My proudest accomplishment.
Well, there was the time I made majorette in High School. I absolutely LOVED performing. I loved that I got to do my hair and makeup and wear pretty costumes, dance and twirl every Friday night.
There was the time I was tapped into the National Honor Society. I still remember the seat I as sitting in, even though I don't think the old auditorium is even used anymore. And I definitely remember the sweet girl that tapped me, Celina Pittman. And we are still in touch via Facebook.
I remember marrying my high school sweetheart that I'd been in love with for so many years and prayed that God would bring us together. And yes, I know I messed it up royally but that's another story for another time. I still remember the days of our youth as being some very happy times.
There was the time that I was accepted to Birmingham-Southern College--the Ivy League of the South--where I met some lifelong friends and had some wonderful experiences. There was the time I got the opportunity to travel abroad with a group of fellow students to London and Paris--another lifelong dream come true. And then there was the time I GRADUATED--made it through a very rough Senior year while working full-time, caring for two small children and a very sick husband.
There was the time that my husband and I took a cruise to Mexico as a celebration of making it through that year! Another lifelong dream fulfilled for both of us as we snorkled in Cozumel and walked around Key West.
There was the time that I gave up a lucrative career that I'd worked hard for in order to follow God's calling to be home with my children and teach preschool. There were the times I taught many children to read before they ever entered kindergarten and the look on their little faces when it "clicked" is just a feeling I cannot describe.
There was the time that I got to see my name in print for the very first time when I worked as a freelance reporter for a local small town newspaper.
There was the time that I got the opportunity to homeschool two of my children and oh the experiences we had! I worried the entire time that I was messing them up academically but now they are both back in public high school and making excellent grades.
There was the time I got to meet Joel Osteen when he came for A Night of Hope in Birmingham in May 2012.
There are so many more things that I'm proud of in my life. But without a doubt, my GREATEST accomplishment is when I became a mom to the three most amazing children to ever be born! I am SO proud of all three of them. They are so very different in terms of intelligence (though they are ALL smart), personality, dreams, ambitions, desires. They aren't perfect. But they bring so much joy to my life. I can't imagine life without them.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Sunday, October 20, 2013
The Single Woman's 30 Day Blog Challenge Day 11
My worst/funniest/most embarrassing date.
I didn't date much in High School. I was SO in love with my ex husband. My lack of dating/experience ultimately is what led to some major issues in our marriage and our eventual divorce. So for the last three years, I felt I had a lot of time to make up for and whether or not that was a mistake is still something I'm debating within my own head and heart.
Nonetheless, it happened and oh the stories I can tell! But I definitely have to say my worst "date" was earlier this year when I met someone from the plenty of fish website at a local coffee shop. I have to put the word "date" in quotes because apparently what constitutes a "date" is a matter of opinion. He even told me as much after we arrived that he "liked to meet women and just talk first before spending any money on them for a date". So he didn't even offer to buy me a cup of coffee.
I admit that the lines are somewhat blurred with women being more independent these days. But as a general rule, I think the one that initiates the "date", either needs to be prepared to pay or at least discuss the terms before hand (dutch treat, etc.)
Nonetheless, it was just a "getting acquainted" type thing. And acquainted we did get! The man would not shut up! He told me every intimate detail of his life--way more than I need to know for a first "date". And when I did get a chance to talk it quickly became obvious that we not only had NO CHEMISTRY (very important to me) and NOTHING IN COMMON. What was worse is that he was downing the very things I am passionate about--my church and my football team! Talk about your dealbreakers!
I quickly wrapped up the date and left. When I got home about 20 minutes later, I had an email from him asking if he could see me again! He said, "we'll have to just agree to disagree on some things". Um, no!
I just politely declined. I said that while I enjoyed our conversation (little white lie, didn't hurt anybody, right?) that I didn't feel a connection and that my church involvement and my football team were two very big things in my life and that whoever I end up with would have to be somebody that could share in those in some way.
Now, I AM open-minded and have dated fans of other teams. But they at least have to be willing to go tailgating with me and not obnoxious when I'm watching! I didn't see that happening here.
One thing struck me during our conversation. He said he didn't get a lot of second dates. Gee, wonder why?
I didn't date much in High School. I was SO in love with my ex husband. My lack of dating/experience ultimately is what led to some major issues in our marriage and our eventual divorce. So for the last three years, I felt I had a lot of time to make up for and whether or not that was a mistake is still something I'm debating within my own head and heart.
Nonetheless, it happened and oh the stories I can tell! But I definitely have to say my worst "date" was earlier this year when I met someone from the plenty of fish website at a local coffee shop. I have to put the word "date" in quotes because apparently what constitutes a "date" is a matter of opinion. He even told me as much after we arrived that he "liked to meet women and just talk first before spending any money on them for a date". So he didn't even offer to buy me a cup of coffee.
