SPUNKY OLD BROADS DAY

Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.  – William Harris

Today is SPUNKY OLD BROADS DAY!!!  Some of the sassy, spunky broads I’ll feature here are not necessarily OLD.  I’ll leave it to your discretion which ones are and which ones are not.  This is one of those posts that could go on and on with many examples, but I have to put a limit on it.  I will name my top ten picks.

1.  I feel blessed to have been around some of the sunniest gals with spunk ever – through the medium of television and radio.  Here from the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville is cousin Minnie Pearl.

http://youtu.be/__X3in5bMso

2.  While we’re on the subject of country spunk, check out this video from Dolly in the movie 9-5.  I think I read her lips when she was telling her boss she’d change him from a rooster to a hen…  whew!

http://youtu.be/_Z3ScqlwiYk

3.  How about our favorite redhead – Reba McEntire?  Natural red-head have built-in spunk.  It’s just part of the territory.  She shares some of her spunk with us on her TV show – Reba.  I think she has some attitude in this song too.

http://youtu.be/OVXNOIWqcTc

4.  Even our greeting cards got a kick in the attitude when Maxine came along!

http://youtu.be/28_jlWQOuSc

http://youtu.be/W3BltEJcKNc

5.  How could I even consider making this list without the remarkable and spunky Vivien Leigh?

Can’t you just hear her saying FIDDLE-DEE-DEE???

Spunk is that quality that sets older women apart from the rest.  I meet my friend at the beauty shop every Friday, and let me tell you…  that shop is full of women with SPUNK – and they are all over 60 years of age!  I listen to them talk every week and I walk away thinking, “I want to be just like them when I get older.”  Yep – watch out world – you’ve been warned.

God gives us dreams a size too big so that we can grow in them.  – Author Unknown

6.  Did you know that Katharine Hepburn was a natural redhead???  Does it surprise you?  Talk about some major spunk, she had it!  Remember when women would not entertain the notion of wearing slacks?  This is the gal who changed all that, and her 5’7″ frame wore slacks very nicely.  She was tough and bold even as she got much older.  When she developed the shaking of her head, she was quick to set the record straight when she proclaimed that it was not Parkinson’s, rather it was inherited from her grandfather.  She was known as “The First Lady of Cinema” for movies which are now considered classics.

http://youtu.be/08TUi44paCQ

7.  Today we know Betty White as a legend, but I thought it would be fun to show a video from 1945 when she was just starting out.  Even in this video her spunk is showing.  I like that she is now a spunky lady, but I wish she’d throw some of that off-color language to the curb.  She would be funnier without it.  

http://youtu.be/ZnREvTHj3g4

8.   There are so many great quotes from Eleanor Roosevelt, and I believe I’ve used every one of them at some point or the other.

http://youtu.be/9pAbaHjLaP4

She overcame loss and it made her more determined to be a strong woman with character, intelligence and spunk.  I was surprised to learn she had lost both her parents by the age of ten.  She really must have had to dig deep into her faith pocket to keep going.  It’s a woman just like this who needed to be beside FDR when the country was going through the stock market crash on October 29, 1929.  Known as Black Tuesday, it was the worst economic collapse in the history of the modern industrial world.  Close your eyes and image him talking with her about this situation – and about The New Deal.  She had to be strong – and a very good listener, I suspect.  Spunky women don’t always talk – sometimes they know when it’s time to be quiet and listen.

9.  Della Reese showed her spunk in the hit show on CBS called “Touched by an Angel”.  Here she is explaining the premise behind the show.

http://youtu.be/CMvQastGhf0

As I previously mentioned, spunky women do not have to be loud and irritating to show their spunk.  Della is a great example of this as an angel “supervisor” – which brings me to…

10.   Roma Downey, the “angel girl” whose gift from God was not music or art.  Her gift from God was truth.  She spoke truth with kindness, but also with her own brand of spunk.  You GO, angel girl.  Here are Della and Roma in real life.  This is so powerful, I had to share it.

http://youtu.be/qe5_zlJjNUE

You can’t go wrong asking God for His brand of spunk.  I will continue to do that as I get older.  🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

USE LESS STUFF DAY

As you know, I’m a conservative.  Yeah – not gonna change me.

