Saturday, July 22, 2006

Sending Up a Thank You

Was just listening to a cd by the late Richard Mullins. I love this particular cd. Every single song on it is salve to my soul. I love to sing and don't do it enough anymore. (My husband is not a believer and doesn't like Christian music or gospel). Whenever he is gone, Mercy Me, Casting Crowns...and soon Steve Sporre's cd are in my computer playing! Some of my favorites from Richard such as Sing Your Praise to the Lord, Our God is an Awesome God, Screen Door come to me when I'm having a hard day or feeling challenged by the world.

I just want to send up a thank you for blessing us with your talent Richard, and for drawing us closer to God. Truly, you are and have always been one of His angels Richard! We miss you and can't wait to hear you sing again one day!

Our God IS an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power, and love...our God is an awesome God!!!!!

Amen


Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Fish N Chips Anyone?



A snapshot of me and my brother-in-law and sister at a local festival on one of the great lakes. Ya' can't beat the fish and chips when it's lake perch! Notice I'm drinking a beverage indigenous to the area while the youngin's are enjoying a Mike's Hard Lemonade. We all imbibe about once a year (we're light weights). No offense to those who battle substance or alcohol abuse. I might have had a problem years ago, but when I had my daughter...it changed everything. The last time I was drunk she was 11 months old and she is 29 now. I haven't had more then 1 or 2 drinks a year because alcoholism runs in my family. It was one struggle God gifted me with strength enough to avoid.

The weather was 98 degrees that day and even the almost non-existent breeze from the lake didn't offer comfort from the heat and humidity. We were dripping perspiration just sitting still! My old joints were aching and by the end of the day, my hip hurt so bad my brother-in-law had to literally pull my leg! I could barely walk. Folks, it really is all down hill after 40! Just kidding. I usually don't have any problems, but for some reason I must have had a virus or something that attacked my joints that week. Any who...if I haven't already said so, I had a blast visiting family recently. Will have to wear out my welcome and do it again soon.

COUSINS


Here are five cousins. My cousin P is in the purple shirt. She is one of SEVEN cousins from my Aunt C (my mother's twin sister). My sister J is the "short one" ;-) and this was taken in her yard. My sister "Shenna" is next to me and my bro "B" is in the back. Sort of a small family reunion since I haven't seen this cousin in over 10 years!

I Got All My Sisters With Me


We are
F-A-M-I-L-Y,
get up everybody and sing! Me and the sistas' during a recent visit. Notice the baby of the family to my right (Shenna), I'm in the middle (wearing light blue) and J is to my left. Nothing like sisters folks. They are the only people on earth who truly understand EVERYTHING there is about you, and put up with you anyway. God blessed me with two beautiful sisters and great friends too. I love my sisters. I am who I am because of them.

30th Reunion



My bro and I recently attended our 30 year high school reunion. Yup, PWHS class of 1976. No, we're not twins...he's 10 months older then me. We are twins for about a month and a half. NONE of our friends were there, so it was a little disappointing. But, we did bump into classmates (had to look at the nametags before we could recognize them) and mingled a bit. Swapped a few stories, caught up on the local gossip. It was great. "Those were the days my friend, we thought they'd never end."

We left early and went to my brother's house for a tour. Then, stopped off at my nephew's house and kissed my great nephew. Was great to be back home with the "rents" and sisters too.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

THE DASH


I'm Glad You're In My Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone,
From the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came her date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

(1934 - 1998)

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth...
And now only those who loved her,
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
The cars...the house...the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand
The way other people feel

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile..
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read
With your life's actions to rehash...
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spend your dash?

You are truly special and unique.
I'm glad that you're in my life and part of my dash.
Share this with those you care about,
From my dash to yours.

LAUGH LONG, LIVE LONG,
YESTERDAY IS HISTORY
TOMORROW IS A MYSTERY
TODAY IS A GIFT. . .
THAT'S WHY THEY CALL IT
THE PRESENT.

God Bless You!!!

Friday, June 30, 2006

Rest in Him

Received this via email from a friend:

Thought this was good and great reminder to take time for God daily.....love to you all.....
dont forget to say a prayer for this mission today!!!

Blessing to you today, Susan

M. Maketime to seek Jesus daily
E. Ease into a routine.
E. Expect more from yourself.
T. Teachable. Always be ready to learn.

