TAKE TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES

2012-01-22T19:36:00.001-05:00

Source: google.com via Cindi- on Pinterest

A Girl Has Got To Do, What A Girl Has Got To Do

2011-11-05T11:42:00.003-04:00

What is it in a woman that makes her have the need to move furniture around? Rearrange it, oh, maybe once a year. I must confess I am just one of those "kinds"of women. There probably is a physiological term or syndrome for this. If so I have it big time.
I was just sitting there this morning after my quite- time and sipping my third cuppa-o-jo and it came to me....yes, the urge to change the arrangement of my living room. Maybe it was the caffeine talking but I just; couldn’t deny the impulse to get up and start the procedure.
Mind you there are a series of steps that are involved in tackling the job by oneself. There is propping up (which takes considerable amount of strength) to move the huge Oriental rug, then the need to balance out the lighting system. I like to make sure that the view out the windows is at its most effective position. When its summer I want to make sure I can enjoy my window boxes inside as well. Then I must think about my husband and his chair and make sure he will be happy; After all he resides here too. I like to have a nice flow in and through and around too.
Half way into the foolishness; I find myself talking out loud; "Self, what the heck were you thinking. You not only will need to clean and wipe down all the new spaces but you probably will need a chiropractor besides”. Then after a couple of miss-tries and working up a sweat I sit back and take it all in and hope I like it and if I don't then I say to myself, “give it a couple of days" Then I walk away from it with my fingers crossed, convincing myself this is the best way ever.; But if Larry doesn't like I will put it all back...with his help of-course...

Three Gringos and a Dog

2011-10-27T11:41:00.007-04:00

I was too exhausted to be excited when the voice over the intercom informed us that we would soon be landing in Lisbon. My head was still stuck in packing mode and fare wells and the mixture of all sorts of, "what if's", to even care. The fact that there was “no turning back” was now a reality as I stepped into the unknown trying not to act lost.
My first concern was to see if and how our beloved cocker spaniel had survived the trip, when much to my surprise, I heard her above all the noises of the hustle and bustle of the airport terminal and long line at the custom booths. I could hear her barking with the anxiety level that signaled stress! We followed her frantic sounds toward the direction of the luggage conveyer belt where she (in a now up side kennel) circled around almost teetering off. Needless to say she was drawing a crowd. Later I came to understand why; besides the noise factor echoing throughout terminal from our pooch; pure bred dogs were a novelty and domestic animals were not exactly the norm in the Portuguese culture, unless they were a working canine. Hunting, herding, and guarding were common but it was a rarity to see dogs come through as luggage. Divine providence though,

after of all the ruckus caused by our pooch, it helped in expediting the cranky canine's release as well as our own. So they waved our entire luggage through manual inspection enabling us to make our way towards the exit doors and fresh air without any delay.
So there we stood, like the proverbial foreigners that we were, trying to see if anyone looked like a missionary and designated driver. We had not met him so we were clueless as to what he looked like and hoped he would figure out who we were.
And he did, and with no problem at all, why you might ask, as much as I pride myself in couture we definitely stood out amongst the European people, three gringos dressed in pastel colors and a dog. And, note to self,the weather in the month of April is anything but warm. We were freezing!
…thus began the first day of the next twenty-four years of our lives in the country of Portugal...

Give in to Me-Leighton Meester and Garrett Hedlund(with LYRICS)

2011-08-25T16:19:00.000-04:00

Rustic Peach Cake,

2011-08-24T19:41:00.000-04:00

Combine:
1 cup a.p. flour
1 t baking powder
1/4 t salt

Mix until light:
1/4 c sugar
1/4 c brown sugar
8 T unsalted butter, softened

Add:
2 large eggs
2 T sour cream (or whole milk)
1 t vanilla extract

Then add flour mixture to egg mixture and mix on low until just combined. Pour into greased and floured cake pan.

For peaches:
peel, pit and slice 2 medium peaches and toss with 1/4 c sugar and 1/2 t cinnamon then arrange in a circular pattern around the edge and in the middle of cake.
(*Tip: scattering some chopped, dried apricots or peaches over the batter before arranging the fresh peaches on top will soak up the excess peach juice and eliminate a soggy cake top, but this is kind of fancy and is optional.)

Bake @ 350 for about 35-40 min. I used a 9-in cake pan, but you could use a spring-form or any kind of cake pan for this.

2011-08-13T12:55:00.000-04:00

Once  upon a time, there was this Princess dog named Sofie Marie. Like most  princesses she had everything her Royal Highnie would ever desire.  A  mistress that loved her very much.  Both sets of Grand- mistresses that  did too.  All her canine cousins of her kingdom regarded her as the  fairest in the land. Her dear, little sister, Princess Victoria  Josephine, loved her most of all..

She  was always groomed with the latest of "foo-foo" style.  Had many of the  o' couture, canine fashions. The most wonderful yard and forest to  explore and rocks to climb.  Oh, and squeaky toys and tiny tennis balls  .  Her bed was of the finest fleece and animal- printed coordinating  duvet where she would slumber all day and early in the cold winter  nights. In the summer she enjoyed long boat rides on a beautiful  mountain lake...she loved pointing her noise to the wind and barking out  greetings to Mr. and Mrs. Loon or at the other dogs that came from the  city to spend the summer in her kingdom. One would think that she didn't  need anything at all.  For hunger and thirst were never present in her  life she had more then enough of all the comfort and love from one and  all. 

    Ah, but there was one thing that she most wanted and it was forbidden  territory and highly frowned upon for such a fair princess to even THINK  about such a place. This place was called, "Le'Gar-Bage".  Oh, but the  temptation at times was so great yes, even this princess who lacked  nothing, would find herself drawn to it's tempting aromas.  She didn't  care if she would dirty herself with the grease and grim and stinky  things. She didn't care if she would drive  her Mistress to despair, no,  all she cared about was to be able to dig and hunt and tear and spread  anything and everything all over the floor.  To her it was so much fun  and and so delicious she did not stop to think of what would or could  happen.  This was so unbecoming for Princess and a very hard lesson her  majesty to learn and obey.

One chilly, autumn, night the Mistress and her husband decided to get in the white chariot with wheels and journey to 

her  most favorite grand people of all. Victoria Josephine came too but  Sofie Marie knew she was the favorite and decided to spend most of her  time one of their laps.

Sofie Marie and Victoria Josephine,  raced into the house.  They did their usual greetings throughout the  house setting up a ruckus as usual too.    

 Princess  Sofie claimed her favorite spot which was on Grand-masters lap.  The  mistress and her little sister spent their time with Grand-mistress. 

Unbeknown-st to everyone else Sofie decided to sneak into the kitchen to where the beloved Le'Gar-bage was kept.

Her highly bred princess nose began to search for something delectable to eat.  And she found it!

She ate and ate tore and tore until her royal belly was as round as could be. 

Now  the Mistress took one look at her and knew that that royal belly was a  bit too round and the foo foo beard a bit too greasy and followed the  trail to the mess. After a scolding and a quick washing of her mouth  they went home and settled down for the night.

Well  everyone but the the Princess Sofie Marie, for her stomach began to  rumble and rumble and gurgle and gurgle...and she felt sick all over.  Day after day for four days later her royal highnie was not well.

It  was then decided that she must go to the hospital and the Doctor Vet.  hooked her up to an I.V. because after he took her X-ray they saw that  that royal round belly was stopped up with a CORN COB....this was  corking up the Princess royal intestines.  Doctor Vet. scolded the  princess too and and after two days and nights and the threat of  surgery...Sofie Marie the Princess dog was finally feeling her self  again.

Now every one in the  kingdom hopes that Sofie Marie will have learned her lesson that Le'  Gar-bage' is not the place to find food...

and she and her little sister lived happily ever after.  

R.I.P.

2011-07-27T16:31:00.002-04:00

Rest in Peace, Gimpy.

Gimpy, Our Fine Feathered Friend...

2011-07-08T22:51:00.003-04:00

Poor Gimpy...he flew into my sliding glass door and popped his eye. He was probably stunned for a while but managed to shake it off and fly away.

We didn't see where he went but a few days later we notice this comical, feather-ruffled up the side of his face and flying like he had one to many, guy again. He came in too close and missed the bird feeder and for a second the Min Pin captured him in his paws. We screamed and the canine let him go.

Gimpy is using his wings well enough but

his landing skills are just a shade off. He can land on the tree limbs okay but on the wrong side of them and hangs upside down dangling there for a few moments until he gets his bearings. We watch with our breaths held and sort of encouraging him on… you can do it, Gimpy!!!!
He is fearless despite the fact that he is handicapped, he doesn't give up even when the regular/normal purple finches push him around. We get quite a few finches in our yard, golden ones, and house finches and this beautiful, purple variety. As soon as they all come to eat we finally see him bringing up the end of the flock dear ole one-eyed Gimpy flying as straight as S's and M’s. He fly's up and down and back and forth and hangs there till he knows he is at the right feeder and eats as good as the others. It is awfully amusing and we look forward each day for his arrival because then we know he hasn't falling in the hands of a larger predator...like the neighbors big black cat.

So, Gimpy, we are sorry about your accident and do take some of the blame for having such a clean window…but you put a smile on our face and keep us entertained for a while and now days that can be a rare thing. So, hang in there, pardon the pun, since we like to see your tenacity.

.. trip to the Denist..

2011-06-15T20:36:00.002-04:00

So, my daughter and I had hit some considerable traffic on our way to the dentist yesterday. When out of nowhere a spider decides to descend almost touching my nose

Well I yelled just like the kid in the movie, ”Home Alone”. And my brave daughter tries to save me by grabbing Charlotte in a receipt she held (to prevent herself from touching the itsy bitsy spider) unsuccessfully, I might add. I started blowing and blowing and all that did was cause her to swing back and forth and even closer to my face.
So I am screaming “should I pull over, should I pull over… My daughter is saying Mom calm down…
Well, the spider disappears somewhere between my legs and all I could do is swishing my legs back and forth and when I could stomp I would.
End of story we made it to the Dentist in plenty of time and I don’t know what happened to Charlotte.

But we are fine,

"Lilly Pulitzer" Crystal Dress at Lilly Pulitzer

2011-06-13T11:46:00.002-04:00

"Lilly Pulitzer" Crystal Dress at Lilly Pulitzer

IF I HAD A WISH LIST THESE WOULD BE THERE!!!! Love this designer.

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chronicles 16:9

...BE Patient...

2011-06-05T12:24:00.000-04:00

So how does it happen? When you have every intention to be a success and all the T’s are crossed and I’s are dotted…but somehow the door to temptation is left open or stuck or whatever the reason and what you never wanted to happen, happens. And you say, I always thought this couldn’t happen to me or why ME????

So, what do you do…some 12 step check off list that some Shrink came up with? Do you run and hide and hope it just goes away. Maybe you play the blame game and come up with all kinds of excuses for it being someone else’s responsibility.

I do know what works for me…tell yourself not to PANIC. Ask for PRAYER from people you trust and that love.. Seek that PEACE that passes all understanding…and then be PATIENT… waiting on the Lord and claim His Promises.

He (if you are His child) has a purpose for you. And He promises never to leave you or forsake you!!!! I know I have been there this is quite accurate and undeniable true!!!

Time to Party!!

2011-05-21T10:58:00.002-04:00

Party Pinwheels

Rated:

Submitted By: MADDIES MOM

Photo By: JenInCalifornia

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 5 Minutes

Ready In: 2 Hours 20 Minutes

Servings: 15

"It's easy to make lots and lots of these cream-cheese-based rounds: Simply use extra-large tortillas and roll them up with the smooth and crunchy filling. "

Ingredients:

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese,

softened

1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix

2 green onions, minced

4 (12 inch) flour tortillas

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup diced celery

1 (2 ounce) can sliced black olives

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:

1.	In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, and green onions. Spread this mixture on each tortilla. Sprinkle red pepper, celery, black olives, and cheese (if you'd like) over the cream cheese mixture. Roll up the tortillas, then wrap them tightly in aluminum foil.
2.	Chill 2 hours or overnight. Cut off ends of the rolls, and slice the chilled rolls into 1 inch slices.

Blessings - Laura Story - LYRICS

2011-05-19T11:27:00.000-04:00

Time to practice what we preach...

2011-05-18T11:23:00.002-04:00

Have you ever experienced a situation in which one person’s words or a group of people’s words brought God’s work to a sudden stop?
All too often the church becomes a breeding ground for grumbling and gossiping. Church members have very specific ideas about how a church should be run: contemporary music vs. traditional music, choir robes vs. street clothes, seeker-sensitive vs. discipleship of believers. Before you know it, the journey to the Promised Land comes to a halt.
What are some ways that you can bring peace to a potentially volatile situation?
How can you use your words today to encourage the leadership of your church?
Consider writing a note or an e-mail of encouragement to someone in ministry who has blessed you.

Giggles FOR Jessie...

2011-04-13T00:40:00.001-04:00

Care to comment???

2011-04-06T23:26:00.002-04:00

Dyslexia is an inherited condition. Researchers have determined that a gene on the short arm of chromosome #6 is responsible for dyslexia. That gene is dominant, making dyslexia highly heritable. It definitely runs in families.
Dyslexia results from a neurological difference; that is, a brain difference. People with dyslexia have a larger right-hemisphere in their brains than those of normal readers. That may be one reason people with dyslexia often have significant strengths in areas controlled by the right-side of the brain, such as artistic, athletic, and mechanical gifts; 3-D visualization ability; musical talent; creative problem solving skills; and intuitive people skills.
In addition to unique brain architecture, people with dyslexia have unusual "wiring". Neurons are found in unusual places in the brain, and are not as neatly ordered as in non-dyslexic brains.
In addition to unique brain architecture and unusual wiring, f/MRI studies have shown that people with dyslexia do not use the same part of their brain when reading as other people. Regular readers consistently use the same part of their brain when they read. People with dyslexia do not use that part of their brain, and there appears to be no consistent part used among dyslexic readers.
It is therefore assumed that people with dyslexia are not using the most efficient part of their brain when they read. A different part of their brain has taken over that function.

