Sally's Musings

Mountains

2012-01-07T09:04:00.000-06:00

Mountains
We all have mountains in our lifes. Mine are different from your's I am sure. It is how we face those mountains that make a different.

This is borrowed from Dr. Bob Griffin a former Pastor of ours:
Diary on Weight Loss (and other Mountains)

Sunday, Jan. 1 - I tried to climb the mountain today. As I inched my way up the path, I felt out of breath and had to turn back.

Monday, Jan. 2 - I tried to climb the mountain today. But, It was so hot outside, I thought I had better stay in my nice air-conditioned house and rest up for tomorrow's attempt.

Tuesday, Jan. 3 - I tried to climb the mountain today. On my journey, darkness started to fall and I was full of fear, so I had to returnto a safe place.

Wednesday, Jan. 4 - I was ready to climb the mountain today. But I had so many other things to do, so instead of climbing the mountain I took care of the much more important tasks; I washed the car, mowed the grass and watched the big game, Today the mountain will have to wait.

Thursday. Jan. 5 - I was going to climb the mountain today. But as I stared at the mountain in all its majestic beauty, I knew I had no chance of making it to the top, so I figured why even begin trying.

Friday, Jan. 6 - I had forgotten all about climbing the mountain today, until an old friend came by and asked what I was up to lately. I told him about all my plans to climb that mountain someday. I went on and on about how I was going to accomplish the task.

He stopped me and said, "I just got back from climbing that mountain. For the longest time I told myself I was going to try and climb it but never made any progress. I almost let the dream of making it to the top die. I came up with every excuse of why I could not make it up the mountain, but never once did I give myself a reason why I could. One day as I stared at the mountain and pondered, I realized that if I didn't make an attempt at this dream then all my dreams would eventually die."

He continued, "The next morning, I started my climb. It was not easy, and at times I wanted to quit. But no matter what I faced, I placed one foot in front of the other, keeping a steady pace. When the wind tried to blow me over the edge, I kept walking. When the voices inside my headd screamed, 'stop!' I focused on my goal, never letting it out of sight. I kept moving forward. I could not quit because I knew I had come to far to quit to stop now. Time and time again, I reassured myself that I was going to finish this journey. I stuggled mightily to make it to the top, but I CLIMBED THE MOUNTAIN,"

"I have to be going," my friend said. "Tomorrow is a new day to accomplish more dreams. By the way what are you going to do tomorrow?"

I looked at him, with intensity and confidence in my eyes, and said, "I HAVE A MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB."

Saturday, Jan. 7 -

Bend in the Road

2011-11-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Bend in the Road

When we feel we have nothing left to give And we are sure that the song has ended When our day seems over and the shadows fall And the darkness of night has descended.

Where can we go to find the strength To valiantly keep on trying,
Where can we find the hand that will dry The tears that the heart is crying.

There's but one place to go and that is to God And droping all pretense and pride, We can pour out our problems without restraint And gain strength from Him at our side.

And together we stand at life's crossroads And view what we think is the end But God has a much bigger vision And He tells us it's only a bend.

For the road goes on and is smoother
And the pause in the song is a rest
And the part that's unsung and unfinished Is the sweetest and richest and best.

So rest and relax and grow stronger
Let go and let God share your load
Your work is not finished or ended,
You've just come to a bend in the road.

by: Helen Steiner Rice

Trials

2011-10-02T22:03:00.001-05:00

Trials:
I have not posted for some time. I have been going through some health trials.
One of my dear friends posted this today and it was such a great reminder. She gave anyone permission to re post if we wanted to.

WHEN I FACE TRIALS REMEMBER:
1. God's love for me is unchanging.
2. God's purpose for me is Christ - likeness.
3. God's word is my final answer.
4. God's grace is sufficient for me.

Sioux Falls, SD

2011-07-08T09:16:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday five other ladies and I went to Sioux Falls for a fun trip. We visited the falls, very pretty on the Sioux river in the city. Then we did the trolley tour to see many sculptures lent for a year to the city. I liked best the little girl and boy pledging allegiance & saluting the flag and also one of a farmer setting thinking. We visit several little shops and also Union Missions thrift store. We had a picnic lunch, drove round the park looking at beautiful flowers. We visited a butterfly house. I have never seen so many butterflies and so many different kinds in one place at the same time. Also in that building were large spiders and huge tanks of fish and coral. We really had a fun time. The ladies are part of the Y A H group. (Young At Heart)

Lost my blog

2011-06-15T12:18:00.002-05:00

Hi,
Just to let you know I recovered my blog. I must have deleted it by accident. Busy today but will post again soon.

A Blue Rose

2011-05-13T17:29:00.000-05:00

A Blue Rose
Having four visiting family members, my wife was very busy, so I offered to go to the store for her to get some needed items, which included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags, deteregent and Clorox. So off I went.
I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies and headed for the checkout counter, only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man who appeared to be about sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here."
"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded proudly.
"Wow," I said "that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny, but my name is Steve."
"Steve, like Stevarino?" he asked. "Yes," I answered. "How old are you Denny?"
"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle.
"You're fifteen-years-old Denny;
now be a good boy and let the man pass by."
I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement, because he was the center of someone's attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section.
Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him.
I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow, and pink roses in God's Garden; however, "Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a Blue Rose and if someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God.
She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are you?"
Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion, but I sure love living in God's garden."
She reached out, squeezed my hand and said, "God bless you!" and then I had a tear in my eyes.
May I suggest, the next time you see a BLUE ROSE, don't turn your head and walk off. Take the time to smile and say Hello. Why? Because, by the grace of
GOD, this mother or father could be you. This could be your child, grandchild, niece or nephew. What a difference a moment can mean to that person or their family.
From an old dandelion! Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
"People will forget what you said, People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel!"
ANON

Parking Space

2011-04-15T09:21:00.000-05:00

You Took my parking space at church.
This should wake us up.
One day, a man went to visit a church. He got there early, parked his car and got out. Another car pulled up near the driver got out and said. "I always park there! You took my place!" The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated. "That's my seat! You took my place!" The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sunday School, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, That's where I always sit! You took my place!" The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still He said nothing. Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?" The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from His eye. "I took your place."
Yes it is true He (JESUS) took our place. Our sins are covered by the blood of God's only Son. Have you accepted this free Gift of forgiveness.

Car Repaired

2011-04-14T15:39:00.000-05:00

We got our car repaired. It turned out not to be our wheel bearing but rather the front left brake hose. The mechanic said the bearing looks good. We need to get two new tires so will take care of that on the 20 th. Cars sure are a blessing until they start needing repairs.

Life goes on

2011-04-10T14:03:00.004-05:00

I visited my niece Violet again recently. We went together to Rice Lake WI for her aunts, my sister-in-laws 80 th birthday open house. We stopped at a kitchen store, several art galleries and Barnes & Nobles. We had a good time.
This morning on the way to church on an off ramp the car smelled very hot. Bob got out to check and around the tire was very hot. We think it is the bearing. We had already arranged an appointment for tomorrow to have it checked and our mechanic said it sounded like a brake or bearing. Anyway we got a tow truck from the place we were going to take it tomorrow to tow it to their place.
I have slowed down for a while on my knitting because my neck, shoulder, and left arm were getting very painful.
Just talked to my neighbor about roto tilling our garden spot. My crocus and Iris are greening up. Yesterday I spotted some rubarb peeking through the ground. Day lillies haven't shown up yet. All snow in our yard is gone. There still are a few very small piles around town.
Whats up at your place?

Prayer request

2011-04-09T01:35:00.002-05:00

Please pray for me to get my blood sugar and cholesterol under control. Yesterday my low blood sugar was 178 and high 359. My cholesterol isn't that bad but should come down some also.

This and That

2011-03-27T00:02:00.004-05:00

I'm borrowing my "Title" from a friends blog.
I have been doing allot of knitting. I'm working on a baby blanket right now. It is for a girl. (mint green) Seems like when I knit I don't get as much other things done.
I washed and ironed my kitchen curtains. I have three windows.
I have been having pain in my right leg when I'm on it for a couple hours.
Really missing our kids.
Really enjoyed a book Lizzie gave me called "An Unlikely Blessing".
The ladies Bible study I attended just started " He Is My Freedom".
Plan to go to my niece, Violets on Friday. Then she and I are going to my sister-in-laws, her Aunts 80th birthday open house on Sat. the 2nd. Please pray for safety for us.

Things I have been doing and places I've been

2011-03-16T14:51:00.009-05:00

Hi,
WOW I have not written for a while. I went to visit Violet (in New London) again for about 12 days. She is assistant manager of a Coffee House in the neighboring town (Spicer). The manager went on vacation while I was there. Violet was in full charge and put in twelve hour days. She allowed me to help some. It was fun and I enjoyed the other ladies who work there on a regular schedule. While I was there they had a fire at their home. That was quite the experience. They will have to be out of their house for at least two months. Two rooms will need to be gutted and restored, water, & smoke damage throughout the house. Praise The Lord NO one or animals were hurt or died in the fire.
Then yesterday after the Tuesday A. M. Bible study I attend locally five of us ladies went on a shopping trip. We picked up some sandwiches at a Hardees somewhere between here and Sioux Falls, S.D. and ate those in the car. Now you already know that four older ladies and one younger lady together in a car spells FUN,LAUGHTER,& CONVERSATION. We went to allot of places our small towns around here don't have. Then we went to a Texas Roadhouse restaurant for supper. We got back home about 9:45. I had awoke at 4:15 so I was really tired, but had a GREAT time!
I also am continuing to knit prayer shawls. I purchased yarn yesterday to knit a baby blanket and cap for a young couple in our church expecting their first child.

