The Royal Wedding
To be a princess…
Standing in front of a full-length mirror, she saw herself, a bride. Dressed in lace, decorated with jewels, and trailed by a beautiful veil, she would soon be a princess. Did she always dream about becoming a princess? As a little girl, did she twirl in pretty dresses and pretend to be swept away by her Knight in Shining Armor? On April 29th, many of us day-dreamed about being Kate Middleton, or should I now say, ‘Her Royal Highness Princess William Arthur Philip Louis, Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn, Baroness Carrickfergus.’ Wow! In one day, she went from a commoner to Royal Highness, Princess, Duchess, Countess, and Baroness. What a title!
In my own daydream, I remembered a box full of beautifully worn and torn old prom dresses that I used to play with in our childhood basement. They were my mom’s dresses from the 70’s. Bold multicolor striped, magenta, green shin length, long-sleeved burgundy lace, these dresses were anything but spectacular, but to me and my girlfriends, these were not just old prom dresses; they were ‘special’ dresses that could transcend us from my Garfield Heights basement in 1987, to a Royal Ballroom wedding celebration for us and my our very own ‘Knight in shining armor!’ I laugh when I think back to those times in the basement. Little girls almost always dream about being somebody’s princess.
Humbly, I realize I have been so very blessed to feel like somebody’s princess… three times.
I started dating when I was three years old. Really! My dad took me out once every couple months for the entire day. He called it, ‘Queen for a Day.’ The date began with breakfast, followed by a trip to the beauty salon, and finished with a grand finale like the Goodtime III or the Bolshoi Ballet. I will never forget those ‘Grand Finales.’ My dad sure is something. The entire time we were on our date he would open all doors for me, pull out my chairs before I sat, never let me walk on the outside of the side walk (in case a car jumped the curve he walked closest to the street) and he would insist that any man worth marrying would be sure to do the same. He was right. My husband did all of those things on our first date, and he continues to do them to this day. His selfless love and commitment to me is what makes me feel like a princess; for the second time.
Still, there is someone who’s Royalty and Kingship has actually given me the truest title of Princess Josephine. Really, I AM A PRINCESS! Oh now don’t be jealous, this King would be more than happy to make you His princess too. I’ve been on a poem kick. Here is one to help you understand.
Oh to be a princess
Someone’s real Cinderella
The Grand Ballroom, a big white dress,
And just the perfect fella’.
Red carpet, glass slippers, with jewels that glisten and shine
First class, fine dining
and to know it was just all mine
That Someone would find me the fairest
More than any other one before
To think that I was the one and only
His Royal heart would adore
Then I understood…
The One who sought my heart
Was the One who put it all together
He knew that I was flawed in many ways
But none of which He wouldn’t weather
With immense joy He pursued me
Showering me with precious gifts, patience and love
I knew His heart for me was different
Only to understand it was from above
No Earthly man could ever
Love in a way so pure and true
This Love is unexplainable
Because Love equals You.
Ladies, we can be thankful that God is a gentleman and anxiously awaits an invitation to be the King of our hearts. We at least can agree that we all have that same burning desire to be genuinely loved; even though we are often unlovable. To be perfectly frank, although they love me the best they can, even my dad and my husband cannot fulfill that love I desire. You know why? We were purposefully created with a part of our hearts that would never be satisfied by any earthly object or being. Our Creator intended to make us, His creation, with unfinished hearts. He did this to know that He wasn’t forcing us to love Him, but rather giving us the choice. See, relationships worth having are never forced, they’re chosen, agreed upon, and then continuously worked on and nurtured. A relationship with God, a true King is no different. He gave us a choice to choose Royalty and be made whole, or to remain unfinished in constant pursuit of love (1 John 4:10, Romans 5:8). Only love from this King can ever satisfy the heart of a princess.
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8”
HAPPY FATHERS DAY DAD!
You’ll never know what our relationship means to me. Thank you for being my first date, setting a Godly standard, and ALWAYS ENCOURAGING ME! I love you.
Easy Recipe for Chicken ALA “KING”
1 pkg. frozen peas (10 oz.)
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. minced onions
1/4 c. minced garlic
Dash of red pepper flakes
1/4 c. all purpose flour
1 c. chicken broth
1 c. milk or light cream
2 c. cooked diced chicken
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
Cook peas, drain and set aside. Place butter, onion, garlic and red pepper flakes in a 3 quart glass casserole dish. Cover and microwave 2-3 minutes or until tender. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually stir in chicken broth and milk. Microwave 3-7 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. Add peas and remaining ingredients. Cover and microwave 5-7 minutes or until bubbly. Stir once during cooking. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serve over rice or egg noodles.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Update & Article
In trying to better understand the blogging world, I have been taking a break to learn and collect information on how to improve my writing and blogging efforts. I am thinking about starting over in a sense, and I am also looking at the benefits of wordpress in comparison to blogger. I know God has put something on my heart, I want to be accurate, effective, and faithful with how I share it. Until I get this together, I may be on here only briefly. For anyone who reads this, please pray that I will hear Him and follow through. Thank you! Here is the last article I wrote for a local column. Hope it blesses you!
