Valley Blessings

Taylorsville: The Town I Love

2011-02-13T21:17:00.007-05:00

I’m finding myself as I’m getting older now, reminiscing a lot about when I was young. The small town of Taylorsville that I wanted to get away from, I now wish I could live there. Oh, I thought it was a dull, boring little place. Now I long for that dull, boring little place!! The creaky, drafty old house that my Grandma lived in … oh how I long to be there just one more time. Playing in the attic and pilfering through Grandmas old “stuff.” Playing in the "grave-yard" (yeah, all my cousins will know exactly what grave yard, lol). The coal-burning stove that heated the house as well as the water. Washing my hair out of that big dish pan. Taking baths in a galvanized tub with water heated from the coal stove. Those freezing cold mornings when grandma would let me stay under the covers while she got the fire going good and the room good and warm. Playing in the rain. Playing hide and seek with the grown-ups. Playing tag, frozen catchers, peg, mother-may-I, red light-green light, duck-duck-goose, drop the handkerchief and all those other outdoor games. Yep, imagine that! NO video games and very little TV, if any. Sitting by the coal-stove with Grandma drinking coffee and eating biscuits. Sunday fried chicken dinners.

My very best times as a child were the times I spent in that little town of Taylorsville with my sweet Grandma Sharp. Little did I know they would turn into the best of my childhood memories.

We were different than many others then. Most all of my peers at least had central heat. We grew up with no central heat and without air conditioning. Why, to have just a window unit was such a luxury!! No, we slept many a night with the screen door open and the fan running to keep cool. We didn’t complain either. It was just the norm for us. We had little but we needed little! Those were the days!!

As I look back now, I am so glad for the way I lived. We got by with very little and appreciated whatever we did have. My upbringing has kept me humble for all these years and I will never forget my roots. Grandma Sharp had no idea the impact she had on me. I miss her still and guess I always will. Thank you, Grandma, for giving me the childhood I had!! Until we meet again on the other side, I love you always!

Stubborn Love

2011-02-11T13:15:00.001-05:00

This is probably my everyday prayer ... and one of my favorite songs!!

by Kathy Triccoli

Caught again. Your faithless friend.
Don't You ever tire of hearing
What a fool I've been?
Guess I should pray,
But what can I say?
Oh, it hurts to know the hundred times
I've caused You pain.

The "forgive me" sounds so empty
When I never change.
Yet You stay and say, "I love you still,"
Forgiving me time and time again.

CHORUS:
It's Your stubborn love
That never lets go of me.
I don't understand how You can stay -
Perfect love embracing the worst in me
How I long for Your stubborn love.

WD-40

2011-02-11T10:39:00.002-05:00

What is the main ingredient of WD-40?

Before you read to the end, does anybody know what the main ingredient of WD-40 is? Don't lie and don't cheat. WD-40. Who knew; I had a neighbor who bought a new pickup. I got up very early one Sunday morning and saw that someone had spray painted red all around the sides of this beige truck (for some unknown reason). I went over, woke him up, and told him the bad news. He was very upset and was trying to figure out what to do.... probably nothing until Monday morning, since nothing was open.

Another neighbor came out and told him to get his WD-40 and clean it off. It removed the unwanted paint beautifully and did not harm his paint job that was on the truck. I'm impressed! WD-40 who knew?

'Water Displacement #40'. The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a 'water displacement' compound.. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40.

The Convair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts. Ken East (one of the original founders) says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you... When you read the 'shower door' part, try it. It's the first thing that has ever cleaned that spotty shower door. If yours is plastic, it works just as well as glass. It's a miracle! Then try it on your stove top ... Viola! It's now shinier than it's ever been. You'll be amazed.

WD-40 uses:

1. Protects silver from tarnishing.
2. Removes road tar and grime from cars.
3. Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
4. Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery.
5. Keeps flies off cows.
6. Restores and cleans chalkboards.
7. Removes lipstick stains.
8. Loosens stubborn zippers.
9. Untangles jewelry chains.
10. Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
11. Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill.
12. Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing.
13. Removes tomato stains from clothing.
14. Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots.
15. Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
16. Keeps scissors working smoothly.
17. Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes.
18. It removes black scuff marks from the kitchen floor! Use WD-40 for those nasty tar and scuff marks on flooring. It doesn't seem to harm the finish and you won't have to scrub nearly as hard to get them off. Just remember to open some windows if you have a lot of marks.
19. Bug guts will eat away the finish on your car if not removed quickly! Use WD-40!
20. Gives a children's playground gym slide a shine for a super fast slide.
21. Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding mowers...
22. Rids kids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
23. Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open..
24. Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close.
25. Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as vinyl bumpers.
26. Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
27. Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans
28. Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons, and bicycles for easy handling.
29. Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly.
30. Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools.
31. Removes splattered grease on stove.
32. Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
33. Lubricates prosthetic limbs.
34. Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell).
35. Removes all traces of duct tape.
36. Folks even spray it on their arms, hands, and knees to relieve arthritis pain.
37. Florida ’s favorite use is: 'cleans and removes love bugs from grills and bumpers.'
38. The favorite use in the state of New York , WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
39. WD-40 attracts fish. Spray a little on live bait or lures and you will be catching the big one in no time. Also, it's a lot cheaper than the chemical attractants that are made for just that purpose. Keep in mind though, using some chemical laced baits or lures for fishing are not allowed in some states.
40. Use it for fire ant bites. It takes the sting away immediately and stops the itch.
41. WD-40 is great for removing crayon from walls. Spray on the mark and wipe with a clean rag.
42. Also, if you've discovered that your teenage daughter has washed and dried a tube of lipstick with a load of laundry, saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and rewash. Presto! The lipstick is gone!
43. If you sprayed WD-40 on the distributor cap, it would displace the moisture and allow the car to start.

P.S. The basic ingredient is FISH OIL.

Love Can't Make Others' Choices

2011-01-31T01:45:00.001-05:00

LOVE CAN’T MAKE OTHERS’ CHOICES

I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn.
I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.
I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it.
I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.
I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you.
I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you.
I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honor.
I can advise you about friends, but I cannot choose them for you.
I can advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure.
I can tell you the facts of life, but I cannot build your reputation.
I can tell you about drink, but I cannot say “no” for you.
I can warn you about drugs, but I cannot prevent you from using them.
I can tell you about lofty goals, but I cannot achieve them for you.
I can teach you about kindness, but I cannot force you to be gracious.
I can warn you about sins, but I cannot make you moral.
I can love you as a child, but I cannot place you in God’s family.
I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.
I can teach you about Jesus, but I cannot make Jesus your Lord.
I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life,
I can love you with unconditional love all of my life . . . And I will!!!

The above piece has implications far beyond a mother’s love.
It says something about our love for one another and God’s love for us.
The one thing that love cannot do for someone else is choose.
It can provide strength, it can provide encouragement, it can provide support,
but it cannot make choices for others, no matter how dearly we love them.

People often ask, “Why couldn’t God have made a world where nobody sins?”
Here’s part of the answer to that question. As much as we may want those we
love to do what is right, we can’t force them to do so, as much as that may hurt
(and it is painful).

What is true for us is also true for God.
“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set
before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life …
that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days…”(Deuteronomy 30:19-20)

Sin in the Church: Part 2

2011-01-30T21:08:00.002-05:00

And now, the rest of the story ...

Ok so, I posted about the whole church fiasco in my post titled “Sin in the Church: Part 1” but it really didn’t end there.

We left that particular church after the split, feeling like we really had no choice. The Pastor left as well, because the people placed blame on him for the guy caught in pedophilia leaving as well as some other things that I can’t even begin to get into. Long story short, this Pastor started his own church, meeting in a community center, then a school, then another facility over a 10 year period. We attended that church for about six months, but couldn’t seem to escape the ugliness from the old church no matter how hard we tried. Rumors and gossip were still flying and we desperately needed to escape the whole situation so we left there and went to a different church altogether.

We attended church faithfully and were happy with our decision. Then our son and his little family began to make some changes in their lives after a series of bad choices nearly cost them their lives. We were thrilled about their decision, but my son wanted to go back to the church of his youth, which was the one that had treated us so badly. I would have done ANY thing to see my son get himself and his family on the right track. So we swallowed our pride and totally humbled ourselves and went back to the old church.

