Art Mindful

2006-07-26T02:47:00.000-05:00

2006-07-03T20:08:00.000-05:00

2006-05-10T18:52:00.000-05:00

2006-05-04T18:38:00.000-05:00

3 Finals Down...
2 To Go!

PRAY for me!

2006-04-27T07:12:00.000-05:00

Today the sparrows eyes are opened. REVELATION!

2006-04-26T08:35:00.000-05:00

Newly hatched baby sparrows! Awwww-

The story behind them is this...Mommy sparrow builds a nest in the wreath on my front door. I tell my Mommy, (lol) "eggs are soon to follow." Five teeny baby blue eggs line the nest. We limit use of the front door to help Mommy sparrow. Baby sparrows hatch. We take photo. Baby sparrows are now holding their little heads up for Mommy sparrow. We discontinue use of front door completely. With the storms we have had, Mommy sparrow was wise to build her home in a safe place.

Five baby sparrows, new life, resting in a safe place, on the door...

Five:Grace

New Life:Through Him

Resting in a safe place: In Him

The door: He IS The Door

I receive it!

2006-04-20T06:13:00.000-05:00

A Taylor post on my blog
Taylor receives the highest number of votes

Coincidence?

2006-04-19T10:18:00.000-05:00

Go Taylor!!!

2006-04-13T16:22:00.000-05:00

Shayla's Tidbit of Wisdom for the Day
And No, I am not frustrated, but this is part of a PSY200 assignment I am doing.
(Hi, Ms. Rudd!)

Frustration is an internal emotional state resulting from interference with satisfaction of a motive or blocking of goal-directed behavior.

I would have to say that blatant, inconsiderate actions frustrate me the most, but if yours is one of the following:

In case of delays, always have something you can read or do to make the most of your time.

On losses, learn from the experience and find a way to do better the next time.

With a lack of resources, be creative with what you do have or find a way to get what you do not.

On failure, If at first you don’t succeed…

And finally, upon rejection, don’t take it personal.

Dig?

2006-04-07T20:00:00.000-05:00

This was good to know...I think; Actually, I've been tickle testing again. http://web.tickle.com/tests/sevendeadlysins
How Sinful Are You?
Which of the 7 Deadly Sins Affects You Most?

Shayla, you're less sinful than the average person.

Still, your sinful tendencies are running just below the surface and could start to affect your choices in life. For example, if you aren't careful, your drive to excel at all costs may ultimately be your downfall. Feeling good about your successes might be a gratifying way to acknowledge your work and position in life. Still, you, in particular, should beware of prioritizing your achievements above other things and using them as a way to feel superior to others. Though you're less sinful than others, this, and the sins you scored highest on can still jeopardize the things that are most important to you. Don't let them.
Find out which of the 7 Deadly Sins are affecting you negatively.

2006-04-03T20:59:00.000-05:00

"All is Vanity" by C. Allan Gilbert
Life, death, and (the) meaning of existence are intertwined.

2006-03-31T08:06:00.000-06:00

Shayla in Chinese...

2006-03-28T10:18:00.000-06:00

Obladi Oblada
The Burroughs are gone now, La-la now the life goes on...

I am now free of any and all house guests, and my somewhat disfunctional life can now go on as abnormally scheduled as normally as possible for the disfunctionality of it all.

Toodles!

2006-03-21T16:27:00.000-06:00

Can't Go a Week Without Posting!

What would that do to my loyal fan base? Whatever... So I've been cheatin' a little. I haven't posted here because I have been busy on MySpace.com. I am so sorry. It didn't mean a thing really, it was just a fling. But I don't love MySpace, I love you!

MySpace is cool though, I have some friends from blogger here, the Catoe's and I have a new friend Brodie Croyle! Wes Elrod is one too. He has some really good pics of himself on there. I like that you can see when your friends are signed on. One thing I haven't done is any blog posting over there. I just added in my profile to come here for a read. If that isn't loyalty I don't know what is!

Went to see Failure to Launch Saturday with the Girls. Good movie, reminds me a little too much of How to lose a Guy in 10 Days, but I always pull for the big-nosed girls in film and music. Hey, somebody has too, that could've been me up there.

American Idol has gone my way so far mostly except I thought the big, amazon, basketball playing girl should still be there. Melissa should've never been there. The african-american guy should've stayed in for top five, and Bucky isn't too good. I am for Taylor; I must pull for the home team, as well. He has to sing Sweet Home Alabama, as all Bama contestants that do at least place top two! Hey, Sweet Home Alabama, S.H.A...How about this:

Sweet
Home
Alabama
You
Love
Alabama (don't cha? and if you don't you can answer to me!) I like it!

Y'all just wish y'all's name spelled some Sweet Home Alabama stuff.

I have completely missed The Apprentice this season. I am always studying or arguing with Dicki about studying. I won't get to see it this Monday either because the Burroughses will be here.

I am writing an Essay for Am. Lit. now on Dickinson/Poe and death. When I was in high school, they were my favorites. They are still awesome, don't get me wrong, I'm just not obsessed with death these days. This essay has to be at least five pages, and I am in it deep. Gotta gettan "A." Gotta gettan "A."

Where has the sun gone? I long for the Spring that has supposedly now sprung. I hate cold weather! Cold weather/Dickinson/Poe and death...Hmmm. I need some sunshine and a happy tale! Speaking of Spring, I am not down to my acceptable summertime, swimsuit weight yet, and I have been off the CCE's for two weeks now. In fact I went to Rue 21 over the weekend to try on cute new summer T's with funny sayings, and guess what!!! Their XL's were too small for me! I cannot take this! That is NOT a children's store. Who the heck do those cute new summer T's with the funny sayings fit anyway?!?

The moral of last week was:
If you don't want my Mom's honest opinion don't ask!

Have I posted enough to make y'all forgive me for cheatin' on ya? I mean, I wanna come back. Y'all are the readers for me. Really, it meant nothing...Please?

