Another New Day!

God Speaks

2010-08-15T16:01:00.002-04:00

Every time I go to church at The Branches @ FFC God speaks to me and most of the time it is a scolding! Just like my daddy used to do only not so harsh but to the point. The Blacks were there today and I could feel the passion they have for reaching the people of Jamaica for Jesus. I was impressed with Aaron's comment that he doesn't know how many they have reached for Jesus but that doesn't matter cause all they do is what God tells them to do they are OBEDIENT. OBEDIENT is such an intimidating word and a difficult one to do,why? Why is it so hard to do what we know is the right thing to do? Why are we so afraid to step outside of our box? Why do I cry because I want to be involved in God's work and yet I sit on my duff in my own world wondering why things don't get better for me?
God spoke to me today and basically said "Yea of little faith" I don't make enough money to pay my bills and yet God is saying "give" Give what? I work and I try to take care of a house and property the best I can. I have been harvesting the bounty of the season to supplement the the sometimes empty freezer and fridge. I share my time with grandchildren and my mother, I have no time or money,Give What Lord?
His answer was so simple "Give me you" Let ME take care of things, let ME take care of you" I hear this and yet I am afraid to be OBEDIENT. I am trying Lord I am trying.

Sifting through the ashes

2010-05-12T17:57:00.002-04:00

I am sure that sounds like a fire and in a way it is. I have begun some serious spring cleaning and in doing so am having to go through the last of Glen's "stuff" to some that is all it is but to me that "stuff" represents a life that is lost to me but found to Jesus. I am happy where I am in life right now, I have a good life even with it's struggles but I find that I miss the life I had for 5 wonderful years. How do you decide what to save and what to throw away, what would the grand kids want from grandpa ? How will my future relationships be affected by what I choose to keep and toss? How will I feel when I toss memories. I find myself very confused at this moment but am comforted by emails I have received since Glen's death that reminds me that I am not alone EVER!
Jesus is here holding my hand and wiping my tears as I do this task and I am so thankful that he is cause I can't do this alone. I am again reminded about Jeremiah 29:11 That God has a plan for me and my future and it is for good not evil. Thank you Jesus for standing by me always.

Bugs

2009-10-26T20:57:00.002-04:00

Well the H1N1 has hit my family too.Taylor my granddaughter just turned 13 on Sat and also contracted the virus the same day. She has fought a temp of 105.5 all day today but her mom called and said no trip to the hospital as the temp down to 99 hopefully it will stay down. What a birthday present right? I haven't got my shots yet dr didn't have them when I called they didn't have them yet. Delema do I keep trying or take the chance that I am immune? From last year's experience with pneumonia I know that I am not immune from germs. In the same way I am not immune to all the dangers in the world just because I am a Christian and just because I work in a church doesn't mean I am safe. Without going into a lot of detail a couple of weeks ago I got a phone call at work not one that you would expect a church to get. This person was in Missouri but called a church in Winchester, Indiana just by going on the internet and picking a church. Why my office? Why me? How did I keep my witts about me? Was I scared? Not while on the phone but later YES!!! I had to learn to lock my doors and windows, not be alone for a while I felt like a prisoner in my own home. I didn't like that feeling and still now I am more careful about noticing my surroundings.
Pastor Kris is talking about HOPE and giving it to others, I been thinking about how my experiences could give someone hope. God takes us down paths that we don't like sometimes so we can be able to help others that may have to walk that same path someday. Your paths are different than mine, some have sickness, financial difficulties,injury,loneliness, joys,triumphs and so on. The lessons we learn can when used by God bring HOPE to others because they can see Jesus through our lives. Take some time to think about those paths and how they can help someone else.

A Time for Change?

2009-09-14T10:28:00.002-04:00

It is September not one of my favorite times of the year because I know when school starts and the days begin to cool off that winter is on it's way. Fall is beautiful with the changing colors of the landscape and I got to thinking this morning that there are some things in my life that need some changing so I am setting some goals. Some of these will be noticeable to anyone who is around me especially those in Wed. night weight loss class. All summer long I have been a slacker, we have been doing so many fun things that I let the exercise and good eating slip into non existence, anyone else guilty? The scales and my clothes are giving me a good hint that I better get back on the band wagon. I finally got back to church too it is so easy to place the importance of other things or people before God and that too is not a good thing, so I told my special someone that I was going back to church be it in Farmland or Anderson, I miss the fellowship and the messages from God that Sunday morning brings. I am praying for no distractions in church, it is so easy to watch those around us and miss what God has for us.
In my devotions this morning the author was talking about setting a goal to beat your record, it is much easier to focus on just one thing and beating that record (goal) than it is to look at a big picture. We don't reach our goal on the first day of practice, it takes lots of patience and practice, a couple of stumbles and maybe even a fall but with perseverance we can arrive! So today it is one step at a time. Oh by the way I did start yesterday learning to ride a passenger on my motorcycle! Steven was brave enough to jump on the back and we drove around a country mile and I didn't spill him or the bike Thanks Steven!!!!

Sorry

2009-06-17T20:16:00.002-04:00

don't know why it posted twice you only have to enjoy once we are still hot and some are sunburned. While I am posting the others are at the wall feeding the homeless I stayed behind to care for Toni as the heat got the best of her today. The temp today was 93 but the feels like temp was 105 with 51% humidity nothing can keep cool even our freezers and refrigerators are not working up to par!!! well while everyone is out of the building I am going to take advantage of a cool shower. Till tomorrow

2009-06-17T20:14:00.000-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

New Orleans slide show

2009-06-17T20:11:00.000-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

New Orleans day 2

2009-06-15T22:55:00.005-04:00

Today was a busy day at Car, penters House II My crew first worked in the tool room organizing all the power tools, nuts, bolts, nails, plumbing and electrical supplies. Some of us made a trip to Crescent City to the grocery to get lunch, supper and breakfast supplies, I am getting used to driving in this town and the big van so far I haven't backed into a thing!!! Next I was handed a challenge Judy comes in and says that she wants to see me Ok says I and she leads me to a dark closet full of all kinds of craft supplies and then she says "I hear you want to do a bible school, here is a closet full of stuff you can use anything you want in here" I am like but what program do I use, where is the material? The material is what ever God lays on your heart. Oh boy am I in a pickle now! But as picture number 2 shows 5 ladies stepped up to the plate and said we want to help what can we do? We have some craft ideas in mind memory verses in mind and a theme!! Please pray with us that this will all fall together. Judy said that her goal is to take me outside my box even further and she knows she just did!! The picture on the left is the 3 members on this trip that were on the first New Orleans LA trip we went back to visit Crescent City Baptist church to see all the changes, it now has bunks in every rooms and the air works and all bathrooms work!! What a change!!! The last picture is our group which is becoming our family by the end of the week we will know eachother very well and new friendships will form and old ones will be strengthened.
Good night!!

New Orleans 09 Sunday

2009-06-14T23:53:00.003-04:00

The day has finally arrived we are on our way to New Orleans LA. My third trip here and every year I am excited to get down here and see what has been happening and what God has for me this time. We had a relatively uneventful trip down except for having to leave Lisa and Evan at the Edinburgh outlet mall to be picked up by family, Lisa and Kenny our thoughts are with you. This year I get to be a driver with Dennis being my co-pilot. Sharon and I tend to drive at the same time and since we both have lead feet it works great I get to get some of the "desire for speed " out of me!! The picture out the window is of the median in Alabama of the wild flowers these happen to be black eyed susans such a beautiful site along with the magnolia trees and other wild flowers. We arrived at Carpenters House II about 10:15 pm Indiana time but we gained an hour so it is really a little after 9 pm we were on the road for what seemed like days but somewhere between 16 & 17 hours. When we got out of the van at our home for the week we quickly realized that we are not in Indiana, it is HOT here even at night! Luckily the girls have air conditioning sorry guys. Well everyone wants to go to sleep and they just turned the lights out on me so I too will say goodnight. See you tomorrow.

Saying Goodbye

2009-06-11T22:11:00.003-04:00

The past
couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of activity at my house. The kids were home from Michigan what a joy to spend time with Taylor, Caleb and Ethan! My daughter and her husband chose for my mother's day gift to clean the garage and have a sale to clear out all the many tools that Glen had collected, they knew that I had not been able to face that task, so they did it for me. You would think that selling a bunch of old tools many that I had not idea what they were would not be such a big thing but it hit me like a ton of bricks. The thing is that they are just tools and the memories that are attached to them are still mine. Several of the tools were sold to someone because they belonged to Glen or his dad Eddie, it wasn't because the guy needed the tool but because it brought back a memory of a time that was spent with one of these men. This makes me think about how I spend my time and what kind of a memory am I leaving for those I come in contact with. Is my life one of good memories or are there things that would be best forgotten? I hope that one day when the girls have to go through my things they will find joy in the memories, hopefully they will forget all the spankings, time out, groundings etc. they got and focus on the positive like family dinners, Christmas morning, vacations, church camp, youth group etc. I challenge you to stop and think about what your life reflects and the memories you are making, I for one am going to keep focusing on making life more positive and fun for myself and those I spend my time with, life is way too short to be a grump!!!!
Well I am off to finish some packing only 2 more days till we leave for New Orleans, LA tune in often as I will try to update you each day as to what my day has been. I have no doubt that each one of us will experience something new and God will again work in our hearts and lives. Can't wait!!!!!!!!

It must be spring!!

2009-04-30T22:11:00.002-04:00

It surely must be spring cause I went to mom's tonight and got bunches of Lilac and my house smells so good!!! I have been really busy doing all kinds of things but my favorites are working outside in the yard and flowers, and as the picture shows enjoying Gage and Parker play ball and yes dancing! This picture shows the closest that I have ever been to Elvis he was really good for a young kid and this was only his second time preforming in public. "Let's Get Movin" is going really good too it is great to see the support system being built and encouraging that the ladies want to continue after the first 6 weeks, way to go girls! We had 2 new ones this week, had some success stories and some not so successful weeks but we are warriors and we will conquer!!!
I talked to Charles in New Orleans tonight and I am so excited to get down there, some of us will be working with the children doing some sort of bible school and hoping to hand out children's bibles and bible story books. God laid this on my heart 3 months ago and am thrilled to see it coming together.
Well it is approaching bedtime so I will say good night to all sleep tight!

''Let's Get Movin' !"

2009-04-15T22:25:00.002-04:00

Do you remember the story of Moses in Exodus chapter 3&4 when Moses told the Lord that he was not eloquent in speech and slow in speech? God asked him who gave him his mouth? Then he said" now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." Well tonight Brenda had a Moses moment! I was so scared but Jenny and Lisa prayed and I spoke! I have little idea of what I said I just know that the words flowed from my mouth and I didn't break down and cry! I am so proud of the 12 ladies who were there they made it all the way through the video and they didn't complain! Way to go girls!!!!!
We are learning that exercise doesn't have to be boring it is fun, if you are interested come join us on Wed. 6-8pm I promise you will have fun and I will hopefully remember what I said!!!

Rainy days

2009-04-14T21:33:00.002-04:00

I do not like rainy dreary days they do things to me and most of the time it is not good! Days like today play with my emotions, I tend to doubt my choices,my abilities, my confidence,the plans that God says he has for me, I cry a lot and waste a lot of energy hiding how I really feel from everyone but my best friend,( no use trying to hide from her she sees right through me!) I am getting ready for another challenge in my path tonight. Tomorrow we will start "Let's Get Moving!!" I am not really good at exercising and even worse at watching my diet, so why was I chosen for this task? I don't know but there are a couple of others who have offered their help so as a team we will move forward on this project that God has designed. I learned in Perspective class that God works in teams, he also uses what ever we have in our hands to do his work I look at my hands and ask what do I have to work with? All I see is empty hands that are ready to do his work, I can put in a DVD, I can clap and dance to the music this is where I will start. On my last weight loss endeavor we got a Lego block and it says LET GOD I look at it often and sometimes I am successful most of the time I am not.That is where I am right now trying to let go and let God,right now though I think I had better try to get some rest since I keep falling asleep typing this!!!!

2009-03-18T09:03:00.002-04:00

When God is about to reposition your life know that the devil will beg in to attack!
This was the first thing I read on an email today and it really struck me. I have really been struggling with alot of personal stuff lately, then my MI daughter and family have had sickness, surgery and other house problems. Then my granddaughter ran away from home last night causing fear in our hearts, thankfully she is found and is ok. Stress is a part of life today, do you remember being a teenager? I do and even 40+ years ago it wasn't easy. As teenagers we are torn in so many directions, so many choices good and bad, peer pressure, hopes and dreams, people who influence you both good and bad. You are not old enough to be called an adult but too old to be a kid no wonder they are so confused!
As I write this I think of myself and I think I am not that much different as an adult! Being single again adds different kinds of pressuers many of the same ones that teenagers have, we as singles want to be a part of something/someone. We want to be loved and cherished, to be liked by everyone. We too have all kinds of choices some good and some bad only difference is that we don't have our parents to come bail us out and we really don't want our parents involved! I was reminded again last night that we have someone who can help if we ask, within minuets after I got myself and friends together to pray she was found and was safe. I do not know where it will go from here but I do know that God is in it and when I do not know what to say he hears my heart.

Little bit of this -n -that

2009-03-17T15:36:00.003-04:00

What do you do on a Sat. night? Well it depends if I don't have a date (& I usually don't!) and there isn't a dance and the grand kids happen to be free you spend the evening with the them and have a ball. A couple of weeks ago I took 4 of my grand kids to my HOG chapter meeting at MCL in Richmond they are a hoot to watch choose food especially the boys, man can they eat!!! I am not sure what they thought of grandma as it was wear your leathers night and I had on my very first pair of leathers- red chaps and read fringed jacket no I didn't get a picture but let me assure you I could be seen a mile away! I was also excited because I can now wear them it has been 5 years since I was able to get into them! Then we went to the movies to see Bedtime Stories but the movie had already started so we got our tickets back to the mall to hang out. While we were there they decided to get our pictures taken in one of those little booths I have never done anything like that so here we go and here are the pictures. My grand daughter who is 14 said "I always have fun with you grandma!" Boy did that feel good!!
I looked at the calendar today and we only have 13 weeks till we are in New Orleans! It seems from one year to the next it is so long then all of a sudden it is here. I am really looking forward to what God has in store for us this year it is always something exciting, sometimes scary and always a learning experience.
Perspectives class is equally interesting a lot of the information goes right over my head but I do retain some! This week we talked about getting to know the culture of the people that you are going to serve. It is so important to understand their ways before you try to lead them to Jesus, if you don't halfway understand each other it can be very confusing.Only 4 more weeks of this class then what will I do with Monday nights? I am sure the yard and warm weather will take care of that. Isn't it just beautiful outside today?
Well that is all the rambling I have to do today time to jump in the shower and run!!!
BYE

Friends

2009-03-02T23:06:00.002-05:00

I looked up the meaning of a friend tonight this is what Funk & Wagnalls has to say about friends: One who is personally well known by oneself and whom one has warm regards or affection; intimate. One who belongs to the same nation,party etc.as oneself;also one with whom one is united in the same purpose, cause.
Tonight I experienced true friendship the kind that is deep and united. Several of my friends banded together in prayer for me then took turns keeping me busy. People who care to be the shoulder to cry on, who lifted me up to our father in prayer for strength and comfort. Proverbs 13:20 talks about who your friends are say much about you Proverbs 17:17 says" A friend is always loyal and a brother is born to help in time of need"NLT I am so thankful for my friends some new and some who have been there for as long as I can remember. I wonder how people who don't have friends cope with, get through or survive the difficult times in their lives. Who do they turn to for comfort? I know the answers to some of those questions and if it would not be for my friendship with a loving GOD and the people here on earth he has put into my life I too could be on the wrong side of the tracks.I just want to say thank you for banding together for a common cause and I will be there for you too just say the words and I will be there.

