For the past week I have been mentally composing blog entries...but not a single one of them has made its way to my actual blog. "And why is that?" you might ask. I'm thinking it is influenced by several thoughts...but probably the most prevalent "reason" is because I'm just too lazy to do that late at night. The other "reason" is probably because I don't think anyone reads it, and I already know what I'm thinking about writing.
But...my niece has started a blog, and I have had a WONDERFUL time reading it and finding out more of what is going on in her life.
Therefore, I shall try this blogging thing again. I shall try to "wax eloquent" on the minutia of my days. And who knows...someone just might read it one of these days!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
SOMEBODY'S PRAYING
This is an awesome song I stumbled across. It is a wonderful reminder of how much our prayers mean to our Military.
**********
Artist: Ricky Skaggs
Song: Somebody's Prayin'
Album: My Father’s Son
Somebody's prayin, I can feel it
Somebody's prayin’ for me
Mighty hands are guiding me
To protect me from what I can’t see
Lord I believe, Lord I believe
Somebody's prayin’, for me.
Angels are watchin’, I can feel it
Angels are watchin’ over me
There’re many miles ahead ‘til I get home
Still I’m safely kept before Your throne
’Cause Lord I believe, Lord I believe
Your angels are watchin’ over me.
Well I've walked the barren wilderness
Where my pillow was a stone
And I’ve been through the darkest caverns
Where no light had ever shown
Still I went on ‘cause there was someone
Who was down on their knees
And Lord I thank you for those people
Prayin’ all this time
For me.
Somebody's prayin’, I can feel it
Somebody's prayin’ for me
Mighty hands are guiding me
To protect me from what I can’t see
Lord I believe, Lord I believe
Somebody's prayin’ for me.
What a beautiful reminder that it is up to us to be those people who are down on their knees!!!!
**********
Artist: Ricky Skaggs
Song: Somebody's Prayin'
Album: My Father’s Son
Somebody's prayin, I can feel it
Somebody's prayin’ for me
Mighty hands are guiding me
To protect me from what I can’t see
Lord I believe, Lord I believe
Somebody's prayin’, for me.
Angels are watchin’, I can feel it
Angels are watchin’ over me
There’re many miles ahead ‘til I get home
Still I’m safely kept before Your throne
’Cause Lord I believe, Lord I believe
Your angels are watchin’ over me.
Well I've walked the barren wilderness
Where my pillow was a stone
And I’ve been through the darkest caverns
Where no light had ever shown
Still I went on ‘cause there was someone
Who was down on their knees
And Lord I thank you for those people
Prayin’ all this time
For me.
Somebody's prayin’, I can feel it
Somebody's prayin’ for me
Mighty hands are guiding me
To protect me from what I can’t see
Lord I believe, Lord I believe
Somebody's prayin’ for me.
What a beautiful reminder that it is up to us to be those people who are down on their knees!!!!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
OH MY, THE MARVELS
...the marvels of modern science, that is. Well, actually, I'm not sure it actually falls into the category of "science"...but...did you know that they now have Lavender scented spray starch?????????????? Yep, they sure do. I was ironing away a couple of days ago and my poor little can of spray starch "gave up the ghost." So, I just trotted down to my handy, dandy WalMart to get another one. WOW! So many choices!!!! I mean, it has only been 2 or 3 years since I bought the last can (and NO, you're not allowed to speculate as to what that says about how often I iron!), and I now have multiple fragrance choices...among other options. I chose a nice, smooth Lavender scent, and it is actually rather nice. Nice enough to make me want to iron more often? Uhhhhh...I DON'T THINK SO, TIM! (shades of "Home Improvement" there) But...on those rare occasion when the metal (teflon coated, of course) hits the material, I shall enjoy the calming effects of the lavender. Oh...and it sprays much more evenly, too. I wonder when that happened????
Monday, May 5, 2008
YOU CAN COUNT ON ME!
Knowing that there are some things on which you can depend is usually comforting, don't you think???? It's kind of like having a security blanket in reserve. Kind of like being reassured the earth is still revolving on its axis.
I am pleased to announce, in an effort to add to the stability of the human race, that I have once again done my traditional job of installing a program on my computer. This cute little window popped up...offering me a update for my Real Player. Now in the past those little windows have been very annoying in the way that they keep appearing, so I decided to go ahead and let it install the update. I read all options carefully, being sure not to have it take over my computer completely. All went smoothly. I patted myself on the back. And then...........
a cute little window popped up asking me if...now that I had installed Mozilla Firefox...I wanted it to be my default browser.
SAY WHAT????????????????????
Where the heck did that come from???????????????????????????????????
<> Yep...there are just some things you can depend on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am pleased to announce, in an effort to add to the stability of the human race, that I have once again done my traditional job of installing a program on my computer. This cute little window popped up...offering me a update for my Real Player. Now in the past those little windows have been very annoying in the way that they keep appearing, so I decided to go ahead and let it install the update. I read all options carefully, being sure not to have it take over my computer completely. All went smoothly. I patted myself on the back. And then...........
a cute little window popped up asking me if...now that I had installed Mozilla Firefox...I wanted it to be my default browser.