2006-03-14T17:14:00.000-06:00

Hey la - Hey la, My Boyfriend’s Back (well actually my husband is…)

So, I haven’t really had time to post because the hubby has been out of town. Here’s that story…

His family called on Tuesday to say they were sending him a ticket to come visit for the weekend. Emphasis on HIM! No, I didn’t get one. The funny thing is, is that they and their spouses are all inseparable. Really, there is NO WAY any of them would go to Wal-Mart with out their spouses, let alone a trip out of state ten hours away. Also there is NO WAY any of them would send any one else in the family a ticket without sending the spouse one. They just know better, you know? But I am so (you fill in the blank here ____________) because I don’t know what I am that they would just omit me altogether. Now for those of you who do not know my situation too well, perhaps you think they thought I wasn’t good enough for him. Nope, trust me these are not snooty people, nor are they “well-to-do,” and fear that I am after the hubby’s money (what money?) Perhaps you think I have snooted them in some fashion. Nope, not the case… They have come down here without invitation, to stay with us on more occasions than I can count. In fact they are coming at the end of this month. They have never asked could they come. They have never waited for an invite. They have always called and informed us of when they were arriving, leaving, and more or less how we were to entertain them. They have even come when we were still living out of boxes on three different occasions of having just moved. Once they came when we were so broke that we were charging our groceries each week. The night before the departure all we had in the entire house left to eat was a tomato, a bell pepper, and an onion which one of them got up in the middle of the night and stir-fried for a midnight snack. [Speaking of midnight snack, I have a completely unrelated story to follow.] Perhaps you think I am not a gracious hostess given the situation. Not so, as a matter of fact I always drop whatever and roll out the welcome wagon. After all, we do unto others as we would have them, (oh you see where I am coming from right?)

Also Midnight Snackers

So, in the spirit of my self proclaimed theme song (not the one given by tickle tests last week Dancing Queen, but) Ain’t Nothing Gonna Break My Stride, I decide to get out, about and enjoy my rare freedom. Saturday night on the way in I told Mom to stop by Arby’s, (I wanted a cherry turnover.) She yelled at me and said that if I wanted to stop at Arby’s, she was pulling over, and I was going to take over driving. I said, “No, never mind.” She said, “You do not need anything anyway.” I said nothing in reply. She said, “What were you going to get a cherry turnover?” I said “Yes.” She said, “Well…I might like one of those.” All this said to build a little anticipation for the T.O.’s at Arby’s and Mom’s prior hesitation. So we get in line and there is only one car ahead of us. I think that is excellent, although I want my T.O. a.s.a.p. (Who wouldn’t?) Mom looks over at me and says sarcastically, “Well, what do we have here? A couple-a Midnight Snackers?!?” I looked over at her and replied, “Well, what the heck does that make us, 10:14 Snackers?” Of course we both burst out laughing. Maybe you had to be there, I don’t know, but the contempt in her voice at the Midnight Snackers ahead of us at 10:14 PM for making her wait a couple-a more minutes on a T.O. she was hesitant to go get anyway, was quite humorous.

2006-03-10T14:37:00.000-06:00

Feel the Beat of the Tam-bou-rine, Yeah!

I like to take these online Tickle tests http://web.tickle.com/tests/song/ when I find the time. Here are the results of the latest:

"Shayla! Your Theme Song is Dancing Queen!"

~Whether it's throwing your own theme party or mixing it up on the karaoke stage, we can see you strutting towards the jukebox in platform, glitter boots and a skintight jumpsuit to the tune of your personal anthem, "Dancing Queen." You aren't just part of the scene, you make it. You anticipate the good stuff in life, and with a theme song like yours, you're sure to get a lot of it. Crown jewel of the 70s, this Abba smash is expected to raise spirits in just about any environment, from dance floor to kitchen floor, and full-blown party. Yours is the comfort food of theme songs—steady and always welcome. Which is how your friends often view you. At your next soiree, it wouldn't surprise us if you danced with everyone for about 30 seconds, started a mambo line, then spun off to dance, jive, and have the time of your life as only a true Dancing Queen can.~

2006-03-07T11:44:00.000-06:00

POLLING POLLING POLLING...

All of us Bloggers love giving out or opinions, right? Well, I need all of your opinions for a paper I am doing on the Mozart Effect. I know you all know what this is, but in case you need a refresher, Wikipedia says:

~The Mozart effect can refer to:
1. A disputed set of research results that indicate that listening to certain kinds of complex music may induce a short-lived (fifteen minute) improvement on the performance of certain kinds of mental tasks known as "spatio-temporal reasoning;"
2. Popularized versions of the theory, which suggest that "listening to Mozart makes you smarter", or that early childhood exposure to classical music has a beneficial effect on mental development;
3. A trademark of Don Campbell, Inc. for a set of commercial recordings and related materials, which are claimed to harness the effect for a variety of purposes. Campbell defines the mark as "an inclusive term signifying the transformational powers of music in health, education, and well-being. It represents the general use of music to reduce stress, depression, or anxiety; induce relaxation or sleep; activate the body; and improve memory or awareness. Innovative and experimental uses of music and sound can improve listening disorders, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, autism, and other mental and physical disorders and injuries."~

Sound off! I know you all love music too...So, no excuses please.

2006-03-06T17:08:00.000-06:00

97.5
on the Scarlett Letter Essays! No comments provided, just the 97.5 score. Shouldn't 97.5 round up? And if so, isn't 98 STILL the magic number? Whee!

2006-03-03T14:45:00.000-06:00

MidTerm-inal Velocity

Yep. That’s where I’ve been. They’re done, all five midterms, as of today! Three of the five have been graded; and 98’s the magic number. In the three classes I have heard from, I have a 98 average. I feel certain I will be thereabout in one of the other two. I even believe I scored an A on the American Literature midterm. But still no word on those gosh-darn Scarlet Letter essays I submitted on February 20. God help me, I have another one due soon. I’d like to know what my mistakes are; otherwise I am doomed to repeat them. BTW, School Rocks! If only there were more hours in the day, I’d take ten classes!

L8tr, C Y’all, You know where to find me; I’ll be in study hall…

2006-03-02T08:45:00.000-06:00

Are You Serious?

I’m not. I’d go so far as to say I am kidding, joking, or clowning 40% of the time. Have I offended you? I’m sorry. Humor is my backbone. I cannot be serious for very long, perhaps not long enough. But humor keeps me from worrying, doubting, judging, misunderstanding, fearing, hating, back-biting, gossiping, crying, and hiding. There are a lot of things in there that displease God. Sometimes the humor creeps out at inopportune times, but don’t those other things creep around at inopportune times as well? What if we laughed every time we came under an attack from the enemy? Wouldn’t that be pleasing to God? Couldn’t that be evidence of things not seen; evidence of trusting that God is Faithful? FAITH is laughing; not worrying, doubting, judging, misunderstanding, fearing, hating, back-biting, gossiping, crying, and hiding. I rejoice in the fact that God, Himself, has a sense of humor. Don’t you?

2006-02-26T07:21:00.000-06:00

Just call me Percy...

Our friend Faye is now affectionately known as Faith to me. That started about 4 or 5 months ago, I suppose, and it just stuck. One day this week I wrote an e-mail to her,
"Dear Faith,

----------- ------ --- ------ ----. ---- ------- ---- -- ---. - ----- -- ----- --- - ---.
(You get the jist, right?)

Love, Perserverance" I thought it quite witty, but didn't draw any extra attention to it just to see how it went over. Faith caught right on! She immediately agreed with me, and asked, "Can I call you Percy, for short?" To which I replied, "That will be just fine."

