tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61055315705670278582024-03-13T02:37:11.143-06:00Blue Line Life- Living, Loving, and Thriving as Law Enforcement Families!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-75693812579120931592014-11-22T08:00:00.000-07:002014-11-22T08:40:26.814-07:008 Tips For Surviving the Holidays Without Your LEO<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Encouraging tips for thriving through the holiday season</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
as a Law Enforcement Family</h2>
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One of the hardest aspects of being a Law Enforcement family can be the subject of holidays. For most families, we will experience a holiday or two alone or spent without our LEO. Depending on your situation, celebrating a holiday without your LEO can
be anything but happy. It can bring up feelings of sadness, abandonment, loneliness, and depression. For children it can be confusing and hard to
understand not to mention a total drag having your mom or dad miss out on holiday festivities. For most families it can be a difficult and disappointing reality of the job.<br />
<br />
So how do you cope as an LE family during the holiday season? Here are a few tips that I have found helpful to overcome the downer of a holiday alone.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Be Flexible-</b></span> This has become a necessity so far for every holiday in our family. Many of the holidays throughout the year my LEO works, whether because holidays fall on his shift days, or he takes the holiday/overtime pay opportunity. One way we juggle the holiday schedule and still feel like we get to celebrate the season is by staying flexible. We celebrate the holiday on a different day and try to keep a positive attitude. We look at the situation with a positive perspective. While we may not celebrate Christmas on Christmas Day, we celebrate the days before and our family ends up having a Christmas week...can that get any more fun? Our family gets to celebrate the holiday on our own day and we end up having two holidays when we come together with family and friends on the actual day. While my LEO may not be present on the actual holiday, the fact we make an effort to still celebrate together on a different day helps buffer the affects of celebrating with others without him. <b>Not having your LEO home on the specific holiday is not an end all...be flexible, be creative, and you just might find your holiday season filled with double the merriment! </b></li>
<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Check Your Realities-</b></span> Couples canoodle
everywhere, the ideal image of happiness and cheer are in every ad,
holiday song, or movie, commercials show huge, happy family gatherings.
There are the pressures of the latest gifts, baking/cooking
craziness, and the perfectly hosted party. Check your realities. When
you feel the pressures of the holiday, remember <b>the commercial expectations of the holidays are not reality for anyone</b>.
Don't expect the perfect holiday. Expectations are unfair to yourself
and can produce more disappointment and hurt when they don't come to
pass the way we imagined. No family is perfect, no holiday will be
perfect, and sometimes things don't go as planned. Give yourself a break and remind yourself that how your family does the
holidays is perfect for you...even the crazy, messed up parts. When you feel caught up in the craziness,
take a deep breath, get back to square one, and remember the simple
things about the holiday are what matter most.
Hold your ideals of the holiday loosely and remind yourself to go with
the flow. Give yourself and others a break during the holidays and remember, your best is good enough.</li>
<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Make Your Own Traditions-</b></span> Who says you have to celebrate the holiday the way millions of others do? In the same way you shouldn't be afraid to mix up the holiday schedule don't be afraid to make new traditions from the adjustments too! Whether those new traditions are who you celebrate with, meeting your LEO at the office for a quick Christmas cookie and milk moment, or finding a way to surprise your LEO when they are on shift (think little stocking stuffers all over their squad car, or in the pockets of their vest). If it's a summer holiday, meet your LEO on their break for a paper plate BBQ in the park to include them in 4th of July festivities. There are probably other families in your department celebrating without their LEO- get together for a spouse/kids day and enjoy games and yummy snacks with other LE families. There are lots of ways to make the mixed up moments of the holiday season a tradition for your family and traditions can also include others! </li>
<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Communicate with Others-</b></span> One way to buffer some of the heartache of missing your LEO on holidays is to communicate with family and friends. <b>Let them know when your LEO won't be part of the festivities and don't be afraid to share if you are struggling or need extra support. </b>Often times friends and family have no idea that holidays alone are part of the job and can be painful. By communicating your situation and feelings it allows your support group to come along side and do their part to help. Let them know this year is different for your family and see if getting together on a different day is possible. It can become another of those crazy Police family traditions! </li>
<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Pick Your Family-</b></span> For some families, celebrating with immediate family on a different day is just not an option. Whether because of everyone elses' work schedules or travel, spending a holiday with extended family may not be an option this year. In that case...pick your family! I can guarantee you, you are not the only Police family celebrating on a different day or without your LEO. Last year I hosted a LE Thanksgiving and invited a few other LE families to our home a week before Turkey Day. Our dinner included the whole nine yards and we enjoyed watching the kids play and were able to have adult conversation just like the actual holiday. Thanks to being flexible, I met one of my dearest friends that day. We are a part of a very special Blue Family, don't be afraid to include them in your holiday this year! You might be very surprised at how much fun you have with your adopted family!</li>
<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b> Be Good To Yourself-</b></span> If you are feeling blue don't forget to take
care of yourself. Treat yourself to a special day, do what feels good,
or do what you want to. It's ok to get together with friends for a fun
day, take a walk in the fresh air, or set aside some time to yourself
for self care. The holidays can get nutty and taking time for yourself
is a must. <b>It's your holiday too and you are absolutely allowed to be
there for yourself just like you are there for others.</b> Know your limits and your needs and don't be afraid to take care of yourself! Make that huge dinner just for yourself, or take a break this year and invite yourself to someone elses' party. Each holiday is different and our situations each year are different too...it's ok to shirk the ideal holiday and do what is best for you this year. </li>
<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Don't Let Guilt Hitch A Ride-</b></span> Throw guilt out the window, whether it's guilt from not being happy during a holiday, or guilt from celebrating without your LEO. Try not to put unfair pressure on yourself to be happy or even to enjoy the holidays. Try not to over-think your situation and interactions with others. <b>Give yourself a break during a holiday and remember you are human and your best is enough.</b></li>
<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Positive Perspective-</b></span> Finally, when it all comes down to it, life is uncontrollable. Especially as an LE family. Plans change, time is interrupted, and disappointments happen. But one thing is my lifeline through it all...a positive perspective. I refuse to hurt myself with negativity. I want the best for myself because I'm worth it and one way of claiming my value is by trying to stay positive. We can be our own worst enemies by the outlook we have in situations. Instead of reacting with negativity to hardships, practice seeing the good and keeping a positive attitude. <b>Operating in negativity or operating with a positive perspective takes the same amount of energy, though the result of staying positive produces the best outcome for your efforts. </b></li>
</ul>
<br />
I hope you are able to truly enjoy the holidays this season, knowing your best is good enough and even if this year is a difficult one, there is always next year (thank goodness, right?). With a little self management, a positive perspective, and an overcoming spirit, no matter what the holidays throw at you this year...you can survive and thrive this holiday season!<br />
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<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Here are a few more articles for a successful holiday season!</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-squeaky-wheel/201312/surviving-loneliness-over-the-holidays">Surviving Loneliness Over The Holidays</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wendyshat.com/2014/11/surviving-the-holidays-with-family.html">Surviving The Holidays With Extended Family</a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-54531976369454261462014-11-02T15:57:00.001-07:002014-11-02T15:57:20.621-07:004 Ways to Love Your Husband {When He’s Being Unlovable} <h2 style="text-align: left;">
words of wisdom from Joy McMillan at <a href="http://www.simplybloomblog.com/">SimplyBloomblog.com</a> </h2>
<h2>
</h2>
Have you ever experienced a time in your marriage where your husband is a real pain? When it feels like you've traded your knight-in-shining-armor for a total turd?<br />
<br />
It can happen in any marriage and it seems like, especially in an LE marriage. Your husband endures stresses, drama, lies, and manipulation every day, all day. How that wouldn't affect someone eventually, I have no idea. There has probably been a time or two when he has brought a bad mood home. And if it hasn't happened yet, it will. We are human and humans make mistakes. Wives make mistakes, husbands do too. But just because our spouse has hitched a ride on the jerk-annoying-at times unlovable wagon, doesn't mean we as wives are allowed to give up on them. <i>When our husbands are the most unlovable is when they need love the most! </i>And it can be the hardest thing to figure out, much less feel like doing.<br />
<br />
I read a blog called <a href="http://www.simplybloomblog.com/">Simply Bloom</a> often. It is written by Joy McMillan a beautiful, upbeat Police Wife. Her words are always an encouragement and it's likely you have seen her amazing graphics talent floating around Pinterest too. She is responsible for the awesome LE themed <a href="http://www.simplybloomblog.com/2013/03/we-are-family-of-heroes-printable.html">"We Are A Family of Heroes" printable</a>.<br />
<br />
Joy wrote a wonderful article on <a href="http://www.simplybloomblog.com/2013/06/4-ways-to-love-your-husband-when-hes-being-unlovableplus-printable.html">4 Ways To Love Your Husband {When He's Being Unlovable}</a> (plus it includes an awesome free printable). I really want to share her incite with you because she is spot on! And it's a real struggle we all have. It's ok to have, we are human, and it is possible to overcome! So please read on, or visit the <a href="http://www.simplybloomblog.com/2013/06/4-ways-to-love-your-husband-when-hes-being-unlovableplus-printable.html">original post</a>. I truly hope you are encouraged!<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2 class="entry-title" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">4 Ways to Love Your Husband </span></span></span></span></h2>
<h2 class="entry-title" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">{When He’s Being Unlovable}</span></span></span></span></h2>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">This post is alternately entitled: “<i><b>You’re Being A Punk…But I Still Love You</b></i>”.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">A sweet friend of mine texted me a couple of months ago with a plea
that read something like this…”please write a post on loving our
husbands when they’re being unlovable. I need it and know a few women
who could really use the encouragement right now”, and being the great
friend that I am {ahem}, I stashed it away in my momma-brain and
promptly forgot about it.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">Until recently. When my hubby was being a smidge unlovable. Go figure.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">And while the initial thought of writing a smushy ‘how-to’ post about
being a better wife made me laugh out loud, here it is…a few words of
simple wisdom from a perfectly imperfect wife who has, admittedly, told
her hubby on occasion to stop being a punk.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">1. <b>Check </b><b>Yo’ Self</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past 10 years it’s this: <b>unrealistic and unspoken expectations will destroy a relationship</b><i>.</i>
It is so easy to assume, especially when you’ve been married for a
while, that your husband knows what you need or want, when you need or
want it. <i>Clear communication, seasoned with grace, is essential in making a relationship work</i>.
I think we forget how very differently we’re wired; between our
upbringing, personal baggage, temperament and personality, along with
the fact that men and women are cut from entirely different cloth. If
we <i>aren’t</i> clearly communicating our <i>needs</i>, which are not to be confused with <i><a href="http://www.simplybloomblog.com/2011/01/ek-spek-tey-shuhn.html" target="_blank">unrealistic expectations</a></i>, the chances that they’ll be met are slim.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">Occasionally my hubby will distance himself emotionally from me
because he can sense a low-grade level of dissatisfaction from me. When
I get disenchanted with him because he’s not meeting my expectations,
out of self-preservation, he withdraws.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">It’s amazing how easily we can bring out the best – <i>or the worst</i> – in our loved ones.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">With this being said, <b>let your hubby off the hook</b>. There’s a tremendous difference between living with lofty expectations and living life with expectancy. Master the latter.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">Our identity, security and worth were never intended to be forged
through them. Affirmed, yes. Nurtured, yes. But not established and
maintained. <b>We love our husbands well when we stop demanding that they meet needs they were never designed to meet.</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">2. <b>Speak life {or Zip Your Lip}</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">Our words are powerful weapons…they can be used to <i>destroy</i>, or <i>defend</i>. We can either fight with, or fight for, our guys.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">I don’t know about you, but my filter malfunctions frequently. I
blurt something out and then lament my complete inability to think
before I speak when passion is coursing through my veins. When I get
fired up, my mouth can get me in trouble.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">But here’s the deal: in a world of raging negativity, criticism and
disrespect, we can be a safe haven for our husbands. I want my hubby to
know that whatever he faces out there in the world, his name is safe in
my mouth. <b>I will honor him with my words, rather than cut him down, and I will <i>never</i> publicly embarrass or disrespect him</b>.
We never speak negatively about each other in front of our kiddos,
because we realize the power we have to enhance or destroy the way they
see us. It’s not always easy when blood pressure runs high, but it’s a
commitment we’ve made…and it has made all the difference in our family.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">And you know, friends, the truth of the matter is…our husbands are only as great as we believe them to be. <i>What we speak reveals what we believe.</i> And they <i>will</i> live up to what we believe about them.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">It’s easy to pick out the dirt in other people’s lives, and it’s even
easier to talk about it because it makes us feel better about our own
dirt. <b>But we love our husbands well when we choose to speak
life instead, when we intentionally choose to seek out the gold we know
is sometimes buried beneath their temporary punkiness.</b> Go for the gold, girlfriend.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">3. <b>Don’t Drink the Poison</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">I’ve heard it said that unforgiveness is like drinking poison hoping
to hurt another. This poison is particularly potent when drunk within
marriage.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">On the flip side, <b>resilience</b> and <b>grace</b>
are two of the healthiest ingredients we can add to our relationships,
and should be drunk in large quantities, frequently. We are imperfect
humans married to imperfect humans, in an imperfect world. We <i>will</i> disappoint, and we <i>will</i> be disappointed.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;"><b>What a gift we give each other when we choose to live <i>unoffended</i>.</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">In the same way a house is kept in order more easily by sweeping
through it daily and making sure things are roughly in their right
place, a marriage is kept free of clutter when we make a point of not
allowing baggage to accumulate. In other words, don’t allow the sun to
go down on your anger. Graciously unpack your baggage together daily –
uncomfortable as it may be in the moment – and refuse to let bitterness
or resentment simmer overnight. <i>Don’t sleep on it</i>.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">Forgiveness isn’t a feeling, it’s a choice. Even though our hearts
may hurt, we can choose to lay down the grievance and give up our right
to seek revenge.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">While we may feel slighted at times, and may be tempted to demand a blood sacrifice to right a wrong, <b>we
love our husbands well when we don’t drink the poison, when we keep our
tabs short and make grace more important than justice.</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;"><i><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">sheds on the heel that has crushed it”</span></i></span></span></span></h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">~ Mark Twain</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span></span></span>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">4. <b>Seduce the Dude</b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">While <i>we</i> may not realize how vital sex is to
the health of our marriage, the proof is in the pudding. Have you ever
noticed that there’s a direct connection between the way your hubby
interacts with you emotionally and how long it’s been since you
connected physically?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">When life gets busy and we don’t intentionally carve out
time for us to reconnect and have a heavenly hoorah!…well, let’s just
say…everyone’s a punk.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">We know that most men have an overwhelming <i>physical</i> need for sex, but we often fail to recognize that our hubby’s sex drives are <i>intricately</i> connected to their ability to feel like a ‘<i>real man’</i>.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">Interesting thing is, they also have an overwhelming <i>emotional</i>
need for sex. While they may not express their heart the way we do –
that level of raw communication does not come naturally to most men –
our hubbies struggle with deep feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. <b>Making
love makes them feel desired, it improves their confidence and
self-esteem, and boosts their well-being and performance in <i>every</i> area</b> (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Women-Only-Revised-Updated-About/dp/1601424442/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372396516&sr=1-1&keywords=for+women+only" target="_blank">For Women Only</a>, Shaunti Feldhahn).</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">
</span><span style="color: #666666;">So, even though it can be excruciating to want to be intimate with someone who’s not being particularly lovable, <b>we love our husbands well when we put on our big girl panties {however the thong works well here too) and choose to be <i>selfless</i>
rather than selfish, honoring the fact that God created them a certain
way – even if it irritates us at times – and connect physically in order
to reconnect emotionally.</b></span></span></span><br />
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</span><span style="color: #666666;">It’s “hello hotstuff, ta-ta punkboy” magic. Try it.</span></span></span><br />
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</span><span style="color: #666666;">You’re welcome.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">Written by Joy McMillan, Simply Bloom Blog, <span class="date published time" title="2013-06-28T09:47:40+00:00">June 28, 2013</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.simplybloomblog.com/"><img alt="http://www.simplybloomblog.com/" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XA_YMiWkbyQ/VFahDRjrTxI/AAAAAAAAA3g/hFyIDidvP14/s1600/Simply-Bloom-Emblem.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="date published time" title="2013-06-28T09:47:40+00:00"></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="date published time" title="2013-06-28T09:47:40+00:00">Isn't that an awesome read? I pray you take Joy's words to heart and find hope that even when your man seems unlovable...there is a way to get back on track, to love through the tough times. It's important to never give up learning and striving for this ability in a marriage. Love, grace, and forgiveness are lifelines in a relationship. No matter how grumpy or annoying your LEO is...he still deserves your love. I hope this article helps you find a way to keep showing him love. Blessings sweet LEOW and prayers for your strength and endurance as you journey forward with your LEO. </span></span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-68850046116739442482014-10-24T20:35:00.001-06:002014-10-24T20:35:19.320-06:00Great Stories about Good Cops!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1mSJl55i8wE/VErb0vIYW8I/AAAAAAAAA20/szr4-xllLPM/s1600/positivepolice5.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1mSJl55i8wE/VErb0vIYW8I/AAAAAAAAA20/szr4-xllLPM/s1600/positivepolice5.jpg.jpg" height="147" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tens of thousands of Police Officers walk their beat every day with a purpose for good. They encounter the darkest of life's situations, witness countless acts of evil, and endure the ever present reality of danger and death. They combat it with a declaration for good, a purpose to change the darkness and make a difference in our world. </h3>
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Below are images and video from across the web, and even from the Blue Line Life family, of our Officers in a positive light, doing what they do best. I am happy to say that as I searched the internet for positive articles, images, and videos...I found <i>tons </i>of great stories! It literally has taken me weeks to look through all the positive content. I can guarantee there will be a version 2.0 of this post because there is so much more to share! </div>
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Enjoy the photos and videos, remember that protecting and changing communities for the better is the main heart of Law Enforcement, and if you like this post (and others you see on the web) SHARE IT! Don't forget to hashtag your social media posts with #goodcops #goodcopstories #stopthehate #copsdoinggood so that the positive image of Law Enforcement can begin trending! Get the voice of the good cops out there and let's begin changing what trends across the internet to include the amazing, positive, honorable work our Officers do daily! </div>
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Inspiring Images and Stories of Police Officers </h2>
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Around The Country. </h2>
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Officer Ramos (NYPD) saw a homeless man sitting in 28-degree weather with no boots and a white t-shirt. He decided to give him his sweatshirt by removing it from under his coat.</div>
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The homeless man was interviewed and he said: "He gave it to me. He said 'don't worry about it.' I felt good about having it." <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="http://nypost.com/2013/12/13/nypd-cop-gives-cold-homeless-man-the-sweatshirt-off-his-back/">nypost.com</a></span></div>