His Way

2011-02-21T16:05:00.006-06:00

"HE LEADETH ME" BY John F. Chaplain

In pastures green? Not always; sometimes He Who knows best, in kindness leads me by weary ways, where heavy shadows be.
Out of the sunshine warm and soft and bright - Out of the sunshine into the darkest night, I oft would faint with sorrow and affright, Only for this - I know He holds my hand; So whether in the green or desert land I trust although I may not understand.

And by still waters? No, not always so, oft-times the heavy tempests round me blow and o'er my soul the water and billows go.
But when the storm is loudest and I cry aloud for help, the Master stands by and whispers to my soul, "Lo it is I." Above the tempest wild I hear Him say,
"Beyond this darkness lies the perfect day; in every path of thine I lead the way."

So whether on the hilltop high and fair I dwell, or in the sunless valley where shadows lay - what matters? He is there!
So where He leads me, I can safely go, And in the blest hereafter I shall know WHY, in His wisdom, He hath led me so.

Prayer Shawl, Ministries

2011-02-17T23:20:00.003-06:00

I just finished my third adult Prayer Shawl. My nurse friend brought me more yarn today. I have made one child's shawl also. She wants me to make another childs with a little different in the design. It is such a blessing to do these and pray for who ever will receive it.
Today I meet with the (Y. A. H.) Young At Heart group. Two of the ladies tear sheets into stripes. Then I sew them together in very long pieces. They are then cut into 15 feet pieces which we roll into bandages and send them to the mission field.

Christian Songs

2011-02-05T23:45:00.002-06:00

Christian songs speak to my heart. I can attend a Christian music concert and God can speak to my heart as if it were a pastor speaking. I love many hymns the following is a favorite.

"I KNOW OF A NAME "
BY: JEAN PERRY 1865 - 1935

I know of a name, a beautiful name,
That angels brought down to earth;
They whispered it low, one night long ago,
To a maiden of lowly birth.

Refrain

That beautiful name, that beautiful name,
From sin has power to free us!
That beautiful name, that wonderful name,
That matchless name is Jesus!

I know of a name, a beautiful name,
That unto a Babe was given.
The stars littered bright throughout that glad night,
and angels praised God in Heav'n.

Refrain

The one of that name, my Savior became,
My Savior of Calvary.
My sins nailed Him there; my burdens He bare.
He suffered all this for me.

Refrain

I love that blest name, that wonderful name,
Made higher than all in Heaven.
'Twas whispered, I know, in my heart long ago
To Jesus my life I've giv'n.

Refrain

To learn more of other hymns I suggest you visit:
http://wordwisehymns.com
with Robert Cottrill

Friends

2011-02-04T14:45:00.003-06:00

Isn't it great to have friends. I want to tell you about one of my friends, (Nila). Wednesday afternoon Nila called and asked if she could come over for tea. I said yes, then she said, but I'm not done so I said yes. She asked if she could bring Lue, and Linnea with. I said of course and then she said I just took two pans of cinnamon buns out of the oven and I'll bring one pan with. They all came and we had such a wonderful time of fellowship. I love all these ladies. They are a part of a Bible study group I attend on Tuesday mornings here in town. I'm glad my friend felt comfortable enough with our friendship that she could do that.

Valentine

2011-02-01T13:52:00.003-06:00

Sunday evening my neighbor lady called and said to watch the Hallmark show. It was called "The Lost Valentine. Betty White was in it. It was a wonderful story. If it can be borrowed from a library it is well worth the time.
Speaking of Valentines. I hope you all have a nice Valentines day.

For God so loVed
the world thAt he gave
His onLy
bEgotten
SoN
That whosoever
belIveth
iN Him shall have
Everlasting life.
John 3:16

Dust

2011-02-01T13:39:00.003-06:00

Dust
Can you image my surprise when I found there have been others living here with Bob and I unnoticed. This morning I cleaned my kitchen & bathroom. I really did a complete job of it - vacuum the walls , scrubbed the floors, dusted. Oh my GOSH I was shocked by all the dust. Since we are made from dust and return to dust I was shocked to find we have these people living with us. I haven't cleaned the two bedrooms and the living room. We don't have room for these extras people. I'm sad, because if they are going I wasn't a good hostess.
Have a GREAT day and laugh a little.

Good News

2011-01-20T23:09:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I was to see the doctor who in the future will do some surgery on me. The good news is the tissue is getting stronger. It isn't strong enough for surgery yet . He has me on a prescription med. three times a week that is making it get stronger. Will have him check the tissue again in April.
Other good news. My hubby had x rays today and what we thought might be a chipped or broken elbow isn't. Just badly sprained and bruised.
Best news God loves us and cares about the biggest and littlest concern in our life's. His mercies and blessings are new each morning. God is good.

Spring

2011-01-19T23:32:00.002-06:00

The weather man on our home page for this area said it is officially 60 days till spring. That is wonderful. We have lots of snow this winter. It is beautiful. Also this year the storms or flurries have been close enough to keep it looking beautiful and white.

HI & HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-01-14T07:58:00.004-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
I'm only 14 days late. I do hope this year will bring peace to this world.
A couple days ago my hubby and I watched a Daniel O'Donnell DVD I purchased at one of his concerts. I love his singing. He has a couple songs which have become favorites with me. The first one "My Forever Friend" speaks of my friend, Jesus.
He is an ever lasting friend. He will never leave me. I wish I could share all the words to this song, but it is copyrighted so don't think I can. Also he sings
"Footsteps" This song is about Jesus footsteps walking with me. I can't always see them, but He is always there with me. He doesn't change like weather. Google or use swag bucks search type in: you tube Daniel O'Donnell and the name of both these songs and you can hear and see the lyrics. I'm so glad I know this friend and He walks with me everyday and He is here whether it is a good day or a bad day. He is an AWESOME God!!!

Ministries

2010-12-31T03:33:00.002-06:00

Ministries are something I have for many years tried to be involved in. Over the years the type or style has changed as different needs has been shown to my heart. Since moving to this area about 2 1/2 years ago I have become involved in a new ministry. That being working with my hands in knitting, or using my sewing machine. It is something I can do and also enjoy doing. It uses my time well and minsters to others in special ways. I have made infant caps for mid-wife kits, military caps, plus caps for kids in Alaska that have ear flaps and I cords and now I'm going to make some prayer shawls. One of my friends here is a parish nurse so she will give out the prayer shawls. I don't do all of the things at one time but usually two of the projects going at one time. I get to pray for people I will likely never met, but it is a blessing to be able to share a gift God gave me that I can help full fill others needs. I like to think of my being a Dorcas.

Baby Jesus-Christ My Saviour

2010-12-24T23:52:00.003-06:00

I am so happy that the little babe of Christmas (Jesus) came to earth so many years ago. I'm glad He left His home in glory to grow to the God Man who took my sins upon Him on the cross. I thank you dear Jesus for shedding your blood for my sins. Yes it was 50 years ago this past May that I placed my sins under that blood-confessed my sins-Believing what He said. He shed His blood for the remission of my sins. Praise God. I wish you each a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Happy New Year!!!

What I'm doing

2010-12-03T13:33:00.002-06:00

Wow.
It has been a long time since I have written.
I have been busy.
We have joined the church we have been attending since in March. It is a round trip of 44 miles, but we really feel a part of that family of believers. Great to be members again. We had a harvest dinner there on November 21. Good fellowship and great food. It was at the afternoon service we were voted in as new members.
On Thanksgiving day we were part of the 41 people who joined with others from three communities that meet at a church here to enjoy a traditional turkey dinner and then a afternoon of games. That was fun. I roasted one of the turkeys. Oh my did our house smell nice. Yum!!
This past Sunday we had two couple and a single lady over for lunch after church. We had a really good time.
Tonight we are have two friends over for ham & bean soup. It has been snowing here and we have probably about 2-3 inches of fresh snow. I need to bake a cake for tonight. I'm going to make applesauce-raisin cake.(my Mom's recipe)
I have read 4 1/2 books this past week. I love to read.
I have been knitting military caps. I'm going to try making stocking caps with ear flaps. I heard of a need in Alaska. I've never tried ear flaps so this will be a first for me.
Haven't felt the best recently,but I still get things done.
Our daughter was 40 last Monday and our son will be 36 this coming Monday.
Will try to not wait so long to write next time.
My niece is picking me up for a visit on Tuesday. Really looking forward to that.
Got my hair cut and set this morning. That is always a thing I really enjoy.

Visit with Violet

2010-11-12T01:04:00.007-06:00

I am looking forward to a visit at Violet's in December. Beside being a Pastors wife she is an artist. It has been to long since we visited. She is going to be having an art show while I am there. I am sure we will do fun things. We are both on diets. I am going to be on my break time while there. I will also enjoy their fire place. The picture of me on my blog is in front of their fireplace.

