AGAPE

I love this song and I wanted to share it with all of my good readers. I don’t know why this song has hit such a cord with me for the last two/three weeks. But close your eyes and listen to the words.

Click on the link below. And then when you get to the page the right side of the screen you should see a list of four

song. Click on Color Blind. Enjoy!!!

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I’m covered in skin no one gets to get in-Counting Crows(Color Blind)

#20. Exes.  All my exes live in Texas that’s why I hang my hat in Tennessee -I love that song. But I have learned so much from exes. Think about all your past relationships did you learn anything? I thank God for what I learned. I wouldn’t know what I wanted if I never dated. My sister once told me, “You will never fully appreciate a good relationship until you’ve gone through at least one bad relationship.” Amen…Sister!! I remember after my ex and I broke up and after I was able to talk to him; I told him thank you now I know what I don’t want in a relationship(he was taken back).  But it was true…I learned from him. I think sometimes instead of holding grudges you should go thank your exes…they did teach you something didn’t they???

#21. Money=Love- NO!!!…As I have previously written my ex was from the “country club” and I remember when we were going out all my friends would tell me, “just think if you married him you would never have to worry about money…ever” And they were right…I never would of . BUT…my response always was, “I would rather have someone that is poor and madly in love with me…then someone that is rich that just cared about me.” Money isn’t everything and no it didn’t bring love into the relationship. Yea…it was nice always being taken out and having jewelry bought….but it was NEVER what I wanted. I didn’t care about all the money he had…I liked him for him. BUT when someone from the club meets someone from the country it doesn’t always work. Money Money Money that’s all he cared about. Money can be gone and when it’s gone what will you have???  Now I’m looking for that poor man that will be madly in love with meJ

#22. I don’t know anything-The older I have become the more I’ve realized how much I don’t know and how little I do. There is such much out in the world and I only know just a small fraction. I would to love to have the gift knowledge…that would be the best gift. If I ever become rich (like that is ever going to happen) but if I did I would love to have a huge library.  A library that had books from floor to ceiling; being surrounded by all that knowledge….only in my dreams would I have that. So the point of #22 I love knowledge…I love to be surrounded by smart/intellectual people. I just sit back listen and learn. I love it…I love to learn…but I have along way to go. I will never know everything…BUT I can know a littleJ.

#23 First Impressions-I have a bad tendency of judging people based on first impressions. I guess this sort of contradicts #11. I do it all the time and I don’t know why. Sometimes I’m right most of the time I’m wrong. The last time this happened I misjudged this guy. I thought he was all, “I am man hear me roar” type person.  BUT…I was wrong…I was wrong…and I admit it. And the weird thing is I should have known better.  I mean he is nothing like I thought he was. So I’m going to turn over a new leaf I’m not going to judge someone based on a first impression. Besides the fact that when you first meet someone you really don’t “know” them… so please think twice before you think you know someone…first impressions could be wrong.

#24. Wit- I love the challenge of wit. Love it love it love it. There is nothing better then someone that will challenge me…a dual of wits….I love it. I’ve been challenged before…sometimes I lost sometimes I won…but either way love it. I had a friend back in high school and he would always challenge me. But if you challenge me you have to play fairJ 

#25. Being Me-The most important lesson I’ve learned in life is to be Adonia. There is no one else to be other than me.  I learned along time ago that I should be myself.  What you see is what you get. And if you don’t know me, ask any question I’ll give you an answer. BUT you have to ask…I don’t solicit myself. I am who I am because God made me this way. I’ve learned (for the most part) to accept me the way I am there is no one else I can be. So this is who I am…Adonia….watch outJ

#14. Laughing- I love to laugh. Laughing is the antidote for almost any ailment. I make some silly mistakes and I’ve learned to laugh at myself. Is there a better sound than hearing someone laugh…just think about it….are you smiling…come on smile…I know you are laughingJ

#15. Man…I feel Like a Woman-I have learned to love and appreciate men. I LOVE it when my guy friends treat me like a lady, i.e. opening doors, letting me order first, church chivalry is the best!  I think it’s so cute (I’ve only seen it done several times) when I man will go up (walk faster) just so he can open the door. I mean can it get any better. Every year the guys have put on Valentines dinner for that ladies and I love itJ I just think there is something is special about being treated like a woman/lady.

  #16.  Why?- When I was in college one of the professors had us do an experiment. Instead of asking the question “why” ask “what” or “how”. If you ask someone “why” it usually puts that person on the defense.  Also, why leads to because and back to why again and the circle is never ending. You will get such a different response if you ask “what” or “how.” It’s hard to do but just give it a try and you’ll get a more detailed response.   