2009-02-11T21:38:00.002-05:00

This will probably be a short post tonight one because the weather is playing games with my wireless and two I am ready to lay back down. Yes I say back down cause as some of you know I have been in bed all week with pneumonia!!! I tell you I will be glad when warm sunny weather arrives and I can be outside and away from all the germies!!! I have been sick for almost 3 months now longer than I have been sick in 8 years!!! I am getting really tired of this.Tonight I felt good enough to read my bible some and read a passage in James that really jumped out at me. In James 4:17 it says
"Remember. it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." Well duh we all know that right? Then I read the explanation of that verse......it can be a sin to avoid someone when you know he/she needs your friendship, to do an act of kindness, or service or restore a relationship. We all know it is a sin to tell a lie, but it can also be a sin to know the truth and not tell it. WOW now I am thinking how many times a day do I sin? How many times have I known I was supposed to do something and didn't do it? What kind of opportunities have I missed? I am going to try to be more aware of things I should do and do them, I have learned to pray when someone comes to my mind but am not so good at acting on some other things. How about you how many times do you ignore a feeling or nudge,what are you missing?
Well my body is telling me I have pushed enough today and I need to rest for all the coughing I will be doing in the morning!!!! Nite all

Questions

2009-02-02T22:51:00.002-05:00

Perspectives class is over for another night and again I am challenged. One of our speakers said "When you get comfortable with your Christian life, get ready because God is about to upset it again!" I am not sure that was his exact words but I got the message and my comment at that moment was "I want to be comfortable for a little while. God I have had enough turmoil for a while." Now I have more questions than ever!!! Am I too comfortable where I am? Am I too comfortable with New Orleans missions? Am I going to be asked to leave my family? What if I meet someone and they have other goals and plans that God has given them? ( I am sure that God has the prefect one whose goals and plans match perfectly) What if it is somewhere that has dangerous illnesses, creepy bugs (especially spiders)or snakes, or a really hard language, or war/conflicts, what if............ couldn't I just serve you God right here in Winchester, Indiana or at least in the states?

My Day Off January 28, 2009

2009-01-28T18:34:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Random thoughts

2009-01-27T22:30:00.003-05:00

How do you like my unbirthday gift? Some very dear friends thought of the Harley Girl in me and gave me these sheets I LOVE THEM!! Got my motor running and gave me spring fever--or should I say riding fever!!!
Thanks Guys

The second picture is of the book that represents the class I am taking with some others from FFC. I was told that if I took the Perspectives class my life would change forever. Then Monday night we were told that if you are getting comfortable with where your life is right now get ready because it is about to change!! Now wait a min. I have had so many changes in the last two years I want to be comfortable for a little while!!! Then I saw the video on Mila's blog about Jamacia and last week on New Orleans and my heart is really being tugged on. So many people needing so much help, but what do I have to offer? That is what I keep asking, what is it that I am supposed to do, where is my place in all of this big wonderful plan that God has to bring glory to his name? The answer to those questions are yet to come, I only know that I want to go, I want to be used by God I want to serve him. I want to be brave and bold, I am not like that on my own so I know it will be a "God thing" when it happens!

2009-01-18T15:55:00.002-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

The monster trucks were BIG and TOUGH. THEY COULD BURN RUBBER LIKE NON OTHER AND THE WHEELIES AND DONUTS WOW!!! Those are just a few of the comments I heard last night. We had really great seats 6 rows up right in the middle right where all the action was, Thanks Mike! Needless to say my boys had a ball and I enjoyed just watching them and being with them. Just another reminder of how special life is and that we should grab on to each and every moment. I heard on the news this morning that at an event in Washington I think just like the one we attended a 6 year old boy was killed by flying deberis from a truck that broke apart. You never think about the danger to the spectators until it happens. Once something like that happens then people go into blame mode and trying to see who is going to pay for the loss of life or injury. Life is like that there is danger and death around every corner and many times we look for someone to blame or pay the price. Guess what? the price has already been paid!!! Jesus died on a cruel cross all alone just to pay the price for all our mistakes, all the danger in this world, all the loneliness and pain. Think about it THE PRICE HAS BEEN PAID now all there is to do is accept the comfort, protection and saving grace that is offered! That is power more awesome than any monster truck and I am so glad that I can reach out and grab it.

I am really pumped and ready to serve my Lord. Today's message was all about keeping our eyes on the Savior, trusting him to catch us, to lead us, to protect us. I don't want to ignore him or pretend that I don't hear him, I did that for far too many years. I also do not want to live in fear of what might happen or what I might be asked to do. I think that is some of the dirt from yesterday that I need to wipe away,FEAR of what God might want me to do. After today I am excited for what the future may bring starting with tomorrow, no starting right now I am giving thanks in everything, it's all about HIM not about me. Oh yes New Orleans look out Farmland is heading your way and you can't stop us!!!!!

Hugging the Commode!

2009-01-17T15:21:00.002-05:00

Today I was hugging my commode and not because I am sick ----well that is not entirely true I was sick this morning, I've been sick for weeks now but this was the second time for dry heaves gross isn't it?!Brought back memories of morning sickness--no! no! no chance of that!!=:) Anyway back to the hugging, I was scrubbing with Lysol trying to get rid of the germies that have invaded my home. While down on my hands and knees I heard in a very plain voice "You have to hug the the dirt to get rid of it." What? What on earth does that mean? Why was that spoken to me? Does it have something to do with missions since that is on my mind? Is there something in my life I need to look at? Anyone have any thoughts? As this develops I will sure fill you in.

For now I am going to get ready to take my grandsons to a Monster Truck Pull. I have no idea what I am getting into but we have a chance to go for free and they are really excited. I will take pictures.
I'm off!!!

2009-01-14T22:56:00.002-05:00

They say that it is going to get bitter cold tonight so I have been trying to keep the fireplace going, trying to remember all the things that you are supposed to do when the temp. drops below freezing. Open the cabinet doors, to allow heat to the pipes, let the water drip, keep curtains closed, make sure your sidewalks are clear etc. Bringing in the wood tonight at 10pm it is hard to believe that the weather is going to be so dangerous in just a couple of hours. I looked down my walk and saw the snowmen and lights I had uncovered earlier were again covered with a blanket of soft snow they were so beautiful so I took pictures, then went out on the deck to measure the snow my ruler shows just a little over and 5".
This made me think about things in life that seem so beautiful but yet are so deadly. Sometimes we do things that seem innocent thinking that it won't hurt us. We let little things sneak in and make a home in our lives and before we realize it we are in trouble. God has provided us with all we need to stay out of trouble but we ignore his word cause we want our own way. Just some thoughts on our "private" life, don't know about you but I think I will take a look at some things that seem innocent in my life and make sure they truly are innocent.

weapons of mass destruction!

2009-01-07T20:04:00.003-05:00

I'm sick! I didn't know how sick until yesterday when I made an unexpected trip to the office of a doctor I didn't know but I was desperate! I walked in with no voice, coughing and runny nose. I walked out with a mega dose of antibiotics ( 1,ooo mg twice a day!) nose spray and orders to rest. Here we go again me and this rest thing, I have been in bed for 2 days now and am climbing the walls. Against my better judgment I am going back to work tomorrow. I got to thinking about the meds I was given and what the doc told me later that I may develop a rash, a yeast infection, another secondary infection all just to get rid of a serious upper respiratory infection!! Is it worth the risk? Well yes I am sick and I want to feel better so I will risk the other infections to get rid of this one.
Sometimes life is that way too, you have to take risks to move forward, to win the race or get the golden ring. Risk taking is scary you don't know what is out there sometimes you don't know which path to take. Sometimes we make bad choices and then we pay with more problems, sometimes we choose right but have to endure even more pain to achieve the prize but it was worth the pain. So is the decision to follow Jesus there have been times when I wondered if it is worth it but you know what? The reward of eternal life in Heaven, the idea of seeing my dad, grandparents, aunts and uncle, and of course Glen makes it all worth taking the risk. How about you is it worth taking the risk?
By the way my next weapon of mass destruction is the big Clorox bleach bottle!!!!!

Preparing

2009-01-03T12:13:00.002-05:00

Strange title I know but that is what I am doing Preparing. For what? I am not sure but God knows. I am looking at this year very differently than any other, again I don't know why just am. I am starting out with not feeling good, I again have laryngitis, which once I get this I usually carry it for several weeks uck!!!! My chest is so tight it is hard to breath, thankfully I don't have a fever so I don't need the doctor (good thing since I still don't have insurance and I sure can't pay them on what I make!!!!) I think I am going to turn into a Chamomile Tea bag!!
Back to preparing for 2009, I have started reading the book of James for the 3rd or 4th time in preparation for our trip back to New Orleans. Charles challenged us the first year I went to read that book and see if we remained the same inside. I read it and I changed and each time I read it I change again. My desire to help and care for the people gets stronger and even though there are lots of other places I would like to visit on my week's vacation I can't see myself going anywhere but New Orleans. Because of my experiences there I have been able to speak of my faith much easier and have witnessed at times that have really surprised me.
Second I am preparing for Growth Group, God has taken a group of women who need encouragement and courage to be women of God. We are learning how to share and pray out loud. We have learned that we are special and that praying is just talking to our Father and telling him how we feel and what we want. I have learned that it is good to speak out loud even when it is just me. That speaking the desires of my heart seems to make it more real, that God really hears me. I am looking forward to see where this group goes, I would like to see them be more willing to reach out to others who need love, help, encouragement etc. I think God has something special for these women, can't wait to see what!!!
Lastly there is preparation in my personal life, things that I want, things that I would like to change, places that I would like my personal life to go. People that I would like to see return to God and some that I want to find him for the first time. Grandchildren that need guidance in their lives, to make much better choices than they are making right now. The teen years are so hard, do you remember? I sure do.
For the moment I am taking one day at a time really one hour at a time, we will see where I go!

Am I getting old or have I just Lived?!?!

2009-01-01T20:25:00.002-05:00

DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN....?

All the girls had ugly gym uniforms? Mine was red and one piece!!

It took five minutes for
the TV warm up?

Nearly everyone's Mom was
at home when the kids
got home from school?

When a quarter was
a decent allowance?

You'd reach into a muddy
gutter for a penny? I still do a penny is a penny!

Your Mom wore nylons
that came in two pieces? Oh dear that's how I started out!!

All your male teachers wore neckties and female teachers had their hair done every day and wore high heels?
You got your windshield cleaned, oil checked, and gas pumped, without asking, all for free, every time?
And you didn't pay for air? And, you got trading stamps to boot?
Laundry detergent had free
glasses, dishes or towels hidden inside the box? I got lots of glasses and towels this way! How exciting to open the box and see what surprise you had.!!!

It was considered a great privilege to be taken out to dinner at a real restaurant with your parents?

They threatened to keep kids back a grade if they failed. . and they did?

When a 57 Chevy was everyone's dream car...to cruise, peel out, lay rubber or watch submarine races, and people went steady? Those chevys were great parking cars too!!

No one ever asked where
the car keys were
because they were
always in the car,
in the ignition,
and the doors were never locked?
Stuff from the store came without safety caps and hermetic seals because no one had yet tried to poison a perfect stranger?

And with all our progress, don't you just wish, just once, you could slip back in time and savor the slower pace, and share it with the children of today?

When being sent to the principal's office was nothing
compared to the fate that awaited the student at home? I dreaded coming home lots!! Yes I was known for not keeping my mouth shut!
Basically we were in fear for our lives, but it wasn't because of drive-by shootings, drugs, gangs, etc. Our parents and grandparents were a much bigger threat! But we survived because their love was greater than the threat.

Send this on to someone who can still remember
Laurel and Hardy,
Howdy Doody & the Peanut Gallery,
the Lone Ranger,
The Shadow Knows,
Nellie Bell ,
Roy and Dale,
Trigger and Buttermilk. I really wanted to ride with Roy Rogers how cool would that have been?

I am sharing this with you today because it ended with a double dog dare to pass it on. To remember what a double dog dare is, read on. And remember that the perfect age is somewhere between old enough to know better and too young to care.
How many of these do you remember?

Candy cigarettes
Wax Coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water inside
Soda pop machines that
dispensed glass bottles
Coffee shops with
tableside jukeboxes
Blackjack, Clove and Teaberry chewing gum Clove was my favorite

Home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers

Newsreels before the movie
P.F Fliers
Telephone numbers with a word prefix...(Twilight 7-7328).
Party lines

Howdy Doody
Hi-Fi's
45 RPM records
78 RPM records!

Green Stamps Oh the stuff you could get I got a high chair for my baby!!!
Metal ice cubes trays with levers
Roller-skate keys
Cork pop guns
Studebakers
Washtub wringers-- My first washing machine!!
Erector Sets- these things cost a fortune today!!
15 cent McDonald hamburgers

5 cent packs of baseball cards - with that awful pink slab of bubble gum
Penny candy

25 cent a gallon gasoline - What a bargin!!

Do you remember a time when...

'Race issue' meant arguing about who ran the fastest?
Catching the fireflies could happily occupy an entire evening?
The worst thing you could catch from the opposite sex was 'cooties'?
Having a weapon in school meant being caught with a slingshot?
'Oly-oly-oxen-free'
made perfect sense?
Spinning around, getting dizzy, and falling down was cause for giggles? I still do this but not on purpose now!!

The worst embarrassment was being picked last for a team? I think this one is still good today.
Baseball cards in the spokes transformed any bike into a motorcycle?

Taking drugs meant orange-flavored chewable aspirin?

Water balloons were
the ultimate weapon?

If you can remember most or all of these, then you have lived!!!!!!!

Pass this on to anyone who may need a break from
their 'grown-up' life . . ..I double-dog-dare-ya!

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-01T14:27:00.002-05:00

This is the first day of the rest of your life, what are you going to do with it? That is the question that I ask myself often. Some days I think I make pretty good choices but others...... well....... We all make good and bad choices and we just have to live with them and move on. How did you spend your New Years Eve? I for the first time in about 13 years went out with friends. It was the first time that Parker James and I did not spend New Years together in his short 8 years of life. I don't think it bothered him any but Grandma gave it some thought!! I went to a dance with a girlfriend and had a wonderful time but as I looked around the room I saw so many lonely people. You can see it in their eyes and faces, they are lost and wonder what are they going to do with themselves now that they are single again? I hurt for them because it is like they don't have anything to live for, I know how that feels, after 2 divorces and a death of a spouse I too asked that question more than once. But I found answers!!!! Jesus showed me lots of reasons to live grand children, children, mom, friends, church, New Orleans.... need I go on?!?!?! Life is all about choices and what we do with them. I told a friend today that "Sometimes life sucks,but at least I get to experience it!!" I want to experience all that life has to offer me in 2009 I would prefer that it be all good for once as the last 2 years have been rather rough but what ever I am looking forward to new and exciting adventures!!! With that said I am ready to ditch the cold, ice, wind and snow and get right in to summertime!!!!

