Everything I Learned About Life Part 2...

 Since I'm strolling down memory lane, I should probably post this one too about Marching Band. Some of my most fondest memories of high school was marching band whether it was a parade, the dreaded fundamental block, band camp field out in the middle of nowhere, or even just a football field (and some of my bandmates report that "squeezing the marble" is a skill we have used in our adult lives after we've had children--Thanks Bithia for that one!). These men taught us how to be dependable friends, caring human beings, working hard, and just being a decent human being. Thank You Karl and Dan for stepping in and being a Dad to many of us!

Once again, I must say it...Everything I learned about life, I learned on the marching band field.

My marching band experience began in the summer of 1991 as I was entering my freshman year in high school. We were under the direction of Karl Robinson. That August we went to band camp at Woodland Altars in Peebles, Ohio. I can remember sitting around a campfire listening to Karl read a story from the bible that our contest show was going to be about. "The Gathering of the Ranks At Hebron" by David Holsinger simple but beautiful song. Listen here: http://youtu.be/HNn_AM_WS1I

The bible verse was I Chronicles 12:23-38. We had a banner with these verses displayed at our competition and we were not allowed to display the banner at any school practice or football halftime show as you know that bible and God in schools is forbidden. Read the story here: 

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Chronicles+12%3A23-38&version=KJV

This story is about determination, war...our story was about blood, sweat, tears, determination, working hard. My story was that I was a Freshman who was struggling but by the end got it right. That very first competition at Anderson High School, I lost my Trombone slide but I didn't quit! I did the whole show, miming my slide positions every step of the way through the tears that flowed down my face. My band brothers and sisters so kind to me that day. I will never forget our field commander who gracefully picked up my slide all in step as we left the field. I finally belonged that day as many of the upperclassmen came to me to tell me that it was all okay and about their many times of not being perfect. We went on to the next competition at Hamilton High School where we became the Grand Champions! We made it to State...the biggest OMEA competition of the very best  bands. 

The state competition brings a very funny story now but then we were in some serious you know what. That morning we had to practice with the female band director Ms. Taylor (Sorry Ms. Taylor for being such wretched kids!). We were so mean to that poor lady...of course Robinson found out about it and in full dress uniform we were doing push ups in a gravel parking lot in front of other bands! 

The next 3  years flew by and we performed crazy show after crazy show...4 to 5 at 120 bpm marching backwards topped it all though that very first year.  We performed "The Raven", we were a concert band at the beginnning of the 3rd year, we did "All That Jazz" my senior year which was a total disaster.

But through all of the emotion, hard work, laziness my last year....I really did learn some things. It wasn't for nothing. When life's trials and tribulations threaten to bring me down, I get back up and I say, "I was a Marching Wildcat under the direction of Karl Robinson and Dan Meeks. Missy, you are not a quitter. You are a survivor. You will get down and squeeze that marble, you will stand tall, and you will persevere. You are not a quitter...you have the Superior attitude and you will rise!" Determination.

An oldie but goody...yours truly!

And WOW! Look at that low brass section, looking sharp and in step!

Everything I Learned About Life...

 Please Note: I wrote this post originally 8 years ago on Facebook. I was able to tag my Jr. Band Director, Mr. Dan Meeks and he was able to read it. I am glad I was able to tell him what he meant to me. He was truly one of the best music educators. The song by Michael W. Smith "Friends Are Friends Forever" was a song he dedicated to us. A Life is not too long to live as friends and I am honored and thankful that I could remain friends with him over the years. You see, my earliest memory of Dan was when I was a small child-toddler, he held me on his hip while he was directing one of my brothers. That's where my love of music started. RIH Sir, I'll see you again in Heaven's band...hold a spot for me.

I learned on a marching band field. Yes, folks, you read it correctly!

I've been thinking back on my life and some of the most influential people in my life besides my parents were my band directors: Karl Robinson and Dan Meeks.

Not only did these men teach me some hard lessons but they loved me and every other band kid. They showed us kindness, happiness when it was needed but they also showed us what it means to work hard, to persevere, to not give up, and that superior is not just a rating--it is an attitude.