My son had wanted to get involved in the music ministry by playing guitar. So he started meeting with a few guys that were doing that very thing. He went to a couple of meetings and seemed to enjoy it, but then, all of a sudden, he would show up and no one else would be there. He would stay an hour to hour and a half waiting, but no one came. There was always an excuse and the guy in charge always “forgot” to call and tell my son. Well, he still continued to go at the regular meetings, but was stood up like 6 or 7 times!! That is totally inexcusable!!

As if that weren’t bad enough, I then tried to reach the preacher at that time and talk to him about this situation and see what he thought we should do. We certainly didn’t want any trouble with anyone. We wanted to avoid that at all costs, hence our seeking godly counsel. BUT, low and behold, the preacher would NOT return our calls. Weird. Just very, very, weird. We noticed some of the people still would not look at us or speak to us. So we got the message LOUD AND CLEAR!! It was “we don’t want you here!!” So we left again with hurt feelings once again.

It was so hard to go back in the first place, but what a slap in the face!! And then there was my son and his family … what a slap in the face to them!! Here was a perfect chance to minister to a family in a big way and they didn’t even care!

So we all left and we went back to the church that was meeting at the community center. It was a good fit for the kids and they did really well there and we went on back to our other church. At some point, my son had stopped going and we just went hit and miss. I guess the whole thing left such a bad feeling with us regarding the church. I know it’s no excuse, but I think I needed to pull away for a time to get my thoughts and feelings together. I just didn’t know what to think or feel anymore. I didn’t know where God wanted me to be so I pulled away to pray and think.

I still don’t have the answers, but I know I need to be someplace. So, I’m praying and getting closer to an answer. As for now, we are considering going back to Riverport, which is the NEW church. They recently had a NEW building built and they are growing and doing great. God has blessed that little church abundantly and that speaks volumes for them! They love us there and don't judge us, so why shouldn’t we be where they love us and welcome us. No more trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. We will soon know where our place is. God is in control and He knows best. We just have to be still and listen to His still, small voice.

Sin in the Church: Part 1

2011-01-28T08:21:00.002-05:00

There was another story in the news this morning about a priest molesting a child. This seems to be so common these days and I find that very disturbing. But there is something else that is just as disturbing. Just like the story in this morning’s news, the church is covering it up and handling it all wrong! Okay, so I don’t have all the answers, but I know right from wrong when it is as obvious as something of this nature. The book keeper that brought this incident to light to the leaders of the church was wrongly fired and the perpetrator was just moved to another location. This really hit home with me. Yep, been there and done that!

A little more than 10 years ago I was in a very similar situation. What happened to me caused me so much pain, I doubt I will ever “completely” get over it. The scars run way too deep!

I was a church secretary which was also the job I had desired for years and a job that I dearly loved! I loved my church family and was so blind-sided by what happened to me, it still causes me great heart-ache. You see, similar to the lady in today’s news, I discovered a church leader (NOT the pastor) was involved in pornography. But it wasn’t just pornography, but homosexual and “child’ pornography! I prayed over this situation for three days before the Lord spoke to me about what I needed to do. So I called the Director of the Deacons and he and another Deacon came to the church and I showed them what I came across. Needless to say, they too were shocked, but what happened next totally blew my mind!!

First, the perpetrator falsely accused ME!! Whoa!! I had been out for three days for a funeral and the church history showed LOTS of history of his actions those days I was out, so it clearly was NOT me! Eeewwww!! I can’t even stand the thought of it! Anyhow, he finally owned up to it and admitted it and the church asked him to resign. They didn’t fire him, but instead sent him to a six month program in Florida and then he went right back into the ministry at a different church.

Well, in the meantime, I was labeled “trouble-maker” for bringing this situation to light, even though the big “secret” only remained with the church leadership. I couldn’t believe the way I was treated! I was ridiculed and cross examined like a criminal!! I lost very dear friends and people that were like family to me. I didn’t know what they had been told … still don’t know what they think happened, but I know what “really” happened. The perpetrator was treated like a victim and I was treated like the criminal and almost immediately, I was fired from my job!! I had never been fired before!! That in itself was devastating to me! But the loss of friendships, my church family, as well as my job??!! I was so deeply hurt I thought I would just die of a broken heart!

Doesn’t it seem all backwards??? I don’t understand. The church family that I thought would be proud of me for doing the right thing … and I KNOW it was the right thing, instead they hated me for it. That doesn’t make sense to me and it never will. I know in my heart that I could not just sweep this under the rug. This man worked with children and I felt they were in a very real danger of being hurt. I didn’t want anything bad to happen to this man. I just felt he had no place in the position he was in, considering the circumstances he had gotten himself into.

When I saw that story in the news this morning, I realized I wasn’t alone and all those memories came flooding back to me. I guess this kind of thing happens in a lot of churches, but often times, probably does just get swept under the rug. The way I see it, that is not right. These people can harm innocent people and cause life-long scars!

With all that being said, I don’t want anyone to think I’m against the church. On the contrary, I love the church. People expect churches to be perfect, but there is no perfect church. We are all just people … sinners saved by grace. We mess up just like everyone does. That’s where grace and forgiveness comes in.

As for me, I haven’t been to church in a very long time. I WANT to go, but I struggle with it. My hope is someday to be able to let down my walls and trust again. I have in no way lost my faith. I love my Lord and I worship in my own way, especially through praise and worship music. I do go to church occasionally, but my desire is to get back into it regularly like I once was.

My prayer is for the church to wake up and do the right thing. They only make themselves look worse by trying to “protect” their reputation. Own up to the things that go wrong, because we are just mere humans. We learn from such things and hopefully become better people for it.

God is good and I feel like He will once again bless me with what I am looking for in a church. I love the church I belong to now, but I know deep down, I need … or maybe just “want” what I once had. I know it will never be like it was, but if I could just find my place, I would be happy. I believe one day I will … the sooner the better. 

The BIG One!!!

2011-01-18T15:35:00.000-05:00

We had a small earthquake today and just a couple of weeks ago, Indiana had a small one as well. I’ve been hearing for 30+ years we are due the BIG one along the New Madrid fault line in Western Kentucky!! I remember in April 2008 we had an earthquake and that was the first and only time I have ever actually felt one. It was weird!!! It was scary, but at the same time it was kind of neat experiencing it since no one was hurt and it was not devastating.

Earth quakes and natural disasters fascinate me for some strange reason. When I was young, I was “TERRIFIED” of thunderstorms and I could hardly sit through the movie “Earthquake.” But now, I think I like watching them because it makes me think about what I would do in an event like that. I want to be prepared. And it helps to know where my final destination is, too, LOL.

I think every family should have a plan on what to do in an event of a catastrophe while we are all at work or school or someplace else. Tony & I plan on trying to just make it home if we are at work. Instead of trying to search for one another, just try to get home. We still need to have other plans in place though. Like, how long do we wait before we start searching if one of us doesn’t show up? There are so many things to think about. If the event is truly catastrophic, we won’t have communication, so a plan would be very important to have in place.

I think it is a very good idea to have some sort of emergency kit ready, even if it is only a small one, just in case. I would have water, non-perishable foods, flashlights, and a first-aid kit. We need to teach our kiddo’s these things too. Not to scare them but to be prepared for if or when the BIG one comes. My daughter and her family have fire-drills all the time, which is a VERY good idea. So why not a tornado drill and an earthquake drill or a terrorist attack drill? It’s just something to think about. We just never know.

I have a survival kit started and we have talked about what we would do IF this happened or that happened. It gives me comfort knowing we have a plan. I pray we never have to use try it out, but it feels good to be prepared. Do you have a plan?? Just sayin ……

If I Were Retired ....

2011-01-17T09:45:00.001-05:00

If I were retired …

Wow! If I were retired, what would I do with myself? Let me count the ways!! Here are the top 10 for starters!

I would visit family a LOT more!
I would keep a spotless house and my laundry done.
I would go through old pictures and revitalize some of them and hang some of my grandparents in their younger days … keeping their memories and my heritage alive!
I would scrap book a LOT along with my grand-daughter, Megan and then Ruby too, when she gets old enough.
I would make things. I like being crafty, so I would probably learn to crochet along with some other things.
I would take piano lessons from my sister!! Oh, how I have ALWAYS wanted to play the piano!
I would garden more and can fruit and veggies.
I would volunteer in church and help somehow with the needy and/or the elderly.
I would spend a LOT more time with ALL of my grandchildren before they get all grown up!!
I would cook more and use less processed foods, focus on health and exercise more.