Do you remember that childhood game, Mother May I? One lucky individual got to be the caller, ‘Mother’, and keeper of the privileged porch position, while all of the other kids asked from the sidewalk for precious steps to come near to her. They’d inquire, “Mother, may I take three steps forward?” ‘Mother’ could say yes or no, or instruct to take one bunny hop forward or three baby steps back. There were all sorts of steps: giant steps, umbrella steps, baby steps, and I recently read that there were Cinderella steps too! Only ‘Mother’ determined everyone’s steps, picked who was next to gain that favored position, and directed at what pace they would attain it.
In a sense, this game is very much like childhood. Depending on the parenting, moms greatly influence how their children will develop in life. Many never know the influence of an actual birth mom but experience childhood with foster/adopted parents. Some never enjoy a ‘mom’ at all. Yet, everyone, no matter how they were parented, has someone influence their childhood and ultimately play a role in how they now live their adult life. Not every mom is a June Cleaver clone. ‘Mom’ could be the elderly neighbor lady that showed you how to sew and cook. ‘Mom’ could be the loving lady at church that followed you as you grew, offering words of wisdom whenever the opportunity was present. ‘Mom’ could be the teacher/coach that invested quality time, effort, and sacrifice to see you succeed. ‘Mom’ could be the grandma that took over. ‘Mom’ could be Dad! ‘Moms’ are those that gently and lovingly came along side of you to help you through life as a child, adolescent and an adult. They were there even when you were not obedient, lovable, or receptive. Think of the ‘Mom’ in your life… now wait, that thought right there, the one that just warmed your heart- what did your ‘Mom’ do that let you know you were genuinely thought about and loved?
I have to tell you about my mom…
Mother?
May I keep toys to myself, never offering to share?
NO you may not, you better not dare!
May I steal this candy, and pay for it another day?
NO you may not, and your monthly allowance just went away!
May I call my brother names, he called me something bad.
NO you may not, get in that room, I’m getting your dad!
Mother?
May I wear a short skirt and shirt too tight?
No you may not, unless you want a fight!
May I drive with my friends and stay out late?
NO you may not, and you’ll wait ‘til 40 to date.
May I skip school and try a cigarette?
NO you may not, and I’ll teach you a lesson you’ll never forget.
Mother?
May I change my major or quit for a while?
NO you may not, this is just a test, a perseverance trial.
May I call off work for no reason at all?
NO you may not; it’s a measure of character, but at this point it’s your call.
May I fight with my husband and just leave when I’m mad?
NO you may not; we believe in commitment, though I’m sorry you’re sad.
MOM
May I tell you thank you for all your selfless guidance and love?
Your determination to see me make it is a gift from God above.
May I close with my indebtedness for your life of sacrifice?
You offer me all you are, and for that there is no price.
I truly do not have enough space in this paper to write all that I thank the Lord for when it comes to my mom. He picked her as the one to give birth and raise me, on Sept 16, 1982- and I am so very humbled and thankful that He did.
He could have picked someone that would have abused or abandoned me. He could have picked a teenage girl, who was unwed and claimed virginity, while she displayed a big ol’ baby bump, only able to give birth in an area that housed smelly animals… wait, He reserved that kind of girl to deliver Him… God in flesh, Savior of mankind, and Creator. Could you imagine being a mom like Mary? She birthed the One who created her! Kind of crazy if you think about it. Mary accepted the responsibility of being a mom who would never have final authority over her Son. She would never be able to stop Him once He decided to leave. She would have to suffer immense ridicule from those who thought her Son was weird, crazy, and unstable. Sadly, she would have to painfully watch her Son go through a horrific death and ultimately she would have to trust her own Son to be the Savior of her own life. Mary probably never heard, ‘Mother May I’?
Unfortunately, kids can be unruly and moms can disappoint- Thankfully, there is One who promises that NO MATTER WHAT, when we trust Him, He will always love, protect, comfort and provide more than any earthly mom can. Psalm 68:5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God... (Great verses- Psalm 27:10, Job 29:12)
May 8th is Mothers Day.
Let the ‘Mother(s)’ of influence in your life know that they are
appreciated, respected, and loved.
“My Mom Hall of Fame”
Angie Gangale- Compassionate and Giving Grandmother of my husband (and me). Loyal and Loving Mother of two. Always teaching me so much.
Philomena Valley- Selfless and Dedicated Mother of four boys, including my husband (God Bless Her), and always Wonderful to me.
Marcella Butkovic (Late) – Tender and Kindhearted Grandmother of mine. Patient and devoted Mother of six. Taught me much about stick-to-itiveness.
Josie Graceffo- Encouraging and Nurturing Grandmother of mine. Compassionate and enduring Mother of four. (Gram- You will never know how thankful I am for all you do/done for me and our family).
Nancy Butkovic- Amazingly understanding, unselfish and generous Mother of two. I Love You Very Much Mom! I hope you like the poem. Happy Mother’s Day!