From: Proverbs31devotions@comcast.net

To: "Devotions"
Subject: [devotions] 6-28/Encouragement for Today
Date: Wed, 28 Jun 2006 08:41:23 -0500
June 28, 2006

"Be Still and Know"
Van Walton

Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member, Director of Hispanic Ministries

Key Verse:
Psalm 46:10a, "Cease striving and know that I am God." (NASB)

Devotion: I find it hard to accept the fact that relaxing and reveling in life by simply resting and being still is an acceptable activity. What about you? Do you easily take time out from your busy schedule to sit before the Lord, ask Him to speak, enjoy the works of His hands, rest in Him, and delight in the blessings He has so generously poured on you? If you are like so many busy women today, carving out time to sit quietly or romp around seizing the day is not a priority.

Early in the spring, I stepped out into my yard to clear out what the last frost of the fall had destroyed. Working in flower beds, around bushes, by the fence, and next to my front porch I cleared, pruned, and tidied. I brought out the bird baths and scrubbed them down. Then I returned my concrete pieces of yard art to their specified places, filled with water. I did the same with bird feeders, filling them with thistle seed, sunflower kernels, safflower, and wild bird mixture. I ended my day by planting a few of the latest selections from my favorite garden center, and digging up and separating various grasses and lilies. When I finished, I slowly straightened my bent over body, working the stiffness from my wintered joints. There I stood in my back yard. Slowly I turned and surveyed my work. It looked good and I was pleased.
Going inside, I poured myself a glass of lemonade and returned to the fresh air of the outdoors. My favorite lawn chair beckoned so I kicked off my shoes, threw my legs up on the cushions, and put my head back to enjoy the little world I had developed.

It dawned on me that just as God had declared that His work was good, so I had found delight in my creative work. I liked the appearance of my surroundings. God rested after His work in Eden. I certainly was enjoying my brief moment, but in less than 5 minutes my body rebelled! I found, that no matter how I longed to commune with the One Who had brought me to this garden, I could not nail myself to the chaise on which I was relaxing. Finishing my refreshing drink, I stood up, stretched and moved on.

The following morning, even before the earliest rays of sunshine penetrated my sleep, I heard the songs of birds. Each little creature had his own song to sing.

I heard sharp chirps and melodious whistles. One little bird sat on a branch outside my window and serenaded me with all he had. After several minutes, his vigorous voice drew me to the window where I spotted him. As he sang, his little throat pulsed in and out, feathers ruffled, beak wide open, head held high. On and on he sang. This little guy's pitch was perfect. I noticed that the chirpers and the crowers were not intimidated, though. They did not stop their singing because there were others in the choir whose voices were more melodious.

While I listened to him and his fellow feathered friends I surveyed the work I had accomplished the previous day. A cardinal sat on a bird feeder. Robins poked around the freshly turned soil. Little wrens flew in and out of my fancy bird house. Blue jays took turns splashing in the bird bath. Clearly the flying fellows in this small lot on planet earth had no trouble basking in the garden where I had spent my time creating and developing a lovely retreat.

I stepped outside to join my 'neighbors' and participate in their praises. As I did so, God reminded me, through my own sense of delight, that it is good to enjoy and savor my Father's provisions. I felt a sense of satisfaction and joy; the birds' obvious pleasure honored and affirmed me.

I sensed God whisper: "Consider the birds of the air. They thrill in the results of your labor and by so doing, they deeply gratify you." "Child," my Father murmured, "gratify me with praise. I created earth for your pleasure. Bask in my presence. Be still and know that I am He who watches and delights while you revel in that which I have created for you."
Next time you feel a tug to sit and rest or a nudge to slow down and savor the world around you, gratify God. Do it! You will honor Him and the work of His hands. He created earth and placed you here to "take delight in the Lord." (Psalm 37:4)

My Prayer for Today:
My Father, My Creator, Your beauty is reflected here on earth in everything You created. You invite me to experience the garden, knowing I have to slow down in order to do so. Help me accept that quiet time spent with You is a good and healthy activity. Thank you, Lord for the beautiful gift of life and nature. I ask this in Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application Steps:
Read Genesis 1 - 2:21, John 14:1-4, Revelation 21:1-3; 21:9-22:2
In each of these passages God reminds me that He wants to prepare a marvelous place for me. What are the similarities in each of these three scripture readings?
Two of the greatest kings in the Hebrew nation, David and Solomon, wrote beautiful poetry and lengthy praise songs. I learn two things from their writings: 1) They knew God. 2) They didn't mind spending the necessary time needed to praise him and write about His glory. If they, in the midst of their royal duties, took time to enjoy God and tell Him so, then shouldn't I do the same?