THE NOAH PROJECT

2010-10-30T14:11:00.006-05:00

This noon I took Noah's grandma out for Chinese food. Nila Gene wrote the following which was read at Noah's funeral.
THE NOAH PROJECT
GOD spoke to little Noah Luke, "I have a plan for you. You have to start early, 3 months early. David understood that plan and wrote in Ps 139:16, "You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in Your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."(NLT)

And GOD continued, "You have a building project, fashioned the same as your namesake in MY Word. Yes Noah, you can build a boat, your boat. And, my dear child, as you build, there will be some bumps in the process. But hold on to My promise to you in 1 Cor 10:13, "GOD is faithful. He will not allow the temptations to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure." (NLT)

And Noah began his project on Aug. 4, 2010. His boat was to be fashioned much smaller than the normal size. In the building process, Noah experienced some of those bumps that GOD had foretold; ventilation, circulation, and waste management were detrimental to that developing vessel. But he was not alone in the building mission. There were angels present with him all the time. Angels came in the form of professional builders who came before the onset of the project and stayed with him for 24 hours a day and 7 days each week. They assisted him with any help he needed during the entire building project. He had a mother who kept a watchful eye on his project everyday. He had a father who was with him everyday, either in spirit or in body. He also had other relatives and a multitude of angelic friends and prayer warriors praising GOD for his mission and sending requests for continuing building instructions for Noah. These angels were all encourager's and exhorter's, the nuts and bolts and nails that held the builders together. Noah persevered and thrived during the boat-building.

Then 2 1/2 months into the project, GOD spoke to Noah Luke again, "Now is the time, now is the day of salvation." And the water came; for 2 weeks the flood swelled and on Oct. 21, 2010 under the watchful eye of his parents and brothers, the ropes on Noah's boat were released. His journey was short and peaceful. His little boat landed and GOD spoke again, "Noah, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. You have come to the assembly of GOD'S firstborn children, whose names are written in Heaven. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in Heaven who have now been made perfect. You have come to JESUS, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and man. Heb 12:22 (NLT)

And Noah would give this message to each of us from Mk 10:15 "Let the children come to me Don't stop them. For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children." And Noah's building project continues on through each of us.

Traveling South

2010-10-04T19:16:00.002-05:00

Traveling South no we aren't, but the birds are. We had nine robins visit our back yard this afternoon. Oh the last two morning our back yard has been covered with frost also. Beautiful colors on many of the trees. I love living where there is change of seasons. The farmers have much of their soy beans harvested and soon will come the corn. The report that the crops in this area are very good. (Some lost in water standing in fields.) We had 10 inches in two days.

Praise

2010-09-30T10:08:00.003-05:00

Praise
1. Salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
2. Noah my friends grandson is up to 2 lbs and 7 ozs. He was born at 1 lb. He seems to be doing well right now.
3. Lizzie's son, James is able to see his Dad, Lee after about 4 years.

Harvesting

2010-09-10T13:08:00.003-05:00

Harvesting
We have had the joy of fresh tomatoes, peppers, and apples we raised.
We have two apple trees. Last year we got one apple from each of the trees. This their second year we got 10 from each tree. We have eaten all the State Fair apples and Bob just picked the Cortland this morning so we each had one. Next year or maybe the next we will have so many we won't count them. It has been fun. We have had so many fresh tomatoes we can't eat them all fresh I have cooked up a lot and made chili several times. Will make a casserole for supper with some and I have frozen ten so far. We are thankful for them.
We were talking with some friends the other night as we both celebrated our anniversary together. They are farmers and they expect to be in the field harvesting their soy beans in about two weeks and a little later their corn.
Harvesting is fun. I remember Harvest Festival at church in the fall when I was a child. Did any of you celebrate a Harvest Festival?

Thank You

2010-09-10T09:20:00.004-05:00

Thank You
On Wednesday I saw the surgeon. He will do the surgery I need. He put me on a hormone treatment to strengthen some tissue before surgery. No date has been set. He said that if surgery were done now the tissue would tear. I will see him again. November 9th. One nervous concern addressed.
This morning my primary care doctor called. He had received the report back on the heart monitor I wore for 24 hours. A very good report. My numbers had not fallen into a danger area while sleeping. My heart had skipped a couple beats, but he said that is not real unusual or of concern. So second concern addressed.
THANK YOU for your prayers.
Today is our 44 th wedding anniversary.

Nervous

2010-09-07T13:58:00.003-05:00

Nervous
I'm nervous, now this does not often happen with me. I will see a surgeon tomorrow afternoon. I'm not nervous about seeing him. The reason I'm nervous is because my pulse has been running low along with sometime my blood pressure. My primary doctor is aware of this fact and has been adjusting med to correct it and has had me wear a monitor for 24 hours also. I had a friend who had surgery when his numbers were low and he never came out of being put under. He came through surgery okay, but he just didn't wake up. He was put on machines for a few days, but then everything was pulled. Also my daughter had a surgery somewhat in the same area and had complications. They seem to be solved now, but that is why I'm nervous. If you read this just pray that I will trust God for a good outcome. Thank you for allowing me to share. I know I'm in His arms no matter the outcome.

Vacation

2010-08-25T07:20:00.004-05:00

We recently came back from a vacation with our son and his family. We also visited some friends in Tennessee while on our way to Georgia. Had some car problems. We saw some very beautiful country. Was sad because our daughter was not able to join us. We are glad that she has recently started a full time job after being off work for well over a year because of health problems.

Friends, Windmills & Hog barns

2010-07-28T23:28:00.008-05:00

This story actually starts about two years ago. We moved to this area and there is a large number of wind mills that generate electricity. Now my hubby and I expressed a interest to know more about them. A gentlemen that attends the church that we were attending invited us to join him at a banquet which was given for all the land owners who have these windmills on their property. There was a speaker and we became more interested. At that meeting we toured one site of a finished windmill. Very interesting. Now they have started building another area of wind mills. I believe there are to be 67 in this group. I think it is 97 in the first group. Last Wednesday, July 21st Keith and Linda (the gentlemen & his wife) I before mentioned invited us to go for ice cream with them. We have become good friends with them. Anyway Keith took us to six different sites where windmills are at various stages of being build. When we went for ice cream I expressed I wished I had pictures to show our kids, who we will visit soon. Keith said buy a throw away camera and he would take us back to get pictures before we went to the kids. Well today Keith called and said he could do that this evening. It is so interesting and educational to see this on the site rather than in a video. Keith and his two sons have seven windmills on their join properties. They are to have two more build on their properties soon.
The lady that does my hair is married to one of Keith & Linda's son. The son's have the hog barns. They have 3,000 hogs. Anyway the night we went for ice cream I was asking Keith about the hog operation. Tonight he took us to two of the barns. One of them is empty right now because they sold the thousand pigs that were housed in it. It was totally fascinating to learn of the operation and everything involved. We talked about hog production, hog farm practices, of hog farming, heating, waste management, standard of keeping yourself sterile while working with the hogs, cooling, cleaning etc. Each of their barns have a shower which is required before entering the area with the hogs. Also they have a washer and dryer and when you finish chores you wash the clothes and they must take another shower before leaving the barn. You never go from one barn to the next without showering. We were very impressed. My hubby and I grew up on farms and are really enjoying being in a small town surrounded by beautiful farms.

First tomatoes

2010-07-20T14:50:00.003-05:00

Last night my hubby picked three ripe tomatoes from our garden. We gave the nicest looking one to our neighbor lady. Today at lunch we enjoyed sinking our teeth into one of the other ones. It was delicious. It was a big boy. There are a number more starting to turn, Our other plant champion the fruit hasn't started to turn yet. Season of fresh produce. I love it.

Memories

2010-07-20T09:54:00.002-05:00

Memories can be pleasant or then again not so pleasant. Well I usually chose to dwell on the pleasant ones. This morning I kept thinking of a memory of advise given me by a pastor when I was first dealing with some of the abuse that was done to me in the years of high school days. At first I didn't think I could do what he asked or suggested. His advise was PRAY for those that abused you. Well I told him I didn't know if I could do that. He suggested to pray for their family members first if I couldn't pray for them. It was good advise. There are sometime when the unpleasant memories return briefly. It is then a good time to again pray, pray, and pray some more.

Love

2010-07-19T11:10:00.003-05:00

Love, Love, Love!!!
I just finished talking with my niece Violet. I love that girl. Now I love all my nieces and nephews allot. Wish I could spend more time getting to know them better. Violet and I live close to each other so have been able to spend more time together as adults. We laugh together allot. She tries to blackmail me with things I say or do. (just all in fun) I challenged her today to find a scripture which gave her permission to do that. I reminded her that God said " BE YE KIND ONE TO ANOTHER"

Stumbling Block or a Stepping Stone

2010-07-14T15:22:00.005-05:00

This poem has been running through my mind a lot lately. The first time I saw it was the night I graduated from high school. Inside each of our diplomas was a little card with it written on.

Stumbling Block or a Stepping Stone

Isn't it strange that princes and kings
And clowns that caper in sawdust rings
And common folks like me
Are builders of eternity.

To each is given a bag of tools,
A shapeless mass and a book of rules:
And each must make, ere time is flown,
A stumbling block or a Stepping Stone.
Author unknown

I am that shapeless mass and God's Word is the set of rules.
He also gave me different talents or gifts to use for Him. (His plan for our lives is to LOVE Him and GLORIFY Him forever.)
When I accepted His great salvation my live changed very much.
II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Praise God He is still changing me to be more like Him.
I know before I knew Christ I was a stumbling block.
If you know Him isn't the love of Jesus WONDERFUL!!!

