Sunday Reflections
Happy Sunday, friends! Welcome to my weekly lifestyle post called Sunday Reflections!
Today’s Sunday Reflections finds me reflecting on many things and the Vaseline story always takes me on an emotional journey.
So stick with me today as I share some new insights and information for you…
We will begin with Tux at Starbucks as his order caused the young lady to ponder how to handle it! Could she put a turkey bacon breakfast sandwich in a dish without bread?
Perhaps you can tell that we were on a road trip last week to see family before the holidays officially came to an end.
First, THOUGH, Let’s Begin With An Important Announcement after you get a cozy spot, and warm beverage and join me for Sunday Reflections.
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: EMAIL UPDATE
Yesterday, I worked with a tech expert (thanks for the help, Roy), to hopefully fix the email issues.
PLEASE MAKE SURE...when you see the email popup on my webpage to fill it out (even if you are already subscribed). Once you fill it out, you should not see it again.
Also, I have a new blog email….pamela@over50feeling40.com.
I will still receive emails at my gmail, but in order to send out the blog and deal with the blog, I needed a new one, so I will answer on both.
There are some email addresses experiencing issues with the email service that we cannot really explain, but putting your own email address back in with the form seems to fix it.
If you are not receiving the blog in email, and this does not fix it in a couple of days…then please email me and let me know.
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: NEW GRANDDAUGHTER
Holding the newest granddaughter was one of the main reasons to head back to San Antonio after the first of the year.
We now have eight and they are truly amazing.
We spent a whole day and evening with the San Antonio Five.
They showed their Christmas gifts and performed and drew pictures for us.
We have several January birthdays…last week was my daughter-in-law and today is my son’s (her husband).
I was so blessed that both of my sons and their families could get together for a celebration while we were in town.
Happy Birthday, Bo…he is a wonderful man, husband, father and son.
While there, our youngest new father-son gave us this wonderful gift of a MASON BY AURA DIGITAL FRAMES.
We love this! Now we get daily pictures of grandchildren…this one is a favorite of our newest grandson with his dog during tummy time.
They are just the cutest little family with their new baby and their beloved Oliver….who has been exceptional with the baby.
Waking up to this frame and new pics has been a great way to start the day!
Part of our trip was closing out the holidays with the Festival of Lights in Fredericksburg, TX and it was a magical evening.
I am so glad we stopped for awhile.
This truly is one of my favorite places to be.
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: MY HISTORY WITH VASELINE
I promised some of you in last Thursday’s Post that I would share how I came to be a fan of Vaseline and have a 53-year relationship with the product.
It is not an easy story to walk back through, but I always remember how much God loves me and stepped in to save me.
A five years of age, I clearly remember a little girl in a dress sitting on the front porch of her house alone.
She is hugging her knees and rocking back and forth.
And then she reaches up and begins to pull out ALL of her eyelashes.
This is my first memory of this little girl pulling out her lashes.
I lived in an “angry” home. There was constant yelling, and fighting, and judgement. Initiated mostly from my father.
But, my mother had grown up in a similar home wrought with verbal abuse.
By the time of her marriage to another angry man, she was well versed in how to pass it along as well
I was the only one who knew that I was the one pulling out the eyelashes…which I did for 18 years.
My mother and the pediatrician would stare at me in wonderment trying to figure out why the lashes were falling out!
When I entered high school and cared about my appearance, a makeup specialist used eyeliner on the empty lid, and Twiggy Lashes (remember those) on the bottom so my bald eyes did not look quite as bad.
A few kids in high school pointed out that I hand none, but my friends didn’t care…we still had fun…high school was a great time for me…though once at home after school, I continued to pull out the lashes.
Before I left home for college, my last doctor’s appointment resulted in a conversation where my doctor recommended I put Vaseline on my eyelids every night.
He believed that would promote new hair growth.
So, at age 18, I began to use Vaseline on my lids and around my eyes. I wanted to look my best as I went off to college….but wasn’t sure if I could stop the pulling.
One day in the fall of my freshman year, I looked in the dorm mirror, and low and behold, I saw eyelashes! I have put Vaseline on them every day since then.
Personally, I believe it was God who revealed to me that since I was not at home with the stress and the angry atmosphere, I had ceased pulling out the eyelashes.
I made sure then, that my home visits were very short and it remained that way….not just for eyelashes, but for my mental health.
Vaseline has been special to me since that time, and I completely believe it works. I use it to remove eye makeup with a tissue….and have for that long.
But please note…I use the regular Vaseline on my eyes and not the one with Cocoa Butter! I use that one around my lips, hands and on my feet.
Thank goodness that since I have God in my life, prayer has become what gets me through stressful times…no longer pulling out eyelashes!
Probably not the Vaseline story you expected, but this is exactly what happened.
SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: SNOW!
What a wonderful way to relax. A beautiful time of snow in our new home.
I love how the world just sits quite for a time when big flakes are falling.
For this Texan who sees little snow this was incredible and I am so THANKFUL FOR IT.