Who let the dog out...

2011-02-21T10:06:00.007-05:00

Lethargic…this is what the Veterinarian said to look for after our Min. Pin (small dog about 12 pounds), had just spent almost 48 hours running at both ends. And the Doc. was worried about LETHARGIC signs….just saying the word causes the effect, lethargic, lethargic, and lethargic. Hey wait, that sounds more like I feel! After 24 hours(all night long too)of trying to get to the door on time and running out of dog towels and washing and drying more and picking up all Oriental rugs and blocking off all the entrance ways to the rugs I couldn’t move. My little Green Machine worked over time and so did the canine’s digestive track. The best description of what was going on for all you culinary people was ketchup out the back and mustard out the front, and the dog in the middle.

Telling myself, BLOT the rug! Don’t rub! Although I am very happy after the subcutaneous fluids and antibiotics finally took an effect sometime late last night or should I say the beginning of day four, and although-it was absolutely crucial to do our most for the beloved pooch, I am the one who is sluggish, tired, weary, lacking of luster, languid,(?) and just downright exhausted.

All medicines have been poked down and special bland diet prepared, this creature, I just have to say it, is dog tired…

P.S. We love you Torre Jo and would do it all over again because just as the vet described you in your chart, you, are a very sweet girl and your weakened high –fives paw shake tells me you are going to be alright.

Bar Codes....

2011-02-20T05:40:00.002-05:00

690-692 ... then it is MADE IN CHINA
00 - 09 ... USA & CANADA
30 - 37 ... FRANCE
40 - 44 ... GERMANY
471 ... Taiwan
49 .. JAPAN
50 .. UK

BUY USA & CANADIAN MADE by watching for "0" at the beginning of the number.

We need every boost we can get!

To home-school ....or not...this is the question.

2011-02-15T13:50:00.005-05:00

Two home-schooled Mis. Kids on furlough

The other day on one the news networks they reported how popular homeschooling has become in our nation. Two out of the three reasons highly rated home schooling. The least, of the ratings, was a social one. Children that are home-schooled lack in social skills. It sounds too that the home-schooling era has become a culture in and of itself.

‘’More than one million American children are schooled by their parents. As their ranks grow, home schoolers are making headlines by winning national spelling bees and excelling at elite universities. The few studies conducted suggest that home-schooled children are academically successful and remarkably well socialized. Yet we still know little about this option to one of society's most essential institutions. Beyond a vague notion of children reading around the kitchen table, we don't know what home schooling looks like from the inside” Princeton University.

Very simply, homeschooling offers an opportunity to have some control over the curriculum taught, including the way it is delivered (how, when, why). Your children are safe from abuse, you know where your children are, whose caring for them and the motive in caring for them. You can create a culture of care, respect and nurture both academically, physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Families grow up all too quickly; this is an opportunity for Mom and Dad to reconstruct their lives around their children rather than around their employer, to focus on goals and interests. The family unit is an intricate, carefully orchestrated, designed God given construct which governments are clueless about, have no interest in and will never be able to nurture or understand.

It is hard work (like myself I was consumed to the point where the rest of my responsibilities as a housewife and Mom took its toll). And a big responsibility providing home education for your children, but that is also the secret and key to homeschooling, you are responsible for your children, and not any other person school or organization. If you don't think this is important find out what God has to say about children and education.

I was home-schooled part of my life out of necessity and not choice. Deep in the jungles of Brazil schools were void, nada, zip. When we did come back the USA…and although I was an above average student on the field…I got messed up was trying to fit in yet another culture. First public school system, then American vs. Brazilian then just being around lot of people that wore cloths and spoke English....I suppose all four cultures collided and as I look back I was quite confused at times.
I am glad that I worked through a lot of those issues and and glad to have experienced growing up in a paradise beyond description... I am fluent in several languages and tend to be flexible to other cultures. Almost opposite of home schooling we did it to survive.

Best Workout Ever...

2011-02-07T12:23:00.003-05:00

Taking time to praise ...

2011-02-06T12:20:00.003-05:00

Someone has said that there are 126 psychological experiences all recorded in the Book of Psalms.

It’s the only book, of the bible, that contains every experience of a human being. The Psalms run the psychological range/series/gamut.  Every thought, every impulse,and every emotion that sweeps over the heart is recorded in this book. That is why as we read the Psalms it will always speak to our soul and seems to find just the right chord that responds to our need.

It records deep devotion, and feelings,also the emotions that run high and then low to a point of dejection or a very dark place.
But,unlike the pros out there, it does tell us where we will and can, find the answers and whom/where/ to really take them to... 

John Calvin: “They (the Psalms) are the anatomy of all parts of the soul.”Please read:
John 10:10 
John Calvin

Jessie Anna 2005

2011-01-31T11:05:00.005-05:00

It’s hard to imagine that it has been 6 years since these high school senior class pictures were taken. The photographer freaked us out when he photo-shopped my smile into your mouth!!!! As you can see we choice the braces over my teeth in your mouth, because that is who you were at the time…now you are a senior in collage and on to graduate school.

Jessie Anna: 2011

The Only Psalm...

2011-01-20T18:53:00.001-05:00

PSALM 62, IS THE ONLY PSALM where the word “ONLY” IS SIGNIFICANT.

Truly=Only

Simple faith=confidence in God.

This Psalm talks about one of David’s greatest heartaches. A time in his life that was very dark.yet he is living above the storms, shocks, and stresses of life. This psalm has been a good one for me through some dark times too.

V.1 Only God can give salvation through faith.

V.2 He only is my rock and my defense I shall not be moved.

V.3 they the mischievous men, are running over him as a mob runs over a fence, but he says it’s all right if it is God’s will

V. 4 two faced-friends but still if God has permitted it so he would trust him even when they only consult to cast him down.

V.5 my soul waits only upon God; for my expectation is from him. David was truly in prayer because of the word expectation. Praying without ceasing for what truly is best.

V.6 He “only” is my rock

V.7 -8.Only God is my salvation, my glory my strength, my refuge.

V.9 Only God can be trusted because he is not fickle. As soon as we take our eyes off of only him and towards men then is when discouragement, disillusions and disappointments set in. 

V.10 Men or material things are undependable….only God.

V.11 Only God has the power to do anything.  He has all the power and He can do anything he wants.

V.12 Only unto thee, O Lord, belongs mercy; for thou renderest to every man according to his work.

Just a Gentle Reminder...

2011-01-18T11:39:00.000-05:00

When you think of promises, you don't want to think of what's broken, of brokenness. It's human nature to want a sure thing and for someone to back up the certainties, guaranteed, no questions asked. But it's just like God to think of the unthinkable, to show us that the impossible is possible, that there is one kind of brokenness that holds everything together and in which promises are kept.

Great Idea and I Have Already Started A Pair.

2011-01-13T18:35:00.000-05:00

The winter holiday probably has you and your friends dashing all over town to tie-up lots of little details. Take a much-needed breather and give those tired feet a rest with a homemade brown-sugar foot scrub and a pair of cozy Mary-Jane-style house slippers. The scrub will bring softness to overworked feet, and the house slippers will surround your toes in warming comfort.

Gather your Friends
Your friends will probably welcome the chance to sneak away from the winter holiday bustle. Invite them to your house to reconnect over these simple holiday craft projects that can make thoughtful homemade gifts. The adorable Homemade House Slippers made from felted wool sweaters may require some light sewing, but if you’re all thumbs with a needle and thread, try your hand at the Brown Sugar Foot Scrub. Use this handy Shopping List for all your project supply needs.
Project 1: Homemade House Slippers
Give old wool sweaters new life in these toasty House Slippers.

Step 1: Get Materials: Look no further than your very own closet or a thrift store for a pure wool sweater, blanket, or coat to felt. Tightly-woven, 100% wool works best, so try to shy away from polyester blends. Buy some batting for insulation and a strip of hook and loop tape for the strap. If you love a few details, collect some extra buttons for accents.
Step 2: Felt the Wool: Put your 100% wool sweater, blanket, or coat in the washing machine and wash it with a little bit of soap on the longest, hottest wash cycle. Then dry on high heat for as long as possible, but don’t forget to clean your lint filter several times throughout this step. Feel free to have everyone do this step at home before they arrive.
Step 3: Cut Patterns: With your felted piece lying flat, trace the outer edges of each of your feet, twice for each foot, and cut out with scissors. These are the “soles” of your slippers, so leave a little bit of room on the outside edge to allow for seams. Cut two of these same-sized pieces from the batting. Then cut two “over-the-toe” pieces and two “strap” pieces.
Step 4: So Sole-ful: Place one of the soles right side up on a flat surface. Top this piece with another sole lying right side down, and top this with a piece of batting. Using a needle and embroidery thread, whipstitch these three pieces together, or, if you feel like a tighter stitch, use a sewing machine. Leave space near the toe open, with enough room to turn the entire piece right side out. Once the right sides are facing out and the batting in is the middle, use a pen or pencil to shape the batting into place. You won’t have to close the top, since you will do that when you attach the top piece to the sole. Repeat for the other foot.
Step 5: Top It Off: Fold the right foot over-the-toe piece in half, right sides touching, so the piece looks like a candy cane. Pin together at the toe and heel, and sew the heel edges together with a gradual curved line. This will start the heel. Next, pin the hooked edge of the “candy cane” to the center of the right foot sole at the toe (the hook should be facing in toward the slipper). Flip the over-the-toe piece inside out, and pin the heel of this piece at the corners at the sole. This shapes the heel of the slipper.
Tip: To add some decorative reinforcement to the heel of the slipper, cut off the ribbed cuffs of your sweater, trim to fit around the heel and stitch on.
Using a tight whipstitch, sew together the touching edges of the top piece and the sole. Repeat this process for the left foot pieces.
Attach the straps across the tops of the two slippers with hook and loop tape and garnish with a button or two. Enjoy and stay warm!

Chritmastime Past.

2011-01-11T18:58:00.002-05:00

It's All About the STAR.

Homemade Christmas Fun 2010

What a fantastic five weeks I spent with Ma and Pa, this Christmas season. Wonderful in many ways, but mainly because I felt like that little girl that I was way back in the 50’s. Not long ago I found a letter that I had written to my Grandparents when I was twelve, telling them that I was putting up our tree, so it seems that even at that young age I was allowed to decorate. I do remember that both my parents would be heavily involved in the production of our Christmas pageant. Ma was usually the costume designer and lead voice in the cantata. Pa always had a new script to write and show to rehearse and produce. The whole town would come and the birth of our Savior was portrayed each year to the thousands of natives from up and down the Amazon River and tribes that lived deeper in the jungle.

Obviously, I must have still “believed” in Santa Claus so the tree was very important to us to guide Rudolph to our home deep, deep, in the jungles of Brasil. And then what presents we all would receive. Recycled wrapping paper (four years at least) and sometimes the gifts seemed a bit familiar as well…yet the thrill and JOY was beyond words and forever engraved in my memory

Old thought for the New Year!!! BY Ray Pritchard

2010-12-27T14:00:00.003-05:00

In the last several years I’ve thought a lot about how Christians should respond to the pressures we face every day. We know that in this world we will have many trials. Jesus said as much in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Both parts of that statement will be true in the new year:
You will have trouble in the world.
Jesus has overcome the world.
What do we need to stay strong in 2011? I can summarize it in three words. We need . . .
Tenacious winsome courage.
Tenacious means we hang on to the truth that Jesus is Lord.
Winsome means we face life with a smile, not a scowl.
Courage means we do what needs to be done.
Tenacious means we keep believing when it would be easier to give up.
Winsome means we don’t lose our temper and say something stupid.
Courage means we take our stand for the truth.
Tenacious means we keep on praying.
Winsome means we are cheerful when others attack us.
Courage means we do hard things without complaining.
Tenacious means we love people anyway.
Winsome means we display grace under pressure.
Courage means we speak up instead of wimping out.
We need all three qualities together to face what life throws at us. So perhaps this is a good Monday morning prayer. “Lord, grant me tenacious winsome courage as I go through this day. When I am tempted to give up, help me to keep going. Grant me a cheerful spirit when things don’t go my way. And give me courage to do whatever needs to be done. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Tis the Season

2010-12-27T13:48:00.002-05:00

I can't believe I have ignored my blog for so long... I will do things different 2011.

Take time to define BILLOWS...

2010-11-09T17:04:00.005-05:00

Everything that could be moved was lashed to the Esperance's deck or bulkheads.  No one seemed inclined to joke as the ocean's mild swells grew into frothy peaks.

"All ship's company, below decks! No hands on weather decks!" The orders were barked out repeatedly over the ships internal address system as well as the exterior bullhorn. Excited sailors, some pale and sweaty with fear, glided down the steel ladders to safety with newly acquired dexterity,fueled by adrenalin.

Paul Schlener young Navy recruit. Fighting for freedom!

You can purchase your copy/box by clicking add to cart button...

