There are so many hurting people everywhere! And most of the time they just need someone to listen to them with a sympathetic heart, and maybe a couple encouraging words. No degree necessary. No paycheck either…..until you get to Heaven.

Robyn, I bet when you reach Heaven you find a lot of folks who were helped and encouraged by this quiet, loving, compassionate lady they knew from work, or church, or the neighborhood…….named Robyn! Remember, Jesus said we can’t even give a cup of cold water in His Name without the “accountants” in Heaven noting same and increasing your “Heavenly retirement fund”! I really do.

Tori this blog is a sacred and blessed area of the internet for sure!! Man!!!

Robyn, you said you were always a quiet and meek person, wanting to help people. Well, Girlfriend, YOU are in good company—–“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am MEEK and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls”.

But you’re also wearing some “bling” you might not know you are even wearing! God mentions in His word “…… the imperishable jewel of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious”. (1Pet3:4) So, Dear One, you not only share a personality trait (meekness) with Christ, but you’re wearing a precious bedazzling jewel that He can’t take His eyes off! Enjoy the attention!

And surely you know that being a counselor or “something of that nature” is not the only way to help people. You can help folks wherever you happen to find yourself “professionally”! Some people will never see a counselor in their entire lives, but they know YOU! They see YOU everyday and they are going through something right now. Just ask the Spirit of God to help you help them. It works, believe me! You’ll be so busy “counseling” and showing off that “jewelry” God gave you that you won’t have time for regrets.

I am a very quiet natured person, shy to the enth degree… but even in my childhood I can remember always being the helper, the worry “wort”, the “it’ll be alright” person. I was always very backward and introverted and I use to hate myself for that, that I couldn’t be like “so and so”… They are soooo popular!

But in my quiet sheltered life I learned to look out and observe people. People interest me and intrigue me. That is how I learned to trust people and be-friend them. Before you become my friend I have to get to know you and trust you. And today I truly have some wonderful friends, life long friends.

I think that is what gets me out of bed today. As I got older I don’t hate who I am anymore because I know that was God walking with me and keeping me away from harm. So in my heart I just always wanted to help people and guard them from trouble or problems. That maybe He guarded me, gave me this caring heart so that I can do His work and help others. Sometimes I feel guilty that I didn’t get into counseling or something of that nature to follow my heart.

Because I love music so much, perhaps today it is through this obsession with SG music and the message of hope that it gives people that maybe I should be doing something with this feeling in my heart. Ya just don’t know what you are meant to do.

My professional life has nothing to do with any of this and in fact all it does is keep me hidden from my heart.

I’m goin’ for a snack now. How ’bout you? Wanna get back before the Russian skates! Just something a little salty.

Did you see that skater’s lace that malfunctioned? Shouldn’t someone make sure his laces are sturdy and tied right? Where is his mother?!?

I googled images of the real Temple too! Clare Danes did an excellent job of taking on her “look” too! I can’t quit thinking about it—–the way her mind works and the way she “sees” things in her head! It’s so totally logical, minus the ability to socialize that we have. It reminded me so much of my nephew. He takes learning so seriously——-and his mind is like a steel trap! He researches things on the computer and then tell you exactly what he learned months from now——every dang detail. But he can’t look you in the eye and say a simple “I love you”. He doesn’t understand our emotional needs.

This whole thing makes me think how incredibly awesome the human brain is! We can learn and invent and reason, but also relate to each other. Our Creator is magnificent! We are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made!

Gee, that Evan,(the men’s figure skater from the U.S.) sure is TALL!! What a beautiful graceful program he just skated!

But there is quite a competition in the men’s figure skating at the Olympics tonight! I’m watching that right now! The top two contenders’ mother’s were trash talkin’ on TV this morning! Ya gotta love that! LOL

“Interviewer: How about famous people historically, who would you think had autism or Asperger’s Syndrome?

Temple: I think Einstein had a lot of autistic traits. He didn’t talk until age three – I have a whole chapter about Einstein in my last book. I think Thomas Jefferson had some Asperger’s traits. Bill Gates has tremendous memory. I remember reading in an article that he memorised the whole Torah as a child. It’s a continuum – there’s just no black and white dividing line between a computer tekkie and say, an Asperger’s person. They just all blend right together. So if we get rid of the genetics that cause autism, there might be a horrible price to pay. Years ago, a scientist in Massachusetts said if you got rid of all the genes that caused disorders, you’d have only dried up bureaucrats left!”

