On August 6th my Great Grandma went to be with the Lord. She was 88 years old, and the last of my Great Grandparents. You see, I am one blessed person. I, up until 10 years ago, had 4 sets of grandparents. My dad's parents, my mom parents, and both sets of my mom's grandparents. Some people never meet their grandparents let alone great grandparents. I did. The thing is, when I heard that my grandma had died, I was at work. I went right back to work, hoping it would keep me from crying and my mind off my grandma. It worked, kinda. You see, I didn't cry, but I certainly thought about grandma a lot. In fact, I thought about all my grandparents. Memories of them came flooding in. The last time I say each of them. Special moments we spent together. I kept remembering the smile my dad's dad gave me only days before he died.
A few days later, I was at my Gr. Grandparents house, going through her things. They lived by a river, and there was water in the basement earlier this year. They were still working on cleaning things out and we needed to get it finished. We laughed and cried, memories abound in that house, they lived there for 45 years. The house abounds with memories of them.
A few Saturdays ago all the family was supposed to meet at the house, to help clean up and then divvy up possessions. There were so many things that meant something to one or the other, or all of us. It's amazing how one of the many unique toys they collected would bring back a score a happy memories.
The funny thing about all of it, was that after the fact, it got me to thinking. Thinking about all the material things that exist in a person's life. The things that, before they are a person's possession, they are meaningless. But once they become an owned possession they are important. They become priceless, and to friends and families a door to memory lane. What things do I own that will someday be a priceless treasure to someone else? Make the most of today, and treasure the memories of yesterday.
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Memorial Day and what it means to me
August 2nd, 2007, I walked through the gates of Arlington National Cemetery, walked up the hill and stood under a tree to watch the changing on the guard at The Tomb of the Unknowns I've wanted to watch go to Arlington for years. I've wanted to see the men who are given the great honor of guarding the tomb, their dedication and precision.
299 days later and 878 miles away I stood at work watching President Bush lay a wreath at the tomb. I've watched the President lay the wreath many, many times, but this time it was different. I had seen what President Bush saw. I felt the feeling that you get when you are at Arlington. I watched him walk up the steps to the Amphitheater to get an address. Then same steps I have stood on, and walked up only months earlier. And even more than ever I had an appreciation for the men and women who fight/fought/and gave their lives for our country.
I'm really not fond of this song, but I wanted to stand up and sing. "I'm proud to be an American for at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men who died and gave that right to me..."
I'm really not fond of this song, but I wanted to stand up and sing. "I'm proud to be an American for at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men who died and gave that right to me..."
Remembering
Last night I was laying in bed, thinking about this documentary I had seen on Isaac Stern. In the film, he talked about the Jewish Holocaust Museum he had visited in Berlin. I believe he said that it was completely silent there. By request or by the thought of what the museum stands for I don't know. But it's really quite interesting.
When I came home from teaching today, I found out that it's National Holocaust Remembrance Day. It's also the National Day of Prayer. So, pray, for our country, for our fellow people. And remember, those who went on before, what they suffered, and what we now have because of them.
When I came home from teaching today, I found out that it's National Holocaust Remembrance Day. It's also the National Day of Prayer. So, pray, for our country, for our fellow people. And remember, those who went on before, what they suffered, and what we now have because of them.
Remember
A Few Music Tidbits
I've been doing a little reading about music and it's effect on your brain, mostly on small children. It's really quite interesting. I can't wait to try it out on my children! If I ever have any!
So anyway, here's some of what I read.
"If you're working with little kids, you're not going to teach them higher mathematics or chess. But they are interested in and can process music.The mechanisms behind the "Mozart Effect" (listening to Mozart helps children learn math) remains murky, but they suspect that when children exercise cortial neurons by listening to classical music they are also strengthening circuits used for mathematics. "
"Music excites the inherent brain pattern and enhances their use in complex reasoning tasks."
"Musicians who learned to play string or keyboard instruments before adolescence appear to have larger areas of the brain devoted to touch perception of the fingers, as well as more highly developed nerve fibers, linking both halves of the brain."
Hello all!!!
No, I have not forgotten about you. I've been terribly busy, I'm not sure why, but it's been a LONG month!
Anyway, I've been thinking recently about music. And well... I reread Brock and Bodie Thoene's book Vienna Prelude a month or two ago. And well, the musicians in the book talk about music expressing the thoughts or words of your heart. That as a musician you can express what is on/in your heart through the music that you play. The music of the heart.... So anyway, I've just been thinking about that,... and wondering, what my heart says....
Anyway, I've been thinking recently about music. And well... I reread Brock and Bodie Thoene's book Vienna Prelude a month or two ago. And well, the musicians in the book talk about music expressing the thoughts or words of your heart. That as a musician you can express what is on/in your heart through the music that you play. The music of the heart.... So anyway, I've just been thinking about that,... and wondering, what my heart says....
