Happy New Year!!!!!!

May you all be blessed with MANY BLESSINGS this year! I love each and everyone of you VERY MUCH!

Merry Christmas To Everyone!!!!!!!!

Was the month before Christmas

When all through our land,

Not a Christian was praying

Nor taking a stand.

See the PC Police had taken away,

The reason for Christmas - no one could say.

The children were told by their schools not to sing,

About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.

It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say

December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.

Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit

Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!

CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod

Something was changing, something quite odd!

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa

In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.

As Targets were hanging their trees upside down

At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.

At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears

You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty

Are words that were used to intimidate me.

Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen

On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter

To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.

And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith

Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded

The reason for the season, stopped before it started.

So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'

Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.

Choose your words carefully, choose what you say

Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!

Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet

MERRY CHRISTMAS, Christ is The Reason for the Christmas Season!

*Thank you Stacy for this poem:)

Happy Birthday Sister!!!!!!

I know I don't tell you enough, but I love you very much!

Have a wonderful birthday!!!!!!!!!

The House Guest That Wouldn't Leave

As I sat writing to my grand daughter Akina, I saw a squirrel busily hiding a walnut in the snow outside the window. I told her I wondered if he would find it later! This also reminds me of a story, of the baby squirrel Kristie and I found. We actually found two. One day she and I were standing outside talking to a neighbor. I saw two baby squirrels come down the tree next to where we were. Out of instinct (or stupidity)I held my hand out, and one ran down my arm and perched on my head! None of us could believe it! Then he came down off my head and held onto my clothes. We noticed there was no mama "chattering" at us, and wondered if she had been killed.

I put the little fellow back on the tree, but he seemed to want to stay with us. My daughter ran in, got some water and food for them. They seemed very hungry. The friendly guy stayed with us. The neighbor had ten dogs, that roamed the back yard next to us. The squirrels stayed in the tree on our property line, and we were afraid the dogs would eat the babies. The other baby would never get near us....but we continued feeding them....never seeing a mama. Then one little guy disappeared. We feared the worst. Kristie got the friendly baby, and put him in the garage in a large dog cage.

We fed him cereal, corn, and anything else we thought he would like. We put newspapers and card board boxes in his cage, which he completely shredded and made himself quite a nest. My husband was fit to be tied about the whole adventure! "You can't keep a wild animal!", he said. The neighbor with all the dogs, intimated that she could turn us into some animal rights place if we didn't stop taking care of the squirrel. Hmmm....

Believe it or not, Kristie and I could sit out in the garage for hours watching that cute little baby! Kim was married but came over and sat with us and watched him too! My girls and I can be easily entertained! And let me tell you, he was the best fed squirrel in Illinois! He had every toy imaginable! During this entire time, my husband had also become attached to him. He was the one who spoiled him the most, bringing him nuts and boxes of cereal! The squirrel would climb all over us, and was sooo gentle. He would run to each of us, and climb right up our legs to our shoulder.

The time came, to set him free. He was getting bigger now, and we made sure he knew what kind of food to look for. He was good at making nests and hiding food, it was time. So we took him outside, and released him. Kristie kept corn and nuts for him in a feeder outside. A few weeks later, Steve came in the house and said, "Guess what? That squirrel is still in the garage!" I went out there and sure enough, there he was perched on a high shelf where we kept our Christmas Decorations. Steve pulled out the ladder and climbed up to the shelf, and all the nuts and corn Kristie had been feeding him, were now nestled among last years decorations! Not only that, he had shredded boxes and had the hugest nest I had ever seen! We couldn't find how he got in. So my husband took him out again, and cleaned up the shelf. He did this about 4 more times! We never could find how he was coming in.

Finally my husband let him stay AFTER THE FIFTH time. He began feeding him again in the garage. This time I was the one who said, "you have to stop feeding him in the garage!" One day my husband called to tell me, "our visitor is gone!" I asked what happened. He said, "I climbed up the ladder, to give him some nuts, and he thought I was trying to take his food instead....and he bit me!!!!" Steve almost fell off the ladder. I guess the squirrel held onto my husband as he ran around the garage! Steve ran outside, squirrel still attached, trying to get it off his arm. Finally the squirrel went flying. The squirrel ran up a tree, and we never saw him again.

