A not so typical day turned into a day that I will never forget.
February 12th produced an atypical rainstorm. But through the night, the temperature dropped and turned bitter cold by the morning of the 13th. A school group planned a visit to the Library and I planned to arrive early to work with them. Vinny, our then 12-year-old collie, had an appointment to have his teeth cleaned. It was a full day before it even began.
We dropped off Vinny a little after 8 am and arrived to work at 8:45 am. As I was walking into the building, I slipped on a patch of ice on the sidewalk and landed on my left shoulder. After the initial shock of realizing what happened, my wife checked me out and helped me to stand up. I was in pain, but I thought everything would be okay. I managed to walk inside, check-in with the security office, and went into the restroom before heading to my desk. While heading upstairs with my wife by my side, I had to sit down at one of the tables because the pain began to increase to an unbearable point. After sitting for a few minutes and thinking it was getting better, I attempted to stand up. The pain shot through my body and I never made it up. My wife asked the security officer to call an ambulance. I needed to go to the emergency room for further observations and testing.
Thankfully the ambulance arrived quickly and my trip to the ER was short. The hospital was only about a mile away. Not many people were in the ER, so the doctors and nurses checked me out soon after arriving. After a set of X-rays, they determined that I fractured my left humerus bone, just below the shoulder. When I lost my footing on the ice and since the sidewalk sloped downward, my shoulder and arm took a direct hit instead of my bum.
The doctors decided that the fracture was not severe enough to put on a cast, but a sling would suffice. The doctor advised me to follow up with an orthopedic surgeon within a few days to determine a full recovery plan. The days and weeks ahead would be a challenge. One that I have never forget. In all my life, I had never broken any bones, so this was a first for me. In a series of posts, I will share some of my experiences and how it took almost six months to be back to normal.
Today we celebrate and honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and how his legacy is relevant today. We as Americans are so divided and unity is needed now more than ever.
What we need now is love. Love, you say? Yes, we need to show love because so much hate is being driven through social media. Do we bury our heads in the sand like nothing is happening? No, but we cannot filter in the garbage in day in and day out without getting depressed, complacent and overwhelmed. Is all social media bad? No, but we really have to be selective of what we see and hear.
What do you think Martin Luther King would say today? Would he still think there’s a dream?
MLK in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, August 28, 1963. The purpose of the march was to advocate for the civil and economic rights of African Americans.
The reflection we see in the mirror is where it starts. What are we doing for ourselves to make that change. No matter how big or small, what are we doing to make a difference?
Right now some people are traveling but many are not, take a look at the 360 view of the Martin Luther King memorial in Washington, DC. Give us your thoughts of what you are feeling as you watch.
As a people we don’t run from a challenge we get energize and fight for love in the trenches. I think having a life of meaning we come keep Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream alive in each of us. You may disagree with Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech but I say how can you disagree with loving one another no matter what our differences.
As a part of our church my hubby and I are going through 21-days of prayer and fasting and we are on day 8, and it’s amazing how you can see more clearly and a time to reflect and see what really matters.
Did you know that money worries are the most common cause of stress among adults in the United States? If you’re concerned about your financial situation, or you’re eager to try and get out of debt and back into the black, here are some tips to help you take control of your finances.
Analyze your accounts
It’s very easy to lose track of where you are in an age of tapping to pay, one-click ordering and direct debits. If it’s been a while since you checked your balance, or you tend to chuck credit card statements on a pile of papers on your desk, now is the time to analyze your accounts and get an accurate idea of your financial situation. Write down the figures and if you’re in debt, make sure you know how much you owe and who you need to pay. Once you know what the situation looks like, you can take the next step. It can be scary to take the plunge and delve deeper into your accounts, but it’s always best to try and tackle debts head-on, rather than burying your head in the sand.
Dealing with debts and understanding your rights
The vast majority of adults are in debt. The trouble is that some debts are much more dangerous than others. If you have a mortgage, or you’ve taken out a loan and you’re up to date with repayments, there’s no need to panic about being in debt. If you’re borrowing more money, you’re using credit cards, or you’ve taken out a series of high-interest loans, there is a risk of debt spiraling out of control. Understand your rights and know who to trust. You may have come across Debt to Success System scam imitators while looking for advice about dealing with debts, for example. Be aware that there are scams out there, and make sure you choose reputable, dependable, trustworthy organizations and genuine debt management and discharge programs. Seeking expert advice will enable you to explore the different options that are on the table, and it can also provide peace of mind. There is always a way out of debt and there is no shame in asking for help.