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Take Time to Read..WHEN SEA BILLOWS ROLL by Paul Schlener

2010-11-08T10:32:00.002-05:00

60 Years Later....look who's in-charge :))

RELIVE THE MOST TERRIFYING TYPHOON IN NAVAL... HISTORY AND EXPERIENCE THE DRAMA OF A LIFE THAT WAS CHANGED FOREVER.

The wind howled and roared as Paul Schlener found himself plunged into the ravages of the powerful typhoon Cobra, Stationed on an open bridge, 62 feet from water level, the sailor boy clutched to a vertical one-inch pipe while being pelted by 100 mph stinging rain and salt water spume.

Fear gripping his heart, Schlener watched the small aircraft carrier’s planes being tossed, tumbled, and swept into the sea like toys. Would this be the last day of his life? Far from home at the age of eighteen, Schlener wondered if he’d ever live to see his parents and his pretty girlfriend, Jessie, again...

An amazing book that tells about how a young sailor came to faith in Christ, and how his life was changed forever! Great witnessing tool! A "Gospel-tract" in book format!

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WHEN SEA BILLOWS ROLL by Paul Schlener

2010-11-07T10:00:00.004-05:00

Pappy and Mother Schlener, Paul and Jessie,Grandma and Pa MacDonald

RELIVE THE MOST TERRIFYING TYPHOON IN NAVAL... HISTORY AND EXPERIENCE THE DRAMA OF A LIFE THAT WAS CHANGED FOREVER.

Four of us high school buddies took off in a Model A Ford one summer, hoping to join the Forest Services disease control crew.
Before skipping town, I charged a pair of expensive logging boots to my dad's account at Kreugel's Men's store, and purchased a one-pound can of pipe tobacco.....

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WHEN SEA BILLOWS ROLL by Paul Schlener

2010-11-06T12:21:00.005-04:00

RELIVE THE MOST TERRIFYING TYPHOON IN NAVAL... HISTORY AND EXPERIENCE THE DRAMA OF A LIFE THAT WAS CHANGED FOREVER.

The wind howled and roared as Paul Schlener found himself plunged into the ravages of the powerful typhoon Cobra, Stationed on an open bridge, 62 feet from water level, the sailor boy clutched to a vertical one-inch pipe while being pelted by 100 mph stinging rain and salt water spume.

Fear gripping his heart, Schlener watched the small aircraft carrier’s planes being tossed, tumbled, and swept into the sea like toys. Would this be the last day of his life? Far from home at the age of eighteen, Schlener wondered if he’d ever live to see his parents and his pretty girlfriend, Jessie, again...

An amazing book that tells about how a young sailor came to faith in Christ, and how his life was changed forever! Great witnessing tool! A "Gospel-tract" in book format!

clicking add to cart button.

Both prices include shipping.

WHEN SEA BILLOWS ROLL by Paul Schlener

2010-11-01T15:15:00.006-04:00

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both prices include shipping

When Sea Billows Roll....by Paul Schlener, author of, PORT OF TWO BROTHERS....

2010-10-26T11:07:00.019-04:00

YOU MUST CONTACT ME VIA THE "COMMENT BOX first.

You can purchase your copy by clicking buy now... for $12.50 includes SHIPPING

(Less if you purchase a box of 56.) plus shipping.

YOU MUST CONTACT ME VIA THE "COMMENT BOX first.

This makes a wonderful gift for the Veterans in your life.

This book is about a young man in his teens who runs off to join the Navy to fight for his country. It gives a very accurate account of surviving one of the worst typhoons known in world history as

the "COBRA".

This book is written by one of our nations few living WWII Veterans,

Dr. Paul L. Schlener.

If you are interested in a copy or have any questions about purchasing a box please leave your name and e-mail in the comment box below and I will contact you.
on how you can receive your copy/copies.

Letters from Africa

2010-10-24T20:40:00.016-04:00

http://www.fh.org/work/africa
Oct.26,
Long day today but a real good day. Feel like I am in the Amazon where you were raised. It rained today too but it didn't cool off at all.

They just told us that we might have internet up at the round huts we stay in.

Love,
Larry

oct.26
Dear Cindi

I only was able to get on internet now since we talked last night. The signal is always weak and most of the time not available. Tomorrow we leave for out in the sticks and will not have internet until Saturday. We start heading home on Saturday and arrive in Albany Monday night.

Pastor Tomas says that at times we will have a phone signal so will try to call between tomorrow and Saturday while we are out there.

Love,
Larry
Hi Cindi:
I have been texting but I guess you have not been receiving. We got in save and sound. Many delay for mechanical reasons. Its 1:35 AM and I just got into the room and we have internet. I preach in the morning at Tomas church.
I called the house a few minutes ago and left a voice mail message. I also called Presley so he would know all is well.

Love,
Larry

Hi Cindi:
Just got back to the room after a real long HOT day. Its like in the high 90's and high humidity. Church goes a long time ... hours both in the morning and evening. Tomorrow we leave at 6 AM to start with the FH staff.

Had fish for supper tonight. Roballo. Was real good. I just went online and saw the temperature. Already getting cold every evening there.

Tuesday we go to Gorongoza were we will not have email .. but the phone does work every once in awhile. .. if you can get to the right spots. Gorongosa is were those round houses you have seen in the pictures. Tomorrow is staff here in Beira and than we are up there with the pastors.

Sleep well with our two little friends.

Love,
Larry

Taking Time to be Thankful...

2010-10-24T10:51:00.005-04:00

My husband, who works for the organization called Food the Hungry, (www.fh.org) takes these by-yearly trips to Mozambique, Africa. He is the translator and one of the Bible Institute teacher to 200 African Pastors (or more) the trip usually takes three day, two nights and the one day’s trek to the bush country. The last couple of trips he has been able to communicate via texting/e-mail so I sent him on his way without any worries because I knew he could touch base. He always calls when he arrives to the field of service and always calls when he is on his way back home. This time however, he didn’t.

I was fine for the first 24 hours then as one day turned into three I became considerable worried. No word at all through any avenue of communication. So I began to call around, everyone I asked that could promised to call as soon as they heard anything at all good or bad.

So my mind started imagining the worse and preparing for it. I love the film called, Blood Diamond, so that came to mind in my despairing thoughts. I pictured him taken captive by that scenario. The show, Lost, played havoc with my thoughts one whole night as I tried to sleep, I didn’t want to watch the news because it can be so graphic at times I feared seeing the plane in a field with nothing left but the smoking remains of the fuselage.

The fact that, from all the people I contacted, hadn’t heard anything either, just seemed to multiply my apprehension. I tried to keep busy, sang out loud, and prayed without ceasing.

He left on a Wednesday afternoon…and finally 1:35 AM Sunday morning Mozambican time,(5 days ) I get the call from a very tired weary yet relieved traveler. After 3 days and 4 nights and lots of flight delays and mechanical situations he was there safe and probably not so sound for the lack of sleep. He apologized because he had tried to communicate and knew they couldn’t and there was nothing they could have done about it.

You know what I did, of-course, I took the TIME to be thankful. After realizing all that could have gone wrong I was grateful it hadn’t.

O...let us give thanks...
http://www.fh.org/work/africa

Take Time To Bake This Bread....

2010-10-22T16:00:00.001-04:00

EASY PEESY NO_KNEAD WHOLE WHEAT BREAD!

JUST FOLLOW the directions to the T especially the greasing part because it is sticky(able)

1 cup(8oz.)lukewarm water
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup melted butter or veg.oil( I used oil)
3 TB of molasses or maple syrup(I used molasses)
2 tsp instant yeast(rapid rise kind...really measure because the packets have more the 2 tsp)
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk(I buy the little box that has packets in it Wal-Mart)
3 cups King Aurthur Whl.Wheat flour(100%)
1 1/2 tsp. salt(I used kosher)

Thoroughly grease an 8 1/2"x 4 1/2" pan....very IMPORTANT to grease the pan well as the bread tends to stick

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Beat the mixture vigorously for about 3 minutes;an electric beater on high works well...(I have one of those large kitchen-aid beaters) Scope the soft dough into the prepared pan.(it will be sticky/glue-like, but comes out easy.

Cover the pan with lightly GREASED plastic wrap, and it will rise for 90 minutes: it becomes puffy.

Bake pre-heated @ 350*oven Bake for 30-35 min. Cover with tin foil after 15 minutes. The bread is done when golden brown on top.(my was in for 40 minutes)
If you insert a instant-read thermometer it should read 195* (I don't have one so I don't do that') Let cool on rack for 5 min. before removing from the pan...and IF you can don't cut til it is completely cooled....RIGHT!!! I can't wait.
ENJOY!!! It is SO easy and is SO good.

SERVES 16 (sixteen )

Take Time to go Back...

2010-10-21T14:47:00.003-04:00

....................... These are question that were asked of me for a Missions Conference..................
October 23-24

1. When you transitioned from one ministry/field to another or back to the States, what was the most difficult aspect for you personally?
The most difficult aspect for me transitioning back which most definitely outweighed some of the others was saying good-bye to 20 some years of friendships. Several that had become closer than actual family. Accepting the fact that they wouldn’t be just around the corner anymore and knowing that communication basically stops. The fellowship(face-to-face kind) with each other ends. Several other aspects were, change of culture, change of position in the ministry, making new friends and not necessarily in that order. Not to forget those tears, the tears…oh …the tears. I tried to keep them back and keep a positive attitude in front of the children least they thought God’s will is making Mommy cry.

2. What was hardest for your children/spouse?

Hardest for my children, was their educational changes the new school and making new friends. My children went to the public school system on the field. So you can imagine their English grammar was weak, weather, food/diet; other then these few things nothing that required counseling or special attention. My spouse, the answer to question #1 would apply for him too.

3. What were some great things other people said or did in your new location that made it easier for you or were an encouragement?

I really can’t recall any great thing anyone did for us. Not even our church, quite frankly I expected some sort of hoopla but we sort of slipped in/back quietly. In fact I think people seemed annoyed to seeing me break down to tears a couple of times. I could have been just my thinking it, but no encouragement at all. Hum…. I hope that I am not stepping on toes. Let me be clear, we did return to a location where we had relatives/family so maybe people assumed we were all set in the encouragement department.

4. What were some things that were hurtful or made the transition more difficult that others did, said or failed to do?

Because we suddenly re- appeared back without the above (lack of hoopla) I think people assumed we were back for some negative reason, would naturally lead them to ask questions that seemed to dig into one’s soul and hurt. So I think the answer to this question would be both did or failed to do and said or failed to say.

5. What would have blessed you or made things easier for you that you "wish" people would have done/said/not done?

I really feel uncomfortable with answering this question because I don’t want to judge I don’t know people’s hearts. But in their defense they really didn’t know how to help so I will answer this the best way I know how so to help others see the problem and fix it. 1. Pray with you; ask what they can pray for; 2. Have you over for a getting acquainted time; 3. Make sure one knows upcoming events that could help involve you back into it all 4. Encourage their children to reach out to yours and it doesn’t take much to encourage kids,

6. Looking back on your transition, would you do anything differently?
The actual mechanics of it all went very well. I insisted on bringing all my precious things (Praise the Lord I was able to) because if the truth be known and I recommend others to the same, it helped the children feel like they were home with all the familiar “things” surrounding them. Some wise old missionary had advised me to do this and I took her advice.

7. What advice would you give to anyone who knows a transitioning missionary?

I believe the advice has been given/specified in my last several answers. I could not reiterate/restate any better than I already have.

8. What (if any) resources were helpful in your transition ( ei: books, websites, etc)

What was helpful with our transition was that before we totally moved and said our goodbyes we were able to return for several summers and eased our way into the new ministry. It was less brutal then up and leaving.

9. If you feel comfortable sharing briefly, what were the reasons for your change in ministry?

The reasons for our leaving the ministry were to be able to serve our mission in a larger way, getting involved in the bigger picture. Our leaders felt that my husband’s gifts could help the whole of the organization.

10. Was your change a relief, very difficult or combination?

I would say our change was a combination.

11. If you remained in a supported ministry, how was your support affected?

We didn’t remain in a supported ministry but those that had supported continued to do so to the work we left behind.

12. How long were you at the previous location?
We were at our previous location 23 years.

13. How long did it take for you to feel "at home" in your new location?

I felt right at home at certain places like shopping…but socially it has taken longer.

14. Did you accept new ministry opportunities (personal) quickly or did you need a break for a little while?

I tried to get busy right away I got involved in a customer service capacity which allowed me to learn the system as well as make friendship the staff members.

I might add one more thing, I was saved at a early age and was a MK myself so I suppose that is a culture in and of itself in all these years of seeing God’s love and spirit touching lives and changing people and on and on. I am humble that He allowed me to do the same. Sure there are heart breaks and hardships and yes, it is hard to leave family and friends and transitions to places that make us uncomfortable…but I put my trust in Him and He promised to never leave me or forsake me when life seems unreasonable at times confusing…He has a plan because he loves me.
Hope this helps a little bit. God Bless

CLBollback

Taking Time to savor the summer of 2010.....

2010-08-05T14:54:00.004-04:00

Luke 26 years of age,

This summer has gone so quickly… one of the highlights had to be our son’s brief visit which allowed us to be a complete family for a while, five days total. My daughter thinks HE gets the royal treatment, over herself, maybe he does I don’t know. I suppose he might be harder to please so it just seems that way. His birthday is this month and I find myself in disbelief that it was 28 years ago that he became our first born.

