflow, we can give to others. It's really that simple.
In looking back over the course of my life, I pray that I will be able to come to a different conclusion than did Solomon. I pray that my dash will be far from smoke. I hope that I've been able (and will continue to be able) to make an eternal difference in the lives of many of the people I've met along this journey home.
Making Heaven a Bit More Crowded,
Kara
Tar Heel Born & Bred
1971 - ?
(**Confession---this blog post has yet to be edited. I've got a burden to share these words right now, so I'm posting without editing....anything spelled incorrectly, poor grammar, etc. will be corrected when I get back to it tomorrow! I hope you'll overlook anything like that, and just hear my heart. Thanks. Kara)
A lot of life goes on between the dash. Laughter. Tears. Joy. Sorrows. Giggling and cooing. Toddling around. First words. First loves. First heartbreaks. Good decisions. Poor decisions. Regrets. Health battles. Losing loved ones. Grief. Friends. Loves lost. Rejections.
I suppose that it's up to each of us how we choose to live our own dash. Will we become world famous leaders, poets, mine workers, secretaries, mommies, friends, lovers, athletes, etc.?
I've spent many a year, and I would suspect that most of us do, wasting the time that my dash represents. In recent weeks, however, I've decided to take better stock of how I'm using my dash. In my favorite poem, "Desiderata", there's a line that says we should "take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth."
In the Bible, there was another person who reflected back on the folly of his youth and much of his life, King Solomon. Solomon, as you may recall, was the son of King David. He was wealthy beyond compare. He had multiple wives and concubines. Servants galore. Palaces. Gold. Silver. Livestock. Land. All the things that money (and wars) could afford a king.
Yet Solomon, reknown for his wisdom recorded in Proverbs searched over his vast kingdom and all that he had amassed, and in the book of Ecclesiastes, he records the following:
"Smoke, nothing but smoke. There's nothing to anything—it's all smoke. What's there to show for a lifetime of work, a lifetime of working your fingers to the bone? One generation goes its way, the next one arrives, but nothing changes—it's business as usual for old planet earth. The sun comes up and the sun goes down, then does it again, and again—the same old round. The wind blows south, the wind blows north. Around and around and around it blows, blowing this way, then that—the whirling, erratic wind. Everything's boring, utterly boring—no one can find any meaning in it. Boring to the eye, boring to the ear. What was will be again, what happened will happen again. There's nothing new on this earth. Year after year it's the same old thing. Does someone call out, "Hey, this is new"? Don't get excited—it's the same old story. Nobody remembers what happened yesterday. And the things that will happen tomorrow? Nobody'll remember them either. Don't count on being remembered." (The Message)
Sounds like Solomon had a serious case of the "poor pitiful me's". (Luckily they make medicines for people with these kinds of moods now!) Solomon is basically saying that, despite all he had accomplished through the course of his life, it was all pretty much meaningless. What he was failing to take into consideration was the power and the joy in a life fulfilled by allowing God to bring you to a full awakening of all we are meant to be in Him. Serving others, giving back to others, encouraging them, listening to them, providing counsel, etc. when you are not operating out of the overflow of the Holy Spirit is nothing but smoke. Our efforts are in vain, and we are not effective in our attempts to minister to those around us. If we are to be light to this hurting world, we must take seriously our own individual spiritual growth and development.How do we do this?
I believe the secret is found in cultivating a lifestyle of worship. Worship is something we've distorted and shrunk to fit into our "one size fits all" society. Most people would define worship as singing in church to a particular style of music. After all, it carries the name "praise and worship", so that must be it, right? Well, yes and no. Of course, singing is a part of worship, as long as it is done in spirit and truth, with the right motives. It's certainly not about "flipping on a switch" on Sunday morning, checking in at church with all our friends, saying a prayer, dropping some money in the offering plate and then running out at 11:58 to get to the buffet line before the Baptists do.
Worship is, and should be, a lifestyle. It's what I do. It's who I am. It consumes me. When I wake up in the morning, I'm already conversing with God, because He wakes me with a song already in my mind. I welcome the morning by saying "good morning" to Him, and I begin to ask Him to be with me throughout the day. My morning devotions, prayer and quiet time alone with Him are the sweetest parts of my day. I never say "Amen" during a prayer, because I don't believe that prayer should ever stop. He's the dearest, most trusted friend I have, or ever will have, so why would I need to put an end to it? As I'm driving, I'm singing, thanking Him for His creation, asking Him to bless the person who almost totalled my car (yes, that was yesterday), etc. At work, I'm working for Him, even though I'm in a secular job. I know that what I'm doing is blessing Him because I'm focusing on being a blessing to my co-workers and the people I work for.