I know that autism was the subject of the last blog entry, but I wanted you guys to see this.

Wow, Girl!! This IS your month! HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you and your beloved! Enjoy your retirement luncheon! And congratulations on your retirement! And may God lead you into a wonderful new and exciting field of endeavor! We are lucky to have you here!

I just watched the movie about Temple Grandin. It was AWESOME!!! The actress that played her should get an Oscar!

“But now, at this time in my life, I am content…and, in the end, perhaps that was my goal all of the time.” Barbara M. Lloyd – aka “Wise Woman”…I’m gettin’ there!

On another, more personal, note – this is my month! I told you a couple of posts ago that I am retiring. Well, today is my retirement luncheon, tomorrow is my husband’s and my birthday, Saturday is my work anniversary, and next Friday (26th) is my last day of work (at least on this job). Looking forward to what God has in store for me in this next chapter of life! Making plans, and He hasn’t shut the door on them, so we’ll see.

Why do I always proof read my comments AFTER pushing the “Say it!” button??? Duh!!

That, I believe, is so true. I’ve always wondered how different our lives, our attitudes, our priorities, and our hearts would be if we could be transported to the throne of God for just ten minutes………if we could hang out in the courtyard’s of Glory for a short while…..and then be transported back here. ‘Cause I think once we get a glimpse of His Holiness, and Righteousness, His Omnipotent power, and the reality of Grace, it would change everything about us! Now we see through a glass darkly, but face to face, (like high definition TV here), we’ll never be the same! We wouldn’t be able to take our minds off of that vision, and it would change everything about us after that. I don’t know why God doesn’t do it like that? Let us see Him first, then live our lives? Sounds good to me! But He didn’t……maybe because we couldn’t get anything done in this world after tasting the other! He did say that those of us who’ve never seen Him are more blessed. I don’t know exactly what that means, but I’m sure it’s good.

Okay, end of sermon. Resume what you were doing.

“ROFLMBO OVER AND OVER!!!!”

YES!!! I knew I could get you before Tori popped up another subject!! = )

They’d have to do away with that whole camping out thing for the auditions, and the strenuous rehearsals in Hollywood. And they should have teleprompters for the lyrics cause us seniors have trouble remembering things. I can’t remember a four digit pen number, for goodness sakes, much less all the words to a song!

Alyson, let me know where you’ll be appearing with your stand-up comedy act, and I’ll be there! I JUST BET you got some GOOD stories! And I love stories!

“But now, at this time in my life, I am content…and, in the end, perhaps that was my goal all of the time.” Oh my goodness, Barb! That is SO INCREDIBLY WISE!!! You could write fortunes for those Chinese fortune cookies!

I definately am able to express myself much more easily in writing than verbally. But I’m starting to believe that one is either a talker or a writer…and only occasionally is anyone both.

But I have to be motivated to write and then I am able to sit down and let it flow; otherwise, I struggle with every word. I write humorous stories for a post on Gaither’s boards…all make-believe and fun, using everyones’ names who live in the Neighborhood. I’ve written published articles of no importance two or three times in my life. There was a time I talked about writing a book…but raising children seemed to wipe that out of my mind. Perhaps if my passion has been burning with a little more flame….

But now, at this time in my life, I am content…and, in the end, perhaps that was my goal all of the time.

I had to give this whole question a lot of thought. I had a career that I loved and feel that,in spite of the overall depressive nature of being a social worker that there were a few times I made a difference and had chances to both teach and to learn. I have been loved and loved, so if I died tomorrow I would have no regrets.

If the Lord lets me go for another 50 years,which is my plan,there are a few things I would try. I used to want to sing and actually gave that a shot when I was younger. But it was too much work and that ship has now sailed;I have some esophagus damage that pretty much limits that possibility. I think the world will go on, however, without my voice in song.