SAY WHAT????????????????????
Where the heck did that come from???????????????????????????????????
<
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
THE BIG GIRLS HAVE A NEW "DO"
Our big dogs got a new "do" on Thursday. A friend of mine owns a "small dog" grooming business, and she was sweet enough to let me bring in our two big Golden Retrievers for their summer haircuts. (That was going wayyy above and beyond...believe me!!!!) Turns out they are more Chow than Golden Retriever and had massive "winter coats" that were just like a blanket up next to their skin. I helped her; I mostly "stood guard" so the dogs wouldn't try to jump off the table, but I was also covered in dog hair by the end, so I at least LOOKED like I have been a vital part of the process! Thankfully, they are old and decrepit and were happy to just lie there. You wouldn't believe how much hair she got off of them. Their back ends were so matted she had to shave them down to the skin, but she was able to just comb the heavy coat out of the front 2/3 of each dog. They are so funny looking right now...bare rear ends and back legs...and fluffy heads and fronts. They look like lions!!! And...wouldn't you know it, we have had 2 super-cold nights since they went "nekkid" in back. It was in the 30's last night. Thankfully, they have a nice, carpeted dog house which I HOPE kept them nice and warm.
Saturday hugzzzzzzzz to all!
Saturday hugzzzzzzzz to all!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
FOCUS
Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible , but the Lord sees the heart. 1Samuel16:7
The world sees us as we appear to be; God sees us as we really are. He sees our hearts, and He understands our intentions. The opinions of others should be relatively unimportant to us; however, God's view of us--His understanding of our actions, our thoughts, and our motivations--should be vitally important.
The nineteenth-century reformer Margaret Fuller warned, "Beware of over-great pleasure in being popular or even beloved." And her words still ring true.
Few things in life are more futile than keeping up appearances for the sake of impressing the neighbors. So do yourself a favor: don't even try to keep up with the Joneses. You've got better things to do--far better things-- like pleasing your loved ones on earth and Your Father In Heaven.
Dear Lord God, Please keep my eyes on you and your plan for my life. Thank you for seeing me as I really am, and Thank you for all your plans for my life. What a wonderful journey that you put before us! Help us to not care about what the world thinks but help us care only what You think.
In Christ Jesus Blessed Name we pray. Amen
from Hugs--Daily Inspirations for Women
The world sees us as we appear to be; God sees us as we really are. He sees our hearts, and He understands our intentions. The opinions of others should be relatively unimportant to us; however, God's view of us--His understanding of our actions, our thoughts, and our motivations--should be vitally important.
The nineteenth-century reformer Margaret Fuller warned, "Beware of over-great pleasure in being popular or even beloved." And her words still ring true.
Few things in life are more futile than keeping up appearances for the sake of impressing the neighbors. So do yourself a favor: don't even try to keep up with the Joneses. You've got better things to do--far better things-- like pleasing your loved ones on earth and Your Father In Heaven.
Dear Lord God, Please keep my eyes on you and your plan for my life. Thank you for seeing me as I really am, and Thank you for all your plans for my life. What a wonderful journey that you put before us! Help us to not care about what the world thinks but help us care only what You think.
In Christ Jesus Blessed Name we pray. Amen
from Hugs--Daily Inspirations for Women
Sunday, March 30, 2008
COMPANY
We have company coming tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to being able to spend a bit of time with family. My hubby likes it even better than I do, I think. The main thing he likes is that although I am basically a slob, I am a "closet slob" and don't want the rest of the world to know just how cluttered my house gets at times. When company is coming, I get all or most of those little things done that I have been ignoring for a really long time. For example...I got the last two family pictures framed and hung on the family wall in the den. The older of the two was from 2005.
We tried out the new carpet cleaner I purchased several months ago. It worked acceptably. Boy, was the water ever dirty. You don't think having 3 inside animals has anything to do with the dirt, do you? Hmmmmmm...or perhaps it could be the fact that we haven't cleaned it since before we moved into the house in '92? The old vacuum just doesn't get everything!
Oh yeah...you also need to put a star on your calendar or mark this day in some way. I actually caught up on my ironing today!!!!!!!!!!!! Totally out of character for me!
I'm trying milk with ice tonight. Can't say that I like it. Wonder what Alyson sees in it.
It's getting close to the hour when I turn into a pumpkin (at least on nights before mornings when I have to get up early), so I guess I'd better put the old body to bed. Sweet dreams and hugzzzzzzzzzz to all!!!
We tried out the new carpet cleaner I purchased several months ago. It worked acceptably. Boy, was the water ever dirty. You don't think having 3 inside animals has anything to do with the dirt, do you? Hmmmmmm...or perhaps it could be the fact that we haven't cleaned it since before we moved into the house in '92? The old vacuum just doesn't get everything!
Oh yeah...you also need to put a star on your calendar or mark this day in some way. I actually caught up on my ironing today!!!!!!!!!!!! Totally out of character for me!
I'm trying milk with ice tonight. Can't say that I like it. Wonder what Alyson sees in it.
It's getting close to the hour when I turn into a pumpkin (at least on nights before mornings when I have to get up early), so I guess I'd better put the old body to bed. Sweet dreams and hugzzzzzzzzzz to all!!!
