Tag Archive | Friends

Two Wrongs Don’t Make It Right

Have you been wronged? Someone hurt you so deeply that you feel you will never be able to forgive?

No matter what has been done to you or how you have been treated allowing God to avenge those wrongs can provide so much freedom. Think about it…by taking matters in your own hands to avenge the wrong which has been done against you then you are no better than the person who hurt you.

I am sure you have heard the saying…

“Two Wrongs Don’t Make It Right”

May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. 1 Samuel 24:12

To harbor ill feelings, want to do harm, or speak negatively about the person who has hurt you is counter productive to healing and wholeness…Your healing and wholeness!

Really, do you think they are affected??? Absolutely not!!! They will not lay awake at night replaying the hurtful words or deed, they will not have a knot in the pit of their stomach, and they most likely will not even consider apologizing…

They most often believe they are right and may not even realize how their words or deeds have affected you.

Let go…Let go…LET GO and LET GOD!!!

Love Lee ♥

Hoop Hoop Hurray She Made It!

Jan23

New to basketball with approximately three hours of practice under her belt, Cheyenne gets a chance to score…

Cheyenne #22 does an outstanding job at defense but also does a great job at offense in this game. In-fact she received an award for outstanding offense.

Way to Go Cheyenne!!!

It is so fun to watch not only my only granddaughter celebrate her successes, it is also fun to watch my kiddo enjoy being a Mommy… which is Brandi’s greatest joy!!! I so grateful Brandi ensures Cheyenne is involved in positive and uplifting activities while maintaining a healthy balance…

God, Family, Friends and Activities

Hoop Hoop Hurray…

Love Lee ♥

Happy Birthday Baby!

Jan11

Whoop Whoop….Today Richard Dallas Smith turns 52 years old.

Who’s the perfect husband?

It’s your gentleness and caring
And the happiness you give
A heart full of warmth and kindness
And the thoughtful way you live
Who makes a husband special
Is created at the start
The most important thing of all
The love that’s in your heart

Who’s the perfect husband?

YOU ARE!!
Happy Birthday Babe

Love Lee ♥

Gotta Get It Right

Dec28

No one can be wrong with man and right with God…

Profound statement and so true! Man is God’s greatest and most complex creation. We are the sparkle of His eye. But…God does not like it when His kids don’t get along. In fact so much so He commands we love one another and in so doing we fulfill the law of Christ.

By no means am I saying I have arrived! In fact at times it is just the opposite!!! As I grow in this area I become keenly aware those difficult personalities placed in our path are to either distract us or define us.

The Distraction…is satan’s way of removing our focus from God and placing it on people. Our focus becomes selfish and we focus on the negative traits of people rather than honing in on their beautiful attributes God has blessed them with. When we become focused on the negative our attention is drawn away from the Lord and viola…satan’s mission is accomplished.

The Definition…God does not allow failure and He expects us to rise above the temptation of being mean and hurtful to others. It is when we focus on the positive and beautiful attributes of others we are able to see God more clearly and we are drawn into His presence.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 1 John 4:11

O Lord, I know that You are aware and care about each person I will face today. Please let others see Jesus in me and allow me to extend Your love as commanded.

Love Lee♥

The Smith’s Christmas Newsletter 2010

Dec22

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

From Richard and Lee Ann…2010

Each Year we start the Annual Newsletter with “Wow, we can’t believe another year has gone by” and 2010 is not without exception. It has gone by so quickly which enforces the old saying “Time flies when you’re having fun.”

It has been a tradition of ours to mail out a newsletter annually with our Christmas cards. I am so excited to be able to share electronically this year.

While we have had lots of fun we have also worked very hard over this past year. At the beginning of the year Richard worked as a technical writer and educator providing training at a refinery in Saudi Arabia. In October, he made the decision to go back into production so he is now working for BASF and is happier than I have seen him in years! I continue to work for Angleton Danbury Medical Center as the Director of the Revenue Management Department and find my job very fulfilling and am continually challenged by the ever-changing Medicare rules and regulations as well as the changes in commercial contracts.

Our jobs afford us the ability to play. We love to take frequent trips on our Harley motorcycle. This year we have taken several rides which were well over 500 miles each. It is amazing the unobstructed view I have from the back of the bike. When I hear “ride” I pack my fanny pack with the essentials like iPod, Cell Phone, Camera, Lipstick, and chewing gum and we are off…in pursuit of making a memory.