I could go on, but I just made myself tired from thinking about all that!! I don’t plan on just waiting around to die. I plan on living life to the fullest!!! I dream about it all the time. I just hope I can spend my retirement up on my hill.

Come, Lord Jesus

2011-01-12T19:58:00.007-05:00

I feel more and more like we are living in the last days. I know we have heard that all our lives but each day brings us a little closer. Think about it ... all the floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, odd weather patterns, and I seen in the news this morning where the gravitational pull has caused the earth's poles to shift. The earth has done that before slightly but this time it was more dramatic. It was enough to change the longitudes and latitudes! I think this is only the beginning. I think major changes are coming to our earth VERY soon and very much in MY lifetime. Like the Bible says, "...as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be with the coming of Jesus."

So that's my thinking. We all need to get ready for the day is near!!

Matthew 24

29 “Immediately after the distress of those days
“‘the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light;
the stars will fall from the sky,
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’

30 “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earthwill mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. 31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

32 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 33 Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. 34 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

( I long for that day at times. I am ready! )

The Day and Hour Unknown

36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Daniel 12

The End Times

1 “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise[a] will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. 4 But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.”

5 Then I, Daniel, looked, and there before me stood two others, one on this bank of the river and one on the opposite bank. 6 One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?”

7 The man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, lifted his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by him who lives forever, saying, “It will be for a time, times and half a time.[b] When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed.”

8 I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?”
9 He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.

11 “From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. 12 Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.

13 “As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.”

Hurting People Hurt People

2011-01-12T13:52:00.005-05:00

I’ve heard it said that “hurting people hurt people” and I do believe it is true. I have seen it and I know when I am hurt, my first instinct is to hurt back. I understand that is hard for many people to refrain from hurting back. We are human after all and have a built-in defense mechanism. If someone hits you, your first instinct is to hit back. If someone says something mean or hurtful to you, your first response is to say something mean or hurtful back. That’s because it is in our nature to do so.

I was recently so hurt by something someone said, I curled up in my little turtle shell and hid just like I used to when I was a child. I prayed and prayed for direction and today I finally got it. So this person that hurt MY feelings was responding out of something that hurt HER feelings … something that hurt her TERRIBLY, thus causing her to say things that I know she probably wishes she take back or re-phrase at the very least.

Shortly after praying about it this morning it hit me!!! I NEED to talk to this person, because no matter what she does or says, I will always love her with all my heart and I would lay my life down for her without even blinking an eye! I just want her to know how very, very much I love her and I would do ANYTHING in my power to protect her. So no matter what was said, it just doesn’t matter to me. I just don’t want our relationship to suffer. I hate chaos and unrest and yes, I do try very hard to keep the peace in ALL relationships in my life. I had enough confusion and pain in my childhood to last me the rest of my life and if there is ANY thing I can do to divert emotional pain, you better bet I am all for it.

I understand some things NEED to be said, but I also know we need to put forth every effort to say what needs saying with love. I have learned not to respond immediately to anything. I have regretfully made that mistake before. But now I take the time and pray about it. I wait for God’s Peace before I confront the situation and trust me, waiting is not my strong-point. But God is teaching me.

Oh, those lovely growing pains. We all hate them but we have to have them if we are to ever grow in His love and grace. I have a peace now that it will all work out. I believe it will. LOVE conquers all. God is good and He said if we pray “according to His will …” he will hear our prayers and He will answer and reconciliation is ALWAYS His will, so I have much confidence that all will be just fine!

And to God be the glory!!

FACEBOOK

2010-12-27T13:20:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of my thoughts on Face Book

Face Book – is it a good thing or a bad thing? I think it’s just like everything else. It CAN be a good thing, but unfortunately, it can also be a BAD thing. I have experienced both!

FB is wonderful for keeping in touch with people in our crazy, hectic world that we otherwise would lose touch with forever. It is also good for finding those childhood friends that you haven’t seen or heard from since – well, childhood!

I have been able to get to know more of my own family members much better and I am truly blessed for it!! It is a good tool to encourage others who may be struggling. It is a good tool to receive encouragement as well. It can be funny when people use their sense of humor in so many constructive ways! It’s just plain fun – well, MOST of the time.

There are times when FB can be very bad … and I mean VERY bad!! Some people tend to feel they can say whatever they want regardless of how it makes someone feel. Feelings get hurt and arguments get started. It can turn pretty ugly.

Sometimes there are comments made that perhaps we take the wrong way or we take it too personally. Some like to use it as a gossip column. Some may like to contradict the things you believe in and hold dear to your heart. I am always up for a good discussion, until it takes a turn toward ugly, then I’m outta there!! I do NOT like drama whatsoever.

My husband thinks I am on FB too much. I agree with him, however, most of the time I’m on there, I’m playing YoVille. I love that game, LOL!! But even so, he is right. I am one of those people that take things to heart and can get my feeling hurt easily, so I think I should back off some. I don’t want to give it up altogether. I enjoy talking with my family that I would otherwise not get to talk with.

Anyhow, I do plan on cutting back, but I’m not ready to quit YoVille just yet!!

Post Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T10:51:00.006-05:00

Merry Christmas!!

Our children and grandchildren all were here last night (Christmas Eve) for dinner and presents. Everyone seem to have a really good time! It's always good to see your family happy. Everyone seemed to like their gifts. Christie and Mike had to work, so their four stayed the night. Then Mike picked them up this morning to go home and see what Santa brought. Tony Jr. and his little family came over this morning for breakfast and I made them chocolate chip pancakes. Then they went on back home so the babies could play with their Christmas toys.

Tony isn't feeling well this morning. He has forgotten his allergy meds for a couple of days and now his allergies are flared up and he has a head-ache. So he will probably sleep or just lay around the biggest part of the day. Reckon I'll take the tree down and do a little cleaning today.

Christmas just seemed really different for me this year. I don't know why. It was very nice, but I am always glad when things can get back to normal. I like the New Year, because to me, it symbolizes new beginnings. I have decided not to make any resolutions this year because I didn't keep the ones from last year .... reckon I'll just keep working toward those!

I am still not attending church much at all. I really need to work on that. I miss it, especially this time of the year, but I know it will never be what it once was to me. After the whole fiasco at South Jefferson 10 years ago, I will never feel the same. It makes me very sad. I long to be a part of a church like I once was. I love the services at Valley View, but I long for a small, family church. I wish us, along with my kids and grandkids could all be in the same church together. That would be like a dream come true for me!! Christie is at South Jefferson and we will never go back there. I often think about Riverport ... I think we could all be happy there, but I don't look for Christie to ever leave SJ. Once we move, I want to try Mt Eden Baptist Church. That's where most of our neighbors on the hill go.

Anyhow, one resolution that I make every year is to put all the hurt behind me that the people of SJ caused me. I am still trying ... most days I'm fine, but it still pops up in me now and again. I was so deceived to think they ever cared about us. I have to try hard and pray hard to not be bitter. I get angry at myself for being so naive. It would be so easy just to not attend church ever and use that as an excuse. BUT that wouldn't make it right. It's not about "people" after all, it's ALL about worshipping Jesus! And I do love my Jesus!

Oh well, may old aquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind!! Out with the old and in with the new!! Good riddens!! Here's to better things in the future!! God is good and He will work it all out!

Happy 2011!!

Pre-Christmas 2010

2010-12-20T09:03:00.001-05:00

Well, is has certainly not “felt” like Christmas this year. I had decided to not even put up a tree this year. Our lives have been in such disarray, it is so frustrating. Per our last Realtor’s advice, we packed up much of our things last Spring, bought a large shed and put up on our property on the hill, packed up pictures and put many of our things that we “thought” we would not need for the next few months in storage. Turns out, some of the things we stored away, we’ve ended up needing. Not many, but some.

For instance, at Thanksgiving, I didn’t have my turkey pan, so we had to run up there and get it. With the Holidays and taking food to pot lucks, I had stored away many of my casserole dishes and such. So, for that I have been buying disposables. I packed away most of my Christmas decorations thinking we would be there by now. I had given up even trying to decorate this year. I was kind of sad for a number of reasons and I didn’t think a “tree” was that big of deal, so I was just gonna skip it.

