Am I the only in this relationship?

 One day this past week, there was a little "quiz" on Facebook. You posted a few questions as your status and your friends were supposed to fill in the blanks. It was a cute way to see who knows you best. One of the fill-in-the-blanks was "My best friend is............."

It was interesting. It got me to thinking about friends I've had over the years and I started wondering who were my friends and who were just being friendly. Ralph Waldo Emerson said "The way to have a friend is to be a friend." Well, I'm going to disagree. You can be the best friend in the world, but if the other person doesn't return your committment to the relationship or doesn't show the same compassion, then it is all one-sided; it is not a true friendship.

As you look back over your life at the friends that have come and gone, do you see any one-sided relationships? Were there times when you were the best friend you knew how to be only to realize that your "friend" was simply paying lip service to the true meaning of being a friend? Do you ever want to knock on their forehead and say "Helllloooo, are you in this relationship?"

I am a people person. I care about others and what they go through. Sometimes we can be hurt because the ones we care for don't seem to see the relationship the same way we do. I've given this some thought lately and decided I needed to redefine friends. I've heard people acknowledge others with terms such as my friend, an acquaintance, someone I work with, someone I've known for years, etc.

I have people in my life that I care deeply for and though I call them a friend, we don't share confidences. We don't do things together. We don't have a lot of common bonds, but I really enjoy their company. They are that middle of the road group that are not as close as a friend is, but they are closer than an acquaintance. I figure there needs to be a term to describe those people in our lives. I'm going to start calling them my Friendlies. I love my friendlies but we just don't share a deep relationship like you do with your true friends or that relationship is often one-sided.

We are doing a Ladies Bible Study at church on the study of King David. In this past weeks lesson, there was a verse that just jumped right out at me. I Samuel 18:1 says ....that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

What a wonderful way to explain true friendship. "Knit with the soul". I just loved that phrase and it went along with my thoughts on friendship this past week. The online dictionary defines the word knit as an intertwining; to join closely; unite securely. A simple beautiful way to define true friendship.

May all your friendships be knit from the soul. Have a blessed week.
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Odds and ends...

Yesterday was girls day out. I spent the day with my daughter and my two granddaughters. We had a nice shopping day in Knoxville. Picked up a new top for just $6.00. Found some new gold hoop earrings in the costume jewelry. Six new pairs for just $5. I am the queen of nail polish. At one time I had over 70 assorted colors. I found a new one yesterday that I just had to try. Sally Hansen Color Quick. The color is Fuchsia Chrome. It's a tube. You push the button on the end and polish drop on the brush and you brush it on. Dry time...about 60 seconds. I'm in love. (Yes, those are my chubby little fingers.)

Picked up this cute little kitten for $1.00

All in all had a great day.

Spring cleaning....

Song of Solomon 2:11-12 (King James Version)

For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;

Spring. A time of rebirth. A time for spring cleaning, chasing away the cobwebs that winter has clouded our minds with. A time to make all things new. Let go of the hurts, the pains, the bitterness that a long winter can bring. Rejoice in God's love and blessings. Find time for family and friends. Remember the good and dismiss the bad. God blesses us in so many ways, yet we seem to focus on the irritating things that happen to us instead of the blessings.

Clear your focus. The dark of winter allows us too much time to brood, to think, to ponder. As spring arrives we should move into the light that is our life. We all have situations in our lives that hinder us and keep us down. Now is a good time to put those situations away. What is that saying "Don't sweat the small stuff?" This is so true. My friends are constantly discussing confrontations and people who try to get them down. My advice is always the same. Don't let them steal your joy. Don't spend so much time focusing on the ones who bring you down. Avoid them as much as possible and live the life God wants YOU to live, not the one they want you to. We do not have to let others choices and situations effect our decision to live a joyful and delightful life with the Lord. I have always lived by one philosophy. Distance yourself from the downers. It is a well-known physcological fact that we become like those we spend the most time with. If you are constantly in the company of depressing, angry people, that is how your demeanor will become. Surround yourself with joy and love and you will grow as an individual.