2008-12-18T19:00:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Safe at home

2008-12-16T22:30:00.002-05:00

Have you ever been so scared that all you could do is cry? Tonight was one of those nights for me. I went to Muncie for a Christmas dinner, at Olive Gardens I wouldn't miss a chance to eat there it is one of my all time favorites!! I knew going over there that it could be risky business but I was determined! I had had a bad day at work, in fact yesterday and today weren't good, so I really wanted to get away and enjoy the company of some of my church family. The fellowship was wonderful got to meet and get to know people I only see at a glance at church, the meal was wonderful, portabella mushroom stuffed ravioli yummy( yes I know Mindy that is not on my food list but is anything at Olive Gardens?) Anyway I was smart enough to put a piece of cardboard on my windshield when I went in and when I came out~~~~~~~~~~~~~ well it was kinda stuck to the window and the rest were covered in ice. I filled up with gas before leaving Muncie only $1.59!! that was a good thing, then it was out to the road. MY oh MY!! By the time I got to the by pas I was so scared all I could do was cry. I couldn't remember one single bible verse about Fear so had nothing to fall back on. I know that part of the reason for the tears was because it was roads like that that took my husband's life. I have never been afraid of driving in any kind of weather that is why I am usually the one to drive, but tonight alone on the road was different. I had JOY FM on and wished that tonight they were playing praise and worship songs instead of Christmas songs which I dearly love. Finally I prayed Lord please get me home safely. At that point the songs began to calm me down and my phone rang, a friend who was willing to talk to me all the way home till I parked in the garage and turned the Jimmy off. God answers prayer.
I knew Sunday when I said YES to something that God is asking me to do that I would begin a battle like no other. It seems like all kinds of things go wrong, my emotions are all off the charts, and this Monday was a Monday like no other. Today things just kept getting worse so I texted a friend and simply said PRAY she did and guess what things began to calm down. I know when eternity comes it will all be worth it but I sure don't like this process of being molded and fired, broken and molded again!!!!! =:)
Does anyone out there have a really good verse to rely on when fear grips you so strongly that cry is all you can do? If you do will you share it PLEASE?

2008-12-15T07:53:00.002-05:00

Kids Zone yesterday was awesome!!! I needed a reminder that God is in control and guess what their verse is this month?!?! Jeremiah 29: 11 my personal verse: the Lord says"I know the plans I have for you plans for good not disaster, plans for hope and a future!!! Thank You Jesus for your reminder.
As I was bringing up wood for the fireplace I thought about all the preparations that need to be done for so many things in the near future and my mind went crazy and hasn't stopped yet. Got to set things in motion for Christmas and New Years, for New Orleans, summer, for the house winter etc. I am trusting God for some BIG answers to some BIG questions I have.
More on all this later. Got to go to work now, plenty of preparations to do there for the next 8 days too!!!
Have a GREAT day!!

2008-12-10T04:14:00.002-05:00

It's almost time for the alarm to go off only I don't need it. I went to bed at 11 so tired I figured I would sleep way past the 5:30 alarm, instead at 1:30 I woke up wide awake and couldn't get back to sleep. I hate nights like this, there is nothing on TV, I can't concentrate on a book and I don't even have any new emails to read!! What's a lady to do? Well I did read some devotionals I get daily on the computer and I read some things that I have written down so now I want to share some with you.This is from Girlfriends in God; How much do you know about the 3 Wise Men? Were there really only 3? Were they really Wise men? Kings? Magi? How old was Jesus when they arrived? Did they get there on Christmas night or was Jesus a toddler when they arrived? Apparently, God did not think the details were important, what was important was the gifts they brought.
Gold stood for the riches of a king. Jesus was the King of Kings.( Revelatations 19:16)
Frankincense was incense used by the priests in the temple worship. Jesus would be ourt high priest who would go before the Heavenly Father and intercede for us. (Hebrews 4:14)
Myrrh was a perfume used in burial services, pointing to Jesus' death on the cross - a holy sacrifice for our sins (Romans 5:8)
Now it's your turn. I gave this challenge to our growth group, Make a list of the ways that Jesus is your King. Make a list of the ways that Jesus is your high priest. Make a list of the ways that Jesus' death and resurrection changed your life.
Give these sentences some thought and see what you come up with.

Something else I realized this week: My Bible is FAT!!!! Not fat from all the stuff I keep in it but fat from use! You know when you first get your bible how slim and trim it is? How all the pages kinda stick together and they seem so fragil? After years of reading and studying the pages seem to get tougher and the book gets fatter, I am glad that my bible is getting FAT.
Could I use that same thought process when it comes to my weight struggle?Hummmmmmmmm

I'm Back!!

2008-12-06T19:11:00.003-05:00

Bet you wonder where I have been don't you? Well I have been lost in a sea of pain, loneliness, confusion and wondering who I am for the last year and a half but today I realized how far I have come and that I am my old self yet a new person at the same time. I cooked today and I enjoyed it!! Except for holidays I have cooked very little and if I had to take something somewhere I would just go buy it but not today. As you can see in the picture I made Beef Enchiladas, Poppy seed Chicken Casserole, and Candy Bar brownies. I got to lick the beaters, haven't done that in a long time. The brownies are out of this world, I even think they may give La Donna's candy bar brownies a run for the blue ribbon!! Yes I sampled the casseroles too, well I can't take them somewhere if they are gross now can I! The kitchen was a mess I can't cook and keep clean, boy do I love my dishwasher!!!

Now we come to the snow; do you see the plant here? It is still alive and green. I love this plant because it thrives in the heat of summer yet keeps on giving in the cold and snow. I have no idea what it is called I only know what it looks like that's how I buy it each spring!

I used to love snow I mean really really love it but now that I have passed another year I like it less and less. I really don't like the cold more than the snow, could we have a white Christmas and have it be 75?

This is where I enjoy being now. By the fireplace with a book and a cup of coffee or hot tea. This is where I have my devotions in the morning and where I chill at night. I love being able to sit and gaze at the tree and the dancing fire. Wish I could have a fireplace in the bedroom too so I could go to sleep watching the flames.

I had the chance to talk with a long lost friend today, she lost her husband of 32 years a couple of month ago and when she saw me she almost ran to hug me. As we were talking I realized just how far I have come on this journey and I am seeing some of the ways God is using me. Isn't it exciting to be used by God and realize it?!?!?! She is a Christian and is surely questioning why she is a widow, as she said " I'm too young to be a widow" as we talked we shared how God has given us verses from his word that has gotten us past different roadblocks on this road. I was able to share with her that even 22 months later it hurts but I am able to move forward again, to laugh, to serve and know that it is okay.

As I thought about that encounter in Walmart today I am reminded of how many times I have had the opportunity to share my faith in the last few months. Before I was so shy about talking about what God had done for me but now it's different. I can share in the isle at Walmart, I had the chance to share with someone at a dance-yes at a dance, imagine talking about God at a dance! In emails I have had the chance to share how my faith has brought me from devastation to new life. I did not see all this until today when he showed me where I have been, he still hasn't shown me where I am going but that's okay cause I am now enjoying the journey!

If you are uneasy about sharing your faith like I was I would like to tell you that you don't have to have fancy words, you don't have to preach, all you have to do is be yourself. One door that opened for me this week was when someone asked how I could have such a smile, a sparkle in my eyes and a glow about me. Wow I didn't realize that I was that way but it opened the door for me to say " It's because of my faith in God" how simple was that? Just take the moment and run with it and be proud that you have a God that is alive and caring and is taking care of you.

2008-12-01T21:15:00.002-05:00

I really don't have much to say tonight, I am house sitting for my good friend, being loved by her two dogs. I was catching up on my emails and came across this I think that it is really good and makes me think of how wonderful heaven is going to be and the potluck meals that are already going on there.

December 1, 2008 Pot Luck Sharon Jaynes
Today's Truth "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world now that you sent me and have loved them, even as you have loved me." (John 17:23 NIV)
Friend to Friend I recall as a young child, rocking on my grandma's front porch and listening to the ladies from the mission society gossip about the "heathens" whose church was across the street from theirs. It always puzzled me because the "heathens" were such nice people and their church looked just like grandma's church. As far as I could tell, there was no difference. Both believed in Jesus, wore funny hats on Sundays, and sang the same hymns. And both had great pot-luck dinners.
How did the church come up with the notion of the famous pot-luck supper (alias, covered-dish dinner)? I personally think it all began in Matthew chapter 15. The first covered-dish gathering was a great success as Jesus served more than 4,000 men (not to mention a few thousand women and children) and had leftovers to boot. All this came from one little covered dish. Actually, it was a covered basket. This was, after all, before the advent of Corning Ware.
Later the Baptists followed His lead and the next thing you know, all denominations are celebrating a multiplicity of occasions with every variety of casserole known to man, but the twenty first-century church isn't being caught simply serving up fish and chips. We have taken the notion of "breaking bread" and run with it. Not only do we break bread, but we crunch fried chicken, munch fresh veggies, scoop casseroles, slice pies, cut cakes, and sip coffees. We chew the fat while chewing our food and extend the right hand of fellowship while our left hand extends the serving spoon. No matter how much food walks through the doors, none ever goes to waste, but much goes to the waist. I'd say that covered-dish dinners are one of the most cherished rituals in the church today!
Our Sunday school class's annual Christmas party entailed such an event. It was at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Marshall McMillan. The class consisted of 150 people in a church of 1,600. It's a little difficult to be intimate with 150 congregates on Sunday morning, so the Christmas party was a great time to chat with people you didn't normally have a chance to visit otherwise. Because people tend to sit in the same seats each week, I had never really seen about half of the class.
The Christmas party was designed to remedy that problem. The McMillan's home was beautifully decorated with holly, spruce and magnolia clippings. It was filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of the season as well as the incoming aroma of the many deliciously prepared meals. In an effort to provide crowd control and proper traffic flow, our host, Marshall had posted directional signs around the house. One sign read "COATS," with an arrow pointing up the stairs to their daughter's room. Another read "HOT FOOD," with an arrow pointing toward the kitchen.
Marshall was doing a great job at his post as official greeter and traffic police.
"Hello, how are you?" He greeted two ladies and one man as they made their way up the front steps with dishes in hand. "You can take your food into the kitchen and then follow the arrows to the coat room."
The obedient threesome followed directions well and then headed to the name tag table, but a warning light was flashing in my mind.
"Marshall," I said, "Who are those people? I don't recognize them."
"I don't recognize them, either," he answered. "But you know our class is so big. Maybe they sit on the opposite side of the room and we just haven't noticed them before."
They looked like they could have been one of us. They seemed to know the drill, but something was wrong with this picture.
"Marshall, go find out who they are," I urged.
He approached the trio, who were now looking a little bewildered themselves. "Excuse me. You are here for the Sunday school Christmas party, aren't you?"
"Yes," they answered. However, their "yes" sounded more like a question than an answer. Then they asked, "This is the Sunday school class for First Baptist Church isn't it?"
"No, ma'am," Marshall answered. "This is the party for Forest Hill Presbyterian. You folks are at the wrong party."
The three embarrassed Baptists quickly reclaimed their food, once again followed the arrows to the coat room, and high-tailed it out of the McMillan's house to another Sunday school covered-dish gathering a few doors down.
Won't heaven be an interesting place? One big perpetual brightly lit Christmas party: a celebration of new birth. No covered dish required because He will sit us down at His banqueting table which He has prepared for us. One great thing about this party will be that when the Baptists stumble into a room full of Presbyterians or when the Episcopalians walk in on a bunch of Assemblies of God folks, no one will feel out of place. We will all say, "Welcome! And come on in. Take your coat off and stay a while - an eternity, for that matter. You're definitely in the right place."
Let's Pray Dear Lord, I'm not even sure how all this business of denominations started in the first place, but I do know that You specifically prayed that we would have unity among the Body of Christ. Help us to put away our differences and focus on what is truly important -- Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
In Jesus' Name, Amen

My Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T17:41:00.004-05:00

I don't know what I am thinkinging half of the time when my grandkids and nieces and nephews

attatck me! I can't say no to them, so my weekend was spent with 9 kids ages 7 to 15 eating, playing and sleeping at my house! The first few pictures are bedtime which didn't happen Friday night till 1 am Sat. morning and Sat. not till 11pm. The two oldest girls were the lucky ones cause after all, girls need their space! so they got the extra bedroom.

One boy in the recliner, one girl on the couch,

Lets see there is one boy waaaaaaaaay over there on the loveseat, then a lounge chair held another boy, then 2 cots one boy one girl, then the blow up mattress for the oldest boy! You had to step very carefully in my living room.

The next few pictures are the kids bringing wood to the house and raking leaves. I told them they were earning their dinner.!!

This is my adopted granddaughter She is really my daughter's niece but since I am grandma to everyone else so what is one more!! Isn't she precious?

Finally this is my daughter all dressed to ride the motorcycle in UC's parade of lights Friday night. I was a bit jealous as I would love to have been on the back of that bike!!

I also got to spend some time with Glen's sisters and their husbands we celebrated Jo's birthday late and mine early. It was fun catching up with them finding out about their grandkids and them asking about my dating life which is pretty much no existent at this point!! We laughed about that and lots of memories of Thanksgiving and Christmas past.

Sunday morning topped the weekend off getting 9 kids ready for church then my sister and husband came and we all went to my church all 13 of us!! They are all now delivered home and I am catching up on things here. My Michigan daughter got a web cam this week so yesterday and today I was on my laptop watching my grandkids up there, sure helps missing them so much. We still have some bugs to work out but it will come. Oh yes! the older kids set me up with a MySpace page!!! I have absoultely no idea what I am doing but it was fun watching them do things and making fun of me for being so dumb!!!! What a fun time.

I love family and I am so glad that God allowed me to be a daughter, mom, sister,sister-in-law, grandma and aunt. There is just nothing like the blessings of having those you love around you laughing and sharing the bounty and blessings from God. Can you hear anything? Do you hear the silence? There is no one here but me and the animnals but you know what I am not alone. I am okay with that right now, I can hear Jesus when he wants to talk to me now. I will listen for his voice in the quietness and know that all is well, he has it all under controll.

Until later have a great week!

Thanksgiving day

2008-11-27T00:10:00.002-05:00

Stop telling God how big your storm is. Instead tell the storm how big your God is! My screen background says;" Christ is not valued at all unless he is valued above all" Augustine
Putting up the Christmas tree tonight I broke 3 glass ornaments. I've been collecting glass ornaments for 12 years and never broke one till now. Why now? Then the tears came and something in my head and heart said" Broken Dreams", perfect life gone~~~~ but is it really?
Did I really have the perfect life? Well of course I believe it was as close to perfect as possible but was it? I listen to Christmas CD's and gaze at the tree with all it's colors. I look around and see the oil lamps we collected together. I see pictures of motorcycle trips, vacations, wedding pictures the last church pictures we had taken,all beautiful memories and then my eyes fall on another wall. This wall represents the future~~~ pictures of my 8 grandchildren. One of the frames says;"GRANDKIDS can FILL a space in your HEART that you never knew was empty" The plaque above it says;"I have learned that being with those I love is enough" Another saying I have in my living room states"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain"
Lord Thank you for reminding me how blessed I am. Jesus please comfort all those who have lost precious family members. This is a tough time of year for us, show us the future and remind us of your promise in Jeremiah 29:11. Amen

Shoes!!!

2008-11-26T22:08:00.003-05:00

I wore a pair of shoes today for the first time in 6 weeks! My foot is screaming but I am afraid to take the shoe off until I craw into bed. It is a funny feeling having something so restrictive on my foot again and I have to learn to walk correctly again too. I have been favoring that foot since July 18th and the rest of my body is paying for it now. I wonder if the chiorpractor will ever get me straight again!!