Well, the closer it got to Christmas, it just didn’t “feel” right. Then I got a letter from Connie, my Sissie that lives in Bardstown. She is such an encourager!! I won’t go into what all she said but she was so sweet and she was talking all about Christmas and her “child-like” excitement and she got me excited!! We didn’t get to spend our childhood together and sometimes I get a little bitter at they way things were when we were kids. We missed out on EVERYTHING … birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter … I just feel so cheated! At the same time, I know things happened for a reason and my Sissie and I are VERY close now and have been for many years (thanks to the US Post Office, lol).

Anyhow, her words inspired me and I got out my little tree … it was still in the attic, but my decorations were not. Fortunately, it is a pre-lit tree and I do have a FEW things on it from last year. So it’s still looks pretty.

I am starting to feel LOTS better! December is a very hard month for me and it always has been. It is for many people. But as of yesterday, I am NOW in the true Spirit of Christmas!! I am ready to make Jesus His birthday cake … well, I may do a birthday cookie this year … and celebrate His birth!!! God is so good for giving us a Saviour!! Oh, I love my sweet Jesus so much, and even if I didn’t have a tree or a single gift under it, I would STILL celebrate my sweet Jesus’ birth!! Of course, we celebrate Jesus all year, but we all have our own little “special” day and though we don’t know the exact day of Jesus’ birth, he did have one and we can celebrate the occasion anyhow no matter what day!!

So I plan on enjoying this week, cleaning my house and preparing for my children and grandchildren. AND the weatherman says we may even have a “white Christmas!” That would be AWESOME!!!

Thank you God!!! You are the BESTEST Daddy anyone could ever have!!!

Patience ... not my best virtue

2010-12-17T09:20:00.005-05:00

WOW! It's been a really long time since my last blog and so much has changed and yet so much has stayed the same.

We did finally get our little piece if paradise ... our little 5 acres on a hill in Shepherdsville. We put our house up for sale last April and had our home all picked out. We were so excited to think our dream is finally coming true!! But, it was not as we had hoped. First off, we chose a really lazy Realtor and the housing market was probably at its worst it's ever been. But we still kept our hopes up!! We had our house appriased and were asking about what it appraised for, only later to hear from one of our neighbors that our Realtor told him we were asking way too much!! WHAT THE HECK??!! Why would she not discuss this with US?! We told her up front we are very negotiable because we wanted to move really bad. We talked to her about the price and not once did she ever say we should lower it! In fact, we called her about mid-way through her contract and asked her to lower it. She even talked us out of lowering it as much as we suggested!!! Anyhow, BAD experience there! Needless to say, as soon as our six month contract was up, we found us another Realtor. But then the Holidays were upon us. He told us up front that things were very slow during the Holidays, so we are STILL YET waiting!! We have lowered the price significantly and are willing to go even lower to fulfill our dream.

During all this, I just keep praying for God's will and His time. I have to believe it is for the best, because God's timing is perfect. One day, we will look back and realize, "ah-ha! so, THAT'S why we had to wait." For that reason, we are waiting very patiently. People have tried to get us to rent or tried to get us to go ahead and buy the other house while trying to sell this one. We are just not risk takers and wouldn't do that and I am very glad we didn't. So here we are .... still waiting. So I am very excited and a little anxious to see what 2011 holds for us. Maybe by NEXT Christmas I will be blogging from our new home. And if not, then it's still all good. We still have our land to camp on, play on, cut wood, hunt ... whatever we want to do. It is beautiful up there and it makes a wonderful weekend get-away to camp on. God is good and knows best!!

So let us put the past behind us and press on toward our future~~

In Limbo

2010-04-01T19:54:00.006-04:00

We have been trying to buy a piece of land since the first part of December 2009. Here it is April 1st and we are STILL waiting! It's so frustrating!

HOWEVER, I have prayed from the very beginning that if it is not the right choice for us that God would put road blocks up. At first things seemed to be going along so wonderfully. Then the seller missed the December deadline to get us on the docket for zoning change (one of the stipulations in the contract was that the zoning be changed from agriculture to conservation). So we have to wait another month. THEN, Tony & I go to the next planning and zoning meeting, even though we weren't required to. We just wanted to make sure it all went off ok. Well, then the seller didn't show up!! Yep! Another month!!! So the next month we go to the meeting again. The seller is there and we are there and the zoning change is approved. YAY!! Or so we thought ...

A couple of weeks later, we found out that the letters that were supposed to go out to all the neighbors apparantley did NOT go out!! Another freakin month!! SOOOOOO, after FOUR MONTHS, we finally got a closing date set ... the letters went out and everything is fine, right? NOT!!! So the Realtor lady called today and rambled off a bunch of stuff we gotta do ... I don't know really, some kind of encroachment permit and something about the septic system ... who knows what all. Tony has to call her for details.

We have already had the land perked, had it surveyed, made a down payment on the contract for our home, paid for an escavator to come out and tell us where we can put everything and what it would cost, etc. Seems like we're spending a lot towards a piece of land that it is starting to feel like we may not even get. I am SO aggravated right now!

But when I stop and think about what I prayed and how one thing and then another has cropped up, I think as BADLY as we want/wanted that beautiful piece of property, I will be okay to stay right here.

We have lived below our means most of our lives and we've been just fine. Our kids are grown and have families of their own, we have no credit card debt, our bills are all paid and never late, we have an impecable credit score, so there is really nothing stopping us from moving forward with our dream ... except for these roadblocks. But only God knows the future and if it is His plan for us to stay put, then I am good with it.

However, IF we stay here, I've already thought of a bunch of stuff I want to do to the house and that kinda makes me excited. Though I have loved living here and I love my little country house, I have to admit, I have been ready for a change for a while now. But maybe I can just make some changes here - in this house and fall in love with it all over again.

It will be okay however it turns out. I would be lying if I said I wouldn't be disappointed ... I definately would be disappointed, but I will get over it and be just fine. I have my sweet hubby and as long as we have each other and our little family, all is well! Frankly, I'm ready to just KNOW one way or the other and stop living in limbo. Perhaps we'll know something soon.

God and the Spider

2010-01-28T14:34:00.002-05:00

God and the Spider

During World War II, a US marine was separated from his unit on a Pacific island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades.

Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction.

Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.

As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, if it be your will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you. Amen."

After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me out of this one." Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave.

As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave.

"Hah," he thought. "What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor."

As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while.

"Lord, forgive me," prayed the young man. "I had forgotten that in you a spider's web is stronger than a brick wall."

We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it is so easy to forget what God can work in our lives, sometimes in the most surprising ways. And remember with God, a mere spider's web becomes a brick wall of protection.

Clever Ideas

2010-01-28T14:21:00.003-05:00

CLEVER IDEAS WORTH KNOWING

Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster.

Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh much longer and not mold!

Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating. Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking.

Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef. It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking.

To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat them up.

For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes mints in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a wonderful minty frosting.

Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste of garlic and at the end of the recipe if your want a stronger taste of garlic.

Leftover snickers bars from Halloween make a delicious dessert. Simply chop them up with the food chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the apples. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes!!! Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream. Yummm!

Reheat Pizza:
Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.

Easy Deviled Eggs:
Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.

Expanding Frosting:
When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.

Reheating refrigerated bread:
To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.

Newspaper weeds away:
Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers, put layers around the plants overlapping as you go cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not get through wet newspapers. Broken Glass Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily.

No More Mosquitoes:
Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.

Squirrel Away!
To keep squirrels from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.

Flexible Vacuum:
To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.

Reducing Static Cling:
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and ... ta da! ... static is gone.

Measuring Cups:
Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.

Foggy Windshield?
Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!

Re opening envelopes:
If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily.

Conditioner:
Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair.

Goodbye Fruit Flies:
To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2' with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid; mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!

Get Rid of Ants:
Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it 'home,' can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!