Starting out with band in the 5th grade, these men taught us the basics about music and playing an instrument with such care and love for band that they made us want to move on to band in the 7th and 8th grade. 

In the 7th and 8th grade they taught us that just because a certain type of music isn't your favorite, you still need to find appreciation of each genre. Mr. Meeks taught us to read college level music. He inspired us and challenged us. June of 1990 (end of my 7th grade year), there was a tornado that went through our hometown of Harrison, Ohio. Would you believe that Mr. Meeks went to every child's house that was in band to make sure that we were all safe and accounted for? The Spring of that year was so magical! 

At the spring concert of my 7th grade year, I can remember standing in the parking lot of the Junior School talking with Mr. Meeks, my parents and there might have been a few others. As we were about to go inside, all of us at the same time saw a shooting star and Mr. Meeks says, "See that....it is definitely going to be a magical night!" You see, that was the night he announced that we were accepted to attend "Disney Magical Music Days" where we got to perform concerts at Disney World and Sea World! I remember a song he shared with us at our end of year banquet with a framed print out of the words (I, sadly, can't find mine anymore.) But I will never forget that song or those words:

Friends Are Friends Forever by Michael W. Smith

YouTube Link: http://youtu.be/Ped1jYLFtkA

Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
I can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter of your life is through

But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends

And with the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you live in
Is the strength that now you show

We'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends

To live as friends

Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends

No a lifetime's not too long
To live as friends 

Even when a chair or a music stand flew through the air, (we knew to duck because it was usually aimed at the percussion section or in some cases, those rowdy trumpets! ;) hahaha) we knew deep in our hearts that you loved each of us. Mr. Dan Meeks, you were the best of the best and because of that you spurred a deep love for music that I can now share with my children...teaching them all I know and I can do so now with confidence because you taught us not only music but you taught us how to care. Thank You, Sir! 

I was such a brat sticking out my tongue! But one of my favorite pics of Mr. Meeks...love that smile!

Hugs

 This image pulled at my heart on so many levels. I have 3 children. My oldest is 18  years old and I think back to her growing up; I cannot remember that last time where I helped her wash her hair. I wish I would have wrote the date down and cherished those moments even longer. Now that she's 18, she is independent and of course, wants to do everything her own way. And that is okay with me as I know that is how she is going learn how to be an adult. That is how she will grow even though it hurts my heart. 

My second child is now 13 years old, 8th grade and yes right at this kind of level. I try to be funny to get a hug. One morning not too long ago, I caused him to miss the bus. He was not thrilled with me but I wanted a hug. I held him up knowing that he might miss it. Because of rushing through the middle school years and teenager years with my oldest, I just want to slow this time down with my son. Soon, he's going to not want to snuggle. We are at the stage of "please don't tell anyone, especially my friends or I will die from embarrassment" and my heart is breaking all over again. Just trust me, slow down and enjoy these years with  your kids. Take whatever time you can get to just hug them.

Find this book here

My third child, the baby (the last one), is 6 years old. I am using my knowledge from the first 2 kiddos and this time, I am slowing down. I will write down the date of when I last help her wash her hair. I am taking every milestone slow and letting her just be. Not rushing her growing up and not wasting time. I am loving a recent blessing that has allowed me to be here at  home with my baby more. There are lots of hugs and just watching her grow going on around here. 

Love them all. Period.

I love the simple statement made in the very first photo. This includes your neighbor kids. The kids that are riding on your child's bus that you live around the neigborhood. The kids at the grocery store. The kids at your child's school that is different. LOVE THEM ALL. PERIOD. I make it a mission to smile or give a compliment to at least 1 child when I am attending a school event. There is criteria though...I look for the child that is different and sometimes it is simply the child that is acting out and being loud (they want attention for a reason) or it could be the child that reminds me of myself (shy, lonely, quiet). I make a point to simply just smile. That smile is worth a whole lot to some of these kids. The compliment is always simple..."Oh Wow! I really like that backpack. That is awesome!" or "I really love your hair color. I wish I had your courage to get that done." or "That's a really cool picture that you just colored. Good job!" What if an adult stopped and took the time to smile for you or took the time to show you that there are nice people out there? 

PERIOD.

 

Connections

 It seems that my word "connect" for 2021 has been important so far for this year. 