While learning to walk correctly I am reminded of how off balance I am when I don't listen to Jesus. When I put aside my bible, don't pray as much, try to solve my problems on my own; my life is pretty much a mess. Then when I get back to reading the healing words of my Jesus and I start sharing with him about my thoughts and hopes, dissapointments and frustrations, my life begins to take a turn for the better. Only problem is that Satin really gets nervous and starts throwing stones my way, even a slippery banana peal sometimes. I am learning to recognize that these things are not from God BUT he does use them to teach me.

How about you? Do you have some relearning to do too?

The countdown has begun!!!

2008-11-25T23:27:00.004-05:00

It is no secret that I love the holidays especially Thanksgiving and
Christmas. I love them because it is a time when I can show others, especially my family how much I love them. I don't care about gifts but I do care that they know that no matter how disapointed I may be for one reason or another my love never changes. I love them unconditionally because they are my family. I woke up this morning thinking about God's unconditional love for me. My devotions this morning centered around God's love for me, Pastor Kris's message Sunday talked about God's love, I got some emails today that talked about God's love--- do you think that God is trying to tell me something?!?! Sunday we were asked to give over the areas in out lives that we have been keeping from God I thought I didn't have any till we started praying--- yep I got some of those areas. I asked him today to help me to hold up my end of the deal in trying to let him handle things---- this is hard. I have tried to handle things on my own for such a long time, but my father in heaven showed me that he loves me and he will help me. So in my excitement of the upcoming holiday season ( did I tell you I LOVE the holidays?) I am learning to let God take over my hidden rooms in my heart and let him control and lead, can't wait to see what comes next!!

Help Me!!

2008-11-25T17:56:00.002-05:00

As you can see my background is a bit messed up! Mindy and I tried to change it to a holiday design but something happened and only part of it worked. Can anyone tell me how to fix it or a place to find a new one that is easy to do? I am not good at all these techinal things.
I was reading Mila's blog and deceided to take up her tagg first the book thing.
1) I love reading books written by Thomas Kinkade he has a series going and also writes a Christmas edition I have everyone so far.
2) My mom and sister in law read all my new books befor I get a chance to.
3) Beverly Lewis, Jan Karon and Janette Oke are close seconds.
4) I love my Life Application bible I can read it and apply the lessons easily especially with the explinations at the bottom.
5) I also have several versions 6 different ones I think
6) I have given away to my son in law one of my bibles, and each one of my grandchildren have their own bible geared to their age.
7) In the suspense catagory Robin Cook tops them all!!

Now for some facts about me:
1) I am only 4'10" and I hate being short but have learned to joke about it.
2) I had my first broken bone this summer at 55 yrs. old
3) I learned to ride a motorcycle at age 52 what in the world was I thinking?!?!
4) My Monday morning fix is a diet vanilla colke from Haines drug store soda fountain! There's nothing like it!!
5) When I was younger I swore I would NEVER let animnals in the house much less let them sleep with me----- guess what!!
6) In 1971 when I first got married we could bring home 4 sacks of groceries for $25 and ate for 2 weeks like we were rich!!

2008-11-22T06:25:00.002-05:00

Good morning all it is 6:25am on Sat. morning and I am headed off in this cold like several others (who are already there unloading the truck) to distrubute Angel Food. You either have to be crazy or really in love with Jesus to do this! I started with Angel food when it started a few years now when we went to another church to pick up our order, it was cold then and the truck was late and we had no idea what we were doing,we have come a long way. If you have never been involved come try it out it is an easy way to serve our LORD and the fellowship is great too.!
M first devotional of the day left me with some things to think about as I continue my journey back to N.O. L.A. and I want to post it for you to think about too.

Yielding to His Lordship
Day 218

God is not a therapist; He is not just someone you approach to make it through a difficult time. He is Lord and Savior. Your greatest joy will come when you yield your whole life to Him.

"Know that you have to leave it up to Him, and you have no control over life or death—that's what sustained me through it all," says Gretchen, whose husband died.

When you honor Him as God, you are better able to accept the circumstances of life.

"Woe is me for my hurt! My wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it" (Jeremiah 10:19 kjv).

Father, yielding to Your Lordship is difficult for me, but I want to give my every thought and effort to You, not just to get me through the rough times, but as an act of worship to You. Amen.

2008-11-21T19:53:00.002-05:00

I have a hundred things running around in my mind tonight and it all started with this prayer: Mighty God, I am not content to continue in my own simple ways. I want to know You as I have never known You before. I read this in a devotional and now I can't stop thinking! I have started asking God about New Orleans- I wasn't going to go this year to allow someone else to go BUT my niece said she really wants to go back-yes I told God if he wanted me there then have Lacey choose N.O. and not N.Y.answer #1 now I pray "God start preparing my heart now for what you have for me then" I must admit that I am both excited and scared because each year God has taken me a little farther out of my comfort zone, and I wonder what he will ask of me this time. I wonder where he is leading me and I asked him but he only reminds me of the verse he gave me almost 20 months ago;Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope" then I read the following verses; 12 "In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.14 I will be found by you," says the LORD.
I am reading the book The Shack and although I am having trouble with some of it today something popped up that makes me think. When someone is drowning it is pretty hard to save them if they don't trust you. Jesus says that all he asks is when I start to sink, let him rescue me.In otherwords stop fighting and let me do my job!! How often do I fight against the waters of life when all I have to do is relax and trust Jesus? Then something else was mentioned;It is not my job to change people, it is my job to LOVE them and let God do the changing. How often do I find myself wanting to change someone to fit what I think is the right mold? I'm afraid that I have done that far too often so I am going to try to throw away the molds I think people should fit into and let God do the changing and I will pray for a more loving heart. I also was reminded that I need to use the SFGTD file much more often;incase you don't know what that means it is Something For God To Do.
If you think of me sometimes pray that I will be willing to step further out of my comfort zone and do what he asks of me. I am sure that life is about to get exciting!!!!

Random Thoughts

2008-11-19T19:45:00.002-05:00

Lots of things running around in my mind today.
Smart machines at Curves -those machines work me to death!!! At the end I had burned up 484 calories, maxed out all my muscles and had 0 energy left. I didn't need the computer to tell me that!! Good thing is I am doing it right oh yes and I lost 3 pounds this week!!
It's cold outside- I used to love the snow and cold but something happened when I hit 50 cold just doesn't get it anymore and while snow is pretty they can keep it up north!
Sunday was just as wonderful as I expected- The music was energizing, PK's message was thought provoking to say the least. Then off to Muncie with a friend to see the movie Fireproof what a wonderful movie well worth seeing more than time. The off for some early dinner/late lunch at Bob Evans they have some really great comfort food!!
I got flowers this weekend! So nice to have pretty live flowers in the cold winter. Thank you Tom.
I can't believe it is Wed. already I haven't gotten nearly everything done at work that should be done by this time. I have news letters to run, fold and mail. Hope I can get some volunteers for this big job, got the bulletin to print and fold. OH YES this week is Payday!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't tell I'm excited about that can you?!?!?!?!
Through all that has been going on this week I have still had time to sit and listen to God, through music and through my Tuesday night growth group. These girls are really loosing up and asking some deep questions. I thought about how God has taken me down paths that I did not want to go and definitely would not have chosen on my own. But by traveling these roads I have learned so much especially about God's love for me. I see the picture of the Footprints in the Sand and realize that he is carrying me most of the time. Will I ever be able to walk along side of my Lord? I don't know if I will here on earth but I know I will when I get to heaven. Will I ever stand on my own two feet or am I supposed to? I don't know, I have so many questions of Why? How? When? Am I asking too many questions Lord? Best thing about it is that he never gets angry at me for asking the questions even the same ones over and over, it's a good thing he has more patience than I had with my girls!
Well I think it is time for jammies and a caffeine free diet Pepsi. I just talked to Parker and he was eating a chocolate fudge pop tart! doesn't that sound good?!?! Nite All

Surprises

2008-11-16T09:04:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that it is Sunday already but it is and I am ready to worship!! On Sunday morning I bounce around with anticipitation for church I kow that I will be closer to the Lord on Sunday than anyother day. When I am at church the devil can't get anywhere close to me it is like there is a big wall around me that only God can penetrate. I love the music that we are allowd to sing now, don't get me wrong the old hymns are wonderful but for this "baby boomer" the upbeat worship is much more meaniful.
I titled this surprises because my week has been full of surprises the biggest is the surprise my mom and I gave my sister in Ashland,Ohio Friday night. See Sis turned 35 on the 14th and I think mom was missing her as much as she was missing mom. So we took off after I got off work Friday and headed to Ashland. Her youngest Blade was the first to see the car but didn't recognize it cause mom had gotten a new one. When we got to the door and he opened it he yelled Aunt Jean!!! Grandma!!!! my baby sister turned from her computer and with sheer surprise yelled MOMMY!!!! It was such a joy to see this and once again feel the love of family. I am writing this through teary eyes as I remember how much bigger my family used to be and how quickly it can change, so driving 3 1/2 hours for a hug and a smile is worth every min. of the drive. Another surprise was ice on the road! I am not ready for this weather and as we were driving home we were in rain, and snow and slush and then all of the sudden the road was ICE! I was so thankful that my guardian angels were on duty because at one point all I could see was mom's new car going across the median !!!! But just as we hit the edge of the road the car gently came back and somehow got back over in the lane of traffic that was not iced up!! I looked behind me and the car following us was doing the exact same thing!! Mom doesn't know how weak my knees were at that moment but God was there as he is everytime I start slipping and sliding. Someone told me this week that they could see God shine through me, that has been my prayer for a long time that when I meet someone they will see Jesus through me. Now I know that he is working in and through me, what a great feeling that is.
Well it's time to get ready for worship and an exciting day. It's SUNDAY =:)

I love Sundays!!!!

2008-11-10T22:01:00.003-05:00

Girls day away, yes we had such a fun time here is Rita and I getting our teeth whitened! Aren't our smiles beautiful?!?! We had massages, tasted all kinds of
goodies, bought Christmas presents, laughed and laughed, ate chocolate covered cherries and dark chocolate malted milk balls, and laughed and laughed. Yes what a stress relieving weekend!!

It wasn't too long ago that I dreaded the weekends, it was our special time, time when we just enjoyed each other. But all that changed one Friday in March 2007 and I haven't been the same since,BUT today I realized that I again love Sunday!! Church was awesome, Pastor Debbie you were awesome! The praise and worship was just way too cool I felt myself smiling as I sang praises to my Lord, Yes our (my) God is an Awesome God!! I continued as I traveled home with the Cd's cranked up then I just popped it out and took it inside and played music all afternoon just jamming away with Chris Tomlin, Amy Grant, Mandisa, Point of Grace, Twila Paris, Paul Baloche and on and on! I even picked up Boots and danced with him----- he wasn't impressed!!

I decided that I wanted to go barefoot so I shed the boot and shoe, the doctor really didn't mean wear the boot ALL the time did he? Well about 2 hours into my wonderful afternoon I realized that yes he did mean all the time, oh how my foot hurts. Oh well only about 2 1/2 weeks then maybe Shoes! =:)

The count down has begun for the holidays!!! Yes this year I am pumped for the holidays, I love the cooking, family gatherings, church services, shopping, TV specials I just love this time of year!!! I don't have any plans for Thanksgiving because we will have ours on Sat. following to allow my daughters to spend time with their families sooooooooo I think I just may stay in my jammies and watch the parades on TV. Glen wasn't much for parades so we usually watched a movie instead, so I will watch the parades and be thankful for all that I am blessed with!! Sounds like a plan to me!!!

Just catching up and thinking

2008-11-09T14:27:00.003-05:00

Ok Mila this is my 6th picture a huge apple basket at the Logenburger basket place. My sister set up a pink ribbon bus tour for my mom, sister -in-law , myself and her this Sept.. We try to do something just for us at least once a year in the past we have gone to Little Nashville in Brown County but deceided to change directions this year and go north. We had such fun just hanging out, spending the night in a hotel and just being away from all the normal life stuff (for sis she really needs this she has 5 kids, a mother-in-law and a husband all living in the same house!!!!) Sis I really don't know how you do it but I do know that God is surely on your side!! Love Ya.

It's gotta be a "Girl Thing"!

2008-11-08T06:41:00.002-05:00

It is Saturday morning and I have been up since 5am did you read that right? 5 am who in their right mind would get up on a Sat. morning when it is cold and you could stay snuggled up in the comforter? Well if you are a woman and you love being with your friends, and you are still a kid at heart, and you love craft and hobby shows then you understand! Today I get to spend the entire day with my best friend, her daughter -in -law (who is also my friend) and a friend of hers. We are going to Indy to the Christmas Craft and Hobby show and I am soooooooooooo excited! I love the holidays and this year I am looking forward to getting back into life with them. Thanks giving and Christmas are such special times of the year to spend with family and friends, and although last year was hard to feel the spirit God has brought me a long way and has again allowed the wonder of the holidays to well up inside me. I am so very blessed in my life, I have a home and car, lots of family who I love dearly, a ton of friends, a bestest friend in the whole world.I am blessed to be a mom to 2 wonderful daughters and I am a grandma to --well there are 8 for sure and then well I know of at least4 more who call me grandma!! I have a great, growing , alive church and have the privilage of working in Kids Zone, Angel Food, Food Pantry, Bible School,WOW! I know what it feels like to be dumped and how it feels to have been loved so deeply that you can't imagine life without him. I have been blessed to know the pain of death, divorce, abuse so that now I can help others to survive. I have a God who is alive and is living in my heart and life, without him none of the above would mean much.
So as I go off to have a good time with my friends and enjoy the blessings I have, why don't you also take a few min. and count your blessings? You will be amazed as you look at life what you will find as blessings.

Need Washing?

2008-11-05T07:19:00.002-05:00

I love it when the rain is warm and is washing away the dirt and crud out of the air. I love the smell of a gentle rain and how it smells after the rain. When I was little I did like to play in the rain and when my girls were little we would go out and play in the puddles. We had one place where the puddles if we had a heavy rain would be deep enough for them to actually swim! Oh the fun! Now in my grown up years I worry about how I look if I get wet but after reading this email again I think I will look at rain in a whole different way AND I may just get out and run cause I know I need washing!!!!

NEED WASHING??

A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Target.

We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.

The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in 'Mom let's run through the rain,' she said.

'What?' Mom asked.

'Lets run through the rain!' She repeated.

'No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit,' Mom replied.

This young child waited about another minute and repeated: 'Mom, let's run through the rain,'

'We'll get soaked if we do,' Mom said.

'No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning,' the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.

This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?

'Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!'

The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes.

Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say.

Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.

'Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing,' Mom said.

Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.

And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.

Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.

I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.

They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but then an entire life to forget them. Send this to the people you'll never forget and remember to also send it to the person who sent it to you. It's a short message to let them know that you'll never forget them.

If you don't send it to anyone, it means you're in a hurry.

Take the time to live!!! Keep in touch with your friends, you never know when you'll need each other -- and don't forget to run in the rain!

What a weekend!!