A lifestyle of worship is not difficult. It's simply a matter of being present. Present in the moment so that you can recognize the people who God places in your path. Present so that you can give back to Him, and present so that He can constantly be refilling your earthly vessel. Then, out of the overflow, we can give to others. It's really that simple.
In looking back over the course of my life, I pray that I will be able to come to a different conclusion than did Solomon. I pray that my dash will be far from smoke. I hope that I've been able (and will continue to be able) to make an eternal difference in the lives of many of the people I've met along this journey home.
Making Heaven a Bit More Crowded,
Kara
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Random Thoughts Along the Way
Just a collection of thoughts from the past few days:
1. What a glorious day Easter Resurrection Sunday was! We were blessed with gorgeous sunny skies, soft white puffy clouds, and birds chirping. Then again, we also had pollen so thick you could write a book on the hood of my car!
2. I sang in the praise & worship team @ Trinity this Sunday. It's the first time I've done that in over 10 years. I grew up singing in church, but when I went to Crossroads, didn't have the nerve to audition and really didn't have the confidence that I was "good enough". Wow, what institutions can do to a person's self-confidence.
3. We had our Easter egg hunt Sunday morning on the lawn of the church. Girls in their pretty dresses and boys dressed up--I LOVE it!! Such fun!
4. It was also the weekend of the NCAA Final Four. I supposed I'd be remiss to not comment on it. So, let's see: Carolina had one of those dreaded "rebuilding" years that no one wants to have. I'm excited for next year--amazing new recruits coming in. Hopefully, we'll stay healthy!
5. Why were so many Carolina fans opposed to playing in the NIT? Granted, it's not the "big dance", but at least we were able to continue to play post-season. I think for our team, we really needed those additional games. They began to play as a team and have pride in themselves. They made it to the finals of the NIT and played well. Though it was a frustrating season, true fans know the meaning of loyalty and allegiance to their team. As our alma mater says, "Tar Heel Born. Tar Heel Bred. When I Die? Tar Heel Dead!" That's me!!
6. Wow, do Duke fans ever take seriously when Carolina fans beat up on them!! Can we say complete lack of a sense of humor? They enjoy dishing it out, but can't seem to take it. (MY personal opinion, of course. This is MY blog and I can post whatever I think!) Many of my friends, several of whom are on Facebook, and I enjoy the banter back and forth between opposing fans. It's fun. It's tradition. It's the ABC and ABD crowd (of which I'm a proud member)! I have to tell you that as I was posting a few comments back and forth with them, a few people jumped into the conversation (which is, I suppose, one of the problems with Facebook) and managed to question both my sportsmanship AND my Christianity! Apparently, umbrage was taken at my comment that Coach K bought the refs during the WVU game.
REALLY, even I don't take it that seriously! Friends, let me just say this. If a game with a little round ball causes you to question someone's faith, YOU TAKE IT WAAAAY TOO SERIOUSLY!! Banter between friends is one thing, but suggesting someone doesn't display sportsmanship or a Christ-like character is a wee bit over the top. I'm just sayin......
7. Special Olympics Spring Games are slated for April 28th (for high school & adults) and April 29th (for elementary & middle schoolers). Come join us at the Cabarrus Arena around 9 a.m. for two fabulous days of real heroes, sportsmanship, and winning spirits! You'll be so glad you did!
8. POLLEN must be sent from satan!!
9. I'm not nearly as insecure as I once was.
10. I love my Kindle (thanks Mom & Dad)!! Just found the first book I wanted to order that's not available in a Kindle version, so I'm hoping my note to the publisher will help! (Women, Food & God in case you're wondering.)
11. I'm blessed!! Between family, friends, church, relationship with Christ, work, my own home where I can play music as loud as I want to, food on the table, a car to take me where I need to go, and the ability to wake up to a new morning with a fresh batch of His mercies just for me, what more could a person want?
12. New relationships that spring up and begin to develop in the most beautifully innocent of ways.....dreams of what might be.....a poet's soul that speaks to mine....He knows my needs, my every thoughts, even my wants.