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Sent in from a Blue Line Life fan. "<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">We love our police officers here in Baltimore, MD!!"</span></span><br />
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Police Officer Pulls Man Over For Speeding... Ends Up Saving His Life<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span data-reactid=".nv.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412909370201=2f8a1151a5dd520bf33.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".nv.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412909370201=2f8a1151a5dd520bf33.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0">Our Officers are Dads and Moms with big hearts! Deputy Mike Platt, Trumbull County Ohio, walking with his daughter from the bus stop.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bP07X2jbrTE/VEl6hioeRtI/AAAAAAAAA1A/uLWQ-EbIZHo/s1600/kindness5n-1-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bP07X2jbrTE/VEl6hioeRtI/AAAAAAAAA1A/uLWQ-EbIZHo/s1600/kindness5n-1-web.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"> </span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">An awesome video of 12 acts of kindness from Police Officers!</span></span></div>
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Two sisters from Edmond, OK, ages 9 and 11, were unable to sleep at night because of their fear of crime in their neighborhood. No matter how their mother tried to reassure them, including nightly safety checks around their home, the girls were still overcome with worry.<br />
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Upon hearing of the girl's distress from his wife, Lt. Paul Barbour decided to do his part to set their minds at ease. Working the night shift, Lt. Barbour took time to hand write a note of reassurance to the two sisters. He taped the note to their front door. He later learned that his note had done the trick and the girls are now able to sleep with the lights off!<br />
“I felt a lot more safe and secure knowing that someone is watching after us.” <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="http://kfor.com/2014/03/06/officers-letter-helps-frightened-family-sleep-peacefully/">kfor.com</a></span><br />
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Baltimore Police Officer Jon Boyer often rescues stray cats and dogs and brings them to the shelter. The 26-year-old cop considers the rescues as just a part of the job, but when he agreed to pose for a photo with a kitten he brought in last May, he became an internet sensation.</div>
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His fellow officers now call him the "cat man" in good fun. "I used to hang posters in my room of cats, because I loved them," he said. "My parents always wondered why I didn't like dogs. I love dogs, but cats are kinda my thing." Boyer says he is happy knowing that this media attention will help more stray animals find loving homes. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/606/Police-Officer-Who-Saves-Cats-And-Dogs-Is-Winning-The-Hearts-Of-Animal-Lovers-Across-The-Country">sunnyskyz.com</a>, <a href="http://www.today.com/pets/baltimore-cop-saves-stray-kitten-woos-internet-2D79452930">today.com</a></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">"</span></span><span data-reactid=".pl.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412910116875=27a7cc502a420ed3525.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".pl.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412910116875=27a7cc502a420ed3525.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$4:0">This is a picture of Trooper Haddad (Michigan State Police). He visited a school to talk to children about Police, their uniforms, and what they do on the job. The kids loved him and gave hugs all around!</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NeNTsn-UDqM/VEqlhSY8mGI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/hMSI3Tt6uZQ/s1600/5hw1h-police1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NeNTsn-UDqM/VEqlhSY8mGI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/hMSI3Tt6uZQ/s1600/5hw1h-police1.jpg" height="251" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.wsmv.com/story/25459694/police-officer-goes-above-and-beyond-for-sumter-teen">wsmv.com</a></span></td></tr>
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13-year-old Cameron Simmons called the police because he was upset after fighting with his mom. Cameron told police he didn't want to live in the house with his family anymore. Officer Gaetano Acerra responded to the call. </div>
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"I said, 'You have it good, you have a roof over your head,'" said Acerra. "I told him I would try to help him out." </div>
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But when he arrived, he noticed the boy didn't even have a real bed. He was sleeping on an inflatable mattress. In fact, Cameron didn't have nearly anything he needed for a bedroom. </div>
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"My heart went out for him," said Acerra. "I thought the little things that he needed I could give him, to make him a happier kid." </div>
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A few weeks after the call, Acerra showed up at Simmon's house with a truck full of gifts including a new bed, television, desk and Wii game system. </div>
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"I didn't do this for publicity or to get people to notice me," Acerra said. "I did it because I could. It was the right thing to do and I think people should do things like this."</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.wsmv.com/story/25459694/police-officer-goes-above-and-beyond-for-sumter-teen">wsmv.com</a>, <a href="http://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/669/A-Police-Officer-Responded-To-A-Call-From-An-Upset-Teen-What-He-Did-Next-Is-Truly-Amazing">sunnyskyz.com</a></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TkZW1yQwzXs/VEqvUKN7ZyI/AAAAAAAAA1o/sFjfJnDeNDk/s1600/positivepolice4.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TkZW1yQwzXs/VEqvUKN7ZyI/AAAAAAAAA1o/sFjfJnDeNDk/s1600/positivepolice4.jpg.jpg" height="329" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">From a Blue Line Life Fan</span></td></tr>
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<span data-reactid=".pl.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412910116875=27a7cc502a420ed3525.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".pl.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412910116875=27a7cc502a420ed3525.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$4:0"> Sent to us from a proud LE Daughter and Medic. </span></span></div>
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<span data-reactid=".pl.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412910116875=27a7cc502a420ed3525.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".pl.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412910116875=27a7cc502a420ed3525.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$4:0">"</span></span>Officer Yunger of Loveland Police Department! He's my daddy and my hero."<br />
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Detective Changes the Lives of Two Young Boys </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/SxFujtETF8U?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span data-reactid=".pl.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412910116875=27a7cc502a420ed3525.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".pl.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412910116875=27a7cc502a420ed3525.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$4:0"></span></span> </div>
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<span data-reactid=".pl.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412910116875=27a7cc502a420ed3525.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".pl.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412910116875=27a7cc502a420ed3525.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$4:0">Pittsburgh detective Jack Mook is a hard-nosed, 22-year veteran of the force who lived a happy life of a bachelor — until he met two kids that changed everything. This is above and beyond! </span></span></div>
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<span data-reactid=".pl.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412910116875=27a7cc502a420ed3525.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".pl.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412910116875=27a7cc502a420ed3525.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$4:0"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source and video credit: <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/bachelor-detective-takes-on-case-of-two-pittsburgh-boys/">cbsnews.com</a></span></span></span></div>
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<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">From a Blue Line Life Fan</span></td></tr>
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<span data-reactid=".pl.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412910116875=27a7cc502a420ed3525.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".pl.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412910116875=27a7cc502a420ed3525.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$4:0"><span data-reactid=".pl.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412910116875=27a7cc502a420ed3525.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".pl.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412910116875=27a7cc502a420ed3525.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$4:0"></span></span><span data-reactid=".qf.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412911248138=2c4d296395f1e7a0945.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".qf.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412911248138=2c4d296395f1e7a0945.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0">A small town LEO bringing some smiles and showing the love to the community he serves and protects. Proof Officers have great big hearts!</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span data-reactid=".qf.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412911248138=2c4d296395f1e7a0945.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".qf.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412911248138=2c4d296395f1e7a0945.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0"> </span></span>Huron County Sheriffs Deputy Ryan Swartz comes across a stunned deer at car-deer accident scene. The deer is frozen in fear and standing in the middle of the road. Deputy Swartz fails to shoo it off the road and finally takes the time to carry the deer to safety.<br />
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<span data-reactid=".tn.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412912550912=2ee41a2b8fc7c77d429.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".tn.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412912550912=2ee41a2b8fc7c77d429.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0">Trooper Jordan of Mount Pleasant Post, Michigan visiting with the preschoolers, answering questions and talking about safety. </span></span><br />
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<span data-reactid=".tn.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412912550912=2ee41a2b8fc7c77d429.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".tn.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412912550912=2ee41a2b8fc7c77d429.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0"> </span></span>On a cold November night in Times Square, Officer Lawrence DePrimo was working a counter terrorism post when he encountered an older, barefooted homeless man. </div>
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The officer, normally assigned to the Sixth Precinct in the West Village, readily recalled the encounter. “It was freezing out and you could see the blisters on the man’s feet,” he said in an interview. “I had two pairs of socks and I was still cold.” They started talking; he found out the man’s shoe size: 12. The officer disappeared for a moment, then returned with a new pair of boots, and knelt to help the man put them on. </div>
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A wonderful example of the care and service our Officers provide.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/29/nyregion/photo-of-officer-giving-boots-to-barefoot-man-warms-hearts-online.html?_r=0">nytimes.com</a></span><br />
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<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">From a Blue Line Life Fan</span></td></tr>
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<span data-reactid=".tn.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412912550912=2ee41a2b8fc7c77d429.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".tn.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412912550912=2ee41a2b8fc7c77d429.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span data-reactid=".w9.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412914559746=22d1911254d7189bd64.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".w9.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412914559746=22d1911254d7189bd64.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0">Officer Pate with Whiteville Police Department is all smiles as he works his beat! Credited as a dedicated, honorable Officer, his fiance sent us this photo as a loving tribute! </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span data-reactid=".tn.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412912550912=2ee41a2b8fc7c77d429.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".tn.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412912550912=2ee41a2b8fc7c77d429.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span data-reactid=".w9.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412914559746=22d1911254d7189bd64.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".w9.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412914559746=22d1911254d7189bd64.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0"> </span></span></span></span>____________________________________<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Cop Challenges Street Youth to Dance-Off</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CPf9ilgCRrY/VEqjOh6R3sI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/cFNnHX9CmZQ/s1600/5o51w-happy-news.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CPf9ilgCRrY/VEqjOh6R3sI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/cFNnHX9CmZQ/s1600/5o51w-happy-news.jpg" height="258" width="400" /></a></div>
<span data-reactid=".tn.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412912550912=2ee41a2b8fc7c77d429.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".tn.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412912550912=2ee41a2b8fc7c77d429.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span data-reactid=".w9.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412914559746=22d1911254d7189bd64.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".w9.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412914559746=22d1911254d7189bd64.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0"></span></span></span></span>An Arlington, Virginia Police Officer went above and beyond the call of duty when he arrived at an elderly man's home who had just been burglarized.
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The victim, in his 80's, was very upset about the home violation. Officer Brandon Evans was there to comfort the man, even helping vacuum up the broken window glass. Before the Officers left, Evans noticed the man trying to saw a piece of plywood to cover the open window. Evans stepped in to help, cutting the plywood and boarding up the open window. "When I asked Officer Evans what he was thinking, he said he could only think about his father and how he needed to do everything he could to bring dignity and respect back to this elderly man," said Police spokesman Sgt. Christopher Cook. The Arlington Police Department posted the photo to their Facebook page, drawing in over 4,000 likes in just one day. A small act of kindness goes a long way. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: Arlington Police Department Facebook, <a href="http://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news/262/Police-Officer-goes-above-and-beyond-to-help-elderly-burglary-victim">sunnyskyz.com</a></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9HXelP8zHis/VEq7XhkXHSI/AAAAAAAAA2U/mprVHOL-krs/s1600/ua50s-248061-420229698075330-66977666-n.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9HXelP8zHis/VEq7XhkXHSI/AAAAAAAAA2U/mprVHOL-krs/s1600/ua50s-248061-420229698075330-66977666-n.jpg.jpg" height="325" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">From a Blue Line Life Fan</span></td></tr>
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<span data-reactid=".ka.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11414101682381=2ba1665fc51428bb156.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".ka.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11414101682381=2ba1665fc51428bb156.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0">Trooper Dalton getting ready to deliver 7500 energy drinks to the LEO's working the search for the PA Police shooting suspect in NE Pennsylvania. </span></span><br />
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<span data-reactid=".ka.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11414101682381=2ba1665fc51428bb156.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".ka.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11414101682381=2ba1665fc51428bb156.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0"> </span></span>____________________________________</div>
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<span data-reactid=".ka.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11414101682381=2ba1665fc51428bb156.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".ka.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11414101682381=2ba1665fc51428bb156.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="watch-title long-title " dir="ltr" id="eow-title" title="Drowning girl saved by hero cop Ed Norton in Boston US who dived in to rescue her"><span style="font-size: large;">Drowning girl saved by Boston Officer Ed Norton, who dived in to rescue her</span>. </span></span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZsiyqBanADg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span data-reactid=".ka.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11414101682381=2ba1665fc51428bb156.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0" style="font-size: large;"><span data-reactid=".ka.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11414101682381=2ba1665fc51428bb156.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="watch-title long-title " dir="ltr" id="eow-title" title="Drowning girl saved by hero cop Ed Norton in Boston US who dived in to rescue her"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="watch-title long-title " dir="ltr" id="eow-title" title="Drowning girl saved by hero cop Ed Norton in Boston US who dived in to rescue her"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source:D.N.E.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="watch-title long-title " dir="ltr" id="eow-title" title="Drowning girl saved by hero cop Ed Norton in Boston US who dived in to rescue her"> </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkbtTKAx7P0/VEq8vYvDAzI/AAAAAAAAA2c/PlyRmXRONkA/s1600/10728686_10204956417493975_835784072_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkbtTKAx7P0/VEq8vYvDAzI/AAAAAAAAA2c/PlyRmXRONkA/s1600/10728686_10204956417493975_835784072_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">From a Blue Line Life Fan</span></td></tr>
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<span data-reactid=".ka.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11414101682381=2ba1665fc51428bb156.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".ka.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11414101682381=2ba1665fc51428bb156.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0">This photo was sent to us by the proud wife of this </span></span><span data-reactid=".lp.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11414107390757=24777774273bd04c608.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".lp.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11414107390757=24777774273bd04c608.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0">Chartiers Twp Police Officer, celebrating 20 years on the job. Not only are many Police Officers dedicated public servants, they are moms and dads, spouses, family members, and heroes! There is a heart and a family behind every badge. Congratulations on 20 years of service, sir!</span></span> <br />
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<span data-reactid=".tn.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412912550912=2ee41a2b8fc7c77d429.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".tn.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412912550912=2ee41a2b8fc7c77d429.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span data-reactid=".w9.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412914559746=22d1911254d7189bd64.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".w9.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412914559746=22d1911254d7189bd64.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0"></span></span> </span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zKuhboqgfyE/VElvW3nRDMI/AAAAAAAAA0A/mAugV38icUM/s1600/10581012_10100930274913816_272184644_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zKuhboqgfyE/VElvW3nRDMI/AAAAAAAAA0A/mAugV38icUM/s1600/10581012_10100930274913816_272184644_n.jpg" height="323" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">From a Blue Line Life Fan</span></td></tr>
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<span data-reactid=".tn.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412912550912=2ee41a2b8fc7c77d429.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".tn.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412912550912=2ee41a2b8fc7c77d429.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0">"</span></span><span data-reactid=".v6.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412914862503=2e3f16d1f566d7edf08.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0"><span data-reactid=".v6.1.0.0.0.0.1:$mid=11412914862503=2e3f16d1f566d7edf08.0.1.0.$right.0.0.1.0.$end:0:$0:0">This is Officer Marlowe with my APBT, Tess. Officer Marlowe was respectful and kind, and when I asked him to take a photo with my dog, he was all for it. Definitely a great LEO out on the beat!"J.R.</span></span><br />
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Officer Rescues Wheelchair-Bound Man From Rain Storm </div>
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Fort Myers, Florida, Police Officer Gil Benitez has been praised as a
hero after his kind deed was captured on a dashcam when he rescued a
wheelchair-bound man stranded in the open during a thunderstorm on
Thursday, August 14th.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8785JyCxf8/VEsBB9mwbzI/AAAAAAAAA3E/ERQKwwTQEAM/s1600/Police_Officer_Derrick_Pratico-with-birthday-boy-FB-photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8785JyCxf8/VEsBB9mwbzI/AAAAAAAAA3E/ERQKwwTQEAM/s1600/Police_Officer_Derrick_Pratico-with-birthday-boy-FB-photo.jpg" height="400" width="398" /></a></div>
A Jacksonville Sheriff’s Officer responded to a burglary call to find
a mother devastated because her son’s birthday presents were stolen
from her car. Purchased with their tax refund, she had no money to
replace the gifts.<br />
Officer Derek Pratico wrote up the police report but before moving on
to the next case he showed us all what community service looks like.<br />
The next day he went to the store and purchased with his own money a
toy police car, a birthday cake and card, and a Spiderman backpack. He
brought it to the boy and also handed his mother a $100 gift card to
“help her get back on her feet”. Pratico said, “I did not do this for any recognition, I just felt it was the right thing to do at that moment.” <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/cop-buys-birthday-presents-boy-moms-gifts-stolen/">goodnewsnetwork.org</a></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little person couldn't have said it better!</td></tr>
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Nothing frustrates me more than when I see negative news articles
winning featured headline space instead of the good deeds our Officers
do daily. <i>We</i> as Police supporters have to take matters into our
own hands. When you see a good story that shows the goodness of an
Officer- Share It. When you see a post on social media of something
good- Like It. Share your own good stories, take photo or video when you
witness a kind act, help combat the negative reporting
with a flood of goodness. Don't forget to hashtag your social media posts with #goodcops #goodcopstories #stopthehate #copsdoinggood. And might I add...that photos of Cops doing good things are not hard to find because they don't do good things...they are hard to find because people don't notice and don't make the point to show the proof. Let's change that!<br />