2008-11-02T18:34:00.002-05:00

I am waiting on the Colts game to start we HAVE to beat the Patriots or I will never live it down with my son - in - law!!! Please Payton pull out all your magic!!
This has been a busy week I got to go back to work and by the weekend I was so glad not to go. Being off for 2 weeks is the same no matter what job you have you always have to figure out what did and didn't get done and then pick up and go. I am back on top now so Monday should be great! I spent Sat stacking wood with my mom we now have enough wood at the house to get me through at least a couple of weeks by then hopefully the boys will be around to help bring up another round. Then Parker James came and spent Sat. night and Sunday with me. What a time we had from going to my HOG chapter meeting, going to Meijers and examining all the toys, games animinals food and oh yes we got a movie Journey to the center of the earth, what a fun movie. Then Grandma deceided that I wanted some fresh flowers so I treated myself to flowers helps me to remember that spring will be back!! Today we went to church and another week in Kids Zone that will wear you out!! I love working with the kids they have so much energy and yet they will admit to having needs that only God can meet. I love reading their prayer cards and praying over them, sometimes the tears just fall when I read their concerns. We are learning about imagination and courage. Just imagine what God can do if we just let him good lesson for us adults too isn't it? I played fooze ball? with Kenedy and another little guy and got beat bad!! After clean up we were off to Muncie to Chuckie Cheeses now Parker and I neither one have been there before but oh the fun we had!! The pizza was pretty good and low and behold they had a good salad bar and yes caffine free diet Coke how much better could it get!!!???? After 2 hours I convinenced him it was time to go to the Mall for grandma to have some fun!! Yeh Bath and Body for another treat. We went to visit someone who I haven't seen for some time and discovered that she is in the hospital so tomorrow I will go back to Muncie to visit her I know her time is short and I want to be able to see her again before she doesn't recognize me. There were several gas stations with gas at $1.97 !!!! Then we headed home and that is when I noticed God's beautiful paintbrush at work. The sky was so pretty, and the trees wow I was so afraid that our fall would be colorless but the trees are becoming beautiful reds and golds. The color and smells are the best thing about fall. Thanks giving is just around the corner and this year I can see all I have to be thankful to God for.

Okay God I get the Message!!

2008-10-30T07:09:00.002-04:00

I have been sharing with you about my lessons on Trust and today more are coming my way soon as I got up this morning I was hit!!! I set my alarm for 5am, it is tuned to JOY FM I fade in and out for the first hour listening to the praises of the Lord it helps start my day on the right foot. Somewhere around 6 Naomi has the verse of the day and today it is Psalms 27: 14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, Wait patiently for the Lord. Then it is time to read my devotional from the Upper Room the scripture? 2Kings 5: 1-14 talks about a guy named Naaman and that to be healed of Leprosy all he had to do was go to the Jordan river and dip himself 7 times, but he was so upset because he wanted the prophet to wave a magic hand over him. When he finally trusted he was healed. The thought for the day "God is worth trusting!" The last thing that has come up so far is my birthverse, there is this cool website birthverse.com that Naomi was talking about this morning and so I went to look up mine it is Hebrews 12:2 and this is what it says; Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
When God sets his sites on you there is not much you can do to avoid him, especially if you are seeking to be the best daughter ever. There is something that I really want to happen but now I am seeing that it will only happen when I give complete trust to my Lord and Savior. My personel verse Jeremiah 29: 11 "I have a plan for you" Lord help me to wait and trust you for your perfect plan for my life. I want to rush ahead and do it my way cause I wanted it yesterday, but you know best and I am trying my best to trust you alone.

Learning to Trust

2008-10-29T17:27:00.002-04:00

I like to read, and I read a lot of different things including online devotionals. One thing that God has been trying to get me to do is trust him. In these last 2 1/2 years he has really been working on me starting with knee surgery,then quiting a good stable job, to volunteering at a christian school, to actually working for pay at the school, loosing the love of my life, back to only volunteer status with unemployment. Then unemployment runs out and what did he do? He handed me a job in a church just 5 blocks away, then allowed me to do a stupid thing like break a toe and tear ligiments, having to have surgery and now back to work. I say all of this to let you know that I could have done one of 2 things either give up or trust him. Fortunately however weak it is at times I have learned to trust God, I just read this devotional and wanted to share it with you
.Understanding God's WaysDay 195"Understanding the ways of God with my little finite mind would be like a little corpuscle in my big toe trying to figure what I'm thinking in my mind," said Dr. Bill Bright. "I can trust Him; I don't have to understand." Why do humans feel the need to understand and to be in control of everything that happens in their lives? This reaction may be human nature, but that does not make it right. At the beginning of time, man was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). But man was tempted by Satan to sin and failed the test. Since that time humans have continued to be tempted and to fall. This is our sin nature. All people are born sinners; we are born to want to take control and have the upper hand in our lives. But we are doomed to failure. This is why Christ came as the God/man to earth. He came to live, die, and rise again as payment for the sins of all people for all time. Only a sovereign God could possibly do such a thing and be successful! If you believe this about Christ and surrender your life to Him, you will receive the benefits of His work of salvation. You do not need to fully understand Him, just believe in Him and trust Him in all things."But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)."Christ died for our sins. . . . he was buried, . . . he was raised on the third day. . . . He appeared to more than five hundred [witnesses]" (1 Corinthians 15:3-6)."I will put my trust in him" (Hebrews 2:13).God, You are good, and I trust You in all things. Amen.
Isn't it awesome-we don't have to understand, just believe and trust!! I want to understand but I don't have to, just believe he has it all under controll. What a relief!!

2008-10-28T20:42:00.002-04:00

There are a few of you that worry about me learning to do new things especially with tools and ladders. When I made the comment this week that I was going to climb the ladder and put up the curtains there was panic and comments like Don't get up on that ladder with your foot. Well
just want you to know that even though I did lean heavily on the ladder and occasionally forgot and stood on my toes I did get the rod up yes it fell twice till I got it right but it is up and I once again have conquered my fear of not being able to do something. Soon very soon I am going to tackle the garage and learn to use the power saw!!

Where is God when I need him??

2008-10-28T07:32:00.002-04:00

Ever ask that question? I have almost daily I want him to take me by the shoulders and look me in the eyes and say"Brenda this is exactly what I want you to do. Don't try to alter it just do it!" Today while I was reading my emails this one came across and it makes me think.

Grief support groups:
Click here to find a GriefShare group near you. If you would like to find a group for a friend or relative, try our Search Page.

Want to read ahead or resend a previous daily email? Click Here

Walk by Faith, Trusting God
Day 193

"For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7 NASB).

You are called to walk by faith, especially when there are unanswered questions in your heart. You are to trust God, even when you do not have the explanations you feel you need.

Dr. Joseph Stowell says: "If you look at your problem and then look at God, you always end up throwing stones at God for the problem. If you look at God first and look at your problems through Him, through His sovereignty—that He is in control of everything, that He has permitted this in your life for a reason, that He is a just God, that He will settle the score for you—you will see that He is an all-powerful God who can turn this situation to that which is good and right.

"So the way to avoid the vulnerability of these nagging questions that distance you from God and make you liable for Satan's attack in the midst of your despair is to really focus on what you know to be true about God and to live in the exclamation point of that truth, not in the question marks of what you don't know about your problem."

Faithful God, I must look at You first. Teach me about Your goodness and sovereignty. Teach me to see the big picture and not just the pebbles of my unanswered questions. Lord, I'm willing to try. Amen
Yes Lord I am trying to look at you first, but you made me human and sometimes it is so hard because I want my answers now not tomorrow, or next week or next year but now. Help me to slow down and listen,( but oh please don't make me have more surgery or broken bones!)
On a lighter note I went back to work yesterday and it really felt good to be back out with the public. The day was chaotic,My boss wasn't there, my internet is down, I would have known my boss wasn't coming in if my internet had been working, I couldn't find needed papers from the last 2 weeks, the accountant wanted tax papers for payroll that I didn't have the foggiest idea what he was wanting and on and on but hey the time went fast and I survived!! I really love the Life of Brenda no matter how crazy it is!!! Yes and I got pictures of my Michigan babies , I would show you but can't find where the computer downloaded them! Here we go again! See ya next time.

Upbeat day!!

2008-10-24T06:47:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was just such a great day! It was a pretty day and I got to spend it with some really special people namely my mom and 2 of my grandsons. It is always a good time when I get to spend time with my family and I am fortunate to have an awesome mom still living and still getting around as good (even better right now) than me! It is amazing how much my mom is becoming like me!!! Thats my story and I'm stickin to it!!

I got my stitches out yesterday and the incision looks great but I get to wear my wonderful boot for 4 more weeks, good news is I get to go back to work and back to curves. Beth's fella Bud fixed my Jimmy for a fraction of the cost that a dealer would charge me. Thank you Bud!! I picked up the boys after all this and we got to make personel pizzas and had chocolate soy milk. then we played with legos and watched movies a wonderful evening.

My best friend got a good report from a breast biospy which was an answer to prayer.

Even though I had an issue with my checking accounts, ever put the same checks in 2 check books and then write checks? Well let me tell ya it doesn't work!! Then the insurance that I had canceled last month took out a payment this month!!! I still don't have that one straightened out. God is good and he is alive and walking with this lady! There is something else good brewing but that will have to wait for a different time to be revealed!!

My granddaughter turned 12 today Happy Birthday Taylor I love you.

Have a great day all.

God is always here

2008-10-22T09:44:00.002-04:00

I read this this morning and boy did it hit me right between the eyes!!!

What to Do With the Whys?
Day 190

"What do you do with the whys?" asks Kay Arthur after her husband committed suicide. She answers, "You have to lay them at the feet of Omniscience and, by faith, leave them there and say, 'If You want to show me why, God, fine. If not, I'm going to cling to who You are and what You promise.' When you're asking why, and you're in the dark, and you don't have any reasons, you are to cling to Him in hope. He is the God of all hope. The thing that you have to realize is you are here for a much larger purpose than you realize."

Hope in God, knowing that your questions may not be answered. Each day make a point to look beyond your situation to the all-knowing God of truth, who will not leave you nor fail you. Learn about His attributes and cling to them in hope. The path of life that you travel is different from what you expected, but He will guide you.

"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them" (Isaiah 42:16).

Lord, I am truly in the dark, and it scares me. In my fear, I lash out wildly. Shine Your light in my heart. Lead me along this new path. Amen.
I have a new way to look at things now and a reminder that " your ways are not my ways"

Last night at bible study we had something awesome happened------ everyone in the group prayed!!! We encouraged each one to just say a one line prayer even let them choose one of the requests to pray for. How wonderful to see each lady realize that all you have to do is just "talk " to God and even greater is that they all prayed more than one line!!! This was probably one of the best times we have had in a long time. It lifted my spirits tremendously, Satin will not keep me down for long at this rate "I am fighting back!!"
Have a great day everyone!

just thoughts

2008-10-19T21:04:00.002-04:00

I don't want to go to the alter, I don't want to cry in front of everybody, God I can do this without --------okay God you win. This is just a contunuation of the battles that I have been fighting this week and today continued. I have not cried this much in a long time, satin is working overtime on me right now.
I told my child to leave a marriage, that she deserves better. I have never said that before and I am sorry God for telling her this but I believe it to be true and she will never find her way back to you if she stays. I am afraid for her and her children's safety, Lord please please protect them.
My dryer is eating my clothes! Guess I will find a way to hang them to dry.
My TV only has color when it wants not when I want! Oh well who needs color anyway?
My turn signals don't work on my Jimmy. I checked the fuses and that didn't fix the problem. Great no paycheck, got to figure another way.
Now I need 2 new gutters , great still no paycheck!
I am doing one thing right I tithe every check I learned the lesson about 3 years ago what happens when you don't tithe. Guess that is why I am not worried about not having a paycheck right now. God has provided so far why should I doubt him now?!?!?!
As pastor Kris spoke this morning I started counting my blessings; a home, a SUV, a bike, friends, family,church,job,............... the list goes on and on I am truly rich.
Lord show me where you want me to be, show me how to climb out of this valley I am in right now. Show me who I am and who you want me to be.

The Shower

2008-10-18T21:22:00.002-04:00

Above you see my newest protection and you also see a picture of my shower and then one of my wonderful friend's Mila and Jack Frost. A handicap shower complete with a stool, ledge to put my foot up and a handheld shower head. If you were a clutz like me which one would you prefer right now? Thanks so much guys for allowing me to sit in your shower and allow the hot water to wash away the dirt. Thanks to Jan for giving me a better method of protection,cling wrap and waterproof medical tape, the foot remained dry!

I wondered what God wanted me to take from this episode other than gratitude for such dear friends. His answer is this very simple thought; "Just as the water washed away the dirt and the cling wrap protected your foot so to did the blood of my son which was shed for you washed away your sins and now is protecting you. All I ask is your gratitude and service."

Good nite all.

2008-10-15T23:45:00.002-04:00

I can't sleep. I hate it when I can't sleep, I was so very tired and didn't feel good so I went to bed early and for about 1-2 hours I drifted in and out of dream land and now here I am it is 11:45 pm and I am wide awake! I have been sleeping a lot this week being, down is boring for me but necessary because I don't know how to stop. I am happiest when I am busy with the grandkids,helping others be it at work or the food pantry or angel food or what ever. I love to give but find it very difficult to receive. I have prided myself for not asking for help in this last 18 months but God is showing me that it is only fair to allow myself to be blessed sometimes too. Today I received food and money, God also allowed for a check I had written to be returned which I was going to use for Christmas but is now used to meet my financial responsibilities. I say all of this because when I opened up my emails tonight the following story appeared and it reminded me of how the children of God are to be and how my church family and my blood family has treated me this past year and especially the last few days.

A holy man was having a conversation> > with the Lord one day and said.> > > > 'Lord, I would like to know what> > Heaven and Hell are like.> > > The Lord led the holy man to two> > doors.> > > > He opened one of the doors and the> > holy man looked in. In the middle of> > the room was a large round table. In> > the middle of the table was a large> > pot of stew, which smelled delicious> > > and made the holy man's mouth water.> > The people sitting around the table> > were thin and sickly. They appeared to be> famished. They were holding> spoons with very long handles that were strapped> to their arms and> > each found it possible to reach into the pot of> stew and take a> > spoonful.> > > > But because the handle was longer> > than their arms, they could not get> > > > the spoons back into their mouths.> > > The holy man shuddered at the sight> > of their misery and suffering.> > > > The Lord said, 'You have seen Hell.> > They went to the next room and> > opened the door. It was exactly the> > same as the first one. There was the> > large round table with the large pot> > > > of stew which made the holy man's> > > > mouth water. The people were equipped> > > > with the same long-handled spoons,> > > but here the people were well nourished> > > > and plump, laughing and talking. The holy> > > > man said, 'I don't understand.> > > > It is simple,' said the Lord.> > > > 'It requires but one skill. You see> > they have learned to feed each> > other, while the greedy think only> > of themselves.'> > > > > > When Jesus died on the cross, he was>thinking of you.

Now on the funny side you know with me there has to be something funny going on and this is my wild idea for the week. I needed a shower really bad, you know the sponge bath just doesn't make you feel clean so I deceided to take a shower, but how can I do it without getting the dressing wet? My brain went to work and I entered the bathroom with a roll of aluminum foil, a plastic walmart bag and a whole hand full of rubber bands. I wrap the foot as snugly as possible with the foil, and put some rubberbands around for holding it in place and sealing. Then on goes the plastic bag, making sure there were no holes in it I slipped my foot into it and proceeded to put a ton of rubberbands on to make sure that no water could possibly enter. I gently climbed into the shower ( last thing I wanted was for my mom to find me fallen in the shower without a stitch of clothes on!) and turned on the hot water oh how good it felt! Thing is I just got my hair wet when I realized that my foot had a strange feel to it, Yep you guessed it somehow the water found it's way past all the protection I had used! Well I finished the shower with one foot proped up on the side of the tub real safe let me tell ya! I got my gear off as soon as possible and got the hair dryer out and started trying to blow dry the dressings. I thought I might have succeded but to my dismay walking across the floor I could see that I was leaving a foot print not a good sign. I now have a new dressing , do you think the doctor will notice in another week? We will see. Makes me think that even the best protection is not good enough unless it is excuted by the professionals, and the best professional is God he has provided me with all the protection I need for this life here on earth so why oh why do I try to do things my way? Anyone else in that same boat?!?!