Extremism is so easy.  You’ve got your position, and that’s it.  It doesn’t take much thought.  And when you go far enough to the right, you meet the same idiots coming around from the left.  – Clint Eastwood

Whether we’re talking about food, packaging or leaving the water running while you’re brushing your teeth (yeah, that’s a pet peeve of mine), it’s just smart to use less if you can get by on less.  A few things were drilled into my head growing up.  My daddy used to come into a room and if the light was on and nobody was in there, he would ask in his booming and authoritative voice, “WHO’S PAYING THE LIGHT BILL?”  Well – duh – HE was! 

Out in the country we didn’t have a garbage disposal.  My daddy dug a big hole out in the back yard – near the back fence, where we dumped our garbage (banana peels and the like).

We had a septic tank so we could not use a lot of toilet paper at one time.  Yeah, that’s probably more than you needed to know.  Ah, the joys of country living!

It’s USE LESS STUFF DAY!  Honestly, we could all do a better job of conserving just about everything, couldn’t we?

http://www.use-less-stuff.com/

Conservation was the theme in the Turner household, yet we always had enough.  Waste of any kind has always made me just a little crazy and I suppose it’s because of my upbringing.  I’m not for a minute suggesting that we live on less than we need to have a happy and fulfilling life, but to drown in excess seems…  well – excessive and unwise.

I’m sorry but I just laughed my way through this video – speaking of excessive and unwise (might I add – STUPID).  There is not one item in this video that would enrich my life or make me happier than I am today without it.  I’m not tempted by any of it – but I think it’s fun to watch.

For those of us with normal bank accounts, we can find ways to conserve and preserve in order to make our money go further and it also helps the environment in some cases.  So many times it’s just a matter of putting thought into what you do.  If you have a light on in a room and you are in there and need to see, that’s fine.  When you get up and leave the room, it’s time to flip the switch off.  It seems like common sense to me.  The water does not have to run while you are actually brushing your teeth.  Turn it off until you are ready to use it.  It’s so simple, right?  Well…  we know common sense is not a flower that grows in everyone’s garden.

Speaking of gardens, does anyone remember canning everything from the vegetable garden back in the day???  When I was a kid, we not only had a vegetable garden, but fruit trees as well, so we always had fresh cherries, apples, pears and apricots.

The family that cans together, stays together!

Try being conservative – just for today.  Use less stuff and you might be surprised at what you can do without.  😉

 

WORLD KINDNESS DAY

Kindness Kounts (obviously spelling doesn’t, however).  The Bible makes it clear from cover to cover that kindness matters to God.  My favorite verse is:

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.  – Ephesians 4:32

Today is WORLD KINDNESS DAY!  How many ways are there to be kind?  We express kindness to others in response to the kindness Christ extended to us.  When God’s Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts and impresses on us to extend kindness to someone, it’s imperative we take action.  Somebody in your realm of influence needs a blessing from God, and maybe God is using you to deliver it.

It’s so terribly sad that the whole world cannot (or rather will not) adopt the policy of politeness to others.  Such hate is so wicked and evil.  It’s beyond my realm of understanding why people who want to kill for any reason.  We just have to be the people God wants us to be no matter what – to everyone.  It’s not a suggestion, it’s a command.  We must be kind – to everyone.

Last week I ate at my local restaurant and saw a Muslim mother with her two small children.  I looked into the eyes of those children – their big, round, brown eyes looked so sweet and innocent.  I told their mother how beautiful I thought her children were and she seemed very pleased and a little proud by my comment.

We see images on television and become frightened of certain races based on others who happen to be radical in their actions.  This woman and her children were not radicals.  It was only a few seconds out of my day, but I wanted to show kindness.  It doesn’t take long to lift another person’s spirit.  We are on this earth to help each other.  Sometimes it means helping someone move from one state to another.  That may take days.  But sometimes it means telling two little children who look very different from you just how beautiful they are.  Be ye kind one to another.  It isn’t that difficult.  ❤

CHAOS NEVER DIES DAY

As I look for documentation, I see no solid evidence of when this wacky holiday started or who started it.  Today we celebrate (I say that tongue in cheek) CHAOS NEVER DIES DAY!!!

What are we afraid of, as humans?  Chaos.  The outsider…  We’re terrified of disruption.  We’re afraid that somebody’s going to steal our mushrooms in the checkout line.  – Stephen King

There’s no doubt that life in general is messy and busy, but I suppose that keeps us from getting bored with it.  Chaos has a purpose – to make us stronger.  There’s not much control over the degree of chaos outside your own home to be sure, but within the walls of your home, you most definitely have some control (even though you may not believe you do).