My favorite places in Washington D.C. #2
Upon a February morn
A tiny baby boy was born
Abraham, Abraham
When he grew up this tiny babe
Folks all called him Honest Abe
Abraham, Abraham
In eighteen sixty, he became
The sixteenth president
And now he's in the hall of fame
A most respected gent
That's why we celebrate
This blessed February date
Abraham, Abraham
I figured since today was Abraham Lincoln's birthday I would honor him by posting about my favorite place in Washington D.C. We quite enjoyed standing there staring up at the huge impressive statue of Lincoln looking out over Capitol Hill.
We only had 45 minutes before our bus left. I could have stayed there for hours! The aura of the memorial is one of greatness, of hope, the ability and faith in which Lincoln governed America still lives on in his memorial. The sad part is, most people didn't realize it. There was a lot of noisy people who didn't bother to pay respect to a man who gave us the country we live in today. Let me tell you Mr. Lincoln, was a very intelligent man and he truly understood the situation that his country was going through. And how to fix it.
In fact after reading his 2nd Inaugural Address I would say he knew what was coming in the future as well.Abraham, Abraham
When he grew up this tiny babe
Folks all called him Honest Abe
Abraham, Abraham
In eighteen sixty, he became
The sixteenth president
And now he's in the hall of fame
A most respected gent
That's why we celebrate
This blessed February date
Abraham, Abraham
I figured since today was Abraham Lincoln's birthday I would honor him by posting about my favorite place in Washington D.C. We quite enjoyed standing there staring up at the huge impressive statue of Lincoln looking out over Capitol Hill.
We only had 45 minutes before our bus left. I could have stayed there for hours! The aura of the memorial is one of greatness, of hope, the ability and faith in which Lincoln governed America still lives on in his memorial. The sad part is, most people didn't realize it. There was a lot of noisy people who didn't bother to pay respect to a man who gave us the country we live in today. Let me tell you Mr. Lincoln, was a very intelligent man and he truly understood the situation that his country was going through. And how to fix it.
My favorite places in Washington D.C.
I've been thinking a lot recently about our trip to Washington D.C. this summer. We only spent 2 days in D.C. but they were unforgettable and I have to remind myself that it was only 2 days. I've been thinking about the things that the buildings and memorials represent. About the different impressions that each place gives. Anyway the next couple of posts will be my favorite place in D.C.
It was really great that we were able to actually to the National Archives. We knew we wouldn't have time to go EVERYWHERE we were hoping too. And the Archives wasn't exactly top of the list. But thankfully, we got done at the Air and Space Museum with time to spare. I sat down and pulled out a National Museum's Map to see what was nearby. I noticed the Archives was on the map and after just a second of looking I realized it was only a couple blocks away!! I quickly showed mom and she said "Ask Dad." So, I did. Only a few blocks we can definitely do! I was so excited! And yes the inside looks the same as it does in National Treasure 1, just not as bright :) We couldn't take pictures. But to see the Declaration and the Constitution. To see, John Hancock's signature and the paper that declared out freedom from England and the setting up of our democratic nation. The Constitution in all it's glory. One of the original Magna Carta's, a document that is over 700 years old. Sometimes the original Emancipation Proclamation is displayed, but only, I believe, for 4 days a year.
Luckily for us they have recently opened the "Public Vault" a exhibit that contains information on how people use the archives to locate family, how the documents are restored and maintained. Video footage of President Theodore Roosevelt. It was amazing! All in all, it was one of the most informative, places we were able to visit. That and the Treasures of American History display at the Air and Space Museum. We got to see a real Stradivarius violin. Washington's uniform, Mary-Todd Lincoln's Inaugural Ball Gown, Polio Vaccine, Mr. Roger's Red Sweater, even the chairs Grant and Lee sat in at Appomattox Courthouse. WOW! It's absolutely worth seeing. At least check it out online at http://americanhistory.si.edu/index.cfm
The National Archives of the United States of America
It was really great that we were able to actually to the National Archives. We knew we wouldn't have time to go EVERYWHERE we were hoping too. And the Archives wasn't exactly top of the list. But thankfully, we got done at the Air and Space Museum with time to spare. I sat down and pulled out a National Museum's Map to see what was nearby. I noticed the Archives was on the map and after just a second of looking I realized it was only a couple blocks away!! I quickly showed mom and she said "Ask Dad." So, I did. Only a few blocks we can definitely do! I was so excited! And yes the inside looks the same as it does in National Treasure 1, just not as bright :) We couldn't take pictures. But to see the Declaration and the Constitution. To see, John Hancock's signature and the paper that declared out freedom from England and the setting up of our democratic nation. The Constitution in all it's glory. One of the original Magna Carta's, a document that is over 700 years old. Sometimes the original Emancipation Proclamation is displayed, but only, I believe, for 4 days a year.