Friday, March 28, 2008
catching up
I have just finished "catching up" on reading Diana's website. She has such wonderful things to say. One of her entries talks about "giving all" to God. I'm not there. I'm still having little spells of rebellion when I want to do what I want to do...nothing bad, mind you...but things that aren't on my list of commitments. I don't think it's wrong, but I do think I miss a lot of joy when I grumble over already made commitments instead of doing them joyfully.
It's late, and my brain is not being very cooperative, so I'll continue this another day.
hugzzzzzzzzzz to all,
It's late, and my brain is not being very cooperative, so I'll continue this another day.
hugzzzzzzzzzz to all,
Friday, February 29, 2008
WHOSE WE ARE
A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?"
Hands started going up.
He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first let me do this."
He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air.
"Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty.
"Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.
"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God's eyes. To Him, dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to Him. Psalm 17:8 states that God will keep us 'as the apple of His eye.'"
THOUGHT: The worth of our lives come not in what we do or who we are, but by WHOSE WE ARE!
************
received online from Mikey's Funnies
Hands started going up.
He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first let me do this."
He proceeded to crumple the dollar bill up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air.
"Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty.
"Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.
"My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God's eyes. To Him, dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to Him. Psalm 17:8 states that God will keep us 'as the apple of His eye.'"
THOUGHT: The worth of our lives come not in what we do or who we are, but by WHOSE WE ARE!
************
received online from Mikey's Funnies
Sunday, February 24, 2008
FEBRUARY HAS ZOOMED BY
I firmly believe that time has sped up. 60 minutes just does not last as long as it used to!
All is well here. Would you believe yesterday's high was 84!!!! The thing that makes that totally weird is that yesterday was the rodeo parade. I have lots of memories of rain and COLD on rodeo parade days...and that was when the rodeo was still held in March. There was one year that it was so cold that the band director let the kids wear gloves for marching (something she NEVER allowed), and she let them stay on the bus until it was time for their band to begin moving. They were also having trouble that year with the lips sticking to the metal instruments. OUCH!
They have changed our rodeo to a two weekend event. I've been intending to look up the schedule in case the urge hits me to go take pictures of the stock show, but I heard on the news last night that the kids are showing the animals this weekend, so I'm guessing today is my last chance for that, and I'm in the middle of another project and probably won't feel the tug of "photo ops" strongly enough to leave it. (How's that for a nice long sentence!)
Hubby has a bad cold. He has even resorted to taking Tylenol and Benedryl, and he RARELY takes a pill. I offered to go help him this morning with the sound at church, but he said he can cover all of it without any problems. I made him take a bottle of Purell so he can sanitize his hands after he blows his nose.
My walking buddy and I walked on Monday...first time in 2008. We were amazed at the change in the Mall since we were last there (right before Christmas). Taco Bell has closed, the eyeglasses place near Beall's has closed (they were 2 really big corner stores), and there are several walls in front of what used to be stores. Dillard's and Chick-Fil-A and Penney's seem to be the only ones with really good business. hmmmm...well, perhaps the cookie store, too. There is a fast-food Chinese place now, but I almost never see anyone eating their food, so they may not last too long.
Circuit City has also closed. Best Buy seems to be doing well, though. I'm expecting REX (electronics) and Big 5 to close, but they're hanging on so far. The one thing that always seems to "make it" here is a restaurant. Apparently cooking isn't the favorite pastime of a large number of residents of our fair city.
Leave a comment when you get a chance.
Lovies and huggies to all!
All is well here. Would you believe yesterday's high was 84!!!! The thing that makes that totally weird is that yesterday was the rodeo parade. I have lots of memories of rain and COLD on rodeo parade days...and that was when the rodeo was still held in March. There was one year that it was so cold that the band director let the kids wear gloves for marching (something she NEVER allowed), and she let them stay on the bus until it was time for their band to begin moving. They were also having trouble that year with the lips sticking to the metal instruments. OUCH!
They have changed our rodeo to a two weekend event. I've been intending to look up the schedule in case the urge hits me to go take pictures of the stock show, but I heard on the news last night that the kids are showing the animals this weekend, so I'm guessing today is my last chance for that, and I'm in the middle of another project and probably won't feel the tug of "photo ops" strongly enough to leave it. (How's that for a nice long sentence!)
Hubby has a bad cold. He has even resorted to taking Tylenol and Benedryl, and he RARELY takes a pill. I offered to go help him this morning with the sound at church, but he said he can cover all of it without any problems. I made him take a bottle of Purell so he can sanitize his hands after he blows his nose.
My walking buddy and I walked on Monday...first time in 2008. We were amazed at the change in the Mall since we were last there (right before Christmas). Taco Bell has closed, the eyeglasses place near Beall's has closed (they were 2 really big corner stores), and there are several walls in front of what used to be stores. Dillard's and Chick-Fil-A and Penney's seem to be the only ones with really good business. hmmmm...well, perhaps the cookie store, too. There is a fast-food Chinese place now, but I almost never see anyone eating their food, so they may not last too long.