Prescription drugs

2010-07-12T22:31:00.003-05:00

Wow
Where do I start. Have you ever been fed up with taking to many med's. I have decided to take my self off a couple. I will do it gradually, but I feel it senseless to keep taking a couple that never did any good. Have been checking one of them especially. Many people had problems with always being tired from it. I have that reaction also at least from something I'm on. Another one that doc has me maxed out on and it didn't help so why keep taking it????? Excuse me, but I'm venting here. Very rarely do I do that.

Holiday, Friends

2010-07-03T16:18:00.004-05:00

We celebrated the 4 Th today. Our neighbor and we grilled out. Try this recipe sometime.
Two pounds ground round
One package Lipton onion soup
One cup grated cheddar cheese
One/Fourth cup barbecue sauce
Mixed very well and grill
ENJOY
We will attend our worship service tomorrow morning. So thankful for that freedom.
We won't be seeing any live fire works tomorrow evening. We will watch a couple programs of them tomorrow evening.
I'm baking six dozen cookies to take to church for Bible school this up coming week.
We hope you have a safe & fun July 4 Th. Don't forget to worship.

Blessing

2010-07-02T10:49:00.004-05:00

This morning as I was driving back from a near by town where I had to go for x rays I was thinking. You know we are so blessed to have a working car and not have to depend on horses as people in years gone by. We have to go to a city in the opposite direction this afternoon. I'm getting fitted for hearing aids this afternoon. Anyway we have had to go to that town every single day this week for doctors, dentist, etc. We are blessed to have a car.
This morning when I got home we have no water. We take so much for granted now days. Running water is great and I'm not sure whats up with none this morning, but I checked with a neighbor and they don't have any either so the city must be doing something and have it off.
Well I have to run and pick up hubby as I have the car. He went in early so he could go with me this afternoon for my appointment.
Wishing you all a wonderful, fun, safe, fourth of July.

Grilling out

2010-06-29T22:50:00.002-05:00

I purchased a large package of pork chops on special . Tonight our neighbor lady (Patty) grilled them on her grill and we had a huge feast. We borrowed a lawn table from another neighbor (Tom & Maureen) and sat out and enjoyed the beautiful weather and lovely meal. Sharing food is so much fun. We sat out long and listened to the birds and watched fire flies. Oh the joys of summer. Each season has its own beauty.

Anniversary

2010-06-28T09:43:00.003-05:00

It was two years ago today that we moved to our new home here in southwest Minnesota.
We really like it here. We are in a small town but so close to the edge of town that we like to think we are in the country. In our married life we have lived in a total of 18 houses, duplex's, or apartments. We have lived in six different states. No we weren't in the service, but schooling and jobs have caused our moves. We both grew up on farms so loved being involved in this area of many farmers.

Gospel Concert

2010-06-27T21:55:00.002-05:00

Tonight we attended sundaes in the park. We didn't purchase a sundae, but we really enjoyed the free concert. Jon Schafer a local singer sang. We have his CD. He is really good. He also gave the testimony of how he came to the Lord and how anyone can receive the Lord. What a blessing.
After the concert we went for a walk with our neighbor lady and her dog Gracie.

Severe Weather

2010-06-25T22:13:00.005-05:00

Severe Weather tonight in our area. The storm siren sounded twice. The radio station in the city near us advised everyone in our town and several towns in our area to head for shelter or lowest area of your house. We went to our basement. The lights went out. We were in the basement for 1 1/2 hours before the radio station gave and announcement that we were safe. We got heavy rain. Down the street from us on the corner we can see part of a tree broken off. We will have to check things out in the morning.

What I'm doing

2010-06-21T22:24:00.002-05:00

In our neighborhood there are six mailboxes in a row. The logs on which they are mounted had never been painted so that is what I spent a portion of the week end doing. They look really nice. My husband replaced our mail box because the door on our old one didn't close proper and our mail got wet and snow on in the winter. Today I painted a wicker clothes hamper we have had for 25 or 30 years. It looks so nice. If it doesn't rain tomorrow we will work on the lawn. Hope you are all having a great summer.

Tornadoes

2010-06-18T11:06:00.003-05:00

Tornadoes
The tornadoes missed us yesterday. There were 36 tornado sightings in Minnesota yesterday. Some of them did much devastating damage. The winds were strong here and we did get rain.

Weather

2010-06-17T11:25:00.002-05:00

It was such a beautiful day here yesterday. Today is also pretty. This afternoon we may have thunder storms and maybe hail. All the crops are up and looking really great after some much needed rain. I enjoy driving out in the country and seeing everything green and so alive. Sure hope we don't have really bad weather this afternoon and evening. Have a wonderful day!

Visiting Violet

2010-06-09T06:38:00.003-05:00

Violet, my niece picked me up on Wednesday evening and my husband came on Saturday and we returned home Sunday. Their daughter, Becca graduated on Sunday. Her party was on Saturday. I was able to help with preparing food. It was fun and we always have time to enjoy just being together. When she came to pick me up she saw and approved the project we now have finished. (Actually my husband did the largest share of the work.) He landscaped our front lawn. First he put special cloth down to block weeds. Then he put forty four forty pound bags of white marble rock. After that he used 3x5 log trim to hold it all in place. it really looks nice. It was a lot of work. We were thinking of another project, but he checked with a man and it costs more than our budget can handle. This week Violet is coming to stay Friday and Saturday nights. We are going to attend an art festival near here. Violet is an artist.

Things I'm Doing

2010-05-28T16:36:00.003-05:00

Garden
This morning I made a trip to the greenhouse to get new tomato plants and pepper plants. Our other plants froze so replanted. We do have apples on both of our trees. Tonight hubby will spray the trees then will have to do it every couple weeks. We are working on a project will tell you more about it when we finish. It involves more work than we thought it would, however we like what we are seeing. Will be nice when finished. Our neighbor's Tom & Maureen gave us a small bird bath so our feather friends are happy with that. We hope you all have a safe special holiday.

The Old Fisherman

2010-05-22T17:59:00.024-05:00

The Old Fisherman

Our house was directly across the street
from the clinic entrance of Johns Hopkins
hospital in Baltimore. We lived downstairs
and rented the upstairs rooms to outpatients at
the Clinic.

One summer evening as I was fixing supper,
there was a knock at the door I opened it to see
a truly awful looking man. "Why he's hardly taller
than my eight-year old," I thought as I stared at
the stooped, shriveled body.

But the appalling thing was his face, lopsided
from swelling, red and raw yet his voice was
pleasant as he said,"Good evening. I've come to see if
you've a room for just one night. I came for a
treatment this morning from the eastern shore, and there's
no bus 'till morning.'

He told me he'd been hunting for a room since noon
but with no success; no one seemed to have a room. "I guess
it's my face. I know it looks terrible, but my doctor says
with a few more treatments..."

For a moment I hesitated, but his next words convinced me: "I
could sleep in this rocking chair on the porch. My bus leaves
early in the morning." I told him we would find him a bed, but
to rest on the porch till supper. When we were ready, I asked the
old man if he would join us. "No thank you. I have plenty and he
held up a brown paper bag.

When I had finished dishes. I went out on the porch to talk with
him a few minutes. It didn't take a long time to see that this old
man had an oversize heart crowded into that tiny body. He told me he fished for a living to support his daughter, her five children
and her husband, who was hopelessly crippled from a back injury.

He didn't tell it by way of complaint; in fact. every other
sentence was prefaced with thanks to God for a blessing. He was
grateful that no pain accompanied his disease, which was apparently a form of skin cancer. He thanked God for giving him the strength to keep going.

At bedtime, we put a cot in the children's room for him. When I got up in the morning, the linens were neatly folded, and the little man was out on the porch.

He refused breakfast, but just before he left for his bus, haltingly, as if asking a great favor, he said, "could I please come back an stay the next time I have a treatment? I won't put you out a bit. I can sleep fine in a chair." He paused a moment and then added."Your children made me feel at home. Grownups are bothered by my face, but children don't seem to mind." I told him he was welcome to come again.

And on his next trip he arrived a little after seven in the morning. As a gift, he brought a big fish and a quart of the largest oysters I had ever seen. He said he had shucked them that morning before he left so that they'd be nice and fresh. I knew his bus left at 4 a.m.,and I wondered what time he had to get up in order to do this for us.

In the years he came to stay overnight with us there was never a time that he did not bring us fish or oysters or vegetables from his garden.

Other times we received packages in the mail, always by special delivery; fish and oysters packed in a box of fresh young spinach or kale, every leaf carefully washed. Knowing that he must walk three miles to mail these and knowing how little money he had made the gifts doubly precious.

When I received these little remembrances, I often thought of a comment our next door neighbor made after he left that first morning. "Did you keep that awful looking man last night? I turned him away! You can lose roomers by putting up such people!"

Maybe we did lose roomers once or twice but, oh! If only they could have known him, perhaps their illness would have been easier to bear, I know our family always will be grateful to have known him; from him we learned what it was to accept the bad without complaint and the good with gratitude to God.

Recently I was visiting a friend who has a greenhouse. As she showed me her flowers, we came to the most beautiful one of all, a golden chrysanthemum, bursting with blooms. But to my great surprise, it was growing in an old dented, rusty bucket. I thought to myself, "If this were my plant, I'd put it in the lovliest container I had!"