With the Thanksgiving and Christmas season fast approaching, we should use this day to practice for even more hectic days to come.  There is definitely a fair amount of chaos in the world and every time we walk out the door of the sanctuary of our home we should pray that God will help us navigate it with some clarity of thought.  Let’s not forget – God is NOT the author of confusion.

 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.  – 1 Corinthians 14:33

Chaos and confusion does not need to rule the day in our own homes.  With God’s help we can have a calm and peaceful oasis.  It’s a choice we make as a family, just as love in a family is a choice.

Here’s a little refresher course about the color wheel:

Of course, choosing the right colors to invoke a sense of calm in your living space is only part of the solution.  The bulk of the work is done psychologically and spiritually.  Invite God into your plans and watch how He will work in your family.

The most difficult circumstance is when a couple is unequally yoked.  In other words, one partner has accepted Christ as their personal Savior and the other partner has not.  That is the kind of chaos that really does seem to never end.  Keep praying for your spouse and don’t give up.  My girlfriend actually printed off the Sinner’s Prayer and framed it (beautifully) and hung it in the entryway of her house.  I’m not suggesting you do that, but eventually her husband of over twenty years asked her about the prayer, she was able to share her faith, and her husband came to a saving knowledge of Christ.  They have enjoyed a lovely, chaos-free home ever since.

Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to You and ask You to come in as my Saviour and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be.  In Your Name I pray, Amen.

God has given each of us free will.  That means we have a choice in what we accept and what we reject in life.  If something (or dare I say it – someone) is causing you enormous stress, pray about it and let it (or them) go if you need to.   ❤

BOOK LOVER’S DAY

If you find prayer to be a bit intimidating like I do, read “Before Amen” by Max Lucado.

Would you like to go on a great adventure and make some new friends along the way?  May I suggest you pick up a book today?  Between the covers of a book are untold treats for the mind’s eye.  When I walk into a bookstore my brain kicks in and my heart beats faster.

A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man’s mind can get both provocation and privacy.  – Edward P. Morgan

Today is BOOK LOVER’S DAY!  What better time to explore all the different types of books we can use to make our lives richer and fuller (or maybe just get a good laugh).

There are several different sections to choose from in your local library or bookstore.  Maybe you’re not interested in going on a wild adventure today, maybe you just want some specific help with something personal.  I find the Self-help section very useful and have landed there many times.

 Let books be your dining table,
And you shall be full of delights
Let them be your mattress
And you shall sleep restful nights.
– Author Unknown

Our local library has a Travel section that catches my eye when the weather is bleak and I have cabin fever during the winter months.  Those books – any of them, can transport me from Wichita in winter to anywhere I want to go.  It’s like a great vacation for my mind which ultimately improves my mood and attitude as well.

How about a Thriller?  As long as it is broad daylight and I’m not alone in the house, it’s okay on occasion.

There’s one thing I’m sure about.  An opening line should invite the reader to begin the story.  It should say:  Listen.  Come in here.  You want to know more about this.  – Stephen King

I enjoy a good Biography now and then.  Although fiction tickles my fancy once in a while, I enjoy the real life stories of people who have shaped the course of history.  The “killing” books that Bill O’Reilly has published come to mind – and they are very well researched and keep me turning pages for hours.

There are sections called Creative and Art, respectfully.  Whether you are interested in learning a craft or you just wish to appreciate art, there are plenty of books available.

The Religious section does, of course, interest me.  I have favorite authors such as Max Lucado and Billy Graham (of course, his latest project was in the form of a video called My Hope for America)  I’ve posted that video on my blog, but would encourage you to watch it on YouTube.  At 95 years old he is still pleading with us to pray and seek God’s face and turn from our wicked ways.  There is a special place in heaven for that man.

As you all know, my favorite poet is Lucinda Berry Hill.  She has a new book coming out soon and I hope you plan to add it to your Coffee collection.  Her first book, “Coffee with Jesus” gives us a poem for every week of the year.  Her new book is “A Second Cup with Jesus” – and it is even better than the first book.  I hope you will make it part of your home library.  I know I will.  ❤

 

HALLOWEEN

I would not call it a fear… but I’m very uncomfortable around people who are dressed in costumes, wearing masks or who are heavily made up. I like to look a person in the eye because I believe that old saying is true:

The eye is the window of the soul, the mouth the door. The intellect, the will, are seen in the eye; the emotions, sensibilities, and affections, in the mouth. The animals look for man’s intentions right into his eyes. Even a rat, when you hunt him and bring him to bay, looks you in the eye. – Hiram Powers

When I’m communicating with someone, I like to be able to look them in the eye. To judge a reaction you need to be able to see a person’s eyes. I guess the “fake” happiness that clowns have just creeps me out. I mean, doesn’t a clown ever have a really bad day? Do they have to be SO happy all the time?