My husband wouldn't go to the doctor for the wound, of course. I wanted to get the squirrel and have it checked for rabies...but it never showed up again. Of course, we learned one thing....some guests do bite:)

The Land Crab Story

There is a time for laughter:) Lately things have been a a little rough. So I decided it was time to degrade and humiliate myself, by telling you a TRUE story about my 5 year old grand daughter, Sara. I told my daughters I would NEVER tell this story on my blog. Well, guess what? You get to hear it!

Sara came this summer and spent a couple of nights with Grandma and Grandpa. She asked me a hundred million questions CONSTANTLY. She is so eager to learn new things. I hear that she goes back home and totally bores her Mom with "Grandma said this or that..." as if I'm the expert on ALL things great and small! I have done my job well:)

This particular time, she was interested in all the wild life that comes around our place. She asked questions about the deer, coyotes, fox, possum, and snakes. We went over all of this, hundreds of times. While outside she saw a lot of holes in the ground. She asked me what they were. I told her I assumed that they were snake or gopher holes....and that they made their homes under the ground. I also told her that my Aunt Zoe said they were land crab holes. But then explained to her that I didn't believe that Crabs lived in Illinois, but Aunt Zoe said she had seen them. We even looked them up on the Internet, so Sara could see what Crabs looked like. According to the article we read, Crabs don't live in Illinois. So my Aunt Zoe's story of seeing them, has always confused me. Do we or don't we have them in Illinois?

After Sara went home, of course she bored her Mommy with all the animal stories. One day, Kristie and Josh had friends over. They were all in the living room talking. Sara has turned into quite a social butterfly, and LOVES talking to adults. As they were all talking, Sara goes to the middle of the room, and says in quite a loud voice..."Guess what, my Grandma has Crabs!" A hush fills the room, and EVERYONE BEGINS LAUGHING! My daughter was probably the only one not laughing, and tried to explain what Sara meant. Now, since there are NO LAND CRABS in Illinois, do you think they believed my daughters story? I hope to high heavens I never have to meet these friends! *sigh*

My Grand Daughters Home Coming!!!

Akina is a senior this year, so this was her senior prom! Isn't she beautiful? We also just found out that she received TWO scholarships to two different colleges! We're so proud of her:) Not sure which one she will pick, but I know God will guide her path. Congratulation honey! Love you always!

Someone Is Doing Better!

My brother looks pretty good after having open heart surgery, doesn't he? It's simply amazing:) Now I can also post a picture of their oldest grand daughter too! Kathy is holding Kate, Then there's Mike, and Laren. They had their Christmas early this year:)

Updates And Continued Prayers

Thank you so much for all the prayers. I wanted to let you know that my brother Mike just got home today:) He is resting, and I'm sure he is glad to be home! Kathy said they were tired, of course. Continue praying for a speedy recovery. I also heard that Leo (my sister's dear friend who is like family and now mine too!) is recovering from surgery, so add his name to your list as well!

Dear Sister Taylor went to be with the Lord today, just a few hours ago. We were able to spend some time with her and her family. She passed about 20 minutes after we left. I know there was such a home coming for her! I want to write about her later, to tell you a little bit about her life....which was totally dedicated to the Lord. But now I'm tired. We went to sit with the family yesterday as well. I know how tired they must be, but happy that she is in heaven now. Her daughter never left her side....and her sons were there every day. I'm sad but happy at the same time. There is so much to write about her, but not right now.

God bless you all:)

Prayer Requests

My brother Mike went in for a routine stress check up on Monday, and flunked. So they did a few other tests, and he flunked those too. Next thing he knew, he was having open heart surgery, a double bipass. All reports are good, and we thank God for those! I also believe God's hand was on him, for it to be found in the way it was. My brother Jim a few months back went in for a routine check up and was in surgery as well. He is doing great now! Please keep Mike in your prayers, that he have a speedy recovery. Also pray for strength and peace for his wife and family. Life is so precious, which is what this last year has imposed on me.

Also keep Sister Taylor in prayer. She is on a lot of medications for pain, which she does not like. Her back broke, a few weeks back, due to the cancer. I tried to feed her one day, and she didn't want to eat. She told me she had "meat to eat" that I knew not of. That's straight out of the Bible. meaning that her nourishment is coming from God, not man. Even as she suffers, her thoughts are still with God, and only wants His plan for her life. There were saints back in the Bible times, and her name is written with them.