My friend changed my mind. "I ran short of pots," she explained, and knowing how beautiful this one would be, I thought it wouldn't mind starting out in this old pail. "It's just for a little while, till I can put it out in the garden."

She must have wondered why I laughed so delightedly, but I was imagining just such a scene in heaven. There's an especially beautiful one. "God might have said when He came to the soul of the sweet old fisherman. "He won't mind starting in this small body."

All this happened long ago--and now, in God's garden, how tall this lovely soul must stand.

The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

Handwrriting On the Wall

2010-05-22T14:55:00.021-05:00

A weary mother returned from the store. lugging groceries
through the kitchen door.
A waiting her arrival was her eight year old son, anxious to relate
what his younger brother had done.

While I was out playing and Dad was on a call, T. J. took his
crayons and wrote on the wall
It's on the new paper you just hung in the den. I told him you'd be
mad at having to do it again.

She let out a moan and furrowed her brow, "Where is your
little brother right now?"
She emptied her arms and with a purposeful stride she marched to his closet where he had gone to hide.

She called his full name as she entered his room. He trembled with fear--he knew that meant doom
For the next ten minutes, she ranted and raved about the expensive wallpaper and how she had saved.

Lamenting all the work it would take to repair, she condemed his action and total lack of care.
The more she scolded, the madder she got, then stomped from his room, totally distraught.

She headed for the den to confirm her fears when she saw the wall, her eyes flooded with tears.
The message she read pierced her soul with a dart. It said, "I love Mommy", surrounded by a heart.

Well, the wallpaper remained, just as she found it, with and empty picture frame hung to surround it.
A reminder to her, and indeed to all: "Take time to read the handwriting on the wall."

Christian Fellowship, Cleaning, Friends

2010-05-20T08:20:00.003-05:00

This week has been a fun week so far. I invited a friend to go for coffee yesterday (Wednesday) morning. We had such sweet fellowship around our Lord. Then she invited me to go to a neighboring town. We got a lot done that we each needed to do. We laughed a lot. Aren't friends wonderful. Tuesday I attended a Bible study with other ladies and my husband attended a Men's Fellowship. This morning our YAH group (Young AT Heart) meets. We roll bandages for missionaries. How blessed I am to have friends and Christian Fellowship. I praise God for both. Now when this afternoon arrives I need to get down to some cleaning. I got my ironing and laundry all caught up, but in this past week I have found three dust bunnies. (That's bad news) Yesterday a neighbor helped my husband lift two window air conditioners into place.

Laughter

2010-05-13T07:13:00.003-05:00

Do you like to hear the sound of laughter. I love that sound. It is really good for us also. Last night I had the joy of being able to attend a Mother's - Daughter's get together and supper at my dear friends Patty's church. The speaker for the evening was Edna Thayer, she co authored a book with Mary Huntley entitled "A Mirthful Spirit". The book sounds very interesting an I wished I would have had the $10 reduced price for the evening to buy it. It sells for $18.95 normally. The Bible tells us that "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." I especially love the laughter of children. There are just some people that it is easy to share laughter with. A good belly laugh exercises the muscle around us as we shake with laughter. Sometimes there are periods of tears in our life. Last night was one of those times for my dear friend. The grief of just losing her Mom was hard and yes there were some tears, because of that very fresh grief she has. I was glad I could hold her and let her cry, because of precious memories. She also shared in the laughter and she and I shared some of the things about her Mom that made her so precious and also funny expressions that made us laugh as we talked about her Mom. I challenge you start laughing at yourself and make someone else laugh today.

Family

2010-05-12T13:40:00.003-05:00

This precious little guy (Sidney) called and told me "Happy Mother's Day I Love You" Monday night. We plan to go for a visit in August. He keeps growing so fast. He is my youngest grandson. Children truly are a gift from God.

Awesome God

2010-05-09T17:58:00.004-05:00

Awesome God
Come, Thou Fount

Come , Thou Fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet Sung by flaming tongues above;
Praise the mount I'm fixed upon it Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Here I raise mine Ebenezer Hither by Thy help I'm come;
And I hope by Thy good pleasure Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger Wand'ring from the fold of God;
He to rescue me from danger Interposed His precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor Daily I'm constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness like a fetter Bind my wand'ring heart to Thee:
Prone to wander Lord, I feel it Prone to leave the God I love;
Here's my heart O take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above.

Ebenezer (stone of help)

I am always amazed that Jesus sought me when I was a stranger to Him, but He knew me and loved me even before the foundation of the world He loved me. On May 11 I will be 50 years old in the Lord. He did indeed rescue me (Sally) from danger. His precious blood was the required payment, nothing I could do. Thank You Precious Jesus!!! PRAISE MY AWESOME GOD!!!

Winter

2010-05-09T16:57:00.003-05:00

Winter in May. Yes that's what I call last night. I planted 4 tomatoes and 4 peppers on April 30. Last night it froze here and they all died. We also noticed that the two apple trees both had brown blossoms this morning. So maybe no apples this year. We can replant the other things. I purchased some pole bean seeds while in Sioux Falls, SD on Friday. That was a cold windy day. I really had fun as I rode along with my friend and her husband. He had to go to the VA medical center and she had to see her foot doctor. She had a bunion removed some time ago so this was just a final check on how that was doing. I was completely worn out when we got home at 10:15 pm. We shopped in between appointments and on the way home, plus ate out twice and they won't let me pay for my meals. We left at 9:00 in the morning and I had only four hours of sleep Friday morning before going.

Spring II

2010-04-30T01:26:00.003-05:00

Yesterday a neighbor rotor tilled a small garden area for us. Today I purchased 4 different tomato plants, 4 pepper plants, and two clematis. I was able to get everything planted. I will still have room for some pole beans, & onions. I can hear it raining as I write this. That is good. I have some flower seeds from my niece, Violet to plant also. I wish my body was as willing and anxious to do everything that my mind thinks I'm able to do. Oh well my spirit is young, but my body is less young. I'm excited because my brother and we are meeting Saturday. It will be good to see him again. Did I ever mentioned that I LOVE spring. Today I harvested rhubarb from the plants we planted last year. I made a rhubarb crisp today and invited three neighbors over for dessert tonight. I served ice cream with it. I had only a small bite without ice cream.

Spring

2010-04-27T21:28:00.002-05:00

I absolutely love spring!!! All the things we planted last summer are up and doing well. Today I purchased some pansies, a flower with a tiny white bloom, and one hosta to fill in a space around our maple tree. Pansies always reminds me of my Dad. My irises remind me of my Mom. I miss both of them very much. So I got my hands dirty planting those. Some Pelicans have returned to a couple lakes around here, but they aren't all back yet. We purchased a sprayer to spray the two apple trees we purchased last year. The gentleman at the greenhouse said to wait till all the blossoms are gone. before spraying. My rhubarb is looking real good and I plan to take some and make rhubarb crisp tomorrow. Oh my crocus are blooming also. We will need to mow the lawn again tomorrow also. Hope you are all enjoying this beautiful season. Oh Spring,Oh Spring, Oh SPRING, Oh SPRING. The farmers are in the field. One of our friends, a farmer has planted 1,000 acres of corn and another 1400 acres of corn. Our neighbor said he saw some corn up already about 20 miles from here.

Prayer

2010-04-25T00:09:00.005-05:00

Prayer
What a wonderful privilege we have to be able to have conversation with God directly.
How blessed that our savior will speak to His Father in our behalf. Right now my hearts cry to God is that He will heal our daughter. She has had five surgeries in the past year. The first one being on May 18, 2009. She has a tentative date of June 2 we just found out tonight. That is if the doctor her surgeon wants to assist him accepts her case. She will see that doctor on Tuesday, April 27. He is not in her health care plan so we are asking God that arrangements will be made that he will accept her case. She has checked him out through the Internet and he is rated the best in his field in her area. We rest believing God has her in His care. She said she has confidence in the surgeon and the person he wants to assist even through she has not met him yet. Praise God He still can heal.

A Veteran

2010-04-17T09:02:00.005-05:00

A Veteran
I'm very thankful for all the men and women who serve our country. I received this poem as an e mail. We need to pray for these men and women and pray for the families of those who have lost loved ones while serving. This poem arrived with no title or author.

He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair is falling fast,
And he sat around the RSL,
Telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.

And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew where of he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For ol' Bob has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer
For a Soldier died today.

He won't be mourned by many,
Just his chilren and his wife..
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing,
'Tho a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?

The politican's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.

While the ordinary Soldier,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small.

It's so easy to forget them,
For it is so many times
That our Bobs and Jims and Johnnys,
Went to battle, but we know,

It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would your really want some cop-out,
With his ever waffling stand?

Or would you want a Soldier--
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Soldier,
Who would fight until the end.

He was just a common Soldier,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.

For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days..

Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life,
wrote a blank cheque made payable to 'Australia', 'New Zealand',
'Canada', 'Great Britain', 'The United States' or any other God fearing country for an amount "up to and including my life".

That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this WORLD who no longer understand it.

Thank you veterans and Soldiers who have served in the past and who are now serving.

Full Coverage

2010-04-10T15:26:00.003-05:00

Full Coverage

I have an insurance policy.....
Written in the blood of the Lamb,
Sealed by the Cross of Jesus,
Redeemable wherever I am!!!