When I was little, my parents took me to the North Pole. No, not the real North Pole, but to an amusement park in Colorado that had a North Pole theme. They told me I’d “get” to go see Santa – and I cried. I’m probably the only kid in the world who cried when told they were going to see Santa. My poor parents – they had a weirdo child.

If you’re alone, I’ll be your shadow. If you want to cry, I’ll be your shoulder. If you want a hug, I’ll be your pillow. If you need to be happy, I’ll be your smile. But anytime you need a friend, I’ll just be me.
– unknown

To be a real friend, lose the costume, mask and make-up. Just be yourself.    🙂

I miss the good ol’ days when kids could dress up like Bugs Bunny and be safe.

Here are some photos of my Halloween memories.

Happy Halloween!  Boo to You!  🙂

 

SUSPENDERS DAY

 Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.  – Epictetus

Today is SUSPENDERS DAY!  An accessory that is still popular today, the fashion trend was started back in the early 1970’s by Robin Williams.  Who could forget those RAINBOW SUSPENDERS of his?  I had a pair of rainbow suspenders as did most of my friends!  It was an essential in Junior High School.

Robin Williams as “MORK FROM ORK”

It really touched my heart that Jimmy Kimmel wore rainbow suspenders to the Emmy Awards in honor of Robin Williams!

The Rainbow Suspenders are my favorite

Other folks who are famous for wearing suspenders include:

Larry King

And there are characters in popular movies and TV shows that wear suspenders instead of belts:

Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko

Suspenders made a comeback in the late 1980’s when Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko dressed in his signature shirt, serious suspenders with print tie.  It was the ultimate 1980’s, early 1990’s power outfit – lose the suit coat and let your suspenders show!  With the right shirt (white-collar, white cuffs), it worked.  If you’re going to be a corrupting authority in business you may as well be comfortable, huh?  The look strikes me as in your face and disrespectful.  It’s almost as if he’s saying, “You’re not worth it – I’m not putting on a suit coat or wearing a belt just for you.”   In my humble opinion, suspenders have a certain attitude that says casual and fun.  I don’t see it as acceptable business wear.  I know I’m outnumbered but hey – it’s just my point of view.

Urkel – what can I say?

The suspenders WORK for Urkel!  Poor guy – he’s such a geek.  Most of the time he leaves me crying because I’m laughing so hard!  Yes, the suspenders need to be part of his wardrobe – definitely!

I grew up in a really great era – everything we owned had a smiley face on it and our fashion accessories were started by Mork from Ork.  We all wore our rainbow suspenders, smiled and enjoyed our lives!   Good times…  yeah – good times!  🙂

NATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY

Today is NATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY!  I started teaching Sunday School when I was only 12 years old, about the same time I began playing piano for church.  Believe me when I tell you it’s not for wimps!  God gives us what we need, and most of the time we need a sense of humor!

I appreciate those times when you have worked all day Friday, come home to fix supper for your family, get your Sunday School packet out and begin to organize the lesson in your mind – and put together all the fun games included in the lesson packet.  Hey, we do laundry and cook-ahead on Saturday, so the lesson plan has to be done on Friday night.

I appreciate the moments when you realize that there’s no way you’re going to teach this lesson on a level that is going to be understood by your kids.  Sometimes you literally have to take the words used in the lesson book and re-write them.  It’s a definite waste of time for you, but the kids will benefit from it  because at least they will get something out of it.

I appreciate the days when you smile even though you walk into your Sunday School class and Tommy has already spit gum into Suzie’s pretty brown hair.  See what I mean about praying for a sense of humor?  You handle this rather sticky situation with grace and finesse – you send Suzie to her mom and set Tommy in the corner for a time out.  Yep – all better now.  Of course, the first bell has now rung and you haven’t gotten around to doing any teaching, but hey…  stuff happens.