Shadows Of Fall

Isn't this a beautiful fall picture? A friend of my sister's has a blog site called "Leo's Photography".  You will find his blog site address to the right. If you enjoy nature scenes as I do, you will love his blog! My sister has two blog sites as well..."Til we meet again" and "My Crockett Connection". Also my nephew Rick has a blog, "Footnotes with Rick Kelsheimer"  to the rightl. I guess it's all in the family! 

By the way, I do take contributions for advertising:) Chocolate chip cookies work for me!

Visiting Grandma And Grandpa

This is Kate, my sister in law (KRK), and my brother Mike. They love spending time with their Grand Daughters! Sorry I don't have a picture of their other grand daughter, we had computer problems. The only pictures I have now are those I "just happened" to save in e-mail. I think my daughter has most other pictures on a disc for me...thank goodness! But I know there are ones I lost forever. Anyway, just thought I would share this! 

Tic Tac Toe

I have been babysitting my two grand daughters, ages 4 and 5. While the oldest one was in kindergarten, I thought I would check my e-mail at my daughter's house. Hailey, the four year old was standing next to me at the computer, hoping I would hurry up so she could play her Care bears game. I got an e-mail from Tom, my brother in law. It said to click here, to play Tic Tac Toe. As I did, Hailey asked me what it was. I explained to her it was a game, called Tic Tac Toe. She loves games, so asked me how it worked. I explained as I did it for her.

This one, was a joke which I didn't know at the time. As I put my second or third "x" on the grid....a huge scary face popped up and SCREAMED at us! She and I both screamed and jumped! Then she began to cry. I hugged her, and told her I was sorry...and explained it was a joke and I didn't know it. Through the tears, she said.."do it again Grandma!" "Do it again?" I asked. "but it scared you!" "Yes," she said...."do it again."

So I played the game again, it screamed...she screamed and cried....and said "do it again, Grandma. We did this about 5 times or more! Each time she screamed, cried, laughed...and said do it again. I have never seen anything so funny in my life! It scared her each time, but she loved it:) I finally had to tell her we had to go pick up Sara from school...or she would have made me repeat the game a hundred times! THANKS A LOT TOM!

Here's the game:

Happy Birthday Kimberly!

It seems like just yesterday to me, that I held you in my arms and rocked you to sleep:) How time flies by! Those moments of watching you climb trees, bringing home strays (like Garfield!), swim in kiddie pools, being a Brownie, and watching you and Amy do those dances for me to music...seem so fresh in my memories! Now you have grown into a fine young lady...whom your Dad and I are very proud of!!! Happy birthday my sweetie! Love you always and forever! Mom

Logan

Thank you Tom, for sharing another wonderful video! After so many losses this year of family and friends, this video says it all:)

My Brothers And Sister

This past year has made me realize how we all need to cherish life, it is but for a moment we are here. My brothers, sister, and I all live many miles away from one another. I have missed so many happy events due to this! Births, marriages, graduations, on and on. Even though we are miles apart, I know I can always count on these three people to be there for me if I needed them to be! From left to right, is Mike, me, Sharon, and Jim. I love you three more than words can express! This picture was taken last Saturday by my wonderful sister in law Kathy:) She is the camera "woman" in our family! Thank you sister!

Virginia

It is so hard to say good bye to yet another family member. We went to Virginia's remembrance of life memorial this past Saturday. She had a wonderful life, and family. She loved her daughters and grandchildren immensely....and they loved her. I know she is with the Lord now, and her grandson JD...my nephew. We will dearly miss you both. If you look closely at this picture, you will see two people walking together into the sunset.

Even Though I'm Not Catholic, I Endorse This Message:)

It is so true, LIFE and MORALS are being voted upon this election. Christians of all denominations must stand up and be heard this coming election day! I don't know about you, but I'm voting for LIFE. Thanks Tom for sending this to me! This was such an inspiring piece of film. I for one, will be voting the Republican ticket.

Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?

My Nephew was staying in a cabin. He put some ears of corn out, and guess who came to dinner? Yes, a Mama bear and her two cubs! Nature is such a wonderful thing! I didn't even know Bears liked corn! Good shot hon, hope you didn't get as close as this looks!!!! Love you!

The Beauty Of Fall!!

Mistaken Identity

I may have already told you this story, if so forgive the repeat. But today has been a day of reflection for me...not sure why. Perhaps I may just be listening to God more today than usual. I believe He talks to us all the time, if we would just listen. Most of the time we are too busy. But the Holy Spirit keeps on trying to speak to us.