"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody."
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow ~

2006-02-22T07:28:00.000-06:00

WHUD UP?

MOM made the 5:00 news last night...In case she wants to post the story, I won't give the details.

I want to give a shout out to my girls for hooking me up with the Cadbury's!
Thanks Faye!
Thanks Debbie! (I can write it, I just can't say it.)
Remember that commercial Thank ya Eastah Bunnae!
Or, to the tune of Thanks for the Memories: THA-NKS for the CAD-BU-RY'S

No news from The Scarlet Letter essays. Boy am I glad we don't play it by their rules! Imagine if you will, her sentence in our time. We'd all have little white t-shirts we wore everyday and a closet full of scarlet letters to represent our sins. I am sure I'd own the whole alphabet! Is there a sin that starts with Z?

2006-02-17T08:04:00.000-06:00

I have been sick and tired...

LITERALLY. Not of something (or someone) Heehee. It started Monday when I took a break and spray painted in the garage with the door shut. I felt fine Monday, a little crummy Tuesday, and like I had the flu Wednesday. Needless to say, I haven't posted since then. Of course the one time, in my misery that I tried, there were technical difficuties. So, today I post! And no it wasn't a blonde moment! I know not to do that. I just did it anyway. It seemed too much trouble to open the garage, and I may have lost the creative moment. Did I mention the insides of my nostrils were black? This picture reminds me of Monday. See the black coming out of my nose?

I know what you are thinking: Could anyone put any more pictures of themselves on their blog but Shayla? Well, I don't have any of YOU!

On another subject, I visit blogs daily. I even go to these local people's sites who do not know me, but I consider them acquaintences. Should we have a Weblog mixer or something? Remember mixers from college? They usually had a theme, funny pictures were taken, keg beer was drank from a dixie cup. The beer could be optional for those who do not indulge. Anyone wanna?

2006-02-14T07:50:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day All!

I heart each and every one of you.

XOXO,

Shayla

2006-02-11T16:51:00.000-06:00

In case you were wondering...

What do the men-folk (yeah, we're married alright) do, while the women-folk are out making gosh-darn-sure they don't miss anything?
Well...wonder no more!!! Here they both are caught in the very act.

2006-02-09T11:55:00.000-06:00

2006-02-06T18:12:00.000-06:00

2006-02-06T18:10:00.000-06:00

2006-02-06T18:05:00.000-06:00

2006-02-06T17:56:00.000-06:00

It's fun to stay at the...

2006-02-05T05:48:00.000-06:00

DAY OF DECADENCE

Yesterday was a day to remember! One of those Top 25's. I really haven't taken the time to rank it specifically. I do not want to overanalyze it, just relish in the satisfaction. The only thing missing was CCE's. There were other treats in lieu of them though. I didn't tell Mom where we were going, just that we were going, and at 7 AM we hit the road for Atlanta. First formal stop, Fire of Brazil restaurant. Being a self-proclaimed carnivore, (Michael describes it as a Viking.) FOB is a medium-sized slice of Heaven. You see this is a Churrascaria, or Brazilian Barbeque, with all-you-can-eat of 17 different kinds of meat; open-fire roasted on a huge spit; and served to you by Gauchos, Brazilian Cowboys in gaucho pants! Oh my, my. The majority of the 17 different kinds of meat are varieties of STEAK. Are you jealous yet?!?

Then after kickin' it like Vikings, we went to stretch our cultural muscles at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. You see, they were celebrating Carnvale! No it has nothing to do with being a Carnivore!!!! Hang with me here. It is a Brazilian (should I move there?) celebration, similar to Mardi Gras! WEEEE! It was in honor of Orchid Daze, when you get to see every possible kind of orchid blooming in its simulated natural environment. They also have a C-load (that means a bunch, but another story) of courtyards. I really want one. I think I'll just dig up all the grass in my backyard and make me one. I can if I want to! Bring a little ABG home with me. After all, I already have some faux orchids (scared of the real ones) all through the house, it'll be exactly the same, well almost!

As if the all-you-can-eat meat, etc. wasn't enough, we topped off the day at a gourmet shop called Happy Harry's. I can see why he is happy. I had a Cherry Bomb, a Grand Marnier Truffle, a Peanut Butter Prailine, and a diet Sprite (tee hee.) Well, I believe we covered Gluttony for the day. I feel a fast and repentance coming on! "Thank you Lord, for such a wonderful day! Mom and I have felt a bit deprived lately. Forgive us."

2006-02-03T07:29:00.000-06:00

a hint for Mom:
SAT-UR-DAY i-n the Park,
I think it was the 4th of...February?

2006-01-31T16:39:00.000-06:00

Phooey!

2006-01-27T14:23:00.000-06:00

CCE ALERT!!!!

Cadbury Creme Eggs have been spotted at Cowboys in Attalla.

Happiness is also finding CCEs either waaay before Easter or waaay after!

2006-01-26T16:29:00.000-06:00

DARE I say, “I am?”
Not because I’m ALL sufficient.
How dare I say, “I am?”
Because it’s all that I CAN do.
If I say, “I am,”
Will you understand me?
When I say, “I am,”
Will you AGREE that it is true?
How can I say, “I am?”
You ask…
Because I say, “I am.”
But that IS God’s reply.
Even still, I know, “I am.”
Once more to explain myself,
I STILL say ‘cause I am.
Still you wonder…WHY!?
The reason WHY I say, “I am.”

BECAUSE!

God created me. God is the reason I can do anything I do. God is the source of all that I’ve been given. God is the only truth I know. After years of being the god of MY OWN universe, I heard God say, “Just Be.” To which I replied, “Oh God…my God, I am.”

2006-01-25T06:51:00.000-06:00

Happiness is... a new pack of Sharpies, the 29-color set!

2006-01-23T05:40:00.000-06:00

I'm Lot's Wife
I don't know how I ended up her, but that's who I am acting like these days. When Michael opened up the floor yesterday for comments, I took a huge breath about to blurt out that I am Lot's wife. Just that nothing else. I told myself, "You don't want to do that." Could've made for some interesting Vineyarding, huh? Anyway, I said nothing. "Mother looked at me and said, Don't you have something to say?" I said nothing. God, who in His mercy hasn't turned me into a pillar of salt, said to me, "You need to go get prayer." I said to myself, "I don't want to, but I will." I told Michael, "I don't really want to be prayed for, but God said I need to be prayed for." What I didn't tell him was that I am Lot's wife.

2006-01-22T06:36:00.000-06:00

This was the content of one of those fowarded e-mails this morning; I found it worth sharing.