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The Police are our lifeline to a safe world. They are the reason we sleep safe at night, the reason the public has no idea what kind of evil is out there. Even if no one chose to recognize them, they would keep making a difference. It's not what they do when people are looking that makes them heroes, it's the fact that they change the world when the majority of us never pay attention, and they don't need our recognition for a reason to do it. They do a job that few are born to do. They are set apart to be the line between evil, to stand against what others fear. Police Officers are <i>good</i> with <i>honorable hearts</i>, <i>protector spirits</i>, and a <i>passion to make a difference.</i> To the Officers out there...Thank you for saving our world!<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Looking for places to hear more positive news about Law Enforcement? Check out these websites and Facebook pages!</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positiveleo.wordpress.com/">Positive LEO Blog</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/tag/police/">Good News Network- Police Archives</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/goodnewsaboutcops">Good News About Cops- Facebook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PositiveLENews">Positive Law Enforcement News -Facebook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CopsKindToCritters">Cops Kind To Critters- Facebook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/copsdoinggood">Cops Doing Good- Facebook</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodCopStories">Good Cop Stories- Facebook</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Warmer-Shade-of-Blue-Stories-About-Good-Things-Cops-Do/139769922849558">A Warmer Shade of Blue: Stories About Good Things Cops Do- Facebook</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-38805588298724257902014-09-19T22:05:00.001-06:002014-09-19T22:05:36.341-06:0010 Habits of a Successful LE Family<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4YJ59EifXmM/VBz6jJUXPhI/AAAAAAAAAwo/DAPz4JWrs5M/s1600/helpfultips.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4YJ59EifXmM/VBz6jJUXPhI/AAAAAAAAAwo/DAPz4JWrs5M/s1600/helpfultips.png" height="67" width="640" /></a></h2>
<b>1. Communicate</b>- This is the most important trait of a healthy family. Communicating with one another prevents misunderstandings, can heal wrong perceptions, and clarify confusion. All of this helps us to get on with living a fun, happy, healthy life. Don't forget to communicate with everyone in your family, not just your spouse. Children benefit from communication, especially with their parents. It sends a message that they have value, how they feel matters, and teaches them a way to channel emotion in a healthy way. As much as communication involves words, don't forget to listen, ask questions, and affirm one another, even if what the other person has to say is difficult to hear. A successful Police family knows there is more important ways to spend time together than to let misunderstandings, hurt feelings, or pent up emotion get in the way. The key to successful communication is listening, patience, ask questions, and remember the other person has as much right to express and feel emotion as you do. You're a team, and you're all in it together for the same good outcome...never forget to use communication as the tool to keep a healthy momentum in your family...it's the best tool you have!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5s7c_PDpO1JSkrxwaftsXiCcIksXKjHKw-74GRzaaoVPnlWcV56v2OMiNNqVeOPq1qcrD6BP5r_CHLqyitath4N3I7MF8nbu9CsTQrlo1GrFUq8QHDKS4KdhrOW3TuHWF3Gtg8P-oCiuK/s1600/makingtime.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5s7c_PDpO1JSkrxwaftsXiCcIksXKjHKw-74GRzaaoVPnlWcV56v2OMiNNqVeOPq1qcrD6BP5r_CHLqyitath4N3I7MF8nbu9CsTQrlo1GrFUq8QHDKS4KdhrOW3TuHWF3Gtg8P-oCiuK/s1600/makingtime.png" height="320" width="312" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fT9PSvnLj_Y/VBztI10UIkI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/ZpAdrMJdE-E/s1600/makingtime.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><b>2. Make Time</b>- Every Police family knows that time together is precious. Many people use the term "finding time" to do things together. No matter how busy your schedule, no matter if both parents work, or kids are busy with school and activities...<b>make time</b>, don't just find it. By <i>making</i> time we<span id="goog_825135550"></span><span id="goog_825135551"></span> ensure time together will happen. Making time together puts everyone first, it makes time together priority, and when life is at its busiest, time together is one area that should not be neglected. One of my favorite quotes is "In our family, love is spelled time." It's a simple reminder that memories, good feelings, and bonding is created with time...not things. So sit down, look at your schedules and make time. Go on that road trip you've been talking about, take a day off to do an activity together, go on a date, or just have a fun day around the house. <i>Nothing</i> is more important than time together and nothing makes a bigger impact in the success and joy of a family. Visit my post <a href="http://bluelinelife.blogspot.com/2014/07/family-time-ideasthe-le-version.html">Family Time Ideas...The LE Version</a> for some fun ways to spend time together!<br />
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<b>3. Stay Positive...& Laugh</b>- Learn to laugh. Not every day will go perfectly, not every situation will have an easy fix. There are going to be plenty of days when plans are upturned, your loved ones drive you nuts, or the LE life gets to be too much. Laughter <i>is </i>the best medicine. Laughter is our help in difficult times and it takes just as much energy to laugh as it does to despair. Keep your sense of humor intact. Fight to keep your perspective positive. Laughter and humor are the keys to staying positive. You can train your brain to see in a positive perspective and once you make joy your goal in difficult times (which there are many as an LE family) you unlock your greatest potential for success. Check out <a href="http://bluelinelife.blogspot.com/2013/09/laugh-it-off.html">Laugh It Off </a>for more insight on staying positive!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVDesLKAHA0/VBzvGddgS0I/AAAAAAAAAvs/VZ8k9l-G-EM/s1600/letyourfaithbebigger.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vVDesLKAHA0/VBzvGddgS0I/AAAAAAAAAvs/VZ8k9l-G-EM/s1600/letyourfaithbebigger.png" height="320" width="199" /></a><b>4. Don't Future Trip</b>- Future tripping is another term for fearing the unknown or the things we are afraid may come to pass down the road. It's so easy as Police families to focus on the fears in our lives. At times, evil is all around us. We hear about what our LEOs face each day, how one call turned ugly, or how someone hurt another person. Top that off with the fears of losing our LEO and it can get to be too much. Let me remind you, stay in today. Today is all we have, this moment is all we know. To look so far forward into the future that we begin fearing the unknown is unfair to ourselves. It is abuse of our emotions, our realities, and our perspective. Remember to stay in today, keep your realities and your thoughts on what you know, not what you are afraid might happen. Most times what we fear never comes to pass but instead robs us of our peace in the moment. We can become consumed by it, changed by it, and it begins to affect all around us. You deserve a joyful, peaceful life. Remembering the truth of what <i>is</i> and not what we fear may come to pass will help you last through the years as an LE family. It will keep you strong and controlled during the tough times. Read more about overcoming fear and expecting peace in your life...<a href="http://bluelinelife.blogspot.com/2013/11/i-expect-peace.html">I Expect Peace</a></div>
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<b>5. Be Flexible</b>- "Never underestimate a turd ball's ability to ruin your plans." and it never fails. Whether it's a canceled date because of overtime, a crappy nights sleep because of a call out, or a holiday spent alone because your LEO works, the life of a Police family demands flexibility. And that can be a tough pill to swallow. One way to learn to be flexible is to hold plans loosely and fight the tendency for expectations. If your LEO says he will be home at 5, plan in your head for 6. Don't hold times or dates so tightly that they are bound to not work out. If my LEO says date night at 5 and I plan for somewhere between then and 7...date night still happens and I don't hold the situation to a cut and dry result. It's easier on my own emotions and gives my LEO a break. Officers have weird schedules, we all know that, so give you and your LEO a break and be honest that sometimes things don't work out, but there is next time. Keep a positive, forward perspective when it comes to holidays, there is always next year. And part of the weirdness of messed up schedules and having to deal with them is exactly what makes Police families a rare breed. We are forced to put expectations aside, hold plans loosely and go with the flow. It's a strength and skill that trickles into other areas of our lives too...and that's what makes us stinkin' awesome! <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LkIQlWlV-z0/VBzwXPatUrI/AAAAAAAAAv4/KHdrWQAzYaY/s1600/gratitude.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LkIQlWlV-z0/VBzwXPatUrI/AAAAAAAAAv4/KHdrWQAzYaY/s1600/gratitude.png" height="212" width="320" /></a><b>6. Remember Gratitude</b>- When it all gets to be too much...remember what you have. Remember the power of gratitude. It takes what we have and makes it enough. If we are always searching for a fix or something better, we will miss so much of what we have. If you are struggling with burdens and perspective, sit down for a moment and remind yourself the wonderful things you have. It is easy to think of what we miss out on as Police families or how much harder we have it. Don't go there. Because there is so much that we have as Police families that others don't. We have amazing perspective on the value of time and life. We don't take moments for granted. We know how to watch out for each other. We know the true meaning of family, both blue and blood. The things that make life challenging as Police families are also the very things that make us unique, exceptionally special, and admirably strong. Don't <i>ever</i> let hardships steal your ability to see the good in life. You have a LEO who does a dangerous job...but because of that you love deeper and don't waist moments together. You have weird schedules...but because of that you have learned to be flexible. You are alone sometimes...but you can be grateful you have someone to miss and the strength to keep going. Just remember, a lot of the things that drive us nuts are the very things we would miss if they were gone. Keep reading about overcoming hardships with gratitude and the wonderful realities of the LE life at...<a href="http://bluelinelife.blogspot.com/2014/01/finding-light-through-gratitude.html">Finding the Light Through Gratitude</a> and <a href="http://bluelinelife.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-silver-lining.html">The Silver Lining </a><br />
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<b>7. Ask for Help</b>- This is huge. A Police family goes through a lot. It is absolutely, without a doubt, ok <i>and</i> necessary to ask for help once in a while. We all get to a point where we want to pull our hair out. Maybe you're not getting enough time with your LEO...tell them, make some time, and ask someone to watch your kids. Maybe you're not getting enough <i>you</i> time...ask someone to take something from your list of to-do's so you can take some time for yourself. Maybe you need to vent, you're feeling unsure, or over done...call up a fellow LEOW, a family member, or someone who will understand and talk. It's ok to need a re-boot and it's double ok to recognize and admit you need help. I used to think I needed to be super mom and a super Trooper wife (haha, get it?) but that is so not the truth. No one is created to do everything on their own. We belong to a wonderful Blue family, people who know what it's like as a Police family. Call someone up and lean on them. Last time I checked, God created the world with a whole lot of people in it...proof we don't have to go it alone. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5GC6m2Ye1hg/VBzy4ciLEOI/AAAAAAAAAwE/svGNBG8I31A/s1600/don%27tcompare.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5GC6m2Ye1hg/VBzy4ciLEOI/AAAAAAAAAwE/svGNBG8I31A/s1600/don'tcompare.png" height="198" width="400" /></a><b>8. Forget About the Joneses</b>- Does it ever feel like other people seem to have it together better than you? Do you ever find yourself comparing the way you go about things to the way you see your friends living their lives? Especially with social media, it can seem like other people have it totally together while you're sitting there out of sorts or totally upside down. Remember, when it comes to comparing ourselves to others, no one <i>ever</i> sees <i>everything</i> that goes on in other people's lives. My dad always says "Everyone puts their pants on the same way, one leg at a time." And it's true. We all have struggles, we all fall short, no one is ever perfect. I can guarantee that the PoPo family that seems like they have it all together, doesn't. They struggle just like you, maybe in different ways, but they are not perfect just the same. Don't waist your time comparing your "faults" to their "strengths". Many times our perceptions of how other people excel or succeed are not reality but rather come from our own insecurities. Focus on yourself and instead of thinking about how you could do things better like so-and-so, remind yourself of the wonderful things you <i>do</i> do...and how you are wonderfully you just the way you are. The demon of comparison will chip at your resolve. It will kill your confidence and attack your strength. You are enough...and you were given this life because you are strong enough to live it. You have everything within you to succeed and thrive. <br />
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<b>9. Take a Break</b>- Don't forget to take time to shut it all off. Whether that means a vacation, or just some free time to yourself. While the Law Enforcement life is an honorable one that we are proud of, each member of our family has their own identity, heck, even my LEO has an identity outside the badge (gun nut, foodie, mountain man extraordinaire!). Sometimes it's nice to hang up the job and the struggles that come with it, and just say we're human. Remind each other to rest, have hobbies, and take time for themselves. My husband loves to reload ammo in the garage and I love to write or watch girly shows he has no interest in. When we go out on dates, we leave the work stuff behind (unless someone needs to talk or needs support). In general, we try to take time to shut off all the things that come with the badge and just be us. It's a wonderful, refreshing reboot when we set aside the stress and intensity and just get back to basics. The best way to cope with the day to day crazy is to take a break and take care of yourself. Find ideas for self care at <a href="http://bluelinelife.blogspot.com/2013/10/taking-minute-for-meand-you.html">Taking A Minute for Me...and You!</a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FX88t1sdSBc/VBz4S3yeCMI/AAAAAAAAAwc/GMLc_FV6UVw/s1600/nofinishline.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FX88t1sdSBc/VBz4S3yeCMI/AAAAAAAAAwc/GMLc_FV6UVw/s1600/nofinishline.png" height="320" width="253" /></a><b>10. Remember It's a Journey</b>- Lastly, don't forget to give yourself a break. There might be something on this list of habits that's just not you. You might struggle with even the idea of managing one of these things...for me it would be not fearing the future and being flexible...not part of my natural personality. But that's ok. The adventure of being a Police Family is a journey, one we will excel at, at times, and one we will struggle with. No one gets it right out of the gate. And that is perfectly fine. It's not about the end result, it's about the journey we take to get there. The person you are today is enough. You're going to make it if you keep trying, and it doesn't matter how long it takes. Life is a process and when we give ourselves a break and lighten up on the expectations, it can become a beautiful journey full of learning and living. If you keep a hopeful attitude, and a positive perspective, no part of the LE life can shake you. You were made for this and part of being successful in life, is not being afraid to live the life you were made for. I've written more at <a href="http://bluelinelife.blogspot.com/2014/04/leow-life-is-journey.html">LEOW Life is a Journey</a>...I hope you take a second to read it!<br />
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While these 10 habits are not the end all to thriving as a Police Family, I hope they offer a start to supporting you in your journey. These are ways to live an LE life that I have figured out on my own, as well as been encouraged to embrace by other LEOWs. Perhaps the best advice I can give, in closing, is to remember your support system. Remember the wonderful Blue family you belong to and the faithfulness of the Lord. You are set apart for great things. You have within you everything needed to succeed in the life you were given. Never forget your purpose, and always remember your value. While the LE life can be difficult, it is one of the greatest adventures we can take. It proves our courage, our strength, reminds us of what matters most, and keeps us grounded. I pray peace, safety, and all the success possible for your family!<br />
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<b>If you have other habits or traits that have helped your family through the years, please share in the comments! </b></div>
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Check out these other encouraging posts:</div>
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<a href="http://bluelinelife.blogspot.com/2013/12/coping-with-your-cop.html">Coping With Your Cop</a></div>
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<a href="http://bluelinelife.blogspot.com/2013/11/i-am-police-wife.html">I am A Police Wife</a></div>
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<a href="http://bluelinelife.blogspot.com/2013/11/surviving-this-lifethe-upbeat-version.html">10 Tips For Surviving This LE Life</a></div>
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<a href="http://bluelinelife.blogspot.com/2013/11/why-marriage-isnt-for-you.html">Why Marriage Isn't For You</a> </div>
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<a href="http://bluelinelife.blogspot.com/2013/11/taking-baby-steps.html">...Taking Baby Steps</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-21686438918768426582014-07-15T20:39:00.000-06:002014-07-15T20:54:13.459-06:00 Family Time Ideas...the LE Version!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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Summer is in fill swing! And while many of us<b> </b>juggle work schedules as LE families, it is so, so, so important to remember to live life on those rare days off together! "Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life." One of my all time favorite quotes because it is such a great reminder to make life count outside of our jobs. And with the intensity and ways that the Law Enforcement profession can consume our days, even the ones we have off, it is extra important to take a sec and make sure you're making a life, then making a living.<br />
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So! I thought I would put together a fun post with tons of ideas for things to do this summer. Some of the ideas are short activities to cram between work or other duties, some are full weekend ideas. Some of the ideas revolve around kids, some are for couples, and there are a few about food too...who doesn't think food is important right? There are lots of great ideas and I hope at least one fits your lifestyle and interests! As important as the LE profession is, you and your family are more important...so don't forget to live life together! The benefits your family will reap are endless!<br />
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Summer Ideas for Families! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li> <b><a href="http://inspiredbyfamilymag.com/2014/05/27/simplified-cooking-cilantro-lime-chicken-pitas/">Have a picnic</a>!</b> -Instead of eating dinner inside, switch gears and lay a blanket in the backyard and bring your meal outdoors! It's different, it's fun, and it is easy to fit into a busy schedule! Here is a great <a href="http://inspiredbyfamilymag.com/2014/05/27/simplified-cooking-cilantro-lime-chicken-pitas/">article and recipe</a> for eating in the backyard as a family! </li>
<li><b>Go on a bike ride!-</b> This is a great activity together because it can be done at any time of day, it encourages conversation, not to mention it gets everyone out of the house for a change of scenery! </li>
<li><b>Family Yard Day</b>- This might sound like a nightmare for some families, but if you have young children and a lot of yard work to do, remember little ones love to help and working with parents in a fun upbeat way can create a positive attitude for responsibilities! And what better way to talk about how things grow, how we should care for the earth, and the differences of creation and the beauty in it! With a little patience and understanding, working with children can become a really amazing opportunity to witness learning, discovery, and self awareness!
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<li><b>Go to the fair</b>- Most counties host a summer fair and what better way to get the kids out of the house and distracted then with animals, food, and rides!...Maybe your LEO is working your county fair this year! Again, this activity can be done any time of the day and is a wonderful way to interact in a variety of situations. If your LEO is working the fair, maybe you could steal away some time as a family and browse everything together! Exposing your kiddos to tradition, food sources, and the appreciation of other people's hard work will encourage empathy, respect, and awareness for people other than themselves. </li>
<li><b>Park day with scavenger hunt and picnic</b>- If you have a free day together, head over to the park for some sunshine and fun! Plan for a scavenger hunt, picnic, a game of catch or an afternoon exploring the playground equipment. Here is an easy <a href="http://www.makeandtakes.com/hiking-scavenger-hunt-printable-for-kids">kid scavenger hunt</a> with free printout and THE best blog for <a href="http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/50635/kids-picnic-ideas">picnic ideas</a>, everything from recipes to ways to pack!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><b>Go camping!</b>- One of my favorite memories growing up! There is nothing better than one on one attention with your family. Add s'mores, campfires and staying up late and you have an amazing way to spend a weekend as a family...just make sure to leave the electronic distractions at home, especially the work computer and phone!!! Not sure your kids are ready or need some ideas on how to make it the best trip ever? Visit these blogs for help making your camping trip as a family, memorable. I also find perusing Pinterest super helpful in finding lots of camping ideas and tips! <a href="http://www.dailyholidayblog.com/2013/06/camping-recipes-and-cooking-tips/">Super Yummy Easy Recipes</a> <b>|</b> <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/viewer?post=2854187779&group=0&frame_type=a&blog=3652526&frame=1&click=0&user=0">13 Tips and Tricks to camping with kids (meal planner, hacks, necessities list and more!)</a></li>
<li><b>Volunteer-</b> There is probably no better way to teach empathy and compassion to your children (and learn some yourself) then through volunteering. There are so many places that could use your family's help: Animal shelters, The Food Bank, local homeless shelters, Habitat For Humanity, soup kitchens, nursing homes, churches, or maybe a neighbor is in need. No matter where you volunteer, doing something together as a family that helps others will create a special bond!</li>
<li><a href="http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2010/226/2/0/Blueberrys_by_atfruth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2010/226/2/0/Blueberrys_by_atfruth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><b>Visit a farmer's market</b>- Another great opportunity to get out in
the community and be a family. This activity is wonderful if you have
just a sliver of time, or maybe your LEO can meet you for lunch! It's
fun to people watch, there is always great food, and lots to look at.</li>
<li> <b>Unplugged game night!</b>- Pick a random day of the week and whether
it's in the afternoon or evening, plan yummy snacks and a pile of family
games and watch the memories happen! Allow each family member to pick
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by preparing the treats together and taking time to play each person's
favorite game! The time will melt away as you enjoy each others company!