We also like to retreat in our motor home to local parks for uninterrupted R&R. We spent Valentines Day at Brackenridge RV Park in Edna, TX. Then, the entire month of August at Quintana Beach County Park in Freeport, TX my favorite…

Our family has celebrated several events together this year. The most important being the baptism of our granddaughter, Cheyenne. Her baptism was even more special because Richard had the privilege of baptizing her.

Then on Memorial Day Weekend, “The Annual Smith Family Reunion”…as always it was a huge success and we made lots of wonderful memories!

On 10/10/10 I celebrated my 50^th birthday and my family did a phenomenal job of surprising me with the fanciest Tea Party ever!

Every gathering with our family is a special occasion and we have occasion to gather often.

May Our Father Pour Out His Richest Blessings on You & Yours This Holiday Season!

Love,

Richard and Lee

I Love It When She Laughs

Dec6

On Saturday, I took a road trip to Houston with my daughter and friend for a little shopping on Harwin Street. At one point Brandi realized she had made a wrong turn. She saw a break in the traffic and did a very quick u-turn in the middle of the road. It wasn’t until I was able to upright myself from the other side of the car, did I realize what had happened. When my head popped up Brandi burst into laughter saying my eyes were as big as saucers and the look of shock on my face was priceless. It was all worth it to hear my daughter belly laugh herself into tears.

I was reminded of this when I read my Bible this morning. the scripture was…

A cheerful heart is good like a medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

A cheerful person laughs often. In fact you will seldom find a cheerful person who walks around like they have been sucking on lemons. I love surrounding myself with happy people…

Victor Borge, the comic classical pianist, once said, “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” But laughter does more than help us bond. It’s been shown to have a positive effect on physical and mental health. Laughter is a cardiac workout, causing a reduction in blood pressure and blood sugar, and brings six times more oxygen to the brain. Laughter is affordable, it energizes and is undeniably enjoyable.

Laughter stimulates the release of endorphins which results in:

Pain Reduction
Stress Reduction
Anti-Depressant
Enhances Your Immunity
Cardiovascular Workout

Laughter is a part of the full range of positive emotions including hope, love, faith, strong will to live, and determination and purpose…

Have you had your daily dose of laughter today?

Click here for a free laugh

Love Lee ♥

A Precious Package

Dec1

Last year the Christmas tree I had used for years bit the dust. It had been a great tree for many years bringing lots of smiles to our family. My precious friend read I would be throwing it out after using it for over 20 years. She immediately contacted me though Facebook to notify me I would be receiving a new tree after Christmas. Sure enough the week after Christmas my dear friend Rose Riggs appears on my door step with a huge box. My new Christmas tree had arrived!!!

This year I could hardly wait to put my tree up to see what it looked like. I was amazed at how easy the tree went up!!! Fold, fluff, and plug in…how easy is that? Trees sure have come a long way since the purchase of my last one! As is a tradition in our home the tree was decorated with stuffed animals, baby dolls, and ornaments made either made or gifted to me by family and friends.

As soon as the tree was up, pictures were posted on Facebook. Rose commented on how beautiful it was and would like to bring he brand new baby boy William to have his picture made in front of the tree. I was so touched she wanted to shoot pictures in front of my tree!

Last night William came to visit his Aunt Lee Lee…His mommy brings him in tucked into his carrier. Needless to say my babies had never seen a carrier with a tiny human in it… The were intrigued to say the least but it only took a couple of minute for them to bond.

William is such a good baby! He allowed us to pose him in front of the tree and even seemed to enjoy being propped up against Maggie Mae. Last night I was reminded…Little ones are what make Christmas memories so very special. I so love my precious friend William and know God has big plans for this little one!

Rose, Thank you for sharing your precious package with me this Christmas!

Love Lee ♥

“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:37

To God Be The Glory

Nov25

Preparations for a day of food, family and fun are well underway. Thanksgiving Day with all its excitement is here! As I sit sipping my morning coffee in my favorite chair, I find myself pondering all I am thankful for in my life.

I am thankful for:

My mom for giving birth to me and loving me even when I am not loveable.
My Grandparents for loving me rotten (Our Nanny Miller)
My Sisters and Brother for looking up to me as their big sister
My precious husband for wrapping his loving arms around me and saying I do…and still does
My daughters Tori and Brandi who I adore and cherish with all my heart
My Grandchildren Cheyenne, Mike, and Brandon who rock my world
My precious friends for loving me in spite of my warts
All who are willing put aside their own lives to fight for our freedom

Above all other, I am so incredibly thankful for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit…without them my being would be void of life!

Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. Psalms 95:2 which is what Andrae Crouch has done in the song “To God Be The Glory”

To God Be The Glory

How Can I Say Thanks
for The Things You Have Done For Me
things So Undeserved
yet You Give To Prove Your Love For Me
the Voices Of A Million Angels
cannot Express My Gratitude
all That I Am Or Ever Hope To Be
I Owe It All To Thee

(Chorus)
to God Be The Glory
to God Be The Glory
to God Be The Glory
for The Things He Has Done
with His Blood, He Has Saved Me
by His Power, He Has Raised Me.
to God Be The Glory
for The Things He Has Done

(Bridge)
just Let Me Live My Life
and Let It Be Pleasing, Lord To Thee
and Should I Gain Any Praise,
let It Go To Calvary.

with His Blood, He Has Saved Me
by His Power, He Has Raised Me.
to God Be The Glory
for The Things He Has Done.

While you are thankful…Have you given Him the Glory?

Love Lee ♥

Walking With a Friend

Nov13

There is nothing more relaxing than a casual stroll with a close friend. To be surrounded by nature while engaged in conversation with a friend is a combination you just can’t beat!

Over the years I have walked along side many friends but there is one friend I cherish above all others. He listens intently, speaks gently, and cares tremendously! He does not pass judgement on me but listens and offers alternate solutions to my problems. He walks at a pace I can tolerate without pushing me.

My friend has been there for me through all of my life’s ups and downs. He celebrates with me when I am happy, cries with me when I am sad, and comforts me when I hurt. He says He will never leave me or forsake me! Through thick and thin he is right there.

His name is Jesus…

I do not take a step without Him!

I am reminded of the song below. I can’t imagine taking a step without Jesus! I no longer live in fear…If I step wrong He is there to catch me and set me up right.

Every Step I Take

Na na na na na na na
Na na na na na na na
Na na na na na na na
Na na na na na na na

Every move I make I make in you
You make me move, Jesus
Every breath I take I breathe in you
Every step I take I take in you
You are my way, Jesus
Every breath I take I breathe in you
Singin’

(chorus)

Every move I make I make in you
You make me move, Jesus
Every breath I take I breathe in you
Every step I take I take in you
You are my way, Jesus
Every breath I take I breathe in you

Waves of mercy waves of grace
Everywhere I look I see your face
Your love has captured me
Oh my God this love how can it be
Singin’

(chorus)

Every move I make I make in you
You make me move, Jesus
Every breath I take I breathe in you
Every step I take I take in you
You are my way, Jesus
Every breath I take I breathe in you

Waves of mercy waves of grace
Everywhere I look I see your face
Your love has captured me
Oh my God this love how can it be
Singin’

(chorus)

Today is a Great Day to Take a Walk With A Friend!

Love Lee ♥

WoooHooo…Claiming My Inheritance

Oct26

My grandfather was a pharmacist and my grandmother was a registered nurse. As a young child I always knew my grandparents had a lot of money. They owned most of Clute, TX , owned 2 drug stores, had a second home in Tennessee, and drove nice cars. I also knew one of these days my Dad and Uncle would inherit it all and felt I would receive a portion later in life….NOT!!!

Both my Dad and my Uncle who were born with silver spoons in their mouth did not gain the business knowledge from their parents so they both quickly spent their inheritance. It didn’t take long to realize there was nothing left and all my Grandparents worked so hard for was gone and I would not have an inheritance…

NOT…I got my inheritance and It IS BEYOND MY WILDEST IMAGINATION!!!

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father”. So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.” Galations 4:4-7

Do you get it…Because I am a born again Christian making Jesus the Lord of my life…I am a child of God!!!

God my Heavenly Father has put me in His divine will.

So, here is just a few things I have inherited so far…My salvation, joy unspeakable and full of Glory, peace that passes understanding, a beautiful family, wonderful friends, a comfortable home, my health, a strong will, creative imagination, non judgemental attitude, a loving heart, and a fun-loving spirit. Does He give it to me all at once?

NO… He knows I would not appreciate it all and could not comprehend it all. It would be overwhelming to me. He gives me a little at a time…so I am able to recognize what He has given me. In addition to what I am receiving on earth He also has an awesome inheritance for us in heaven. “…an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” I Peter 1:4

While it is a travesty all that my Grandparents worked for is gone, it has been an incredible lesson to me. Primarily I have learned, my inheritance comes only from God and earthly treasures can not be taken with us when we die…

So I ask you…