Circuit City has also closed. Best Buy seems to be doing well, though. I'm expecting REX (electronics) and Big 5 to close, but they're hanging on so far. The one thing that always seems to "make it" here is a restaurant. Apparently cooking isn't the favorite pastime of a large number of residents of our fair city.
Leave a comment when you get a chance.
Lovies and huggies to all!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
RANDOM VALENTINE MEMORIES
Another week has whizzed by. I might be a little closer to being caught up...as long as you don't look at any of the long-term projects I really should be working on. It keeps me off the streets...right?
I have taken a lot of trips down Memory Lane recently regarding Valentine's Day. I remember the Valentine boxes we made and put on our desks in elementary school. They ranged from plain and simple to all decked out with hearts and lace. There were small ones and ones that took up half the desk.
I remember how we "graduated" to the "much cooler" folders hung around the room when we got into the upper elementary grades. I remember the silly Valentines..."your teeth are like the stars--they come out at night." Some of the Valentines bordered on being cruel. I remember the class "rebel" who gave out those Valentines. I remember how surprised I was that the one I got from him wasn't at all what I was expecting. I don't remember if he got very many Valentines or not...and, of course, I never knew if the ones he got were kind or otherwise. Kids can actually be quite cruel. I hope he's doing well.
I remember the silly verses we used to make up. "Roses are red...Grass is green...Your mouth runs...Like a sewing machine." Actually, that was a fairly accurate description of me--I was quite chattye even back then.
I remember the excitement of getting candy attached to one of your Valentines...and you were indeed popular if you got a whole box of candy. I remember the year I got a little plastic mosaic art kit from one of the boys; I thought it was the grandest thing on earth...especially the fact that it was from a BOY!
(and... having nothing whatsoever to do with Valentine's Day... I remember the most popular boy in the sixth grade who "published" his "Top 10" list every week of the girls he liked. I never made the list, but my best friend made it to #10 a couple of times. Maybe I was "popular by association"???????????)
I remember candy hearts and chocolates and heart-shaped suckers. I remember the popular kids whose boxes over-flowed with Valentines, and I remember the twinge of anxiety that came with "nerd territory" as I wondered if the number of Valentines I received would be embarrassingly small. Bless the children who gave cards to everyone; bless the Mothers who MADE their kids give Valentines to everyone.
And now I'm all grown up...and I send out lots of Valentines...because I know it means a lot to be remembered and to know that someone thinks you're special...and because I remember days gone by. And, as I remember and ponder, I have...smiles for the caring and sensitive kids of days gone by. Smiles for the special friends in my life now. Smiles for a loving family. Smiles for God's unconditional love.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have taken a lot of trips down Memory Lane recently regarding Valentine's Day. I remember the Valentine boxes we made and put on our desks in elementary school. They ranged from plain and simple to all decked out with hearts and lace. There were small ones and ones that took up half the desk.
I remember how we "graduated" to the "much cooler" folders hung around the room when we got into the upper elementary grades. I remember the silly Valentines..."your teeth are like the stars--they come out at night." Some of the Valentines bordered on being cruel. I remember the class "rebel" who gave out those Valentines. I remember how surprised I was that the one I got from him wasn't at all what I was expecting. I don't remember if he got very many Valentines or not...and, of course, I never knew if the ones he got were kind or otherwise. Kids can actually be quite cruel. I hope he's doing well.
I remember the silly verses we used to make up. "Roses are red...Grass is green...Your mouth runs...Like a sewing machine." Actually, that was a fairly accurate description of me--I was quite chattye even back then.
I remember the excitement of getting candy attached to one of your Valentines...and you were indeed popular if you got a whole box of candy. I remember the year I got a little plastic mosaic art kit from one of the boys; I thought it was the grandest thing on earth...especially the fact that it was from a BOY!
(and... having nothing whatsoever to do with Valentine's Day... I remember the most popular boy in the sixth grade who "published" his "Top 10" list every week of the girls he liked. I never made the list, but my best friend made it to #10 a couple of times. Maybe I was "popular by association"???????????)
I remember candy hearts and chocolates and heart-shaped suckers. I remember the popular kids whose boxes over-flowed with Valentines, and I remember the twinge of anxiety that came with "nerd territory" as I wondered if the number of Valentines I received would be embarrassingly small. Bless the children who gave cards to everyone; bless the Mothers who MADE their kids give Valentines to everyone.
And now I'm all grown up...and I send out lots of Valentines...because I know it means a lot to be remembered and to know that someone thinks you're special...and because I remember days gone by. And, as I remember and ponder, I have...smiles for the caring and sensitive kids of days gone by. Smiles for the special friends in my life now. Smiles for a loving family. Smiles for God's unconditional love.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
ZIPPING BY
It is too, too true that time passes more quickly as we grow older. That certainly seems to be the case to me!!! I figure that once February 16 has come and gone, I should be ready and organized enough for 2008 to begin.
This past weekend was Youth Weekend at church. The youth are totally in charge of all 3 services. It was delightful, as always. I took digi pictures...but I was conservative...I only took 2,000 pics. Tossed 700 the first time through them. I'll probably end up with 300 or so good ones. I just love digital cameras!!! You can take all the pictures you want!!!