Luke 1 year

During these years he has survived so much. Let me share some of what has taken place from an early age on. He had to drink predigested milk as a baby, however before the physicians could figure that out he suffered substantial weight loss along with quite a bit of pain,because of this undiagnosed digestive problems. He took a leap out a window at the age of 13 months; onto solid concrete one story high, scarlet fever, and a near drowning in the Atlantic Ocean, where he was pulled under several times out of sight. These are just things I know about. It seems as though these visits with our son require that he share more adventures that he and his friends had growing up. (in the most beautiful spot on God’s earth…Ericeira, Portugal.) Although we do listen with delight and allot of suspicion as to their accuracy, we find it all hilarious and highly entertaining we continue to be most grateful for his many guardian angels, might I add, will always depend on them.

Whenever he is around we find ourselves, curbing our enthusiasm,he is just like having our very own Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm) in the house (if you have ever seen that show.)

We love our son more than words can say. We know he makes good choices and studies the pros and cons to the whole thing before he decides to take his next step. All that stubbornness and mischievousness has only helped him be what he is today.

Until we see you again your presence is so missed…..and we are blessed to have you in our lives.

Taking time for a rule of THUMB!

2010-07-12T13:08:00.009-04:00

A good rule of thumb for selecting wedding cake flowers is "When in doubt leave it out!"

Below is a list of common edible flowers:
Bee balm
Bachelor button
Borage
Caledonia
Chamomile
Chive flowers
Chrysanthemum
Dandelion
Day lily
Dianthus
Fuchsia
Gardenia
Gladiolus
Hibiscus
Hollyhock
Impatiens
Lilac
Marigold
Mint
Nasturtium
Pansy
Roses
Sage
Squash blossom
Snapdragon
Sunflower
Violet
I COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT..... ~~Lily-of-the-Valley~~ are poisonous...so many have placed them on cakes...Hmmmmmm

Take Time To TRY Recipe......

2010-07-08T16:29:00.000-04:00

WITHOUT A DOUBT THE BEST PIZZA EVER!!!!AND I HAVE TRIED MANY!!!!

Pizza Dough: Makes enough dough for two 10-12 inch pizzas

* 1 1/2 cups warm water (105°F-115°F)
* 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast (check the expiration date on the package)
* 3 1/2 cups bread flour (can use all-purpose but bread flour will give you a crisper crust)
* 2 Tbsp olive oil
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon sugar

Pizza Ingredients

* Olive oil
* Cornmeal (to slide the pizza onto the pizza stone)

* Tomato sauce
* Mozzarella or Parmesan cheese, shredded
* Feta cheese
* Mushrooms, thinly sliced
* Bell peppers, stems and seeds removed, thinly sliced
* Italian sausage, cooked ahead
* Chopped fresh basil
* Pesto
* Pepperoni, thinly sliced
* Onions, thinly sliced
* Sliced ham

Special equipment needed

* A pizza stone, highly recommended if you want your pizza dough to be crusty
* A pizza peel or a flat baking sheet
* A pizza wheel for cutting the pizza, not required, but easier to deal with than a knife

Method
Making the Pizza Dough

1 In the large bowl of a heavy duty electric mixer (such as a Kitchen Aid), add the warm water. Sprinkle on the yeast and let sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is dissolved. Stir to dissolve completely if needed at the end of 5 minutes.

2 Attach a mixing paddle to the mixer. Mix in the olive oil, flour, salt and sugar on low speed for about a minute. Remove the mixing paddle and replace with a dough hook. Knead using the mixer and dough hook, on low to medium speed, until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. If you don't have a mixer, you can mix and knead by hand. If the dough seems a little too wet, sprinkle on a bit more flour.

3 Place ball of dough in a bowl that has been coated lightly with olive oil. Turn the dough around in the bowl so that it gets coated with the oil. Cover with plastic wrap. Let sit in a warm place (75-85°F) until it doubles in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours (or several hours longer). If you don't have a warm spot in the house you can heat the oven to 150 degrees, and then turn off the oven. Place the bowl of dough in this warmed oven to rise.

At this point, if you want to make ahead, you can freeze the dough in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Preparing the Pizzas

1 Place a pizza stone on a rack in the lower third of your oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour.

2 Remove the plastic cover from the dough and punch the dough down so it deflates a bit. Divide the dough in half. Form two round balls of dough. Place each in its own bowl, cover with plastic and let sit for 10 minutes.

3 Prepare your desired toppings. Note that you are not going to want to load up each pizza with a lot of toppings as the crust will end up not crisp that way. About a third a cup each of tomato sauce and cheese would be sufficient for one pizza. One to two mushrooms thinly sliced will cover a pizza.

4 Working one ball of dough at a time, take one ball of dough and flatten it with your hands on a slightly floured work surface. Starting at the center and working outwards, use your fingertips to press the dough to 1/2-inch thick. Turn and stretch the dough until it will not stretch further. Let the dough relax 5 minutes and then continue to stretch it until it reaches the desired diameter - 10 to 12 inches. Use your palm to flatten the edge of the dough where it is thicker. You can pinch the very edges if you want to form a lip.

5 Brush the top of the dough with olive oil (to prevent it from getting soggy from the toppings). Use your finger tips to press down and make dents along the surface of the dough to prevent bubbling. Let rest another 5 minutes.
Repeat with the second ball of dough.

6 Lightly sprinkle your pizza peel (or flat baking sheet) with corn meal. Transfer one prepared flattened dough to the pizza peel. If the dough has lost its shape in the transfer, lightly shape it to the desired dimensions.

7 Spoon on the tomato sauce, sprinkle with cheese, and place your desired toppings on the pizza.

8 Sprinkle some cornmeal on the baking stone in the oven (watch your hands, the oven is hot!). Gently shake the peel to see if the dough will easily slide, if not, gently lift up the edges of the pizza and add a bit more cornmeal. Slide the pizza off of the peel and on to the baking stone in the oven. Bake pizza one at a time until the crust is browned and the cheese is golden, about 10-15 minutes. If you want, toward the end of the cooking time you can sprinkle on a little more cheese.
--

Taking time to Live...

2010-06-27T13:10:00.001-04:00

Lilies, rose’s and at least five to six other flowers are referred to by that name.…and all mentioned in one of the most renowned book on earth, the Bible They are also compared to the brevity of a human life. How they/we grow and bloom and then wither and die. And just like life…it can produce a wonderful aroma and yet prick like a thorn. In order to grow strong and be fruitful and successful, flowers need to have a good root system and source of good nutrients in order to thrive. They need sunshine/light and water and air as do we. We need to be trimmed, and if need be, cut way down to be able to grow even stronger.
"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin; nor yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."
Roses are mentioned many times in the Bible. Yet documents from which the
Scriptures were translated; botanists now agreed that a narcissus, a crocus, a rock rose and an oleander were variously referred to as “Roses"
There are at five or six kinds of plants referred to by the name lily. Certainly, considering the context of some of these passages, one of them was the yellow flag, an iris common in the Holy Land. Botanists are convinced that the lilies of the field" were actually the chamomile, a plant with white daisy-like flowers, also common there. The lilies in the Song of Solomon are now regarded as being a hyacinth with deep blue, fragrant flowers, native in Palestine and Lebanon, is the white Madonna lily -- our traditional symbol of Easter.
So….take time to smell the roses…means take time to LIVE!!!!

Taking the Words of Thomas Jefferson to Heart...

2010-06-26T13:13:00.000-04:00

But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine.

Taking Time to Celebrate the Life of a loved one....

2010-06-22T09:18:00.000-04:00

The Katie we knew and loved lay there, peacefully, as we filed by her white-eyelet lined coffin. The sting of death was not getting its victory here, because the blessing that Katie brought us all is and will have the victory. This beautiful young woman knew her savior and served him well the proof is in her testimony of a life lived for Him. Because of it we know beyond a shadow of doubt, she was ushered front and center to His arms.
The ceremony celebrating her life was filled with beautiful pictures of Katie and her family. Not only pictures seen but pictures sung with beautiful words describing her life on earth as well as her life now in heaven.
I was with Katie's mom (a family friend) for the first months of her "womb" growth. Her Mother and I watched the belly growing and felt her kicking and moving waiting to get out and live outside. It almost seems she felt the urgency of it all even back then. My friend and I (since this was her first and I was childless) read all the books together on prenatal care followed all the charts and ate all we wanted...so much so my friend grew and actually miscalculated the due date. Katie E. Dorman was born on August 25, 1982, but not without my friend stopping to let me know (while in labor pains) she was on her way to hospital and that Katie was finally coming. Everything was just so wonderful and joyful and exciting because of her entrance into this world. I was glad she stopped by we all prayed even more for her safe delivery.)
Well, Katie lived the way she came and I must say did so in many places in the world; Europe, South America, and many other countries that her family's ministry took them. From power tools to garden tools to complex computer programming Katie was used for the Lord and was a BLESSING to all that she met. The Bible clearly quotes that all of our days are numbered and yet we live like we have all the time in the world and waste most of it. I went away that day trying to re-define my priorities and re-focus my life...because where eternity starts hope ends.
THANK YOU KATIE DORMAN-FUHRMAN...for the good example of a job well done for your master.

I wanted to “Take Time” to honor my Pa!! For Father's Day.

2010-06-19T14:25:00.000-04:00

I would like to share a portion of my Dad’s life and his weekly duties as he ministered to the Indians In the Amazon Jungle.This excerpt is taken from his autobiography... I think you will get a kick out this section of the book as well as get a glimpse into my life as a child. ENJOY!!!

Mercy Drops and Showers of Blessings (1960-1964)

Seldom had a day gone by without people arriving holding their jaws with supposedly medicinal leaves pasted to their faces. Young mothers from 14 years of age on up who never had prenatal care were the most pitiful cases. Some had cavities in all their teeth, surrounded by gums as red as cherries. Others were in such unbearable pain they extracted their own teeth with knives and scissors. Pus sacs were common.

I recalled Dr. Johnson saying, “You don’t just yank a tooth out of it socket. A normal extraction, using the proper instrument and proper technique, usually takes a tooth out without minimal or no actual pulling. Never hurry the tough ones. Some are floaters and be picked out with little resistance.”

I chose Mrs. Flora as my first patient. She was known in the village for her fits of rage. Everybody got out of her way while she brayed and beat the walls of her house. I was relieved to see her smile as she came in. Just the thought of tooth extraction can take the tucker out of the most courageous. I demonstrated how to get into the chair. Flora put a foot onto the plywood crosspiece, pivoted around, and plunked down into the chair. Everything I had studied about tooth extraction evaporated: names of teeth, names of instruments, and pressures. I thought I had suffered a mini stroke.

I had Flora rinse her mouth with rain water and spit in the potty. She was an accurate shot.....so far. The tooth she wanted extracted was a mandibular molar, a good tooth with no decay. It was all by itself; there wasn't another tooth in her mouth.
.............................to be continued. tomorrow.........................

continued...

2010-06-18T15:22:00.000-04:00

I had hoped for a couple of floaters for my first extractions. Flora rinse again while I slid behind the partition that separated the workshop from sterile territory. I wiped the perspiration from my brow and confessed to God that I should never have dreamed of extracting teeth.
After getting hold of myself, I returned to face Dona Flora, who was waiting patiently. I tried to force a smile while I had her rinse yet again. Her mouth had never been so clean! I was killing time until I gathered the courage to take hold of the loaded syringe.
I held the syringe behind me, remembering how lethal it looks to a helpless person trapped in a chair. My intention was to hit close to the nerve as it passes from the maxilla to the mandible. Oops! I hit the bone, so backed off a tad and slowly pressed the syringe plunger. Flora flinched a little and blinked excessively. Any sign of life was better than having her slump over motionless. After Flora admitted to feeling numb on one side, I stepped over to my diagram. I appeared to be studying, but I was making fervent supplication to God for the ability to remove her tooth, and leave on her own power afterward. I wished, even more fervently that I had never heard of Dr. Johnson.
I tucked the points of the cow-horn forceps between the two legs of the tooth's root and started applying pressure with a straight arm, as far away from Flora as I could get. Her head, as though it was on a hinge, tipped from shoulder to shoulder; very little pressure reached the tooth. "Lord, by our Grace, get out of this situation and I'll never touch one of these secondhand tools again. I admit that you didn't call us to this jungle country to pull teeth. I've stepped out of your will," I confessed to the Omniscient.
I finally got the courage to put a headlock on my patient and was able to remove her tooth. I was wiped out. I dismissed the other two ladies after Dona Flora left. Nearly every Thursday afternoon. and while visiting remote villages by riverboat years later, tooth extraction continued, totaling a few less then 10,000 extractions. But that first extraction still remains the freshest in my mind.

Taken from the "Port Of Two Brothers" by Dr. Paul L. Schlener. HAPPY FATHER"S DAY, DAD....you are the best!!!!

My eldest sis and me in the USA, for furlough!!!.

Taking Time to talk FUTEBOL….

2010-06-18T15:12:00.001-04:00

So what is it that makes for a good player!!!!

Endurance…yes, I just get worn-out watching them up and down that field. They stop then sprint then jump and kick…for 90 minutes.

There are rules to follow…The official soccer rules are called the "Laws of the Game" and are revised annually (usually in July) by FIFA (pronounced "FEE' fuh"), the world soccer governing body, but youth organizations usually adjust the rules to fit children. Typical adjustments are field sizes, game lengths, number of players per team, the number and frequency of substitutions, "offside" is sometimes not called, and slide tackling is sometimes not allowed. Field sizes, ball sizes, length of games & rules vary by age group. The FIFA rules do not require separate teams for girls and boys, but many soccer clubs and associations have separate leagues for boys and girls. Discuss the rule variations with an official of your league. You can find the "Laws of the Game" at FIFA.com (on the FIFA Home Page enter "Laws" in the search feature).