<a href="http://www.modernparentsmessykids.com/gift-guide-2013-top-picks-for-family-game-night">Top Games for Family Game Night</a> | <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/viewer?blog=2569674&post=1581000969">35 Game Night Snacks </a></li>
<li><b>Have a spontaneous day- </b>On scrap pieces of paper, have each person in your family write the name of a place or activity they would like to go/do. Put all the pieces of paper in a bowl and randomly draw for that day's thing to do or place to go. It just might surprise you where someone in your family has been wanting to go! Not only does this involve every member of the family, it also makes your day surprising and special. Go with the flow for the rest of the day and see what happens! </li>
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Yard Games!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><b><a href="http://www.learnplayimagine.com/2012/08/outdoor-obstacle-course-playdate-and.html">Build an obstacle course</a>- </b>Perfect for a free afternoon, party or play date! Loads of fun, a great way to get creative juices flowing, and an ideal way to burn off energy! </li>
<li><a href="http://meaningfulmama.com/2012/08/day-235-10-bean-bag-games-to-play-with.html"><b>10 Bean Bag Games for kids</b></a>- Easy, for any age, and can be done at any time of the day! No mess, easy storage, and can be used indoors too!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.justusgirlsblog.com/2013/06/diy-outdoor-twister.html"><b>Yard Twister</b></a>- Buy red, yellow, blue, and green spray paint. Cut a hole in the bottom of an empty cardboard box. Using the box as your template, spray paint circles onto your lawn in rows of red, yellow, blue, and green, just like the Twister game mat. Let dry. You can use the spinner board from the game to call colors, or have other guests or family members call out random colors. Let the tangled up fun begin! Find the how-to <a href="http://www.justusgirlsblog.com/2013/06/diy-outdoor-twister.html">here.</a></li>
<li><b>Bottle Bowling</b>- Reuse old plastic pop bottles by using them for lawn bowling! You need 10 bottles, either numbered with sharpie or painted ten different colors, and a ball. It's pretty simple. Line them up in a traditional bowling pin pattern and use the ball to knock them over! For info on bowling rules and scoring visit <a href="http://www.rulesofbowling.com/What-are-the-Rules-&-Regulations-of-Bowling-&-how-do-you-play.php">RulesofBowling.com<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><a href="http://constantlylovestruck.blogspot.com/2012/05/so-much-fun.html"><b>Yard Bananagrams</b></a> - This nifty tutorial covers how to make your own yard sized letter squares perfect for Bananagrams or Scrabble! Get the rules to these games (<a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Play-Bananagrams">Bananagrams</a>, <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Play-Scrabble">Scrabble</a>).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2013/08/make-this-giant-jenga.html"><b>Giant Jenga</b></a>- Made from 2x4s this is the perfect yard game for any occasion. Plus it's just super fun to play with giant toys, right? </li>
<li><a href="http://www.allparenting.com/my-home/articles/968327/diy-backyard-ker-plunk-game"><b>Backyard Ker-Plunk</b></a>- Do you remember the game as a kid where your goal was to pull as many straws as you could out of the bottom of the cylinder without the marbles falling out? This is the mega backyard version and it's a blast! </li>
<li><b>23 MORE IDEAS!</b>- If the list of ideas above doesn't fit your fancy, this one might! Visit <a href="http://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/blog/2014/06/party-games/23-outdoor-party-games">Spaceships and Laser Beams</a> for 23 more yard game ideas! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Crafts & Kid Activities!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><b><a href="http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2011/08/bird-feeders.html"><b>Make a Bird Feeder</b></a>-
</b>This is a great way to encourage animal stewardship and attract some
special winged friends to your yard! Easy, no building required as the
feeder is just gelatin and birdseed molded into whatever shape you
choose using cookie cutters. So easy and fun! Visit the eighteen25 blog
for complete instructions!<b> </b></li>
<li><a href="http://funfamilycrafts.com/category/craft-type/garden-crafts/"><b>Garden Crafts</b></a>- Maybe the idea of a yard day (on the family list above) won't fly at your home. Here is an idea to entertain the kiddos while you spend the day on yard work! Visit <a href="http://funfamilycrafts.com/category/craft-type/garden-crafts/">Fun Family Crafts</a> for 5 Pages (yes, five!) of easy garden themed craft ideas for kids. Everything from painting rocks for the garden, to homemade watering cans and decorations! You are bound to find <i>something</i> to do!</li>
<li><a href="http://funfamilycrafts.com/tag/music/"><b>Music Crafts</b></a>- While you're visiting the Fun Family Crafts blog, check out their huge list of fun music crafts! You can spend any time of the day on one of these easy crafts. Make a family band by choosing a different musical craft for each family member, then throw a concert!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</li>
<li><a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/2011/06/my-annis-paper-beads-and-bracelet.html"><b>Paper Bead Bracelets</b></a>- An awesome way to reuse old magazines! Visit The 36th Avenue blog for the easy tutorial for making Paper Bead Bracelets. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span id="goog_685328650"></span><span id="goog_685328651"></span></li>
<li><b><a href="http://mumsmakelists.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/water-play-fun-ideas.html">90 Ideas for Water Play</a></b>- Awesome ideas to help beat the heat with water! Simple and super kid friendly!<span id="goog_685328646"></span><span id="goog_685328647"></span></li>
<li><b><a href="http://handsonaswegrow.com/outdoor-music-diy-windchimes/">Homemade Windchimes</a></b>- Easy, fun, and kid friendly! A great way to spend time together outdoors as well as use up old cans from the pantry!</li>
<li><b>Have a Water Fight</b>- Who doesn't love duking it out as a family? Not to mention cooling off in the process! All you need are hoses, super soakers, balloons, and/or <a href="http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/sponge-balls-diy/">sponge balls</a>. (Don't know what a sponge ball is? Check out the link and make one using kitchen sponges!)</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/05/science-fun-for-kids.html">Summer Science Ideas</a></b>- 25 awesome and easy science activities for kids! </li>
</ul>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
Road trips <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-veT_6xSYRC0/U8XpGnbBxFI/AAAAAAAAAr4/kyUY8-hweLY/s1600/roadtrips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-veT_6xSYRC0/U8XpGnbBxFI/AAAAAAAAAr4/kyUY8-hweLY/s1600/roadtrips.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://3boysandadog.com/2014/06/fun-road-trip-ideas-for-kids/">Travel Games for Kids</a></b>- Maybe your road trip is several hours, maybe it's just for the afternoon, but chances are, if you're traveling with kids, they are going to get bored! Here is a great blog with a list of fun travel games for kids! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</li>
<li><b><a href="https://roadtrippers.com/trips/51f5ccbd7f3d77a817004809">Places to See Along the Way Generator</a></b>-
Ok, so you're on a road trip, now what? Using Roadtrippers totally fun
generator, enter your location and destination and the program creates a
list of place to see along the way! Amazing!!!</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.babble.com/travel/25-road-trip-snacks-for-kids-recipes/">25 Road Trip Snacks</a></b>- Food is one of the most expensive parts of road trips and eating out at restaurants or stopping at gas stations can be annoying when you have a place to get to, not to mention usually unhealthy. This list of snack recipes is genius in a "why didn't I think of that?" sort of way. Trust me, check it out. </li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.amomstake.com/2013/08/road-trip-games-scavenger-hunt-printable-game/">Road Trip Scavenger Hunt</a></b>- A huge printable scavenger hunt for road trips. My family lives in a non urban area and if your family does too, this would still be a great building list for your own scavenger hunt! Use it as a starting point to create your own!</li>
<li><b>Take A Day Trip- </b>This is a great way to get out the house and see some new places! Ahead of time, sit down as a family and create a list of places people would like to go. Keep the list handy (or do like we do, and write the list on a chalkboard in the kitchen) so you can grab it up and reference it anytime you get the bug for a short trip. Just don't be afraid to stop along the way and explore!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><b>Explore A Road</b>- Our family lives in a rural area and we love to pick a random road and explore it. We have found some of the best scenery, hiking trails, swimming holes, and places exploring this way, not to mention it's totally random and is a great way to learn about new places in your area! Don't live in a rural area? You can still explore a new neighborhood, maybe a part of the countryside you've never been to, or even a stretch of roadway you've never driven. Spontaneity is the key, no matter what kind of road you explore...they always lead you somewhere! </li>
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</h2>
<h2>
Food Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cZcwYXMbxk/U8XpNYJ9xzI/AAAAAAAAAsA/FKdCMhpQYCo/s1600/foodfun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cZcwYXMbxk/U8XpNYJ9xzI/AAAAAAAAAsA/FKdCMhpQYCo/s1600/foodfun.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li><b>Build Your Own Pizza Night</b>- A fun way to spend time together cooking! Make individual pizzas or one awesome pizza with toppings to reflect your family! The secret to a successful pizza night is fun, creativity, and no expectations. It might get messy, it might not turn out, but no matter what, it will be a memory maker! <a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/2014/07/50-mouth-watering-pizza-recipes/">50 Mouthwatering Pizza Recipes</a> | <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/Healthy-Pizza-Recipes-23863989#photo-23864000">10 Healthy Pizza Recipes</a> | <a href="http://kidcrave.com/scoop/webs-tastiest-pizza-recipes-for-kids/">Kid Pizza Recipes</a></li>
<li><b>Campfire & S'mores</b>- Need I say more?</li>
<li><b><a href="http://artfulparent.com/cooking-kids-35-fun-ideas-recipes">Cook With Your Kids</a></b>- 35 Recipes and ideas for fun as a family in the kitchen!</li>
<li><b><a href="http://studio5.ksl.com/index.php?nid=71&sid=26151999">Host A Food Party</a></b>- I absolutely love this idea! Invite couples to your home to cook together! Everything you need is listed in the linked blog article, including how to set the party up, recipes, party ideas, and how-to's. A great way to bond with other LE couples, people in your neighborhood or church, or meet new friends!</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.curbly.com/users/matt-allison/posts/15104-roundup-10-easy-food-crafts-to-make-with-kids">Food Crafts</a></b>- The one time it's ok to play with your food! 10 easy food craft ideas to do with kids!</li>
</ul>
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<h2>
Couple's Dates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w5SIwAIZuvU/U8XpSVP5tVI/AAAAAAAAAsI/c6RBJe-aU8U/s1600/LEdating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w5SIwAIZuvU/U8XpSVP5tVI/AAAAAAAAAsI/c6RBJe-aU8U/s1600/LEdating.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li><b>The Stolen Date</b>- Only have your LEO's lunch break for time? Grab
your favorite dessert from a restaurant or bakery and meet your LEO on a
park bench in the park. It's a quiet place to steal some time together,
not to mention a little less "public" than a restaurant if your LEO is
in uniform. </li>
<li><b>Movie Night</b>- There is nothing more romantic than cuddling up close on the couch. Prepare your favorite snacks, enjoy a cup of tea or an adult beverage, and spend time together in your pj's under a blanket. </li>
<li><b>Date Night Snack-a-Thon</b>- Enjoy a date night at home with your favorite snacks or appetizers. Turn down the lights, put on some romantic music, and spend the evening preparing your favorite munchies. When the cooking is finished, enjoy your food in the middle of the living room on a rug with a pile of pillows. Spend the time in conversation and enjoy the one-on-one attention.</li>
<li><b>Take Dance Lessons</b>- It might sound scary but learning something new together and showing vulnerability can be an awesome bonding experience, not to mention dancing is fun and sexy!</li>
<li><b>Park Date- </b>Enjoy some time together outdoors! Plan an evening picnic complete with blanket and candles. When you're finished eating enjoy an evening stroll or game of catch. The park is a free way to enjoy a long date night out of the house!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><b>Downtown Date Day</b>- <a href="http://th01.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/f/2012/048/b/f/bfa673dc0f558881fa3771a74b72569d-d4q27ir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></a>If you have an afternoon together, enjoy it strolling the sidewalks of downtown. Take in the local shops, spend some time on a bench people watching, or have a picnic in the park. Add a fun twist and start a game- require the other person (including you) to eat something they have never tried, try on clothes they would never wear, or do something spontaneous like a flash dance or public declaration. It's bound to create some funny moments you'll both remember!</li>
<li><b>Backyard Camp Out</b>- Who says you<i> have</i> to go to a hotel for a romantic night? Enjoy one under the stars in your own backyard. Best part is, there's guaranteed showers and hot breakfast in the morning, not to mention an easy way to spend a romantic night if your LEO has to work the next morning- you're close to home!</li>
<li><b>Take A Cooking Class</b>- If you both enjoy food and cooking, this is a great way to enjoy a fun evening out of the house. Most classes are inexpensive and are held around the evening hours so you can crunch it in between shifts. Not only is it fun but it's a great way to get a nice meal without the risk of seeing the wrong person at a restaurant. (I think most LE families have been in that spot a time or two!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><b>Games & Drinks (Alcohol Optional)</b>-Maybe your little ones are in bed, or maybe you only have a few hours before shift, either way this is a sure way to enjoy a little entertainment and couple's time. My husband and I love to play Rummy and drink our favorite brews on the back deck when our little one goes to bed. It's an awesome way to enjoy each others company without electronics not to mention bask in the fresh air. Add a little friendly competition and it ends up always being a great time!</li>
<li><b>Take A Walk</b>- This is an easily overlooked way to reconnect as a couple. Whether it's just a walk around the block, or a full on hike on your favorite trail, walking together is a special way to ignite conversation, physical contact (holding hands) and chances to take a breather for a moment. It's a great date to fit in between schedules or responsibilities. Sometimes it's the simplest activities that create the best moments. </li>
</ul>
<br />
I truly hope you found something to do as a family or couple from the list above. I can't stress enough how very important it is to take time as families and partners. Friends come and go, jobs are jobs, and life is always changing...but family is where love and life should always happen. Make sure no matter what the Law Enforcement life throws at you, you always make time for family! They are the most priceless thing in life and deserve the most time and effort you can give!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-64619102424354820002014-06-13T21:13:00.002-06:002014-06-13T21:14:00.168-06:00Something Good In Every Day<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Believing in the Evidence of Goodness </h3>
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</h3>
Have you ever gotten to a point where the ability to see the good in life, or believe that it exists, becomes more difficult to achieve? At some point in every LE career, either an LEO or their family will experience this struggle. After witnessing so much evil, pain, danger, abuse, and heartache, it can become difficult to keep your head above water and continue to believe in goodness. It becomes a feeling of despair, discouragement, and fatigue. Whether you are an LEO or in the family of one, at some point or another you may begin to feel doubt that there is more good than bad in life. <br />
<br />
Sometimes life gets so dark and so crappy that the ability to look for
goodness around us becomes too much. We can become deeply burdened by
pain. Our questions can fog our realities and cripple our strength. The
truth becomes harder to find and the lack of answers becomes
confusing. You may see evil daily. You may have witnessed things in your life that
have you questioning if goodness exists. When the days become difficult
and you fight to believe in goodness, remember His evidence because <i>He</i> is the very definition of Good.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/9c/01/46/9c0146a042e780e5d0500cda422046b5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/9c/01/46/9c0146a042e780e5d0500cda422046b5.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
If our God
is Good, so too are the things we see the evidence of His power in
(Timothy 4:4). The birth of a baby, the beauty in new life, in His
creation, in His promises, in His Word. There are days when I feel so
discouraged I have to literally tell myself to look for the good. And there are
some days where the good I focus on is something simple because it
doesn't seem like there is much else. The good in my day may be something as simple as the beauty in the sky, the
yummy smell of dinner, my daughter's laughter. As I continue about my
day looking for good things, it dominoes and the ability to see goodness
becomes easier and easier. God is all around us, and so too is His
goodness.<br />
<br />
Law Enforcement families know all too well how dark the world can be. We know the struggle of staying upbeat and hopeful, of battling pain and difficulty. <span class="p">When we begin to feel discouraged, when we question
the purpose of doing good or of hoping in goodness and faith, remember
this; "</span>O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!"