Fits right in with my word of the year….GRATEFUL!
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments about Sunday Reflections today…and I hopefully, will see you tomorrow…
GIVE THANKS & KEEP SMILING!
By Pamela Lutrell
Whether shopping new arrivals or clearance sales, please shop with the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way.
Pamela, you are such a joyful and strong woman. Your personal stories that you share with us must have so much impact on many. Every time I see a photo of one of your children or grandchildren, I see a part of you in them, especially in their smiles. Enjoy the quiet that a blanket of snow brings. It is a good time to count His blessings.
So glad u are OK now out of that stressful childhood! I dealt with mine by biting my fingernails off to the blood, no fingernails at all. By high school I wanted to paint my nails and of course not be embarrassed, so I finally quit yea!
Every day is a time to count my blessings… God reached down and rescued me and has been my father ever since. Thank you, Deborah!
Wow…same path, Debra! But today I love my thick, long lashes and joy!
Wow, I know we all have memories that are less than what the outside world sees. So grateful that you have The Lord in your life. My heart breaks for that little girl, and so very grateful for your sharing.
My heart breaks for her…thank you Rhoda. She is an overcomer…and great testimony of Vaseline! LOL!
Husband and I visited Fredericksburg, Texas in October on our cross country trip this year. My sister who lived in Dallas for awhile recommended we see this town and know its very interesting history. Like you I fell in love with the town and its people. Life’s stress is all around us daily and my relationship with God has always helped me get through. Right now, my kids and grandkids are living dangerously too close to the LA fires. Both my son and daughter are helping and volunteering with evacuees; in my heart I know this is how they were raised to help those in need and it does make me feel grateful but I still worry for their safety. Please pray for us out here in California. It truly is an extraordinary situation.
God bless you Pamela and thank you for sharing your Vaseline story. I am so glad I found your blog and want you to know you are a source of encouragement and strength.
I will add them to my prayer list, Linda. Thanks for letting us know!
Bless you, Diane for encouraging me!
Good morning, Pamela. The way you worked through changing your life is a gift from God. it shows your strength and faithfulness. That pic of you holding your precious granddaughter says it all. And Tux! What could be better? Happy Sunday.
Love the photos of the new baby and your grandson and the dog–actually all the photos. Absolutely precious. You have a wonderful family.
Oh, Pam, I’m reading your eyelash-Vaseline story with tears in my eyes for that little girl and teenager who suffered so from the stress at home. As a high school teacher I often spoke to the new teachers about the stress with which many students lived, and to learn to be more sympathetic when they came to class without paper or pencil. Those of us who did not grow up under such circumstances do not comprehend what stress can do. I appreciate your sharing with us as it certainly might help in the life of someone else. As our grandchildren are all almost grown I can understand your wanting to spend time with those new little ones and their families. Wishing all those celebrating birthdays to be blessed.
Gosh, what a moving story. I am so thankful you grew beyond that difficult beginning and that you did not repeat the cycle. By God’s loving grace, all things are made possible.
What a joy to celebrate with your S.A. family! Love seeing the pictures, and Tux being such a good boy waiting for his order. 😉
My heart just breaks for that little girl. I also grew up in a not so perfect home and growing up always thought I was the only one. It never occurred to me other kids were also struggling. It’s so lonely pretending you have a “normal” home life so you fit in. How blessed we are that we survived and thrived! Your beautiful family is a testament to your strength. Thank goodness as you grew up you had the support of others and your faith.
Have a blessed Sunday!
Linda Ann
Hi Pam,
You have a special family, the grandchildren are all adorable. They have beautiful smiles that could light up any room. The baby picture with the dog is priceless. I can see that image on a greeting card.
Your Vaseline story pulled at my heart strings. I understand the long term damage a child goes through when living in a home where there is yelling, tension, and arguing. Look at you now. A survivor.
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” – Vivian Greene You do that so well.
Thank you, Marcia. It is all about God becoming real and my Father. I appreciate you.
Thank you, Celia. My experience did help me when I taught for 16 years. I often could see signs others could not.
I also am thankful for God’s loving grace. Thanks Connie!
Thanks so much, Linda Ann. My mother made sure we portrayed a normal life…she said we had to keep secret what was really going on. The secrecy in some ways was part of the sickness within.
One of my favorites quotes…actually music played a huge role in my survival before I met the Lord.
Thank you for sharing the pictures of your beautiful granddaughters and your wonderful son & daughter-in-law (I’m still trying to figure out the birthday cake). Loving grand-dogs too. Such a thoughtful gift of a photo a day of your grandchildren. Lovely way to stay close. Your Vaseline story brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing such a personal journey from pain to joy in the Lord.
You are so sweet, Kathie. Our family loves nothing bundt cakes: Nothing Bundt Cakes
I know they have many locations, but on this page you find a bakery near you…they are so good and make mini cakes too!