The story I'm about to tell you is true. This happened when I was in my 30's, and I had just been saved the previous year. We had just gotten custody of my step son. He was 16, and out of control. We took him to church, and it seemed to help for awhile, but he was like the birds that flew away from the seed. He had several girl friends, none of whom he was very nice to. I always encouraged him to bring them home so we could meet them. One in particular I was very fond of. She was so sweet, and I knew right away that she came from an abusive back ground. God has always given me the instinct of knowing things like this. It was nothing she said, but I felt it.

It didn't take long for my step son to hurt her, and she didn't come around anymore. I always kept her in my prayers...she had touched my heart. When something like this happens, you know God has placed that person in your path for some reason. It's not in our makeup to be drawn to someone, and to feel God's love for them without even knowing them. At the time we lived in a small town, where everyone knows everyone. Someone at the school told me that that little girl was killed in an automobile accident. She was only 16 years old. I was devastated. By the time I found out, the funeral was over. My step son was at his Mom's at the time, so I didn't have him to confirm it.

My first thoughts were, was she saved? I hadn't witnessed to her, and how I wished I had! A few days later after finding out this news, I went to the grocery store to do some shopping. To my amazement, there was that little girl coming out of the store! I couldn't believe it! I ran up to her, and gave her a big hug, and began crying. I told her how glad I was to see her! Of course she knew something was up. and asked. I'm one of those people that blurts out things without thinking...and told her exactly what I had heard. As soon as the words were out of my mouth...it was too late to take them back.

The shock on her face, you can well imagine. By then it was out that I thought she had been killed. So then I told her I had worried because I didn't know if she were saved. She assured me she was saved....and went to church. I told her I was so glad she was all right, and saved. We hugged one more time and left. I just knew she thought I was a blundering idiot! Before this I had beat myself up for not witnessing to her, this time FOR witnessing to her. She had to think I was a nut case! I wondered why God had placed her on my heart so much....when obviously she was saved and alive.

Another week passed....and something absolutely horrible happened. The little girl that I had just talked to in the store...had been killed in a motorcycle accident. She was riding on back of her friends motorcycle, and was struck by a car. They both died instantly. The whole thing was unthinkable. What had just happened?

I went to the funeral a few days later. A young pastor gave the benediction. It was unlike any funeral I had ever attended. The whole place was packed with young people. People were standing for lack of room to sit. The pastor began speaking about how he had known the girl for a few years. She had had a hard life growing up. One day she went up to the alter to be saved. He said he hadn't seen her for awhile. Then a few days before she was killed, she had called him and wanted to talk. She told him that she had felt that she had gone away from God. She rededicated herself to the Lord. He told how amazing it was to know she was in deed saved. The rest of the sermon was a salvation message. I'm sure a lot of young people that day were saved.

When I think back on these events, I see the hand of God. I also know how vain it was for me to feel "silly" for talking to her that day. God has everything under control. He can even use a "silly" vain creature like me to help someone in need. She was such a special little girl, I think God wanted to keep her close to Him...and heal her of the past for good.

The Predator And The Seed

I love feeding finches. I have two feeders by my living room window...so that I can watch them eat...if I happen to be sitting on the couch.
Today was one of those days!
I wondered why there were so many finches this morning. They were hysterical! They were fighting over the best perch, while others hung to the side. Still others were sitting on top of the feeder, patiently waiting their turn.
All of a sudden, a HUGE dark shadow came over the ground. Above them was the BIGGEST hawk I had ever seen! Then to my horror, there were two others! Three hawks circled my feeder....and my sweet little finches!
Before I knew it, I was at the window..raised it, and was yelling at the hawks.
Some of the finches flew away, very low.....staying away from the hawks. There were some finches that didn't leave. They aren't afraid of me, because they have come to know me.
Would you believe that when the feeder is empty, they will hang on the screen of the window...to try to tell me I need to fill it? Hard to believe, but true! They also won't fly away while I'm filling the feeder...they stay close by.
Anyway, the hawks kept circling, so I clapped my hands...and they finally flew away to the woods across the field. The few finches that had stayed,
kept on eating...knowing that I would keep them safe.
We need to trust in God in the same way. When the enemy comes to devour us,
just trust in God and keep on feeding from His Word.
Today must have been one of those days that God wanted me to write about these things. This post goes along with the last one. I didn't even know that until now:)

*Note: Something else came to mind while cleaning the house. So I want to add it here.
The Finch that flew away from the feeder were in danger by doing so. The ones that stayed at the feeder, were safe....
because the hawks wouldn't come near me.
So if we stay under God's protection we are safe.
It's only when we run scared and away from God, are we in true danger.