Mother ‘May’ I?
Do you remember that childhood game, Mother May I? One lucky individual got to be the caller, ‘Mother’, and keeper of the privileged porch position, while all of the other kids asked from the sidewalk for precious steps to come near to her. They’d inquire, “Mother, may I take three steps forward?” ‘Mother’ could say yes or no, or instruct to take one bunny hop forward or three baby steps back. There were all sorts of steps: giant steps, umbrella steps, baby steps, and I recently read that there were Cinderella steps too! Only ‘Mother’ determined everyone’s steps, picked who was next to gain that favored position, and directed at what pace they would attain it.
In a sense, this game is very much like childhood. Depending on the parenting, moms greatly influence how their children will develop in life. Many never know the influence of an actual birth mom but experience childhood with foster/adopted parents. Some never enjoy a ‘mom’ at all. Yet, everyone, no matter how they were parented, has someone influence their childhood and ultimately play a role in how they now live their adult life. Not every mom is a June Cleaver clone. ‘Mom’ could be the elderly neighbor lady that showed you how to sew and cook. ‘Mom’ could be the loving lady at church that followed you as you grew, offering words of wisdom whenever the opportunity was present. ‘Mom’ could be the teacher/coach that invested quality time, effort, and sacrifice to see you succeed. ‘Mom’ could be the grandma that took over. ‘Mom’ could be Dad! ‘Moms’ are those that gently and lovingly came along side of you to help you through life as a child, adolescent and an adult. They were there even when you were not obedient, lovable, or receptive. Think of the ‘Mom’ in your life… now wait, that thought right there, the one that just warmed your heart- what did your ‘Mom’ do that let you know you were genuinely thought about and loved?
I have to tell you about my mom…
Mother?
May I keep toys to myself, never offering to share?
NO you may not, you better not dare!
May I steal this candy, and pay for it another day?
NO you may not, and your monthly allowance just went away!
May I call my brother names, he called me something bad.
NO you may not, get in that room, I’m getting your dad!
Mother?
May I wear a short skirt and shirt too tight?
No you may not, unless you want a fight!
May I drive with my friends and stay out late?
NO you may not, and you’ll wait ‘til 40 to date.
May I skip school and try a cigarette?
NO you may not, and I’ll teach you a lesson you’ll never forget.
Mother?
May I change my major or quit for a while?
NO you may not, this is just a test, a perseverance trial.
May I call off work for no reason at all?
NO you may not; it’s a measure of character, but at this point it’s your call.
May I fight with my husband and just leave when I’m mad?
NO you may not; we believe in commitment, though I’m sorry you’re sad.
MOM
May I tell you thank you for all your selfless guidance and love?
Your determination to see me make it is a gift from God above.
May I close with my indebtedness for your life of sacrifice?
You offer me all you are, and for that there is no price.
I truly do not have enough space in this paper to write all that I thank the Lord for when it comes to my mom. He picked her as the one to give birth and raise me, on Sept 16, 1982- and I am so very humbled and thankful that He did.
He could have picked someone that would have abused or abandoned me. He could have picked a teenage girl, who was unwed and claimed virginity, while she displayed a big ol’ baby bump, only able to give birth in an area that housed smelly animals… wait, He reserved that kind of girl to deliver Him… God in flesh, Savior of mankind, and Creator. Could you imagine being a mom like Mary? She birthed the One who created her! Kind of crazy if you think about it. Mary accepted the responsibility of being a mom who would never have final authority over her Son. She would never be able to stop Him once He decided to leave. She would have to suffer immense ridicule from those who thought her Son was weird, crazy, and unstable. Sadly, she would have to painfully watch her Son go through a horrific death and ultimately she would have to trust her own Son to be the Savior of her own life. Mary probably never heard, ‘Mother May I’?
Unfortunately, kids can be unruly and moms can disappoint- Thankfully, there is One who promises that NO MATTER WHAT, when we trust Him, He will always love, protect, comfort and provide more than any earthly mom can. Psalm 68:5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God... (Great verses- Psalm 27:10, Job 29:12)
May 8th is Mothers Day.
Let the ‘Mother(s)’ of influence in your life know that they are
appreciated, respected, and loved.
“My Mom Hall of Fame”
Angie Gangale- Compassionate and Giving Grandmother of my husband (and me). Loyal and Loving Mother of two. Always teaching me so much.
Philomena Valley- Selfless and Dedicated Mother of four boys, including my husband (God Bless Her), and always Wonderful to me.
Marcella Butkovic (Late) – Tender and Kindhearted Grandmother of mine. Patient and devoted Mother of six. Taught me much about stick-to-itiveness.
Josie Graceffo- Encouraging and Nurturing Grandmother of mine. Compassionate and enduring Mother of four. (Gram- You will never know how thankful I am for all you do/done for me and our family).
Nancy Butkovic- Amazingly understanding, unselfish and generous Mother of two. I Love You Very Much Mom! I hope you like the poem. Happy Mother’s Day!
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