Some connections have been bad while most have been good. I have reconnected with a couple of people from my younger years (think high school) and a couple from my 20's. 

I've noticed that the bad connections have actually taught me a few things and I am growing as a person. For me, that is an important lesson when you have grown. Some things during those bad connections were not always pretty and honestly, I was a mess during those interactions or connections. 

I am learning how to love myself better. That is going slow. I still do not see my worth and often believe the lies. Sorting that out is painful. 

New adventures are on the horizon and I am excited...stay tuned.

Struggle

 Struggle...what a word to use for your first blog post of the new year! I 've been trying to put something together but my physical issues have been wreaking havoc with my mindset. 

I'm in pain physically, emotionally, and spiritually. 

To get past this hurdle, I am taking more time for me. I chose my 1 word for 2021 #oneword365 and it is the word "Connect". For several days, I went back and forth about making a healthy decision. It's an investment and not sure that my family can afford for me to do this right now. I've prayed and thought it through...finally, I got up the courage and spoke to my husband. I joined Weight Watchers. (probably seems lame and very anticlimatic) but this is a huge deal. I am notorious for signing up for things and not following through. NOT THIS TIME. Oh, and the new weight watchers has an app with a tool on it called "CONNECT". hmmm...that word smacking in the face again.

I must persist through this struggle. I want a skinnier me, healthier me, more active me...a happier version of me. I am going to use my word Connect to figure out how to get me where I want to be. 

Fast forward to today, this day was not a great day. I slept most of the day. I did eat healthy. But I let my mind control the day. You know that voice that tells you all the lies...you will not succeed, you can't do this, you are going to fail, no money, no way, you can't juggle this with your family....the list goes on and on. Stressed about not being able to afford health food. Worrying about not being able to take care of me, my Dad, my kids, and my husband. Worried that I will disappoint every person that I love. 

I was ready to quit today. Then I pulled up my phone and jumped on my Connect through my WW app and you know what happened? Magic. People jumped in and said hey you got this. Try this. Don't give up. So I am pushing forward and not giving up. I will figure this out and I will succeed. 

The Blog Journey started 12/10/18 on Word Press

 Thanks for joining me!

"Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter." — Izaak Walton

The above was my very first post on WordPress. (I've been blogging for awhile now and recently figured out how to get my other blogger posts to the new blog!) But I love this photo and thought why not...back to blogger. I had a blogger site awhile back ago but I thought Word Press was the answer. Word Press is fine for some people. For me, it did not suit my purpose. I can no longer afford to pay for a hosted site so here I am. 

Just so you know, this girl is a mess and I hope that my mess will bless others. Writing is therapy for me. It will be suitable for all audiences and I will not be discussing anything political as well. 

Here you will get to here about my life and some things I have found that help through this crazy. Some are products that I sell or promote. Some items are just spiritual matters that help me. 

May this blog bless you and you find some light in this dark world!

XOXO

Jen

Numb

Honestly, that's been my emotion for 9 years since my Mom left this world. Numb. I smile just so that others don't see the pain. I have struggled with losing her.

As I sit here, getting ready to go into my own battle, I wonder what would Mom say. I imagine she would smile (to hide the pain) and then would grab me and hold me until the sobbing stopped. She would then tell me to go wash off my face and then we will talk. She listens intently as I tell her my latest news. Mom would say, "Now stop crying. You are only going to get a stuffy nose and a headache." Mom would go on to say, "You will be okay. It is all going to be alright. You have got to keep praying."

The reality is that she is not here. I now must put the armor on and pretend like it's okay.

However, it's not okay. Life as I know it is slowly crumbling and changing. I feel like there is a landslide coming soon. I have to wonder though if this feeling is all because of our world in the last 3 months. There has been so much fear, anger, hatred...unrest.

Tonight I am pondering why I was given the word "restoration". There certainly has not been anything restored. Back on my New Year's post, I had said that my faith is unshakeable. Well, my faith is strong but it has been shaken.

Tonight, I am kneeling for peace, comfort of fears, renewed hope, and restoration of this world so that the numbness we feel in our souls is replaced by a renewing energy. I am tired of being numb...comfortably numb.