Dogs Can Be Heros Too!

Reflections...

Occasionally, events will occur in our lives that cause us to stop so that we may reflect and re-evaluate all that which comprises the many facets of our life. These periods cause us to reprioritize things, abandon what does not belong or is making our lives more difficult and stressful, and seek out what truly matters to us. The last couple of months have been such a time in my life. There was no significant 'event' which brought about this time of 'reflection' for me; just a feeling of emptiness; an unexplainable void in my life, which I have just recently found to be a longing for something I had long abandoned. God!

As a child I was raised in a home where God's love was not only preached, but shown with great efforts from both my parents. They raised us with strong Christian morals and values to no avail. What I didn't know or didn't appreciate back then was that being a 'Christian' has less to do with going to church and memorizing Bible verses and more to do with how we love others, how we treat other people. I didn't know or understand that the meaning of 'Christian' is to be 'Christ-like'. I can't say that my current life reflects that very well either, but at least now I am aware...and as they say, that's half the battle...

You may be asking yourself right now, "How does one become 'Christ-like'?" I will only answer with what I believe to be true; if you want to become like someone...you have to know that someone. 'How does one become to 'know' God?' you may ask...well the answer to that is quite simple...read his word!! I heard once that the Bible is God's love letter to us, it's filled with daily words of comfort, encouragement, hope, inspiration, and guidance...a direction manual for life, if you will!

Now before I am flamed as a 'Bible thumper' or any such thing I have to be honest...I am not a Christian, or at least I haven't been living as one for most my life. I am one of those people who has always admitted to 'believing in God' but that was about as far as my faith had matured. I now realize that just 'believing' gets you no where...even Satan 'believes' in God!!

So now you may be wondering what I am doing with this new found appreciation for my faith?, where has it taken me?, what have I learned?, and what does this mean for my life?

When I have all of those questions answered for myself...I will gladly share them!!!

But for now I will leave you with this....

The Secret to Love That Lasts...

The 5 Love Languages™

What if you could say or do just the right thing guaranteed to make that special someone feel loved? The secret is learning the right love language! Millions of couples have learned the simple way to express their feelings and bring joy back into marriage: The 5 Love Languages, Dr. Gary Chapman’s New York Times bestseller! Words of Affirmation—Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.

• 
  

  Words of Affirmation

  Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.
• 
  

  Quality Time

  In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.
• 
  

  Receiving Gifts

  Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.
• 
  

  Acts of Service

  Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter.
• 
  

  Physical Touch

  This language isn’t all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.

I have always felt that my marriage has been one filled with love and I never thought that we needed any 'help'.  But I am very grateful that I took the advice of a friend and went out and bought this book.  I have only owned it for two weeks and I'm not even finished reading it yet, but I have to tell you, our marriage has already started changing for the better!!

"How do we meet each other's deep emotional need to feel loved?  If we can learn that and choose to do it, then the love we share will be exciting beyond anything we ever felt when we were infatuated." - Dr.Gary Chapman


Find out what your 'Love Language' is: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/assessments/love/

"Lead Me"

25 Random Things About Me...

1) I work straight day shift and am up at 5am every morning...have been on 'days' for almost 2 years...I don't think I'll ever get used to it!! (not a morning person)

2) I don't like my feet being touched!

3) My favorite pop is Diet Pepsi With Lime!! (with a sliced lemon in it)

4) I love to fall asleep to the sound of a good thunderstorm

5) I went to college for 'Accounting & Payroll' (not that it did me much good) except...

6) I met my husband in college

7) My 'Love Language' is: 'Quality Time' and 'Acts of Service'

8) My astrological sign is: Leo

9) My Chinese Year is: Dog

10) I love 'No Name' BBQ chips from No Frills

11) I love to shop at 'Wal-Mart'

12) I was born premature..doctors thought I wouldn't make it...they were wrong!!

13) I am a bit of a 'clean freak'..

14) I love driving while listening to my favorite songs...

15) I have a 13 year old nephew and an 11 year old niece whom I love very much!!!

16) I would love to learn to play the guitar one day...

17) I am the 'middle' child..I have an older sister and a younger sister and I wish we were all able to spend more time together...

18) I was born in Bowmanville and moved to Oshawa when I was 4..

19) I am beginning to love blogging!

20) I love the feeling of coming home from work all hot and sweaty to jump into a cool shower and then to put on fresh jammies and cuddle on the couch with hubby & puppy!! :-)

21) I feel best suited at home caring for my husbands needs, making our house a home; but I am grateful that I do have a job...

22) I believe in the God that created man; not the God that man created.

23) Sometimes I feel envious of people I know whom seem to be happier and more successful than I; I have learned however, that our lives are what we make of it..and never to judge others from 'outward' appearances.

24) I love when my husband treats me...weather it be a tea made for me in the morning before work...or him taking me out on a date night...I just love when I know that he has thought of me and cared enough to do something nice for me.

25) I am soft spoken (usually)...I tend to be a quiet, caring person that wears my heart on my sleeve.

'Lead Me' - Sanctus Real

I really love this song..I think this is the heart cry of many wives...I know it touched my heart!!

"Lead Me"

"Lead Me" - Story behind the song

Choosing to Love My Husband...

I have never written a blog post about my husband.  Usually I am too busy uploading some new & cute pictures of either my step-daughter Maddy or our dog Dillon.  Today I am going to focus on my husband; Kevin.

Today is no irregular day, there were no special 'gushy' moments to which this post would be dedicated.  So why post about him today you may ask?  I have been inspired by a friend (you know who you are) who posted a similar post to her blog not at all that recently but one I just read today that strung a chord with me.

I have not focused on the most important person in my life..my husband...in my blogging (not that I have many posts) but I would like to start fresh today and this post will focus on the gift that God has given me; the most precious gift in this man...my husband.

Real Love is something we do when the feelings are there and when they are not.  Love is NOT something you always feel.  Love is something you DECIDE.  I decided 5 years ago that I would love this man for the rest of my life.  I was only 22 when we met but I knew that he was the one for me without any doubt..I will tell you why.  He set me FREE!!...I left him for a period of time when we were first dating..I told him I needed time to sort through feelings of past resentments, disappointments and trust issues I had carried with me from my past.  Not only did he let me go...but when I realized I couldn't live without him he welcomed me back with open arms..no questions asked!!...It was then I knew; this was meant to be!!

At 23 years old I pledged before God and our family & friends that I would be with him and love him till death.  Five years later, through trials, upsets, financial distress and all of life's ups and downs we are still holding strong!!  He needs to know that I 'choose' him every day!

If I could line up every man in the whole world I would choose him today without a moments hesitation.  I would choose him on the days when I feel all oogly about him..like today.  I would choose him on the days he really gets on my nerves.  Feelings are undependable.  Love is ALWAYS dependable.  Love NEVER fails even when we do!

I am honored to be his wife, helper and friend always.  I am choosing to love him ALWAYS no matter how I may 'feel' on any given day!!

Kevin I love you, I honor you, I cherish you everyday!!!