Sunday Sermon and Other Stuff

“Everything has seasons, and we have to be able to recognize when something’s time has passed and be able to move into the next season. Everything that is alive requires pruning as well, which is a great metaphor for endings.”

Henry Cloud

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A super spectacular sunny Sunday. Did you ever notice when the weather is wonderful, people smile and laugh and have a pep in their step? I know, I certainly do. There were a lot of hugs and handshakes this morning before Mass.

Today’s Gospel was about Jesus telling His disciples, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower…….”I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing,”

My take on it… sometimes some very serious pruning has to go on in order for a plant to flourish. The dead or diseased branches have to be removed in order for new growth, for the vines or plants to flourish. Jesus used this analogy to describe how His Father will take care of the faithful and prune away the bad people, allowing the faithful to grow strong.

Another good analogy for all of us to heed. Stay clear of those draining sources that make us shrivel up and die. Prune your life of negative energy and negative people, so you can grow strong and resilient. It may be painful at first, but the results are worthwhile. I like that. I can relate. Most of us can.

After Mass, I met my friend Zelda for lunch at Square Burger. Then, we walked around and sat in the sun. It was such a beautiful warm day. Of course, that called for ice cream at Dairy Queen later.

After ice cream, a long walk was in order when I got home. Running into neighbors and stopping to chat usually turned a normal 45 minute walk into a two hour talking tour. Oh well! It allowed me to catch the beautiful evening moon.

Happy Sunday!!!

Saturday:) Some Reasons Why McKinney Rocks

“Rock ‘n’ Roll might not solve your problems, but it does let you dance all over them.”

PETE TOWNSHEND, attributed

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Friday night, my friend, Linda Grossman, World’s Greatest Realtor, invited me to a fun concert at the Guitar Sanctuary in Stonebridge. A nice ending to a very busy day.

4/27/18 – Andy Timmons & Jennifer Batten

The Guitar Sanctuary presented an evening of Virtuoso Guitar with Andy Timmons, Jennifer Batten, and friends at The Sanctuary Music & Events Center on Friday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRLLT-KdtqA

Today was a beautiful day. I went out and walked two hours this afternoon. The neighborhood was having a sub-division garage sale. I checked put a few, but I only found one glass vase for a dollar. Will power.

Then, off to the Square to check out the art show at The Cove. My friend, Don Simmons, had a one man show, displaying his amazing photography. Don has the most amazing and instinctive eye for detail, color, composition, and nostalgia.

Then, another fun music venue this evening on the Square at Cadillac Pizza Pub. Maylee and the Mayor were rockin’ the house. Our own Mayor of McKinney, George Fuller, is part of an awesome rock ‘n roll band that performs at many local venues. Maylee has a combination voice of Janice Joplin, sprinkled with Tina Turner, and an angelic gospel singer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8om6FP_vCFc

Mckinney certainly rocks…and rolls.

Friday:) Friendly Firemen, Friends, and Furry Friends

“Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people – your family, friends, and coworkers, and even strangers you meet along the way.”

~Barbara Bush

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McKinney Fire Station #9 is up and running now. I stopped over with some brownies on their first day. I told them “I’d be back.” So, yesterday, I made two batches of brownies. One to take to my friends at karaoke at the VFW, and the other for Station #9.

The bay door was open so, of course, I just walked in the back door shouting, ” Anybody home.” A very nice firefighter walked down the hall to greet me. I told him “I have some brownies for you guys. Just wanted to thank you all for what you do and I’m glad you’re finally in.”

Captain Jim Floyd shook my hand and said it was much appreciated. I told him that I’ve been dropping goodies off at other stations since I moved to McKinney in ’04. He said, “I know. I remember you from Station #5.” That made me feel good. I appreciate what they do for us and they appreciate my brownies, cupcakes, and cookies. PLUS…look how cute they are!

Today, I had lunch with some girlfriends. It’s been ages since we’ve all been together.

When I got home, I fed and walked the dog, then went for my own long walk. A beautiful warm sunny day, and Mr. Larry and Miss Sandy were waiting for me in the garage with a cold beer.

Even Wolf had a sip of my beer and gave me a kiss. A good day for friends, furry and otherwise.

A cute bunny followed me home.

Thursday:) This Is My World

“Somedays you should just stay in your jammies under the covers, and not get out of bed. It’s safer there.”

~ Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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I’m sure you can all relate to information overload. Where did I leave my phone? I can’t find my phone! Oh, I’m talking on the phone. It’s against my ear. Duh!

The other day, I was taking the dog for a walk. I grabbed her leash, put my phone in my pocket and reached in the drawer for the house key. The phone rang, I answered, talked a couple of minutes, then out the door.

Oh, but wait! Where is my key? Back into the house. Retraced my steps. The dog is staring at me impatiently. I know it’s here somewhere. I keep the key on a rubber band and always put it on my right wrist. Nope! Not there. So, I did what all good Catholics do. Another urgent request to Saint Anthony.

I reached into the drawer again with both hands, rummaging through the rubble that I keep in there. Oops! It was on my left wrist all along. Thank you Saint Anthony. Glad you’re on speed dial.

This is my world. Too much information, too many distractions. Maybe just need to slow done a little. But… I love it.

Wednesday:) Words of Wisdom and Thriving

“You are not your past. You are the warrior that rose above it to become the example of someone who didn’t survive, but thrived in creating the most beautiful last chapter of their life.”