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back -
Time Words Opportunity

Three things in life that may never be lost -
Peace Hope Honesty

Three things in life, that are most valuable -
Love Self-confidence Friends

Three things in life, that are never certain -
Dreams Success Fortune

Three things that make a man/woman -
Hard work Sincerity Commitment

Three things in life that can destroy a man/woman -
Addictions Pride Anger

Three things that are truly constant -
Father Son Holy Ghost

2006-01-19T07:44:00.000-06:00

Um, help...?

Okay, I need help. I know you don’t know me well enough to realize this, but I take great PRIDE (evil, I know) in being a self-sufficient, independent, what do I need anyone for person. (God hates this, yes I know) So, the lesson I am learning so far this year is that the “God Stuff” that seems unfair sometimes (we weren’t promised fair, I know) is so that people will need each other. After all, if at some point people didn’t need each other, there would be no bonding/no relationships formed/none of the very thing that God desires for us to have in our loving of our neighbor as ourselves, right? So, practice makes perfect, here goes: I am going to need proofreading help; Mrs. Handy has so graciously agreed to help. I am so thankful. I need help with graphs in my Economics class; so far so good. BUT I’ll have a test before long, and the book says if I am struggling with graphs, I should seek help immediately. Anyone proficient in this area that’s willing to take a look with me? I pray so. I thank you in advance for your consideration. Perhaps after getting through this, I can learn to ask for help on the deeper more expository things. (God is in it, I just know!)

2006-01-15T08:57:00.000-06:00

I have chosen today as Madlibs Day. If you have never played Madlibs, you are in for a treat. You follow the directions below and end up with a funny story when all the blanks are filled in. Please comment with your responses, and I will follow up with your personalized version of the story. Come on and play, and be creative in your answers.

Choose a Noun
Choose another Noun
Choose a Past Tense Verb
Choose Either His or Her
Choose a title

2006-01-14T05:28:00.000-06:00

34th Post

Oh the epiphany...No cacophony...No epiphany. 34th post/34th year. I know its a stretch, but I look for the correlation in things. Just suppose, juxtapose! A couple of things...

I have this acquaintance called Stevie Joe. He was going sometime this week to get a tattoo of a banjo on his knee. I think this is excellent! He'll get to tell everyone that he came from Alabama with...Well y'all know the rest. Speaking of tattoos, I love fruit roll ups. If you want some normal flavored fruit roll ups, you have to get some unusual things. For instance, once they peeled off like a maze in itsy bitsy pieces. This time they had Scooby Doo pictures and sayings printed on them, so you can tattoo your tongue. Itsy bitsy maze pieces, not fun. Tongue Tatts? Boatloads of fun! I don't have a tattoo. (nothing wrong with them, just don't have one) They looked so real and sooo cool. If I was gonna get one, it would definitely be on my tongue. Not sure what it would depict, perhaps just an "S". Yeah, like a monogram on my tongue! Perhaps this is worth further consideration. After all, the hubby and the mom hate the idea of my getting my nose pierced. They felt the same way though about the bellybutton, and y'all know that story.

I haven't blogged daily this week for I have been busy with the "Acrodemics." That's a new word I have invented to describe an academic feat of preposterous proportions; my taking on five classes this semester.

2006-01-11T21:29:00.000-06:00

Sometimes we just feel like
we have something to prove.

I set out to prove I didn’t need a college education. I didn’t. I scored a six-figure income without one. But it was blood, sweat, tears, and sometimes all of the above without much integrity. Now that I have proved I didn’t need one...I - I want one.

Its funny how in school, all I cared about was getting through and having a career; doing the real thing. Now all I care about (other than Jesus and y’all) is the school thing.

I had to go buy another book today. It was used and still cost me $53.63. I have two grand invested in this semester so far. Sometimes I wonder if I wouldn’t be better off paying myself what I am investing in this education o’ mine. But then again, I still feel like I have something to prove; something to prove to myself and no one else. After all, I have to live with me, and me drives a pretty hard bargain.

2006-01-10T09:03:00.000-06:00

No this isn't an infomercial, nor is it a funny little story about some mishap in the powder room. It is what it is. Here goes...

The weather for my trip to GSCC bookstore today couldn't have been more appropriate. It looked like Spring. It felt like Spring. It even smelled like Spring. I practically floated through Allen Hall toward the bookstore, as I silently sang Zipadeedoodah. The attendant brought out my big heavy box of books. I looked at my receipt. I wish I could've seen the look on my face; the attendant did. She responded sympathetically, "I know."

The cost of tuition for Spring '06: $1350.

The cost of books for Spring '06: $532.25 (apparently they charge by the pound!)

The consolation prize? One Schick Quatro for Women free(?) sample placed in in the heavy book box. And NO, there were no refills included!

Now I find myself silently singing Just a Spoonful of Sugar Makes the Medicine Go Down... If only I had stopped at Cothran's on the way home.

2006-01-09T08:44:00.000-06:00

"Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed, but with what it is still possible for you to do." -- Pope John Paul XXIII

Spring Semester '06 begins 1/11/06!

2006-01-06T04:41:00.000-06:00

The Right Place at the Right Time

On our way to the candlelight service at Vineyard a few weeks back, Mom and I dropped off an unknown roll of film at Walgreens. Being the impatient person I can be, I decided to go for one hour processing. Being the impatient person I can be, I decided not to wait for the developing. After all, I had a few more errands to run before church. The service lasted till around 8:30, and Mom and I headed straight for Walgreens. There was one customer ahead of me who was looking at her photos. While the attendant was looking for my photos, Mom and I noticed several interesting ones “on display.” Mom said, “To heck with her pictures, I want these.” To which the attendant replied, “Well, this guy came in earlier with an original roll of film from 1976. These are the ones he discarded. Normally we have to destroy these daily before closing at midnight, but due to the unique content this gentleman gave his permission to share these.” He offered us our choice for the cost of the photo processing. Mom chose three plus an 8 X 10. I chose three. Scroll down to see my choices.

Cost of photo processing: $0.90
Original photos of Bear Bryant: Priceless

2006-01-06T04:37:00.000-06:00

2006-01-06T04:34:00.000-06:00

2006-01-06T04:31:00.000-06:00

2006-01-05T08:13:00.000-06:00

Five Things I Hate…The Auto Edition:

I hate traffic jams

I hate jacked up or lowrider autos (especially the ones that bounce)

I hate pumping gas

I hate having to pass in the right lane

I hate Hummers

(Sorry, this is all I have time for this morning.)