Patience

2008-10-12T21:52:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone beautiful feet uh? My Michigan grandkids wanted to see the before and after of my surgery so guess I will share some thoughts with you too.
Do you know how important your big toe is? It keeps you balanced! and when it gets all bent out of shape it really messes things up especially walking barefoot! Not only did I walk on the side of my foot which is making my right hip hurt but I kept getting it caught on things. Put my shoe on and everything was great but take away that support and things go to pot! I was thinking about how this relates to being a Christian and a part of the body of Christ. It takes visuals for me to learn and like I said when God wants to talk to me he has to stop me, sometimes he has to stop parts of the body to give others a chance to work or heal. I see this when churches split up and go their separate ways. I came from a church that split after we left and the damage that was done looked unrepairable but God is taking that split and using it to make 2 stronger churches. Look at what happens when natural disasters occur and then people especially God's children come in and spread his love and compassion. Look at our church and how the love and support of each person that attends supports others and makes us stronger. It takes lots of patience to grow up and strong, and it takes lots of support, just like the shoe supported my foot until it could be fixed the body of Christ could, should and does support it's members while they heal and grow strong again. Way to go FFC!!!! And thanks to who ever you are that chose to bless me today the tears I shed were of a grateful heart, Thank you!

Sunset

2008-10-02T20:54:00.002-04:00

Did anyone see the beautiful sunset tonight? This is 2 Thursdays in a row that I have been followed by one of God's most beautiful creations big, big round orange fire ball of sun. The clouds range from orange to yellow to dark blue to orchid to light blue. The sun itself was like this really clear orange ball. I did not have my camera again but I can tell you that it was a beautiful reminder of our savior and one day we will all be riding off into that beautiful sunset. I will be on the Harley how will you be traveling?!?!

The Reveal

2008-09-30T21:21:00.004-04:00

Well my Michigan daughter tonight said that it was high time to show her what the room looks like so I took pictures and amd sending to her,meanwhile I figured since you all have been following the progress I would show you too. Only some minor details to finish up but I think it looks pretty good. Next step is putting away all the stuff that is stuffed in all the other rooms, seems like all I do is move things around but never really get things cleaned up. Sometimes life seems like that too, we move things around to get through another day or maybe just another hour. While I am trying to declutter my home I am also trying to declutter my life,learning to say NO, trying to set some priorities, and trying to catch up and then stay ahead of the game. I don't know about you but I procrastonate especially when I don't know what to do first, then I am rushing around at the last min. trying to finish the task at hand. I get upset with myself for being so unorganized because I know things would be better if I would "get it together" My goal is to have my home and my life put together so that when the unexpected arises I will not be thrown completely off course. I think that God is trying to do that with my spiritual life too, leading me to read my bible more, to pray more and to put him first more. I know that when I am in the right place with the Lord then other things will fall into place because I have my priorities straight. Not an easy task in this world of business but that is where my path is leading even if it is winding, hilly and rocky-------- such it is in the life of Brenda!!

Worry

2008-09-28T20:04:00.002-04:00

Well I thought I was finished but I just got an email and I just have to pass some of it on to you. An Angel says,"Never borrow form the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, then you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice!" See if this is what I just posted about; Pray, go to bed on time,get up on time so you can start the day unrushed,say No to prejecte that won't fit into your time schedule, ot that will compromise your mental health. Delegate tasks, Simplify and unclutter,Less is more, Allow exra time to do things and get places. Pace yourself, Spread out big changes and difficult projects orver time, don't lump the hard things all together. Take one day at a time,separate your worries from concerns, if a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it. Live within your budget,have backups, keep your mouth shut,do something for the Kid in you everydayand the list goes on and on. If you want the complete list let me know and I will email it to you.
Yes Lord I think I am getting the message!!

where am I going?!?!

2008-09-28T19:07:00.003-04:00

I don't even know where to start tonight my mind is going in circles.! Today I got to be back in worship with the adults and oh what a time for me. I love working with the kids in Kids Zone it is a different type of worship and they are soooooooooooo busy! Their minds go faster than my mind does! Since I am not sure where this is going I am just going to list some things swirling around in my brain and see where it goes. High fructose corn syrup, glucose,beet sugar,demerara sugar,sucrose,honey,fruit juice concentrate, are you seeing a pattern? I was given an ultimatum this week eliminate High Fructose Corn Syrup and reduce all other sugar or continue to struggle with the weight and suffer with continued joint pain,and risk the inflammatory diseases of my body. I think maybe Tracey Grimes tried to tell me that 2 years ago, sorry Tracey I am a really slow learner! Then there are things like nothing to eat or drink after 6:30am get your comprehensive metabolic,CBC+auto differential,Complete UA,EKG yes my simple broken toe has turned into torn ligaments that require surgery! This is where God started talking to me this morning, he reminded me that there are no guarantees with my surgery or in life, BUT he does guarantee that if I give it to him as his daughter HE will take care of it all so tonight my thoughts are not so worrisome I am almost done with the painting and will have time to put things back together. One other thing he reminded me was this," I keep telling you to slow down but you do not hear my words so that is why I slow you down myself!" WOW that really knocked me out of my saddle!!! I go and go and go till I can't go anymore and then something happens to make me stop, really I don't think God made me hurt my knee to have surgery, or break my toe so I can have surgery and have to stay down but I do believe that he does allow these things, in my life at least, because I am so stubborn and the only time I slow down is when I fall into bed already asleep!! Pastor Kris says Change is Good for U true but sometimes change hurts!! Today Pastor Jeff said that "Nothing will separate us from God's Love" Thank you Jesus that you love me even when you have to sit me in the time out corner for me to listen to you.

Making Changes

2008-09-24T20:32:00.003-04:00

Well the living room is painted and now comes the time to put back all the stuff that came out of the room during this changing process. I am not sure what is going back and what will be stored somewhere ( have really limited storage) and what will find a new home. Everything looks so clean and uncluttered but strangely empty. I made a promise to myself that I was going to change, to become less of a pack rat, to become organized and be ready for surprise visits and not be embarrassed by the mess, ( you can only leave the sweeper sit out for so long before people get the idea that it is out just to buy time!) But how do you change years of bad habits? I moved my desk which required shutting off the computer and unplugging all those wires. After it is all moved then you have to hook it back up again, you know that every wire has to go back exactly where it was in the first place, yes I know that and I thought I did that but something isn't right it took my 3x's to get it all hooked up right and still the Internet wouldn't work, what am I doing wrong? I never did figure out what I did but I had to power down and power up and push the reset button, and then reinstall the Internet! Then my speakers wouldn't work, WHY? I cried but finally with a flashlight figured out that the blue and the green plugs look very much alike in the dark now the speakers work. Then I looked at the monitor my computer is several years old and so I have this big ugly monitor, how can I position it so it is not so ugly, how can I hide it's bigness and bulkiness? Nowhere, if I am going to use my computer I am going to use the ugly monitor. While I was debating this delemina the thought came to me that while the monitor is not pretty it was made for a purpose and it is serving it's purpose the best it can. I am just like that monitor, I am too heavy and I think I am too short, and I am not the smartest person around but I have a purpose. God made me just like I am for a purpose, he made me with a smile that seems to always be there and an attitude to go with it. He gave me a servant's heart, I am happiest when I am doing for others. He gave me the gift of mercy, I really care about others and my heart breaks when others are hurting. He is taking me on a journey so that I can know how others feel or what to do when certain things happen. I would not be able to help others if I had not journeyed down the path of divorce, abuse, alcohol, and death. But I also know the joy of becoming a mother and grandmother, experiencing a love that is as perfect as it gets here on earth, and having some of the best friends in the whole world. I am so thankful that Jesus loved me enough to die for my sins and then be there to help me through it all.

Now the rest of the story you remember the patio door that is wrong? Well I am still dealing with it and I still do not have the screen! This has been 6 weeks on the screen and do you know what the latest excuse is? IKE! Yep they are saying that it hasn't been shipped because of the hurricane that happened only 2 weeks ago. Isn't there something wrong here?!?!

I did it!! Well sort of

2008-09-22T21:33:00.003-04:00

Will the wonders ever cease? I am finding out that
I can do all kinds of things including putting
together furniture! It was really easy, and it went together in a
breeze!! Do ya think? This is me talking the one who never gets
it right the first time!! I opened the box and laid all the pieces out with their little stickers up so I could see each piece, then I opened the instruction booklet and followed step by step everything it said to do. The top went together great then came the legs and supports for the next shelf, first I had them turned around on the wrong ends, then I had the little holes that hold the curved wrought iron
pieces were backwards so I had to unscrew them again, then you were
supposed to put one end in before you screw in the other end,
well I just used muscles and bent those little arches enough that
they reluctantly slipped in. I didn't know I had that kind of
muscle!! Then comes the bottom shelf and don't you know
I did it backwards again!! But this time I got smart and just unscrewed the
shelf and turned around the whole thing. Then comes the drawer
but as you can see there is no drawer because it made no sense, I was tired
and I really don't need it anyway. Believe it or not the only causality is my
thumb, the drill slipped when I was starting a screw but all is well it was only a tiny
hole, really it is but it sure hurt and scared me!!!
During one of the times I was sitting there trying to figure out what I did wrong
I thought about how many times I have started over in my walk with Jesus. God never makes mistakes and he put me together right the first time but sometimes the fasteners come loose and I resist so things don't fit like they should. Life seems to be going wrong, I don't do the things I should, I say or do something careless or stupid. I am so glad that unlike me giving up on the drawer and not completing the project God doesn't give up. He is constantly molding me and turning me around,and bending me into place and someday I will be a beautiful finished piece of work.

The Journey

2008-09-16T23:14:00.002-04:00

No pictures tonight just thoughts. Last night I asked you to think about a question tonight I will give you my take on it. I have been working on this for several days, wanting to say something but would end up crying each time so I would put the pen down and then pick it up later as more words flooded my mind.
It is no secret to most of you what my life has been like for the last 3 years but I want to take you somewhere that maybe you have never been. Glen and I met in March 2001, both coming from bitter divorces and neither one wanting to get into a serious relationship much less get married again! But at the pushing of mutual friends he called and we talked, then I called and we talked, then I called and we went out. The first time we saw each other we knew that we loved each other, yes it was LOVE at first sight! and we were together almost everyday till he went to be with Jesus. Life was good we didn't fight, didn't have much financially but we had each other. We both gained a new family and Glen became an instant grandpa!! Then we got a big HARLEY DAVIDSON ( that's a story all it's own) and gained even more family by joining the WWV HOG chapter, such good times riding, being free from the stuff around us-just being and having fun. The bike was therapy for Glen when he got on that bike and I got on behind him I could watch the stress just melt from his face it was wonderful watching him just let go and relax.( he always positioned his mirror to see me not the road!) Then we visited a new church and soon made FFC our new home church and gained another wonderful family. Glen got to go back to working in the Masonry industry a job that he loved and life was good. But life began to get a little tough when tragedy began to creep into our lives beginning with the loss of a good friend Smitty then my Aunt Joan both taken by cancer. Things smoothed out for a while then tragedy raised it's ugly head again when someone ran a stop sign and killed Eddie,Glen's dad. We had to place his mother in a nursing home which was oh so hard on her and the family. I had knee surgery and gave up a good job with good benefits to have the opportunity to work in a christian school, how cool is that?! Life was good again for a while. Our youngest daughter finally got married, Thanksgiving came and was a wonderful family time, then Christmas but for some reason this Christmas we did not get a Mangas family picture, how strange because we have made this a tradition ever since my dad died. ( this is a mistake we all regret) Then I fell and dislocated both shoulders and got a black eye, first one I ever had. I scared Glen and the grand kids to death, I think that may have been the quietest they have ever been and one of the fastest times I ever saw Glen move!! My nephew got engaged so we went to my brother's to celebrate but my brother was sick very very sick and we finally call for an ambulance. I have seen Bobby sick but never like this, we are now heading to Indy, us in the car and Bobby in a med evac helicopter, something he wanted to do he is flying but doesn't know it. Not sure but I think some of the people in the waiting room think that maybe he and I were in the same accident my eye is getting blacker and my arm is really hurting, but my heart hurts worse because we are loosing my brother to a brain hemorrhage. I don't know for sure how many days we were at Methodist hospital but we each said our goodbyes, this is the first time I have ever watched someone die.Then just one month later we suddenly loose a friend in an accident and again we are sharing the pain with family and friends. Then one month later Pastor Kris comes to the school, I will never forget the look on his and Todd's face, I never dreams that the news they carried was for me. I heard the sirens at 6:15 am March 2,2008, I drove through the icy water thinking to myself I hope every one is careful coming through here. Now that stretch of road has a whole different feel to it. Three months, 3 precious souls gone, Life Changes so Fast.
I tell you this journey because there is a common thread running through it-everyone of these people tried to prepare us, they tried to tell us that they were leaving. Somehow I think that we will know when our time is near. I know that Eddie, Bobby and Glen did because they shared with us. Eddie and his 3 children all shared time in his last days talking about things that need talking about, sharing and saying things that needed to be said. Bobby tole his good friend several times that even though they were working out at the Y together he would be the first to see Jesus. Glen and I talked and talked about stuff and he was securing our loans and things making sure that I would be taken care of, he told me he would always take care of me. He seemed to be cramming as much of life as he could in each day.
I don't know where this is going or even why I went here but the pen just keeps moving. Life is so short and only God knows when our last min. has arrived. I am usually running late no matter how early I start, but I know of at least one time that I will arrive on time & that is the day I meet Jesus because I am already ready!! Jesus saw to that and I am so glad he did. How about you,are you ready? If not then please consider getting ready to meet Jesus and be sure you will be on time for the most important day of your life.

Just my memories

2008-09-15T19:42:00.007-04:00

Well I had these pictures all in the order that I wanted to tell you about but somehow the order got messed up so I will just mention some and let you guess on the rest! Glen was a man of many talents and friends. When I first met him he said he didn't know many people,so why then I asked that where ever we go someone talks to you and you know them? Funny thing is that many times he didn't know names and it finally got to be a joke because I would look at him and he would give me "the look" and I would say "I know don't ask!" Do you see the wedding pictures? I didn't know him then but wasn't he just drop dead gorgeous?!? The cigar and beer? Just shows that he was a little devilish at times too, he knew that cigar just drove me batty! And on his mission trip he was really worried what Pastor Kris would think of his smokes. Great thing is that wasn't a habit just a sometime it is good thing. The he was always giving kids rides on the bike or wrestling with the boys--- and he thought kids didn't like him. My grandsons never skipped a beat when it came to accepting him as grandpa. Our travels took us all over the eastern US We saw Washington DC., the Virginias, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, York PA, Ohio, MI, and Indiana. We traveled alone just getting up one morning and taking off maybe coming home that night and maybe not. We traveled with friends especially Roger and Rita what wonderful memories especially West Virginia, remember OXY Cotton town in the late evening? and that awful food you had Roger?! We went to Rolling Thunder and I had my rain pants on it turned hot and I got sick, took the pants off and my jeans could have water rung out of them! The sights I got to see with him on the bike are just too many to tell about but for two kids who had little money we sure figured out how to really enjoy the gift of beauty God has provided. The picture that is on it's side of me with that strange face is because I was really surprised one christmas, we didn't have a lot of money so we were not going to get much for eachother. True to his nature he wanted to get me something really special, so he and my brother got together and managed to find 17 blushing bunnies. They are cute little bunnies that you can't find anymore and I just love. Together they went on ebay and found all of them. I never did find out how much he spent but for sure it was more than just a little something!! The two pictures of him in Wiggins MS were the beginning of a new life for him, that mission trip changed his life completely. It was the first time we had been apart and boy was it a long week!! He called every night first to rub it in that it was warm and he was sitting in shirt sleeves while I was here wrapped up in a blanket. He also described the work he was doing and the people he was getting to know, I could hear his voice change each night, I could hear how he was humbled by the work he was doing and who he was doing it for. He realized that he was working for God and that it was awesome, we deceided that next year we would serve as a couple, little did we know that God had different plans for that next mission trip, Glen's job was done but mine had just begun. He was really excited to tell me that he had a new friend, a man that he really liked and trusted, I don't know what they talked about but Jack Frost became a very important figure in his life. When he told me his name was Jack Frost I thought he was teasing me and really didn't believe him until I met Jack and Mila. There are many more memories that I could share with you but am sure that you are probably tired of my ramblings and besides it is time for me to move forward, he always said for me not to weep for a long time after he is gone, and that he wanted me to be happy so I am going to put these memories in a photo book and then as he would say " Lets Lock-N-Load! The adventure begins!!" My last post on memories will give you something to think about, something that I have learned as I shared with you. Think on this did you know that sometimes people are trying to prepare you for their leaving? More later. Thanks folks for letting me share with you and for helping me to move on.