There is a prize in the end and it involves both fame and fortune. There is a good bit of fate or chance implicated which of course keeps us wanting to see more and to hope that we can be the victor and succeed.

There is a bit of dependability or faithfulness as a fan….I live with and all around athlete… In his prime he made All-American twice (in soccer) and has made nationwide records that have yet to be broken. So you can imagine the atmosphere in our home towards sports in general all our married life .He knows firsthand the determination the strength of mind to put that ball in the goal.

All that said…and it is one of my biggest complaints is the wasted time sitting there, absent minded watching something that means absolutely zilch; least to me personally, and for anybody that is just sitting there for that matter…Maybe the athletes’ family, but not much more, because in the scheme of what really is important, it, to me, gets nothing. Well, not totally nothing I have gotten good shopping trips in while he sits there just blissful letting me enjoy “my very own waste of time”

So let’s see, rules, endurance, trophies, faithfulness and all the ability you have, and sticking to the basics should make you a winner….hmmmm!!!

That is another story

Taking TIME takes patience....

2010-06-15T16:37:00.001-04:00

So how does it happen?  When you have every intention to be a success and all the T’s  are crossed and I’s are dotted…but somehow the door to temptation is left open or stuck or whatever the reason and what you never wanted to happen, happens.  And you say, I always thought this couldn’t happen to me or why ME????

So, what do you do…some 12 step check off list that some Shrink came up with?  Do you run and hide and hope it just goes away.  Maybe you play the blame game and come up with all kinds of excuses for it being someone else’s responsibility. 

I do know what works for me…tell yourself not to PANIC. Ask for PRAYER from people you trust and that love..  Seek that PEACE that passes all understanding…and then be PATIENT… waiting on the Lord and claim His Promises.

He (if you are His child) has a purpose for you. And He promises never to leave you or forsake you!!!!  I know I have been there this is quite accurate and undeniable true!!!

Taking time to mourn those who have gone...

2010-06-13T18:58:00.001-04:00

my sister as she ministers to those that weep...Dirge

TakeTime to LAUGH!!!

2010-06-01T20:34:00.000-04:00

GARDEN SNAKES CAN BE DANGEROUS...

Snakes also known as Garter Snakes (Thamnophissirtalis) can be dangerous. Yes, grass snakes, not rattlesnakes. Here's why.

A couple in Sweetwater , Texas , had a lot of potted plants. During a recent cold spell, the wife was bringing a lot of them indoors to protect them from a possible freeze.

It turned out that a little green garden grass snake was hidden in one of the plants. When it had warmed up, it slithered out and the wife saw it go under the sofa.

She let out a very loud scream.

The husband (who was taking a shower) ran out into the living room naked to see what the problem was. She told him there was a snake under the sofa.

He got down on the floor on his hands and knees to look for it. About that time the family dog came and cold-nosed him on the behind. He thought the snake had bitten him, so he screamed and fell over on the floor.

His wife thought he had had a heart attack, so she covered him up, told him to lie still and called an ambulance.

The attendants rushed in, would not listen to his protests, loaded him on the stretcher, and started carrying him out.

About that time, the snake came out from under the sofa and the Emergency Medical Technician saw it and dropped his end of the stretcher. That's when the man broke his leg and why he is still in the hospital.

The wife still had the problem of the snake in the house, so she called on a neighbor who volunteered to capture the snake. He armed himself with a rolled-up newspaper and began poking under the couch.. Soon he decided it was gone and told the woman, who sat down on the sofa in relief.

But while relaxing, her hand dangled in between the cushions, where she felt the snake wriggling around. She screamed and fainted, the snake rushed back under the sofa.

The neighbor man, seeing her lying there passed out, tried to use CPR to revive her.

The neighbor's wife, who had just returned from shopping at the grocery store, saw her husband's mouth on the woman's mouth and slammed her husband in the back of the head with a bag of canned goods, knocking him out and cutting his scalp to a point where it needed stitches.

The noise woke the woman from her dead faint and she saw her neighbor lying on the floor with his wife bending over him, so she assumed that the snake had bitten him. She went to the kitchen and got a small bottle of whiskey, and began pouring it down the man's throat.

By now, the police had arrived.
Breathe here...

They saw the unconscious man, smelled the whiskey, and assumed that a drunken fight had occurred. They were about to arrest them all, when the women tried to explain how it all happened over a little garden snake!

The police called an ambulance, which took away the neighbor and his sobbing wife.

Now, the little snake again crawled out from under the sofa and one of the policemen drew his gun and fired at it. He missed the snake and hit the leg of the end table. The table fell over, the lamp on it shattered and, as the bulb broke, it started a fire in the drapes.

The other policeman tried to beat out the flames, and fell through the window into the yard on top of the family dog who, startled, jumped out and raced into the street, where an oncoming car swerved to avoid it and smashed into the parked police car.

Meanwhile, neighbors saw the burning drapes and called in the fire department. The firemen had started raising the fire ladder when they were halfway down the street. The rising ladder tore out the overhead wires, put out the power, and disconnected the telephones in a ten-square city block area (but they did get the house fire out).

Time passed! Both men were discharged from the hospital, the house was repaired, the dog came home, the police acquired a new car and all was right with their world.

A while later they were watching TV and the weatherman announced a cold snap for that night. The wife asked her husband if he thought they should bring in their plants for the night.

And that's when he shot her.

flowers by: A Flor De Lis Flower Shoppe

2010-05-21T19:29:00.000-04:00

Some of the many flower arrangements....

Taking Time To Weed...

2010-05-18T21:44:00.000-04:00

Today I planted the last of my tiny perennial sprouts. As I unfolded my poor aching back and legs I thought to myself the following things:

1. When my seedlings were tiny I could have confused them for weeds.

2. Therefore, I was glad I waited to nurture them before I transplanted them.

3. Weeds are like bad habits.

4. If you let them grow UN=noticed they will take over your garden.

5. Make sure you can tell the difference (between a weed and a seedling) before you cultivate it.

I am looking forward to enjoying many years of these beautiful flowers that have been cautiously chosen and cared for. Our lives should be just as vigilantly cared for. Weeding out the bad and the awful…not letting them crowd out the good-quality in OUR garden of a life.

I love the spring time new growth and new beginnings the symbol of HOPE!

Taking Time to Celebrate Mother's Day

2010-05-09T20:05:00.000-04:00

Faces of the Mother -to-Be.

May 8,2010
event by: A Flor De Lis Flower Shoppe

Taking Time to Write to Baby Addison...

2010-05-04T17:55:00.000-04:00

Elizabeth B. J.

You are embarking on a wonderful NEW role –

You are going to be a MOTHER!

I can imagine since the moment you saw that first scanned image of Addison & saw Addison's little heart beat…you have been overjoyed, worried, been concerned, planned every detail and loved her for these almost 9 months and that it has probably consumed your thoughts and mind and heart almost constantly… you know sweetheart, it is just the beginning of a lifetime with her.

Yes, all of your planning, care, preparation and love will be embodied in this precious little baby girl who will one day grow up to be a woman.

I am not sure if you know this or not, but I was on the Island with YOUR mother during the weeks before you were born.

I was also at the hospital waiting for you to be born when your mom was in labor with you.

The very prayers I prayed for my sister those 28 years ago I am praying for you…all those things I just have imagined you might be feeling, I imagined with your mother before you were born ~ how she longed to have a baby girl to add to the Nelson family! How she too worried and dreamed…was scared…then she had YOU - this bundle of pink …healthy and just perfectly beautiful, GIRL…and now a grown up, competent woman…ready to become a mother yourself.

I know she is so proud of you, and grateful for the woman you have become.

Elizabeth, I want to take a minute to tell you from my heart to yours…

When you think of Addison and her future ahead,

There will be times throughout her life that …

Your soul will be so happy with her ~ then there will be times where it will ache for her.

She will delight you … and she will also, believe it or not, devastate you.

You will hope for the very best for her…and then have her make an unwise decision.

She will be sick or sad, and no matter how hard you try, you may not understand what she needs.

You will always want her to sleep well, eat and be healthy and happy…and you will do all you can to provide those things for her…for ALL of her life.

Addison will have the power to hold YOUR heart in her hands.

There will also be times where you will be so pleased with yourself as a mother…you have got this baby schedule figured out…that you knew just what she needed…that you could get her that perfect dress…that you could help her with her walk with Jesus…you had just the right advice to give…that you could give her a wonderful home to grow up in & be loved in…

But there may also be times where you may struggle, you may be impatient, you may not have the money to get her something, you may feel dissatisfied…you may not like the journey you are on…you will feel like a failure…and believe me… those things are all a part of life

So here is where some “words” from your Aunt – way down in Texas, will be passed on to you…they are my “mantra’s” and thoughts that have kept me going throughout my life as well as motherhood…I have to fall back on them…even now.

1. Anything that makes you feel angry or stressed but is beyond your control…

”LET IT GO … and…TURN IT OVER TO GOD”… Let yourself feel what has gotten you so upset, then lift it up as a prayer…and move on.

Picture your hand held tightly in a clenched fist (cause you’re angry) ~ then turn your hand over & open up your palm, fingers stretched out….lift your arm up…and give it to God.

I promise you WILL find peace in your soul as you do this…even if you have to do it 10 times in one day…whenever that nasty, angry thought creeps up…open up that fist and give it back to God.

HE KNOWS.

2. Anything that makes you overwhelmingly happy – even proud – no words to describe it…No one can imagine your joy…first thing you do is:

“PONDER IT” …just like Mary in the Bible, after she gave birth to Jesus, and the Shepherds & Wise men came to honor Jesus…she didn’t run around telling everyone she met what had happened…the scriptures tell us “she kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”. Take time to see how God has worked to bring about these blessing in your life ~

Just a thought…

PONDER God’s goodness and providence in your life…

3. When you are discouraged or scared – with yourself… your expectations, your faith… your family and friends ~ maybe you feel you have been let down…

“KEEP WALKING”…I picture Fievel Mousekewitz…the little mouse from “American Tails” (a movie you watched when you were a little girl…sometimes even at my house!) –

See if you can picture this with me…

Little Fievel is boarding the ship that is coming to America – the humans are walking the big planks onto the deck of the ship from land, while the mice are walking on the ropes that tie the ships to the land for their unknown future…Fievel and his family are weighed down with their luggage…and Fievel says…”I’m scared Papa”…and Fievel ’s dad says…”Keep walking Fievel…keep walking”. –

God is like that too – We can say to Him…”I’m scared Papa”…Hebrews also tells us of the examples of people who have walked by faith…just trusting that they would reach what they were expecting and hoping for…as they “just kept walking”.

When you hit those “hurdles” of discouragement…fear…and disillusionment…remember…

Things will get better…don’t give up …don’t stop …and what at times may seem insurmountable can turn out to be a mountain you climbed and is now behind you… that has now given you courage to face more of the future.

You know what is exciting?

You and Stephen will now not just be the two of you …you will be a family.

And your hopes and dreams are being realized.

…and tomorrow is Mother’s Day…

What a special time for you…for your mom….for Grandma…as you see the “footprints” that have walked before you…and as you dream of the new “footprints” to come!

With love, Your, Tia Suely

May 8,

Taking Time to Celebrate a New Baby Girl...

2010-04-26T18:28:00.000-04:00

Taking time to celebrate a new life…is what’s been on my mind lately. I was told I was “spearheading” the event and I am quite happy to do so. The theme motifs are footprints, flowers and butterflies, all of which describe signs of spring… I don’t know about you but the first opportunity I can walk barefoot on the grass you can be sure I WILL. And I suppose our prayers are that this newborn’s footprints will take her to the moon if she wishes, but too that they be healthy and strong and sensible as she grows.

Butterflies because her Daddy likes them, I am sure he hopes his little larva/bug-a- boo of a baby will transform into a beautiful butterfly one day. And lastly flowers are incorporated just because we are thinking about a spring bouquet.

One hundred invitations have been posted and the enthusiasm of it all almost feels like Christmas!!! So wish us luck!!!!!
event by: A Flor De Lis Flower Shoppe

Taking Time to THINK PINK.....

2010-04-19T13:42:00.000-04:00

Here it is Monday again. Weekends seem too just sneak by so fast!!!
Ended nicely though, with a lovely family dinner. Everything fat free and low calorie ….of course, no, but usually with a nice leisurely dinner one can skip supper and go straight to the hot butter and Parmesan-ed popped corn and root beer. No, no counting here.
So now it’s a new week and the madness starts all over again. I say madness because I am home alone again and I have a list to do and consider and prepare and cut and paste and all the fun things that one needs to do in developing a party; a Baby Girl shower to be precise.
So of course I am thinking Pink!!!
Any good,innovative and fresh, ideas are welcomed!!!

Take Time THURSDAY...

2010-04-08T10:48:00.000-04:00

Thursday, is my day. It is the day reserved in the week to do what I desire. I will never schedule an appointment or make any other plans but those that I want. It sounds lofty, I know, because usually it is the day I do housework.
I change the bed linens so there is laundry involved. If the fridge needs emptying and reorganized so be it. If someone should want me to do something on Thursday, I am booked because no matter what I actually do on Thursdays it’s what I WANT and intend to do only!!!!
The vacuum cleaner and duster typically are involved in the plan of the day. Especially for the floor level that has been ignored during the week; our house being a three story one, I seem to have to do the main floor several times a week with the dogs in and out the other two can get overlooked.
No doctors or dentist or any other annoying person/situation can interrupt this day, unless I choose to let it.
Mondays are blue days. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are “get busy doing” something days. So you see how perfect Thursday is? Friday starts the weekend, at least in my mind. Saturday and Sunday are always for everything else, planned or not.
So, today is Thursday. And the rebel in me is so happy. Yes, I can do just what I please!!!!