2006-01-03T09:48:00.000-06:00

My Most Embarrassing Moment - EVER

I just didn’t know to be embarrassed. Glencoe Elementary scheduled a talent show. This third grader had an edge, or so I thought. My 16 year old stepsister (actually she was my half, step aunt; but I was told to call her my stepsister) was a majorette at Glencoe High, and she had all the best disco albums. I asked for her professional opinion and choreography. We decided I would dance to “Superfreak.” Please try to think back to that song and its lyrics. It would have one of those not-suitable-for-immature-audience-explicit-content-labels had they existed in 1979! Also I was one of those girls who matured faster than others, so I wore one of my half, step aunt…um…I mean step sister’s disco, majorette costumes. (Think sequins, and fringe) To top that off, I wore enough make-up to suffocate Tammy Faye.

The routine was an interpretive dance of sort, in which I rolled around on the floor and performed other assorted, age inappropriate disco moves. I'll spare you all the details. (I still remember some of that routine) I couldn’t understand why after I gave it all I had, and the music faded out, that the audience didn’t break into thunderous applause. After all, a kid sang a Shirley Temple song, another sang a Michael, Row Your Boat Shore Song; you get the picture, right? No one sang and danced, let alone with such pageantry, such flair, such entertainment value. I really couldn’t believe it when the winner’s name was called, and that name wasn’t mine. I do not even remember who or what had won. It was THAT unforgettable. I had been robbed!

I still pondered the injustice on the school bus ride to the Hair Affair (my mom’s beauty shop). That’s when reality reared its ugly head. You see Mom had been quite busy curling hair, and hadn’t had time to see the performance beforehand. I insisted she and Shirley, and a few various hair appointments, show me where I went wrong. Rick James belted out “She’s a very kinky girrrrl…doot doot doot doot…The kind you don’t take home to Muthaaah… How was I supposed to know what all that meant? Then I knew I was supposed to be embarrassed. However inappropriate that display was, let me just tell it like it is. I was still The Best.

2006-01-02T14:26:00.000-06:00

2006-01-01T09:23:00.000-06:00

Five Things I Found: The 2005 Edition

Vineyard in Gadsden

FreeZone in church

FreeZone in places other than church

Karaoke in my living room

Bloggin' on my laptop

Five Things I Found Out: The 2005 Edition

God is God, I am not.

Sometimes God just does things with little to no drama.

Dead dreams are worth resurrecting.

My husband adores me even more than I knew.

No matter what you do, sometimes someone just isn't going to like you.

TGITTS...TGITTS...

Thank God It's Two Thousand Six!!!

2005-12-31T15:14:00.000-06:00

Don’t wish your life away…...

it might freeze like that!

Can I just tell you, that sums up a day in the life of Shayla Michelle Sizemore Burroughs, circa 2005? Oh it sooo does. This has been by far one of the suckiest years I have ever had. Only two other years out of 34 have been worse; 1987 when Daddy died, and 2001 when I moved to NC.

As long as I can remember I have longed for the future. I know that I know that I know that I know that I KNOW there is more to it than this. I always have, and I have always heard, “don’t wish your life away.” Well, it’s my life and I’ll wish it away if I want to. Thank you anyway. Wishing my life away is what fuels my drive; my drive to be more, see more, and do more…Shayla Sizemore. Tee hee!

Anyway, this year/year end had been long! Daggum it! Out with the old! Bring on the new. I will make the same resolution I make and break every year: to exercise. I will make a new one: learn to say, “No.” And I will carry on trying to find the fun in everything. Bloggin’ is fun. The FreeZone is fun. Girls’ Day Out is fun. Can I be a good Christian AND say that I am going to avoid the non-fun things in life? I CAN be a good Christian and say this…if it is within my power and God’s will, I will have as much fun as I possibly can regardless of the situation. And THAT is all I have to say about THAT.

Love y'all, Happy New Year!

2005-12-30T07:36:00.000-06:00

I don't know about y'all, but I am stuffed like a tur-duk-en! http://www.cajunstuff.com/store/turducken_faqs.php
You know the ones I hate, here are...

Five things I love: The Food Edition:

Buffalo Wings

Ribeyes

Baby Back Ribs

Crab Legs

Prime Rib

Yeah, I’m a carnivore! Don’t think I haven’t tried to be vegan though. Back in ‘88 I made that declaration with pride. Unfortunately, at the time I had one leather and one suede mini-skirt in every color of the rainbow. (Couldn’t let those go to waste.) Not to mention the fact that once while strolling down the meat aisle at Winn-Dixie, I had this vision of eating raw hamburger meat with my bare hands. (I know!) I made my way back to the carnivorous lifestyle slowly, like ordering bits on pizza and so forth. But now it’s as if that brief break brought it back on with a vengeance or something. To fully experience my infatuation with each of these food items try the following:
Wings @ WingZone / Ribeyes @ Ruth Chris / Baby Backs @ Chili’s /
Crab Legs @ Joe’s Crab Shack / and Prime Rib @ Outback

P.S. I started to post "Never Say Never" today, but I think some of y'all are easily shocked, SO you got the food post instead.

2005-12-29T11:28:00.000-06:00

My dad was the same age as my mom’s mom.
My husband is the same age as my mom.

My mom’s age was 19 when they met.
My age was 19 when my husband and I met.

My dad was a professional singer and musician before
he retired and married Mom.
My husband was a professional singer and musician before
he retired and married me.

My dad’s third wife was my mom.
My husband’s third wife is me.

My dad’s birthday was 8/16.
My husband’s birthday is 8/15.

My dad died when I was 16 on October 13.
My mom’s dad died when she was 17 on October 14.

My dad’s name was Fred Dwight.
He went by his stage name and was known only as Dude.
My husband’s name is Richard Earl.
He goes by his stage name and is known only as Dicki.

2005-12-28T07:43:00.000-06:00

Shayla:

The name Shayla is an old Irish name meaning Fairy Palace, although my mother was unaware of this when she named me. The name Shayla is used for the head scarf worn by Muslim women, my mother was also unaware of this when she named me. Shayla LaVeaux is a porn star. She wasn’t “acting” when my mother named me, so she was obviously unaware of this. Shayla is the name of a 1978 Blondie song. Blondie would have had to copy Mom: again unaware. Shayla is also the name of a Vietnamese singer born in 1975: in 1971 unaware. Shayla is the name of a contemporary ceramics artist who began showing in 1991 as well: also unaware. Shayla is the name of an Anime character that began in 1995: guess what…unaware. Shayla’s Double Brown Baby Blues is a book written in 2001: last but not least, unaware. For a name that I have to repeat every time I introduce myself, usually followed by spelling it and listening to someone tell me they have heard of Sheila but not Shayla, the name is not that unusual. I must say something else my mom is unaware of; the time she spent “making up” the name Shayla was well spent and appreciated. I have always loved the name, Mom. Thank you for the gift.

Love,
Shayla

2005-12-27T10:22:00.000-06:00

Okay, I’m back. Let’s catch up.