INFO ABOUT CLOTHES DRYERS
The lint filter is made of a mesh material ... I'm sure you know what your dryer's lint filter looks like. Run hot water over the lint filter. If the water sits on top of the mesh, you need to clean it~~ Dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh that's what burns out the heating unit. You can't SEE the film, but it's there. It's what is in the dryer sheets to make your clothes soft and static free ... that nice fragrance too. You know how they can feel waxy when you take them out of the box ... well this stuff builds up on your clothes and on your lint screen. This is also what causes dryer units to potentially burn your house down with it! The best way to keep your dryer working for a very longtime (and to keep your electric bill lower) is to take that filter out and wash it with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every six months. That makes the life of the dryer at least twice as long!

2010 Resolutions

2010-01-01T15:35:00.005-05:00

2010 Resolutions

The thing I love most about the New Year is that it brings with it new beginnings, a chance to start over. We all need that sometimes. I think I especially need that this year in more ways than one.

So here are a few of my 2010 Resolutions:

Lose some weight and get healthy: My job makes this one hard because I have a desk job, which means I don't get much exercise. I do okay with the diet part, most days anyhow. My biggest problem with diet is not so much sweets and fried foods as it is breads and starchy foods. Veggies are hard for me UNLESS they're starchy. LOVE those starchy veggies. I need to work on that, but what I need most of all is exercise!! I need to MOVE it!!

Get organized: Yep, same old resolutions every year! I'm hoping upon hope that we will get to move within the next few weeks or at least the next few months, depending upon how quickly we sell our house and barring that no unexpected problems arise. So with that, I should be able to get rid of a lot of "stuff" that I have accumulated and held on to over the years. That will help alot. Plus, our new place will have more room. That's a BIG plus!!! Even if something happens that we don't get to move (oh, I pray not), I will feel better just clearing stuff out. I still have things in the attic that my kids played with when they were little!!! Time to let it go!!

Be more faithful in my "faith": I've been skipping church lately, a LOT! No excuse - at least no good excuse. There was a time in my life that I never missed church, but a few years ago, I was hurt very deeply and as much as I hate to admit it, it has hindered me in this area. I've built a wall around myself and haven't been very "involved" for fear of getting hurt again. Well, time to let down those walls, I suppose, and get back on track.

Spend more time with extended family: I'm 50 years old and am blessed to still have a living grandma. She's 86 years old and in fairly good health. I need to go out and spend more time with her while I still have her here with me. I want to spend more time with my siblings and mom, too. We all need to slow down a bit. Life is too short and I think we all take it for granted sometimes. I know I do.

There!! I wrote it down, Now, let's see how it goes ...

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T12:56:00.005-05:00

Today is Christmas 2009. Me and Tony are home alone, as usual. But it's not a bad thing. It was sad the first year we were alone, but we got used to it and now it's just really no big deal.

Christmas is a special time of the year, but it can also be the worst time of the year for some. More people get depressed at Christmas than any other time of the year. I think many of us have high expectations and when things don't turn out quite like we imagined, we feel let down. Also, many of us have lost loved ones and have a really hard time enjoying the Season without that precious person. I wish sometimes that we could just get back to the basics of life ... get back to what's REALLY important and have a less materialistic Christmas. So many people go SO overboard with the gift buying, even if it means going into debt and THAT can be a real cause of depression in some people.

Why do we do this to ourselves? Are we trying to fill a void in our lives somehow? Are we trying to win our loved one's approval? Are we trying to make ourselves feel special? I think I have felt all these things at one time or another. I don't know the answers, but I know what I plan to do to make this time of year better for ME. In fact, I have already been in the process.

We have six grandkids now and so we've had to scale back some on the money spent on gifts. This year, we still probably bought more than we should have. But next year, I am going to start a new tradition in our family ... THREE gifts for each person. The Wise Men brought three gifts to baby Jesus, so I want to use that as our new tradition. I think it's a good one and the kids will know what to expect each year ... three gifts. Nothing extravagant, but something fitting to each one's needs and/or personalilty.

Tony and I need to find a new tradition for the two of us as we spend Christmas Day alone, just the two of us ... something to make our day a little more special and fun. I need to think on that some more.

It's been a good Christmas 2009. God is good and I am truly blessed!

Thank you, God, for sending us the BEST gift of all, Jesus!!

Coke Cake

2009-07-10T12:48:00.001-04:00

1 cake mix
1 canned diet soda

That's it!
I used yellow cake mix and a diet orange crush for a dream-sicle flavor ... turned out great. I yielded 22 cupcakes for 2 points each; 93 calories each and 1.5 fat grams. You can try white cake with diet big red or chocolate with diet coke. Use sprite or light colors with yellow and white cakes ... dark with dark cakes. Otherwise, it may not look very appetizing, though it will still taste good. YUMMY!

Feeling "out of sorts"

2009-07-04T19:16:00.007-04:00

Lately I've been feeling a little out-of-sorts. I don't know why, really. Every now and then I feel like I need a change. I have a good life. It gets way too busy sometimes, but it's still all good. I think I'd like to move - not too far away, but maybe get back to some of my roots. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'd like to move back to either Spencer County or Nelson County ... somewhere in that vicinity. When I was a kid, I always said I'd never move back there. Now I miss it! I don't know why really. Maybe I miss what it was back then. Maybe I miss my family ties. Maybe I just long to feel a little closer to my dear loved ones that have gone on. I really don't know - guess that's what felling out-of-sorts is.

I really love Valley Station. It's been my home for more than 30 years! It is somewhat like a small town. It is it's own little community. You can't go out to the store without running in to a few people you know. That's always nice. I have a wonderful little neighborhood. Our houses are a little too close, but it's where my husband grew up and everyone knows everyone and it's a friendly little place. So if I never leave, it won't necessarily be a bad thing.

Sometimes I get a little afraid that if we do find that "perfect" place and take that leap of faith, will I regret it? Right now it just sounds so wonderful, but what about when the new wears off? What will it be like not living so close to my kids and grandkids?

Right now, my dream would be to find just a small plot of land - not much, just 2 or 3 acres in a country setting. I think Tony would like more, but I think it would just be too much to take care of at this stage in our lives. Anyhow, I'd like to just have it to camp on and make it our own little get away. I'd like to build some sort of little building with water and electric, maybe a place to have family gatherings and such. Then, little by little, we can get it ready for a real home to be put on it. I've always wanted a little country cottage type home or a small log home. Nothing fancy. My taste is VERY country and down to earth. I like comfort and coziness. I like for people to feel at home and VERY comfortable when they visit. I've never been much on the homes that look like they're showcase homes for a magazine. They're beautiful, of course, but I'm a country girl at heart and I like to keep it simple.

It may or may not happen. I guess it's okay either way, but we've been looking for a long time and we'll just keep looking. God will show us if and/or when it's the right time and place.

Until then, I'm happy in my humble little house with it's small, fenced in yard. We've kept it up over the years. We're in the process now of putting in all new windows. We put in new kitchen cabinets and countertops not too long ago. We do an update here and there, but we keep maintenance up on it really good. Tony keeps that yard looking nice. It will be a nice little retirement home for someone ... maybe even us! hahaha!

Ducks or Eagles

2009-06-22T09:43:00.002-04:00

I think this is so good ... I want to be an Eagle! Very inspiring!

DUCKS OR EAGLES

No one can make you serve customers well. That's because great service is a choice.

Harvey Mackay, tells a wonderful story about a cab driver that proved this point.

He was waiting in line for a ride at the airport. When a cab pulled up, the first thing Harvey noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a white shirt, black tie and freshly pressed black slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for Harvey.

He handed my friend a laminated card and said: 'I'm Wally, your driver. While I'm loading your bags in the trunk I'd like you to read my mission statement.' Taken aback, Harvey read the card.

It said: 'Wally's Mission Statement: To get my customers to their destination in the quickest, safest and cheapest way possible in a friendly environment.'

This blew Harvey away. Especially when he noticed that the inside of the cab matched the outside. Spotlessly clean!

As he slid behind the wheel, Wally said, 'Would you like a cup of coffee? I have a thermos of regular and one of decaf.'My friend said jokingly, 'No, I'd prefer a soft drink.'Wally smiled and said, 'No problem. I have a cooler up front with regular and Diet Coke, water and orange juice.'Surprised, Harvey said, 'I'll take a Diet Coke.'

Handing him his drink, Wally said, 'If you'd like something to read, I have The Wall Street Journal, Time, Sports Illustrated and USA Today.'

As they were pulling away, Wally handed my friend another laminated card, 'These are the stations I get and the music they play, if you'd like to listen to the radio.'