I Have a Bike!!!

2008-09-12T06:23:00.003-04:00

On June 26th 2004 I became an official motorcycle Babe!!! I got my own bike and what a trip it was!! I had only been on a motorcycle 2 times in my whole life before I met Glen, but within less than a month of dating him I was hooked! We rode together 2up for 3years and then after I asked so many ???? about what was going on with the bike he asked me if I wanted to learn to ride? I said "No, I like being on the back with you" (it was great snuggle time!!!) But he had planted the seed and by Memorial Day weekend 2004 I was enrolled in the ABATE Motorcycle Safety course for beginners and what an adventure! As most of you know I am not too tall 4'10" to be exact and although I had the weight and strength to hold a bike up the heigth could be a problem! I studied and studied and took the test for my permit 3x's before I passed. Now that the permit thing was out of the way I was good to go. The first class was Friday night for 4 hours we watched videos, read papers and took tests, this was actually pretty easy after all I had studied the material for 2 months already!! Then Sat morning was the day to get on the bikes. Cherry and I got there early because I wanted to try the bike before anyone else got there. If I could not reach the ground I wanted to go home before anyone saw me, but as they rolled the bikes out I sat on one and low and behold I could touch, tippy toe, but enough that the instructors were confident that I could do it, so I stayed. I can't tell you the feeling that I had the first time I took my feet off the ground and placed them on the foot pegs and RODE across the parking lot!!! Now I understand what Glen and so many others felt, FREEDOM in a strange sort of way. The riding was difficult but exciting and I finally passed the riding test and was on my way. This day Glen came with me and sat on the sidelines talking to the instructors as we went through the manuvers we had to know to pass, he said he was telling him all he needed to know to make sure I passed, isn't that true love?!?! I don't know who was more proud of me that day my instructor, Glen or myself but it was a day of celebration!! I still had no intention of getting a bike but Glen had different ideas and soon we were looking on line for just the right bike for Brenda. We both really wanted another Harley Davidson but it just wasn't to be, too much $$ to get it custom fit for me. What I did end up with is a Kawasaki Eliminator 125 just big enough to be street legal and perfect for me. The pictures show Glen loading it in our truck and getting it tied down for the trip from Cincinnati to Winchester. We were now a pair in another way could life get any better?!?! As Glen would say "Let's Lock and Load!"

Memories

2008-09-11T21:59:00.002-04:00

Today has been a tearful day for many people and I was not spared. 9 11 we all have memories of that day, where we were, what we were doing. I know that was the first time I realized that America wasn't immune to war. It COULD happen right here. I must admit that now when I hear the jets flying low over my house I wonder for a moment is this it? Could it be happening here? I can't even begin to imagine living everyday wondering if the bombs will fall on my village or house, or having soldiers walking my street looking for terroist. I couldn't imagine being so loyal to the goverment that I would allow them to strap bombs on me and I would walk into a crowd and detonate blowing up me and anyone else around. I remember at work watching the planes going into the buildings the second one as it was happening how awful to watch those buildings collasp. I remember sitting on the couch with Glen watching the whole thing over and over, holding eachother and being so thankful that we were together. I can only hope that I am loyal to my Lord Jesus,I am well aware that someday I may be called to give my life for my faith. I pray that I will be strong enough to stand up fo my mighty God. How about you?
Some things that came across my mind today from things I read or heard on the radio. Think about this I Must Go Through The Valley to Stand on the Mountain. Don't ask Why Me? But ask What Now? These two things really stood out to me today. But the best one is still If God is For Me Who Can Be Against Me?

My mind just won't stop!!!!

2008-09-10T20:34:00.004-04:00

As I look at the pictures I post sometimes I laugh and sometimes I cry, tonight I cry. Tonight I am angry,angry at myself for crying all the time and angry at Glen because he is gone. Angry because he is in Heaven with Jesus riding his motorcycle,and building wonderful buildings for Jesus and I am left to try to find affordable insurance! I look at the pictures and I see a big hole in many of them,Glen, Bob, Vivian,Eddie, those are just a few that I miss. Yet tonight our growth group sent a Sunshine Basket full of food to a single man who just lost his dad and is facing an auction of his parents home this weekend. What is funny is that among other things sent there were big cans of Campbell's chunky soup, the gentleman was so thrilled to have BIG cans of soup because he had been eating oatmeal for supper and was kinda tired of that! God had me choose that soup, because I understood that sometimes you want comfort food and yet ya just don't want to cook for one! Isn't is amazing how God works things out? Now if God would just make getting health insurance so easy! Do you realize how much we take for granted? We are blessed with so much that we fail to see how precious things are. We all know how precious relationships are yet sometimes we take them for granted, but look around you if you are reading this you have a computer,and electricity, and a home with a roof and windows. How do you feel when you can't get on the computer or the electricity goes out? Lost,angry,afraid? Even now that I know how quickly life can turn into a nightmare I still find myself taking things for granted but I am working on cherishing the things and friendships I have because nothing is forever especially if you don't take care of it. So to all you friends out there I Love You and thanks for sticking by me during these tough times. I thank Jesus that he put you just where you are for such a time as this.

The light house tour

2008-09-07T18:47:00.003-04:00

Before I start tonight I would just like to say that I go to the most awesome church! God is alive and it's people are growing and Pastor K well just can't say enough good about this man of God. We've got growth groups going,active youth and more. Oh yes the praise and worship is beyond compare!!! I LOVE FARMLAND FRIENDS CHURCH!!!

The bottom 2 pictures are as we are getting ready to cross the Mackinaw Bridge this is important because this is where I began to loose my fear of bridges. Yes I was scared to death especially knowing that they sometimes shut the bridge down for wind and you can see right through some of the road into the water!!! God was preparing me even then for New Orleans we had to travel 5 mile bridge everyday two times!!!

the top picture is Glen dancing with a complete stranger named Yolanda from Argentina who was celebrating here 30 years ago on her honeymoon and her husband didn't want to dance in front of all those people so Glen took his place for a song and made her day!! Just like my Glen.

This trip starts on July 3, 2003 when we traveled I made notes on the way to jog my memory what you read is my notes you can imagine the details. We left at 6:20 pm after a long day felt like maybe we should rest and leave tomorrow but no we have to be in Canada tomorrow so we will leave. Stopped in Decatur for supper at Wendy's, stopped again at the In/MI line for gas and on to Lansing. We are going to stay in Lansing tonight. Finally crashed at a Best Western on 96 west. Wait 96 west? Portland MI? What happened to Lansing and 127 N? Well we thought 69 east to Flint was the wrong way to go but it was the way. Well it is only 15miles back not bad Our room is clean, neat and big and only $69 don't have time for a pool and hot tub. July 4th we slept till 8:15 got to bed at 1:30am. The sun is shining hope it holds.On our way up 127 man these MI drivers are crazy they are going 90 miles and hour! I am scared, it will be OK honey I am watching them. This is one time I CAN'T sleep .!! We finally reached Sault Saint Marie the Holiday Inn but it is PINK! We have no reservations for Cox but I have confirmation! Oh yes but it is in Canada okay another bridge to get over but finally get there check in boy this is a really nice place. Hey honey ! The bathroom floor is heated!! how coo is that?!?! Brenda what am I going to do with you? LOVE me of course!! They are having a benefit for Fibromyaliga on the boardwalk that is where we met Yolanda and Glen graced her with a dance. We walked the city, took pictures of each other, took a ride,and went to the mall. Since it is July 4th we sat out on the boardwalk and watched the US side of Sault Saint Marie set off fireworks so fun. We got to bed about 1am. Today we got up and it is a pretty day so we took a ride and then went to the Charity Casino We took 40 dollars lost it all but gained back 26 that bought us a great meal for 20 We have met people from Indianapolis,MI, Florida, Canada, Wales and Argentina. Took a ride through the locks really enjoyed this. Well time to leave this warm bathroom floor( yes I love that heated floor) It is foggy this morning sure hope it clears up after breakfast. Time to "Lock and Load" in line for customs now Why were you here? "Vacation" Where are you going?"Home" Where do you live?"Indiana" Did you purchase anything? "No" We need to see proof of citizenship for both of you. Proof of citizenship both of us? Drivers license please. What mine is in the back of the bike locked up! Glen where are the Keys? okay found them dig around found my license okay mam sir take off your glasses. OK have a good day (how embarrassing!) It's cold today got to get over the bridge again the sign says the wind speed is 45-52 mph! This time though I managed to look down and even take some pictures! Back in the US stop to get gas and directions. We are going to search out lighthouses I love lighthouses- just look at my bathroom! anyway we head south on 23 along lake Huron. We stopped at 3 light houses, an old mill and a little park today it is getting time to find someplace to sleep. (one of the lighthouses was at Presile sp which little did I know I would visit it again when my daughter moved up there) We got a place at Taws Was MI at a super 8 right on the beach! We went out and walked the beach and waded in it for a while. Then we went to MAMMA'S KITCHEN for supper probably some of the best and cheapest food so far! Met some other bikers some of the same ones we saw at the bridge and some we saw off and on all day. Got to bed about 9:30 the earliest so far. Glen was up at 6:45 am cleaning the bike ( a biker thing) Brenda is on vacation so she doesn't get up till 7:30. Shower and pack off about 9 after breakfast at MAMMA'S Hope to see a couple more lighthouses,a Harley shop and Frankenmuth. Walked around Frankenmuth for a while and then headed for Flushing got a room at the Baymont, cheep room and neat. A king bed hey Glen are you over there? I like our full bed better I can touch you then! We visit the kids and then we head home to Winchester. Glad to be home I love you can we just stay in bed tomorrow and stay on vacation?

memories

2008-09-06T21:22:00.007-04:00

Last night I started the task of going through boxes of things that I had put aside because I didn't want to do it. I was surprised that I could walk down memory lane and not just sob and sob, yes there were some tears but I laughed too. If you will allow me to we are going to walk down that lane the next few entries. The first 5 1/2 years of 2000 were some of the best years of my life and I would like to share them with you through pictures so here goes.
my brother, Glen and me at thanksgiving, our wedding.New grandpa! More new grandpa!
on the bike when he was happiest, we were in the mountains Rog and Glen's birthday
Christmas party with riding friends More next time and I will tell a story next time.

memories

2008-09-06T21:20:00.000-04:00

The cover-up

2008-09-04T23:20:00.006-04:00

I decided Wed. night that it was time to give my old wicker some new life. Actually I wasn't sure how it would work but I wanted to use it in my bedroom and the way it looked well it sure wouldn't work in the house!! I had a can of burgundy spray paint so I though why not? I started our and it looked so good I headed to WalMart to get some more paint. Four cans later I have a brand new piece of furniture and it has a new home in my bedroom. My bedroom is my retreat when things get to crazy in the rest of the house and it contains the only TV that has color and when you are watching Design on a Dime you want color!!
While painting I got to thinking maybe it was God talking to me but the subject of new life kept coming. I was reminded that just as I gave the wicker new life so Jesus gave me new life. As the paint began to cover the old chipped wicker I was reminded of how the blood of Jesus covered me. I had trouble getting all the nooks and crannies covered but Jesus blood had no problem covering ALL of me. Since Glen's death I have learned how to become resourceful, to scrounge around to make things do double duty or even give something a new purpose. God takes the broken, dirty, aged,and worn out and puts it to a new use. Each one of us has a purpose one that God has Jeremiah 29:11 tells us clearly that God has a purpose for our lives and it is one of prosperity and good. It is the best it can be. How awesome even when we think things are bad
God has it all under control and it will work out to be the best!
Speaking of the best can anyone tell me how a simple broken toe can end up with complications and be the best?!?! Yes I went back to the doctor today for a follow up and he could now see that there was more than a broken bone going on. I knew that the day it happened but no one wanted to hear my opinion!!! There is plans in the works to reconstruct the ligament between the toes,major surgery. I know Mila and Yes I am still laughing cause Dr.Miller said that this type of injury is rare and he can't even remember seeing one!! I am not surprised are you?

Vacation and other stuff

2008-09-02T16:35:00.004-04:00

Grandchildren, aren't they great? I spent Labor Day weekend with my Michigan kids and had a wonderful time. We went to an arts and crafts festival in Harrisville MI, went to the beach on lake Huron (we all forgot our cameras for this trip), roasted marshmallows in the back yard, took walks, ate,went to the grocery and ate, cuddled on the couch for cartoons and ate!!! Did I mention we ate? Both of my girls are wonderful cooks and since I don't cook much for myself (cooking for one is not fun) the home cooked meals were a treat, and I didn't gain a pound,didn't loose any either!! The kids live in a little town called Lincoln MI in one of the poorest counties in MI but you couldn't tell it. The little town is clean and busy. They are on the edge of one of MI national forests and we had the opportunity to drive through that forest at 11 pm, not a fun thing to do at that time of night!! The road was hilly, curvy and foggy! I know my guardian angels were with us because there were times when I could not see the road and sometimes the road just turned with little warning! The kids love living up there and have told me if they ever get to build their dream home it will be in the middle of the forest and I will have to be flown in by helicopter! Now I really like the slower pace of life there in Lincoln but I have no desire to live where you have to fly in!! It is amazing to watch the kids entertain themselves, they are not afraid of anything which was evident from all the bumps and bruises and bites! Shawn is growing a garden for the first time and it is producing 20-30 cucumbers every morning! She has tomatoes big as the palm of a grown man's hand, delicious sweetcorn,green beans and carrots. We ate fresh all weekend oh so good! I miss the days when I could go out each morning to see what new thing has grown in my garden. Growing a garden is kinda like life so I have concluded we have a new day to open up and see what God has growing for us and it is always good. Some days though you wake up and there are bugs in the garden and things are dying, so it is with life. Some days you wake up and your world is turned upside down you are sick, or someone in your family is ill, you or someone close to you is handed a pink slip at work and now has no job. I could be that some tragedy is about to happen or has while you were sleeping or getting your day started. How we handle these bugs shows a lot about our character and where we turn for help in our efforts to make life healthy again. I have been thinking a lot about this lately and wonder do I turn to the maker and author of my life as often as I should? How often do I try to clean out the bugs or try to make things better on my own? More and more I see that I can not do it alone and even more important I do not have to!! How great is that? I was really dreading coming home to an empty house last night but something happened, which I will not go into, that reminded me that it is not empty and I am not alone. How about you? Do you lean on the maker and author of your life enough?
On a lighter note I did deposit my first $10 in my savings last week so I am on my way to saving for something I really want or to be prepared for the unexpected.