I appreciate the dedication you have for your kids.  They are a charge given to you.  When you walk in ready to evangelize to them and let them know they are loved not only by their Savior, Jesus Christ, but by you as well, it’s a very good and productive day.  Well done!

I appreciate the time you take to teach children.  In our church we had a lot of bus kids – kids whose parents didn’t think it was important to bring their kids to church, but they could ride our bus.  One little girl will be in my mind forever – Virginia.  For some reason, Virginia decided I was her favorite person on the planet.  She never wanted to go to Children’s Church after Sunday School.  She wanted to go into BIG CHURCH with me.  I think she would have come home with me if she could get away with it.  I’ll tell you a little secret – I would have let her!  That little girl is not so little anymore.  She’s probably a mother herself now.  I pray for her every day.  I pray that the words she heard in Sunday School (and in BIG CHURCH) stayed with her and that somewhere along the way, she accepted Jesus into her heart and life.  ❤

MAMMOGRAPHY DAY

Today is MAMMOGRAPHY DAY!  The “what-if’s” are frightening, but it’s important to get the test done so you know where you stand.  The sooner it is found, the better.  Nothing good comes from waiting.  I’ve lost so many friends and family to this awful cancer.  I have yearly screenings and I encourage you to do the same.

Lucinda Berry Hill has written several poems to encourage those who are currently fighting this battle.

It’s my prayer that these poems speak peace and courage to your soul today.

For several years I’ve collected Longaberger baskets.  My favorite ones are the HORIZON OF HOPE.  I don’t have very many, but I have displayed them prominently in my home in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

If you like baskets of any kind, maybe you would like to join my new group on facebook called I’M A BASKET CASE!!!  Here’s the direct link:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/669536513153216/

After having a mammogram a few years ago, I was contacted and told it was “suspicious” and asked to go back for another one.  I had a few days to sit and think, worry and pray (can you worry and pray at the same time – yes!)  When I got back to the clinic, they explained all of the procedures I’d have to undergo if the second test came back “suspicious”.  The technician explained all about breast biopsy and what to expect.  I was fighting tears – I just kept praying the test would not show anything odd.

I’m so thankful – the second test was not “suspicious” so I got a clean bill of health and was told I could wait a year for the next mammogram.  Thank You, Lord!

If you have not gone in for a mammogram – please GO!  You need to stay on top of your health.  🙂

NATIONAL FACE YOUR FEARS DAY

Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous. Did you know that the phrase FEAR NOT, or the equivalent, is in the Bible 365 times? That is one reminder per day for an entire year! Coincidence? I think not. God wants us to overcome our fears with faith!

Don’t let the fear of striking out hold you back.  – Babe Ruth

There is plenty of serious stuff to fear these days. Our large government is out of control and not being held accountable for any wrongdoing. Our southern border is not secure and terrorists and anyone else can just come on in and do whatever. Now Ebola has reached our country. There are at least two confirmed cases. With cold and flu season fast approaching, I wonder how many cases will be misdiagnosed.

We have good reason to be fearful. If you are not, you are being foolish. As Christians it’s okay for us to be concerned and act on information with wisdom. We don’t need to stick our heads in the sand and act as though nothing bad is going on – pleeeeze don’t do that. It’s not wrong to be informed. It’s wrong to let fear take the place of our faith in God. We know we have a great God and He will take good care of us no matter what.

On this NATIONAL FACE YOUR FEARS DAY, let’s put faith in the God of the universe instead of letting fear rise up in our spirits. Faith can bring peace to a soul where fear has paralyzed it.

Faith is like radar that sees through the fog.  – Corrie Ten Boom, Tramp for the Lord

We all know someone who has what we would consider an irrational fear. I have a friend who will not cross a bridge of any kind. She lives a very lonely and isolated life because of this fear. I can’t make her stop fearing bridges but I can remind her that God will take care of her.

Another friend will not wear the color red because she believes it is an evil color. Again, I can’t change her mind about red, but I can remind her that God made the color red and if He thought it was alright to make strawberries, apples, cherries and many other fruits and vegetables red, it must be just a color – nothing more, nothing less.

Some fears can be faced and conquered while other ones – the ones we cannot change – need to be prayed about and left with our Lord. When there is so much fear that has the potential to paralyze us, we just have to give it to God in prayer and keep living our lives.

Yes – there are terrorists, an open southern border and Ebola is in the United States. Wow, there is much to fear. But Christian, take heart because our God is in control and He will take care of us. ❤