Honestly, I think any life would be dull and lifeless without music. There’s a quote that says, “Music is the words of the soul.” And I believe it’s true.
I’m not just referring to music with instruments, vocals and different genres, but I’m talking about any music. There’s a melody in the trees as the wind rustles the leaves. There’s a lullaby in the setting sun basking upon the mountains. There’s a cadence in the insects that hum and the birds that sing. There’s a crescendo in the waves crashing upon the rocks and shoreline.
In all actuality, there’s probably more music to be found in the nature around us, or in the children’s laughter that rises above the chaos, or the babies cries that surround a mother’s comforting coos than there is in the simple clanging of cymbals and piano keys.
This music brings peace to the soul and laughter to the lips. It brings strength to the mind and healing to the whole being.
So, where my life be without music: lost. Totally and utterly lost without hope. And I am eternally grateful for great melodies, regardless, of where they come from.
Honestly, I don’t run at all. It’s actually not a good choice over the long haul. I know. I know. All the runners out there are scoffing right now. I’m sorry. I’ve read too much about the detrimental effect running has on your knees and all of your joints.
And I have watched personally a man in our community who proudly proclaims how much he runs (minimum 5miles) every day. I’ve seen him run in our community for the last 22 years, and he doesn’t look healthier. He looks older, more bent over, and stiff. Now, I know he’s only one example, and I’m sure you could give me a list of runners who are not so.
But I also have a troublesome knee that won’t let me run much. We did a running program a few years ago, and I was so excited to pick up my long forgotten running record from high school and try it again. To give a little background, in HS, we’d always have to do those fitness tests twice a year (yes. I know I’m that old. Lol), and we’d run all year long. So, I’d leave the girls behind and run with the guys. I usually would finish 4th to 5th place running anywhere from 5.30-6min miles. Once, I completed a 4.55minute mile, but I think I could’ve died that day. Haha.
Anyway, that’s nothing to brag about. There were three other guys who were lightening speed in comparison, and I’m sure some could read this and think that’s rather slow. Regardless, that’s not the point to this post…
So, I do try to walk, but I’m not consistent to do it everyday, and I certainly don’t walk as much as I probably should or even could. I read post by a good blogging friend, Linda Schuab over at Walkin’ Writin’, Wit & Whimsy, and I find goals I’d like to meet in my walking routines.
So, my goal is to just get out and do it! I am shooting for 3-5 days a week right now. And this week, I’ve got three days down and hope fully, I’ll have a chance to walk this evening; so, that would give me a four day week.
Here’s to walking and making a point to walk some more! ☺️
How about you? Are you a walker or a runner? What do you like about it, and what is a pain about it? I’d love to know!
John C. Maxwell says, “Leadership is influence.” So, when the question is posed, “Do you see yourself as a leader?”, the answer for all of us should actually be, “Yes.”
The question should rather be, “Who are you leading?” And “Where are you leading them?”
If you are like me, and you call yourself a Christian, we should be leading others to Christ. Not to a religion. Not to church. Not to a “feel better” lifestyle. Not to a program or to a group of people. But we should be leading others to a relationship with Jesus.
All of those other things might come with the territory, and if we truly have a relationship with Jesus and actually read His Word, many of those things will fall into line. But the relationship is where it’s at. And if you have that relationship, you will have influence. And if you have influence, per John Maxwell, you will be a leader.
And even if you don’t claim Jesus as your Savior, or maybe you declare you’re not into “all that religious stuff,” you’ll still be leading someone somewhere. And again, I’ll insert the question, “Where are you leading them?”
If you have no leader yourself, and you have no foundation of truth, than your path will be quite a crooked one. And in this modern age, a crooked path can simply be foolish and quite frankly, dangerous. For there are buyers for your soul on every street corner, both physically and metaphorically. And typically, the highest bidder will win.
But at what cost? And are you willing to gamble your life upon it? Or better yet, are you willing to gamble with the most innocent among you? Or maybe even better to ask, what about the ones you love the most? Are they worth the precarious journey in your lack of leadership?