The company will never go bankrupt,
It is bonded by God's promise true;
It will keep every word of it's contract,
Exactly what it says it will do.

I don't have to die to collect it,
No premiums do I have to pay;
All I do is to trust God's promise
And walk in His holy way.

No collector will ever come calling,
It was paid on Calvary's tree;
It insures me for living and dying
And for all eternity.
{Author Unknown}

Space

2010-04-09T23:30:00.003-05:00

Space
We were blessed to be able to purchase a used John Deere 30 inch riding mower this week. Bob had mentioned to our neighbor Tom that we might purchase a used mower. Well Tom has been helping his Mom get things ready for an estate sale as his half brother passed on. He asked Bob if he still what a riding mower. Tom drove it over to our place and we bought it. Now why did I title this SPACE. Well WHERE WERE we going to keep it. Our sun porch has become our second garage, because that is where we have a little space. We are thankful that the things Bob moved to have the mowers and snow blowers in the garage will be dry and usable in their new space (home). God is so good in providing for all our needs. PRAISE GOD!!!

Visiting Violet

2010-04-07T23:42:00.004-05:00

We had an exciting time for Easter. We went to visit my niece Violet and her family. We always have a great time with them. They had other guests for dinner (noon) on Sunday. David is a Pastor and their church had a Easter breakfast which was delicious. Then David had a very nice Easter message. He spoke of the empty tomb and our eternal hope, because of the empty tomb. It is so true we have that hope, because Christ arose and the tomb is empty. He is even now preparing a place for all who place their faith in the finished work of the cross. The blood of Christ is the only payment we need for our sins. He is the light at the end of the tunnel. Our Risen Lord!!! Praise God!!! I'm also excited because Violet is coming to attend a Beth Moore Live Simulcast with me on Sat. April 24 th. She will be staying overnight.

Arranging A Urn

2010-04-02T05:45:00.003-05:00

This afternoon I went to a town near us and at Wal-Mart I choice flowers to arrange in a urn I purchased last fall for my brothers grave near here. When I got home I thought I would ask Maureen, a friend and neighbor if she could help me. She was excited to help and her husband helped with his special saw to cut the styrofoam to put the flowers in. He also helped with putting white rocks in the urn then Maureen with only a small amount of help by myself arranged the flowers. I wasn't sure how many flowers to purchase so Maureen added some baby breath and red roses to fill in. Then we put Spanish moss on top of the rocks. It is beautiful.

A Blessing

2010-03-29T18:13:00.002-05:00

May the Lord, mighty God
bless and keep you forever
grant you peace, perfect peace
courage in ev'ry endeavor.

Lift up your eyes and see God's face
live in His grace forever
may the Lord mighty God
bless and keep you forever.

Things I dislike

2010-03-26T01:18:00.002-05:00

I was thinking of things I dislike. There aren't to many, but here are a few. These are not in any sort of order.

1. Tissues left in pockets when you wash clothes.
2. Clothes that are not color fast that you wash.
3. Boiling something over on the stove.
4. Getting shoe polish on my fingers.
5. People who walk their dogs and don't pick up after the dogs.
6. Being late for an appointment or meeting.
7. Spilling something in the refrigerator.
8. Broken Promises
9. Nights I can't sleep. (tonight)
10.Scrapping fingers on blackboards.

I'm sure if I thought longer I might come up with some more, but enough for tonight.
Let me know a few thinks you dislike.

JUST PUSH

2010-03-22T13:20:00.004-05:00

Our daughter sent this and I would like to share it.
JUST PUSH

A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light,
and God appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed
him a large rock in front of the cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push
against the rock with all his might.

So this man did, day after day,. For many years he toiled from sunup to
sundown, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might!

Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole
day had been spent in vain. Since the man was showing discouragement, the
Adversary decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the weary mind: (He
will do it every time)!

You have been pushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn't moved. Thus
he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure.
These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man.

Satan said, "Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the
minimum effort; and that will be good enough."

That's what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a matter of prayer
and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord.

"Lord he said, "I have labored long and hard in Your service, putting all my
strength to do that which you have asked. Yet after all this time, I have not even
budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?"

The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and
you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your
strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you
to move it. your task was to push. And now you come to Me with your strength
spent, thinking that you have failed.

But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back
shiny and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard.

Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which
you used to have. True, you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be
obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. That you
have done. Now I, my friend, will move the rock"

At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to
decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and
faith in Him.

By all means exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God
Who moves the mountains.
.....PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS).....
When everything seems wrong.......................Just P.U.S.H.
When the job gets you down........................Just P.U.S.H.
When people don't do as you think they should.....Just P.U.S.H.
When your money is "gone" and the bills are due...Just P.U.S.H.
When people just don't understand you.............Just P.U.S.H.
P=PRAY
U=UNTIL
S=SOMETHING
H=HAPPENS
"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from
now and make a brand new ending."

Curio Cabinet

2010-03-20T08:17:00.006-05:00

Last Saturday our friends, Tom & Maureen gave me a beautiful lighted curio cabinet. I now have placed my clown collection in it. I like to step in that room turn its light on and remember where each of the clowns came from. Wonderful memories of days we travelled to different areas. Also memories of old friends who gave me several of the clowns and our new friends that gave me the curio cabinet.

Friends
Make new friends,
but keep the old.
Some are silver,
the others are gold.
New made friendship,
is like new wine.
Age will mellow and refine.
Friendship that have stood the test
time and change are surely best.

Stress

2010-03-17T14:04:00.000-05:00

So glad to see the sun shining. My hubby and I have both been dealing with some stress. We were home from services on Sunday. He with a cold and I with the discomfort of the starting of a uti. I was able to get anti-biotic on Monday. Will be seeing the doctor tomorrow for some other issues. He has been using golden seal plus vitamin C. He took thera-flu this morning. He has been able to cough up and get stuff out of body. I wanted him to stay home from work yesterday, but he went. My sugar is doing a yo yo thing. A number of other things that we found out were heavy on each of our hearts.(We had a long talk on Sunday both of us feel very strongthly abut some things; fortunately we both feel the same way on the issues.) Some we just need to follow through with decison to follow our convictions. Some we just have to put back in God's hands and Pray, Pray, and did I mention pray. Sometime there truly is nothing we can do but pray.
It is nice to see signs of spring. I love spring!!!

The SPARROW at STARBUCKS

2010-03-10T14:52:00.004-06:00

I once read that a coincidence is when God chooses to remain
anonymous.......

The SPARROW at STARBUCKS

The song that silenced the cappuccino machine
It was chilly in Manhattan but warm inside the Starbucks shop on
51st street and Broadway, just a skip up from Time Square. Early
November weather in New York City holds only the slightest hint
of the bitter chill of late December and January, but it's enough
to send the masses crowding indoors to vie for available space and
warmth. For a musician, it's the most lucrative Starbucks location
in the world. I'm told, and consequently, the tips can be substantial
if you play your tunes right. Apparntly, we were striking all the right chords that night, because our basket was almost overflowing. It was
fun,low pressure gig-I was playing keyboard and singing backup for my
friend who also added rhythm with an arsenal of percussion instruments.
We mostly did pop songs from the '40s to the '90s with a few orginial
tunes thrown in. During our emotional rendition of the classic, "If
You Don't Know Me by Now," I noticed a lady sitting in one of the
lounge chairs across from me. She was swaying to the beat and singing along. After the tune was over, she approached me. "apologize for
singing along on that song. Did it bother you?" she asked. "No," I
replied. "We love it when the audience joins in. Would you next
selection?" To my delight , she accepted my invitation. "You choose,"
I said. "What are you in the mood to sing?" "Well...do you know any
hymns?" Hymns? This woman didn't know who she was dealing with. I
cut my teeth on hymns. Before I was even born, I was going to church.
I gave our guest singer a knowing look. "Name one." "Oh, I don't know. There are so many good ones. You pick one." "Okay," I repllied. "How about "His Eye is on the Sparrow"? My new friend was silent, her eyes averted. Then she fixed her eyes on mine again and again,"Yeah. Let's
do that one." She slowly nodded her head, put down her purse,
straightened her jacket and faced the center of the shop. With my
two-bar setup, she began to sing. Why should I be discouraged?
Why should the shsdows come? The audience of coffee drinkers was transfixed. Even the gurgling noises of the cappuccino machine ceased
as the employees stopped what they were doing to listen. The song rose to its conclusion. I sing because I'm happy; I sing because I'm free.
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. When the last
note was sung, the applause crescendoed to a deafing roar that would
rivaled a sold-out crowd at Carnegie Hall. Embarrassed, the woman tried to shout over the din, "oh, y'all go back to your coffee! I didn't come in here to do a concert! I just came in here to get somethin' to drink, just like you!" But the ovation continued..I embraced my new friend.
"You, my dear, have made my whole year! That was beautiful!" "well its
funny that you picked that particular hymn, "she said. "Why is that?"
"Well..." she hesitated again, "that was my daughter's favorite song."
"Really!" I exclaimed. "Yes," she said, and then grabbed my hands. By
this time, the appllause had subsided and it was business as usual.. "She
was 16. She died of a brain tumor last week." I said the first thing that found its way through my stunned silence. "Are you going to be okay?"
She smiled through tear-filled eyes and squeezed my hands. "I'm gonna be okay. I've just got to keep trusting the Lord and singing his songs, and everything's gonna be just fine." She picked up her bag, gave me her card, and then she was gone. Was it just a coincidence that we happened to be singing in that particcular coffee shop on that particular November night? Coincidence that this wonderful lady just happened to walk into that particular shop? Coincidence that of all the hymns to choose from, I just happened to pick the very hymn that was the favorite of her daughter, who had died just the week before? I refuse to believe it.