We had a brief shower this morning. I just love rain. I love the sound it makes on a metal roof, and I LOVE the smell when everything is fresh and clean. Hmmmmm...perhaps I should figure out a way to get it to rain inside to get my house clean?!?!?!?!?
Oh yeah...we had an interesting visitor in our driveway on Saturday.
It has no idea how lucky it is that I interrupted it's "dig" before it made it into the back yard with the two Golden Retrievers.
We're having crock pot chicken and baked apples for supper. Come on down!!!
Tuesday huggies and lovies!
This past weekend was Youth Weekend at church. The youth are totally in charge of all 3 services. It was delightful, as always. I took digi pictures...but I was conservative...I only took 2,000 pics. Tossed 700 the first time through them. I'll probably end up with 300 or so good ones. I just love digital cameras!!! You can take all the pictures you want!!!
We had a brief shower this morning. I just love rain. I love the sound it makes on a metal roof, and I LOVE the smell when everything is fresh and clean. Hmmmmm...perhaps I should figure out a way to get it to rain inside to get my house clean?!?!?!?!?
Oh yeah...we had an interesting visitor in our driveway on Saturday.
It has no idea how lucky it is that I interrupted it's "dig" before it made it into the back yard with the two Golden Retrievers.
We're having crock pot chicken and baked apples for supper. Come on down!!!
Tuesday huggies and lovies!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
SHIRLEY
A mom was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to
school. He didn't want his mother to walk with him. She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe.
So she had an idea of how to handle it. She asked a neighbor if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn't notice her.
The neighbor said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.
The next school day, the neighbor and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor boy he knew. She did this for the whole week.
As the boys walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week. Finally he said to Timmy, "Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?"
Timmy nonchalantly replied, "Yeah, I know who she is."
The friend said, "Well, who is she?"
"That's just Shirley Goodnest," Timmy replied, "and her daughter Marcy."
"Shirley Goodnest? Who the heck is she and why is she following us? "
"Well," Timmy explained, "every night my Mom makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much. And in the Psalm, it says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!"
school. He didn't want his mother to walk with him. She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe.
So she had an idea of how to handle it. She asked a neighbor if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn't notice her.
The neighbor said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.
The next school day, the neighbor and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor boy he knew. She did this for the whole week.
As the boys walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week. Finally he said to Timmy, "Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?"
Timmy nonchalantly replied, "Yeah, I know who she is."
The friend said, "Well, who is she?"
"That's just Shirley Goodnest," Timmy replied, "and her daughter Marcy."
"Shirley Goodnest? Who the heck is she and why is she following us? "
"Well," Timmy explained, "every night my Mom makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much. And in the Psalm, it says, 'Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!"
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
THURSDAY CHUCKLES
What, you ask, is "Butt Dust"? Read on and you'll discover the joy in a child's sincere originality. No adult is this creative!!
JACK (age 3) was watching his Mom breast-feeding his new baby sister. After a while he asked: "Mom why have you got two? Is one for hot and one for cold milk?"
MELANIE (age 5) asked her Granny how old she was. Granny replied she was so old she didn't remember any more. Melanie said, "If you don't remember you must look in the back of your panties. Mine say five to six."
STEVEN (age 3) hugged and kissed his Mom good night. "I love you so much that when you die I'm going to bury you outside my bedroom window."
BRITTANY (age 4) had an earache and wanted a painkiller. She tried in vain to take the lid off the bottle. Seeing her frustration, her Mom explained it was a childproof cap and she'd have to open it for her. Eyes wide with wonder, the little girl asked: "How does it know it's me?"
SUSAN (age 4) was drinking juice when she got the hiccups. "Please don't give me this juice again," she said, "It makes my teeth cough."
DJ (age 4) stepped onto the bathroom scale and asked: "How much do I cost?"
MARC (age 4) was engrossed in a young couple that were hugging and kissing in a restaurant. Without taking his eyes off them, he asked his dad: "Why is he whispering in her mouth?"
CLINTON (age 5) was in his bedroom looking worried. When his Mom asked what was troubling him, he replied, "I don't know what'll happen with this bed when I get married. How will my wife fit in?"
JAMES (age 4) was listening to a Bible story. His dad read: "The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city but his wife looked back and was turned to salt." Concerned, James asked: "What happened to the flea?"
TAMMY (age 4) was with her mother when they met an elderly, rather wrinkled woman her Mom knew. Tammy looked at her for a while and then asked, "Why doesn't your skin fit your face?"
The Sermon I think this mom will never forget.... this particular Sunday sermon..."Dear Lord," the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face. "Without you, we are but dust..." He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter who was listening leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little four year old girl voice, "Mom, what is butt dust?"
JACK (age 3) was watching his Mom breast-feeding his new baby sister. After a while he asked: "Mom why have you got two? Is one for hot and one for cold milk?"
MELANIE (age 5) asked her Granny how old she was. Granny replied she was so old she didn't remember any more. Melanie said, "If you don't remember you must look in the back of your panties. Mine say five to six."