#17. Work Hard-Play Hard- I was raised to work hard. My entire family is hard workers. From the time I could reach the counter top my mom had me doing dishes. When I got a little older I would be outside busting bails of hay for the cows. When I turned sixteen I had to get a job-no choice. My parents bestowed upon me work ethics. I think that is one of the many reasons why I have two jobs-working a job is in my blood….working hard is in my blood. BUT because I work hard I play hard. I go out everyone weekend with my friends and that is because I work six days of week.  I might buy myself a new shirt or shoes…but I worked hard for it.  You work hard You play hard…..

#18. Questions- I’ve been known to ask a lot of questions….and people are always asking me, “WHY do you ask so many questions?” BECAUSE I want to know the answer. I don’t ask questions I don’t want to know the answer to. And yes every question I ask has meaning behind it or I wouldn’t ask the question. I used to never ask questions. But as time went by I became curious and I wanted to know so I started asking questions and I haven’t stoppedJ

#19. Education- I can’t wait to go back to school and get my master’s. Education is so important. I don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t want to go to school and get educated. I loved college especially my last two years when I got into the social work program. I love to learn about people and the mind. My social work classes rocked. Just thinking about going back next year…gives me that warm fuzzy feelingJ

 I couldn’t keep any of my good readers waiting…so…

#9. Working Out- I believe working out is just as good for you physically as mentally. I love to work out. I was working out today and it was peace of mind.  I just love getting on my machine and going and not having to think about anything. I believe everyone should exercise it’s so good for you. I do wish that I would have someone to work out with. Sometimes Jose will work out with me…but I like having someone to talk to…ummmm…so go work out!!! J 
  

#10. Proper Young Lady- I was raised to be a proper young lady. I remember when I was a child my babysitter, grandparents, and parents all taught me how to be a proper young lady, “No slouching at the table, no elbows on the table, sit up straight, no singing, chew with your mouth closed” Over and over again…And I thank them for that. I have been to country clubs, fancy dinners, and all that jazz. If I wasn’t raised with manners I don’t know what I would have done. My ex was from the “country club” and let me say I had to use all my manners/etiquette skills whenever I ate dinner with his family/friends. I even taught an etiquette class at Salvation Army to my juvenile girls (I know my sister is laughing). But in all seriousness etiquette is very important.

#11. Matthew 7:1-15- Don’t judge others…period. Don’t it’s not your place!!!

#12. Confession- Confession is the most scary and rewarding experience. Every time I’m in line for confession I always say a prayer. Please let me have a good confession, help me confess, and help me forgive. I always say a prayer. And when I’m waiting in the confessional I still am praying…When I walk out of confession I feel so good….I feel ….free and I wish everyone could feel that freedom….

#13. Time- Time is something you can never have back. As I’ve gotten older I’ve realized just how important time is. Have you ever just STOPED and took in a moment and thought WOW… this is what it’s all about. I remember doing that at my brother’s wedding. Everyone was dancing and having such a good time it what like being in a dream. I knew that it was that “wow” moment in time.  Time is so precious and time goes by so fast. So next time you have a “wow” moment in time…STOP and take in the moment…

 I was thinking about all the things I’ve learned over the past 25 years… SO I have decided to share my 25 thoughts of wisdom/learning experiences with all of my good readers. This is going to be long so I’m going to break it up into a Trilogy.

 These are in no particular order. 

#1. Love God-Always put God above all things. This is very hard for me but when I stop and think about things and I’m like hold on this isn’t putting God first and I stop. Love God. He died for YOU. Can you say that about anyone else? Love God.

#2. Be proud to be Catholic- In the last several months I have come to realize how proud I am to be Catholic. It’s just awesome and now I’m standing up for what I believe in. Be proud of your faith. Be proud to be apart of an amazing religion. I have never experienced God in any other way…then the way I experience God at church- being catholic.

#3. Family is important-I love my family. They are everything to me. And everyday I realize how amazing they are. I cannot imagine my life with out them. They have molded me into the person I am today (for the most partJ). Don’t get me wrong we have our problems…but family is family. I love them no matter what.

#4. Friends-I love my friends. They keep me sane. My friends are crazy and I love them for that. I couldn’t imagine any of friends different from what they are. Everyone of them brings something different to the table that is unique and special. God has blessed me in the passed two years with some wonderful people and I thank God for them.

#5. Love- Love is a choice. I choose to Love you.  To me Love is the unconditional thought or action towards another person to benefit them. I Love you so I’ll do whatever needs to be done to benefit you. If you Love someone Love them unconditional. Love them with you whole heart and thank God that you found someone to Love and that Loves you.