And as if that weren't enough, Wally told Harvey that he had the air conditioning on and asked if the temperature was comfortable for him.Then he advised Harvey of the best route to his destination for that time of day. He also let him know that he'd be happy to chat and tell him about some of the sights or, if Harvey preferred, to leave him with his own thoughts.'

Tell me, Wally,' my amazed friend asked the driver, 'have you always served customers like this?'

Wally smiled into the rear view mirror. 'No, not always. In fact, it's only been in the last two years. My first five years driving, I spent most of my time complaining like all the rest of the cabbies do. Then I heard the personal growth guru, Wayne Dyer, on the radio one day. He had just written a book called "You'll See It When You Believe It." Dyer said that if you get up in the morning expecting to have a bad day, you'll rarely disappoint yourself. He said, 'Stop complaining! Differentiate yourself from your competition. Don't be a duck. Be an eagle. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the crowd.''

'That hit me right between the eyes,' said Wally. 'Dyer was really talking about me. I was always quacking and complaining, so I decided to change my attitude and become an eagle. I looked around at the other cabs and their drivers. The cabs were dirty, the drivers were unfriendly and the customers were unhappy. So I decided to make some changes. I put in a few at a time. When my customers responded well, I did more.

''I take it that has paid off for you,' Harvey said.

'It sure has,' Wally replied. 'My first year as an eagle, I doubled my income from the previous year. This year I'll probably quadruple it. You were lucky to get me today. I don't sit at cabstands anymore. My customers call me for appointments on my cell phone or leave a message on my answering machine. If I can't pick them up myself, I get a reliable cabbie friend to do it and I take a piece of the action.'

Wally was phenomenal. He was running a limo service out of a Yellow Cab. I've probably told that story to more than 50 cab drivers over the years, and only two took the idea and ran with it. Whenever I go to their cities, I give them a call. The rest of the drivers quacked like ducks and told me all the reasons they couldn't do any of what I was suggesting.

Wally, the Cab Driver, made a different choice. He decided to stop quacking like ducks and start soaring like eagles.

How about us?

Smile, and the whole world smiles with you ... The ball is in our hands! A man reaps what he sows. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up ... let us do good to all people.

Ducks Quack, Eagles Soar!

No Perfect Church

2009-06-14T19:54:00.005-04:00

A recent note from one of my FB friends has hit very close to home with me. My heart went out to her, but it sure lit a spark in me and I need to vent! This note is NOT directed at anyone … it’s just me venting. Anyhow, this person has been judged and hurt by some of her “church friends” and I’m sorry, but I have a real problem with that. And here is why:

I once had the job of my dreams in a church that I loved. At the time, I thought it was the “perfect” church. (I now know there’s no such thing as a perfect church because we are not perfect people.) One day while at work, I accidentally discovered some disturbing information about someone in a leadership position. It involved something of a very serious nature on the internet and posed a great risk to the children of the church. I had a choice to make – bring this to leadership of the church (in private, of course) or sweep it under the rug, and/or simply confront this person with what I found in hopes that it would stop. I had found tons of incriminating evidence and there was absolutely no way I would say anything unless I was 100% sure and there was no mistaking what I found. After much prayer, I chose to do what I believed to be the right thing and brought this evidence to the leadership of the church. What they did with it threw me for a loop! They asked for this person’s resignation, which was fine, but they allowed him to use an untrue excuse for leaving and just swept the real reason for his resignation under the rug and got rid of me! It was all handled VERY poorly. I was trying so hard to do the RIGHT thing! In my eyes, I had to do what I did to protect the children of the church and the community. Why was I now the bad guy? How is that fair?!

For the record, I still care very much for that church and the people there. I pray that the leader that had this problem got the help he needed. I wish all of them only the best.

So, anyhow, I lost the job of my dreams, left my church for obvious reasons, and lost many of my “Christian friends” because of it as well. That is SO NOT-FAIR. I did have the backing of the Pastor and some of the other members, but what had REALLY happened had to remain a secret for the “reputation” of the church. Which I had no desire to destroy the reputation of the church that I loved dearly, OR this mans reputation and I had no problem keeping everything confidential … BUT, in doing so, I was the one at fault for him leaving and many of the members resented that. So I kept my mouth shut and let people think what they wanted, but it was an absolutely painful experience that could have very well turned me from the church altogether. But I love my Lord and I would NOT turn away from Him. Needless to say, the Pastor who backed me on this lost his job also, and several members left because of that, even though they didn’t know the full truth of the situation. It was all extremely painful and very sad.

I had already been through enough “religious” stuff to keep me away from church BEFORE all this, but I refused to let Satan have a foothold. My so-called “dad” was a preacher for many years … maybe he still is, I really don’t know. However, he had been married several times, had me and two other kids from another marriage that he flat out didn’t want, lied to the church about ever being married before and lived in this fairy-tale world that made him out to be this wonderful preacher-man that could do no wrong. He was anything but that. He is now married to a woman 26 years younger than him and still living a lie in his fairy-tale world. It took me a very long time to get past this and forgive him, but I did. I will NEVER understand it, but that’s between him and God. The thing with my dad is a whole other long, very complicated story in itself, but my point is that other Christians, or in some cases, those who call themselves Christians, cause great pain to other people whether they mean to or not and that is just too sad!I am FAR from perfect and the first to tell you so, but I get so upset when people judge others people for doing the best they can or for trying to do what’s right. We’re all going to stumble and even fall, but the difference is, as a Christian, we repent, ask for forgiveness and try to do better. We suffer the consequences for doing what is wrong and at times, even for doing what is right. I suffered the consequences of doing what was right in my church situation and that certainly didn’t seem fair to me, but a lot of things are not fair. I can lay my head down and sleep at night because I know I did what was right in the sight of God. As long as GOD knows my heart and my intentions, others will just have to think what they want to.

All of us, Christians or not, even my dad and this ministry leader that messed up, we are all just people. We do dumb things. We need to STOP judging one another and pray for one another. We are NOT PERFECT, but we ARE forgiven if we ask for it and choose to accept it. We do not need to be judging one another and hurting one another. We get enough of that from the world. As far as church in general, there is no perfect church. The church is supposed to be a “safe” place for people and certainly not a place one would expect to be hurt, so please, for the sake of the ones who have not yet accepted Christ as their Savior or maybe just haven’t found “church” yet, stop the hurting and judging on one another and be the loving, caring people we’re supposed to be or we’ll end up just driving people away! We need to choose our words wisely, and I’m talking about myself here, too. We may all have well-meaning intentions, but words can cut deeper than a two edged sword!

The situation I have experienced has caused me to want to run away from my home. I want to pull up roots and just leave behind all the hurt I’ve experienced. It’s made me want to leave the home that I’ve had and loved for 30 plus years, because I just want to escape from the reminders and the hurt. I have trouble feeling at home in any church now. I struggle constantly with trust and have built walls around myself because I’m afraid of getting hurt again. I must confess, at times I feel like giving up on “church” but I refuse to do so because the Bible says in Hebrews 10:25: “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” This one thing is for sure … as hard as it is at times in the world we live in … I belong to Christ and will NEVER forsake my relationship to Him. He’s been there for me through everything. He’s the One sure thing for me in this confusing, crazy world we live in. We just need to all learn how to live together in unity and LOVE one another … no matter what! No easy task, but we must do the best we can.

Thanks for reading and PLEASE, for anyone who reads this, I don’t mean to offend anyone in any way. I just had some things weighing on my heart for quite some time and this is kinda “therapy” in a way for me. I’ve needed to get it off my chest for a long time and I think now is the time to say what I’ve needed to say whether anyone listens or not. There, I said it. I’m done.

I hope no one gets angry with me. I certainly mean no offense and no hard feelings. It's my hearts desire that our churches be the safe place it’s supposed to be where all are welcomed with open arms and treated with love and encouragement as we all walk through this life with all its many troubles. May God bless us all as we strive to do what is good and right!!

"Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived." (Galatians 6:1-3) “The Message” Bible

Things You Don't Want to Hear During Surgery

2009-05-19T13:23:00.001-04:00

"Better save that. We'll need it for the autopsy."
"Bo! Bo! Come back with that! Bad Dog!"
"Wait a minute, if this is his spleen, then what's that?"
"Hand me that ... uh ... that uh..... thingie"
"Oh no! I just lost my Rolex."
"Oops! Hey, has anyone ever survived 500ml of this stuff before?"
"There go the lights again..."
"Ya know, there's big money in kidneys.. and this guy's got two of'em."
"Everybody stand back! I lost my contact lens!"
"Could you stop that thing from beating; it's throwing my concentration off."
"What's this doing here?"
"Someone call the janitor, we have a BIG mess again."
"I hate it when they're missing stuff in here."
"Accept this sacrifice, O Great Lord of Darkness"
"That's cool! Now can you make his leg twitch?!"
"Well folks, this will be an experiment for all of us."
"Sterile, shcmedle. The floor's clean, right?"
"What do you mean he wasn't in for a sex change..."
"OK, now take a picture from this angle. This is truly a freak of nature."
"This patient has already had some kids, am I correct?"
"Nurse, did this patient sign the organ donation card?"
"Don't worry. I think it is sharp enough."
"What do you mean "You want a divorce"!"
"FIRE! FIRE! Everyone get out!"
"Oh no! Page 47 of the manual is missing!"
"...And now we place the ape's brain in the subject's body."
"You forgot what he was in for? Oh well, let's surprise him."

How to Know You Are Ready for Parenthood

2009-05-19T13:15:00.000-04:00

MESS TEST: Smear peanut butter on the sofa and curtains. Now rub your hands in the wet flower bed and rub on the walls. Cover the stains with crayons. Place a fish stick behind the couch and leave it there all summer.

TOY TEST: Obtain a 55-gallon box of Legos. (If Legos are not available, you may substitute roofing tacks or broken bottles.) Have a friend spread them all over the house. Put on a blindfold. Try to walk to the bathroom or kitchen. Do not scream (this could wake a child at night).

GROCERY STORE TEST: Borrow one or two small animals (goats are best) and take them with you as you shop at the grocery store. Always keep them in sight and pay for anything they eat or damage.

DRESSING TEST: Obtain one large, unhappy, live octopus. Stuff it into a small net bag making sure that all arms stay inside.

FEEDING TEST: Obtain a large plastic milk jug. Fill it halfway with water. Suspend from the ceiling with a stout cord. Get the jug swinging. Try to insert spoonfuls of soggy cereal (such as Fruit Loops or Cheerios) into the mouth of the jug while pretending to be an airplane. Now dump the contents of the jug on the floor.

NIGHT TEST: Prepare by obtaining a small cloth bag and fill it with 8 to 12 pounds of sand. Soak it thoroughly in water. At 8 PM begin to waltz and hum with the bag until 9 PM. Lay down your bag and set your alarm for 10:00 PM. Get up, pick up your bag, and sing every song you have ever heard. Make up about a dozen more and sing them until 4:00 AM. Set alarm for 5:00 AM. Get up and make breakfast. Keep this up for 5 years. Look cheerful.

PHYSICAL TEST (WOMEN): Obtain a large bean-bag chair and attach it to the front of your clothes. Leave it there for 9 mo. Now remove 10% of the beans.

PHYSICAL TEST (MEN): Go to the nearest drug store. Set your wallet on the counter. Ask the clerk to help himself. Now proceed to the nearest food store. Go to the head office and arrange for your paycheck to be directly deposited to the store. Purchase a newspaper. Go home and read it quietly for the last time.

CAR TEST: Forget the Miata and buy the mini van. And don't think you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that. Buy a chocolate ice cream bar and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there. Get a quarter. Stick it in the cassette player. Take a family size bag of chocolate cookies. Mash them down the back seats. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car. There! Perfect!

CRAFT TEST: Get an egg carton. Using a pair of scissors and a can of paint, turn it into an alligator. Now get a toilet paper tube. Using only scotch tape and a piece of foil, turn it into a Christmas tree. Last, take a milk container, a ping pong ball, and an empty packet of CoCo Puffs and make an exact replica of the Eiffel Tower. Congratulations, you have just qualified for a place on the play group committee.

TELEVISION TEST: Learn the names of every character from 'Barney and Friends', 'Sesame Street', and 'Power Rangers'. When you find yourself singing, "I love you, you love me" at work, you finally qualify as a parent.

FINAL ASSIGNMENT: Find a couple who already has a small child. Lecture them on how they can improve their child's discipline, patience, tolerance, toilet training, and table manners. Suggest many things they can improve as well. Emphasize to them that they should never allow their children to run riot. Enjoy this experience. It will be the last time you'll have all the answers.

You Know You're Getting Older When...

2009-05-19T13:10:00.002-04:00

- Everything hurts and what doesn't hurt, doesn't work.
- You keep repeating yourself.
- You keep repeating yourself.
- The gleam in your eyes is from the sun hitting your bifocals.
- You feel like the night after, and you haven't been anywhere.
- You sit in a rocking chair and can't get it going.
- Your little black book contains only names ending in M.D.
- You burn the midnight oil until 9 pm.
- Your back goes out more often than you do.
- You enjoy hearing about other people's operations.
- You get winded playing chess.
- Your children begin to look middle aged.
- People call at 9 p.m. and ask, "Did I wake you?"
- You're still chasing women but can't remember why.
- A dripping faucet causes an uncontrollable bladder urge.
- You know all the answers, but nobody asks you the questions.
- Your favorite part of the newspaper is "25 Years Ago Today..."
- You turn out the light for economic reasons rather than romantic ones.
- The little grey haired lady you help across the street is your wife.
- Your knees buckle and your belt won't.
- You got cable for the Weather Channel.
- You have a party and the neighbors don't even realize it.
- After painting the town red, you have to take a long rest before applying a second coat.
- Dialing long distance wears you out.
- You have too much room in the house and not enough room in the medicine cabinet.
- You get into a heated argument about pension plans.
- Your pacemaker makes the garage door go up when you watch a pretty girl go by.
- You're startled the first time you are addressed as an old timer.
- You sink your teeth into a steak and they stay there.
- Relatives smile benignly rather than interrupt you as you retell the same story for the zillionth time.
- You are proud of your lawn mower.
- People don't harass you any more when you take an afternoon nap.
- Your relatives longingly refer to your things as "your estate".
- You're only good on a trip for an hour without your aspirin, beano and antacid.
- You're awake many hours before your body allows you to get up.
- You're wrinkled, saggy and lumpy, and that's just your left leg.
- You are having trouble remembering simple words like....
- You're anti-everything: anti-fat, anti-smoke, anti-noise, anti-inflammation....

Four Leaf Clovers

2009-05-12T15:13:00.003-04:00

How often do you find a “four” leaf clover? Probably not every day. When I was a kid, I was ALWAYS finding them. If I “tried” to find them though, I couldn’t. It’s almost like THEY find ME. I can sit in a yard full of clover and look all day for one and not find one. But I can just be walking along and look down and there would be one staring right back at me!

On nice days at work, I occasionally go for a walk. Whenever I take these walks on my lunch hour, I spend much of the time just talking to God. One day, I was going through a particularly difficult time in my life. In fact, it felt like it was almost more than I could handle. Though I knew God was with me, I just needed to feel His presence. That very day, I found like three or four 4-leaf clovers in just one walk! I thought that was so cool! It’s usually hard to find even one. I knew God was telling me that I was not alone.

Without fail, every time I find a 4-leaf clover, it always brings a smile to my face. I began calling them my “God smiles” because I felt like it was God’s little way of telling me that He is with me and will never leave me. I NEED to be reminded of that from time to time.

So now whenever I find one, it’s so much more special, because it’s kinda a little special moment between me and God. I just found a four leaf clover on Sunday and I smiled, because in my heart, I knew it was from my Father!

Why Camp?

2009-05-10T15:53:00.001-04:00

We just got back from camping at Nolin State Park. It is a beautiful place to camp. It was so nice to get away and get by ourselves for awhile. We’re planning another trip this week to KY Lake. Why do we like camping so much?

Our lives get so busy sometimes, it can be overwhelming. My husband, Tony, especially, is a very busy man. He is a Lineman Supervisor and his cell phone rings continuously from early morning until, often times, VERY late in the evening. He is also somewhat of a “jack-of-all-trades”. It seems there’s nothing he can’t do … and people know this. There is always someone calling or knocking at our door needing his help with something. He is only too happy to help … that’s just who he is. It does, at times though, cut into our family time together. I don’t mean to sound like I’m complaining, because I’m not. I’m very proud of my husband. I love the man he is ... and he is wonderful!