Reflection Points:
Is my life characterized by a constant state of busyness or am I able to enjoy the presence of God on a regular basis?
Is there room in my daily schedule to spend more time with God, so I might learn more about my Father?
Do I want to have a deeper relationship with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

Power Verses:
Job 22:26-27, "Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God. You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows." (NIV)
Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." (NIV)
James 4:8a, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." (ESV)

Additional resources:
· Becoming a Woman who Listens to God, by Sharon Jaynes
· Breathe, by Keri Wyatt Kent
· What Happens when Women Walk in Faith, by Lysa TerKeurst

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Love In Pure Form

I just remembered an evening about a year ago when God showed me Love In Pure Form. I had flown in and was visiting with my granddaughters for the week and sleeping on their bottom bunk bed. (It was the night before I had to leave). They were 5 and sharing the top bunk. I miss them and worry about them, and I know they probably have been to church only the 1/2 dozen times I took them before I moved away. I worry about their spirituality and wonder if they know about Jesus or God. I had flashbacks of my own son (at about their age) going to church for the first time at Christmas and saying, "Who are Mary and Joseph? Who is Jesus?" Tears, buckets of tears. Anyway, I said, "Do you want to say a bedtime prayer with Grandma?" I started to recite, "Now I lay me down to sleep..." Grace said (yes, they are twins named Faith and Grace) "I pray the Lord my soul to keep..." I was shocked, and thrilled, and with great surprise said, "How do you know that prayer?" She said, "C (her little brother) has a teddy bear that says it. Do you want me to go get it?" I said, "No." But, we finished our prayer.

Suddenly, it was clear to me that He loves them even more then I do! I mean bright light clear. How foolish I was to think that my prayers, my love, my hopes and dreams for them could even compare to His! Like I was their only lifeline to Him! (I'm so ignorant and gullible and mortal sometimes. I feel as if my brain is stuffed with cotton fluff). He told me, in that moment, without words; He will take care of them, protect them, guide them, and love them. My love for them is immeasurable and His surpasses understanding! He blessed me with children and grandchildren, and He blessed me with a glimpse of Love In Pure Form. It was so cleansing and humbling...all I could do was cry. Buckets and buckets and buckets of tears. Happy tears. For a good hour. I felt enveloped in the most beautiful expression of love anyone could ever hope to experience!

My Head Hurts


My head always hurts. I have a headache 4 out of 7 days a week. Sometimes, it's a full blown migraine. I have no idea why. Sometimes, I think it is a hormone imbalance...other days I know it's sinus/allergy, plus I have a degenerative disc in my neck and I know it (and my back) are out of alignment, still other times it's stress. I'm sick of headaches. Sick of them! I hate them. They are all consuming. Like they have a life of their own. No fun. Paralyzing. They make me cranky. Going to work and popping tylenol or asprin or advil every 3-4 hours (I push it on really bad days and take them an hour early), is a pathetic existence. My husband thinks I'm hypochondriac "like my mother". I'm nothing like my mother in that respect. But, his intolerance for "weakness" and "imperfection" only bring on more headaches. Sometimes, I wish God would just bring me home so I would never again have another headache.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Electric Light Parade

Have any of you ever been to Disneyland? It's Disney's 50 year anniversary this year, so after the Electric Light Parade (a nightly tradition at Disneyland...just an hour before closing they parade through the park with all kinds of "floats" made from thousands of lights) they also have fireworks. It was breathtaking! No matter how many pictures I tried to take, they just didn't do it justice. The light parade makes it a truly "magical" experience for kids and adults alike. It has synthesizers too and the people on or "in" the floats "interact" with the audience. I recommend it to almost everybody! Bring out the child in yourself!

Going on Rides











The kids had no problem on the kiddie rides. F even went on some big people rides (G got scared on Space Mountain and wouldn't go back on). But, Grandma braved the big ferris wheel for their sake. Here is J with the kids on one of their roller coasters. The lines are always horrible though. Especially for favorites like Splash Mountain! They accidentally took both the girls on this hotel terror ride and they ran off crying to Grandma...F says, "those people are NOT normal"!