Psalms 24:8 When we begin to struggle with the questions of good in our
world we must remember that the One who we put faith in, the One who
sees our hearts, who directs our path and has set us apart, is GOOD. The
very thing we believe in is GOOD. "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.<span class="p">" Psalm 136:1 And we can REST in His love and goodness when we become burdened. When everything else fails, God's faithfulness endures and there is where our hope lies.</span><span class="p"> "...it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have
strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. <span class="reftext"></span><span class="highl">This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast." Hebrews 6:18-19 </span></span><br />
<span class="p"></span><span class="p"></span><br />
<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/65/95/c7/6595c77e9b282c9430436832259b83ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/65/95/c7/6595c77e9b282c9430436832259b83ba.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a>May I encourage you with this, God works all things for good. "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to
those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 There is no thing, no situation, no evil strong enough to cause God to fail. This means that <i>nothing</i> can stop God's love and power from changing all darkness into something good. There is nothing that can overshadow the evidence of God and the evidence of what is good around us.<br />
<br />
Finally, if you are struggling with the realities of evil in the LE profession
remember this, our LEOs have a great God fighting along side
them on the streets. You have a God that is standing with you in every
moment of your day. A God that is Good. Goodness is all around you. <br />
<br />
I pray you find the ability to see and focus on the good around you. That the evil you do witness will be overpowered by God's comfort and grace. I pray it becomes easier for you to remember what goodness still exists when you begin to feel burdened. And most of all, I pray you also become part of the good that is still very much alive in this world. Blessings on your day, may goodness find you!<br />
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________________________</div>
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“The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” -Psalm 145:9</div>
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<br />
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“For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” - Psalm 100:5</div>
<div class="copy-paste-block">
<br />
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together
for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28<br />
<br />
"I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the <span class="sc">Lord</span> in the land of the living!" Psalm 27:13 </div>
<div class="copy-paste-block">
<br /></div>
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father
of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” -James 1:17<br />
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<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
O
taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes
refuge in Him! - See more at:
http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/God,-Goodness-Of#sthash.qWPAI9Jb.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Now,
O Lord GOD, You are God, and Your words are truth, and You have
promised this good thing to Your servant. - See more at:
http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/God,-Goodness-Of#sthash.qWPAI9Jb.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Now,
O Lord GOD, You are God, and Your words are truth, and You have
promised this good thing to Your servant. - See more at:
http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/God,-Goodness-Of#sthash.qWPAI9Jb.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Now,
O Lord GOD, You are God, and Your words are truth, and You have
promised this good thing to Your servant. - See more at:
http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/God,-Goodness-Of#sthash.qWPAI9Jb.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Now,
O Lord GOD, You are God, and Your words are truth, and You have
promised this good thing to Your servant. - See more at:
http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/God,-Goodness-Of#sthash.qWPAI9Jb.dpuf</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-20622212089344413272014-05-31T15:40:00.000-06:002014-05-31T15:40:13.968-06:00Free Family Printable!<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DCHXZXbDqpU/U4pLjnlqAFI/AAAAAAAAAnw/ziy6uPJpQPQ/s1600/samplefreefamilyprintable.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DCHXZXbDqpU/U4pLjnlqAFI/AAAAAAAAAnw/ziy6uPJpQPQ/s1600/samplefreefamilyprintable.png" height="400" width="323" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/bluelinelifeprintables/free-family-printable">Here</a> to download </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sometimes when life gets too heavy and we begin to feel conquered by the burdens in our lives, we must remember one thing...the truth. No amount of hardship or negativity changes who you are, who you are able to become, or who you were meant to be. When I feel down and discouraged I try to focus on the truth in my life. Whether that may be the truth of a situation, the truth of my abilities, or the truth of what actually is rather then what I fear.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I made this printable for families to read often and remember that you are great enough to go through this life. Remember, that you have the power to be an overcomer, a conqueror, grateful, hopeful, faithful, joyful, full of life, loving person. You were set apart for an amazing LE life and with God's help, all things are possible! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Click <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/bluelinelifeprintables/free-family-printable">Here</a> to download </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-26789852212769477482014-04-20T06:00:00.000-06:002014-04-20T08:57:41.812-06:00Our Hope in Easter!<br />
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Finding the Evidence of Hope in the Easter Holiday</h2>
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I write a lot about hope and Easter embodies the very proof of the power of hope! Hope is in the very essence of the renewal of life. Through Christ's death, through the springing up of a new season of growth and change. Hope is evident and alive! It is by hope that we keep going through life. Hope gives us the courage to believe and have faith in the Resurection, the promise of eternal life, and the <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">beauty of life in the present!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Without
hope we cannot go on. Disappointment, tragedy, suffering and pain are a
part of this life. They happen to everyone. When the pain is stretched
out over a long period of time, depression and despair are a real
danger. The enemy stands ready to use those moments to rob us of our
joy.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/67/a2/93/67a2938f2e9cef9c54f6ccb354bee9c1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/67/a2/93/67a2938f2e9cef9c54f6ccb354bee9c1.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">That
is why the events of Easter are so important to us. In the crucifixion
and resurrection of Jesus, everything has changed. In the Living Lord we
have hope. Not “hope so” akin to wishful thinking, but rock solid hope
based upon the power of a sovereign God to keep his promise in every
circumstance of life. In the Easter event, we see God at work carrying
out his plan to glorify himself by creating a people for himself. Those
who place their faith in Jesus Christ are adopted into the family of
God. Because of the cross and the empty tomb, we now serve a Heavenly
Father who works through every circumstance of life to bring joy and
satisfaction to his children."</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">© Give Me That Book http://givemethatbook.com/easter-hope/</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;"> </span></span>The Law Enforcement life can be a difficult one. It is ridden with fear, lonliness, danger, and struggle. But through all of it, hope is evident. Hope is promised because of what our Savior did for us on this Easter Day. Because He chose to die for our sins and give us the gift of eternal life, He in the same way offered and promised us HOPE!<br />
<br />
When you feel burdened, when you are overcome with the struggles of this life...remember your hope. Cling to the promise of God's faithfulness. He felt your pain, He endured your heartache. He was forsaken, abused, and hurt. <i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Mark 15:29-32 Those who passed by hurled insults
at him, shaking their heads and saying, "So! You who are going to
destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross
and save yourself !" In the same way the chief priests and the
teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. "He saved others," they
said, "but he can't save himself ! Let this Christ, this King of
Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe."
Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">But through all of this, He conquered death and the grave. He offered us a place of eternal safety and hope. In all of your struggles remember He is with you. </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">"</span>And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 18:20</i><br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/7b/25/bd/7b25bd828a49f893d73731a0962cc7b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/7b/25/bd/7b25bd828a49f893d73731a0962cc7b1.jpg" height="400" width="307" /></a>Hope is never lost because all death has been conquered by the Resurection! By overcoming death, hope has won through the promise of no end. Easter is our evidence that no matter how hard our life gets, no matter the pain we endure, the amount of struggle we trudge through...Hope is our promise that our lives will not end in despair. The sacrifice of Jesus and His ultimate power over death gives us the evidence that hope is real and that, in the same way we are given the gift of life, we are given the promise of hope and peace. <br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.</i>" Jeremiah 29:11</div>
<br />
<i>"I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I
give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27</i><span class="p"></span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">I pray you cling to the promise of today and you remember through your struggles, the gift of hope you were given. Enjoy today with hope in the power of Christ in your life! You are loved with an everlasting love, worth dying for, and worth creating a place for your eternal safety and life. Blessings on this Easter Day!</span><br />
<i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-20481592838245455242014-04-10T20:52:00.000-06:002014-07-17T09:32:42.074-06:00LEOW Life is a Journey<h2>
</h2>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><h2 style="text-align: left;">
Do you ever question if you have what it takes to be an LEO's spouse?</h2>
</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><h2>
Do you ever wonder why God put you in this </h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
role when it doesn't seem like you possess </h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
the personality traits needed? </h2>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
</h3>
As I talked with other LEOWs over the last couple months, I realized how normal going through these times are. So many women have shared how the challenges of being an LEO's spouse has them questioning if they really have what it takes. So many of us feel like we weren't naturally wired for some of the things required of us as a LEOW. Some of us may struggle with getting used to the schedule challenges. Some of us question if we are emotionally strong enough to last, or if we can ever find the independance needed to make life "normal".<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PC1U1IbPtFk/U0dXDbIZchI/AAAAAAAAAmA/uGuBaDyDDn4/s1600/d351a7b2c6468773cf73c5cb07887052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PC1U1IbPtFk/U0dXDbIZchI/AAAAAAAAAmA/uGuBaDyDDn4/s1600/d351a7b2c6468773cf73c5cb07887052.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></div>
Some of us find it hard to get used to going about certain situations on our own, sans our LEO. Such as holidays with other family, school events, couples nights with friends, or trips into town to run errands. It's hard for some of us to make plans without our LEO, resulting in feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and sometimes, frustration. <br />
<br />
There are the questions of emotional energy. Can I keep thinking positive as the years go by? Can I stand against my fears and anxieties? Can I put the realities of the job behind me and go about life? When it comes down to it...do I have the strength to keep trying to achieve all this?<br />
<br />
What about our marriage? Will it last? What about the badge bunnies or work temptations...things we can't control? Will my LEO change because of the job in a way I don't like? What if he turns into someone I don't know anymore? Where do I fit in all of this?<br />
<br />
Some of us are not wired to be extroverted, able to cope with social situations by ourselves. Some of us aren't naturally introverts, able to deal with the isolation that sometimes comes with being an LE family. We have different strengths and weaknesses. Some of us have no problem going to events or holidays by ourselves, while others would rather miss out than brave somewhere alone. Some of us are naturally secure, able to overcome fear and stay positive. Some of us are more naturally negative and struggle with perspective and worry.<br />
<br />
No matter how you are wired, no matter what strengths or "weaknesses" you may feel you naturally have, I want to say something to you...<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/40/5a/d8/405ad85d1c6831b71c457d774986c4a8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/40/5a/d8/405ad85d1c6831b71c457d774986c4a8.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a> </div>
Remove the pressure of expectations. Be kind to yourself and remember,
life is a journey and the thing that makes us amazing as LEOWs is the
ability to adapt, change, and become strong, awesome women and spouses.
We are special because of our dedication to overcoming in the ways we
aren't naturally wired. We try to adapt in the ways that make us
stronger as families and better as individuals. <br />
<br />
Nowhere, does it say we have to get this LEOW thing right out of the gate. In no way are any of us expected to know what we are doing as LEOWs right away...if ever! No, one spouse, exists with the whole package and not one of us has an easy time (if we are being truthful.). Learning how to cope with our roles as spouses is a lifelong journey. And a beautiful one if we give ourselves a break. <br />
<br />
If you aren't naturally independent, you will learn to be...in time. You will learn ways to keep yourself positive. You will learn what works to keep your thoughts from going "there". You will learn how to go about your day with less worry and more joy. You will learn everything needed...in time.<br />
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</div>
There will be times of fatigue and mistakes. There will be moments we question and doubt. But we MUST remember our value. When you start to question if you have what it takes, remember your
worth. Remember you were set apart for this. You were called to be an
LEOW because the Lord set you apart for your LEO. You're going to get
this, there is no time limit, and it's going to be a beautiful ride. <br />
<br />
So give yourself a break. You are enough, your skills are enough, you will get where you need to be if you keep trying...and it's ok to take the journey to get there. Best yet...it's ok if the journey takes a little while.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h07K3XcTmHw/U0dVMzT0A4I/AAAAAAAAAlo/gZG0H4HsSIU/s1600/astrongwoman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h07K3XcTmHw/U0dVMzT0A4I/AAAAAAAAAlo/gZG0H4HsSIU/s1600/astrongwoman.jpg" height="640" width="436" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-71671602032162414722014-03-27T20:00:00.000-06:002014-03-27T20:00:05.908-06:00The Beauty of Marriage Is In The Work<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjsAQFjldc6BuhINVa7q-9eYwFBTW48Wsulsmfan7fOGNDrBBAWLEh4Zc2aMeWjXcyrHodjQMRliZc-cfGY0z2e-RPGD_3BKA71X4-cSGEvDMKrKcosGzhTdT14PDh83HRdA3opGfVe9H/s1600/marriage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjsAQFjldc6BuhINVa7q-9eYwFBTW48Wsulsmfan7fOGNDrBBAWLEh4Zc2aMeWjXcyrHodjQMRliZc-cfGY0z2e-RPGD_3BKA71X4-cSGEvDMKrKcosGzhTdT14PDh83HRdA3opGfVe9H/s1600/marriage.jpg" height="400" width="291" /></a><span class="userContent">When life gives you yard work days...you work.
When life gives you a marriage...you work too.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">We spent the last day
picking and raking rocks in our yard. The whole time I was thinking
about how it would be worth it in the end to have an obs<span class="text_exposed_show">tacle
free yard one day. Then it got me thinking about other things that are
worth a lot of work and the first thing that came to mind was our
marriage. <br /> <br /> When we talk to other couples about marriage we
always share about the amount of work marriage involves. And we say this
with a big smile because, despite the challenges, the work is worth the
reward. Work in a marriage perhaps gleans the most beautiful reward
that any amount of effort can. It produces trust, friendship,
redirection, and hope. <br /> <br /> When I say work, I mean the part of a
relationship where the romance and the ease get erased. Where chubby
cherubs get shot from the sky and you imagine how amazing it would be to
have a spouse with mind reading skills. But in all seriousness, there
are plenty of days when your marriage seems more like a practical
arrangement than a romance. When kids need to be shuttled between night
shift and "normal shift". When holidays are celebrated on different
days. When date nights are interrupted by call outs or never seem to
happen at all because of different schedules. There are MANY ways that
LE marriages face struggles that can tear at their foundations. That's
where the work comes in. <br /> <br /> It may be working on communication
(listening and empathy are the best tools for communication...not
words). Work may be learning to have patience, control of our own
feelings and behaviors. It may be learning to "date" each other again,
or simply remembering to stop the craziness of life to enjoy each other.
But NEVER is work not worth it. When both people are working on their
responsibilities in a marriage, amazing things happen. <br /> <br />
Marriage gives us an amazing opportunity for intimate friendship, a safe
place, hope that we can make it through anything, knowledge that we are
never alone, and a purpose for being our best. Our spouses can drive us
nuts, compound it with the added struggles of being an LE family and
you can get a difficult battle to fight. But we can do it. We are strong
enough to fight for the friendship and love that should come with a
healthy marriage. <br /> <br /> We still haven't cleared all the rocks in
our yard, but we won't stop till we finish. Just like our marriage, we
started the job knowing it may take a while, it may be hard, and it will
require commitment, but it is worth it in the end. Working on our
marriage is worth it. Never give up on the blessing of marriage just
because it gets a little "rocky". Get your tools out (or learn how to
get some...aka counseling) and get to clearing the rocks in your
relationship. You may just discover some treasures in your rock pile. <br /> <br /> Praying blessings on your marriages today! </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-37126798941293895942014-03-16T13:49:00.002-06:002014-03-16T14:13:04.100-06:00Law Enforcement Clothing! <div style="text-align: center;">
Who doesn't love showing their pride for their LEO or The Thin Blue Line? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are some store links to help narrow down your search for the perfect gift for any LEO or supporter! In this post you will find links for men's, women's, and children's clothing. Keep in mind these are only a small sample of all the different products each store has, so be sure to shop around!</div>
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I hope you enjoy browsing!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Women's Clothing</span></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LEOFamiliesUnite?ga_search_query=police+wife+shirt&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ref=sr_gallery_7">LEO Families Unite Etsy Store</a></div>
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<a href="http://dpegb9ebondhq.cloudfront.net/product_photos/13307317/Screen_20shot_202014-03-02_20at_202.37.28_20PM_400w.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://dpegb9ebondhq.cloudfront.net/product_photos/13307317/Screen_20shot_202014-03-02_20at_202.37.28_20PM_400w.png" height="200" width="148" /></a><a href="http://dzasv7x7a867v.cloudfront.net/product_photos/13920262/1920628_442563285875056_725211588_n_400w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://dzasv7x7a867v.cloudfront.net/product_photos/13920262/1920628_442563285875056_725211588_n_400w.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="http://d310a9hpolx59w.cloudfront.net/product_photos/13639345/Screen_20shot_202014-03-09_20at_209.18.17_20AM_400w.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d310a9hpolx59w.cloudfront.net/product_photos/13639345/Screen_20shot_202014-03-09_20at_209.18.17_20AM_400w.png" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://southerncharmtn.storenvy.com/collections/370881-leo-love">Southern Charm LEO Love Clothing</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/LEOWclothing">LEOW Clothing</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Men's Clothing</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.policetees.com/Police_T_Shirts_and_Pants_s/56.htm?searching=Y&sort=3&cat=56&show=45&page=1">PoliceTees.com Online Store</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/gorillatactical?ref=shopsection_shophome_leftnav">Gorilla Tactical Etsy Store</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RescueTees?section_id=13331250&page=1">Rescue Tees Etsy Store</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Children's Clothing</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PersonallyGraced/search?search_query=police&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search">Personally Graced Etsy Store</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/XOXOAsh/search?search_query=police&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search">XOXOAsh Etsy Store</a><br />
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If you know of other great companies that sell LE clothing, add a link in the comments! <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-51939646368922013752014-01-30T20:02:00.000-07:002014-01-30T20:02:11.409-07:0010 Police Themed Crafts for Kids!The weather can definitely make it hard to entertain your kids...especially if it is too cold to go outside! Below are 10 creative craft ideas for children, all centered around our wonderful Police Officers! Whether your little one is learning shapes, wants to be a Cop, needs their own Cop Car, or likes to color, there is a craft for everyone! Beat the indoor boredom that comes with winter and enjoy some fun creative time as a family! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homeschoolcreations.com/sitebuilder/images/Lapbook_collage-407x543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.homeschoolcreations.com/sitebuilder/images/Lapbook_collage-407x543.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interactive Police Officer Book</td></tr>
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This is a wonderful collection of printable items to create an interactive book about Police Officers. This would be a perfect project to include an older child, or do it yourself and surprise them! Your little one could use this book for home study time, car rides, you name it! If you have a Police Officer crazy kid...this project is for you guys! Go to <a href="http://www.homeschoolcreations.com/policemanlapbook.html">http://www.homeschoolcreations.com</a> to find instructions, printable files, and photos. <br />