I too, am very busy most days. I work a full time job and though my children are grown, I help out from time to time with the grandkids. I strive to keep a tidy house and keep the laundry all done up, as well as all the other daily household chores, which some days can be challenging. I work very hard at trying to be a good wife, mom, grandma, daughter, sister, secretary … whatever hat I may be wearing at that time, I try to do my very best (key word “try”).

Sometimes we get so consumed with our responsibilities, it leaves little time for “us.” Sometimes you just want to let your hair down and not worry about anything! So we started camping.

We started out tent camping. It was fun, to a point. Then it was work! Then Tony got a topper for his truck, put an inflatable mattress in it, even had a small air conditioner in it and he used it for his overnight fishing trips. We even went camping in it a couple of times … and it was fun! It was a small step up from tent camping … still a little work, but the time away from our everyday hustle and bustle seemed worth it.

Then we moved up to a slide-in camper. What a difference that made! A slide-in type is really perfect for us, because we can still pull the boat. Camping had become our new passion! We could get away for a short while at a reasonable price and still enjoy many of the amenities we have at home, only on a MUCH smaller scale, of course.

It is SO nice to be able to enjoy one another’s company without the constant ringing of the phone or knocking at the door. We can actually talk – I mean have “real conversations” without interruption! That’s awesome! We have grown closer than ever because we tend to share more.

Not only do we have more quality time together, we have some time for ourselves. Sometime I go out fishing with Tony and sometimes I stay back at the camp. I enjoy some “me” time to just do whatever or nothing at all. It’s a very refreshing time for us and we always look forward to it.

I am a back-to-nature girl when we’re on these little excursions. I wear NO make-up and use no blow dryer during these times. I figure my face and hair deserve a break, too! So if you ever see me at camp, you’ll see me in an all natural state! I figure I’m probably not going to see anyone I know anyhow, and if I do, oh well. I am who I am.

Camping … for me, it’s an escape from reality for awhile. It’s time to get alone with my hubby, spend some quiet time with my Lord and r-e-l-a-x … and I love it!

Do not worry...

2009-05-09T03:01:00.001-04:00

It's hard to not worry. We can all use a little reminder once in a while of what God says about worry:

In His "Sermon on the Mount" found in Matthew 5-7, Jesus taught His disciples - us worriers - to trust and serve Him. Addressing our need to keep God first in our lives, Jesus used the feathered and flowery to remind us of God's careful care, His loving provision.

Unworried birdies bespeak truth; lavishly bedecked wildflowers wield wisdom. If God takes such good care of them, how much more will He care for His kids? So stop being anxious and instead live for Him. He knows your needs and will provide. Fix your heart and mind on Him first.

Matthew 6:24-34 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (NIV).

Such a great encouragement! God is looking after us - no need to worry. Trust Him, rest in Him as you worship and serve Him. Fret over food, obsess over outfits? No. Are you not more important to your Father? He knows your needs.

If you ever need a reminder, behold the birdies, look to the lilies. Then in faith and love, serve God above all else.

Gotta love Garfield!

2009-05-08T09:28:00.001-04:00

My Mother Taught Me ...

2009-05-08T06:13:00.002-04:00

MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME...

My Mother taught me LOGIC...
"If you fall off that swing and break your neck, you can't go to the store with me."

My Mother taught me MEDICINE...
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they're going to freeze that way."

My Mother taught me TO THINK AHEAD...
"If you don't pass your spelling test, you'll never get a good job!"

My Mother taught me ESP...
"Put your sweater on; don't you think that I know when you're cold?"

My Mother taught me TO MEET A CHALLENGE...
"What were you thinking? Answer me when I talk to you...Don't talk back to me!"

My Mother taught me HUMOR...
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT...
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.

My mother taught me ABOUT SEX...
"How do you think you got here?"

My mother taught me about GENETICS...
"You are just like your father!"

My mother taught me about the WISDOM of AGE...
"When you get to be my age, you will understand."

My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION...
"Just wait until we get home."

My mother taught me about RECEIVING...
"You are going to get it when we get home."

My mother taught me to APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE...
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside - I just finished cleaning!"

My mother taught me about RELIGION...
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

My mother taught me about IRONY...
"Keep laughing and I'll give you something to cry about."

My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM...
"Will you just look at the dirt on the back of your neck?!"

And finally, my mother taught me about JUSTICE...
"One day you will have kids, and I hope they turn out just like YOU ... then you'll see what it's like."

Welcome to my crazy, mixed up kind of world!

2009-05-08T03:01:00.001-04:00

It amazes me sometimes how life can get so crazy and mixed up. When I worked as Office Manager in a Child Development Center, I saw some pretty complicated little lives. There are so many children who may have a single parent with a live-in boy/girl friend and different fathers for all the children, all having different last names. In most cases, the parent may have never been married, but has 2 or more children. It’s not uncommon at all anymore. It’s become kinda the norm … and that’s really sad. I know those parents love their babies with all their hearts. Some have just made some very poor decisions and some probably just don’t know any different way of life.

I can relate to those children in some ways. My life as a child was pretty crazy and mixed up as well. My mom and dad divorced when I was six months old and my dad never had much else to do with me after that. My grandparents fought for custody of me in court, but lost. My mom still let me spend a lot of time with them though, as well as my great-grandmother on my mom’s side. So I went from household to household to household my entire childhood. That can be pretty confusing at times. I changed schools so many times, I lost count. I was born in Bardstown, KY, lived with one grandma off and on in Bloomfield, lived with my other grandmother off and on in Taylorsville and lived with my mom off and on in Louisville or Taylorsville … she moved a lot! I started my first day of school in Taylorsville. The next year I was in Louisville. Then I attended in Bloomfield, then back to Taylorsville, back to Louisville, back to Taylorsville, then on to Louisville, Bloomfield, Taylosville, Louisville … no time to make friends, because as soon as I made a friend, I would have to leave and start all over again … whew!

What kind of effect does this kind of life have on a little one? As for me, I always felt like I never quite fit-in anyplace. I always felt like an outsider. I was very shy and didn’t make friends easily. My whole life I’ve been afraid of being abandoned by those I love. I never had a sense of stability ... I was always very insecure and just felt like an all around misfit. I just wanted to be normal, like everyone else! Oh, it’s no one’s fault! I’m not pointing fingers. It is what it is. I'm glad to say, I have overcome most of these issues ... it's about time, huh?! My life now is very stable and secure.

What I regret the most though, is having siblings that I had to grow up without. I have two very special sisters that I missed out on growing up with and that’s really sad. I have nieces and nephews that I don’t even know and they don’t know me. Life just doesn’t seem fair sometimes. But then again, if we hadn’t gone through what we’ve been through, we wouldn’t be who we are today. My hope is that someday, I can gain a closer relationship with my sisters that I grew up apart from. That’s probably the ONLY thing that I CAN do something about at this point in time. We’ll see! Life isn’t always fair, but it can be pretty exciting!!

We just live in a crazy, mixed up kind of world!

Serendipity

2009-05-07T12:43:00.001-04:00

Serendipity is the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate, especially while looking for something else entirely.

That's how I came across this blogging thing. I wasn't looking for it, but just happened upon it, so I thought I'd give it a try! I may be here all alone or I may have a family member or friend or two, but it may turn out to be kinda interesting.

I used to journal, writing down my thoughts or feelings at that time, but I never seem to have time to do that anymore, so maybe this will be another avenue to try. I have a LOT to learn but you gotta start someplace, right? So we'll see how it goes!

Have a great day!!

Donna Kay

Psalm 67

2009-05-07T10:37:00.001-04:00

1. May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make His face shine upon us, Selah
2. that Your ways may be known on earth,
Your salvation among all nations.
3. May the peoples praise You, O God;
may all the peoples praise You.
4. May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for You rule the peoples justly
and guide the nations of the earth. Selah
5. May the peoples praise You, O God;
may all the peoples praise You.
6. Then the land will yield its harvest,
and God, our God, will bless us.
7. God will bless us,
and all the ends of the earth will fear Him.