So clean the cobwebs out of your mind and dedicate your life to serving the Lord, in finding the rebirth that spring always brings. Give your destiny to Him to worry about and just spend the spring enjoying the wonder of YOU!

http://fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/

1. Have you ever forgotten your child in a store or at school?


Does it count if your child was in her 20's when you forgot her? My mom was visiting and we went to Walmart with my daughter. Me and Mom got in the car while my daughter walked back up the parking lot to take the buggy back. I just started the car and backed out to go home. When I put it in drive, I happened to look in the rearview mirror and saw my daughter walking toward us. I must have been on automatic pilot to just back out.
2. Where did you go on your very first date? (Like...first first, not first with your spouse or current significant other!)

My very first official date, I went to see Big Jake at the East Drive Inn in Barboursville, WV. He had Mustang Fastback.

3. What's your "silly" fear? (We're not talking water and heights.)

Airplanes. I'm afraid if I get in one it will go up and not be able to come back down. Stupid, I know, but a fear none the less.

4. Confrontation: do you cause it, deal with is as it comes, or run far far away?

Since I cannot abide by backstabbing or dishonesty and I don't like hurt feelings, I think you should bring things out in the open, clear the slate and get back on track. It doesn't have to be done in a confrontational way, but you do need to clear the air so it doesn't fester.

5. Wood floors or carpet?

I have had both many times and I absolutely love carpet.

Friday Favorites....

Today, I'm liking..............

Thoughts of Spring {Blog Party} is ON!

 How would people describe your personality? (If they could only use ONE word.) Are they right?

Enthusiastic. Yes, very right. I have people tell me all the time they wish they had my energy and enthusiasm for life. (hope that doesn't sound like bragging, but I get that a lot)

What celebrity/celebrities would create a “Star-Struck” feeling if you saw them in real life?

That one is easy. I would freak out if I ever got to meet Alex O'loughlin (Steve McGarrett) from Hawaii Five-O. Love that show! He should be People's next Sexiest Man (as far as celebrities go)



Who is your favorite blogger? Why?

Deb at www.jeremiah-2911.com because her posts are very spiritual and uplifting. She also shares recipes, grandchildren stories, and crafts.

What is your comfort food/drink?

Pizza Hut pizza and an ice cold Pepsi



Be brave – tell us something very random and weird about yourself.

I can't believe I'm going to admit this, but I am a little OCD on some things, like I have to put the glasses in the cabinet with the tall ones on the outside and the little ones in the middle (guess I think they need protection). I play rummy the same way...high cards on outside of the hand and small numbers in the middle. Strange.

Do you have a strong desire to do something you’ve never done? What is it?

Ice Skate. I can't roller skate and even have trouble walking on flat land without tripping so I've been too afraid to try. Problem is, I would want to skate like Dorothy Hamill first time out. Ain't a gonna happen.



Movies: Action, Drama, Romantic Comedy, Documentary, Comedy? What are your favorite genres?

I love romance and comedy (as long as it is not stupid comedy like Airplane). Once in a blue moon I can watch a drama if it is really good, like We are Marshall. But mostly stick with romance or romantic comedy.



Books: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Romance, Biographies, True Stories, Self-Help, Devotional/Study? What are your favorite types of reading material?

I read a lot. Usually 3 - 5 books per month. I love romance and suspense romance. Mostly Barbara Delinsky, Debbie Macomber, Nora Roberts, Susan Wiggs, Robyn Carr, Sandra Brown or Katherine Stone. I do like John Grisham books like The Firm, The Runaway Jury. I also love Christian books by Beth Moore and Max Lucado.



Music: Funk, Rock, Country, Jazz, Classical, Film Score, Blues, Classic Rock, Crooner, Alternative, Heavy Metal, Techno? What are your favorite types?

I love music. Mostly Southern Gospel and some of the new gospel groups. I am a die hard country music fan. But also like some older groups...Bob Seger, Bon Jovi, Bee Gees, CCR, Lynrd Skynrd.

If you inherited a million dollars, what is the first thing you would do with your money?

Make a donation to the church, pay off my bills, buy a new Lincoln and my mom a new house.




Name one weakness of yours (confession is good for the soul).

Chocolate. No doubt about it. Especially Junior Mints. I have to have my daily fix...several times a day.




If you could live anywhere at all (and take all your loved ones with you), where would you go?