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Practice fingerprinting just like real life Police Officers! Discuss the art of fingerprinting and how Police Officers use this ability to solve crimes! All you need is printing paper (or get creative with color construction paper), a marker, and your choice of colored ink pads (use the ink pads specially made for stamps, found at craft stores.). To make it even more interesting, purchase an inexpensive magnifying glass (at your dollar store, craft store, or toy store) and show your kiddo how unique God made them...right down to their finger prints!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-rjbCLsvOaKEsIm8tyMdnOtKGZCaNz0VdGmzeYjoct65YH75LOD3m0jjR-EvEZEUazqE70QnC-OKn8LCma0iSVcErSnXJwIgYSzRT6aiotI2tLH4w7wSU6i5uRdUDmnHPaxmLwmWRdYp/s320/police.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-rjbCLsvOaKEsIm8tyMdnOtKGZCaNz0VdGmzeYjoct65YH75LOD3m0jjR-EvEZEUazqE70QnC-OKn8LCma0iSVcErSnXJwIgYSzRT6aiotI2tLH4w7wSU6i5uRdUDmnHPaxmLwmWRdYp/s320/police.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ideas for your own Police Day!</td></tr>
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Not exactly a craft, but a great link to ideas for Police Day! Here you will find some really fun ways to create your own Police Day, complete with a few craft ideas, understanding fingerprinting, learning to find clues, and solving mysteries! Too creative not to share! Head over to <a href="http://lifewithmoorebabies.blogspot.com/2013/08/p-is-for-policeman.html">http://lifewithmoorebabies.blogspot.com</a> for the article and pictures!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.coloring.ws/police/police22.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.coloring.ws/police/police22.gif" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Police Coloring Pages</td></tr>
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A good website for 26 free <a href="http://www.coloring.ws/police.htm">Police Coloring Pages.</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwBUd7FpBg0ZwNmieTDvGyoUPUleamOBNRCYSqd0TA_7_AVLJeSYGMxeNLrSmU0O7P8mAdK6te_V7CP_wOzCb7xC-Z14SMjmo_QSrzi9FZ9Cp1XaQBwKSHTZl0FxoXgz149hBB419BPbL/s640/DSC00767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwBUd7FpBg0ZwNmieTDvGyoUPUleamOBNRCYSqd0TA_7_AVLJeSYGMxeNLrSmU0O7P8mAdK6te_V7CP_wOzCb7xC-Z14SMjmo_QSrzi9FZ9Cp1XaQBwKSHTZl0FxoXgz149hBB419BPbL/s640/DSC00767.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper Plate Police Car</td></tr>
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A great craft for your preschooler using a paper plate, paint (or markers), glue, construction paper, and red glitter. Head over to <a href="http://terrificpreschoolyears.blogspot.com/2013/11/community-helper-of-month-police-officer.html">http://terrificpreschoolyears.blogspot.com</a> to see more instructions and pictures! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/c9/ad/86/c9ad863d2fc584b179c70e1a8c72bf41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/c9/ad/86/c9ad863d2fc584b179c70e1a8c72bf41.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Construction Paper Police Car Dash</td></tr>
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THIS is fun! Who doesn't want their own Police car? Add it to a cardboard box car and your little officer will have the coolest Police toy around! You could also tape it to a wall when you need your little one in eyesight or attach it to the back of a seat in your car. The possibilities are endless! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.first-school.ws/images/comhelp/policeset.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.first-school.ws/images/comhelp/policeset.gif" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Printable Police Badge and Hat</td></tr>
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Just click on the link and get ready to print this super cute printable. Attach a strip of construction paper to the left and right sides of the hat, measure your kiddo's head and glue or tape together so they can wear it!<a href="http://www.first-school.ws/t/policesetc.html"><span style="color: black;"> </span>Printable Police Set</a> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/miscellaneous/image/sspolice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/miscellaneous/image/sspolice.jpg" height="320" width="104" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TP Police Officer Finger Puppet</td></tr>
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Another great craft for preschoolers! Go to the link <a href="http://www.coloring.ws/police/police22.gif">Police Officer TP Roll Craft</a> and print out a pre-made template, either color or black & white (perfect for letting your little one design their own Officer). There you will find a list of supplies and instructions on how to make a finger puppet Officer. Don't forget to make the <a href="http://www.dltk-teach.com/rhymes/bremen/mrobber.html">Robber TP Roll Craft </a>too!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.captainfussybuckets.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/IMG_6789-1024x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.captainfussybuckets.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/IMG_6789-1024x768.jpg" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do it Yourself Police Padge!</td></tr>
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Make your own Cop Badge! This craft is super easy! Go to <a href="http://www.captainfussybuckets.com/2013/01/crafting-with-the-captain-making-a-police-badge/">www.captainfussybuckets.com </a>(A fun family blog) to see step by step photos of this project.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29rNbBg9YS3AuPPZ2lEa0zOx7JaZKd5enXeR77Kpl1OvvbANznYdPuqKa_zjQb-_9c5tPZLwUhyQcuZ4ko8Os2HNCRYa_-qGB3q8-8-7FhQSQ90AEjUTjNwt6_UNc0oRBsoN_jZAnH_bf/s1600/www.pinterest.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29rNbBg9YS3AuPPZ2lEa0zOx7JaZKd5enXeR77Kpl1OvvbANznYdPuqKa_zjQb-_9c5tPZLwUhyQcuZ4ko8Os2HNCRYa_-qGB3q8-8-7FhQSQ90AEjUTjNwt6_UNc0oRBsoN_jZAnH_bf/s1600/www.pinterest.com.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handprint Police Car</td></tr>
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This is such a cute and <i>easy</i> craft idea! Not to mention a really sweet way to hallmark a child's handprint. This would make a special gift for any LEO parent too! You just need black, red, and blue finger paints, paper, black and red Sharpies, a glue stick, and scissors. Cut a small square of paper and write Police, Sheriff etc with a red Sharpie (or have your kiddo do it!). Then dip their hand in black paint for the car body. Once paint is dry glue the "police" paper square to the middle of the palm. Finish by drawing the wheels with a black Sharpie and adding the red and blue lights with your child's finger! How cute!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-14592314734528198512014-01-09T21:12:00.001-07:002014-04-15T18:37:28.502-06:00Finding the Light Through Gratitude <div style="text-align: center;">
<b> How I learned to be grateful for a death, shattered plans, and a whole lot of heartache. </b></div>
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/1b/f8/27/1bf827db692b8fceb72ce5f4fc21f3d8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/1b/f8/27/1bf827db692b8fceb72ce5f4fc21f3d8.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>So many times I pray for my husband's safety as he walks out the door for shift. I pray during the day and always thank God when he returns. But what would I do if the prayers for safety weren't answered? Could I possibly be grateful for an unanswered prayer? Could I be thankful for something I <i>never</i> want to happen? <br />
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When I was in Junior High my family moved from the small town we lived in to Bozeman, MT. I was in the really terrible transition of not a little girl, not yet a woman. For me, it totally sucked. But in moving to Bozeman I found one of the dearest friends I have ever had...and she happened to be right in my family. My mom's sister, Aunt Gloria.<br />
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When Gloria was 12 she came down with Rheumatic Fever, a complication of Strep Throat. Because of the severity of her illness, her heart valves were damaged and health problems became her life. At eighteen she had her first open heart surgery, and by the age of 62 she had had five total. She never was able to run or be active for long periods of time because she would fatigue too easily. Her lips would turn blue and she would breath heavy. She took handfuls of medications and would bleed like a stuck pig from a paper cut. Little accidents might cost her her life because of the blood thinning meds she took to keep her heart pumping.<br />
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Despite all the struggles, Gloria was <i>so </i>full of life. She loved to cook and entertain. Even though we had to stop a million times to rest, we hiked to beautiful waterfalls, spent the afternoons gardening, and went on countless road trips. We thoroughly enjoyed each others company. I <i>loved</i> my parents but Aunt Gloria gave me the chance to get out of the house and experience life...even though she fought so hard to live it.<br />
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From the time I was 13 until I was 23, Gloria was a part of my life in so many ways. We cooked together, we had wonderful conversations, she was always willing to do something with me and it made me feel valued. When we first moved to town, I was having a really hard time transitioning into a new school, leaving my best friend, and dealing with all the not-so-fun aspects of being a teenager. In a way that completely highlights Gloria's zest for life, she appeared at my school, whisked me back to the house and presumed to prepare four pounds of crab legs for us to consume. Which we did, in about two hours. We didn't always get along, and she proved a really crappy match maker, but she was such a wonderful, spunky, lively woman, and she taught me to love life too.<br />
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Several times throughout our years together she had close calls with death. She had a shoulder replacement which caused her to nearly bleed out. In a random car accident, she scalped her forehead on the rear view mirror of her car which landed her in the ICU. There were other times where complications developed from her heart or from other health issues. Three times I said good-bye to her, and all three times I knelt and begged God to spare her. And every time He did. She always joked she had nine lives like a cat, but I think the truth was, God knew so many people still needed her. <br />
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In the late summer of my 23rd year, Gloria's youthful body began shutting down. We gathered as family to support her, something we had done many times before but this time was different. I believe Gloria knew it was drawing closer to the end and we all tried to be honest with the reality. I still prayed for her recovery. We had been in the same place three times before, it was possible for the Lord to work yet again. I still needed her, and I wasn't ready to say goodbye.<br />
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We don't always get what we pray for, and on the morning of September 16th, Gloria passed away. My prayers went unanswered and my life turned upside down. I remember driving home from her house after we had gathered after her death. I had worship music blasting and I was crying so hard I couldn't see the road and nearly hit a car in front of me. I was so confused and hurt. I felt let down and fearful. I was stopped at a red light (where I nearly hit the car) and I remember people staring at me and then all of a sudden, the soft voice of God spoke to me and said, "She is with me now." And I got this overwhelming peace and feeling of comfort. I began imagining her singing and dancing before the lord to the same song I was listening to at the moment.<br />
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Gloria's zest for life, and her ultimate death lead my husband and I to begin to plan for a baby. We wanted to bring a life into the world after so much heartache. I had seen how someone could live life despite her diagnosis and the statistics. We decided to move on and in the process, give life so our baby could live it.<br />
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I prayed for a baby but month 1 went by and no baby. Two months, no baby. Three, four, five months, still no baby. I began to worry and grieve. Then in the sixth month we found out we were pregnant. The same month we bought a house, and unexpectedly, my husband got his job with the Highway Patrol. Everything had been going so well and suddenly we realized he would be gone when our baby arrived. Our plans for our baby's beginning were upturned.<br />
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I had just lost a dear friend and someone I considered a second mother. Now our timing for everything was screwed up and I was confused. How could God allow everything to fall apart? Especially when we felt so confident in the steps we were taking. If you have read our story on the blog, you'll know I specifically heard the Lord's voice say, "Who are you to limit me?" in regards to not wanting my husband to apply for the Patrol. Now he had the job, we had just bought a house, we were expecting a baby when he would be gone...<b>and this was NOT what I wanted!</b><br />
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Fast forward 9 months and our baby arrived on a Saturday morning, my husband was back at the Academy Monday evening. Every week he came home for a few days and then would leave. Looking back we realized he had only spent 20+/- days with our daughter in the first 5 months of her life. I was SO angry! This wasn't what I wanted at all!<br />
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Then another blow. Word arrived that we would have to move. I would have to leave my family for the first time in my life. I had always dreamed of raising my kids with their grandparents in the same town. We could have dates as a couple, our kids could learn from other people we trusted, they could have relationship, and we would have support. Wasn't gonna happen and again, I became angry. Yet <i>another</i> thing I didn't want to happen.<br />
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We packed our bags and moved across the state, four hours from all the support and friendships I had. <b>This was not what I wanted!</b> So first one of my best friends dies, then it takes forever (to us at least) to get pregnant, only to have my husband receive the job I didn't want for him, only to have to sell the house we just bought, only to move away from my family that I desperately needed. Why? Why? Why?<br />
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Because I needed to grow, and growing pains always hurt. I sit here today, writing this, and it feels like all that has happened is so long ago. But the woman I am today would not exist without those hardships. I felt pain, loneliness, anger, depression, confusion...you name it. I honestly think I have PTSD from the whole experience and daily I pray for healing and understanding. And you know what? The Lord answered my prayer. I <i>have</i> received healing and understanding, and it's been through a huge slice of humble pie. I have learned a lesson of gratitude that has changed my life and made my role as an LEOW much easier.<br />
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<b>I learned gratitude. </b>Not for the things I wanted, not for things that worked out or for my answered prayers. <b>I learned to be grateful for the things I didn't want. I learned to be thankful for <u>unanswered</u> prayers. </b><br />
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If Gloria hadn't passed away, I never would have understood the full circle of a life, and that we all have the right and choice to live the life we were given. I wouldn't have had the passion to create a life, which turned out to be the most beautiful, amazing little girl I have ever been around. I learned that the crappy timing of our baby's birth and the fact my husband was gone for the first 5 months made me a stinkin' strong woman. I learned to stand on my own, to hit rock bottom and fight to get up. I learned that as meaningful as my family is, I don't need them to be confident, successful, or happy. Those things need to come from me and moving away allowed me to find new abilities within myself. I tasted what it would be like to not have my husband in my life and I learned to cherish him with a renewed passion.<br />
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I learned that I would be ok if something happened to my husband. Because of all of that pain, and my ability to be grateful through it, I learned how to overcome my fears of losing him. God's kindnesses will continue whether my husband lives with me till we are old, or if he is taken early. I am in His favor not because of who I live with, but because I am His completely...through good and bad. <br />
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I didn't want any of what happened over those two years...but I learned <i>so much</i> because of it. So when you find yourself experiencing pain or hardship, when prayers seem to go unanswered, fight to stay grateful despite all of it. Because in the end, the Lord works for GOOD. You can turn anything <i>negative</i> into something <i>positive</i> by learning from it and being grateful. There are always mysteries in life, and you can get down, or you can crawl out of the pit and continue on with renewed strength knowing the hands that hold the universe, hold your heart too. <br />
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I pray you find hope through your difficulties. Sometimes hardships make life dark but with a little effort, we can always push through to find the light...having gratitude for the difficulties is one way to begin to banish the darkness. Look hard for the positive things that have come to pass because of the difficulties...I promise, this ability to see the positive and be grateful will make your life sweeter, your hardships less difficult, and it easier to hope. It is NEVER the end, no matter how painful it may be. Just because God does not answer every prayer does not mean He has abandoned us, and it absolutely does not mean He is no longer working things for good. You are HIS...even through the darkness. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-84959365450545916602013-12-21T16:02:00.000-07:002013-12-21T16:02:53.431-07:00Lessons from a Golden<h2 style="text-align: center;">
How a Rescued Golden Retriever Prepared me to be an</h2>
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LE Wife</h2>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKFGFAIorTI/UrYV7yp3h0I/AAAAAAAAAes/swiQKKWSoxU/s1600/8521_135790741598_8247871_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kKFGFAIorTI/UrYV7yp3h0I/AAAAAAAAAes/swiQKKWSoxU/s400/8521_135790741598_8247871_n.jpg" width="266" /></a>My husband and I were still in college, newlyweds, having just discovered a Blue Heeler puppy does not go well in a condo with full time school and work. After a week of sheer hell (we found a great home for the puppy on a ranch), we decided to check out the local animal shelter and discuss adopting an adult dog. Scanning through the online database of dogs available, we found a listing for a one-eyed Golden Retriever named Samson. Being the animal lover I am, I pretty much fell in love instantly.<br />
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When we arrived at the shelter, we were welcomed and brought to the back where they kept the adoptable dogs. The facility was really nice, the staff kind, the dogs well cared for. As we walked through the kennels I kept an eye out for the Golden listed online. Dogs were barking, the staff person was jabbering on about things and all I could concentrate on was finding Samson. </div>
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Walking around the last corner of kennels we saw him. A golden blob of hairy cuteness, laying on the floor, too lazy to get up but still wagging his big tail in greeting. As we came to his kennel we noticed his missing eye but despite the missing eye, his face was kind and friendly, a sweet sparkle in the eye still there. He seemed healthy, though he never sat up but rather laid with his head on his paws, seeming tired and quiet. Not knowing if he was friendly, I nervously poked my finger through the grate to touch him. Ready to jerk my hand back if he bit, I was relieved when out popped his pink tongue for a friendly lick. We asked if we could play with him and as the staff member left to get a leash, my husband and I talked about Samson. </div>
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He seemed really sweet but we thought it was odd that he just laid there. Maybe he was sick? Did we really want a sick dog? Arriving with the leash, the staff member took us outside to a pen to play with Samson. The big blob of fluff that had initially lazed in his kennel suddenly exploded with playful energy. He ran here and there, peed on everything, rammed us, begged for scratches, only to dash off again. HE WAS AWESOME! But then we saw his chest. Shaved, covered in bleeding sores and scabbed. What the heck was wrong with him?</div>
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The staff member explained Samson's story. He had been brought into the shelter many times as a runaway, only to be reclaimed by his family every time. He was not neutered and liked to roam away from home. Not to mention, his family neglected him to the point of mats and frostbit toes. On top of that, he had severe food allergies which was why his chest was shaved. They were in the process of healing his sores and trying a different food to see if he could handle it. No one knew how he lost his eye and upon his most recent arrival at the shelter, the staff was able to convince his family to give him up as they were clearly unable to properly care for him. </div>
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Despite all the information, we fell in love with Samson. Like really, madly, deeply loved him. We clicked and it was about two hours later and the ball of fluff was loaded in the backseat and riding to his new home. Before taking him home, we made a detour to PetSmart for a spa day and some education in food allergies. He settled in wonderfully to our home. Though he seemed potty trained and obedient, we weren't totally sure about our new addition. We gated him in the living room for his first night with us, only to be kept awake for hours by his mournful crying. Feeling bad for him, we brought him upstairs to our room and the rest is history. He slept every night by our bed and proved to be an amazing part of our family. I will NEVER forget that dog, and to this day, he will always be a part of our family. </div>
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At the time of Samson's adoption, he was 5 years old. Through the next year we battled his food allergies with ceaseless dedication. Literally. We spent many afternoons at the Vet's office, bought expensive allergy specific foods, endured skin treatments, medications, steroids, hours of research, you name it...we did whatever we could for Samson. He deserved it, he deserved an awesome home and one last chance at a happy life. Despite all our trying, Samson developed cancer at 6 years old and we chose to put him to sleep. By far, the WORST memory I have was watching our dear friend fall asleep forever. He may have cost us a lot of money and many hours of worry, but Samson also gave us a purpose and a friendship unlike any pet we've had. It was like he knew he had been rescued and tried to be the best he could. Years later we still keep his cremation remains in a box on our bookcase in our living room. Call us silly, or way too sentimental, but though he had only been with us for one year, he changed our lives, and taught me the most important lessons which to this day, help me as an LEOW. How you ask? Let me share. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xrbilkkEntY/UrYallSgCtI/AAAAAAAAAe4/ggFqNHQDGGs/s1600/8521_135790746598_6822978_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xrbilkkEntY/UrYallSgCtI/AAAAAAAAAe4/ggFqNHQDGGs/s320/8521_135790746598_6822978_n.jpg" width="213" /></a><b>Unconditional love</b>- That's sort of a no brainer. A dog like Samson looked a little worse for wear. He was missing an eye and always had a patch of hair shaved where sores had erupted. He cost us a ton of money, a ton of stress, and a ton of work. But he was worth it. I learned to look past ALL of it, to see the beauty in what I had, a really stinkin' awesome friend. In my LE life I have learned to look past the weird schedules, the messed up plans, the worry, the fear, and see what it is we are working for. People's safety, my husband's joy, a colorful life full of great stories and lessons learned. I have learned unconditional love for a goofy dog and it prepared me to love my LE life unconditionally, despite all the negative. Samson taught me to look past the obvious negativity and embrace and love the goodness...even if it felt like there was more negative than good. He was worth it, my family and my LE life are worth it. </div>