Christmas Eve: cooked, cleaned, went to see Grannie, got cold and wet coming back from Grannie’s, skipped communion, cooked a scrumptious shrimp boil, received sweet gift from hubby, ate scrumptious shrimp boil, slept.

Christmas Day: The traditional family dinner took place at my house. The not so traditional family had a blast!!! Wanda-the mom, Jimmy-the step dad, Dicki-the hubby, Michael Anne and Nichole-the step sisters, and I-the hostess began by locating our place marker at the dinner table. Each of us was represented by a nut. I took pecans still in the shell and gilded our initials on them. Then I attached the nut to a gilded leaf. It was the final touch on a beautiful traditional table. However, this was a clue to the day’s events. Stay tuned. The step sisters are not as bold as the rest of us, so to encourage them, we offered everyone a prize for participation and CASH prize for the winners! Karaoke was the game and here were the rules. To warm up, each was allowed one song of their choice. To follow each was given one song we chose for them. The grand prize and runner up were both awarded on entertainment value (since none of us can sing except hubby, and he forfeited so others wouldn’t feel bad.) We drew names out of a gold sparkly hat to determine who would be first. I drew number 2. My step dad started with Okie from Muskogie. He went for the serious approach. That was funny in itself. I began with Lonestar’s Amazed. Gestures, emotions, and audience participation all brought on a great response. Mom, donned in a ten gallon black cowboy hat and size 14 men’s cowboy boots, sang Friend’s in Low Places. The comedic approach raised the bar a bit. Michael Anne chose Lorrie Morgan’s, Watch Me. She was a bit embarrassed. Nichole chose Like a Virgin and asked for props. I gave her a red velvet bustier (worn over her sweater), red gloves and one red earring. She did a right good impression of Madonna for such a low key gal. Then things got rough. We made Jimmy do Let’s Get it On. His “OOOOHHHH” in the song was hysterical. I was forced to do Livin’ La Vida Loca. Not to be outdone by Madonna, I wore a black metallic jacket, black and silver scarf, and black and silver fedora. I shook my Bon Bon, as Ricky Martin would sing also. Everyone tried to concede after that performance. But still there was cash involved! Mom did Somewhere Over the Rainbow. I gave her Barkley as Toto and a picnic basket. Michael Anne had to do D-I-V-O-R-C-E in a zebra cowboy hat. And finally Nichole had to sing Girl’s Just Wanna Have Fun in a pink fur hat and feather boa that would have delighted Cyndi Lauper. I won the grand prize. Nichole came in runner up. I reminded everyone to take home their place marker (the nut) to remind them of how we all acted that day. As if we could forget…

Oh, and by the way, There will be pictures!

2005-12-24T08:38:00.000-06:00

It's Good to Know How to Say "Merry Christmas" in Other Languages...

French: Joyeux Noel!
Italian: Buone Natale!
Norwegian: Gledelig Jul!
Finnish: Hyvaa Joulua!
Spanish: Feliz Navidad!
German: Froehliche Weihnachten!
Japanese: Merii Kurisumasau!
Dutch: Vrolijk Kerstfeest!
Greek: Kala Christouyenna!
Ukrainian: Srozhdestvom Kristovym

2005-12-23T07:15:00.000-06:00

Five things I hate…The Food Edition:

I hate Krystal Hamburgers! A hamburger just isn't a hamburger without ketchup, and those dehydrated onions? Come on!! A hamburger just isn't a hamburger without onions either, but cut me a fresh one, um-kay?

I hate Collard Greens! They taste as bad as they smell. And I AM TOO still a southerner.

I hate coffee! The few of us who exist usually- at least -appreciate the smell. Not me, say yuck twice..."Yuck-Yuck!" However, I do love coffee houses. (Does that make me bi-polar?)

I hate black jelly beans/licorice! With the rainbow variety of colors and sweet fruity flavors, why choose the dark, antiseptic-tasting black ones?! I think we could all learn a lot about ourselves by the color of jellybeans we prefer or do not.

I hate root beer! First of all, it tastes nothing like a beer, it tastes more like a dirty, fungi-infested, decrepit, old oak tree root.

"Now I know some of you that I know and adore probably love all of these things. Please don't think any less of me, and I will be praying for you..." {I say aloud as I laugh and wink after typing this!}

2005-12-22T21:07:00.000-06:00

A Quick Fun Christmas Fact: The Reindeer Edition

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and female reindeer grow antlers in the summer each year, the males drop their antlers at the beginning of winter - usually late November to mid-December. Female reindeer retain their antlers till after they give birth in the spring.

Therefore, according to every traditional depiction of Santa's reindeer, every one of them - from Rudolph to Blitzen - is female!

2005-12-22T05:02:00.000-06:00

Five Fun Facts…The Name Edition:

My middle name is Michelle. I pronounce it with a slight French Accent.

My car is named Vertie. She's my first conVerti(e)ble.

My three sons (doggies) are named Bama, Bailey, and Barkley. Their grandma is very proud.

My dad’s name was Fred Dwight, but everyone who knew him called him “Dude.” This was prior to the overuse of the term by my generation.

My mom has a really, really long name that she doesn’t like for me to share, but I could be persuaded. Cash is preferred.

Tomorrow: A random edition...

2005-12-21T10:49:00.000-06:00

Five Fun Facts You May Not Know About Me…

#5: I was a drummer in high school.

#4: I was voted “Best Dressed” c/o 1989.

#3: I have two muffler-burn scars on my right leg from my motorcycle days

#2: I had two head-on collisions in my teenage years; I met a tree in one and my best friend in the other.

#1: I won Miss Etowah County Swimsuit in 1989

Tomorrow - Five Fun Facts: The Name Edition

2005-12-20T13:48:00.000-06:00

Remember Me?

Still here, but I have a plan...

Since I hate checking blogs only to find no new postings, take long breaks from posting in mine, and just haven't had anything worth sharing for the last seven days...tomorrow I'll begin Five Fun Facts and some different editions thereof. These postings will make nice filler for when I have nothing to say and might make interesting conversation starters!

2005-12-13T15:24:00.000-06:00

Predictably Unpredictable...

One thing is for sure...just when you think you've got me all figured out. Nah. Sorry. That just wouldn't be fair would it. After all, I hardly know myself, and I've known myself for a lot longer than you've known me.

I've been told that the only thing predictable about me is the fact that I'm unpredictable. Not in those exact words; I coined that term myself. Nonetheless, that was the message.

Well since I can be so hard to get to know, understand, and figure out; it is a good thing you are reading my blog. Especially since I have determined that it is much easier to express myself in writing. No, I'm not shy, that is hardly the case. But to bare my soul? Eek! That could give the person listening an edge, at least that's what I think I was taught to think...

Oh well, just let me say thank you. Thank you for visiting. Thank you for reading. Thank you for trying to get to know me, while I am trying to get to know myself.