DISNEYLAND VISIT

















We had a wonderful time with the grandbabies at Disneyland in Anaheim. My grandson was a little young, but my granddaughters were the perfect age for it! I wish EVERY child could experience it once in their lifetime. I thank God that I was blessed by my husband and got to experience it with them (and my daughter/their mommy)!

Friday, June 02, 2006

Prayer Request

My cousin B and his wife were in a motorcycle accident and hurt badly in Green Bay. They are now out of ICU, but your prayers for a complete and speedy recovery are urgently needed. His mother and father, (my aunt and uncle-obviously), need prayer for health concerns as well.

My sister and I have had a disagreement and I would ask your prayers for healing and understanding in the hearts of both. Also, for direction and guidance over the issue that first began the disagreement. Lord, have your will and your way prevail in the outcome with clarity and peace as well as forgiveness for both.

Heavenly father, I lift all these things to you in solemn prayer. I praise you for your love and healing touch; may you heal/repair/strengthen my family in every way. It's easy for the carnal mind to get caught up in emotions and stress, to become muddled with anger and petty grudges. Release me from these negative holds and crush the advesary beneath your feet. Forgive my indiscretions and hold me close Father.

These things I pray in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Ma and Pa

I just wanted to say how much I treasure my Mom and Dad (we call them Ma and Pa...after an old family show Ma & Pa Kettle, a term of endearment). As they approach their golden wedding anniversary I've come to realize how much I've taken their presence for granted. I love them with all my heart and instinctively count on them "being there" whenever I need them. But, as I age and they age mortality suddenly comes to the forefront. And even though we share in the love of Jesus Christ--we'll be together in heaven one day--I still cherish the moments I have now! I'm endeavoring to call and visit more often then in years past, because despite all the problems or history we may have as a family I KNOW how much they love me and they know how much I love them. Thank you Lord, for giving me my parents. Bless them and keep them close to you always.

Milestone Anniversary


My parents will celebrate their 50th Wedding anniversary in January. That's a milestone! Not many people make it that far anymore. My sister put out a request for gift ideas and I'm copying the plea. We're on a very tight budget with little to spare and I'm afraid a big bash will be out of the question. But, I wanted to do something heartfelt and personal for them...so they would know the family is celebrating with them in spirit, even if we can't be there in person. I mean, there's always the traditional little gifts of gold, but I was hoping for something creative that just the two of them could do. Perhaps even a little romantic? Any suggestions?

Monday, May 22, 2006

Hollywood Heros

This came to me via email, and I couldn't copy the photos of the actors. But it's very interesting!

Alec Guinness (Star Wars~Bridge over the River Kwai) operated a British Royal Navy landing craft on D-Day.

James Doohan ("Scotty" on Star Trek) landed in Normandy with the U. S. Army on D-Day.

Donald Pleasance (The Great Escape) really was an R. A. F. pilot who was shot down, held prisoner and tortured by the Germans.

David Niven was a Sandhurst graduate and Lt. Colonel of the British Commandos in Normandy.

James Stewart Entered the Army Air Force as a private and worked his way to the rank of Colonel. During World War II, Stewart served as a bomber pilot, his service record crediting him with leading more than 20 missions over Germany, and taking part in hundreds of air strikes during his tour of duty.

Stewart earned the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, France's Croix de Guerre,and 7 Battle Stars during World War II.

In peace time, Stewart continued to be an active member of the Air Force as a reservist, reaching the rank of Brigadier General before retiring in the late 1950's.

Clark Gable (Mega-Movie Star when war broke out) Although he was beyond the draft age at the time the U.S. entered WW II. Clark Gable enlisted as a private in the AAF on Aug. 12, 1942 at Los Angeles. He attended the Officers' Candidate School at Miami Beach, Fla. and graduated as a second lieutenant on Oct. 28, 1942. He then attended aerial gunnery school and in Feb. 1943 he was assigned to the 351st Bomb Group at Polebrook where flew operational missions over Europe in B-17s.

Capt. Gable returned to the U.S. in Oct. 1943 and was relieved from active duty as a major on Jun. 12, 1944 at his own request, since he was over-age for combat.

Charlton Heston was an Army Air Corps Sergeant in Kodiak.

Earnest Borgnine was a U. S. Navy Gunners Mate 1935-1945.


Charles Durning was a U. S. Army Ranger at Normandy earning a Silver Star and awarded the Purple Heart.