He allows Us

2010-03-03T16:26:00.003-06:00

I was told of this blog by my niece.This blog called Walk with Nature is both beautiful and inspiring. I quote from the blog: God allows us to make our own decisions. please read his March 1, 2010 post. What he says is so very true. You may even want to add this blog to favorites.

Good Neighbors

2010-03-02T22:27:00.002-06:00

This afternoon I was studying our love seat and wondering if I could do a minor change on it. I knew I would need a wood stapler. I called my neighbor, Maureen to see if her husband Tom owned a wood stapler. Yes he owns one I explained what I planned to do. Tom and Maureen came over and helped me remove the two front skirt panels and move them to the back and move the back ones to front. It was a simple job with right equipment. Then Tom, Maureen and my self rearranged the living room which gives it a nice look. I praise God for good neighbors who are willing to help.

Surfing

2010-03-02T14:02:00.000-06:00

My husband and I have just been surfing around on the net for a couple weeks. We seen inspiritional things, interesting things, funny things educational things, it is a source of much information. We also came upon not good sources and several we wish would be band because of content and how easy it would be for children to get to, by just playing on the computer as we were. I love to be able to follow blogs that encourage me or where I can encourage someone. There is so much good but also evil. It is after all apart of this fallen world we live in.

Olympics

2010-02-28T22:40:00.002-06:00

We have really enjoyed watching the different events involved with the Olympics. It was exciting, happy, sad, charged,so packed with emotions. We were disappointed that they didn't show the actual extinguishing of the flame. They had the camera on the singer and next time we saw the torch it was out. I thought that was a bad choice.

Dust

2010-02-24T15:42:00.001-06:00

I just got my vacuum out. Yes it made me think of dust. If you are like me you wonder. WHERE DID ALL THIS DUST COME FROM? I'm always surprised at how much dust collects in our house. Even more amazed at how fast it appears. Your right we bring some in from outside. When we lived in California a dear friend of ours after his wife passed on said about his house and cleaning "when enough gets carried inside then I'll start carry it back out". I have heard that we human lose 30,000 - 40,000 dead skin cells per minute. Then we lose hair, fibers in our rugs, furniture, bedding, clothes all forms of dust. If you have pets you have even more dust. It is yucky to even think about. Well thats enough thoughts on dust. I need to get busy with my vacuum and swifter. I will turn on our two air purifiers. My niece, Violet and I tease each other about white glove inspections. Violet suggested changing to gray glove inspections. I think gray gloves are a great idea for inspections. Give me about three hours and I should be ready for inspection.

Things I have been doing

2010-02-16T21:22:00.000-06:00

I have been enjoying some of the Winter Olympics the events have been exciting to watch. I miss football now that its over for the season. Sometimes I watch golf. Today I spent some time watching birds and also drops of water dripping off the icicles. I finished reading a book I received as a Christmas gift. I enjoy checking different blogs or links I have been told about. Our area has had winds and blowing snow so miss our ladies Bible studies when it is cancelled on Tuesday because it isn't safe to be out on the roads.

Most recent picture of our youngest grandson

2010-02-13T16:29:00.003-06:00

He has most of his teeth now. His shirt says "That's it I'm calling Grandpa" We hope to go visit them late summer.

Heartaches and Hidden Tears

2010-02-13T04:29:00.000-06:00

Heartaches and Hidden Tears

I am sure we have all shared them down through our years.
What do I speak of, heartaches and hidden tears.
Where do they come from? No; not out of the blue.
They come from lies that are spun;
When from God's absolutes truths we would run.
They come from not respecting the authority Gods given.
They creep in when by self pride we are driven
Sometime they are caused by unkind words that are spoken;
Or often they come from promises broken.
Oh how they hurt us; what do I speak of, but heartaches and hidden tears. So today bring them to Jesus; hand them over to Him;
For don't ever forget He is the healer of broken hearts and He wipes away tears.
written September 17, 1996

My Cup Runneth Over with Love

2010-02-10T07:46:00.007-06:00

Our friend over at http://adustyframe.com/ wrote the sweetest blog today. Take time to visit it. We love this couple.
This is one of our favorite LOVE songs: MY Cup Runneth Over with Love
Click on album cover in middle of right side when you reach the site. This year in September we will celebrate 44 years of wonderful marriage life.

Military Caps

2010-02-09T00:00:00.002-06:00

After making 98 baby caps I have switched to making military caps. It takes much longer to make the larger ones, but they are for a good cause. I just finished the second one. It is good being busy making for others in need. Please support our troops in any way you can.

Burnt Biscuits

2010-02-07T09:59:00.003-06:00

(This is an e mail I received. This wasn't my dad, but it could have been. Thank you God for my memories of my dear Daddy. He taught me so many lessons like this.)
When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food
for dinner every now and then, And I remember one night
in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a
plate of eggs,sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front
of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet
all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!
When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burnt biscuits."
Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides - a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!"
You know, life is full of imperfect things... and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults - and choosing to celebrate each others differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship. And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal - breaker!
We could extent this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband - wife or parent - child or friendship!
"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket - keep it in your own."
God Bless You...Now, and Always...
So please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burnt one will do just fine.!.!.!

Praise

2010-02-03T08:24:00.000-06:00

Praise
Just wanted to share that we have received two unexpected checks since January 25th. Both of my husbands hearing aids have died and so we are praising God for the timing. He answers before we call many times. He is an awesome God!!!

Two different world's

2010-02-03T08:06:00.001-06:00

Two different world's:
I want to share with you two poems I wrote at two different times in my life. The first " Our Plight" was written before I came to know Jesus Christ in a personal way. I accepted Christ's forgiveness approx. three months later.

Our Plight
After we have entered the world, and played our part.
Where can we go with our broken heart?
How can we turn to get rid of the pain?
If we go back and start again, will we be refreshed as grass from rain?
Or will we always be as lonely as a train?
The train that rumbles the many miles.
How dark and gray, and never a smile.
Where is the home of a weary *wanderer?
Or where is the bed of a weary ponderer?
Must we forever be lost as a star in the milky way?
WHY, OH WHY, do we feel this way?
Is there a reason we go astray?
Why do we hate, and fear, and dread?
Or WHY did God take my Mother among the dead?
I see not why men strive in vain.
When all we can really understand is pain.

*WANDERER: one who moves about with no destination or purpose
Written in February of 1960.

The second "The Answer" was written in answer to the poem "Our Plight" which appears above. "The Answer" was written approx. six years after I found new life in Christ.

The Answer
I found the answer to this world, when I received Christ and was set apart.
When troubles come, I go directly to His heart.
I only have to confess for He already bore my pain.
It was for my sins, His blood was drained.
Yes I start anew fresh and clean and now sit with the Master to be trained.
I no longer fear this earth's short mile.
Whether it be dark or bright, with Christ I can smile.
I found my eternal home and have ceased to *wander,
He is my rest of His glories and love now I ponder.
I am no longer lost for Christ is the way.
He has promised with His eye to guide my way.
Thank you God for gathering this wandering stray.
My life is changed; no longer do I hate and fear and dread.
He has given me eternal hope, because He arose from the dead.
Apart from Christ all my efforts and life are vain.
In Christ all joy and sorrow has a reason even in our pain.

*WANDER:to move about with no destination or purpose.
Written April 9, 1966.

When Jesus Comes

2010-02-01T10:48:00.014-06:00

I have been thinking about this song the past week I haven't heard it in years.

Listen to: When Jesus Comes

I (Sally) was that one setting beside the highway begging, but PRAISE GOD JESUS CAME.
I praise God for the day He reached down and picked me up and cleansed me by His precious blood. I came to know the Saviour in 1960. I had the privilege of counselling twice for Billy Graham association. The first time in Minnesota at a Billy Graham crusade and the second time in Oakland, CA in a Joe Blinko crusade.
My real name isn't Sally Martin, but it is a name I choose to hid myself at times. On Oct. 12th I wrote a blog titled "Abuse should not happen" click the word Abuse under Labels on my side bar to read that entry. There was several times when I took a room at the YWCA in the city I was living in, because two of the abusers knew where I lived and I wanted to be in a safe place. Once my husband suggested maybe moving back to that area, but we didn't because of the faces of the past.

Visiting Violet

2010-02-01T04:11:00.001-06:00

I spent Wedneday till Saturday afternoon at my niece's, Violet home. We had a wonderful time. She also gave me a perm and hair cut while there. It looks great and feels heavenly. Oh and you will never guess so I will tell you. She had two rolls of border that will work great in our bathroom. So I will have to try and get that up now. God is so good in providing for us. Thank you Violet for allowing Him to use you in providing border.