Luckily for us they have recently opened the "Public Vault" a exhibit that contains information on how people use the archives to locate family, how the documents are restored and maintained. Video footage of President Theodore Roosevelt. It was amazing! All in all, it was one of the most informative, places we were able to visit. That and the Treasures of American History display at the Air and Space Museum. We got to see a real Stradivarius violin. Washington's uniform, Mary-Todd Lincoln's Inaugural Ball Gown, Polio Vaccine, Mr. Roger's Red Sweater, even the chairs Grant and Lee sat in at Appomattox Courthouse. WOW! It's absolutely worth seeing. At least check it out online at http://americanhistory.si.edu/index.cfm
So....
What would you like to hear about? Any particular topics you think I don't discuss enough? More pictures? Less about Luke and Sarah? Deep theological discussions? What's your opinion? What would you like me to talk about?
Houston, we have take off
I happened to end up in the lobby this morning just after the Space Shuttle Discovery took off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. They had a camera on the External Tank (the orange thing). I could see the earth from forever up. In 7 minute they were up to 10000 MPH and were using fueling at the rate of emptying a normal swimming pool in 25 seconds. Then they showed when the shuttle detached from the external tank. Well... needless to say it was totally AWESOME!!! I want to be an astronaut!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Some recent thoughts....
I've been thinking recently. Mom's been doing a lot of 'spring cleaning' at our house. Getting rid of extra clutter and things we don't need or use. I've been meaning to do the same. Get rid of extra stuff I have lying around. I don't really need to drag it all to our new house. Then when David and Kristi were hear this weekend, Kristi mentioned that she had been doing the same thing. *DING!* O.k. I'm paying attention now! So, during church on Sunday there were so many thoughts coming to mind that I had to jot them down. This is what I came up with.
I sit here and think about the fact that I so often tell myself that
Of course I could easily dismiss it as just a step up in the battle. A spiritual war is raging and it gets hotter every day. Dismiss it and go back to doing what God requires of me naturally on a day to day basis. But what about the spiritual requirements? If the battle step up every day, why don't I step it up every day. I can't stay on one level while everything else goes up. Dad just reminded me of Narnia's "Last Battle"
I sit here and think about the fact that I so often tell myself that
"I'm not ready and I don't know what to do about it. I'm too busy."
Too busy doing what??? Concentrating on the things in the carnal, on the natural things that are before me? On the thing on this level that God has given me to do. But yet, my mind is no in the place it needs to be. I find myself asking what happened? What happened to the time when I could pray without ceasing. What happened to waking up each morning with a song on my lips and a prayer in my heart. What happened to me?
Of course I could easily dismiss it as just a step up in the battle. A spiritual war is raging and it gets hotter every day. Dismiss it and go back to doing what God requires of me naturally on a day to day basis. But what about the spiritual requirements? If the battle step up every day, why don't I step it up every day. I can't stay on one level while everything else goes up. Dad just reminded me of Narnia's "Last Battle"
"Further up and further in!"
But I think to myself, I'm too tired to run. What do I do? Where do I turn?
I need to go and do some serious cleaning. Naturally and spiritually. What are my priorities? What I want, or what God desires of me, even if I don't like it. Even if I don't like it. *gulp* yep *swallows* Because if I do it, God's will becomes my will. His desires, my desires. and then when my dreams fade away and He is the dream, I won't be questioning anymore. I won't wonder, worry and stumble around in the dark stubbing my toe on the clutter in my life.
I have a destiny, a purpose, a place in the perfect will of God. Get your priorities straight, clean up and let go of the things in your life that are holding you back and then set your sights on God. Lock your eyes on Him and don't look back. Then your destiny will be fullfilled. And your dreams will not seem unfulfilled and fruitless. They will be God's plan for you and they will be fulfilled and fruitful unto Him.
I need to go and do some serious cleaning. Naturally and spiritually. What are my priorities? What I want, or what God desires of me, even if I don't like it. Even if I don't like it. *gulp* yep *swallows* Because if I do it, God's will becomes my will. His desires, my desires. and then when my dreams fade away and He is the dream, I won't be questioning anymore. I won't wonder, worry and stumble around in the dark stubbing my toe on the clutter in my life.
I have a destiny, a purpose, a place in the perfect will of God. Get your priorities straight, clean up and let go of the things in your life that are holding you back and then set your sights on God. Lock your eyes on Him and don't look back. Then your destiny will be fullfilled. And your dreams will not seem unfulfilled and fruitless. They will be God's plan for you and they will be fulfilled and fruitful unto Him.
So....
I'm sitting here staring at my computer screen trying to decide what on earth to write about. There must be something going on in my life that is interesting enough to blog...
but alas, my brain comes up a complete ________________________
so... let's see... what have I been doing...
O.k. so I think maybe I will go to bed, I'm being a little random...