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<b>Courage</b>- Samson taught me the courage to keep finding new ways to deal with his allergies. There were times Samson was so sick, he would throw up or have diarrhea all over the house. He couldn't eat anything but his special food, not even a single table scrap or a dog treat. He couldn't be bathed with soap, he had to have his feet dried with a towel after going outside so he didn't lick them raw because they were itchy. He took 5 different medications three times a day in order to get some relief. Every time we thought we had it figured out, something else began to bother him. I found the courage to keep researching solutions, to keep taking him to the Vet, to keep adding things to the list no matter how much more work it meant for us. In my LE life I have the courage to keep finding ways to cope. I have the courage to see a hard situation, like being alone on a holiday, and find a solution. I have the courage to get through the hardships and fear. I have the courage to never take no for an answer and to always keep going. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXouTa95p8g/UrYaloIBqCI/AAAAAAAAAe8/fjvxqedmC1M/s1600/8521_135790751598_2175012_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXouTa95p8g/UrYaloIBqCI/AAAAAAAAAe8/fjvxqedmC1M/s320/8521_135790751598_2175012_n.jpg" width="212" /></a><b>Hope</b>- This same courage gives me the ability to hope. When we thought we found a new treatment to help Samson, I never was afraid to hope it would work. I learned to always get my hopes up...it kept us trying. In my LE life I always hope. I hope for tomorrow that we will be strong as a married couple. I hope for my husband's safety and that it will continue until retirement. I hope for success, I hope for my own happiness. I have hope in the hardships, that there will always be a path out. </div>
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<b>Dedication</b>- Again, sort of a no brainer after you've read what we did for Samson. We never missed a medication, we never gave up his comfort routines. We were dedicated to his health and well being because he was like our kid, and because we felt like it was our duty to keep him healthy since we had adopted him. We took on the role knowing what we were going to have to do for him. In the same way, I took on the responsibility of being an LEOW knowing full well it would be hard. But I choose to be dedicated to thriving through this life. To not just survive it, but to come out on the other side better and not bitter. I'm dedicated to supporting my husband and fighting for our family. I want my kids to see someone who never gives up fighting for what is important. I am dedicated to coping, taking responsibility, and finding ways to be joyful in my LE life. </div>
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<b>Enjoying the moments</b>- Samson's health was always up and down and that taught me to enjoy it while I could. When he was well enough to go for a walk, we took a really long one. When he was well enough to swim, we bought an awesome floaty toy and spent all day at the lake. In my LE life, when my husband has a day off, we make the most of it. When he is home for lunch, I shut off the TV, stop what I'm doing and spend time together. It's the little details of life that give it its unique beauty. We need to find the ability to stop and take in the moment, instead of always looking ahead. How much do we miss because we only focus on the big picture, instead of focusing in on the little things that actually make the whole picture up? Samson taught me to love the moments and not worry about the future. The future will always arrive whether we know what's coming or not. Spend your life living in the moment...you'll never get the same moment back. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jvC3QR0f9E0/UrYbAiWX3fI/AAAAAAAAAfI/h6rc5CXY_Po/s1600/8521_135790761598_3305734_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jvC3QR0f9E0/UrYbAiWX3fI/AAAAAAAAAfI/h6rc5CXY_Po/s320/8521_135790761598_3305734_n.jpg" width="213" /></a><b>Staying Positive</b>- Many times when a treatment didn't work or Samson got sick on a new food, we would feel so discouraged. I was tired of researching why. Why was he sick in the first place? Why didn't this work? Why is this happening? On and on. But if we hadn't stayed positive it never would have worked out at all. We never would have gotten over the first hurdle if we hadn't been positive. Being positive allowed us to hope and to find the courage to be dedicated. In my LE life I choose to stay positive because it benefits myself and my family. It makes things easier, not more difficult. It allows us to hope, be courageous, and find the dedication to keep going. Staying positive is my fuel to come out on the other end of my husband's career still faithful, still happy, still whole, and still thriving. </div>
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<b>Working together</b>- I learned to work with my husband. We were a team to get Samson through his bouts. We tag teamed giving Samson his medications. We took turns letting him out in the middle of the night when he was sick. We both researched, we both fretted, we both loved him, and we both worked to keep him healthy. In the same way, we both fight for our marriage. We both are dedicated to making our LE life work. We both focus on each others needs and make the other person a priority. When times get hard we BOTH fight for a solution. Neither of us takes no for an answer and neither of us goes through this life alone. We are a team, working together to make our family a happy, healthy, thriving success story. </div>
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<b>Letting go</b>- Finally, Samson taught me to let go. The night we put him to sleep I laid at his head and talked him through it. I kissed him and cried and felt pretty much horrible. But I had to let him go. I had to give into the realization that he was too sick and in the same way he deserved to have a good life, he also deserved to no longer suffer. I couldn't control it anymore. I had to let go of the fight. Sometimes in our LE lives we have to learn to let go. I am still learning to let go of my husband. To give him over to the Lord so that if something ever happened to him, I could go on. We have to let go of battles and fears. We have to let go of certain expectations and requirements. To survive in an LE marriage we have to fight for it, but also know that sometimes bad things happen and we may lose our Officer. We may have to let go of dreams and plans. But the hope, courage, and dedication that got us to this point will also keep us going if our Officer were to be taken. Sometimes letting go of what we already have enables us to live life fuller because we are freer. </div>
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So in the end, Sweet Samson taught me 8 important lessons that gave me a head start as an LEOW. All of the things I learned because of him, I use as a LE wife. I try to operate in unconditional love. I try to look to the future with hope. I try to have courage to get through whatever faces me. I try to be dedicated to my family and choosing to stay positive. I try to put aside my fears and worries and enjoy the little moments. I try to stay positive so that our family never fails. I try to work with my husband to keep our life together instead of thinking I have to do it all myself. And finally, I try to let things go and give them up to God. </div>
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Samson was just a dog but he left a huge impact on my life. He was my first test at fighting for something worth having and I'll love him to pieces forever because of it. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-24114341319847871062013-12-10T02:00:00.000-07:002014-04-15T18:36:27.339-06:00A Little Sleep...Please!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Night shifts suck...and not just for the Officers working them. Spouses get the short stick too when it comes to night shift and sleep. I struggle to make it to bed on time when my husband works nights, and when I finally make it to bed, a lay awake thinking. By the time he comes home I have either just fallen asleep or have been laying in the dark for hours. When he hops into bed we end up talking and I'm lucky if I get 4 or 5 hours of quality rest. Sound familiar? Sleep for spouses of LEOs can be difficult, below are some tips and links to help you get a better nights rest! Your body will appreciate it...and so will everyone else! :)<b> </b><br />
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<li><b>Control the light and noise.</b> Make sure to close your blinds or curtains at night. If you have street lights outside your window, add a blanket to help darken the light. Also, help keep your brain in the "sleep zone" by controlling the noise in your room. We use a fan to help drown out weird noises, or loud ones like the train. A fan can also help relax you...it goes back to sounds in the womb when we were babies. <b> </b></li>
<li><b>Make a relaxing routine for bedtime.</b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Get in the habit of a routine. Settle into bed a half hour early to read. Invest in comfy pj's or soak in a warm bath before bed. Drinking decaf tea can help as well, or warm milk like our Grandmas said. There are varieties of teas that help relax your body, check out a tea and spice shop for help on which ingredients will help instead of hinder. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><b>Avoid bad habits.</b> One of the worst habits to get into before bed is hanging out on the computer or in front of a TV. It is especially bad to your sleep cycle if you do these activities IN bed. The lights and visual stimulation activate your brain and make it hard to come down from the stimulation. It can prolong the time you need to fall asleep as well as mess with your sleep rhythm. Remember, light means wake time, and any light can trigger your brain to wake, even electronics. </li>
<li><b>De-Light your room.</b> This means not only darkening your windows, but also covering up alarm clock lights, power lights on electronics, as well as ambient light from outside or in other rooms in the house. One of the best things I have done for my sleep is cover my alarm clock. Not only does it no longer shine in my face, but I am able to stay asleep instead of waking to check the time. </li>
<li><b>Stick to a regular bedtime.</b> Consistency is key. Set the same bedtime every night. Strive for a time that can be achieved throughout the week. 10:00 pm is our bedtime. It usually allows for our little lady to get to sleep (and stay asleep) and a few hours of down time before rest. Choose a time when you routinely feel tired and stick to the plan. You can actually train your body to prepare for sleep by rewarding it with consistency. And a BIG hint here...as tempting as it is, don't stay up late on the weekends. It defeats the purpose of setting a bedtime and irregular sleep patterns can train our brains to stay alert at all hours of the night. You can actually make yourself an insomniac. </li>
<li><b>Wake up at the same time every day.</b>
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You should wake up on your own if you are getting enough sleep. But if you are needing to wake up before your natural wake time, set an alarm clock for a consistent time every day. No cheating...even on weekends. And another BIG hint...if you sleep with an alarm clock, turn it away from you and block the light with a book or sock. If the numbers are facing you while you sleep, you will actually find yourself waking through the night to check the time. Not to mention the light can be bright and will also keep your brain stimulated.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><b>Fight the urge to nap during the day.</b> Napping can make insomnia worse. Again, you can train your brain's sleep cycles to be off by repeating certain things...like napping. Napping can disrupt your normal sleep cycle by altering your brain's wake and sleep patterns. By napping during the day, a person can train their brain to feel sleepy in the afternoon and alert at night, rather than the other way around. If you have to nap, keep it to 30 minutes and only nap in the afternoon. This way your body associates the need for sleep with night instead of daytime. </li>
<li><b>Avoid caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol before bed. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</b>All of these substances are stimulants and a stimulant sabotages all your other sleep aid efforts. Technically alcohol is a depressant, but it still messes with your brain, especially if you are the type of person who gets energetic from alcohol. If you're trying to get quality sleep...skip the booze before bed, even if you think it relaxes you. </li>
<li><b>Use little light at night. </b>Do you usually use the bathroom in the middle of the night? Try to do so with as minimal light as possible (and is safe!). Flicking lights on and off hurts our eyes adjustment to light and will trigger your crazy brain to activate. Keeping lights low when you use the restroom, or make a bottle, helps your brain stay in the "sleep zone". <b> </b></li>
<li><b>Finally, use light to your benefit. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</b>When you are up during the day, try to enjoy as much sunlight as possible. Spend more time outside during daylight hours and take off your sunglasses for a short time to let light onto your face. Open the blinds in your home or workspace. When my baby had a day/night confusion the first couple weeks she was home, we placed her in front of a window during the day, and darkened the house at night. She figured out day was wake time, and night was sleep time in only a week. We trained her circadian rhythm and you can do the same for yourself. <b> </b> </li>
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Check out these other links for sleep tips and info!</div>
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<a href="http://www.helpguide.org/life/sleep_tips.htm" target="_blank">Sleep Tips from HelpGuide.org</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-topics/sleep-drive-and-your-body-clock" target="_blank">Info on Circadian Rhythm from the National Sleep Foundation</a></div>
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<a href="http://bettersleep.org/better-sleep/how-to-sleep-better" target="_blank">Sleep Help from The Better Sleep Council</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-12484159701741020662013-12-08T02:00:00.000-07:002014-10-16T11:45:25.104-06:00Law Enforcement Christmas Ornaments! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's that time of year again! Christmas! Next year I would like to do a LE themed Christmas tree so I have been looking around for ornaments. I have seen so many neat LE themed Christmas ornaments around the web, I just had to put them all in one place and share them with you! These are just a few of what's out there. If you see something you like, don't forget to browse through the rest of each company's LE ornaments...there are TONS! Many can be personalized with the year or your Officer's name/badge/department. String some blue lights on a tree, add these awesome ornaments, and you'll be showing off your LE Christmas Pride in style! Enjoy!</div>
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16 Law Enforcement Christmas Ornaments!</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theholidaybarn.com/police-car-ornament.aspx" target="_blank">The Holiday Barn Police Car Ornament </a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.personalizationmall.com/Personalized-Police-Wood-Christmas-Ornament-To-Serve-and-Protect-i24585.item?productid=7749&did=8" target="_blank">Personalization Mall To Serve & Protect Engraved Ornament</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.firecatalog.com/product/Snowball-Police-Officer-Ornament/Police_Sheriff_Christmas_Ornaments_" target="_blank">Snowball Police Officer Ornament from FireCatalog.com</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.firecatalog.com/product/Personalized_Police-Hero-Heart-Ornament/Police_Sheriff_Christmas_Ornaments_" target="_blank">Police Hero Heart Ornament from Roberts Co. Inc.</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.trendyornaments.com/police-officers-cap-old-world-christmas-ornament.html">Police Officer's Cap Christmas Ornament from Trendy Ornaments</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.firecatalog.com/product/Sheriff-Santa-Glass-Ball-Ornament/Police_Sheriff_Christmas_Ornaments_" target="_blank">Sheriff Santa Glass Ball Ornament from Roberts Co. Inc</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/117921803/4in-blown-glass-police-officer-ornament?ref=exp_listing" target="_blank">4in Blown Glass Police Officer Ornament from Etsy</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.firecatalog.com/product/Police-Car-Dangling-Ornament/Police_Sheriff_Christmas_Ornaments_" target="_blank">Police Car Dangling Ornament from Roberts Co. Inc</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bronners.com/product/police-officer%27s-prayer-ornament.do?sortby=ourPicks&refType=&from=Search" target="_blank">Police Officer's Prayer Ornament from Bronner's</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.firecatalog.com/product/Police-Badge-Law-Enforcement-Holiday-Ornaments/Police_Sheriff_Christmas_Ornaments_" target="_blank">Police Badge Law Enforcement Holiday Ornament from Robert's Co. Inc</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.firecatalog.com/product/Personalized-Sheriff-Ornament/Police_Sheriff_Christmas_Ornaments_">Personalized Sheriff Ornament from Robert's Co. Inc</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bronners.com/product/gold-police-badge-glass-ornament.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search" target="_blank">Gold Police Badge Glass Ornament from Bronner's</a></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-9112655155959088772013-12-06T21:29:00.000-07:002014-04-15T18:36:39.895-06:00A Baby's Birth, A Savior's Peace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was nearly 2 a.m. on a crisp fall morning. The lights in the hospital room were dimmed to a comforting glow and a peaceful stillness enveloped us like a cozy blanket. Not a sound filled the room but the sweet squeaking of our new born baby girl, wrapped tight in blankets and snuggled into my arms. My husband stood close, guarding his new prize, and wiping tears from his eyes as he gazed down at a tiny little form already winning his heart. I remember the overwhelming peace in our room that morning, a comfort and quiet so calming and sure. It was an atmosphere I could bask in forever.<br />
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Nothing comes close to the intimacy of a baby's birth and I often wonder what the birth of Jesus was like. I have to believe that the same intimacy and peace that my husband and I experienced also enveloped the stable after His birth. Can you imagine the awe that must have overcome His parents? What an amazing experience to be ordained with the task of birthing and raising God's Son!<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/be/a4/3f/bea43f36df3d7b87f7734f70535b58bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/be/a4/3f/bea43f36df3d7b87f7734f70535b58bd.jpg" height="400" width="288" /></a>As the Christmas holiday approaches, so many of us get swept away in the excitement of the season. There are decorations to put up, parties to plan, presents to buy. So much to do before the one special day! There is an excitement and happiness in the air that is almost palpable.<br />
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But what about the true reason for the season? What about the birth of Jesus? How do we connect with that day? Especially when all the stories and pictures depict a time so long ago...it almost feels like a fairy tale. But it happened. All the anticipation and anxiety of a baby's impending birth. The pain, the fear, the struggle. It all happened. But so did the beauty.<br />
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For those of you who have had children, you can relate to the amazing emotions that come over you when the labor is finished and your baby is in your arms. You feel love, fear, responsibility, intimacy, protection...the list goes on. But there is always that special moment after birth where the parents are given time to bond with their baby. To feel their little one skin to skin. To gaze into their little face. To feel their tiny hands and hear their helpless cry. This time contains the most breathtaking peace and intimacy.<br />
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Picture the stable so long ago. Historians believe it was a cave, chilly and dark. Animals milled about, their sounds echoing in the night. Perhaps the city outside was still busy with people going to and fro for the census. No one knew their Savior had just been born in the crudeness of a stable. <br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/21/66/59/2166594d53cb8e364e2fe2157d5e9461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/21/66/59/2166594d53cb8e364e2fe2157d5e9461.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a>But despite the hectic city, the noisy animals, the chilly stable, there would have been a peace surrounding Mary and Joseph. After the pain of labor was over, after the visitors had left, Mary and Joseph would have been left alone with baby Jesus in the same way so many parents through history have been. All the sounds of the city and the animals would have disappeared. They would be enamored with their new baby, in awe of the breathtaking beauty of His birth and His purpose. They would swaddle and hold Him, gaze into His tiny face and hear His helpless cry. A quiet peace would have enveloped them. The only thing they would see were His tiny features. The only sounds they would hear were the squeaks and suckles of their brand new baby boy. In those moments He would have become their world. <br />
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The quiet calm after birth is amazing. It is a beauty words cannot describe. The reason for the Christmas season is the celebration of Jesus' birth. Wouldn't it be amazing if at Christmas, we experienced the same peace and quiet calm following the birth of a baby? Instead of the hustle and bustle, the stress and the buying. Instead of pressure to outshine others, the struggle to afford the best presents, what if we instead, enjoyed a peace and sureness. If we instead, remembered that this special day marks our Saviors birth and all the beauty surrounding a new life.<br />
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A baby's birth does not represent buying, stress, competition or showmanship. A baby's birth is supposed to represent the beauty of life, the intimacy in creation, the quiet calm that is awe inspiring. Shouldn't our Savior's birth represent the same things? His birth should remind us of peace, and our hope in life.<br />
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As Christmas gets nearer, I pray we are all able to stop for a moment and bask in the same peaceful, intimate, and calming atmosphere that accompanies the time after a baby's birth. I pray we can remember the purpose of the season, to take to heart the many facets of what Jesus' birth really means, what it would have been like, and how we should celebrate it today. The beauty of Christmas is not just the lights and the snow but the intimacy and peace of a baby's birth...our Savior's birth. <br />
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Merry Christmas to you and your family. May you feel peace and comfort in a new way this season.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-74326464588714550242013-12-04T02:00:00.000-07:002013-12-04T02:00:10.612-07:00Coping with your CopWe love our LEOs, that's a given. But sometimes they are hard to handle...no offense officers. I'm still trying to figure my hubby out (that won't change, it's called marriage), and I know I'm not alone on that one. This is in no way bashing of our Officers, but many times they are hard to figure out. They come home from shift and are amped up and full of energy, the next day they don't want to talk and need to be alone. They run fine off no sleep one week, and then need double next week, leaving you to shush your kids every two seconds while they try to catch up. They want to share about work, sometimes they don't. They love the job, sometimes they don't. Sometimes they kick the cynical demon riding on their back, other days it seems like cynicism just hitched a ride forever. Our Officers can be up and down and all around. How do we cope with the rodeo of the Law Enforcement life?<br />
<br />
Picture a common LE spouse problem. You've just spent your day
running errands around town, cleaning the house, managing the kids, and
planning a yummy dinner. Tonight your LEO is home for the weekend.