A Time To Harvest

Fall is a favorite time for me. I love it:) All the country roads around me, once barren, are now bustling with activity! For people who have always lived in the city, and never been around the country side during harvest, are missing such a wonderful experience. The farmers are in their fields, picking their crops before winter. The roads are filled with HUGE combines, going back and forth to the fields. Tractors, farm trucks, and semi's are hauling the grain that has been picked. Some are going to the elevators, to be weighed...so that the farmer knows how much grain has been picked. From there it's loaded into semi's to be taken to the factories to be made into food (cereals, etc.) The picture above was taken with my cell phone. I believe this is one of the fields my son in law will be harvesting. The sky was so beautiful that day, it was surreal.

The harvest reminds me of the Bible. Below is a parable Jesus told about the seeds being planted, the Word of God. The harvest is the souls that are saved due to the seed (Word) being planted in their lives. The Word IS GOD. His word does not return void. Jesus also points out why sometimes the seed planted, doesn't return a crop. The worries of every day life or satan comes like a thief and steals away the Word from the believer...hoping to take that person away from God. Satan is very jealous of us, and wants to try to keep us for himself. Only because he knows this will hurt God. Satan HATES us. He has been jealous of us, since God created Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Since then, he has made a bag of tricks that he uses to try to steal us away. God gives us a choice. Satan on the other hand, does not. He does everything in his power to trick or steal us away from salvation.

In harvest, there is a joy of seeing the crops grown and healthy! I wonder as I write this, if in the spiritual realm...we can see a busyness as well in the harvest of souls? The angels of God, busy taking the harvest in...all the while having to fight against satan as he tries to steal the harvest from God. If God be for us...who can be against us?

Mark 4

Parable of the Sower and Soils

^1(A)He began to teach again ^(B)by the sea And such a very large crowd gathered to Him that ^(C)He got into a boat in the sea and sat down; and the whole crowd was by the sea on the land.

²And He was teaching them many things in ^(D)parables, and was saying to them in His teaching,

³"Listen to this! Behold, the sower went out to sow;

⁴as he was sowing, some seed fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate it up.

⁵"Other seed fell on the rocky ground where it did not have much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil.

⁶"And after the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.

⁷"Other seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it yielded no crop.

⁸"Other seeds fell into the good soil, and as they grew up and increased, they yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold."

⁹And He was saying, "^(E)He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

¹⁰As soon as He was alone, His followers, along with the twelve, began asking Him about the parables.

¹¹And He was saying to them, "To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but ^(F)those who are outside get everything ^(G)in parables,

¹²so that ^(H)WHILE SEEING, THEY MAY SEE AND NOT PERCEIVE, AND WHILE HEARING, THEY MAY HEAR AND NOT UNDERSTAND, OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT RETURN AND BE FORGIVEN."

Explanation

^13(I)And He said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables?

¹⁴"The sower sows the word.

¹⁵"These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately ^(J)Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them.

¹⁶"In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy;

¹⁷and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away.

¹⁸"And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word,

¹⁹but the worries of ^(K)the ^[a]world, and the ^(L)deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

²⁰"And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and ^(M)bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold."

²¹And He was saying to them, "^(N)A lamp is not brought to be put under a basket, is it, or under a bed? Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand?

²²"^(O)For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light.

²³"^(P)If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."

²⁴And He was saying to them, "Take care what you listen to. ^(Q)By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides.

²⁵"^(R)For whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him."

Parable of the Seed

²⁶And He was saying, "The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil;

²⁷and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows--how, he himself does not know.

²⁸"The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head.

²⁹"But when the crop permits, he immediately ^(S)puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come."

Parable of the Mustard Seed

^30(T)And He said, "How shall we ^[b](U)picture the kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it?

³¹"It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil,

³²yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that ^(V)THE BIRDS OF THE ^[c]AIR can NEST UNDER ITS SHADE."