#6. Listen to the man upstairs- True story. I think it was the end of my 7^th grade or beginning of 8^th grade year of Jr. High. I had just counseled one of my friends. She turned to me and said, “Marianna you should be psychologist.” I thought ohhhh okay ummm…I’ll think about it. Then periodically my friends or random people would tell me, “Marianna you should be a psychologist or have you ever thought about being a psychologist?”  The thought of becoming a psychologist started to be imbedded in my head. I know God was calling me. So I went to college to become a teacher. It never felt right. And everytime I would run away from psychology I would get smack upside the head from up above telling me to get my butt back on track. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE psychology but I don’t know why I ran so far. I know Peter is trying to analysis thisJ Last time this happened about six months ago.  I was thinking to myself, “ok ok..  psychology isn’t for me I really don’t want anything to do with psychology.” The next day…yes ladies and gentlemen the next day I got smacked upside the head. One of my friends’ desperately needed my help and I could not say no. And I did what I know best, I counseled her. I used my gift. This gift of psychology is second nature to me. It fascinates me beyond words and I can’t get away from it. I’m listening to the man upstairs. I’m going back next year to get my Master’s in Social Work to be a counselor. I know 100% without a doubt this is what I’m suppose to do.

  #7. Everything happens for a reason- Life is Life and Life is a gift. Good things happen, sad things, joyful things and many more. BUT in life everything happens for a reason. Have you ever thought, “Why is this happening to me?”  And then a week later thought again, “I understand why.”  God does know what he is doing….we all have to learn to put our faith in him. 

#8 My “MUSTS” in a Man- As I have gotten older I’ve become more aware of what I want in husband. I’m going to try to make this short…as possible. These are the MUSTS there is no compromising. 1. He has to love God.  If he doesn’t love God the man that created him…then how could he love me? 2. He has to be Catholic. I’m so into my faith and I love being catholic. I know I couldn’t spend the rest of my life with a man he doesn’t share the same love I do. 3. He has to be able to communicate with me. I think I’m an easy person to talk toJ and I want someone that is open and that will talk with me. Communication is a valuable key to any relationship. 4. He has to want children. One of the many reasons to marry is to be open to life. I love children and I couldn’t imagine being married to someone that didn’t want children. 5. He has to have a huge heart that is loving and caring… no explanation needed. I know there are other things but I can’t think of anymore at this time….

This is going to be a very short post because my weekend is going to be bussy and I don’t want to leave any of you hanging.  My car got fixed yesterday, it was the starter. I’m back to driving YEA!!!!! I was so glad to have it up and running. Thanks for all the prayers..I needed them.  I achieved so much yesterday since I didn’t work.  Maybe it was a blessing to have the day off. God does know what is his doing after all:)  My sister is coming into town this morning to celebrate my birthday YEA!!! As soon as she gets here I can get off work.  My birthday party is tonight. My birthday isn’t till Monday..but I’m going to celebrate early:) All I need for my birthday is to be with my family and friends…no gift could ever compare to being with family/friends. My birthday gifts are coming tonight…one by one as they walk in my front door. That is the best gift anyone could ever give me…you. Ok I should get back to work. The girls are sleeping..I have to go wake them up. But I’ll be posting the 25 words of wisdom in my next blog…so be prepared. I hope I see all of you tonight. God Bless.

Could my week get more stressful???? Why yes of course it can Marianna. Ladies and Gentlemen you would not believe what happened to me today.  After a long day at work (a very long day) I decided I would go work out (I have to look good in my jeansJ) and then I was going to go to church. I go to start my car and NOTHING!!!!!! WHAT THE PORK AND BEANS!!!! My dear friend steffaine came and helped me change the battery. Steffaine knows all about cars. Girl Power!!I even bought a new battery hoping it would be it. Steffaine gets the battery all set and NOTHING. Why Why me??? Later Randy comes over(his wife told him to-you have to love the wife) and he looks at my car..NOTHING. And the funny thing is I was thinking to myself today…gush it would be nice to have a day off work. Guess what I have to have my car for work because I drive my clients around all day. I called my boss and told him I am taking a sick day tomorrow. He completely understood even sympathized-I’m glad I have a nice boss. Needless to say..I will not be working tomorrow…that sucks…but hey at least I got my day off work I wanted.  My birthday money which was going towards a digital cameral is now going toward my car…who needs a digital cameral anyway??……..I did… this sucks. I’m sad…it just make me sad…but hey worse things can happen. Please pray that my car gets fixed tomorrow.  I need go out tomorrow night and  be with my friends….so if any of my good readers are bored tomorrow night and have nothing to do PLEASE contact me…Please pray for me….I really do need some prayers…..

