Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.

We all have talents. Some are veiled and some are in the open. I have several friends that helped me get through the first few days after Jonny's accident. Lynne helped with the logistics of getting the memorial organized, and driving me to see my son Brandon to tell him the tragic news. Crystal gathered the pictures and the stories of Jonny with me, his brother, his family, and his friends to decorate the display board. Peggy and Ruth were able to comfort me, with their empathetic abilities, having similar losses. My sister and Mom, comforting me and only wishing the plane from Florida brought them sooner. My friend Debbie, whose comforting words, caring and the ability to know what else I needed, such as bringing a wonderful stew, to nourish us and keep my strength up.

The list goes on and on. The talents and kindness continues....all of these people were put into my life at different times and different areas. I know that God put them into my life for a reason...I am forever grateful for their love, their comfort and their talents....

What talents do you possess??

Rainy Days & Tuesdays

I have been without my Internet since Sunday morning....modem (Internet service) problems. I am back on board. It is a rainy evening, but at least I have power, so far any ways.

Thanks to my followers for their sweet comments on my upholstery blog.

I wrote in one of my old post, of how I miss getting ready for the school year. Shopping for new clothes, books, school supplies.....the boys were so excited to get something new...well, my church is asking for volunteers to help put together school kits for Lutheran World Relief Ingathering....How exciting, not only do I get to shop for school supplies, but I can help out a child, and bring a smile to their face.

Uphostered Chairs

I bought a "Farmhouse Table" for $5.00 at a rummage sale last May. It came with 2 chairs, so I have been looking for 4 more. I found 4 chairs a week ago, for $30.00. The wood was in good shape, the padding on the seats were in good shape, however, the material was faded and stained.

This is my first time re-upholstering a chair, it was fun, easy and did not take long. I bought extra material to make window valances. I found the material on sale, that matched my decor and taste. In fact it is similar to the one already on it.

Quote of the Day

What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you. Ralph Waldo Emerson

We always dwell on our past and worry about the future. But, it is what is inside us, what is in our hearts that is important. We all make mistakes, they are life's lessons. We should learn and grow from them. We cannot change the past and we cannot predict the future. We can have loving memories of the past and learn from the mistakes we have made. We can plan for the future, but we do not know what the future brings.

Live each day to the fullest and count your blessings, for they are many.

Names

I went to a baby shower yesterday afternoon. Peggy's daughter Lindsay is expecting a precious baby boy in September. Jackson is the chosen name. I remember trying to pick out a name when I was pregnant with Jonny. Laura Ann was the girl's name we picked. My husband liked the name John for a boy. I went to grade school with a boy who spelled his name, Jon. I liked the way it was spelled, and we both agreed on Jonathan. I looked up the meaning of Jonathan.....

The boy's name Jonathan \j(o)-na-than\ is pronounced JAHN-a-thun. It is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "gift of God". Biblical: the son of King Saul, Jonathan was noted for his manliness, generosity, and unselfishness.

He was a gift from God. He was generous and giving. He cared about those around him.

With my oldest son Brandon, we could not agree on a name. Being our first born, we struggled with the decision. I bought a baby name book, wrote down a list of boys and girls names. My husband went through the list of boys and narrowed it down to 2. Justin and Brandon. I liked Brandon better. However, I was in the labor room, and we were still wondering what we were going to do if the baby was a girl. We still could not agree on one.

The boy's name Brandon \b-ran-don, br(a)-ndon\ is pronounced BRAN-den. It is of Old English origin, and its meaning is "broom, gorse hill".

Based on our research, most people would imagine a person with the name Brandon to be: A tall, American boy, somewhat outgoing.

In one word, you might describe Brandon "outgoing" person.

This fits Brandon, he is very out going.

Busy as a Bee

Oh, what a busy bee I have been. Working long hours, the past two weeks. Last weekend was busy, but I had time for friends and enjoyed the beautiful "fall" weather we have been experiencing, in the middle of July. I joined in my church's fellowship at a catfish dinner at a lodge on the Ohio river on Friday night. What beautiful scenery. Enjoying God' s masterpiece, the beautiful pictures. Just as Renee's son had described.

http://www.reneeswope.blogspot.com/

School semester will be starting again, and I will have to get back in my routine. I am glad I took the summer off. I worked on my scrapbook, visited with friends & family, and caught up on things around the house.

I miss getting the kids ready for the school year....going to Wal-mart to get their supplies and of course we needed a new back pack every year....going clothes shopping....and trying to get them back in the routine of going to bed earlier.....seems like just yesterday.

Personality Plus

I found a new blog site ... /www.reneeswope.blogspot.com/ .....she talks about, Florence Littauer's book Personality Plus...in this book four personalities are mentioned

1. Phlegmatic

2. Choleric

3. Sanguine

4. Melancholy

I have not only read this book and taken the personality test years ago, but I had the privilege in going to a church Woman's conference and Florence was the guest speaker in 1996. She is an excellent speaker, and the book is quite interesting. I have taken several personality test, through the years either in school or through work. I have read "Please Understand Me II" by David Keirsey about temperament, character and intelligence and "Now, Discover Your Strengths" by Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton, PhD.

These books are interesting, informative, thought provoking and motivating. They not only tell you about your personality, but about those around you. They teach you about other's personalities. It teaches about diversity of personality. Instead of trying to change ones personality, how to learn to appreciate ones personality. You gain by appreciating and lose by ignoring or condemning. You have learn about your own character traits, before you can see others distinct traits.

Wouldn't it be a boring world if everyone looked and acted the same...???