Taking Time To Rearrange...

2010-04-07T09:54:00.001-04:00

What is it in a woman that causes her to “have” to move furniture around? Rearrange it, oh, maybe twice a year.
I was just sitting there this morning sipping my third cups-o-coffees and it came to me....yes, the urge to change the arrangement of my living room. Maybe it was the caffeine talking but I just couldn’t deny the impulse to get up and start the procedure.
Mind you there are a series of steps that are involved in tackling the job by oneself. There is propping up (which takes considerable amount of strength) to move the huge Oriental rug, then the need to balance out the lighting system. Making sure that the view out the windows to the yard is most effective. When its summer I like to make sure I can enjoy my window boxes inside as well. Then I must think about my husband and his chair and make sure he will be happy. After all he resides here too. I like to have a nice flow in and through and around too.
Half way into the foolishness, I find myself talking out loud saying, "Self, what the heck were you thinking you not only will need to clean and wipe down all the new spaces but you probably will need a chiropractor besides". Then after a couple of miss-tries and working up a sweat I sit back and take it all in and hope I like it and if I don't then I say to myself ,"give it a couple of days". I walk away from it with my fingers crossed. Convincing myself this is the best way ever. But if Larry doesn't like I will put it all back...with his help of-course.
I suppose the best part of this story is that it our home and I am blessed to have one, for be it ever so humble…

Take time to be a vanguard kind-of-person...

2010-03-29T13:29:00.000-04:00

Before I write my thoughts please read the below definition of the word "vanguard"

***********************************************************************************

Moby Thesaurus words for "vanguard": advance guard, airhead, ancestor, announcer, antecedent, armed guard, avant-garde, bank guard, battle line, beachhead, bellwether, bridgehead, buccinator, bushwhacker, coast guard, cordon, cordon sanitaire, explorer, farthest outpost, first line, forebear, forefront, foregoer, forerunner, front, front line, front rank, front runner, front-runner, frontiersman, fugleman, garrison, goalie, goalkeeper, goaltender, ground-breaker, guard, guarder, guardsman, guide, harbinger, herald, inlying picket, innovation, innovator, jailer, latest fad, latest fashion, latest wrinkle, lead runner, leader, line, messenger, new look, newfangled device, novelty, outguard, outpost, pathfinder, picket, pioneer, point, precedent, precursor, predecessor, rail-head, rear guard, scout, security guard, spearhead, stormy petrel, the in thing, the last word, the latest thing, trailblazer, trail-breaker, train guard, van, vaunt-courier, voortrekker, warder

*************************************************************************************

Here I thought it was used exclusively in describing the latest fad or fashion

or new look for the year!!!

When, quite frankly I can experience it with every new day!!! I have the power to say to myself something extraordinary could happen to me today. Something that I could hear or see perhaps. Just feeling it could be the "vanguard" of a miracle. After all part of believing in God is to believe in miracles.

IF, a little word like vanguard defines itself with so many other words.Try defining the word FAITH!!!

REALLY!!!

Take time to try these..

2010-03-23T17:10:00.001-04:00

http://www.foodnetwork.com/videos/oatmeal-peanut-butter-bars/32986.html

Just COPY and PASTE the link to watch the video!!!!

St Patrick Day.

2010-03-17T14:49:00.000-04:00

St. Patrick: Why His Message Still Matters

Brother Colmán Ó Clabaigh, OSB

Author

March 17 is upon us again, and all over the world everyone is an honorary Irishman or Irishwoman for 24 hours. St. Patrick's popularity is a result of the wanderlust of the Irish, and there is no corner of the world in which his name is not honored.
Yet, if his name is known, his story is less familiar and his message often gets drowned out by the parades, the plastic shamrocks and the green-dyed beer.
The little knowledge we have of him comes from two letters he wrote in the course of his missionary work in fifth-century Ireland.
In one, he fearlessly condemns a warlord who carried off some of his converts into slavery. The other document, known as his "Confession," gives a moving account of his conversion and his work as a minister of the Gospel.
Patrick was born in the year 389 into a comfortable Christian background in Roman-occupied Britain. Like others, he took his family, his faith and his good fortune for granted.
All this changed when a group of Irish raiders captured him and sold him and his young companions into slavery. Snatched from the comfort of his Roman villa, he found himself herding sheep and fending off wild animals on the side of an Irish mountain.
Exiled, abused and exploited, Patrick turned to Christ in his desperation, and the relationship of faith that followed transformed his own life and the lives of the Irish people.
Escaping from captivity, he returned to his family and became a priest.
He would perhaps have settled into a comfortable clerical career had it not been for a dream in which he heard the "voice of the Irish" begging him to "come and walk once more amongst us." This he took as a summons to return and proclaim the freedom of Christ in the land of his captivity. It was a courageous decision and one that demanded all his reserves of courage and forgiveness.
Personal challenges
But Patrick's story doesn't end there. From the "Confession" we learn that his mission was anything but an easy one: He was subjected to threats and extortion, his converts were enslaved and brutalized, and his own personal integrity was called into question.
For Patrick had a dark secret. Around age 15, he had committed a very serious crime. What the nature of this offense was he does not reveal, but it would have been an obstacle to his ordination had it been disclosed.
He confided this to a close friend, who subsequently betrayed his trust. In consequence, Patrick's mission was called into question and the "Confession" contains an anguished defense of his ministry in the face detractors, whom he dismissively addresses as "you men of letters, sitting on your estates."
God working within
All this is a long way from the sanitized image of the saint banishing the snakes from Ireland in his green vestments, bishop's staff and over-sized shamrock.
However, the reality of St. Patrick as revealed in the "Confession" shows us someone in whom the grace of God was powerfully active. The Lord habitually uses weak and fragile people to accomplish his will, to build up his kingdom: "My grace is enough for you, my strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians, 12:9).
Patrick himself recognized this; he was conscious of being "rustic, exiled, unlearned," of lacking the sophistication of other bishops. But more than this, he was conscious of the power of God working within him.
Anyone familiar with the stone-walled fields that partition the Irish countryside will appreciate the image that he uses to describe this: "I was like a stone lying in deep mud; and he that is mighty came and in his mercy lifted me up, and raised me aloft and put me on top of the wall. And therefore I ought to shout out aloud and return something to the Lord for the great mercy he has shown me now and for all ages."
Weak though he was, Patrick's success lay in his recognition of the Gospel's power to transform, transfigure and uplift, and this is as true for us in the 21st century as it was for him in the fifth.

Take time to read about Jamie Oliver, it will be worth it...

2010-03-16T11:08:00.000-04:00

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution
Posted: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMT
Jamie Oliver is on a roll. You might know Jamie as “The Naked Chef”, television chef and cookbooks author from the UK, which is actually a gross understatement because, according to The New York Times, Jamie is “head of a multinational corporation that has produced 12 television series and associated specials seen in 130 countries, has written 10 cookbooks translated into 29 languages - besides owning restaurants, selling his own kitchenware, and publishing a magazine.”
Continue reading...

Taking time to share my blues...

2010-03-15T14:52:00.000-04:00

It's not because it's Monday that I am writing about the blues, I am just so partial to the color blue. In the country of Portugal it is interesting to see how much they loved that color too. The Portuguese of course are experts in the history behind the blue in their designs.

Every object you see in this collage are made in Portugal and while they are full of the color blue they don't give me the "blues" just wonderful memories of days gone by.

Keeping Touch.

2010-03-07T12:41:00.000-05:00

By the way let me share my devos. I read today. This is a book that Presley(Larry's young boss)gave us. It goes as follows:

We believe in God-such as it is-we have faith-because certain things happened to us once and go on happening. We work and goof off, we love and dream, we have wonderful times and awful times, are cruelly hurt and hurt others cruelly, get mad and bored and scared stiff and ache with desire, do all such human things as these, and if our faith is not mainly just window dressing or a rabbit's foot or fire insurance, it is because it grows out of precisely this kind of rich human compost. The God of the biblical faith is the God who meets us at these moments in which for better or worse we are being most human, most ourselves, and if we lose touch with these moments, if we stop from time to time to notice what is happening to us and around us and inside us, we run the THE TRAGIC RISK of losing touch with God too.

So you see I have faith enough in that even though at this time of my life I find myself alone allot,without the children,and Larry at times this is where the Lord has for me to be. I am trying to make the best of it and so far so good.

Follow up on the blog...Taking Time to Consider What Real Joy Is...

2010-03-05T10:44:00.000-05:00

Tips on how to REALLY survive cancer

Dear Friends
Thank you, thank you, thank you, for praying for me and for Rick too. We have felt so blessed, loved, and cared for. I can't even begin to express all we are thankful for. We have seen God's love through all of you.

Back on December 18, 2009 I received word that I had invasive lobular carcinoma. After getting off the phone with the doctor it really sank in what I had. I was in shock and alone with my 4 and 5 year old students. I prayed and asked God to give me a verse that I could cling to during this time in my life. He gave me Psalm 118:24 that says, "This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." I began a silent discussion with God that no, this verse wouldn't do, not for this situation. I was scared. But the only verse that would come to mind was the same one. Then I was reminded by God of a gift I had received from a student that said, "Every day is a gift from God." As I thought about it later in the day I began to realize that yes, I could rejoice in "this" day if I looked at "this" day as a gift from God. Just taking one day at a time and rejoicing in it. I honestly have to say that as I looked at my cancer in this way God began to work in my heart and life. Every day in-spite of all the fear of the unknown I still had much to rejoice and be glad about. Little things like what one of my four year old students said when I explained that I was very sick and that I would have to miss a lot of days at school, the student said, "Mrs. Warken, there's this purple liquid that if you take it it will make you all better. You can buy it at the dollar store!" How I have laughed over this! Then the girl next to her piped up and said, "Yeah, there's this orange thing you put on your tongue and you keep it there till it all melts, that will make you all the rest of the way better!" I love these kids!

Then a most wonderful thing happened. I was able to lead the grandmother of one of my past students to the Lord. I had been praying for her for four years that I would be able to share God's love with her and in January at school sitting on the desks I showed her in the Bible how much God loved her. After praying and asking Jesus to forgive her of her sin and to be her Savior, she went and told her Grandson, his teacher and the church secretary what she had just done. It was so amazing.

My husband, children, parents and siblings, and extended family were all constantly there with me and for me. The cards, flowers, phone calls, books, videos, meals, emails, facebook messages, visits, care packages, verses and sooooooo many prayers from friends, literally all around the world were amazing to me and another reason to rejoice. God is so good to me and Rick. Thank you my family and friends.

Today we received word from the medical oncologist that they believe that I am doing well and that they were able to remove all the cancer. The results of the last test came in today indicating that I would not need to do any chemotherapy treatment! No radiation treatment as it had already been ruled out. The only treatment now is a hormonal pill I take daily for 5 years called Tomoxifen and a visit to the doctors office every 3 months while on this medication. The test indicated that there is only a 7% chance of recurring cancer. I am undergoing reconstructive surgery and so far it is going well, a bit uncomfortable and itchy but it is nothing compared to what it could have been!!

So as I close, I again thank each one of you for your part in helping me to rejoice in the Lord! and if you are facing your giant as Joshua and Caleb and the children of Israel did upon entering the Promised Land, remember "...Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

What a precious promise to cling to!

I love you all.
Linda

One more thing..If you wouldn't mind would you please pray for my many friends who are still undergoing cancer treatments. The one area that is hard to rejoice about is knowing that so many are still a lot worse off than I am. I know God is in control of everything, and yes we have to trust Him, but it's still hard. You are never totally sure you are healed with this disease. Prov. 3:5 & 6. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not to your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."

2010-03-03T17:55:00.000-05:00

CURRENT MOON

lunar phases

Canine vs. human

2010-02-27T10:56:00.000-05:00

Someone has said the reason a dog has so many friends is because he always wags his tail instead of his tongue.

GOOEY BUTTER CAKE

2010-02-26T12:15:00.000-05:00

FYI

Anyone can make this!!!!

Gooey Butter Cake

Ingredients:

Cake:
1 18 1/4-ounce package yellow cake mix
1 egg
8 tablespoons butter, melted
Filling:
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
8 tablespoons butter, melted
1 16-ounce box powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine the cake mix, egg, and butter and mix well with an electric mixer. Pat the mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 13 by 9-inch baking pan. Prepare Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla, and butter and beat together.
Next, add the powdered sugar and mix well. Spread over cake batter and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Make sure not to over bake as the center should be a little gooey.
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Prep Time: 30 min
Cook Time: 40 min

THANK YOU

PAULA DEEN

2010-02-25T16:05:00.000-05:00

I would like to be able to take my life and frame it as if it were a priceless work of art and allow you to look upon my life as a child growing up...

Cicken Picada/Piccata

2010-02-24T11:43:00.000-05:00

Chicken Piccata with Pasta and Mushrooms

Recipe courtesy EatingWell.com

Our piccata, made with chicken breast and served over whole-wheat pasta, replicates the rich lemon-caper sauce without the extra butter found in classic Italian piccatas. Make it a meal: Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan, if desired, and serve sauteed zucchini on the side.