Whether you decide to choose or not, it will be decided. Refusal to answer is still an answer, and it will still bring consequences.
What personality trait in people raises a red flag with you?
Rudeness is a personality trait that raises a red flag for me almost immediately. You can be aggravated and not rude. You can be inconvenienced and not rude. You can even be mad and ticked off and still not rude.
Being rude is simply disrespect and apathy flowing out of your mouth and attitude toward someone else. Being rude is a lack of caring who’s around you or how you might be perceived.
Now, look. I’m not setting myself on a high horse and pretending I’ve never been rude. And it’s also not a “make it or break it” attitude for our relationship. We can all have bad days, and we can all make mistakes.
But if you walk around in life believing it’s your prerogative to be rude anytime you like and to anyone whom you dare, then, we’re going to have a problem.
If you believe it’s your God-given right to be rude to the elderly or to children, that’s when you and I aren’t going to get along.
And if you sincerely feel you’ve earned the privilege to be rude simply because you’re too young to know better or too old to care, then, we probably just can’t be friends.
And if you carry on that way long enough in my presence, I’ll even say something to you, retaliate with a bit of rudeness myself, or simply walk away and leave you to your fate.
Rudeness is never a right of passage nor an achievement of greatness.
It is just what it is: RUDE!
And just in case you’re wondering, speaking truth is not being rude, but there are also plenty of opportunities to speak truth firmly and strongly without being rude.
It actually takes more courage to be right and truthful andnot be rude.
And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.
My ideal week seemed to have happened this past summer. We spent some time out West in the beautiful scenery of The Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. And it simply took my breath away. Again.
It wasn’t my first time. We went last year, and I went when I was in High School, and we may very well go again next summer. We love it that much.
I read an article or a Fb post recently that described exactly how I felt about it: “Why do you love it? … Because it’s wild. … Imagine a place where you gaze from horizon to horizon and don’t see the hand of man, only God’s.” Yes. This. That’s one of the many reason it is the land that I love. It calls to me.
So, my ideal week was spent living in a cute little home on the other side of the mountains, in a little town in Idaho. We’d drive through the mountains to get to the parks, or we’d drive north to enter the park from the other side. We’d go watch a rodeo down the road or tool on over and go to the zoo in Idaho Falls. We’d walk in downtown Jackson to enjoy the sights, the sounds, and of course, the beautiful antler arches on the square.
We’d go find a hike with a waterfall or an alpine lake, and I’d enjoy the sidelines while my husband snorkeled that crystal clear, frigid, c-o-l-d lake. We’d get up early and drive into town to enjoy a hot, homemade breakfast or come back from our afternoon adventures to enjoy a huckleberry shake at the local emporium.
It was a glorious (almost) two weeks, and we didn’t want to come home! It’s a place to explore, to relax, and simply to breathe.
Yeah. I’m ready for my ideal week already. Let’s go again! And until then, if you catch me napping, I might just be dreaming of my ideal week…
The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.
If you had to give up one word that you use regularly, what would it be?
I’m not sure I use the word regularly, but it’s a word that gets on my nerves if I hear it a lot. If I find myself using it, I work hard to change it because it seems I’m using it as a sentence filler or a pause in the moment because I’m distracted.
I notice it most when I’m listening to someone speak publicly it on a video or something, and they say Umm too much. It can become like a “tic” or routine in someone’s speech that they don’t even realize until they begin to listen back to their conversations and recognize the bad habit.
It’s almost funny, that the daily prompt today is asking if you’re holding a grudge, and my blog post earlier today was about forgiveness.
As they say, maybe great minds do think alike. Lol.
Do I hold a grudge? No. I’d have to say not because I’ve learned forgiveness is more important and more freeing than holding grudges that I could rightfully hold.
Yet, for some whose relationship has been effected by my distance and even my walking away, their narrative could be different. But sometimes, toxicity must be avoided at all costs. And that’s where the judgement begins.
But to hold a grudge means your intent will eventually be to bring harm. Holding a grudge has the intent of revenge. Holding a grudge has the motives of destruction.