Budgeting and spending limits
Many of us spend money without really giving it too much thought. We can click the order button on an app, tap to pay in stores and transfer money from one account to another in an instant. If you tend to spend money on things you don’t need or want, start drawing up a budget and setting your spending limits. Figure out how much disposable income you have once you’ve covered essential costs, set a budget for other outgoings and try and put any cash you have left over aside. If you have a savings pot, you can treat yourself on a rainy day or use your fund to ease stress if you need a cash injection due to losing work or receiving bills out of the blue for car or house repairs, healthcare or veterinary treatment.
For many of us, money worries contribute to sleepless nights. If you’re keen to take control of your finances and ease pressure, hopefully, this guide will prove useful.
Teenage is a difficult stage when hormones change, there is a lot of indulgence in social media, and peer pressure is rampant. Whether your teen is enrolled in a public or private school, they could be struggling. Especially now, with many schools going virtual because of the continual struggle with COVID. If a teen is not proud of their school performance, they may not be forthcoming about it. Below are some of the top warning signs to look out for when your teen is struggling in school.
Photo by fauxels from Pexels
They evade conversations about school It is common for teenagers to give blunt answers when you ask about school. However, when they become defensive, aggressive, or continuously change the topic about the school, this a warning sign that they are struggling. Also, if your child used to talk about school all the time and suddenly stops, there could be a problem.
Poor grades despite studying If your child scores poorly in an exam, most parents will automatically assume that they did not study enough. Be active in their studying habits, monitor, and offer help whenever they need it. This will help you determine if their low grades result from poor studying behaviors or if they have a learning disorder.
Teens with learning disorders display a lack of interest in schoolwork or become easily frustrated and irritated. Some of the learning disorders are dysgraphia and dyslexia. If you notice that your teenager has a problem with their hearing and it is affecting their grades, consider gettinghearing aids.
You receive concerns from their teachers When teachers express their concerns about your teenager, don’t ignore them. This is a sign that your teen is struggling with school. Teachers spend a big part of the day with your teenager than you do. Therefore, take some time off to speak with the teachers to determine the problem and what you can do to solve it. Indiscipline could mean that there is a deeper-rooted problem.
A sudden change of activities and friends Peer influence is common during adolescence. However, when your teenager starts walking with a different set of friends, it could be an escape from their struggles in school. As a parent, you know the activities that have always interested your teen since childhood. When they no longer want to engage in those activities, and it is accompanied by poor grades, there is a problem that requires sorting out.
Eating and sleeping problems Poor eating and sleeping habits are often a result of anxiety. Low scores in school can cause your teenager to miss meal-time with the family or keep them awake due to anxiety. Also, they could be struggling because of a lack of sleep and poor nutrition. If you notice that your teen is staying up late to play video games or chat with friends or is skipping meals, it could be the reason why they are struggling.
Bottom Line Teenagers go through various changes that can cause them to struggle with school. Take note of warning signs toknow why your child is performing poorly. If you receive concerns from their teachers or notice a change of friends and activities, this could be warning signs. Also, look out for learning disorders, sleeping and eating problems, and evasion of topics concerning school from your teenager.
I hope everyone is enjoying your day, and are healthy and safe.
My hubby and I are celebrating our twenty-one year wedding anniversary today, September 11th. We wanted to share a little bit about what is on our mind as we celebrate this wonderful occasion.
Engagement Photo: 1999 / Easter Portrait: 2020
She Said: The Keys
I am grateful and thankful. I didn’t have a role model of what I thought marriage should look like when we first got married; so we had to create it. To create it we had to make sure we put God as the center and we intentionally communicate with each other. Being married to your best friend is a blessing but not always perfect. I often would hear marriage is not about work, but I found out to make your marriage fruitful, it does take work from both people. Sometimes I feel that I do not measure up because right now we don’t have any children and people can look at us funny. Even church people look at you funny like what’s up with you if you don’t have children hanging on you or around you. Children are lovely but they’re not the sum total of who we are as people. It took time for me to realize that God made each one of us special and no one is bigger or better than you because there’s only one you.