I admit that the lines are somewhat blurred with women being more independent these days. But as a general rule, I think the one that initiates the "date", either needs to be prepared to pay or at least discuss the terms before hand (dutch treat, etc.)
Nonetheless, it was just a "getting acquainted" type thing. And acquainted we did get! The man would not shut up! He told me every intimate detail of his life--way more than I need to know for a first "date". And when I did get a chance to talk it quickly became obvious that we not only had NO CHEMISTRY (very important to me) and NOTHING IN COMMON. What was worse is that he was downing the very things I am passionate about--my church and my football team! Talk about your dealbreakers!
I quickly wrapped up the date and left. When I got home about 20 minutes later, I had an email from him asking if he could see me again! He said, "we'll have to just agree to disagree on some things". Um, no!
I just politely declined. I said that while I enjoyed our conversation (little white lie, didn't hurt anybody, right?) that I didn't feel a connection and that my church involvement and my football team were two very big things in my life and that whoever I end up with would have to be somebody that could share in those in some way.
Now, I AM open-minded and have dated fans of other teams. But they at least have to be willing to go tailgating with me and not obnoxious when I'm watching! I didn't see that happening here.
One thing struck me during our conversation. He said he didn't get a lot of second dates. Gee, wonder why?
The Single Woman's 30 Day Blog Challenge Day 10
Day 10: The Meaning of My Name and What It Means to Me
My name is Lori Michelle
Lori is a diminutive of Laura which is a feminine form of the Latin name Laurus, meaning "Laurel". In Roman times, crowns of laurel leaves were put on the heads of victors.
Michelle is a french, feminine form of the Hebrew name Michael which means "Who is like the Lord?" It's important to note the question mark in this meaning. In my research, the meaning suggests that it is a rhetorical question because NO ONE is like God. Amen.
Amen. I think we all know that I certainly am not!
But I DO strive to be. Not because I want to earn anything from Him but because I want to thank Him for the incredible GIFT of salvation and continued blessings on my life. As much as I have done to destroy it, sometimes intentionally and sometimes unintentionally, His unfailing love continues and His mercy is unending.
Therefore, I'll continue to try and live up to my name. And my first name implies, that I will be victorious at it!
My name is Lori Michelle
Lori is a diminutive of Laura which is a feminine form of the Latin name Laurus, meaning "Laurel". In Roman times, crowns of laurel leaves were put on the heads of victors.
Michelle is a french, feminine form of the Hebrew name Michael which means "Who is like the Lord?" It's important to note the question mark in this meaning. In my research, the meaning suggests that it is a rhetorical question because NO ONE is like God. Amen.
Amen. I think we all know that I certainly am not!
But I DO strive to be. Not because I want to earn anything from Him but because I want to thank Him for the incredible GIFT of salvation and continued blessings on my life. As much as I have done to destroy it, sometimes intentionally and sometimes unintentionally, His unfailing love continues and His mercy is unending.
Therefore, I'll continue to try and live up to my name. And my first name implies, that I will be victorious at it!
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
The Single Woman's 30 Day Blog Challenge Day 9
My favorite “weird/funny single behavior”
"I don’t know if you ever saw the episode of Sex & the City where the girls are talking about their “secret single behaviors” (Carrie would eat jam on Saltine crackers standing at her kitchen counter, Charlotte would stare at her pores in the mirror, etc.) – but it always makes me laugh when I rewatch it, because it’s such a great example of the uniqueness of the single journey. We simply experience life in a different way than our married counterparts and that’s just the way it is."
I, for one, am just glad there is another Christian woman in the "public" eye out there that will admit to not only watching but LOVING Sex & the City! This is an answer to a prayer for me because I have never felt "convicted" about it. After all, it's more about the friendship of four single women and their relationships--and shoes--more than anything else. But I've never felt comfortable admitting that to too many other Christians simply because of the title.
Anyway, that is one of my favorite episodes but I'm probably going to be one of those annoying people Miss Mandy Hale is annoyed by because I honestly can't think of any secret single behavior that I have! Maybe it's because I moved straight from my parents' house into an apartment with my husband and we were married for 21 years. But I'll try and come up with a few, though they aren't very "scandalous"!
1) Since I've been divorced, my son has moved away to college and it's just me and the girls, I will say that I DO walk around the house naked more. And it does freak my daughters out, especially my youngest. But as far from perfect as my body is, I'm comfortable in it. And it makes laundry MUCH easier when I can just undress downstairs by the washer/dryer and go ahead and put the items in the wash.
2) Because the girls are busy with activities and I'm working full-time, involved in church/ministry activities, in graduate school and have a very busy social life myself, I find I don't have time to cook as much as I'd like to so I'm quite satisfied to come home after a long day and simply eat cereal for dinner!