Holding a grudge is rooted in the foundation of unforgiveness. Holding a grudge brings resentment and bitterness. Holding a grudge actually brings more harm to you than it does to those against whom the grudge is held.
That grudge will create a prison in which you’ll live if you’ll let it. That grudge will be the hot iron that you think you’re grasping in your hand, yet the longer you hold it, the more it burns your flesh and all those closest to you.
But if you’ll release that grudge, it’s like releasing the hot iron to go back into the fire from whence it came. And the release brings you more freedom than you could ever imagine.
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13
Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
Share a story about the furthest you’ve ever traveled from home.
Eight thousand miles from home is a very long ways to travel. The first time I landed in Nairobi, Kenya, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Honestly, I had always said I probably wouldn’t ever make it that far, but here I was.
It was quite a whirlwind of a trip, as we visited several orphanages in a matter of days, drove the 3hrs up to Nanyuki, stayed a few days and drove the 3 hrs back to catch our flight back home. Our “guide,” if you will, was a great friend who has practically lived in Africa off and on for years, as he’s a field director for an international organization that helps orphans and orphanages. So, we were able to travel around more like locals rather than tourists, which was really nice. (Btw, Nanyuki has the best little coffee shop with delicious coffee! They have a sign that says I❤️NY, and I thought at first it said I love New York. Haha!)
The trip was both grueling at times and glorious, and I wouldn’t change it one bit, except maybe the terrifying fear I had to endure on the highways. The driving there in Nairobi and across the highways into the mountains is terrible! I told friends when we returned that it’s basically like driving in Atlanta, removing all the rules, and playing survival of the fittest! 😳🤦♀️😂 I was really glad we survived. Haha!
The children we met in the various homes were the sweetest, and they had the most beautiful smiles. It struck me how happy they were, and they had so little. In America, our kids often run the risk of being spoiled and entitled, and they have such an abundance. These kids had so little; yet, they sang songs, were overly grateful, and wore the biggest smiles you’ve ever seen, as if you just gave them a million bucks simply because you gave them a hug.
It truly touched my heart deeply, and I think of them so often…
The wildlife there is incredibly beautiful as well. Although, I titled this blog as such, we didn’t go on an actual safari; however, we got right in the middle of all the wildlife we could! When we went to the hill country, we stayed at a place called Sweetwater, and it’s on the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
The day we arrived, we had driven those three hours across the highways in the most chaotic traffic, and it had come a monsoon. Not actually, but it surely felt like a monsoon as much rain that poured out of the sky. (And they said that was a light ran!) We had to stop at the gate because the guards weren’t wanting to let us go through, or something like that; we left all that up to our friend who was driving us. While we waited, we felt bedraggled and tired, and finally after about 30mins, he came out of the guard post, and we were on our way.
We had to drive through the wildlife preserve to get to Sweetwater. So, we had looked forward to seeing some wildlife, but the rains were threatening to see non of that. Yet, as soon as we began on our way again, the rains stopped, and the sun peeked out from behind the clouds, and just around the corner, a herd of elephants came walking right in front of us! Yeah, there’s no fences or cages here!
We saw several other animals along the journey, and I was just in awe that they could be that close. We definitely stayed in our vehicle! Then, when we arrived at the “hotel,” what the host told us was so strikingly funny to me that I thought for sure he was joking because we were Americans.
He was giving us instructions for our stay, and he said, “Be sure upon entering and leaving the tents, you always zip them up to keep the baboons from stealing your luggage!” I laughed quietly to myself thinking this must be something he says to all foreigners to watch for their reactions; so, I keep my composure and simply nodded in agreement with him.
Shortly thereafter, we were walking up the steps to our tent, and back behind the tents I hear these “monkey sounds” and watch in utter surprise as a groundskeeper is literally chasing off baboons!! You can rest assured, I double checked those zippers every time I entered and exited! Haha!
Our stay at Sweetwater was absolutely amazing. There was a watering hole right out front of our tents, and wildlife would walk right up to it. We saw lots of buffalo, rhinos, zebras, and more.