2005-12-11T18:48:00.000-06:00

Can I DO the quote thing again?

Of course I can. This is MY Blog, right? Here they are:

Each one of us has a fire in our heart for something. It's our goal in life to find it and to keep it lit. -- Mary Lou Retton

Only one thing has to change for us to know happiness in our lives: where we focus our attention. -- Greg Anderson

Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you. -- Jim Rohn

If you have that fire in your heart...If you keep your eye on that goal...If you have found THE source of happiness...There shall BE no small living, no arguing over small things, no crying over small hurts, and NO leaving your future in anyone else's hands but the Father's. --Shayla S. Burroughs

2005-12-09T14:30:00.000-06:00

Great Expectations

I do not recall if I was ten or eleven when my daddy had my own phone line installed. And perhaps that doesn't seem like such a big deal these days, but in 1982-83 having your own phone was like today's pre-teen having their own Blackberry. I even had my name in the book. Was my daddy the coolest or what? I---K-n-o-w! Well, you see he had his own reasoning, and no it wasn't because I kept the line tied up night and day. Although I did. No, my daddy had something else in mind. He and my mom were divorced. (I thank God to this day they still got along.) He was setting the expectations even then. From the day that phone line was up and running to the morning of the day he died, he called me every single morning to tell me how wonderful I was and how much he loved me. Pitty the guy that had to follow that act.

My mom set them high as well. I remember I was in a pageant at Wallace Hall. My high school sweetheart was in the audience with her. When my name was called, Sean watched me walk out on the stage, looked at my mom and said, "I just can't believe she's my girlfriend." To which my mom replied, "Neither can I."

Sean lasted four years, the phone line lasted six. I still remember the number...MINE! not Sean's...492-0258.

2005-12-08T08:40:00.000-06:00

Quote"__"Unquote

I can hardly ever express what is going on in my controversial mind. Lately I have found quotes are working well for me. Here are a few that I am SO relating to:

On the wardrobe...
You have to wear clothes like they're a manifesto.
- Simon LeBon, Duran Duran

Fashion is not the clothes but what you do with the clothes!
- Besty Johnson

You wear a costume identifying you as, if not quite divine, someone special.
- Irving R. Kaufman

On the attitude...
I'm losing my patience...nobody wants me to lose my patience.
- Martha Stewart

And last but not least, on the goal-setting...
I had a life once, now all I have is a mission.
- Aeon Flux

2005-12-02T07:52:00.001-06:00

Ever had your cheese moved?

If you are out there in "Corporate America" somewhere, at some point you may be asked to read "Who Moved My Cheese?" By Spencer Johnson, M.D.

I must admit there have been times in my life in which I could have found this book to be a great benefit. It just so happens that 15 months ago I tried to make adjustments and plans, and venture out and find new cheese. Each time, however, there were so many obstacles that every avenue I explored came up a dead end with no chance at new cheese. In fact every attempt came up less lucrative than the diminishing cheese. So much so that I began to believe that it was not God's will for me to go after new cheese, and that went against everything I have ever known or done.

You see I have been classified as a control freak, and most of the time I have been completely in control. I have also been known as “independent as h@#%”. So you see when God decided in last year that I needed to learn to depend on Him, I felt like a little person; “complex brain with many beliefs and emotions” trapped in a maze leading to nowhere. Ironically that is just what He had in mind for me. I tried to be like Sniff and Scurry. But that was WAAAY too much of me and WAAAY too little God. He alluded to the fact that He was God and I was NOT so many times that it was funny. (He has a sense of humor, you know.)

When I finally realized I had to relinquish control to ever see the light of day again, things felt as though they were going backwards. God kept showing me to let go and wait on Him. He didn't want anything I did, had done, could do, or anyone I knew to get any of this glory. Sometimes I wonder if the learning process would have been easier if I had just kept waiting on the cheese. (I could have stood to have lost a pound or two anyway.) But what was happening to me was unique.

I will confess that I can see where this book would apply in most situations. I would even go so far as to say everyone should read this book. My reasoning behind this is simply that most people live life based on their reaction to what happens to them instead of choosing how they are going to react regardless of the situation. This could change their lives. Unfortunately, it didn't change mine. I was already on a new cheese hunt. As a matter of fact I have been for 10 years.

I thought that I could drop out of college and make some money. I also thought that who I knew and what I could do, even how I looked and how charming I was was enough. After all I had common sense. Well, believe it or not, it was and it worked, but now I am back in school. Because when God showed me to let go, He also showed me where I had gotten off track in the 'maze of life' and that was when I dropped out of college.

2005-12-01T08:25:00.000-06:00

Did you know that I am back in school?
Here's the story in a nutshell...

Employment for me began before I was employable. I began by stuffing envelopes and keeping daycare onsite for an adult modeling class at Macy's Modeling School. I was paid back in tuition for the teen modeling class, although I was only 11 when I started.

That experience led to another position within the same shopping center, this time for Linda's Hallmark. I began by stocking cards, which turned into window and seasonal display, and waiting on customers. (I seemed much more mature than I was.) It seemed as if I owned my own store. The owner ran the drugstore next door and was available if I needed help but otherwise left me alone. This position was only part-time afternoons and Saturdays.

Polly Graham and Associates Marketing and Research was a full-time position, and I was now legal to work. That position lasted over the summer until school started back, then I worked only on Saturdays. (In the mean time I was making and selling jewelry at my Mom's beauty shop on the side.)

I graduated from High School and went straight to JSU at 17. I was majoring in Fashion Merchandising. I majored more in Phi Mu! But also was a Kappa Sig Gator Girl and an ATO little Sis! Plus I interned in the drama department sewing costumes. This lasted one whole semester. I dropped every class except Clothing Construction I in which I made an A. I dropped out of college to work full-time. No one paid me to go to school, and I couldn't afford it anyway. My step father had claimed me on his income tax and didn't support me, so I couldn't get any financial aid.

I then became a Movie Gallery Night Manager and after two weeks the Assistant Manager. I was still 17. I had a gun pulled on me because a man's video was late. I decided maybe I would like to try something other than public service.

Miss Martha Originals Hired me as a Stain-Applier of little "All God's Children" figurines. I moved up to Touch-up Person, then Paint Mixer/Pourer. I worked there for four years. At the same time I had weekends off, so I entered beauty pageants. I would coach young kids and design their gowns and costumes to help pay for my expenses. I even hand-beaded many of their gowns and shoes. This was quite lucrative and was even in my desired field. I met a man who eventually became my husband, and he thought that was all juvenile. I enrolled in Cosmetology School, went through the entire course and never took the state board exam.