3) I can watch SATC reruns for HOURS on end without someone complaining! I can leave the TV on ALL NIGHT LONG and I can stay online or up reading without someone bugging me to come to bed! I can even crash on the couch and not go to bed at all if I want!
So I'm sorry I don't have any extremely weird secret single behavior. Maybe the longer I remain single, that'll change. I'll keep you posted!
Sunday, October 13, 2013
The Single Woman's 30 Day Blog Challenge Day 8
Five things that are most important to me in a future mate.
I am not currently looking for a "mate". Right now, it's most important to me to become the best woman I can be by focusing on my relationship with God, my kids, my career with work and school, to serve others, improve my family relationships and strengthen my current friendships as well as make new ones--male and female. Of course, I would reprioriize all of this if Shemar Moore realized I was the perfect woman for him! ha ha Just a little humor!
I trust that in due time God will reveal His plan for the rest of my life. Whether or not that involves a mate remains to be seen and I've accepted that because I know what He has for me is far better than any plans I could have for myself!
But to play along with the challenge, if God were to bring about a special someone for me, God already knows that he must possess the following:
1) Love God with all his heart and want to serve him by serving others. He will want to pray for me and with me and I know that with Christ at the center of our relationship, it will not be easily destroyed, as my marriage was. "A cord of three strands (man, wife, God) is not easily broken." --T.D. Jakes
2) A sense of humor for laughter is good medicine. He has to be able to laugh at my silliness as well as at himself and not take the small stuff too seriously.
3) A shared passion for college football and preferably an Alabama fan. I can live with a fan of another team as long as he isn't too overbearing about it and doesn't try to change me. After all, I'm not only a long-time, die-hard fan, I'm a mom to one student already and soon to be two!
4) The ability to prioritize and plan. I don't expect him to be perfect about everything and I know plans sometimes fall through. And spontaneity is good also. But I like to be able to set goals and work towards them even if I change my mind at some point. I don't want someone that has no ambition at all to even leave the house several days in a row!
5) His own interests. As great as it is to have common interests and passions, it's good to keep some things for oneself--things that he enjoys doing with alone or with friends. I'm not the type of girlfriend/wife that is too clingy. After all, I have my own life to live as well. A shared life doesn't mean being joined at the hip 24/7!
Of course there are other things I look for. I've always been drawn to nice eyes, good hygiene (especially a good smelling man!) and some attempt to be healthy. I don't care so much about a gut (as long as it's just ONE gut and not two or three!) and I'm definitely not the diet police. But everything in moderation.
I also LOVE a good kisser! Soft lips, gentle tongue...okay that's enough there. This is a grown-up and Christian blog now! ;)
Good manners are also important. Open doors, pull out chairs and pump gas! LOL
Most importantly, I have always believed and still do, that it's a chemistry thing. It can't be faked. It's either there or it isn't. But just because there is chemistry there doesn't mean the relationship is God's will. From now on, for the rest of my life, I will ALWAYS seek His perfect will for my life and for those in it.
I am not currently looking for a "mate". Right now, it's most important to me to become the best woman I can be by focusing on my relationship with God, my kids, my career with work and school, to serve others, improve my family relationships and strengthen my current friendships as well as make new ones--male and female. Of course, I would reprioriize all of this if Shemar Moore realized I was the perfect woman for him! ha ha Just a little humor!
I trust that in due time God will reveal His plan for the rest of my life. Whether or not that involves a mate remains to be seen and I've accepted that because I know what He has for me is far better than any plans I could have for myself!
But to play along with the challenge, if God were to bring about a special someone for me, God already knows that he must possess the following:
1) Love God with all his heart and want to serve him by serving others. He will want to pray for me and with me and I know that with Christ at the center of our relationship, it will not be easily destroyed, as my marriage was. "A cord of three strands (man, wife, God) is not easily broken." --T.D. Jakes
2) A sense of humor for laughter is good medicine. He has to be able to laugh at my silliness as well as at himself and not take the small stuff too seriously.
3) A shared passion for college football and preferably an Alabama fan. I can live with a fan of another team as long as he isn't too overbearing about it and doesn't try to change me. After all, I'm not only a long-time, die-hard fan, I'm a mom to one student already and soon to be two!
4) The ability to prioritize and plan. I don't expect him to be perfect about everything and I know plans sometimes fall through. And spontaneity is good also. But I like to be able to set goals and work towards them even if I change my mind at some point. I don't want someone that has no ambition at all to even leave the house several days in a row!
5) His own interests. As great as it is to have common interests and passions, it's good to keep some things for oneself--things that he enjoys doing with alone or with friends. I'm not the type of girlfriend/wife that is too clingy. After all, I have my own life to live as well. A shared life doesn't mean being joined at the hip 24/7!