Before we left Africa, we also drove through Nairobi National Park, and we were able to see all kinds of wildlife there as well. I was always wanting to see a lion up close, and we did get to see a lioness resting in the heat of the day, but she was a bit far away for me to get a good picture.
We are getting ready to head back in a few months, and this time, we get to take Christmas to the kids at one of the orphanages. I am so excited! We won’t be traveling to the Nanyuki area this trip, and I will miss seeing the beautiful scenery and animals of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, but I have my pictures and memories to hold onto till the next time. Seeing the kids get Christmas presents will certainly be worth it.
(I have sweet pics of the kiddos also, but I’m not so sure I need to post those here publicly; I’ll just keep those for my memories for now.)
Last time, some of the girls made me a bracelet to take home, and I still wear it to this day. I’ve never taken it off, and it serves as a reminder for me to pray for these sweet souls in a land so far away from my own…
A few more pics from our trip…
It was like he was playing hide and seek. His sticking his tongue out at me cracked me up!This guy stopped eating and just stood looking at us for a while. These guys cracked me up because our vehicle wasn’t exactly quiet, and they never budged. We thought maybe they were dead at first. And then finally, the big guy raised his head just a smidgen. Lol. A trip we will never forget.
I suppose my first answer to what my ideal home would look like is more about the inside than the exterior. And that being the case, I already have my ideal home.
It’s full of peace and love and stability. This doesn’t mean we don’t have bad days or disagreements or storms that threaten all of that. But it means the foundation of our lives is where it should be.
And that foundation is Christ. Scripture says He is a Rock. He is a fortress. He is a shelter, a high tower and a refuge. And I have found He is all of these things and more. And when my faith is in Him and the foundation of my home is found in Him, that’s all I need for my home to be filled with all the things that I want.
And truthfully, the exterior of my ideal is not of the world. My ultimate ideal dream home is in a land where there is no pain, no tears, no fear and no end of days. A land flowing with milk and honey, a sapphire sea, and a River of Life running through that place. Heaven will be a beautiful place, of which we truly do not have words to describe.
But now, to play along with the daily prompt and describe my ideal (exterior) home, I’d begin with a lot of land. I mean a lot, acres and acres, with some rolling hills, maybe the big Rocky Mountains or the Blue Ridge or the Appalachian Mountain Range in the background. A creek running close by with lots of big hardwoods and a good many evergreens interspersed throughout the land would be ideal. Actually, several creeks would be intermittent around the property, and one would have a grist mill and a water power sourcing into the property. Another would have an eight to ten food drop of a beautiful waterfall. It would be a big parcel of land that when you gaze out over it, it automatically causes you to inhale deeply and exhale slowly.
I’d want enough land that all our family, our sons, my in-laws, any any of my husband’s siblings could have their homes without it being crowded. Hundreds of acres that are marked by those deep stained wooden fences, and everybody who traveled by would know, “That’s the Grizzle Ranch Homestead.” Enough land that it takes a day’s ride on horseback to cover all the property, and we’d have enough ranch hands to make those rounds when needed.
It would be a land/home where everyone is welcomed with open arms, and we’d even have a couple of guest cabins where people could come and stay to rest and relax and even recoup and restore from storms in their lives. We’d have the modern conveniences of running water, electricity, internet and gas connections, but much of it would be self contained so as to not have to rely on or be effected by the local or national economic ups and downs.
And the ideal house itself? Hmmm… my dream house changes a bit from time to time, but mostly, it’s a sprawling two story ranch style, all wood and maybe some stacked stone, with a wrap around porch and several fireplaces, both inside and on the outdoor patio. And it must have one corner that is a glorious library with books from ceiling (2 stories) to floor, the rolling ladders that allow for hours of scrolling through to find a new adventurous tale, and a staircase as well that reaches to the top on one corner. There would be ceiling to floor windows to let in the sunlight with beautiful drapery to shadow the room so that reading by lamplights can be allowed when so desired, no matter the time of day. There would be sweet reading nooks and even a hand carved “tree” that invites hours of childhood fun, no matter your age or reading limitations. Oh, and on another corner, there’s be a fireplace, not too big, but large enough to cozy up on the couch with a good book or pile up pillows upon the floor with the kiddos to invite reading galore.
