Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary, Honey!

My husband and I married three years ago yesterday; been together for over seven years. We were busy running around yesterday so this comes a day late.

I had planned to tell the story of our somewhat unconventional relationship and courtship but I think I'll save that for another time and maybe another format.

I want the world to know that I love my husband beyond measure and am happy and content in our relationship.

Here are a few things I love:

YOU

Quick Wit
Gentle manner
Acceptance
Caresses
Forgiving nature
Talent
Comfort
Desire
Commanding touch
Patience
Intelligence
Empathy
Support
Persistence
Love

US

Silliness
Acceptance
Similar interests
Faith
Mutual respect
Desire
Forgiveness
Challenges
Imagination
Support
Growth
Love

For those of you who are not currently in a romantic relationship and would like to be, I must share that I met my husband when I was 37 years old. I had not given up on a lifelong partner but did not expect to find one either.

You may find your partner anywhere, any place, any time and at any age. I would say do not ever lose hope but find joy in your life where it's at right now. You never know where your journey will lead you!

SWB - Love, Family & Money

Taj Mahal

(Click on photo for a close up and just look at that price!)

We spent the day at MOA and I discovered beauty at LegoLand. We haven't been to the MOA in a few years and this lego creation wasn't there at our last visit. It got me thinking about what someone will do for love.

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in loving memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during the birth of their fourteenth child, Gauhara Begum. It took about 16 years to complete with the landscaping, gardens and surrounding buildings taking another five years. Emporer Shah Jahan used these words to describe it:

Should guilty seek asylum here,

Like one pardoned, he becomes free from sin.

Should a sinner make his way to this mansion,

All his past sins are to be washed away.

The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs;

And the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.

In this world this edifice has been made;

To display thereby the creator's glory.

I can't help but think about the word "favorite" when referring to wives. Obviously, it tells us there were others. Being who I am, I can't help but struggle with this, but clearly, Emporer Shah Jahan had a deep love for Mumtaz.

While gazing at the lego version of this beautiful mausoleum, I asked my husband if his love was such that he'd build a Taj Mahal for me. His response was, "I would if I had a lot of money and a lot of servants." He knew he was off the hook knowing my thoughts on servants. I truly believe, however, that he'd build me the lego version in a heartbeat! ;)

The real Taj Mahal

What would you do for love?

~*~*~

In Sleeping with Bread, we're to talk about the highs and lows of our previous week and focus on something we have held or can hold onto to give us strength and carry us through the tough times.

This week's lows:

1. Feelings of uncertainty about my job.

2. Struggles with my son and some of his vocal tics and demand for constant, and I mean constant, attention.

3. Thoughts of despair and wondering if some things will never change.

This week's highs:

1. I kicked butt and completed some projects at work that were nagging at my brain.

2. Warmer weather!

3. More sleep.

4. An exciting project I'm working on with my fellow Texty Ladies!

I held on to the knowledge that my husband loves me and, I think, had some idea of the challenges we'd face when he moved up and took on a ready made family. With regard to my job, I'm telling myself every day that I can only try to do my best and nothing more. Get involved, acquire new and marketable skills, and do my best.

If you're hungry, go here for more bread.

Sleeping with Bread - In Troubled Times

What do we hold on to when times are tough and life is uncertain?


FAITH, HOPE and LOVE.

"There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has any faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God...shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6,7

We must believe that our struggles will end. Maybe this recession was meant to happen as a monumental correction to what men have created. It's time to "let go and let God," as "they" say, and have FAITH.

"Courage, it would seem, is nothing less than the power to overcome danger, misfortune, fear, injustice, while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good; that everything is meaningful even if in a sense beyond our understanding; and that there is always tomorrow." ~ Dorothy Thompson

"Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence." ~ Lin Yutang

We can not succumb to the negative forces all around us. We must not give up but know that our troubles will not go on forever or defeat us. He has said He will not give us more than we can handle. It may not always feel that way but I know that it is true. Look forward, not down. Claim HOPE.

"Love is a choice you make from moment to moment." ~ Barbara de Angelis

"Love, like truth and beauty, is concrete. Love is not fundamentally a sweet feeling; not, at heart, a matter of sentiment, attachment, or being "drawn toward." Love is active, effective, a matter of making reciprocal and mutually beneficial relation with one's friends and enemies." ~ Carter Heyward

During difficult times, it is easy to think about ourselves, what we need to make things right, what God and the world need to give us to change our situation. Why not step outside ourselves and think about what we can do for others; how can we ease their suffering? How can we do this without seeking reward? Let's look to LOVE.

Click here for more nourishment.

Wordful Wednesday - Sisters

Devi ** Kali

I love this photo.

It was taken the day after Kali was spayed.

We could see in her face the pain she was experiencing,

and were thankful when the painkiller took hold.

What I love about this photo

is the tender look on Devi's face

as she gazes at her sister.

My husband said that Devi followed him around all day

when Kali was at the animal hospital.

I'm sure she wondered why her sister was away.

When we brought her home that night,

Devi watched her sister's every move with concern

making sure to do so from a distance.

The next day,

Devi ventured close

and hissed because her sister had a different scent.

As the day wore on,

Kali was accepted again

and Devi's love for her was captured here.

Sacred Life Sunday - Quiet Moments

Weekends can be such fun, going to a movie or museum, hitting the shops, dining out and getting together with friends and family. There is one part of the weekend, however, that I cherish beyond measure. Those peaceful moments after waking when my husband and I can cuddle and talk quietly about our day, our week, our plans for the future, dreams, hopes and desires are sacred to me.

I felt it shelter to speak to you. ~Emily Dickinson

My husband works every other weekend and on weeknights we're always busy having dinner, running errands and hanging out with our son. Any quiet time we can share together before the craziness of the day takes over blesses our relationship and gives us what we need to carry on.

I pray that no matter how crazy life is, no matter what it throws our way, we make these moments a priority.

Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow. ~Swedish Proverb

Wishcasting Wednesday - Sending Some Love

Jamie's wishcasting prompt today is:

Who do you wish to send some love?

My wish today is to send love out to my good friend Jane. Jane and her family have had to deal with some tragic events the last few months and my heart goes out to them. No one should have to lose loved ones the way they have. I'd like to gather up all the love and peace in the world and beam it directly into their hearts, minds and spirits. They have some very rough days ahead of them but I pray the burden will be lessened with the knowledge that they are loved and cared for not only by their friends and family but by the One whose love surpasses all.

Please join me in sending them love and strength.

I love you, Jane!

~*~*~

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Wordful Wednesday (For Wishcasting - Please Scroll Down)

Mom (1928-2008) Dad (1928-2007)

We hated having them move to the nursing home

but Mom had Alzheimers and was starting to wander at night

so she needed to live somewhere secure.

Dad had a few heart attacks and kidney failure

and wasnt expected to make it each time.

He required medical care we couldn't provide.

At least they could be together .

I miss you.

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