Right here. I love my mountains. I would like a second home at the beach, but I would stay right here. I love to vacation but have no desire to ever leave here.



Strange Talent? Can you juggle basketballs, put your legs behind your head or perform some other strange feat?

Well, my biggest talent that is strange is that I do a perfect cartwheel. Which isn't a big deal unless you consider I am a 54 year old grandmother of 5 and can STILL do a cartwheel. I just don't do them very often for fear of brittle bones.


What’s something you consider yourself to be good at? (Don’t worry, it’s not bragging, it’s acknowledging a God given gift).

Extremely hard to answer because I'm a pretty confident person but still feel like it's bragging. I guess I'm very good at organizing events for one thing and being the first to volunteer for things. I never think of my God given gifts as things I'm good at. They are just me. A part of who I am and what I do.

What is one of your favorite things to catch a whiff of?

Didn't even have to think about this one. Honeysuckle. Love it. We had a huge honeysuckle bush growing up and Daddy would cut it down and it would come right back. I would also go pick some to put in a vase in my room so I could smell it.



When you leave a social gathering, do you wish: You would have talked more or You would have talked less?

Have to laugh at this one. I have the gift of gab and I just love to talk. Doesn't matter how much or how little. I can sit beside a stranger on a mall bench and know his or her history in 5 minutes...without even trying. People just gravitate toward me. I think I have a sign on my forehead that says "I talk to strangers." I was on a trip last week and was fixing cereal at the complementary breakfast bar in the hotel when an elderly gentleman walks up and starts telling me a story about a big storm, a wet truck seat and his dead wife. I was like "What?" Not sure where that all came from but he was a sweetie and it was a cute memory for him...so I talked to him.

If money wasn’t a factor, what stores would you shop in?

Macy's and Sax Fifth Avenue. Just for the simple fact that I love their stuff but it is a little pricey for my budget. I'm not a Rodeo Drive type person. I did buy a pair of socks at Sax one time just to say I had went there. LOL. But let me say, I would also continue to shop for some things at Target and Walmart since I love their stuff. It's not about what you pay for it, it's about finding what you like.

What is your greatest fear or strange phobia?

My strangest fear or phobia is flying in an airplane. I have recurring dreams where I am on a plane and it gets stuck in the climbing gear and we end up in outer space. I watched Space Camp one too many times when my kids were little. :)



What is your greatest accomplishment?

An easy one...my twins. I have a boy and girl who are 33 and are my pride and joy. Raising children in today's society is not easy and I am proud of the adults they have become.



What are your favorite animals?

Cats, beagles and horses (though I don't ride. Just think they are beautiful)




Are you a hopeless romantic?

100%. Absolutely. Without a shadow of a doubt. My hubby is too which has made for 30 years of romantic surprises and a wonderful marriage.




What movie or book character can you most relate to?

Again, laughing at this one because it was an easy one. My friends can answer this one immediately. Pollyanna. The Disney movie about the little girl (Hayley Mills) who was always finding the good in everything. That is SOOOO me.

What's for supper?

My husband is one of the best cooks I know. He loves it and he is very good at it. He would fix me anything, anytime. All I have to do is tell him what I want. Ah...therein lies the problem.

Me: What's for supper?

Hubby: What ever you want?

Me: What have we got?

Hubby: I could make some spaghetti.

Me: Mmmm. Spaghetti sounds good. Let's have that

Now at that point, I consider the decision made and the conversation closed. But he loves to continue giving me choices....

Hubby: Or we've got some leftover mashed potatoes. I could do potato cakes and chicken.

Me: No, the spaghetti sounds good.

Hubby: I could fry some potatoes and we could have baked beans and wieners and fried potatoes.

Me: No, the spaghetti sounds good.

Hubby: Don't forget you bought biscuits and bacon yesterday. We could have breakfast for supper.

Me: No, spagh......wait a minute. Would you make gravy?

Hubby: Yes, if you that's what you want.

Okay, now. Back up the truck. Have I not been saying all along "Spaghetti" sounds good? So spaghetti was apparently what I wanted so why do we always continue to have the conversation about what to have. It just makes me more indecisive. After 30 years of marriage, he should know not to give me too many choices. I finally decided on the spaghetti. It was delicious and the right decision.