There would be a giant kitchen for hours of baking fun with family that opens up into a huge dining hall for endless family gatherings; yet, not ton of formality, more like an oak table with hand carved chairs with comfy cushions and plenty of space for loads of food and a fireplace on one end that would crackle with the laughter of shared family memories.
And for all our family members who love to play, there would be a music room/hall in which more instruments than one person could own but where all could meander through to share a tune or two. A baby grand in one corner or maybe an upright, a handful of acoustics and cajones, basses, violins and cellos, sprinkled with a banjo, harmonica and pan flute. All for a little friend and family enjoyment on a cool summer’s evening or a cold, winter’s night.
There’s be a big fire pit outside with lots of wood carved seating for fall campfires and summer fireless stargazing. The house overlooks all the land we own, the creek(s) with the mountains in the backdrop. Horses are grazing on one side of the backside of the property while cows are on the other because we are a working ranch that is self sufficient and self contained.
A better question for me might be, “What doesn’t bring a tear of joy to my eye?” Is here are so many things in my life that bring me joy, and I am very much like my grandmother; so, tears come easily around here. Haha.
But seriously. There are some particular things that bring tears of joy to my eyes…
Our guys are probably at the top of the list. These guys just make me so proud to be called their mom. They are working hard to make a place in this life for themselves, becoming responsible, doing well in school, striving to be good, strong men. Most of all, they both have hearts that seek wholeheartedly after God, and not because “mom and dad believe.” That Scripture (paraphrased), “…work our your salvation with fear and trembling,” that’s what they do. They debate it, think about it, search scripture and history, and surround themselves with leaders who can speak into their lives. These guys. Yeah, they bring tears of pure joy to my eyes.
My main guy does this for me, too. He’s simply amazing. Even on days when I’m at my worst, and maybe I’m grouching on him for something that is certainly NOT his fault, he still loves me. He still cares. He works hard in life, at work and at home, all to provide safety, comfort and strength for us. He gives more of himself than I deserve, and I’m forever thankful. Most of all, he’s a man after God’s own heart, and he’s helped to raise our guys to be the same. He’s also shown me who Christ is by the man he lives to be.
And I know. You may be sitting there reading this, thinking, “Yeah, right.” You can’t have perfection, or maybe you’re just blind. Well, I’m not telling a fairytale, but I might as well be living one. No. Of course, we’re not perfect, but that’s what makes the 1,000 tiny miracles that make a marriage work so very special.
And last but definitely not least, my God brings tears of joy to my eyes. When I look at a waterfall and hear the waters rushing by, I can hear His voice on the waters telling of His goodness. When I hike a mountain and look out over a summit, I can feel His faithfulness to me overwhelming. Even when I sit and pet my cat and hear him purr, I can remember He cares even about the smallest of things, and this then, confirms His love again and again.
When these events occur, tears of joy and gratitude fill my eyes to overflowing as I feel the warmth of His loving care.
Tears of joy, they are good for you and me.
The purer the source, the clearer the tears.
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
My journey didn’t stop with mere time travel or writing; it led me to become one of the most sought-after empaths, a soulful psychic who reads the hidden depths of the human spirit. I’ve been blessed—or perhaps burdened—with an ability that allows me to feel the emotions of people from every corner of time.
I am a licensed psychologist based in Greece. My love for housekeeping has inspired me to create this blog about home management and family relationships. I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing!
Dedicated to movie nerdom, nostalgia, and escape. In the late 90s, I worked at Blockbuster Video where they let me take home two free movies a day. I caught up on the classics and reviewed theatrical releases for Denver 'burbs newspapers and magazines. Today, while raising two young, beautiful daughters with my amazing wife, I look forward to anything rated R and not Bluey. Comments and dialogue encouraged!
the grizzle grist mill 