Tag Archive | Lee Ann Smith

Just Like That We’re Home

Wow…who would have thought a phone call could create such a drastic change in our life?

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In September 2011 we made the decision to sell our home so we listed our place and within 30 days…It was sold! We packed up all our belongings and moved the necessities into our motor home and everything else into storage…We were going to build a house!!!

We got busy… got a survey, found our builder, created the plans, took the plans to the architect, got pre-approved for financing, and ordered an appraisal. During all this Richard was out and about driving around (waiting for me to get off work) when he ended up in a neighborhood several of our friends either currently live in or use to live in. As he was driving past one of our favorite houses he noticed a “For Sale” sign in the front yard but it also had on it “Contract Pending”. As he drove past the house the owner was in the front yard and stopped Richard to see if he needed help finding someon…Richard said “No, I was driving around waiting for wife to get off work.” Then Richard told the owner of the house we had friends that once lived in his house and that our children play there when they were little girls. He also shared with the owner how much we loved his home and inquired if the contract on the house was solid. The owner said it didn’t look like the financing was going to go thru. So, Richard left his name and phone number with the owner and said, “call me if the contract falls thru, we really love this house and would be interested in taking a look at it”.

We continued moving forward with plans to build. We met with the lender and they were making preparations to get the appraisal on our house plans. The day after meeting with the lender I arrived at work to find a voice mail on my phone. It went something like this…

Lee Ann, this is Carol. I understand you and Richard are interested in our old place. The funding did not go through and the contract expires today. If you are interested in the place, I need to know today.

Wow…my head was spinning! What to do…What to do.

First person I called was my daughter Brandi and talked to her since our plans were to build on their ranch. She said, “Mom, you have always loved that house…Go For It”. Then, I called Richard and asked him if he was interested in looking at it. His response was, “I will meet you there at lunch”.

So, for lunch on Thursday I met my Daughter, Granddaughter and husband and we viewed the house and signed a contract. In the contract we requested to keep the fridge, washer and dryer, along with all the curtains and…lease the house until it closed. The sellers agreed to the terms and just like that…We had a contract!

On Friday, I called the lender and asked if the house plans had been faxed to the appraiser’s office. She said, “no, they are laying on my desk in front of me to be sent”. I asked her to switch gears because we were going to purchase a home.

Exactly one week later, the movers delivered our furniture to the house. Our things were set up, boxes unpacked, and the house was decorated…

JUST LIKE THAT WE’RE HOME!!!

We so enjoy our new place! The house is perfect for our lifestyle with plenty of room to entertain. Open concept, lots of windows, 3 acres, a pool with cabana, and a workout room off the 3 car garage. I am now 10 minutes from my job and 5 minutes from local shops and grocery store.

Today, I am right where God wants me. He opened the door, provided the path, and cleared the way. EVERYTHING fell right into place and…

JUST LIKE THAT WE’RE HOME!!!

Love Lee ♥

Who Defines Your Standards?

Feb12

One of my favorite things to do is have coffee in the morning on the patio. This morning I decided to catch up on my reading. My most favorite thing to read other than the Bible is magazines…

While reading the November (oooh I am sooo behind) issue of “All You” I came across this little blurb.

WOW…THAT IS PROFOUND and confirms what I have always known to be true!

When we expect excellence and produce tangible and accurate results then it becomes the standard. When one performs at a level less than that standard and it is acceptable then the standard is lowered sending out a message that substandard is now the new standard.

Additional things I have learned that go hand in hand with this is…

Not everyone is capable of performing at the same level: Everyone possesses different skill sets and not everyone can produce the results defined by the standard.
Not everyone understands the goal: When the goal is not well-defined then it is virtually impossible for anyone to reach that goal. We must be clear, concise, and understood when defining a goal.
Not everyone wants the same results: If everyone has their own agenda and the focus is meeting each individuals goals or agenda then the primary focus of team work is lost.
Not everyone cares: There are times when you find some just don’t care. They are there because they are expected to be.

So to better be able to get all players on the same page one must…

Determine the skill set when making assignments: Assign those with similar skill sets to work together and set the standard based on that groups skill set. This prevents dragging down others or lowering the overall standard.
Define the goal: What does it look like, feel like, taste like, and sound like, and what smell like??? What is it we want to accomplish?
Set the standard:Without a clear vision of what the standard is then one can by no means measure up.
Weed out those that don’t care: Unfortunately there will be times when someone lacks the motivation, drive, passion, or connectivity to even care and those are the people who must go as they stifle the creativity of reaching the standard and ultimately the goal.

Now I ask you…Who sets the standard for you? Is it your family, friends, co-workers, pastor, church, or boss?

NO!!!

Jesus sets the standard, assigns our assignments based on our skill set, He has already defined the goal, and unfortunately those who do not care enough to reach the goal of eternal life will be weeded out!