I understand your experience not because I was raised like that but because I lived that nightmare life for 19 years with my ex husband. He appeared so normal with everyone else but was verbally abusive to me and our sons. I found out after they were all grown that he would punch them. He was physically abused as a child but that isn’t an excuse for hitting children. He would threaten me with taking the kids away from me. It was another time then and I had seen it happen with my best friend. We both were RNs and worked to help support the family and in court they held that against her. She wasn’t a stay at home mother. Neither was I. I worked because I had to not because I was career driven. When my youngest son left home, I got a divorce. It took me 8 years of living alone to mostly stop biting my cuticles until they would bleed. I use Vaseline on my cuticles and knuckles as well as my lips. Thank you for sharing your story Pam. So many of us have lived in the shadows of abuse. I finally found the wonderful man I have been married to for 31 years. My Mr. B is the polar opposite of my ex. I lived in fear that my ex would kill me until he passed away 10 years ago. Brent helped me through that terrible fear and anxiety. It leaves scars for life. My son’s and their grown children love Brent and have always treated him like their father and grandfather even though he didn’t raise them. We are fortunate to also have broken the cycle of abuse. Thank you for sharing your story and pictures of your beautiful family.
Thank you, Pam. Loved the family photos and your wise words.
I am so sorry you had that experience, Sydney. I know how painful you can be, but it gives me great joy to know you have your current version of Mr. B. Breaking the cycle is so important
Thank you for being here today, Jill.
Thanks for sharing your family pictures. Your grandchildren are a delight as you share them with us.
I recall your Vaseline story and once again am so thankful for your life change and love for the Lord. You are a precious lady.
You are as well…thanks for being here faithfully Audrey!
Name and email request.
Dear Pam: I was so moved by your Vaseline story. Thank you for sharing it. I believe it takes, faith, courage and determination to move beyond this type of abuse. My husband had a wonderful mother, but a very verbally abusive father. It has been a burden all of his life, though faith in the Savior surely helps. Thankfully, there is far less stigma about mental illness than there once was. I would encourage anyone who is dealing with any issues from abuse to seek support from professionals. If you don’t initially find someone who is helpful, keep looking! Most health insurances will pay for counseling. Most clergy are trained to help.
On a lighter note: are the monkeys (lamps) gone???
That was an interesting story about your home life when you were young. At least you were able to pull yourself up with the help of God and raise beautiful children. You were probably very perceptive of how they were growing up.
The Lord saved you from that cycle and became your Father for all time to make you to have the abundant life He promised. You bring joy to so many. Thankful Vaseline saved your lashes! The Lord created it, too! Your family is precious, all those little joyous faces.
Hi Geneva…what are you needing here?
lol!! Yes, no more monkeys!
I am blessed with a wonderful family! Thank you.
Thank you, Cheryll!
I love our Aura frame. My son gave us one several years ago when they lived in New Braunfels. They are back in Illinois but it still is one of my favorite presents. The boys love seeing old pics show up too.
We love it! Has brought us so much joy in a short time. I can see us using this for a long time! So glad you love yours too, Shelia!
Such a very sad story and my heart goes out to that little girl. I’m curious about how your relationship with your mother ended. Do you mind addressing it? Did it get better? Did you ever allow your children to meet their grandparents? Did you have to forgive to move on? Childhood trauma can really, as I’m sure you know, cause havoc in future relationships. Just wondering how you managed to get through it. I know God plays a huge part in your recovery. But what other avenues of recovery did you seek out Pam. Also do you have siblings? Were they helpful? Maybe this is a whole blog post but I’m sure it would be helpful to many! Thank you!
Wow…lots of questions,Kelley…and I do have answers to all of them. I will return later and answer for you.
Hi Kelley, Here are my answers…thank you for waiting for me…
1. My mother and I had a difficult relationship until she passed. I have written about the whole story before, but may do it again sometimes. My mother lived as a victim and it became very difficult to handle her. Sadly, it never improved.
2. Yes, my oldest children new both of my parents and received love from them. Even after, my mother told Mr. B NOT to marry me.
3. Of course, forgiveness is key to moving on. I have forgiven them in my heart, and I do not EVER dwell in the past.
4. GOD is everything in my recovery. I did not experience true healing until I accepted HIS love and began to grow in it.
5. I sought no other areas of recovery, because I did not fully understand my past until later. Accepting the full love of Christ, showed me why I had been looking for love in all the wrong places. (I know it is a song)
6. I have two brothers. I believe they have not fully worked through what they went through…but I do not think they see it fully.
I may consider writing about it again if it would help others. We will see.
Thank you Pam! So sorry you went through this. My brother and I have a very, very difficult relationship, barely a relationship, with my sister. For many, many years. While I always felt the love of my father and mother, there was just a different “kind” of love they had for her. Hard to explain but it has caused such incredible hurt and division. I doubt my parents did this intentionally but she was very difficult, extremely manipulative and a narcissist. Anyway, these things stay with you. You move on but there is always something just “off “. Thank you so much for your honestly and willingness to open up. Very helpful!
Family relationships can be very difficult and follow us our entire lives. I hope one day you work it out with your sister.