Liberty Overalls/Walls Coveralls paid better. I became a Quality Control Inspector / Receptionist and stayed there one year. Advance Auto Distribution had just opened, and they paid better. I became a Receiver. That was heck on my back, so I moved up to Order Picker. Order Picker allowed me to go home when I finished my orders, so I enrolled in Real Estate School. I got my license and began listing and selling part-time. (Back to public service!) Six months later I went full-time. I was the youngest person in Etowah County to achieve Million Dollar Club Status. Two years later I earned my broker's license. I managed our RE/MAX office. My schedule was flexible. I started to school at GSCC. I loved this job, it lasted for four years.

My husband and I separated and God really began to work in my life. He had me to go and save our marriage in New Bern, NC. This was a place 10 hours away from the only place I had ever lived and worked. You cannot sell real estate in a town you know nothing about. I accepted a position with Palm Harbor Homes as a Salesperson. (I did not enroll in school here.) Within 6 months I had earned what I had earned in my best year in real estate. They offered me the General Manager position. I felt I wasn't ready, so I accepted Sales Manager. By the grace of God, after 13 months in NC, we came home to Alabama. I was still with Palm Harbor, but in Lincoln, AL. Two months later I accepted a position as General Manager in Tuscaloosa, AL. (God had told me within two to three months I would be one) I managed a store for 2 years and a month. (I did mot enroll in school here either because the job required 50-60 hours per week.) I became Division Manager over real estate. That lasted 2 months. Corporate decided to postpone the position. I became a sales manager again. Sales were horrible. God showed me to go back to where things slipped up in my life. I did just that last Spring, I started back to school at GSCC. I prayed for a new position ... anything. I couldn't take this anymore. I was with them for 4 years and 2 months.

6 months later to the day that I became sales manager again, I became a Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Consultant. I am still training, but business is pretty good. (Anyone need a mortgage? It really is the only "good" debt.) That is where I am today, but still I have a dream.

Strengths: How does one list them with an humble attitude. I've learned humility is a strength you see, in my many roles. I am told I can make something out of nothing. Not like making a mountain out of a molehill, but turning discarded items into treasure. God allows me to see the potential in things (and people). Also I am told I can convince people of things they wouldn't ordinarily consider, thus the entrance into the world of sales. I have never gone a day without a job. I go from my last day on one day to my first day on the next day every time. I do not take sick time and often leave vacation time on the table. I don't know how this fits, but you'll rarely know if something is bothering me.

Weaknesses: I am weak in the area of submission. I submit to people in authoritative roles, but sometimes do it with resentment, and often do it because I am supposed to, not because I want to. If I respect the person, I can submit 110%. I am learning to submit to God (most of the time). Not that I don't respect or am not in awe of Him, its just that sometimes I want my own way. I hope to overcome this. This doesn't fit either, but you'll rarely know if something is bothering me.

Well Defined Goals: Get my degree! Own My Own Business! A Store? Fashion and Interior Design oriented, perhaps with some cooking involved. I really want to be the next Martha Stewart less the jail time, plus a southern flair, times a little more flamboyancy. (Some of her stuff is just TOO conservative.) Can I still live in the same town as my Mom and do this? That is a must! At the same time I want to give God glory for all He has done and is doing in my life. Is that possible? I want to be doing this within two years. Because when it is all said and done at the end of the day, most people spend countless hours away from their homes and loved ones trying to earn a paycheck. I want to be doing what I do because I love it, and do it whether I get paid or not!

2005-11-14T02:02:00.000-06:00

No post in the tenth month for me! My mind was flooded with more ponderings and contridictions than I could sort and discard. I choose to K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple and/or short Shayla) in this posting, but this needs to be said!

If I (you) think someone is (I am) superficial, I (you) just haven't scratched the surface yet! Notice I am begining with myself in this observation (judgement). I just thank the Lord it is He who searches the heart. I don't know about you, but I am gonna keep scratching! Who knows what might turn up?

Acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts…1 Chronicles 28:9

2005-09-20T20:29:00.000-05:00

“God Is Love.”
This one is tough. If God is the source of love, how can God be love? I believe He IS Love because by faith I believe everything the bible says. But to someone outside of faith, saying "God Is Love" is like saying Mother is baby, Cow is milk, or Sheep is wool. I must admit however, it evokes strong feelings. "God Is Love" says since God Is Love, we had better love, right? Also "God Is Love" says God loves us. When I hear "God Is Love" I picture every loving feeling I have ever had, and it helps me then to picture God.

2005-08-08T12:39:00.000-05:00

This morning early in my prayer time, I distinctively heard, “You don’t OWN the road anymore!” I was like, “Okay, where did that come from?” Then later while still in prayer, I heard the same phrase again, “You don’t own the road, ANYMORE!” I do not know what it meant, but I felt led to work from my home office today rather than commuting to my office in Birmingham.

While having Bible study, I was drawn to the scripture “Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip,” II Samuel 37. A dear friend at church yesterday had asked if she could pray for me. I’m always for that! She felt led to pray over my feet asking God to guide my steps. When I checked my email “Today’s Prayer” was waiting to be discovered in my inbox. It read as follows:

Dear Lord, Thank you for this day. Thank You for my being able to see, to hear, to speak, to move about this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving and understanding God. You have done so much for me. I have witnessed Your hand of blessing, Your miraculous power in my my life and the lives of those I love, and You just keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to You. I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me, my family, and my church family safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a positive and Christ-focused attitude and plenty of gratitude. Please clear my mind of distractions so that I can hear from you and please direct my steps today. Thank you so much, in Jesus' name, amen.

I thank God that He is directing my steps, and pray that He would continue to do so using me to direct others toward Him.

2005-07-29T15:28:00.000-05:00

Shayla S. Burroughs

2005-07-29T14:33:00.000-05:00

WELCOME to my new Blog Spot! I thought I'd share with those I am closest to...

Today's Prayer on "Primetime with God" from Ephesians Four Ministries was:
"Dear God, I may not have excellent speech or be as educated or wise as some people, but this one thing I know, that Jesus Christ gave Himself as a sacrifice for my sin and has risen to sit at Your right hand, so that I may receive Your forgiveness, a new life, and eternal life with You. Though I may be weak and fearful at times, I can be strong through the power of Your Spirit. God, please speak through me and live through me that I might touch the lives and hearts of the people I come in contact with each day. May You be glorified. In Jesus' name, amen."

Marilyn Hickey gave a word for her viewers this morning which was 2 Cor. 12 v 9:
"And he said unto me, 'My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength (power) is made perfect in weakness.' Most gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities (weaknesses), that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Then I heard in my spirit, I am weak but He is strong (the line from Jesus loves me!) RELAX, you are weak but I am strong. What confirmation of what God is trying to do in my life right now! Perhaps it is a word for you, as well.

God Bless You! Feel free to post your comments and thoughts.
Shayla