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

The Skill Set: While we may not all be able to perform at the same level…God knows and makes our assignments accordingly
The Goal: Eternal Life with Christ
The Standard: The Bible…It clearly defines the standard which we must live by as Christians
Weeding: Judgement… The weeding out will be done on judgement day when non-Christians will be cast away for eternity. Pardon the pun but they will be “FIRED”

Who tells you how to act, what to say, what to believe, or makes excuses for those that don’t??? Think about it…

Who Does God Say You ARE? and…Who DefinesYour Standards?

Love Lee ♥

Encourage Them

Feb8

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13

Everyone has the ability to provide positive encouragement, but to do so often requires us to step out of our world, take our minds off of ourselves and re-direct our thoughts towards others. Too little encouragement to others can lead one to believe you are self-centered and uncaring. Too much encouragement can be construed as pushy or obsessive.

To be a great encourager you should…

Keep an open mind and allow others to voice their opinions. Give them a chance to say what they think and feel.
Focus on the needs of others showing them you are on their side and have only the best intentions in mind.
Be spontaneous by giving encouragement for the things they do, their performance, or how they are in general and not just when they do something praiseworthy
Be honest when giving encouragement because chances are the other person can tell when you’re being fake.
Always find a way to flip a negative into encouragement. All encouragement is based on success…so, For example, instead of telling someone that what they did was completely wrong, tell them at least one or two things that they did right, then explain how it can be even better if they consider doing something else as well.
Offer to help. Suggest several ways that you might be of service, then ask if there is anything else that you can do. If the person turns down your request, let her know that you are there to help whenever possible. This lets the person know that she isn’t alone.

Encouragement should be…

1. Personal – Tell them personally how much you believe in them.
2. Pointed – Tell them specifically what you appreciate about them.
3. Public – Talk them up in front of others.
4. Purposeful – Have a goal that you are shooting for in their lives. Don’t make it meaningless.

How being an encourager effects you…

Your focus becomes positive rather than negative
Your thoughts are turned towards others rather than yourself
You become more aware of others efforts and hard work as well as their disappointments.
You are being obedient to God’s word

Lifting up others may not be second nature to you but with prayer and practice you can become an awesome source of encouragement to others…

Who do you know that needs a little encouraging today?

Encourage Them…

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 ♥

Whatcha Thinking About Cont…

Jan22

In a recent post Whatcha Thinking About I discussed the physical and psychological benefits of quieting the chatter from a spiritual perspective. This morning I received a link from my husband’s uncle which discusses the subject matter from a scientific perspective.

Because I am an Registered Nurse with a degree in science, I found the article fascinating so I am passing it forward.

Mindfulness meditation training changes brain structure in eight weeks

ScienceDaily (2011-01-21) — Participating in an 8-week mindfulness meditation program appears to make measurable changes in brain regions associated with memory, sense of self, empathy and stress. A new study is the first to document meditation-produced changes over time in the brain’s grey matter. … > read full article

Thanks Uncle Russell

Love Lee ♥

The People’s Choice Award

Jan20

It is my honor to introduce the most talented artists I know…My Brother

Daniel Kimbrough

Daniel Kimbrough is a self-taught artist and musician who is well-known for his affiliation with The world-renowned museum The Menil Collection. As a surrealist Mr.Kimbrough’s work was represented by The Menil Collection for 10 years making him the longest local artist in Houston represented by The Menil. He was named artist of the year by the collection in 2008. He currently resides in Houston,Texas where he cohabitates with his black cat Vladimer and his turantula Sircy.

I love what my sister wrote, “When I was a little girl, I’d sit beside him & as I’d watch him create things with his hands, I’d be thinking, “My brother is such an awesome artist, he’s going to be a famous designer”. Daniel Kimbrough is the epitome of creative art design. He IS a winner!” Cheryl Fairbank

Trish Bergerson writes, “WOW amazing…a true artist that is for sure”

Great talent deserves endless attention. This is his chance at $10,000 in grants, international publicity and a feature exhibition in Scope Art Show in NYC

“The People’s Choice Award”

Every Vote Counts to help Daniel obtain this coveted award.

I invite you join me in visiting this link daily to view and vote for Daniel’s art.

Click Here To Vote

To see more of Daniels art and even purchase a copy for yourself visit Daniel’s Website

Please Show A Little Support…

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Love Lee ♥

$2,000 cash grant

An online feature bringing international exposure

Be All You Can Be

Jan20

How many times have you heard…someone refer to another by their appearance?

She’s smoking hot
She has such a pretty face
Her hair is always perfect
He’s built
He’s got those bedroom eyes

You know…you’ve heard them all.

I know you have seen or been on a conference call where they put the picture of the person speaking up on the screen so everyone will have a face to go with the voice.

Today, I was face on the screen…I was the guest speaker delivering information to a group of salesmen.

The phone rang and the hotel manager on the other end of the line introduced himself and said, “I am going to patch you into the conference now”. I then heard a woman introducing me.

We immediately went into the subject matter and spoke to the group for about 15 minutes followed by a question answer session. Then to my surprise the audience applauded…

Oh My Gosh…I realized it was a conference room FULL of people…It was at that moment I realized putting my picture up on a screen in no way gave those people a clue who I was and I was reminded we are sooo much more than our appearance!