I also think I have at least one book in me and the longer I deal with my in-laws and my husband’s side of the family I think it would be a shame not to share all that drama with the world. I’m taking copious notes and when everyone involved dies and I know I won’t be sued I expect to have a best-seller on my hands. It would be a sin to waste all that hilarious dysfunction. So yes, I also would like to write.

I’d like to take a shot at stand-up comedy. I think that is just a way of being a good storyteller and Lord knows,I GOT STORIES.

I’d like to present workshops on communication and interpersonal skills. My friend and I used to do these for the agency we worked for in Florida and they were alot of fun.Making a group of people comfortable and getting them talking is a challenge, but I really like it. I don’t mind talking to a group of people–as long as I know my stuff.

I’d like to become a better photographer. I got a new, kick-a**, camera for Christmas and I want to learn how to photograph the images I see in my mind’s eye, the kind that make you catch your breath, the ones that tell a story or convey an emotion.

I guess that’s enough for now. These should keep me busy for the second half of my life.

:and maybe jumping up and down a little bit:

LindaB – 3 words, and they come from the part of my heart completely inspired by… Rocky Balboa: GO for it!

And it is IMPOSSIBLE for me to lie!! You yourself have given me the open door here, the ‘out’ on that one Former! Remember, those with autism don’t have the ability to be false in any way… = ) Even to the point of being brutally honest… Just like when I tried to point out your drinking problem to everyone last Autumn… And now you’re FINALLY spilling the beans YOURSELF, and in front of a Sunday school teacher, or teacher of the Good Book, who is also part Native American!! Wooh! Mercy!! Do I finally feel thoroughly justified now, or what!!

LindaB – I am part American Indian…and my little tribe does have a very tacky casino. I think I can get you in…

Delighted, you made my day! You and your mother-in-law, the seventy year old flute player!! LOL I don’t have enough wind to blow out my birthday candles without help! I can’t imagine playing a flute, or any other wind instrument! I’d have to hire someone to do the blowing part! Does she play in public, like at church or something. I think I love her!

OK, mine, exactly the same as Tori’s, in the same order, but I admit that at the moment the rubber ball of family is taking a lot more chasing than that of writing which I’ve let roll away for a bit too long.

You’re too kind, BTW. But I am flattered because YOU are the Queen Writer of the World! Enjoy it and go for whatever else you want to “bounce” around ’cause someday you’ll be old and goofy like me!

(I’d so come and hear you speak!!!!)

jonny, I love that book and I ESPECIALLY loved reading that passage. Thank you.

LindaB– Ok girl, I’m gonna have to call shenanigans on this one– you ARE a writer! I’ve known you, what, 4 years now? I have read your lyrics, I have read your poetry, I have read your essays (often cleverly disguised as emails– I STILL have the fake Christmas letter you wrote a couple of years ago!) Being published and being a writer and two different things– you can be one without the other! Also? I have friends who didn’t start painting until they retired! Hey, remember Grandma Moses? (And you know I bet they do have poker games at certain Indian casinos…)

MostlySunny– OK, this totally cracked me up: “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM!!! I’d watch even if it was pay-per-view. ”

WendMark– Dang, ALL of my readers are writers! TOO MUCH PRESSURE!!!!

I love the Lord, my wife and our boys, family and friends. My passion is songwriting. I agree with LindaB, the song must say something and say it in a way that people haven’t heard things said before. My songs have a message and I hope that they make people reflect and think long after the song is ended. I have been writing my whole adult life but, just now am really starting to put them out there to be challenged and evaluated by sending them to known artists. I’m not holding my breath I submit them and turn them over to the Lord.

Like Guy Penrod said, God’s got our number. So I say we all follow our dreams and our passions, put footwork to prayer and God will bring about those dreams and passions in line with His plan for us and we would be surprised how many dreams we share with Him.

Thanks Tori! It is so nice to be reminded of these things. God bless you all dear friends!