STEVEN (age 3) hugged and kissed his Mom good night. "I love you so much that when you die I'm going to bury you outside my bedroom window."
BRITTANY (age 4) had an earache and wanted a painkiller. She tried in vain to take the lid off the bottle. Seeing her frustration, her Mom explained it was a childproof cap and she'd have to open it for her. Eyes wide with wonder, the little girl asked: "How does it know it's me?"
SUSAN (age 4) was drinking juice when she got the hiccups. "Please don't give me this juice again," she said, "It makes my teeth cough."
DJ (age 4) stepped onto the bathroom scale and asked: "How much do I cost?"
MARC (age 4) was engrossed in a young couple that were hugging and kissing in a restaurant. Without taking his eyes off them, he asked his dad: "Why is he whispering in her mouth?"
CLINTON (age 5) was in his bedroom looking worried. When his Mom asked what was troubling him, he replied, "I don't know what'll happen with this bed when I get married. How will my wife fit in?"
JAMES (age 4) was listening to a Bible story. His dad read: "The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city but his wife looked back and was turned to salt." Concerned, James asked: "What happened to the flea?"
TAMMY (age 4) was with her mother when they met an elderly, rather wrinkled woman her Mom knew. Tammy looked at her for a while and then asked, "Why doesn't your skin fit your face?"
The Sermon I think this mom will never forget.... this particular Sunday sermon..."Dear Lord," the minister began, with arms extended toward heaven and a rapturous look on his upturned face. "Without you, we are but dust..." He would have continued but at that moment my very obedient daughter who was listening leaned over to me and asked quite audibly in her shrill little four year old girl voice, "Mom, what is butt dust?"
Thursday, January 17, 2008
A FEW SHORT THOUGHTS
Where is the usual January "slow down?" The month is more than half gone, and I'm already "a day late and a dollar short!"
Last night's weather forecast predicted that today's high would be 38. Apparently the weather man has not read the book that informs him that 38 is not a HIGH temperature!
Burton has learned that he can activate the robot vacuum cleaner by walking across the top of it. Knowing that puts a whole new spin on things "going bump in the night."
My Christmas letter has still not materialized. My New Year's letter has still not materialized. I'm now thinking along the lines of a Valentine (or perhaps Easter)letter.
Thursday hugzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz to all!
(read the post below this one...such a sweet story)
Last night's weather forecast predicted that today's high would be 38. Apparently the weather man has not read the book that informs him that 38 is not a HIGH temperature!
Burton has learned that he can activate the robot vacuum cleaner by walking across the top of it. Knowing that puts a whole new spin on things "going bump in the night."
My Christmas letter has still not materialized. My New Year's letter has still not materialized. I'm now thinking along the lines of a Valentine (or perhaps Easter)letter.
Thursday hugzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz to all!
(read the post below this one...such a sweet story)
THE OLD MAN AND THE DOG
This is a bit long but very sweet, and it is a wonderful example of God answering our prayers "in mysterious ways."
MizC
****************
The Old Man and the Dog
by Catherine Moore
"Watch out! You nearly broad sided that car!" My father yelled at me."Can't you do anything right?"
Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to challenge him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes. I wasn't prepared for another battle."
I saw the car, Dad. Please don't yell at me when I'm driving." My voicewas measured and steady, sounding far calmer than I really felt. Dad glared at me, then turned away and settled back.
At home I left Dad in front of the television and went outside to collect my thoughts. Dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo my inner turmoil. What could I do about him? Dad had been a lumberjack in Washington and Oregon. He had enjoyed being outdoors and had reveled in pitting his strength against the forces of nature. He had entered grueling lumberjack competitions, and had placed often. The shelves in his house were filled with trophies that attested to his prowess.
The years marched on relentlessly. The first time he couldn't lift a heavy log, he joked about it; but later that same day I saw him outside alone, straining to lift it. He became irritable whenever anyone teased him about his advancing age, or when he couldn't do something he had done as a younger man.
Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, he had a heart attack. Anambulance sped him to the hospital while a paramedic administered CPR to keep blood and oxygen flowing. At the hospital, Dad was rushed into an operating room. He was lucky; he survived.
But something inside Dad died. His zest for life was gone. He obstinately refused to follow doctor's orders. Suggestions and offers of help were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors thinned, then finally stopped altogether. Dad was left alone.
My husband, Dick, and I asked Dad to come live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh air and rustic atmosphere would help him adjust. Within a week after he moved in, I regretted the invitation. It seemed nothing was satisfactory. He criticized everything I did. I became frustrated and moody. Soon I was taking my pent-up anger out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue. Alarmed, Dick sought out our pastor and explained the situation. The clergyman set up weekly counseling appointments for us. At the close of each session he prayed, asking God to soothe Dad's troubled mind. But the months wore on and God was silent. Something had to be done, and it was up to me to do it.
The next day I sat down with the phone book and methodically called each of the mental health clinics listed in the Yellow Pages. I explained my problem to each of t he sympathetic voices that answered. In vain. Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed, "I just read something that might help you! Let me go get the article." I listened as she read. The article described a remarkable study done at a nursing home. All of the patients were under treatment for chronic depression. Yet their attitudes had improved dramatically when they were given responsibility for a dog.
