I’ve been thinking about posting this for some time, and it’s not as easy as you may think. Here goes:
Choose 5 people who you would like to spend the day with. They can be living or deceased. Exclude immediate family and friends. Why did you choose these people?

1. President Bush. I would love to see the inner working of the White House. I admire President Bush and I think he is a fine man. What a position he is in. I would like to pray with him and let him know that I support him and appreciate what a tough job he has.

2. Joyce Meyer. It seems as if every time I hear her speak on T.V. she has something to say directly to me. She speaks in such a direct and forthright manor, that it is easy to understand just what her message is. There is no beating around the bush with her. She states it clear and plain. I would like to just have a conversation one on one with her.

3. Oprah Winfrey. I do enjoy watching her program and I think she tries to serve humankind in the things she undertakes. What bothers me is that she says that she is a christian, but I never hear her talk about the saving grace of Jesus. I know that she tries to represent all sides of a subject, but I’ve never heard her say anything that makes me think she really knows the Lord. I should not judge, but I would just like to make sure she knows the truth.

4. Elizabeth Owens. This is my mother-in-law who passed away about a year and a half ago. We all miss her so much. I find that there are things I never asked her or talked to her about and I would love to have that chance. She died unexpectedly, so we were not prepared for her early home going.

5. I do not even know this person’s name. I am looking for the foremost authority on pain in the world. My middle son suffers from a disease called cerebellar atrophy. He is in constant, severe pain. We have been all over the country to specialist after specialist, and we have received no help. I know there is someone who has an answer for him. If I had a whole day with his/her attention…maybe we could get somewhere.

So….who would you choose? Word of caution…it’s hard to choose just 5.

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Originally uploaded by Tonja Owens.

I am so blessed to have my mom. We have always lived in the same city except when I was away at college. She is tiny…in body only…her spirit is tremendous. She always looks for ways to help others. I could write on and on about how she blesses me every day. But, I want to tell you of a particularly kind thing she did for Alex yesterday. My mother in law, Elizabeth, died 2 years ago, and we all miss her greatly. She was a wonderful cook. Just good ole country cooking. She had a particular cake that she would make for my boys on their birthdays…a black forest cake. It was divine. And it never lasted long around the house. Well, my mom, Eloise, got Elizabeth’s recipe and made Alex one of Grandma’s cakes. Now, my mom is a terrific cook also and has her own specialties as well. I just think it was so kind of her to make Grandma’s cake for Alex because she knows how much he loves it. It would have been so much easier to make her own that she was familiar with. But, that’s just the way she is. Thanks, Mom!

God has revealed Himself to our family this week and provided strength and comfort. We had a situation that we all had been praying about for sometime, and since we are so wise and full of knowledge above all, we had it figured out. We just felt sure God was going to come along for the ride…being that we had saved Him all the trouble of leading us. When we got our “news”…it was so not what we wanted to hear. And we were all dismayed. Why? We had prayed ABOUT it…and told Him exactly what we wanted, and when. But, God, who really IS wise and full of knowledge above all, said “not yet…you have some work to do first.” And looking at it now from the other side…He is right. There is work to be done first, and this way makes so much more sense. Imagine that!?! God knows what’s best for us! His ways and timing are perfect!
How much anguish we could save ourselves if we just remembered that from the start. Oh will we ever learn? This is an opportunity for growth in many ways and a chance to see God work things out …like He knows is best.

It’s that time again, Ladies. So, raise your big toe and repeat after me…”As a member of the Sassy Sisterhood, I pledge to follow these rules when I wear sandals or open toed shoes:
1. I promise to wear sandals that fit: My toes will not hang over and touch the ground, nor will my heels spill over the backs. Also, the tops and sides of my feet will not pudge out between the straps.
2. I will go polish free or vow to keep the polish fresh, intact and chip free. I will not cheat and just touch up the big toe.
3. I will sand down any mounds of skin before they turn hard and yellow.
4. I will shave the hairs off my big toe.
5. I will not wear pantyhose with my sandals. Not even if my mom, or co-worker, or girlfriend tell me the toe seam will stay under my toe if I tuck it there. (This dear readers, is what Spanx is for)
6. If my straps break, I will not duct tape, pin, glue or tuck it back into place hoping it will stay put. I will get it repaired or toss it.
7. I will not live in corn denial, but rather, I will lean on my friend, Dr. Scholl if my feet need him.
8. I will resist the urge to buy a pair of jelly shoes…even for the low, low price of $4.99. (This is out of concern for your safety. No one can walk properly when standing in a pool of sweat. You could take someone down with you as you fall and break your ankle.)
9. I will take my toe ring off toward the end of the day if my toes start to swell and begin to look like Vienna sausages.”

O.K. , now, you promised. I’ll be watching…….