Hanging curtains

2008-08-26T00:13:00.003-04:00

When did hanging curtains become so complicated!?!?! I remember when all it took was a hammer and a nail to get the rods up and they were simple rods just plain white rods. Today I went to Wal Mart to get some rods to hang my new curtains, the choices were endless but the choices for my window was limited so I could not get the "fancy " rods I wanted so I settled for the plain white rods. I was so excited I got my hammer and stool and tore open the package! What is this? Screws!!! oh great- not to be detoured I went and got Glen's battery operated drill. Now mind you I just learned how to use this thing a few month ago so I really have Idea what I was doing! The last time I used it the proper bit already in it but this time no bit was inserted so here I go. Wait a min. where did it go? Oh it is way down in that hole, ok got it out no I remember Roger telling me that you have to hold on to the bit while you turn on the drill so it will tighten. OUCH that hurts!!! Oh it is this other piece that you hold. Well got the bit in and climbed up on the stool went to put my first screw in and oh shute the bit fell out-where did it go?Ok found it and got it in secure this time, Boy this is hard pushing this into the wood but I finally got all 4 screws in. Now there is this bracket thing that goes in the middle of the window to hold this long rod up in the middle ok I will just hammer it in and I can hang the curtains. Not so fast Baby this thing screws in too. Now I remember that I have seen Glen pre drill holes before you try to put in the screw, so now I have to change the bit again and this time I have to put in a drill bit not a screwdriver bit. Great I have it in not so hard I will turn the drill on to make sure it is tight- WHOOOOOOOO where did that bit fly off too!!!!
Ok I found it now lets try this again everything is tight so lets start drilling got my little hole drilled now how do I get it out of the wall? Oh yes there is a reverse on this so ---- yep that works! now I can screw in the support bracket. Done the curtains are hung you will get to see them later as the room progresses I just want to see what they will look like when the room is finished (It's a girl thing guys!)
You know I was thinking as I finished this little task that life is a lot like hanging curtains, there are so many choices, so many tools to choose from and the instructions are always changing and updating. The good thing is that the instructions for life never change they are in the Bible and it is the only book that never changes or updates or adjusts it stays the same. I am so glad that even though my life changes almost daily and I get really confused I can go to the instructions manual and even talk to the author. The answers are there I just need to read and be patient for the answers to come. When I listen and I mean really listen I can hear God speak, I have learned that to me he speaks many different languages and in many different ways. It may be through a vacation, or remolding, or missing my Jimmy, or even the death of a brother, a friend and a husband but he is speaking and I am learning to listen.

Vacation

2008-08-24T21:41:00.006-04:00

Fried Ice cream!! God's beautiful scenery

Watch that flame Holly!!!

" The Girls"

Vacations can be a real stress maker,you go away to get a break from the cycle of stress only to come home to get some Rest! This past few days I had the chance to get away with "The Girls" My best friend made arrangements for the four of us to go to Berlin OH. I have been saving for this trip for months and for the first time ever I was able to relax and enjoy because I did not have to worry about finances-----that was lesson number one that I learned on this trip. I have learned the lesson of tithing pretty well and as hard as it may seem I take my tithe out right away but this thing about SAVING has somehow euleded my brain!!! This trip made me see how enjoyable things can be when you are prepared. You know I can look at life that way too, the things I am doing for the Lord are my savings plan for Heaven, I am prepared because I am a child of God I KNOW where I will spend eternity, I am saving for the crown that God has promised me when I obey him I am adding to my savings! Back to earth now: This is my plan I get paid every two weeks so starting with my next check I will be taking out my tithe first then $10 will go into the credit union feel free to ask me about my savings and help make me accountable!

Lesson #2 I learned is REST. We were on the go for 3 days but in the evening we rested. One evening we just sat out on the veranda and laughed and talked and enjoyed the beautiful view of the rolling hills of OHIO reminds me of the beauty of West Virginia ( that is another story another time) One night we splurged and got 60 min massages OOOOOOOOOOO how soothing! Then later we did a little bit of candle waxing of eachother's ears. So funny, we laughed and laughed.

Lesson 3 LAUGHTER - Laugh alot, let your hair down and enjoy a good ole belly laugh-till you pee your pants laugh!!! Makes you feel so good and relieves tension.

Lesson 4 Tears- Tears can be happy or sad but no matter what they are healing and cleansing. It is so good to have friends to hold when the tears flow. Let your friends in on your feelings they can be an awesome source of comfort.

I am back to reality for a little bit this week is going to be difficult for me among other things I have been summoned to a court hearing and I am not happy about it. I have never had to be a witness for someone much less someone that I feel should pay for their deeds. Please be in prayer for this situation, God is the final judge so I am trying to just be truthful and trust him to take care of the rest.

Oh yes the issue with Menards is moving slowly I have a complaint sheet for myself and contractor to complete, I have not given up yet!!!!

I am hoping to start painting this week tune in for updates and pictures!!

One of the pictures on tonight's blog will be the fried ice cream with the kids I promised. Have a great night and an awesome Monday!!!

door problems

2008-08-18T21:58:00.003-04:00

Can't anything go in without a hitch, does there always have to be a problem? Well me and menards may come to putting on the boxing gloves. I am not normally one who files complaints but tonight I had just had enough! Pastor Kris I did fight fair, I did not accuse I just stated the facts!! I complained to a poor guy that had no idea what was going on but by the time my contractor finished with him (and menards even hung up on me!!!) well the problem isn't resolved yet but I have been assured that the one who actually sold me the door will call me in the morning to discuss the problem. What is the problem? We ordered a REPLACEMENT DOOR but got a NEW CONSTRUCTION DOOR!! No problem right just return the door and order the right one not so the old door was already out and no way it was going back in. Fortunately Kevin was able to work with it and get it in without damaging the door (just in case I need to use the warenty) But there is no screen I PAID for a screen and made a point of asking for the screen UGH Well they know that it has cost me labor and more materials not counting the frustration for me and the contractor oh yeh I also have to have some dry wall done and some work on the floor there because of their mistake more $$$$$ I really don't have a really mean bone in my being so we will see how this turns out.

In life we have lots of misfit doors to work with I can complain, explode, get mad OR I can change gears and make things work. I am working in that direction making my upside down and sometimes very lonely life work and produce something beautiful.God is shaping me sometimes I don't see how this is going to fit and it hurts but I am looking forward to see what he is doing with me. Maybe this week it is courage to stand up for myself, we will see tomorrow.

There are some good things happening these pictures show the improvements on the garage and the new porch pillars these are really great changes!!!

rest of the pictures

2008-08-18T00:01:00.003-04:00

Remolding

2008-08-17T23:29:00.002-04:00

My life is like my house, remolding is a very stressful thing to go through when things are good but when your life is in shambles-------- well what can I say? Why I started a remolding project just 4 months after Glen died I will never know but this morning as the Jamaica team were telling of their experiences God began talking to me about my feelings and frustrations. I saw my living room, bedroom,kitchen,garage etc. and he said " This is you and just as these rooms are slowly coming together ONE DAY AT A TIME so is your life. I am repairing your heart and life ONE DAY AT A TIME. Just as remolding tears up a room instantly so does death instantly tears up a life. But as those rooms return as brand new rooms so will I restore you to a new life" Wow did that wake me up!!! I wonder if God is as frustrated with me as I am with me? I want my new life NOW I have a hard time waiting but I am learning that waiting is good for some things. I will keep you updated as the remolding continues you will see my rooms as they change and I hope that you will see my life as God changes it. Please bear with me as I struggle through the growing pains, I know there will be many more tears shed some painful and some joyful. I am sooooooooo thankful for the things that I have and the friends that I can love and share with. It looks like I have a lot and I do, so now I have been challenged to be a good steward of all the gifts God has given me.

Stay tuned to the continuing merry go round. By the way I did win with the mattress, so lets see what happens with the paint brushes and furniture!!!

Where does the time go?

2008-08-13T23:47:00.004-04:00

I have been sitting here for the last hour and a half reading blogs!!! Mila I love reading your history story! I have been thinking about all the things I have done since Mega Sports Camp is over and all the things I wanted to get done, and the list of things to do------boy am I tired!!

My new job is going great in fact today I printed the bulletins without a hitch, told Pastor Mark that from now on Wed. is bulletin day not Friday!! His computer crashed just not long after we completed things so it is now in the clinic trying to get well! I have started the daunting task of cleaning out Imean really cleaning out do you know how much stuff you can accumulate?!?! I said when Glen and I got married that I wasn't going to hang on to things so long any more well that sure didn't last long!! Monday night I decided that I was going to move the furniture by myself what a disaster!! Ever seen someone wrestle with a queen mattress by them selves? You should see a 4'10" lady with a sore foot moving one from one end of the bedroom to the other, I got the mattress flipped over too but I didn't want it flipped!! I started going through the closet and drawers and how did I get so many clothes especially all those small ones? Anyway you have to be very careful walking back there right now. Saturday they are supposed to put in my new sliding patio door and picture window and if all goes right the new posts on the front porch. I am sooooooo tired of remolding. Tomorrow I have to get the curtans and blinds down and the furniture moved so they can get to the work areas, then before I put it back I get to paint! I don't like to paint but love the new look it gives, it is just another step to making this home my home now. (sorry tears are flowing) ok I am alright now.

A couple of weeks ago I got to introduce my grandson, granddaughter and niece to Fried Ice Cream! What a treat to watch them, kids are just so special. I want to post a picture but not sure how so if ya don't see one just know it was fun. Right now I better tiptoe through the bedroom and try to get some sleep as it is now Thursday morning and time to get up will be here before I even get to bed! Nite All Well as you can see I got a picture but not fried ice cream I will try that one later. I think you can figure out what that one is about recognize anyone in particular?

JIMMY IS HOME!!

2008-08-05T22:40:00.002-04:00

I am soooo glad to have Jimmy home safe and sound! It doesn't squeak any more and you can get the hood up and I have air what more could I ask for?!?! It seems silly to get so excited about a car or whatever but I get really nervous lately when things seem to get ready to change my life again. Pastor Kris says that change is good for you, yeh I know, then this week at Mega Sports Camp guess what the first night was about? You guessed it CHANGE, tonight I have my granddaughter Taylor and we were reading Chicken Soup for Preteens and guess what yep CHANGE. Think God is trying to tell me something?!?! I have always been pretty adaptable God gave me a spirit that allows me to Go With The Flow and be happy about it but lately I have been kinda giving him a hard time about all this CHANGE stuff. Tonight we talked about rest and recharging I think I am getting the picture,God is trying to get me to listen to him and let him do the work. God never takes an off season because he cares for us. So I am taking some time to sit back and do what he suggests, I am going to read books that I enjoy, and get into my bible more, I am going to volunteer my time and not worry so much about what needs to be done at home after all it will be there tomorrow. I am going to put the loneliness in his lap(at least try to) and just relax. This week has been full of emotional ups and downs but it is good and I am learning just as much as the kids if not more. Guess who is the coach of our soccer team? Todd Miller!!! Yep he is a great coach and I've gotten to know Big "C" and Little "c" and their really nice mom,( Melissa loves to pull weeds too!) I have pictures to post of our team as soon as I figure out how to get them here. I tried once and they didn't show up must have done something wrong. One other thing update on the toe I am now in tennis shoes, it still hurts like the dickens but at least my shoes match now!!!
Good nite all.

I WANT MY JIMMY BACK

2008-07-30T22:26:00.003-04:00

This morning I took my Jimmy in for some much needed help and after much discussion about what might be wrong and what I wanted done I handed over the keys to the service department and in return they gave me a loaner car. I don't like driving cars they are too low to the ground and I need all the help I can get at getting up off the ground! This car is so low that every where I turn in Winchester it's front scrapes! Well much to my dismay I could not have Jimmy back tonight because it was so hard to tear apart and the parts will be in tomorrow that they kept it and I am stuck with "the car" You know how it is when you drive a different vehical, nothing is where it is supposed to be right? I drove to Union City tonight to watch my sister - in- law preform in the melodrama at the Stateline Heritage Days under the Big Tent. What a treat to see her preform (you did rather well my dear) the cast is funny and I am sure by Sat they will all remember their lines. They preformed the same melodrama that they played with a different cast 20 years ago except for the villan who is Dennis Pratt and he is original and oh what a villan he makes! If you want something cheap to do and don't mind taking a little drive to UC then you should check it out. There are things going on each night nothing fantastic but some good country fun. Sat there is a parade among other things we will be having our anual parade party at my daughters house, she lives on the parade route so we all pile in at their house for lots of good food, games and a prade. If you are in town come down to 601 n columbia and join us!!! Honestly they won't notice a few more guests, oh and Jaicee and Lacy will both be there! Anyway back to "the car" It was 10 pm when I started home and after I got out of town I realizes that I didn't have my lights on and I didn't know WHERE the lights were at!!! I finally found them but was never sure if they were on and I had to hold the brights on manualy b/c they wouldn't stay on, I got it parked out front now and I WANT MY JIMMY BACK!!!! In my life there is never a dull moment, it might be funny ,it might be tearful, it could be painful but it is never never dull. God has surely blessed me that way!

Reflections

2008-07-29T19:24:00.002-04:00

Today has been kinda strange, it has been a day of learning new things at work, some are going to be quite challenging and tomorrow promises to be even more of a challenge! More on that as things progress, a church's Administrative Assistant is a lot more involved than you think! More so I have been going back over my life of the last few years and wondering Why? Why did my marriage of 24 years end? Why did I get involved with an alcholic and get hurt so bad? Why when I finally found true love did it have to end so soon? Why,Why,Why? The only real answer I have is Gods word telling me over and over that my ways are not his ways and my time is not his time. He also keeps reminding me that he has a plan for my life and it is a good plan. I am impatient though and I want answers yesterday!! I don't like pain physical or emotional and it seems like that is where I am right now. Again I ask why? I have come a long way but still have a long way to go, am I complaining? Well yes and no, I am learning to be content where I am at the moment but am anxious to move forward. I think I am rambling on guess that is the mood tonight but as my title says tomorrow is Another New Day!!! Have a good night all.

Saying Goodbye

2008-07-29T07:58:00.002-04:00

I don't know how many of you listen to JOY FM but I wake up to it every morning and today is goodbye day for morning host David Emerson. David started at the radio just 18 months ago and I have been awaken by him almost every day in those 18 months. He has been such a source of inspiration especially since Glen's death so I am having a morning of tears at saying goodbye to someone that I have never met personally but who, in his infinite wisdom God has placed in my life at just the right time. I want each of you to know that you are all definitely in my life because God wants you here and I love each and everyone of you in a special way. I am glad that you are walking this path with me and giving me courage.
Well enough of this tears the day is on and who knows what is out there today?!?! I am on my way to find out have a great day everyone!!

ok

2008-07-28T21:38:00.001-04:00

My editor JAICEE goofed up bolgg is supposed to be blog!!!!!

I Have Arrived!!!!

2008-07-28T21:28:00.003-04:00

Yep I have finally stepped up to the challenge of my New Orleans buddies! Hope you will enjoy the daily challenges that pop up my way, like broken toes etc. Will bolgg more when I figure out what I am doing. Thanks Mindy for taking the time to teach me the basics, I am sure you will get lots of phone calls and emails stating HELP!!!! Thank you Jaicee for all the corrections!!!!