Charles Bronson was a tail gunner in the Army Air Corps, more specifically on B-29s in the 20th Air Force out of Guam, Tinian, and Saipan.

George C. Scott was a decorated U. S. Marine.

Eddie Albert (Green Acres TV) was awarded a Bronze Star for his heroic action as a U. S. Naval officer aiding Marines at the horrific battle on the island of Tarawa in the Pacific Nov. 1943.

Brian Keith served as a U.S. Marine rear gunner in several actions against the Japanese on Rabaul in the Pacific.

Lee Marvin was a U.S. Marine on Saipan during the Marianas campaign when he was wounded earning the Purple Heart.

John Russell: In 1942, he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he received a battlefield commission and was wounded and highly decorated for valor at Guadalcanal.

Robert Ryan was a U.S. Marine who served with the OSS in Yugoslavia.

Tyrone Power (an established movie star when Pearl Harbor was bombed) joined the US. . Marines, was a pilot flying supplies into, and wounded Marines out of, Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

Audie Murphy, little 5'5" tall 110 pound guy from Bay City, Texas who played cowboy parts?

Most decorated serviceman of WWII and earned: Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, 2 Silver Star Medals, Legion of Merit, 2 Bronze Star Medals with "V", 2 Purple Hearts, U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 2 Distinguished Unit Emblems, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with One Silver Star, Four Bronze Service Stars (representing nine campaigns) and one Bronze Arrowhead (representing assault landing at Sicily and Southern France) World War II Victory Medal Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar, Expert Badge with Bayonet Bar, French Fourragere in Colors of the Croix de Guerre, French Legion of Honor, Grade of Chevalier, French Croix de Guerre With Silver Star, French Croix de Guerre with Palm, Medal of Liberated France, Belgian Croix de Guerre 1940 Palm.

So how do you feel the real heroes of the silver screen acted when compared to the hollywonks today who spray out anti-American drivel as they bite the hand that feeds them? Can you imagine these stars of yesteryear saying they hate our flag, making anti-war speeches, marching in anti-American parades and saying they hate our president? I thought not, neither did I!

Sunday, May 21, 2006

The Testosterone Twins


Here are the testosterone twins. J (on the left) is 16 and B (on the right with one of his "pet" reptiles) is 15. J is my son and B is my stepson. They have to share a room and it is driving me crazy! Two teenagers in one room (and stepbrothers to boot) is enough to drive General Patton into a deep depression! When my other two sons were home and there were FOUR boys and my husband in the house, I would literally "escape" to my daughter's house for an estrogen fix. I ache for those days.
But, seriously, it's a difficult world for teenagers these days. Politics, drugs, television and video game influences...dysfunctional backgrounds from single parent households. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. We should be in prayer daily for our children, that's a given. But, we should also pray for their friends, teachers, neighbors, government leaders, and that they find God's purpose in their life. Lord, I pray that you surround our children with a hedge of protection and place a hand of guidance upon them. May they know you and love you completely, and may they meet people and make friends who would do the same. Help them find the mate YOU have chosen for them in the future. Lord God, we give their future over to you...for it is beyond our capability. Help us to be the parents you desire us to be. Thank you for being the omnipotent and omnipresent God that you are. These things we pray in His holy name, Amen.

Saturday, May 20, 2006

Sunshine!

Sunshine always picks up my spirits. I've really been in a slump and kinda' down. But, the longer days and warm weather -along with the sunshine- help me trudge on. Thanks for summer God!

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Vacation was Fun


BEFORE I make the decision to check out for good, I thought I'd share a photo from my recent vacation back "home" in California. This is me with my daughter and grandkids. The twins had gotten sick (G had 103 fever for 3 days and F was down for 1), but it was still fun just to be with them. My husband delivered a load nearby and we took a few hours to go to the zoo. 9 days just isn't enough when your heart is still planted there.

Checking Out

I'm seriously considering checking out of the blog business. It's supposed to be an online journal of sorts. My life is rather dull, pretty boring, and when there is some monumental piece to write...it's usually due to some catastrophe or calamity that just depresses everyone who reads it (and me even more then I already am). It's fun to share and see the lives of others (even when there is sadness and loss, it feels good to pray for the lives of brothers and sisters in Christ). But, I just don't look at it all that often and rarely if ever get comments or ideas or encouragement from anyone other then my sister or niece.