1. What a glorious day Easter Resurrection Sunday was! We were blessed with gorgeous sunny skies, soft white puffy clouds, and birds chirping. Then again, we also had pollen so thick you could write a book on the hood of my car!
2. I sang in the praise & worship team @ Trinity this Sunday. It's the first time I've done that in over 10 years. I grew up singing in church, but when I went to Crossroads, didn't have the nerve to audition and really didn't have the confidence that I was "good enough". Wow, what institutions can do to a person's self-confidence.
3. We had our Easter egg hunt Sunday morning on the lawn of the church. Girls in their pretty dresses and boys dressed up--I LOVE it!! Such fun!
4. It was also the weekend of the NCAA Final Four. I supposed I'd be remiss to not comment on it. So, let's see: Carolina had one of those dreaded "rebuilding" years that no one wants to have. I'm excited for next year--amazing new recruits coming in. Hopefully, we'll stay healthy!
5. Why were so many Carolina fans opposed to playing in the NIT? Granted, it's not the "big dance", but at least we were able to continue to play post-season. I think for our team, we really needed those additional games. They began to play as a team and have pride in themselves. They made it to the finals of the NIT and played well. Though it was a frustrating season, true fans know the meaning of loyalty and allegiance to their team. As our alma mater says, "Tar Heel Born. Tar Heel Bred. When I Die? Tar Heel Dead!" That's me!!
6. Wow, do Duke fans ever take seriously when Carolina fans beat up on them!! Can we say complete lack of a sense of humor? They enjoy dishing it out, but can't seem to take it. (MY personal opinion, of course. This is MY blog and I can post whatever I think!) Many of my friends, several of whom are on Facebook, and I enjoy the banter back and forth between opposing fans. It's fun. It's tradition. It's the ABC and ABD crowd (of which I'm a proud member)! I have to tell you that as I was posting a few comments back and forth with them, a few people jumped into the conversation (which is, I suppose, one of the problems with Facebook) and managed to question both my sportsmanship AND my Christianity! Apparently, umbrage was taken at my comment that Coach K bought the refs during the WVU game.
REALLY, even I don't take it that seriously! Friends, let me just say this. If a game with a little round ball causes you to question someone's faith, YOU TAKE IT WAAAAY TOO SERIOUSLY!! Banter between friends is one thing, but suggesting someone doesn't display sportsmanship or a Christ-like character is a wee bit over the top. I'm just sayin......
7. Special Olympics Spring Games are slated for April 28th (for high school & adults) and April 29th (for elementary & middle schoolers). Come join us at the Cabarrus Arena around 9 a.m. for two fabulous days of real heroes, sportsmanship, and winning spirits! You'll be so glad you did!
8. POLLEN must be sent from satan!!
9. I'm not nearly as insecure as I once was.
10. I love my Kindle (thanks Mom & Dad)!! Just found the first book I wanted to order that's not available in a Kindle version, so I'm hoping my note to the publisher will help! (Women, Food & God in case you're wondering.)
11. I'm blessed!! Between family, friends, church, relationship with Christ, work, my own home where I can play music as loud as I want to, food on the table, a car to take me where I need to go, and the ability to wake up to a new morning with a fresh batch of His mercies just for me, what more could a person want?
12. New relationships that spring up and begin to develop in the most beautifully innocent of ways.....dreams of what might be.....a poet's soul that speaks to mine....He knows my needs, my every thoughts, even my wants.
13. Maybe the saddest thing I've learned over the past few days---this is the last season of my beloved "24". What on earth am I gonna do without my Jack Bauer? No more Kiefer on Monday nights...I honestly don't know what I'll do! Sure, I own all 8 seasons on DVD and could just start watching them over again, but it's just not the same. (And don't tell me to just listen to all the Bank of America commercials to hear his voice....again, not the same.) The mourning has already begun. I'm just trying to decide if I want Jack to end the series happy and in love, or torn apart over the assassination of his beloved (that way, I still have a chance!). Decisions. Decisions.
14. Sending prayers out to my cousin, Christy McAbee. She fell over the weekend and severely injured her back. Many weeks of rehab, and prayerfully, no surgery.
15. Music is God's gift to me. He speaks to me
through the poets He shares His thoughts with. 16. I think I've thought enough. I think I need a nap!
Do Good Things,
Kara
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