Prep Time:

Ingredients

6 ounces whole-wheat angel hair pasta
1/3 cup all-purpose flour, divided
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 chicken cutlets (3/4-1 pound total), trimmed
3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 10-ounce package mushrooms, sliced
3 large cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup white wine
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
2 teaspoons butter

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just tender, 4 to 6 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and rinse.

Meanwhile, whisk 5 teaspoons flour and broth in a small bowl until smooth. Place the remaining flour in a shallow dish. Season chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper and dredge both sides in the flour. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and no longer pink in the middle, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate; keep warm.

Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in the pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring, until they release their juices and begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add garlic and wine to the pan and cook until reduced by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the reserved broth-flour mixture, lemon juice and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, until the sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in parsley, capers, butter and the reserved mushrooms. Measure out 1/2 cup of the mushroom sauce. Toss the pasta in the pan with the remaining sauce. Serve the pasta topped with the chicken and the reserved sauce.

....continued

2010-02-23T11:35:00.000-05:00

       I pressed my cheek on the window screen and pushed ever so gently to not bulge it out more then it already was.. I was relieved to see what I had hoped to by peering into the darkness. You are probably wondering what a child like myself would hope to see in this remote part of the world.

            Flickering in the darkness I saw what I had hoped for. Something that wasn't so unusual for me to see but to someone else it might seem strange. Strange in the sense that I would call it, hope.

continued....

2010-02-10T10:44:00.000-05:00

It had to be too early in the morning for anyone to be up. Because when it rains as hard as it did last night everyone in the house would sleep in because the tropical air would have cooled down to where one could snuggle in the covers a little longer. Breakfast would be late because our cook would come later, all in all the rain was a welcome in the wee hours of the morning.

I reached around the covers to find my blanket to wrap around myself to stay warm ...the plan was to jump out take a look, and back into bed while it was still warm.

...continued

2010-02-03T10:26:00.000-05:00

There was something about the darkness that frightened me. I suppose partly because I knew there are nocturnal varmints that could be lurking at night in the jungle and secondly, the dream was still fresh on my mind.
As I brought my foot slowly out from under the covers and pointed my toes to touch the floor, I proceeded with hesitancy and without taking my eyes off of the window, I knew the distance from the bed to it would take two steps so I focused on those steps.
Just then my sister stirred and signed in her sleep which reminded me I wasn't alone...

Taking Time To Remember.

2010-02-01T16:47:00.000-05:00

I woke up out of a horrible dream...you know, the kind where you tell yourself in the dream to wake up. I heard the rooster in a distence crowing , and that, somehow settled my racing heart back to normal.

It was still quite dark outside and I mustered up enough nerve to step out out from under the covers to see that very thing that always gave me great comfort...

TAKE TIME TO GO BANANAS!!!

2010-01-29T11:29:00.001-05:00

Going Bananas A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class

Take time to consider what real JOY is.....dedicated to Linda...

2010-01-25T12:55:00.000-05:00

"by the will of God" (2 Cor.1:1)....

If your life is in the will of God, there is no question in your mind. And, if you are in the will of God, it makes no difference where you are or how you are or what your circumstances may be, you are in a wonderful, glorious place. You may be lying in a hospital bed. If that is the will of God, that is the proper place for you. (J. Vernon McGee)

Today my thoughts and prayers are for you, Linda May, for I know you well enough to have proof that you are in His will. I know that, because you have testified to that fact. You have received Him as your Savior and have served Him because of His merciful gift.
So, now you are in this place...stricken by this disease, a bit bewildered as to your future and the healing process. Yet, even as a child of God, and even if you are sorrowful and fearful and there are tears in your eyes, be assured that joy comes in the morning. John 16: 21-22 says, And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again,(I believe this means remind us again that He is with us) and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man/illness taketh from you.

The JOY of knowing Him is your strength and that alone will help us stay firm in the will of God at this time.

So, we are praying for this "place" in your life and for complete healing. I hope that this letter will be a reminder of how wonderful it is to be in His will and....how much

You are LOVED!!!!

...Linda's Rose...

Take the Time to Pray for this family!!!!!

2010-01-15T15:42:00.000-05:00

From: Marlene; Health Programs manager; FH- Haiti

Date: Thu, Jan 14 at 6:25 PM

Dear FH Family,

As you may already know Haiti is going to a very dramatic time after a very strong earth quake that practically destroy mainly Port au Prince and the metropolitan area. We are in a situation of disaster and we are ALL left by ourselves because the UN HQ as been completely destroyed and the complete head team has been killed after the building housing them ( a huge hotel of more than 8 floor and as many at lower level) was completed smashed down…the direct consequence is that all effort ( loader, tractors ,helicopters , etc ) are concentrated to help the UN first and the whole population is left to her ” own sake “ as they reply when they are called for Help. People that are under the destroyed building and still alive are not being rescued by the institutional help ,we are seeing instead solidarity effort and enthusiastic and spontaneous helper rescuing people .In my neighborhood we were able to rescue alive a 98 blind YO lady after 16 hrs .Her house smashed down over her head ,she is not well with her left arm broken and bruised she might end up amputated .

7 hospital have been destroyed including 2 of MSF and the results that the only remaining hospital were overloaded after 45 minutes following the event and after the first day they ran out of all elementary medical material like IV fluid or just Gauze. Thousands of people( 3000 they say) are wounded and cannot receive help or care as a result many have died because of lack of care .Since help from the government or the UN has been totally absent the population is fighting alone and the dead people are just abandoned on the sidewalk we cannot count them ) Luis, Leonel ,Celeste ,Glenda ,Tom and Kim you already have visited Caribbean market. Caribbean market was smashed down to the street level at the rush hour time. Many school,Hotels (like Montana: hosting at the time 200 visitors was completely destroyed) and universities while they were having the afternoon group working. The palace is partially destroyed and the cathedral is completely destroyed.

My family was miraculously save alive, the house where I lived is completely destroyed although the roof is still standing. Next door ,where I grew up my parents house is completely smashed down with my father .He died I think and hope immediately we were able to remove him under the roof from after 2 hours of effort and I have buried him in the front yard of our his home ( instead of waiting for the government) .Funeral home are unreachable and any way overloaded . I am trying to help as a doctor but there is not much supply to care for wound and bruises.

Life has stopped since 2 days. Communication is impossible by phone and I am using friend internet provider to send that email. Leonel even we need help I am not sure it is wise to come now with your family.

We need is mainly : medical teamS and supplies to care for wounded people traumatic specialized surgeon and or orthopedist, and nurses ( amputation will be probably the most required action at the moment help will arrived) psycho logic support will be important as well ,food for the population living in the street and sleeping on the drive way on comforter and sheet mattresses , that what I am doing for 2 days with my family .

I personally have almost lost everything as furniture and clothing ,shoes ; however my laptop ( my working life was with me and is still safe ) School year is probably lost, because most schools are destroyed … I do not know….

I remain hopeful and merciful to the Lord who is on His throne the same way as HE was WHEN Noah EXPERIENCED FLOOD …

We need you to pray for lives to be changed by the grace of GOD I have never seen Haitian crying out to GOD like that So it is a right time for them to accept the Lord as their savior .

Marlene

Health Programs manager

_______________________________________________

FHUS_MP mailing list

FHUS_MP@lists.az.fh.org

https://lists.az.fh.org/mailman/listinfo/fhus_mp

2010-01-14T13:50:00.000-05:00

HAITI ROCKED BY POWERFUL EARTHQUAKE!!!!

2010-01-13T12:08:00.001-05:00

Largest earthquake in Haiti history leaves destruction and chaos
January 12, 2010, 7:00 PM
Thousands feared dead amidst the rubble and ruins

A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of Haiti, hitting in the highly
populated capital of Port-au-Prince. Food for the Hungry Haiti staff members are on the ground and
our Emergency Response Unit and nearby Dominican Republic staff are mobilizing to help Haitians in
need.

Just hours after the quake hit, night had fallen and communication lines and electricity was
out, leaving thousands of people stranded and possibly trapped under the rubble. Many public
buildings, including a hospital, have collapsed. In a country already poor and vulnerable, this
catastrophe threatens the lives of countless Haitians.

Please help Food for the Hungry bring hope to the people reeling from this catastrophe.

Pray: Please pray for the safety of our staff in Haiti, many of whom we have not been able to
contact. Also, pray for the thousands of Haitians struggling to survive, that help would reach them
in time.

Give now: Your faithful support allows our Emergency Response Unit to reach people immediately
with the supplies they need – food, water, shelter – to survive. Give now to help bring hope to
Haiti{simplecaddy code=23968&style=default}

Follow the Food for the Hungry Emergency Relief Unit on Twitter or join Food for the Hungry's Facebook page for the latest news on how Food for the Hungry is responding to emergencies around the world.

Posted using ShareThis

Taking Time to Serve ...

2010-01-12T11:55:00.000-05:00

Last night as we were talking and waxing eloquently in our Bible study (trying to out "theologianize" each other), it suddenly occurred to me that doing that very thing was so NOT Christ like.

I realized that before any ministering to others Jesus set aside time for prayer which will prepare and strengthen us for the journey. Then He tried to identify with the ones He talked and walked with. He saw and understood and helped them UNDERSTAND before forcing them into change and frighting them with the ole hell,fire,and brimstone approach.Ya know? He focused on the heart of the issue first. When they were hungry he prepared the lunch and sat down too. When He was tired He rested. He was always ready to serve in all the methods He knew how.

AND, this part is the hard part for most of us...He did it all with HUMILITY...He loved people and appreciated culture and didn't go around trying to change everyone to fit His own until they saw Him as the answer to a condition and a need they had to fill and it was a joy to do so.

I know He was/and is God and could and can do beyond all understanding . By the end of our lesson we read a quote by Ron Sider which to me summed it up very nicely: "God does not want anyone to feel guilty for not doing everything-or for taking time off for relaxation and recreation. Everyone should prayerfully ask God what limited, specific things God wants him or her to concentrate on. It was God after all, who made us finite with only twenty-four hours each day. Being called to do all God wants us to do to correct social sin is not a heavy burden. It is an invitation to joy and meaning in life, an occasion for blessing our neighbors, and a wondrous opportunity to be a co-worker with the Lord of history."

My Anniversary Roses. The Black Baccarra!!!

2010-01-08T15:09:00.000-05:00

There are several kinds of black Roses. This particular variety has the most petal count. Layers and layers of curled edges.

Enjoy!

Take Time To Do These Three Things

2010-01-07T10:34:00.000-05:00

Jesus felt the need to do these three simple habits:

(1) He stood up to read "as was His custom"

(2) He went out into the mountain to pray "as was His custom"

(3) He would teach them again

This are just the basics of living in the spiritual life. If He, the very Son of God could not get along with out them, how do I hope to do so???

Here is my new diet for 2010....no spiritual food...then I won't eat physical food. HUMMMM....how skinny would a lot of us be. If I would cut my physical food each time I cut my spiritual intake HUMMMM. Get the picture.

I truly believe our Bible time and prayer time should come in plateful size daily. If this New Year of 2010 or this new decade, I am faithful in these three areas of my live... I can truthfully say I am a success and in good shape.
clb

January 4, 1974....

2010-01-04T17:04:00.000-05:00

36 years ago today, at 7:00 PM, in Schroon Lake New York, Larry and I said our wedding vows.

Only now,after so many years of refining... those words that we repeated really do make sense.

In sickness and health, I can't tell you how many hours I have sat in the waiting room as Larry was having surgery. He on the other hand has probably had to contend with "mental "stuff with me. OCD at.times my children would say. But, healthy days would out number the ill ones...for that we are great full

Richer or Poorer, I suppose would have to depend on how you define those two words. Does it mean money in the bank and all our assets or does it mean a life filled with fun and laughter. A life of serving in a country building something from seedlings to giant trees, over looking the ocean. O yes, I am a princess daughter of the King O Kings married son of the King of Kings.
It is often difficult to distinguish a vow from an oath. A vow is an oath, but an oath is only a vow if the divine being is the recipient of the promise and is not merely a witness.
We said our vows before God and other witnesses...I believe that these vows are the glue that holds a marriage together in difficult times. A reminder that there was a promise made that should not be broken no matter the cost.The vow seals the deal and builds the very foundation to begin a life as one.
Becoming ONE, we learned after a difficult period in our marriage,does not mean blending of selves ...you stay you and he stays him...and you use these two lives or backgrounds to form a better one. It does not mean one or the other. That is why I hold my breath when, the Unity Candle is used in a wedding as the symbol of joining two lives or families...and then the bride and groom blow their own candle out. Thus saying I am not any more. You and your light should shine and compliment and build a bigger flame together
So, today I will go back in my memories of that day and all that took place before during and after...I will cherish it as one of the most important moments of my life. And I hope that I would treat it as one of the most precious and valuable ones too

. ' Til death Us Do Part.....
clb

Welcome 2010!!!

2010-01-01T14:06:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR and MAY GOD BE IN THE CENTER!!!

This is a wonderful idea.!!!!

2009-12-15T09:35:00.000-05:00

The Ultimate Gift

Gina Parcells, She Speaks! Graduate

"...God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son." 1 John 5:11b (NASB)

Devotion:

Christmas day at my house had become all about the presents. The décor, the shopping, the parties, the tree...it all culminated with those gifts when it should be culminating with the Gift. Something needed to change.

What can I do to see Jesus as a gift, and to help my family see Him as well? I wondered. A light bulb went on in my head, about the same time the light strand went out on my tree, and a plan was birthed.

Phase one: Baby Jesus was removed from the displayed nativity set. He was carefully boxed and wrapped in my fanciest paper, intentionally labeled with a specific name, and gingerly hidden under the myriad of gifts at the foot of our tree.