It is my voice, my knowledge, passion, enthusiasm, and excitement…Not just my appearance that defines me!

Now don’t get me wrong…anyone who knows me also knows I must be really ill if I have not applied my makeup or fixed my hair for the day. I am a firm believer in being the best me I can be at all times…

Do I do that for others?

NOPE! It is all for me…I love routine but I also love spontaneity so I kill two birds with one stone.

Routine: I have the same regimen every morning…
spontaneity: I’m always dressed and ready for any fun that might come my way!!!

While I may have been a face on the screen today…I am sooo much more. For that God gets all the glory cause He don’t make no junk!!!

My Father created me in His image…He loves me and is crazy for me!

Pssssst….

He feels the same for you!!!

My sweet friend…

Be All You Can Be…FOR HIM!!!

Love Lee ♥

Whatcha Thinking About

Jan19

My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart [shall be] of understanding. Psalms 49:3

Meditation…what exactly is meditation?

The dictionary defines it as “A devotional exercise of or leading to contemplation”.

The use of Meditation for healing is not new. Meditative techniques are the product of diverse cultures and people around the world. It has been rooted in the traditions of the world’s great religions. In fact, practically all religious groups practice meditation in one form or another. The value of Meditation to alleviate suffering and promote healing has been known and practiced for thousands of years.

The author of Holistic-online.com does a fabulous job of defining the benefits of meditation.

Physical Benefits

Deep rest-as measured by decreased metabolic rate, lower heart rate, and reduced work load of the heart.
Lowered levels of cortisol and lactate-two chemicals associated with stress.
Reduction of free radicals- unstable oxygen molecules that can cause tissue damage. They are now thought to be a major factor in aging and in many diseases.
Decreased high blood pressure.
Higher skin resistance. Low skin resistance is correlated with higher stress and anxiety levels.
Drop in cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is associated with cardiovascular disease.
Improved flow of air to the lungs resulting in easier breathing. This has been very helpful to asthma patients.
Younger biological age. On standard measures of aging, long-term Transcendental Meditation (TM) practitioners (more than five years) measured 12 years younger than their chronological age.
Higher levels of DHEAS in the elderly. An additional sign of youthfulness through Transcendental Meditation (TM); lower levels of DHEAS are associated with aging.

Psychological Benefits

Increased brain wave coherence. Harmony of brain wave activity in different parts of the brain is associated with greater creativity, improved moral reasoning, and higher IQ.
Decreased anxiety.
Decreased depression.
Decreased irritability and moodiness.
Improved learning ability and memory.
Increased self-actualization.
Increased feelings of vitality and rejuvenation.
Increased happiness.
Increased emotional stability.

In order to meditate it is essential to shut down the mental “chatter”. Turn off the inner critic, negative thinking and brain chaos and instead allow your mind to quiet and meditate or reflect on God, His mercy, grace, and love. Allow the world around you to disappear for a few moments and totally reflect on Him. Once your mind is stayed on Him the wisdom will flow…

Think about it…doesn’t junk and negativity flow from our mouths when our minds are not on God?

So if you’re not thinking about Him…

Whatcha thinking about?

Love Lee ♥

Why Am I Here?

Jan18

Have you ever wondered, Why am I here…Why am I here on this earth, in this place at this time?

Last Wednesday First Baptist Church Brazoria began learning the music for our annual Passion Play. While all of the music is awesome there was one song that has ministered to me and has answered the question “Why am I Here?”.

As I was driving to work one morning this week, a light bulb went off in my head and I became abundantly aware of why I am here.

I’m here to WORSHIP THE KING!!!

Worship:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:1-8

We are here in this moment for one reason only…It is to WORSHIP THE KING…

Worship The King

by BJ Davis

I bow in rev’rence in the courts of royal majesty. Honoring His presence, I’m here to worship the King. I’m here to worship the King. Blessing and honor and power be to Him alone. Holy, holy, holy, we join the angel’s song. Come, let us worship the Lord, and crown Him Lord of all. Come, let us worship the Lord, and crown Him Lord of all, Lord of all! We join the angel’s song. Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty. I’m here to worship the King. I’m here to worship the King.

Have You Worshiped the King Today?

Love Lee ♥

Cheyenne’s First Basketball Game

Jan15

Up bright and early today…we were headed out to see Cheyenne’s first basketball game. When we arrived she was already out on the court warming up and looked as though she had been playing ball for a good while when in-fact she had only had 2 practices before today’s game.

Upwards Basket ball is an awesome program. The kids not only learn about basketball but Biblical principles as well. The game was started with a word of prayer and during half time a devotion was delivered by the pastor of First Baptist Church of Lake Jackson. After the game the coaches met with the team and issued awards. Cheyenne received the Christlike award…Of all the awards that would be the one I would want!

After the game I so enjoyed watching Tori and Brandi play a game of tetherball…Brandi played her daddy and Michael too. Then Brandi proceeded to the teeter totter…Some kids just never grow up!

Makes a mom proud to see her kids and grandkids enjoying life!