― Shannon L. Alder

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On my daily walks, I’m reminded how resilient mother nature and people can be. At the entrance of our subdivision, there is a long row of Knockout Roses lining the sidewalks. Seriously, there are over two hundred bushes. Sadly, they are all deceased. Rose Rosette Disease (RRD) is the disease that has plagued many of the local rose bushes that previously touted being disease resistant. Nothing and no one is perfect.

What amazes me is, even though diseased and surrounded by other sickly bushes, stunning bursts of color force their way through the bare branches and wilted leaves. I smile as I walk past these marvelous examples of fortitude, often relating to the thriving roses blooming amongst the ugly diseased foliage of past years.

My personal motto for most of my life has been, “I bloom where I’m planted.” Like those obstinate rambunctious roses, I’m going to keep blooming and thriving, no matter where I’m planted or what obstacles come my way. That’s how my Mamma raised me. Thanks Mom.

I hope all of you reading this can relate to these stubborn roses and you keep thriving and blooming and sharing your beauty.

Tuesday:) Takin’ It To The Streets

“An invitation of a beautiful street is an invitation to walk within a dream!”

― Mehmet Murat ildan

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I never get tired of walking in my neighborhood and takin’ it to the streets. From the early morning sunrise…

To the luscious late evening sunset…

I never get tired of walking down each street, chatting with neighbors, chasing down a sunset, or just standing still with my eyes closed, with my face absorbing the warm sun.

It was so gorgeous out today, I took three walks. The wonderful weather was so invigorating. I walked the dog at 7:30 am, went to the YMCA for my 8:30 Zumba class, rode the exercise bike for five miles…

Then, I met Mary for coffee at McDonald’s at 10, home to walk the dog again, took her home, then walked another couple of miles. I was sure that was enough, but around 7pm, I thought it was just too nice out to sit inside all night. I had to go out and chase the sunset.

Montage Monday:) A Week In A Peek

“Time. Like a petal in the wind, Flows softly by. As old lives are taken, New ones begin. A continual chain, Which lasts throughout eternity. Every life but a minute in time, But each of equal importance.”

~ Cindy Cheney

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Another run by fast as a train week, busy, fun, crazy, and beautiful.

Sunday Sermon and Other Stuff:) The Good Shepherd

“If you want to give a message to the world, let it be simple, as simple as the life of a shepherd!”

― Mehmet Murat ildan

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After yesterday’s dark gloomy skies, the early morning sun burst through the distant grey clouds. It was a glorious morning for a 7:30’am walk before church.

Today is Good Shepherd Sunday. The Gospel reading was about Jesus telling us how He is our good shepherd, as He would lay down His life for us.

Jesus said:

“I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.

My take on it…. Jesus did lay down His life for us, as a good shepherd would. When you love unconditionally, when you are responsible for others in your care, or like a good parent, you would lay down your life to protect those in your charge or to protect your child from harm.

When I had children of my own, I often thought about the responsibilities of a mother and what I would do for my child. I knew that I would gladly lay down my life for my children if I ever had to make that decision. No question. That is unconditional love.

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After Mass, a quick coffee and chat with my friend Jerry, then off to Sprouts to check out the sales. OH NO! I went NUTS…literally. Dark chocolate covered walnuts (my favorite) were on sale for only $3.99 a pound. So were sea salt almonds and dark chocolate covered raisins. I went nuts. I did buy some fruit and vegetables to counteract the many pounds of nuts I purchased. I’m not much of a carnivore. I rarely buy meat, but I never met a nut I didn’t like.

Another long evening walk, wispy clouds, and visiting with neighbors made for a super Sunday. My message and my life are simple. I’m a good shepherd. I just need to find my sheep.

Saturday:) Shadows and Stormy Skies

“Whether I stand in the sun or in the dark, my shadow and God are my constant companions. They always have my back.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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It was a gloomy dreary Saturday here, but I still went out for a couple of walks. I just put up my hood, leash up the dog, and put my cell phone in a ziplock bag in my pocket.

Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, I can always find something beautiful in my neighborhood, or even in my own back yard.

Sunny skies and shadows before the storm.

The rain washes away the dust of day and nourishes the earth.

Beauty in my own back yard. The grass is getting greener and the air is cool and fresh.

Friday:) Friends Don’t Let Friends Sing Off Key Alone

“The only thing better than singing is more singing.”

~Ella Fitzgerald

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Where am I pretty much every Thursday night? Well, singing karaoke at the McKinney VFW, of course. We have such a fine fun group of friends that come out to talk, dance, sing a little, and drink a little. I usually just have a Sprite. I switched from Coke that kept me up all night. I don’t drink and drive…strict policy that I’ve lived by nearly four decades. (But then, I come home and have a glass of wine.)

Last night was such a blast. The place was packed and my good friend and “World’s Greatest Realtor,” Linda Grossman came for the very first time. Hopefully, she’ll join us regularly. She couldn’t decide what to sing, so she joined me in a duet of “Leaving On A Jet Plane,” my all time favorite.

Neither of us will be quitting our day jobs and going on the road…

https://youtu.be/EM-YAagZDzo

As Miss Ella Fitzgerald said, “The only thing better than singing is more singing.” Well, maybe more singing with your friends.