I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon. After I filled out a questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. The odor of disinfectant stung my nostrils as I moved down the row of pens. Eachcontained five to seven dogs. Long-haired dogs, curly-haired dogs, black dogs, spotted dogs all jumped up, trying to reach me. I studied each one but rejected one after the other for various reasons: too big, too small, too much hair. As I neared the last pen a dog in the shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down. It was a pointer, one of the dog world's aristocrats. But this was a caricature of the breed. Years had etched his face and muzzle with shades of gray. His hipbones jutted out in lopsided triangles. But it was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me unwaveringly.
I pointed to the dog. "Can you tell me about him?" The officer looked,then shook his head in puzzlement.
"He's a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him. That was two weeks ago and we've heard nothing. His time is up tomorrow." He gestured helplessly.
As the words sank in I turned to the man in horror. "You mean you're going to kill him?"
"Ma'am," he said gently, "that's our policy. We don't have room for every unclaimed dog.
"I looked at the pointer again. The calm brown eyes awaited my decision. "I'll take him," I said.
I drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me. When I reached the house I honked the horn twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch.
"Ta-da! Look what I got for you, Dad!" I said excitedly.
Dad looked, then wrinkled his face in disgust. "If I had wanted a dog Iwould have gotten one. And I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it! I don't want it" Dad waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house.
Anger rose inside me. It squeezed together my throat muscles and pounded into my temples.
You'd better get used to him, Dad. He's staying!" Dad ignored me. "Did you hear me, Dad?" I screamed. At those words Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed and blazing with hate.
We stood glaring at each other like duelists, when suddenly the pointerpulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad and sat down in front of him. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw.
Dad's lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw. Confusion replaced the anger in his eyes. The pointer waited patiently. Then Dad was on his knees hugging the animal.
It was the beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named thepointer Cheyenne. Together he and Cheyenne explored the community. They spent long hours walking down dusty lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew and Cheyenne lying quietly at his feet.
Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years. Dad's bitterness faded, and he and Cheyenne made many friends. Then late one night I was startled to feel Cheyenne's cold nose burrowing through our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night. I woke Dick, put on my robe and ran into my father's room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the night.
Two days later my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad's bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favorite fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad's peace of mind.
The morning of Dad's funeral dawned overcast and dreary. This day looks like the way I feel, I thought, as I walked down the aisle to the pews reserved for family. I was surprised to see the many friends Dad and Cheyenne had made filling the church. The pastor began his eulogy. It was a tribute to both Dad and the dog who had changed his life. And then the pastor turned to Hebrews 13:2. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers."
"I've often thanked God for sending that angel," he said.
For me, the past dropped into place, completing a puzzle that I had notseen before: the sympathetic voice that had just read the right article...Cheyenne's unexpected appearance at the animal shelter. . .his calmacceptance and complete devotion to my father. . .and the proximity oftheir deaths. And suddenly I understood. I knew that God had answered my prayers after all.
MizC
****************
The Old Man and the Dog
by Catherine Moore
"Watch out! You nearly broad sided that car!" My father yelled at me."Can't you do anything right?"
Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to challenge him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes. I wasn't prepared for another battle."
I saw the car, Dad. Please don't yell at me when I'm driving." My voicewas measured and steady, sounding far calmer than I really felt. Dad glared at me, then turned away and settled back.
At home I left Dad in front of the television and went outside to collect my thoughts. Dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo my inner turmoil. What could I do about him? Dad had been a lumberjack in Washington and Oregon. He had enjoyed being outdoors and had reveled in pitting his strength against the forces of nature. He had entered grueling lumberjack competitions, and had placed often. The shelves in his house were filled with trophies that attested to his prowess.
The years marched on relentlessly. The first time he couldn't lift a heavy log, he joked about it; but later that same day I saw him outside alone, straining to lift it. He became irritable whenever anyone teased him about his advancing age, or when he couldn't do something he had done as a younger man.
Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, he had a heart attack. Anambulance sped him to the hospital while a paramedic administered CPR to keep blood and oxygen flowing. At the hospital, Dad was rushed into an operating room. He was lucky; he survived.
But something inside Dad died. His zest for life was gone. He obstinately refused to follow doctor's orders. Suggestions and offers of help were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors thinned, then finally stopped altogether. Dad was left alone.
My husband, Dick, and I asked Dad to come live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh air and rustic atmosphere would help him adjust. Within a week after he moved in, I regretted the invitation. It seemed nothing was satisfactory. He criticized everything I did. I became frustrated and moody. Soon I was taking my pent-up anger out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue. Alarmed, Dick sought out our pastor and explained the situation. The clergyman set up weekly counseling appointments for us. At the close of each session he prayed, asking God to soothe Dad's troubled mind. But the months wore on and God was silent. Something had to be done, and it was up to me to do it.
The next day I sat down with the phone book and methodically called each of the mental health clinics listed in the Yellow Pages. I explained my problem to each of t he sympathetic voices that answered. In vain. Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed, "I just read something that might help you! Let me go get the article." I listened as she read. The article described a remarkable study done at a nursing home. All of the patients were under treatment for chronic depression. Yet their attitudes had improved dramatically when they were given responsibility for a dog.