So, good night all!
but alas, my brain comes up a complete ________________________
so... let's see... what have I been doing...
- I finished Joe's uniform in time for the Civil War Day. But I don't think I will get Lydia's skirt done. I feel terrible!!! Bad me, I should stay up all night and finish :)
- I am about ready to throw my hands up in the air and forget this whole music thing all together!!!! It's a good thing I love my students or I would quit! Well,.... that and I know God wants me to play... I actually might be getting a new violin student, which would bring the grand total to 8. This is awesome! I was trying to figure out how to make a little more money. And God just keeps dropping students in my lap, definitely an answer to prayer...
- Don't spent 2 hours in a small bathroom priming wood paneling. It gets VERY hot and tedious!
- When your new violin teacher tells you to practice 4 hours a day. Make sure she actually means it before freaking out! I mean for goodness sake, I have a full time job, 7 students, orchestra, and magazine work on top of life, when I am suppose to practice for 4 hours every day. It's a good thing she didn't mean it...
- Something new I learned! When you shift (on the violin) shift on the half steps its a lot easier.
- Oh and when you are in 2/4 time and counting in 4 a quarter rest gets 2 beats *blushes* I was not quite there in orchestra tonight...
- So, apparently I haven't been doing anything interesting lately.... I slammed my finger between a strawberry bucket and the door to the freezer this afternoon. It fine, it's just a little swollen and I might have a bruise, but it hurt terribly after it happened.
- Oh and I realized that the skin that got
- Other than that, my room desperately needs to be cleaned and I am very ticked at my hair... maybe I need a trim... Kristi! will you bring your clippers with you this weekend??
O.k. so I think maybe I will go to bed, I'm being a little random...
So, good night all!
May God bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you and give you peace.
Is Summer over already?
I was outside today changing the banner at work and I noticed a hint of cool autumn air in the wind.
AHH!!!!!! I'm not ready for it to be autumn yet!!!!
Indian summer where are you!
Quote of the Day (Lincoln)
I have been driven many times upon my knees
by the overwhelming conviction
that I had nowhere else to go.
~Abraham Lincoln
by the overwhelming conviction
that I had nowhere else to go.
~Abraham Lincoln
- As I was standing in the Lincoln Memorial reading the speeches he gave and thinking about the world today and the world then, and what President Lincoln said, I was reminded of this quote and it really got me thinking about how it is so true and how I really need to get on my knees.
Home Sweet Home
O.k. right here and now I am going to make an announcement:
OK, 2 announcements
#1 We are home!!!!
#2 I am a country girl and I LOVE it!
I know without a shadow of a doubt that I do NOT like big cities, nor ever want to live in a big city, they are confusing, ridiculous and totally unpersonal! I would gladly live the rest of my days in a small town. DBQ isn't too big, PV is great. I tell you, being able to turn around when you want, actually knowing where you are going, not being beeped at, and just the peace that goes with living in a small town is totally worth it! I don't care if the shopping is better and there are more opportunities small towns are the way to go!
There, now I will get off my soapbox.
oh, no I haven't forgotten about the beautiful thing I was going to show you all, I just haven't gotten to the picture yet.
OK, 2 announcements
#1 We are home!!!!
#2 I am a country girl and I LOVE it!
I know without a shadow of a doubt that I do NOT like big cities, nor ever want to live in a big city, they are confusing, ridiculous and totally unpersonal! I would gladly live the rest of my days in a small town. DBQ isn't too big, PV is great. I tell you, being able to turn around when you want, actually knowing where you are going, not being beeped at, and just the peace that goes with living in a small town is totally worth it! I don't care if the shopping is better and there are more opportunities small towns are the way to go!
There, now I will get off my soapbox.
oh, no I haven't forgotten about the beautiful thing I was going to show you all, I just haven't gotten to the picture yet.
The Rapid Decline of Social Graces
I don't know it is the summer weather or what but recently I have been noticing a definite lack of social graces. "Please" and "Thank You" are no longer staples, but have become wayside words. People want what they want and they want it now. No waiting patiently, no please and thank you, no nothing, just disrespect. People pull up to drive thru and holler hello before you even have a chance to reach for the talk button... It's very disconcerting. What happened to the the common courtesy people use to show to one another? What happened to tipping your hat at a lady when she walked by (I know guys don't wear hats as much....) What happened to saying please and thank you because you truly meant it? What happened to just plain being politeness? I don't know for sure what it's been replaced by. But personally, I don't like it, let's go back to the old way, the polite way. The way that makes other people feel appreciated and respected.
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About Me
- Katie
- I am a daughter of God who is striving to do and be all that God has for me. I'm a pretty normal person, kinda goofy at times, but I can be a dear. If I try :) I always try to be happy and I'm never lazy, I've tried, it doesn't agree with me. Once you meet me you'll never want for entertainment :)