I have so much more to learn but four key takeaways include:
1. To communicate with each other
2. Be a cheerleader for your spouse
3. Listen to your spouse when they are talking to you and make eye contact
4. Plan for a date night every week just the two of you
Vinny, our thirteen-and-a-half tri-collie went to be with the Lord this past weekend. We are heartbroken, however, we know he had a great life and he knew that we loved him dearly. I was saying and thinking that we can’t have any fun because we needed to mourn and to reflect on the ways that Vinny blessed our lives.
However, we know that God brought us together so we have to celebrate this gift of marriage and be life long learners.
Joyce Meyer Ministries sent this scripture as a piece of artwork below to us and it speaks volumes.
HOPE
BELIEVES
BOLDLY,
DECIDES
DARINGLY,
SPEAKS
FIRMLY and
PERSEVERES
Passionately.
See Romans 15:13
He Said: The Journey
Wow! 21 years!
How can that be possible? It seems like only yesterday that we went on our first day to the Art Museum back in 1997. Right from the start, I know you were something special. You had a way about you that I had never seen in a woman before. You cared for me, even when I did not deserve it. You stuck with me, even when I was not acting right. I thank God for bringing you into my life.
Our journey started out as friends, but the relationship grew closer and stronger right from the start. We had so much in common that it was hard for me to believe a small-town country boy could fall in love with a big-city girl. It did not take long for me to realize that my life’s journey would be incomplete without you. I wanted you by my side for the rest of my life.
Today, I love you more than the day we walked down the aisle together. You are more beautiful than the first day I laid eyes on you. You are more compassionate, more caring, more creative, more intelligent, more everything.
While on the journey, you lifted me up out of the valley and cheered for me when at the mountain top. Because of you and your love, I am a better man, a better husband, a better Christian, and a better employee. You have made me better in every way.
I look to what the future holds for us and I am excited about the next steps of our journey. When I look into your eyes, I can see many great and mighty things for you and for me. A future filled with increased hope, with great joy, and many shared dreams coming true.
Take me by the hand and let us continue with that journey we begun 21 years ago today. I pray that God continually blesses you with an abundance of joy and happiness.
I have been really battling with myself on what to say and what can I do. I am frustrated with thinking we are constantly going around and around in circles and saddened by Police taking another person of color’s life.
We have to make a change!
It saddens me that in response to George Floyd’s murder more violence has occurred. David Dorn, a person of color, a retired police captain of 38 years, was shot and killed by a looter in a Saint Louis pawn shop. His killer, also a person of color has not been found yet.
David Dorn, Retired Police Captain
I stand with the peaceful protestors who are marching online and in the streets for better laws in states to protect Black Americans. Black lives Do Matter and the only way to show that is to speak up and be heard.
We have to make a change.
I stand yelling with a humble cry for ways to educate and make a positive change.
George Floyd
I know many of you have signed the petitions that brought the three police officers to face charges with Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. It’s not over so we have to continue to pray and stand strong.
We also have to take a stand for Breonna Taylor whose birthday is today, she would have been 27 years old.
“Breonna Taylor was an award-winning EMT and model citizen. She loved her family and community. She worked at two hospitals as an essential worker during the pandemic.
One month ago, a division of the Louisville Police Department performed an illegal, unannounced drug raid on her home. Not a single officer announced themselves before ramming down her door and firing 22 shots, shooting Breonna 8 times, killing her.
Not only were the police at the WRONG HOUSE, but the man they were looking for had already been arrested earlier that day.”
The officers have not been fired, arrested, or charged with any crime.
Please sign the petition at Change.org calling for justice. I found out about this on Katy Perry’s Facebook page. She’s right it takes two minutes or less. #JusticeforBreonna #HappyBirthdayBreonna
Learn More About JT
Bubbling with Elegance and Grace started out as an outlet for my passion for fashion but has evolved into a place for me to teach, collaborate, and inspire. My hubby has since joined the team and we have been digital creators for 13 years. We are thankful for those who believed in us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
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