Sunny, I’m totally serious about the Texas Hold ‘Em tournament! It looks like so much fun——lookin’ all poker faced, the adrenaline flowing ’cause of the small fortune riding on a couple cards, the thrill of winning…..ahhhhh, I can feel it all now! Gives me goose bumps. And it’s so male dominated, too. I like males. What’s not to like? But there are several reasons my dream will probably never come true——–A.D.D. is one of them. Apparently, you have to keep a mental tally of what cards are played and calculate the odds of the winning cards left in the deck being dealt to you. I can’t keep an accurate accounting of my own check book! I have to get out a pencil and paper when someone asks me how long I’ve been married! I don’t do calculations in my head!
And I tend to laugh a lot…..over nothing in particular, I just break out in it unexpectedly when I think of something funny. So, the poker face thing—-I couldn’t pull it off. But I can dream…..and watch it on TV. I’m not too old to watch TV……yet.

Oh, and you mentioned my song lyrics I offered up for Jonny……and I don’t think he liked them. THAT’S why I decided to switch over to country music——I can relate to heartache now, driving my truck (through Finland) while drinking beer……..lots of beer. (I’m a method writer!)

If lumpy and frompy is in, where do I sign up for America’s Top Model? And do they have beer?

You’re sweet, Sunny! I like you!

Thin and toned – that’s so last year. Frumpy and lumpy is in from here on out! (Not that you are this, but it’s certainly OK to be [so I keep saying…]).

Art classes and painting – I admire people who can do that. Grab that walker and take a class! Give it a try!

Now for the rooms in your house – ask Tori. She seems to have good taste and can put a room together. Just make sure you put a card table in one for your poker practice games!

Come out from that closet and keep your head up. This was great!

I was just going to skip this blog entry—-after you turn the corner at 60, thinking about dreams and long range plans is just depressing. It’s too late for any major red rubber ball bouncing! In fact, “bouncing” is something I don’t even want to think about anymore! I’m more concerned with survival—–for myself and my family. But there were a couple red rubber balls I had once upon a time.

I hesitate to even name them ’cause they are so outlandish that you guys will laugh! And even if I had the opportunity, I wouldn’t have the time now……nor the energy! God would really have to “raise the dead” in my case, Jonny! But………because I feel comfortable here and I don’t really SEE you guys in real life, and I can’t hear you laughing……….I’ll tell you. I would love to write, like you do, Tori! I know I’d never be as good as you are, (you know a lot more words than I do!), but it would be so much fun! I’ve always thought I write better than I talk! And, that’s not all (I told you it was outlandish)….I’d like to write song lyrics like you do too! (Shut up out there! I heard that snicker!). I’d like to write lyrics that make people think about things differently than they always have…… give readers a different point of view and change their thinking. I’d like to write songs that don’t use the usual Christian jargon that gets incredibly boring and meaningless after you’ve heard them a thousand times. And I even think I’d like to write country songs. Okay, now I’ve bared my soul. I’m embarrassed. But oh well, I’m over sixty and old folks are to be humored, right? I SAID QUIT LAUGHING OR I’M GONNA THROW MY WALKER AT YA!

Okay, as long as I’ve gone this far, I’ll add these “balls”—–I would like to take art classes and paint pictures. I’d like to REALLY follow a diet and exercise plan and hear someone say, “Gee, Linda, don’t you think you’re getting too thin and toned up?” I’d like to have every room of my house decorated just like I’d like it AT THE SAME TIME! And one more thing—–I’d like to play Texas Hold ‘Em poker at one of those tournaments like I see on TV.

Well, I’ve done it now. I’m gonna go hide in my closet and never come out again. It was nice knowing you guys! I’ll remember you fondly.

http://www.myutmost.org/02/0216.html

#takesmetaphorstoofar…

delightedabroad– My family is full of therapists/psychologists/counselors/social workers (and Madi is making noises about becoming a psychologist), so I totally feel ya on that.

MostlySunny– I have heard of Precept, but never knew much about it. Their website is very interesting, I am going to show it to Russ– that boy loves to study the Bible!

Keep ‘em coming!

Ok, my red rubber ball… Well, the first things that come to mind in terms of what gets me up in the morning and what I feel passionate about is my family, my faith and my writing. I have dreams of combining those things and maximizing my potential to communicate that passion to other people. I think I might have a couple of books in me… I am also starting to think that maybe I would like to do more speaking engagements. I’ve done that a few times and though it scared me to death, it was exhilarating too. So those are things that I’d like to start chasing a little more, I think.

OK, your turn!