You've gotten all of your responsibilities out of the way so your
weekend is relaxing and you can just have fun together. 6 pm rolls
around and the table is set, dinner is warm on the oven, the kids are
waiting for dad to get home. You look forward to hugging him, hearing
about his day, relaxing together once the kids are in bed. Dad finally
walks through the door (two hours late because he had a call) and the
night you planned looks like it won't be happening. Something happened
at work but he won't share. He is quiet, and thoughtful. You ask if he
is ok and he mumbles yes. Not realizing it, you ask several times again
throughout your quiet dinner meal. He finally snaps he's fine and you
feel hurt at his outburst. After all, you're just making sure he's
alright...you can tell he isn't. Dishes are cleared, kids are in bed and
he decides to sit in his chair and watch TV minus any conversation. The
rest of the night goes this way and you finally crawl into bed hurt,
confused, and entirely disappointed.<br />
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Have you ever had a night like this? How do you get through it without holding a grudge or feeling resentment? <br />
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Two loving words...<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Empathy & Grace</b>.</span> <br />
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What is Empathy? According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Empathy is "the feeling that you understand and share another person's experiences
and emotions : the ability to share someone else's feelings". What does the Bible say? "Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind" 1 Peter 3:8.<br />
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Empathy is the ability to walk in someone eles's shoes. You've heard that term before, right? Have you ever thought about what it actually means? Your LEO comes home and isn't talking. He is keeping to himself and seems troubled. Sympathy is feeling bad for them. Empathy would require you to imagine what his day may have been like and thus experience his same emotions. Is his behavior due to a hard day? Could he possibly have seen something disturbing? Could he feel like he has failed at something or didn't try hard enough? Could he be questioning or reevaluating something? Empathy is the ability to think beyond a situation's obvious elements. It's being able to imagine a scenario and feel the same feelings the other person is experiencing.<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/9a/b0/ab/9ab0ab3a16497723ebf0b38281c7ac50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/9a/b0/ab/9ab0ab3a16497723ebf0b38281c7ac50.jpg" width="320" /></a>While we can not fix our LEOs or take away their struggles, we can support them through trying to understand their positions. We can empathize with the results of an experience. Fear from a shooting. Pain from a Domestic call. Anger from a Child Abuse case. Nightmares. Tears. Worry. Anxiety. It comes down to asking yourself "How would you feel if...".<br />
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<i>When we look at a situation from only our own perspective or
experience base, we risk assigning wrong motives or misinterpreting the
feelings, actions, or reactions of others.</i><i> When we seek to put ourselves in their shoes, we gain an
understanding that often helps us be more patient and supportive of
others. </i>Ministry Tools Resource Center.<br />
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God Himself empathizes with us. "O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit
and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my
going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.<i>" </i><span class="class2">Ps. 139:1-3</span><i><span class="class2">, </span></i>"As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has
compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he
remembers that we are dust." Ps. 103:13-14<br />
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Empathy is something that can be developed through communication and a strong imagination. Not everyone is naturally empathetic. It can take time to be able to empathize with your LEO. The best way to begin to gain this skill is by communicating with them when they are able. Imagine a scenario, imagine how you would feel and then ASK QUESTIONS! "Honey, how did it make you feel when you saw the dead body?" "Are you troubled by what you experienced last night?" "How can I support you?" Empathy takes the spotlight off of ourselves...My dinner is ruined, he
isn't talking and I'm lonely, I'm disappointed etc...and places the
spotlight on another. It requires selflessness and patience. Empathy
benefits others. <br />
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Without Empathy, we can not operate in true Grace. <br />
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Empathy takes operating in Grace to a whole new level. It enables us to not only offer support, but to show love and offer Grace <i>because</i> we empathize with their experiences. <br />
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What is Grace? We aren't talking about the typical definition as found in the dictionary. The grace I am talking about is not a way of moving, it's not a dinner prayer...it's an attitude, a way of showing love and patience, and an outlook of forgiveness. Grace is the act of letting someone be, of loving them where they are at and honoring that person with boundaries and respect. It is to operate in patience toward the person we are showing grace to. Grace is unconditional love and understanding with no expectations of return.<br />
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We all have received Grace from God in the gift of salvation. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from
yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can
boast." Ephesians 2:8-9, "But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it." Ephesians 4:7, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men." Titus 2:11<br />
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We are saved by Grace because of God's love for us. We are not held to man's laws in order to receive love, but rather the understanding of our sinful nature, and the power of repentance and God's saving Grace.<br />
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In the same way we have received Grace despite our flaws and sin, so too must we give Grace to one another. Despite your LEO's faults, Grace is deserved.<br />
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I wrote above of different definitions of Grace: it is patience, forgiveness, honor, and respect. Read what the Bible defines love to be...<span class="text 1Cor-13-4" id="en-NIV-28670">Love is <b>patient</b>, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-5" id="en-NIV-28671">It <b>does not dishonor others</b>, it is <b>not self-seeking</b>, it is not easily angered, <b>it keeps no record of wrongs</b>. </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-6" id="en-NIV-28672">Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.</span><span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-NIV-28673"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. So if these are the definitions of love, as well as Grace, Grace is also the outpouring of love. When we interact with others through Grace, we show love. We live the examples of what love truly is. </span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-NIV-28673"><br /></span>
<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-NIV-28673">Your Officer has just had a bad shift. He isn't ready to talk. He needs time alone. You <b>respect</b> his struggle and <b>honor</b> his boundaries of needing space. You are <b>patient</b> with the amount of time he needs. You <b>don't take it personal</b> and <b>hold no grudge</b> for the fact that the night you planned didn't work out. You <b>expect nothing</b> when he is ready to share. You <b>love</b> him through this struggle despite your own desires. <b>You show him Grace</b><b>.</b> </span><br />
<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-NIV-28673"><br /></span>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-80BBKyLZT3A/UpZ4ARv2TMI/AAAAAAAAAdY/VnZcirUULD4/s1600/showinggracequote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-80BBKyLZT3A/UpZ4ARv2TMI/AAAAAAAAAdY/VnZcirUULD4/s400/showinggracequote.jpg" width="400" /></a><span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-NIV-28673">THIS is an example of Grace. THIS is an example of Love. THIS is an example of unconditional understanding. You expect nothing for the patience, honor, boundaries, and love you show him. You take him where he is at with an Empathy for his experiences and a Grace for his behavior and needs.</span><br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-NIV-28673">Empathy enables you to understand what he is experiencing while Grace gives you the power to step aside and love him through the hard times. </span><br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-NIV-28673">Your LEO has just come home. You catch him crying in your room, his shoulders are slumped and his muscles are tense. You walk in and hug him. You give him a moment while you imagine what his day has been like. Maybe he saw something gruesome. You would feel sick, and scared. You ask him how he is feeling. He doesn't respond. This doesn't bother you because you can imagine it may be hard to talk about. You ask him if he had a bad day. He nods. You ask him if he would like to talk . He says no. You kiss him and leave, giving him space until he is ready because you can image it's something bad enough he needs to process. Later that night he comes to you and shares. He went to a murder call. It was a child and he can't get the image out of his head. He projects the experience onto his own children and he is feeling every emotion imaginable. You listen. You affirm. You feel the same feelings. You pray together. </span><br />
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One thing I want to add is this, Empathy does not mean taking on the other
person's feelings in order to fix them. WE CAN NEVER FIX SOMEONE ELSE.
The power of Empathy is fulfilled in better understanding them...not
fixing them. It is easy to lob onto our LEOs emotions or behaviors and let them set the mood for the day. It's easy to yo-yo with them and, in the end, feel victimized, down, and exhausted. Instead of assessing our Officers with a microscope and making sure they are ok so WE are ok...practice Empathy and Grace. These two abilities give us the power to own our own feelings, while respecting the boundaries of our Officers as they own THEIR feelings. Empathy and Grace keeps supporting our Officers simple. It empowers us to listen, respect, love, and counsel effectively. It does not ask us to fix them...it demands that we love them where they are at unconditionally with no expectation of return or a magic fix. Empathy and Grace are Love. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-18398426634103420102013-12-01T02:00:00.000-07:002013-12-01T02:00:00.838-07:00Worth more than Gold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What would our marriages look like if we cared for them like gold? If we knew they worth fixing instead of trading in? Could we get through hardships with less scratches if our marriage was lovingly nurtured and protected? If more than the surface was cared for and polished? If we put aside other things and first focused on our marriage, would it change the way we see life? Would we feel more secure if we knew our investment had good construction and was made of quality? Would we learn to live simply because our value is in our relationships instead of our things. Could we experience a tender, trusting love, intimate and lasting, because we care for it as if it could shatter? How would our children react if they saw us tending our spouses with love and gentleness? Would it inspire them to put value in themselves and the one they love? Finally, how inspired would you feel if you knew what you were investing in would grow and last forever? Marriage is a relationship worth more than gold...tend it with care and place value on it above other things. The return from it is priceless. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-41439851559494164502013-11-25T02:00:00.000-07:002013-11-25T02:00:12.729-07:00My Favorite Quotes...on Hope<span id="goog_1059237786"></span><span id="goog_1059237787"></span><br />
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Hope is one of my favorite words. It is the proof that we should never give up, that God's promises are true, and there is always something to look forward to. How many times do you find yourself burdened with life? Do you look at your circumstances and feel overwhelmed and tired? Do you sometimes wish you could transport to some other life or time? I write a lot about being positive and one way I am able to achieve that is by the power of hoping. Hoping is like dreaming to me. It's looking beyond my situation with so much positive thought that I create a goal or a dream in my mind and I focus on it. Mix that hope with prayer and you have a powerful recipe for God's work in your life. Hope is putting the power in God's hands. It's declaring that things will get better, and you refuse to see life with the shade of negativity. Hope is the ignition key to get us through hardships, it is our light, and our assurance. </div>
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<b>For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a <u>hope</u>.</b></div>
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<b><i> </i></b><b>Jeremiah 29:11 </b></div>
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You may be in a difficult time in your life, your husband might be away at academy, your son may have just told you he wants to be an LEO and you're scared, maybe someone dear to you has been diagnosed with an illness, or you're starting to question parts of your life. We can accept a negative fate, or we can hope (dream and give power to God). There is always a reason to hope because the reason for something better is you. You are worth believing that things can get better, you will get through, something hard will end. The Bible talks often of the hope we have in God. Hope is our fuel and our rock. It is sometimes the only thing we can cling to. I hope because I am promised God's love and I know I can trust His promises. If His love never ends, and His promises are true, so too is His hope.</div>
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<b>So we do not lose heart.
Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed
day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an
eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the
things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things
that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. </b></div>
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<b>2 Corinthians 4:16-18 </b></div>
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Below are several quotes on hope that I pray encourage you. Enjoy and hope for tomorrow! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-52238432269590546332013-11-24T14:29:00.002-07:002013-11-24T14:29:55.133-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Love is the sweetest gift in life. Send him off with a kiss, knowing within that smooch is a whole lot of love, support, prayer, and courage. </div>
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<u>Always</u> kiss him good-bye</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-60171034549918821242013-11-23T02:00:00.000-07:002013-11-23T09:20:51.815-07:00The Silver LiningAlright people, we need to stop for just a second. Insert screeching tires here...<br />
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I think we need a change of pace and a little pick me up. So often we talk about all the struggles and heartbreak and burdens of this life. And then we give advice how to get through it, usually prefaced with, there will be more challenges to come. Sounds sort of depressing right? "Hey person, you're gonna get through this but just so you know, you're going to fall right back in it again." Wow, I'm so excited! Not!<br />
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So let's put aside the drama and the intensity and focus on the awesome, super, wonderful, one-of-a-kind aspects of our Law Enforcement life. There are many! I am thankful for the great parts because the good is what holds it all together. It's what makes everything doable. I choose to look at the positives that come with this life...I've seriously had enough of the downers.<br />
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Ok, so, my all time FAVORITE part of being a LEOW. The love between my husband and I is unlike anything! The risk of losing him makes us cling closer. I have a natural ability to nag and control, I always ask myself, <i>if I lost him tonight, would I regret making that an issue?</i> Like the other day, he backed up to sit on the tub while he was getting ready and smashed into the vanity drawer that I had left out (my fault), resulting in a lot of noise, a sore bum, and a bent up drawer that now doesn't close all the way. I failed to see the unimportance of it and instead got upset and worried over my ability to close the stupid drawer. About halfway through the day I realized if he didn't come home, screw the stupid drawer. I would miss his bum (heehee) and every broken thing and most importantly...HIM. So I appreciate him more because of the job. I prioritize in the relationship more because of the job. We make an effort to have more FUN because of the job. We make the effort to have better days, and deeper convos, snuggle longer, laugh harder, appreciate more. Law Enforcement has bonded us deeply. And that's my favorite part.<br />
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We have more appreciation for life. This one hopefully is a given for everyone too. We only have today, so make it awesome. Don't waste a moment, don't overlook anything that is wonderful.We even have learned to appreciate the bad stuff...or at least see it with humor. Like some of the dysfunction that comes with the job. Holidays, delayed date nights, weird dinner table convos, all of it.<br />
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My kid gets a real life super hero for a dad. And I'm totally going to help fuel her super hero belief. Her dad is out there for her and that makes me freakin' proud! This job makes me double check that I am helping build her relationship with her daddy. I'm making sure I take lots of photos and give them lots of one on one time. I also see a love between them in a special light...because we only have today.<br />
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I have a lot of fun seeing my husband out working. I am honored to be strong enough to be his wife. Since we moved to a new town, when it's safe to tell people, I love sharing that we moved here because he works for the patrol. I literally beam when people get excited or say thank you.<br />
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Not everyone hates cops. There really is nothing more special than getting a hand shake or seeing other men look up to my husband when they find out he is a LEO. A lot of times we focus on dealing with the bad situations with people, but there are many folks out there that love our LEO's. They know what a value they are to our country. And I love the feeling of watching my husband honored by someone. It does happen!<br />
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We have some awesome opportunities to build our character. That may leave you saying, yeah yeah. But really, all the struggles, all the good times, everything, we learn from and grow. I have learned to trust God more and my anxious personality has quieted...I love that. I have learned to be more patient and take the time to listen to my spouse because we don't have guaranteed time together. We have learned to lean on each other as a couple because our family is the safest safe zone ever! We have learned honest communication because bottling up things will destroy us. We have learned faith, strength, and responsibility. <br />
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There is an element of humor only cop families get. Like jokes about perps or drunks that only we would think are funny. If you ask veteran cops how they get through the job, many will say with a sense of humor. Even icky things somehow get tweeked into something funny so they can cope. A lot of times that same sense of humor is brought home. Both my parents are in medicine so I grew up with blood and gut convos at the dinner table. Our LE dinner table consists of drunk stories, success stories, funny coworker stories etc. We have our own special code that no one else gets. It's like the cool person LE club.<br />
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The friendships with LE families are awesome. We get the risks so we cleave to each other. We have fun bonding with people we can trust and people who get us on a real level. Our LE friends share the same worries, the same successes, and the same feelings. It's a brotherhood and a solid support system. Not many people can say they have sisters and brothers all over the country who pray for each other and support each other. We LE families can say that and that is pretty special! <br />
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I have grown in confidence when it comes to fixing disasters around our house. Like when our sewer line got plugged and my husband was working. Thanks to a phone call to my dad I now know how to plunge a toilet, run the sewer pump, and figure out where the plug is in the line. I can caulk tubs, shut off water when the dishwasher backs up, I can install stuff, hang pictures, etc all by myself...and with a baby on my hip to boot. I'll toot my own horn till the day I die that I definitely helped keep the house from blowing up while my husband worked. Oh yeah!<br />
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We can adapt to pretty much anything. Strange schedules, changed plans, odd holidays, making new traditions, night shifts, you name it. LEO families do it all the time and it's a trademark of the life, which I choose to love because it's the thing that makes us awesome.<br />
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Another awesome part of the job is the blessings it gives us. Like money. Money is always good so we can eat and live somewhere. And my husband has a job, I'm grateful for that because many Americans don't. Keep life simple. And appreciate even the simple things like a paycheck. A paycheck from a dangerous, hard job is still a paycheck, and I'm grateful for the one my husband brings home.<br />
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We have a lot of normal time too. Movie nights, lazy days, dates, project days, you name it. We plan ahead so birthdays are work free. We still get time for great convos and long road trips. Life goes pretty normal...to us at least! <br />
<br />
Finally, I asked my husband what his favorite part of having an LE life was and he answered, it's the things that aren't tangible. He has grown in confidence. He loves providing for his family while protecting others. We think of each other all the time when we are apart and it makes the welcome home kisses sweeter. It's about the bond we have developed as a family and the way we make everything count. It's the way we have grown in our faith and the peace we experience everyday. We love this life and would never trade it for anything! <br />
<br />
Be encouraged that there are wonderful parts of this life. Lots and lots and lots of LE families have lived this life, still live it, and will live it in the future. Whether you are just facing this life, new to it, been in it for a while but are burdened, any situation, I want to say, it is doable! It is a wonderful life, but only if you see the wonderful in it! Strive to make your own wonderful parts. I would rather live this life
looking at the awesome parts of it, than focusing on the bad. Creating
great memories, growing, laughing, loving...those are all things we can
control. We can't control the bad so give it to God and have peace that
it will work out. We don't know the future but we are guaranteed God is
in it. <br />
<br />
I love, love, love my life. It has been filled with friendships, love, laughter, perspective, and growth. And I think that's a pretty good start to a pretty awesome path!<br />
<br />
This is my prayer for you:<br />
<i><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I
pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power
through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in
your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and
established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy
people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of
Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be
filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19</span></i><br />
<br />
What are some of your favorite parts of this life? Share by commenting so others may be encouraged. We are in this together! <br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-55419887395538199462013-11-22T10:16:00.000-07:002013-11-22T10:16:20.144-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-15253018269197305202013-11-21T02:00:00.000-07:002013-11-21T02:00:04.678-07:00You Are Not Forgotten...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6105531570567027858.post-71444329713035784692013-11-20T02:00:00.000-07:002013-11-20T02:00:07.722-07:00Worth More Than Birds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
This scripture was literally what got me through the hardest time in my life while my husband was away at academy and I had a new baby. The unknown of life can weigh us down, it can control us and damage our spirits and our bodies. If you are feeling burdened with worry today, may I remind you, God's faithfulness extends to us because of His love. He sent His son to die for our sins, do we really need to question our worth? His love did not stop the day Jesus rose from the dead.<br />
<br />
<b> He loved us then, He loves us now, and He will love us tomorrow. </b><br />
<br />
We are valuable and loved, even through our struggles and hardships. We need not worry for tomorrow. As we tend our own children, in the same way, the Lord tends us. Have faith today! Believe in your value and celebrate the things you have been given!<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Phil 4:13 NIV</span></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on
wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and
not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV</span></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them,
for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor
forsake you. Deut 31:6 NIV</span></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.. Psalm16:8 NIV</span></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22 NIV</span></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the
peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7 NIV</span></i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11690243779147274401noreply@blogger.com0