SecretProject

2010-01-27T13:04:00.003-06:00

I first intruded the secret project on Jan. 15 th and then mentioned again on Jan. 19 th. Okay I can tell you about my special secret project now. I wanted to keep it a secret until my niece seen it. Now she is on her way to pick me up so I can spend a few days with her. She should be just about and hour from our house right now so I will post it and she won't see the post at least till we get back to her house. My friend, Lizzie over at "A Dusty Frame" had her husband paint their bath room then she redecorated it. I was so happy for her. I decide I would change the colors in our bath room. So I have repainted to "Sandy Shore" color. The color goes nice with older plastic tiles of a rosy beige and chocolate tile border. Of course how can you just paint a room without changing other things in the room also. I first purchased a border, but had to return that as we couldn't find shower curtains that went with the border. Okay so we won't have a border. I got three new mats for the room; two of them are chocolate and one is beige. Our new shower curtain is a clear background of a number of different colors of spring like colors. Then of course I got two sets of towels which are a beige background with brown type leafs. My husband and I really love it. Thanks Lizzie for the inspiration for a change. Also Maureen helped me pick out the paint and Patty helped pick out the shower curtain. Nice change for us, hope Violet will like it, and fun having my two friends, who are our neighbors help with some of the choices. A very fun project.

Children of the Heavenly Father

2010-01-24T12:24:00.016-06:00

Today at church we sang this beautiful song. When we become a child of God through the new birth provided for us by admitting our sin and repenting, and turning from sin and placing our trust in God's provision, the shed blood of Christ Jesus we then become as the title of this hymn says. "Children of the Heavenly Father".

"Children of the Heavenly Father"

Children of the heavenly Father safely in His bosom gather;
nestling birds nor star in heaven such a refuge e'er was given.

God his own doth tend and nourish, in his holy courts they flourish;
from all evil things he spares them, in his mighty arms he bears them.

Neither life nor death shall ever from the Lord his children sever;
unto them his grace he showeth, and their sorrows all he knoweth.

Praise the Lord in joyful numbers, your Protector never slumbers;
at the will of your Defender every foeman must surrender.

Though he giveth or he taketh, God his children ne'er forsaketh:
his the loving purpose solely to preserve them pure and holy.

Words: Lina Sandell, 1832-1903
Lina Sandell has often been called the "Fanny Crosby of Sweden".

Barnabas Award

2010-01-21T13:42:00.004-06:00

Lizzie from A Dusty Frame recently gave me the Barnabas Award. Please click on her URL and go to her blogpost on Jan. 19th titled Barnabas Award this will explain about the award. Thank you Lizzie!!.

Frustration

2010-01-20T15:10:00.011-06:00

I have been trying for hours to make a link to my friends, Lizzie's blog page. The frustration is that I have done this successfully at least once on January 8th. So for right now. Please go to my Jan. 8th blog post entitled SIN. Click on Lizzie's URL and then read her post BARNABAS AWARD posted on January 19th. This is a round about way but I want to share this post with you all. Lizzie gave me the Barnabas award. Thank you Lizzie!!!

It is finished

2010-01-19T22:17:00.002-06:00

Yes my project is finished. I had to give up one idea and go with another idea. It looks nice. It left me tired, but pleased.
Our trees were beautiful from the frost on them this morning. We are scheduled to have some nasty weather tomorrow through the week end again. Really not looking forward to more bad weather.

Working on a project!!

2010-01-15T21:59:00.003-06:00

I'm working on a project (which for now is a secret) until finished. Actually started purchasing things for this project on Tuesday when in St. James. Did most of earnest labor involved Wednesday & Thursday. Today I traveled to Fairmont to find some more things needed to finish project. I'm still missing one key thing even looked on line, but for now I'm stumped. Actual work left maybe about four hours. Hope I have you wondering (Violet). I'm looking forward to going to stay at my niece, Violet's home for a few days the last week of January.

Energy Assistance

2010-01-13T00:43:00.002-06:00

We learned yesterday via mail. We have been approved for energy assistance. That is a big PRAISE THE LORD!!!
My neighbors Tom & Maureen invited me to ride with them to St. James this afternoon. It was nice to get out of the house. The wind was blowing so the snow was blowing which made seeing the road difficult. My husband said it was bad driving to work for him this afternoon. It isn't always as bad in town as out in open country.
Our Tuesday morning ladies Bible study is going to start a new study in February. The study is entitled "Grace For Every Trial" the author is Betty Henderson and it is on the book of Job. I'm looking forward to getting started in it.

Feeling Down

2010-01-11T00:45:00.004-06:00

Have you ever felt down? I have recently not sure why. Maybe??? I don't feel rested,(I know I don't) perhaps the hardness of the winter,(it is beautiful & I love that beauty) maybe being inside allot of late, maybe concern for our daughter. God hasn't changed and I praise Him that He is true to His word. He can be depended on. GREAT IS HIS FAITHFULNESS!! Have a good day.

Sin

2010-01-08T10:46:00.005-06:00

Lizzie at http://adustyframe.com/
recommends several good links on her blog. Please check them out. I especially liked the video "Sin and the beanbag" by Josh Harris. We definitely do not need to experience sin to know it is evil. God tells us to flee. That means run away from it.

Winter

2010-01-07T20:41:00.006-06:00

We are in beautiful piles of snow. The frost makes lovely designs on our windows. We travelled on some really bad roads yesterday. Also some white out conditions that is scary. Bob called work yesterday and they said don't even try to come in. We had about 6 inches of snow last night. On top of the snow we had already about 21 inches we are surround by huge banks of snow. Bob went to work today but everyone stayed only 2 1/2 hours as they were closing all the roads at 5:00 tonight and taking all the plows off the roads. He got home safe at 4:55. He said the roads were terrible. The wind causes beautiful sculptures on the snow banks. I counted it is 73 days till spring comes.
Oh Spring! Oh Spring!! Oh Spring, Oh Spring, Oh Spring!!!
Oh Spring! Oh Spring!! Oh Spring, Oh Spring, Oh Spring!!!
What beauty awaits us as trees will bud and bulbs will bloom!!
Lets enjoy the beauty of Winter as we think of warm lovely Spring days.

WHEN I GET TO THE END OF THE WAY!!

2010-01-01T13:56:00.009-06:00

Charles D. Tillman

When I get to the end of the way
The sands have been washed in the footprints
Of the stranger on Galilee's shore,
And the voice that subdued the rough billows,
Will be heard in Judea no more.
But the path of that lone Galilean, With joy I will follow today;
And the toils of the road will seem nothing,
When I get to the end of the way.

There are so many hills to climb upward,
I often am longing for rest,
But He who appoints me my pathway
Knows just what is needful and best.
I know in His word He hath promised
That my strength, "it shall be as my day";
And the toils of the road will seem nothing,
When I get to the end of the way.

He loves me too well to forsake me,
Or give me a trial too much;
All His people have been dearly purchased,
And Satan can never claim such.
By and by I shall see Him and praise Him,
In the city of unending day;
And the toils of the road will seem nothing,
When I get to the end of the way.

When the last, feeble step has been taken,
And the gates of that city appear,
And the beautiful songs of the angels
Float out on my listening ear;
When all that now seems so mysterious
Will be bright and as clear as the day,
Then the toils of the road will seem nothing,
When I get to the end of the way.

Listen to this song at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7omyz9vth_E

I praise God that He has brought me to another New Year.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you saith the Lord, thoughts of PEACE, and NOT EVIL, to GIVE YOU AN EXPECTED [hope in your latter] END.

We serve an AWESOME God!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR

Our Youngest Grandson

2009-12-27T09:56:00.004-06:00

Our youngest grandson!!!

Sidney in new outfit from Grandpa & Grandma. Also new hair cut. I just want to pick him up and hug him.

This is My Father's World!!!

2009-12-25T01:38:00.006-06:00

THIS IS MY FATHER"S WORLD

This is my Fa-ther's world, And to my listing ears, All
nature sings, and round me rings, The music of the spheres.
This is my Fa-ther's world, I rest me in the thought Of
rocks and trees of. . skies and seas-His hand the won-ders wrought.

This is my Fa-ther's world, The birds their car-ols raise, The
morn-ing light, The lil-y white. De-clare their Ma-ker's praise.
This is my Fa-ther's world, He shines in all that's fair; In the
rus-tling grass I .. hear Him pass, He speaks to me ev-'ry-where.

This is my Fa-ther's world, O let me ne'er for-get That
though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Rul-er yet.
This is my Fa-ther's world, The bat-tle is not done, Je- -
sus who died shall be sat-is-fied, And earth and heav'n be one. A-MEN.

Celebrate His Coming

2009-12-24T16:44:00.005-06:00

He Came to Me
by Squire Parsons

The gulf that separated me from Christ,
my Lord.
It was so vast the crossing I could
never ford;
From where I was to His domain, it
seemed so far;
I cried, "Dear Lord I cannot come to
where you are."

He came to me, O, He came to
me. When I could not come to where
He was, He came to me.
That's why He died on Calvary:
When I could not come to where He
was, He come to me.

He came to me when I was bound in
chains of sin,
He came to me when I possessed no
hope within;
He picked me up and He drew me
gently to His side,
Where today, in His sweet love I now
abide.

He came to me, O, He came to me.
When I could not come to where He
was, He came to me
That's why He died on Calvary;
When I could not come to where He
was, He came to me.

I praise God for the day He left heaven and came to earth to be born a baby to grow to be a man (a God Man) To shed His precious blood for me. That blood was also shed for each of you. Confess your sins ask for His forgiveness allow Him to live His life out through you. I praise the day He came to me. Remember the babe of Christmas grew to become the Risen Savior of Easter.
Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Matthew hugging his Mom

2009-12-23T00:51:00.003-06:00