Of course there are other things I look for. I've always been drawn to nice eyes, good hygiene (especially a good smelling man!) and some attempt to be healthy. I don't care so much about a gut (as long as it's just ONE gut and not two or three!) and I'm definitely not the diet police. But everything in moderation.
I also LOVE a good kisser! Soft lips, gentle tongue...okay that's enough there. This is a grown-up and Christian blog now! ;)
Good manners are also important. Open doors, pull out chairs and pump gas! LOL
Most importantly, I have always believed and still do, that it's a chemistry thing. It can't be faked. It's either there or it isn't. But just because there is chemistry there doesn't mean the relationship is God's will. From now on, for the rest of my life, I will ALWAYS seek His perfect will for my life and for those in it.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
The Single Woman's 30 Day Blog Challenge Day 7
Where you are in your life vs. where you thought you would be at this point.
That depends on what part of my life we are measuring from! If we are speaking from high school or even college or even ten years ago, my life looks MUCH different than I thought it would to say the least.
When I was in high school, I wasn't thinking about kids or marriage so much. I thought I might go to law school and eventually adopt a few orphans.
Then I married my high school sweetheart and that changed everything. All I wanted to be was a mom at that point and I could not ask for better children. I thoroughly enjoyed being their mom. My marriage had its ups and downs and eventually failed three years ago and since then, it's been a series of ups and downs.
I had what I thought was the lowest point in July 2011 when I had a nervous breakdown after an abusive relationship and spent a week as a patient in a mental health facility (voluntarily). I put my life back together for awhile and then hit rock bottom again a few months ago when an argument with my ex landed me in jail for two days. I have since been exonerated but the experience still took its toll on my personal and professional life for a moment.
But this is how great God is...I have a new job, am in graduate school, a renewed purpose in life, and many things to look forward to. And in just two short months, God took what seemed completely hopeless and broken and has already made it into something better than it was before. And the best thing is, I know He's not done yet!
That depends on what part of my life we are measuring from! If we are speaking from high school or even college or even ten years ago, my life looks MUCH different than I thought it would to say the least.
When I was in high school, I wasn't thinking about kids or marriage so much. I thought I might go to law school and eventually adopt a few orphans.
Then I married my high school sweetheart and that changed everything. All I wanted to be was a mom at that point and I could not ask for better children. I thoroughly enjoyed being their mom. My marriage had its ups and downs and eventually failed three years ago and since then, it's been a series of ups and downs.
I had what I thought was the lowest point in July 2011 when I had a nervous breakdown after an abusive relationship and spent a week as a patient in a mental health facility (voluntarily). I put my life back together for awhile and then hit rock bottom again a few months ago when an argument with my ex landed me in jail for two days. I have since been exonerated but the experience still took its toll on my personal and professional life for a moment.
But this is how great God is...I have a new job, am in graduate school, a renewed purpose in life, and many things to look forward to. And in just two short months, God took what seemed completely hopeless and broken and has already made it into something better than it was before. And the best thing is, I know He's not done yet!
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
The Single Woman's 30 Day Blog Challenge Day 6
Every woman has the exact love life she wants.
This is a toughie. In many ways it's true. I was married for 21 years and have been divorced for almost 3 and in those short 3 years of dating for the most part I did CHOOSE to not be committed to anyone. I didn't date more than one man at a time but I have dated a lot of them--serial monogamy at it's best! And while I'm going through a stage in my life where I'm choosing not to date at all, I think when I'm ready to begin dating again, I will be dating for the express purpose of finding a lifelong partner again.
I have, however, witnessed friends who have wanted to be committed and the ones they wanted to be committed to did not want that. So some women do not get the exact love life they want. Or maybe they just don't get it in that one particular person. But I do think it's true that you get what you settle for.
For me, from now on, my heart will be so hidden in Christ that any man who wants to be with me will have to seek Him first to find it! (paraphrased from Maya Angelou) I am SO in love with my Savior!
And that is the EXACT love life that I want!
This is a toughie. In many ways it's true. I was married for 21 years and have been divorced for almost 3 and in those short 3 years of dating for the most part I did CHOOSE to not be committed to anyone. I didn't date more than one man at a time but I have dated a lot of them--serial monogamy at it's best! And while I'm going through a stage in my life where I'm choosing not to date at all, I think when I'm ready to begin dating again, I will be dating for the express purpose of finding a lifelong partner again.
I have, however, witnessed friends who have wanted to be committed and the ones they wanted to be committed to did not want that. So some women do not get the exact love life they want. Or maybe they just don't get it in that one particular person. But I do think it's true that you get what you settle for.
For me, from now on, my heart will be so hidden in Christ that any man who wants to be with me will have to seek Him first to find it! (paraphrased from Maya Angelou) I am SO in love with my Savior!
And that is the EXACT love life that I want!
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