I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon. After I filled out a questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. The odor of disinfectant stung my nostrils as I moved down the row of pens. Eachcontained five to seven dogs. Long-haired dogs, curly-haired dogs, black dogs, spotted dogs all jumped up, trying to reach me. I studied each one but rejected one after the other for various reasons: too big, too small, too much hair. As I neared the last pen a dog in the shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down. It was a pointer, one of the dog world's aristocrats. But this was a caricature of the breed. Years had etched his face and muzzle with shades of gray. His hipbones jutted out in lopsided triangles. But it was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me unwaveringly.
I pointed to the dog. "Can you tell me about him?" The officer looked,then shook his head in puzzlement.
"He's a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him. That was two weeks ago and we've heard nothing. His time is up tomorrow." He gestured helplessly.
As the words sank in I turned to the man in horror. "You mean you're going to kill him?"
"Ma'am," he said gently, "that's our policy. We don't have room for every unclaimed dog.
"I looked at the pointer again. The calm brown eyes awaited my decision. "I'll take him," I said.
I drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me. When I reached the house I honked the horn twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch.
"Ta-da! Look what I got for you, Dad!" I said excitedly.
Dad looked, then wrinkled his face in disgust. "If I had wanted a dog Iwould have gotten one. And I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it! I don't want it" Dad waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house.
Anger rose inside me. It squeezed together my throat muscles and pounded into my temples.
You'd better get used to him, Dad. He's staying!" Dad ignored me. "Did you hear me, Dad?" I screamed. At those words Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed and blazing with hate.
We stood glaring at each other like duelists, when suddenly the pointerpulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad and sat down in front of him. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw.
Dad's lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw. Confusion replaced the anger in his eyes. The pointer waited patiently. Then Dad was on his knees hugging the animal.
It was the beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named thepointer Cheyenne. Together he and Cheyenne explored the community. They spent long hours walking down dusty lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew and Cheyenne lying quietly at his feet.
Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years. Dad's bitterness faded, and he and Cheyenne made many friends. Then late one night I was startled to feel Cheyenne's cold nose burrowing through our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night. I woke Dick, put on my robe and ran into my father's room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the night.
Two days later my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad's bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favorite fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad's peace of mind.
The morning of Dad's funeral dawned overcast and dreary. This day looks like the way I feel, I thought, as I walked down the aisle to the pews reserved for family. I was surprised to see the many friends Dad and Cheyenne had made filling the church. The pastor began his eulogy. It was a tribute to both Dad and the dog who had changed his life. And then the pastor turned to Hebrews 13:2. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers."
"I've often thanked God for sending that angel," he said.
For me, the past dropped into place, completing a puzzle that I had notseen before: the sympathetic voice that had just read the right article...Cheyenne's unexpected appearance at the animal shelter. . .his calmacceptance and complete devotion to my father. . .and the proximity oftheir deaths. And suddenly I understood. I knew that God had answered my prayers after all.
Monday, January 7, 2008
PERHAPS
Hmmmm...perhaps I should remove the Christmas pictures and replace them with something more "timely." Ya think???????????
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Happy New Year, Everyone! It's always hard for me to believe that the old year is gone and a new one has arrived. As always, the old year seems to have gone by in a blur.
I don't usually make resolutions, but there are a couple I'm pondering very seriously this year.
We had a nice trip to Seattle to be with the girls during Christmas. All travel was uneventful which is most definitely the best kind. Our younger daughter and her roomie were wonderful hostesses. They had a beautiful tree, and it was nice to sit and enjoy the lights. We did a lot of sight-seeing, a lot of picture taking (that's Cathye who took the pictures), a lot of restaurant visiting (YUM, YUM, YUM), and a lot of present opening. Santa was more than generous, as always. We opened gifts at Alyson's apartment and cooked Christmas dinner at Andrea's. After we ate that evening, we played games for a while. I love to see the girls laugh.
We enjoyed seeing where both girls work. We had a chance to visit Andrea's church both on Sunday and on Christmas Eve. I really, really liked the pastor's sermons! The two restaurants where Alyson works fed us royally. Food was great in both places.
The weather wasn't too bad. We had a wide variety of weather...some rain..a bit of sun...lots of clouds...some wind...some really cold days...and some fairly nice days. The rain was mostly drizzle so it wasn't too bad.
My favorite event was taking the ferry to Bainbridge Island on Saturday and eating at a little Pub there. Andrea's roommate and her boyfriend joined us which made it even more fun.
I was surprised at how long it took my body to get used to the time change. In fact, it was time to come home by the time I was used to it. I must admit that I slept most of the day after our return, but then I had to jump head first into a big project I'm doing for church which needs to be finished by Friday. Have I known about it for a long time? Uh huh
We also have a Christmas party to go to on Thursday...for the church staff. That is always fun. Seems like there's also something this weekend, but right now I'm not remembering what. (shocker)
I would love to hear from you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lovies and huggies,
cat(h)(ye)
p.s. It's supposed to be 12 degrees tonight! BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
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