Phase two: During our family gift exchange on Christmas morning, the disguised gift was handed to my unsuspecting daughter, the named recipient, just one of her many gifts. It could have been an I-pod or a sweater or another book...after all, there was no host of angels announcing the valuable contents. But knowing what I knew, I watched with great anticipation as she opened it.

Phase three: A bewildered look came across her face. Haley didn't speak. I asked, "Haley, what did you get?"

"I got Jesus."

An entire family discussion ensued as we discussed the ultimate Gift in the midst of all of our other presents. We compared the gift of Jesus with other gifts that would wear out, that would be outgrown, and that would eventually lose appeal.

We began to ask and answer lots of questions such as:

What is a gift? What is the purpose of a gift? What can we know about the giver of the gift? Why might the giver choose to give a gift to you specifically?

Together, we came up with truths about God...that He gave us the Gift that we need, that we want, and that we could never afford to get for ourselves. He wrapped that Gift in a blanket and gave - voluntarily, sacrificially, and lovingly - to each one of us, the named recipients of His greatest Gift.

We've invited Jesus back into Christmas to take His place as the perfect Gift that never stops giving. I can hardly wait to experience today that same conversation this year as a new family member opens the box and announces, "I got Jesus!"

I did not write this devotion, but I thought It was a wonderful idea!!!

Mo's Tree

2009-12-10T13:43:00.000-05:00

An unfeeling heart develops over time, never overnight. It belongs to the person who has been fattened by the pleasures of his choices, even choices that caused pain to someone he claims to love.

Christmas Reminder

2009-12-09T06:07:00.000-05:00

Hurry they are coming!!!

Every year I am reminded of the very heart of Christmas - Emanuel, God with us. God wants to be involved in the simple, ordinary happenings of daily life: where we go - what we do - the smile we give the harried stranger - the patience we wear in the crowd of impatient shoppers - the love that prompts the secret gift - the heart that constantly celebrates His birth through every sparkling light, every beautifully wrapped gift, each special meal, every card, phone call and visit.

Winning attitude!

2009-11-23T11:13:00.000-05:00

If God is speaking to you, nudging you to get up and do a certain thing, don't neglect it. God is not the One who loses. Every time we listen but run the other way, we lose. Every time we listen and run to apply it, we win. God is for us. God loves us. He proved it by giving us the Word and the path to follow.

One Flaw In Women....

2009-11-22T10:07:00.000-05:00

Women have strengths that amaze men.....

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,

but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy

and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in..

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer

when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel

and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about

a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they

think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss

can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you

to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what

makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their

family and friends.

Women have vital things to say

and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

My,"just for fun and giggles" time.

2009-11-19T10:38:00.000-05:00

What is REALLY important....really.

2009-11-18T10:58:00.000-05:00

"One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple." Psalm 27:4

If I always keep these five words at the tip of my tongue then I could/can say I was a success.

Ask

Seek

Dwell

Gaze

Inquire

With every ounce of my being...the Lord.

Trouble is I am weak and have scars to proof it. Even as a child I wanted to go to heaven for the opposite scared me so. Now after so many years with the assurance of my salvation I some how feel I have only touched the surface of God's love for me. Oh yes, we all will live for eternity..One alive and enjoying the "place He went to prepare for us" And others an eternal death to the place he has prepared for Satan.."living" in an eternal death wanting to die but forever not being able to. No amount of anti-depressants will work there.

No, Stephen Spielberg or King story will or even could begin to frighten you like hell should. Yet people still reject...they don't even give it the benefit of the doubt

As I finish my 10th sympathy flower arrangement (in the last week) for dear ones who have gone...which by the way has brought me to these thoughts, I am reminded how short life really is...why do I waste it on things that really don't amount to a pile of "nothing".

I pray that today and tomorrow and for how ever long I have left that I can put those 5 words in to practice.

Taken for: A Flor De Lis

2009-11-17T13:24:00.000-05:00

Christmas is in the Air!!!!!

2009-11-16T16:32:00.000-05:00

http://www.bhg.com/videos/m/27270288/fold-a-tree-napkin.htm

This is a good idea for Thanksgiving too!!!! But any way you like it you can start practicing now!!!!

The Lord Is MyShephard...why do we stress.

2009-11-11T20:23:00.000-05:00

If you are like me, I tend to handle the major calamities in life better than the mundane, ordinary but definitely stress-inducing minutia of daily living. Psalm 23 has led me to believe that it is often the small pebble in my shoe, rather than the massive boulder on my path, that causes the greatest stress in my life. Life is so daily! Fortunately, so is God.

HOW CAN WE HELP THE HELPLESS.....

2009-11-10T10:27:00.001-05:00

NYTimes Article - For Runaways, Sex Buys Survival

Source: apps.facebook.com

We understand that the issue of child rape for profit is rampant everywhere in our world. This recent article from the NY Times shares more of the common realities faced by teen runaways across the nation. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/27/us/27runaways.html?_r=1&th&emc=th And note that the ...

Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

2009-11-09T03:49:00.000-05:00

Our good friend Betsy left this world unexpectedly Saturday, November the 7th,

She is, "finally home" with her Lord. In the 60's she was graduated from Moody, married Rodd, and together they went to Aruba as missionaries. In the 70's, she was left without a husband, and her 2 children without a father. Returning to Schroon Lake, she saw Tim and Tammy grow up, get married and give her 5 grandchildren. She became the admired grade school teacher at Mountainside Christian Academy, the greatly loved head of women's ministries at Mountainside Bible Chapel, a speech teacher for the women at the Word of Life Bible Institute, a speaker at women's conferences, an active participant in town events, and a friend to many who came to her for counsel. And yesterday, in heaven, she joined her parents, Jack and Marge Wyrtzen -- "finally home."

One of the first things that I think is who will fill the void that she leaves behind. Her children will miss her and grandchildren. I am sure her students will be effected too.

Everything can change in a blink of an eye...are we ready?

Finale!

2009-11-04T15:31:00.000-05:00

Sofie Marie and Victoria Josephine, raced into the house. They did their usual greetings throughout the house setting up a ruckus as usual too.

Princess Sofie claimed her favorite spot which was on Grand-masters lap. The mistress and her little sister spent their time with Grand-mistress.

Unbeknown-st to everyone else Sofie decided to sneak into the kitchen to where the beloved Le'Gar-bage was kept.

Her highly bred princess nose began to search for something delectable to eat. And she found it!

She ate and ate tore and tore until her royal belly was as round as could be.

Now the Mistress took one look at her and knew that that royal belly was a bit too round and the foo foo beard a bit too greasy and followed the trail to the mess. After a scolding and a quick washing of her mouth they went home and settled down for the night.

Well everyone but the the Princess Sofie Marie, for her stomach began to rumble and rumble and gurgle and gurgle...and she felt sick all over. Day after day for four days later her royal highnie was not well.

It was then decided that she must go to the hospital and the Doctor Vet. hooked her up to an I.V. because after he took her X-ray they saw that that royal round belly was stopped up with a CORN COB....this was corking up the Princess royal intestines. Doctor Vet. scolded the princess too and and after two days and nights and the threat of surgery...Sofie Marie the Princess dog was finally feeling her self again.

Now every one in the kingdom hopes that Sofie Marie will have learned her lesson that Le' Gar-bage is not the place to find food...

and she and her little sister lived happily ever after.

Le' End

The Princess Dog That Ate The Corn Cob.

2009-11-02T21:19:00.002-05:00

Once upon a time, there was this Princess dog named Sofie Marie. Like most princesses she had everything her Royal Highnie would ever desire. A mistress that loved her very much. Both sets of Grand- mistresses that did too. All her canine cousins of her kingdom regarded her as the fairest in the land. Her dear, little sister, Princess Victoria Josephine, loved her most of all..

She was always groomed with the latest of "foo-foo" style. Had many of the o' couture, canine fashions. The most wonderful yard and forest to explore and rocks to climb. Oh, and squeaky toys and tiny tennis balls . Her bed was of the finest fleece and animal- printed coordinating duvet where she would slumber all day and early in the cold winter nights. In the summer she enjoyed long boat rides on a beautiful mountain lake...she loved pointing her noise to the wind and barking out greetings to Mr. and Mrs. Loon or at the other dogs that came from the city to spend the summer in her kingdom. One would think that she didn't need anything at all. For hunger and thirst were never present in her life she had more then enough of all the comfort and love from one and all.

Ah, but there was one thing that she most wanted and it was forbidden territory and highly frowned upon for such a fair princess to even THINK about such a place. This place was called, "Le'Gar-Bage". Oh, but the temptation at times was so great yes, even this princess who lacked nothing, would find herself drawn to it's tempting aromas. She didn't care if she would dirty herself with the grease and grim and stinky things. She didn't care if she would drive her Mistress to despair, no, all she cared about was to be able to dig and hunt and tear and spread anything and everything all over the floor. To her it was so much fun and and so delicious she did not stop to think of what would or could happen. This was so unbecoming for Princess and a very hard lesson her majesty to learn and obey.

One chilly, autumn, night the Mistress and her husband decided to get in the white chariot with wheels and journey to

her most favorite grand people of all. Victoria Josephine came too but Sofie Marie knew she was the favorite and decided to spend most of her time one of their laps.

To be continued tomorrow......

Believe in miracles.

2009-10-29T12:15:00.000-04:00

Please take the time to read this post:
This took place in Porto Alegre, Brasil, South America.
No-one should have to go through this, I am sure it will take time to heal.
These are friends who work with Word of Life, in Brasil.

Subject: God's protection... Agnes gun robbery!

Just wanted to ask you to pray for our family… (the last weeks has been hard, with trials in our life and ministry). Just a couple hours ago Agnes had a gun on her head while robbers tried to take her hostage (we call it here “flash kidnap”, when they take you just for a few hours to cash money from your bank account…). By the grace of God nobody else was in the car and Agnes was fast enough to step out while the guy was trying to reach the keys and she could run away… (just waiting for him to pull the trigger)! Praise God for HIS protection, nobody was hurt, police came and start looking for the car… nothing so far, please pray they can find it because we don’t have any insurance (like most of Brazilians don’t, because it’s too expensive…). God knows!

We are home now, Agnes is doing better, the kids are a little scared, but are all fine… living in Brazil is an adventure! Just thought I could share it with you. Thanks for your prayers. Your friendship and support makes all the difference in times like this. God bless you, Thomas & Agnes Heb 12:1-2

Global Portuguese Outreach (Small Steps through that Open Door)

2009-10-28T13:18:00.000-04:00

GPO.

We are just in the baby-step stage of our new ministry called Global Portuguese Outreach...so please check out our website...www.globalportugueseoutreach.com And then please begin to pray for us we take this step of faith.

TAKE TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES

A Girl Has Got To Do, What A Girl Has Got To Do

Three Gringos and a Dog

Give in to Me-Leighton Meester and Garrett Hedlund(with LYRICS)

Rustic Peach Cake,

R.I.P.

Gimpy, Our Fine Feathered Friend...

.. trip to the Denist..

"Lilly Pulitzer" Crystal Dress at Lilly Pulitzer

...BE Patient...

Time to Party!!

Blessings - Laura Story - LYRICS

Time to practice what we preach...

Giggles FOR Jessie...

Care to comment???

Who let the dog out...

Bar Codes....

To home-school ....or not...this is the question.

Best Workout Ever...

Taking time to praise ...

Jessie Anna 2005

The Only Psalm...

Just a Gentle Reminder...

Great Idea and I Have Already Started A Pair.

Chritmastime Past.

Old thought for the New Year!!! BY Ray Pritchard

Tis the Season

Take time to define BILLOWS...

Take Time to Read..WHEN SEA BILLOWS ROLL by Paul Schlener

WHEN SEA BILLOWS ROLL by Paul Schlener

WHEN SEA BILLOWS ROLL by Paul Schlener

WHEN SEA BILLOWS ROLL by Paul Schlener

When Sea Billows Roll....by Paul Schlener, author of, PORT OF TWO BROTHERS....

Letters from Africa

Taking Time to be Thankful...

Take Time To Bake This Bread....

Take Time to go Back...

Taking Time to savor the summer of 2010.....

Taking time for a rule of THUMB!

Take Time To TRY Recipe......

Taking time to Live...

Taking the Words of Thomas Jefferson to Heart...

Taking Time to Celebrate the Life of a loved one....

I wanted to “Take Time” to honor my Pa!! For Father's Day.

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Taking Time to talk FUTEBOL….

Taking TIME takes patience....

Taking time to mourn those who have gone...

TakeTime to LAUGH!!!

flowers by: A Flor De Lis Flower Shoppe

Taking Time To Weed...

Taking Time to Celebrate Mother's Day

Taking Time to Write to Baby Addison...

Taking Time to Celebrate a New Baby Girl...

Taking Time to THINK PINK.....

Take Time THURSDAY...

Taking Time To Rearrange...

Take time to be a vanguard kind-of-person...

Take time to try these..

St Patrick Day.

St. Patrick: Why His Message Still Matters

Brother Colmán Ó Clabaigh, OSB

Author

Take time to read about Jamie Oliver, it will be worth it...

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

Posted: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Taking time to share my blues...

Keeping Touch.

Follow up on the blog...Taking Time to Consider What Real Joy Is...

Canine vs. human

GOOEY BUTTER CAKE

Gooey Butter Cake

Ingredients:

Directions

Cicken Picada/Piccata

Chicken Piccata with Pasta and Mushrooms

Ingredients

Directions

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