“A large volume of adventures may be grasped within this little span of
life, by him who interests his heart in everything.” Laurence Sterne

I truly believe that God is testing me this week for some reason and I would like to know why. But I have two stories to share.

Story #1

 I was home for lunch. After eating I was getting ready to go back to work. I opened my car door put my purse and water jug inside. I sat down ready to get right back to work. I put the key in the ignition turn the key and NOTHING…What the Pork and Beans!! Why Why Why me….are you serious. Yes ohhh yes my engine would not turn over. I called my brother-of course…I know nothing about cars…so my brother is the first person I call. He told me it was my battery or starter….please let it be the battery. My brother put some Pepsis on the battery cords or whatever they are called and NOTHING. My brother called
Down Town Auto…family friend he said he could look at my car if I towed it down to the shop. By this time I was a little upset at the situation. My brother then told me to check my car again…he had this feeling. I go out to my car- put the key in the ignition and brummmm brumm brumm… YES YES YES….My car started. I drove my car to Down Town Auto…just to make sure everything was still okay. He told me the cords b/w the battery and whatever they are hooked to needed to be cleaned. Everything was okay…total bill 25.76 better then paying $300 for a new starter.

Story #2

As I wrote in my pervious blog I was going to have a religious debate with Chris today. I talked to Jose last night and got the answer to the question Chris asked yesterday. Why do Catholics pray to Saints?  I called Chris and said, “Hey I have a question for you?” Has anyone ever come up to you asked, “Chris I’m having a hard time could you please pray for me?” Yes, it has happened. “And why did you pray for that person?” I know where you are going with this Marianna. “Did you pray for that person?” Yes I did. Why did you pray for that person? Isn’t God good enough? Didn’t you tell me yesterday that you should just pray to God? Well yes but…But what? I pray to God for people that are down on earth…not that are in heaven. Yes but they are in heaven with GOD!! You still pray for people to God. You interceded there is no difference. We pray to saints and ask them to intercede to God for us. You do the same thing by praying to God for someone!!….silence……I had won. I won! I’m so proud of myself. I never in my life… have I won religious debate. Most of the time I would just sit there and let the person talk…BUT this time I stood up for what I believed in!!! I’m so proud of myself. I actually stood up for something I believed and it was a good feeling.

    ”Fear is a sign—usually a sign that I’m doing something right.” Erica Jong
 

Today I got into two religious debates. One was with one of my clients. He was talking about religion/Bible and so forth and so on. I was listening and I asked some questions. Everything was going along smooth until….I told him I was catholic. Then I didn’t hear the end of it. Why do you Catholics pray to Mary? Catholics are so proud. Catholics only believe “they” are going to heaven. Yep….and then he said everyone gets graces by God so everyone is going to heaven. AND…THEN he said you don’t have to live a good life to go to heaven you could kill someone and have no remorse and still go to heaven BUT you should repent your sins.….THAT is why God died on the cross so EVERYONE could go to heaven. ALL you have to do is expect God as your personal Lord and Savior. I tired my darndest to argue BUT OHHHH my…it was out of control. He thought he knew the truth and since he knew the truth he was going to heaven. AND whatever I said was complete BS….I tired to explain that just excepting God as your savior isn’t all you have to live you life for GOD!!! He didn’t like the idea of “free will” I tired ohhhh did I try BUT I don’t know if I did any good…It was hard…I never fought so hard for something I believed in….Debate #1 over…..

Two hours later…

I called Chris…I called him to chew his butt out but that was for another reason. Anywho, I was telling him about Debate #1 and THEN…Chris started arguing with me ….I told him that we pray to saints…Debate #2. Why do you pray to saints? I told him that we pray to Saints so they can intercede for us.  BUT…Why don’t you just pray to God? Isn’t God good enough? Why can’t you just pray to God? Since saints are with God why not have them pray for you to God!!! So you’re saying that God isn’t good enough so you pray to saints?? We pray to them-ask them to pray for us to God! Why don’t you just pray to God? SO what you are telling me is God isn’t good enough? NO he is but we just ask saints to pray to God for US. WOW and that went on for about a good 5-10 mins. Finally we had to stop because he becoming rude and I didn’t want to follow his footsteps. Debate #2 over….

I’m sorry about the way I wrote-if there are any errors. I’m in a hurry and I’m all fired up. Today I have to go back and debate more with Chris….please pray for me….

Why do you glory in evil, you scandalous liar? All day long plot destruction; your tongue is like a sharpened razor, you skillful deceiver. You love evil rather than good, lies rather than honest speech.

You love any word that destroys, you deceitful tongue.

Psalm 52: 3-6