³³With many such parables He was speaking the word to them, so far as they were able to hear it;

³⁴and He did not speak to them ^(W)without a parable; but He was ^(X)explaining everything privately to His own disciples.

Lost My List Of Favorite Blogs!

My list disapperared on the right! I tried to redo it, it disapperared again! Anyone know why? I tried to download a new template...so maybe that's why. Anyway, would those of you that I lost, place your blog site address on the comment section here. Some I didn't have bookmarked. *sigh* Maybe tomorrow this will work?

Bailout Of AIG By Main Street

This was sent to me from my brother in law. Sounds like a good plan to me! Why didn't the politicians think of this? They could put a stipulation in... that whoever gets the money, must pay off all mortgages, loans, and credit cards. After that is done, buy, buy, and buy! Oh, and invest! Talk about a boost to the economy! It is election year, and Main Street USA may have a better idea.

I'm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG. Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a "We Deserve It Dividend". To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bonifide U.S. Citizens 18+. Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up. So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billion that equals $425,000.00.

My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a "We Deserve It Dividend". Of course, it would NOT be tax free. So let's assume a tax rate of 30%.

Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes. That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam. But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket. A husband and wife has $595,000.00.

What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family? Pay off your mortgage, housing crisis solved. Repay college loans, what a great boost to new grads Put away money for college, it'll be there Save in a bank, create money to loan to entrepreneurs. Buy a new car, create jobs. Invest in the market , capital drives growth Pay for your parent's medical insurance, health care improves Enable "Deadbeat Dads" to come clean, or else

Remember, this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces. If we're going to re-distribute wealth let's really do it...instead of trickling out a puny $1,000.00 (vote buy) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President.

If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult US Citizen 18+!

As for AIG, liquidate it. Sell off its parts. Let "American General" go back to being "American General". Sell off the real estate. Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.

Here's my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't. Sure it's a crazy idea that can never work. Maybe??? But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party! How do you spell Economic Boom? I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 billion "We Deserve It Dividend" more than I do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington DC. And remember, Plan B only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.

What's That On Your Face?

I used to look at older ladies, and wondered why on earth they painted such thick black eyebrows on their faces. I think I now know! When you get older, you lose your ability to see up close. You can't wear glasses, while putting on makeup. Thus, you THINK you have put on your makeup properly, when in reality you just might look painted! The joys of old age:) Recently my daughter has told me several times..."Mom...your make up is smeared". She rubs it off, and I'm sure it's smeared BECAUSE I COULDN'T SEE WHEN I PUT IT ON! *sigh*

There is an upside to this though! YOU ALSO CAN'T SEE THE NEW WRINKLES ON YOUR FACE! There is something else I have discovered, I think God allows us to get grey, because lighter color hair softens the wrinkles:) I color mine...now blond because of this! I'm very close to not coloring, and letting the gray show! It would be a lot easier. There is a time when you realize that you are growing MUCH older than you wanted. My time is now! I have also gained a lot of weight, which no matter what I do, doesn't come off.
Another *sigh*

With age, also comes grand children! To me this is the biggest plus ever of growing old! Grand children are the icing on the cake, so to speak. God ALWAYS gives us something to look forward to in EVERY age. When I get even older, and unable to get out of bed, I bet it will be someone bringing me the bed pan! May I put one more *sigh* in here?

Why Did The Woolly Worm Cross The Road?

Since we live out in the country, anywhere we drive to town is a 20-30 mile track. In the fall I have been seeing TONS of caterpillars, actually crossing the country roads. Not just a few, hundreds! Also a few weeks ago, hundreds of yellow butterflies were sitting on every road I drove on. They would fly all around the car as it passed. Amazing. You just don't see this in the city. Anyone care to answer my question? :o)

One Small Stone

I found this picture on the web. I'm not sure where it originated. But it reminded me of something very important. In a mass of words, and worldly events...only one thing is important. The name that is above all names, JESUS. It's very easy to get caught up into "the events of the day at hand". But all in all, we can't change the events or other people's minds. All we can change is us. In small ways, perhaps we can change things. We have to at least try, or have to account to God someday why we didn't try.

God is a ripple affect...one small stone thrown into a pond, and from there...the ripples begin, one at a time. If you haven't accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior...please consider to do so. If you do, you will know immediately what I mean about the "ripple affect". It's the best decision anyone can make. God bless:)

Excuse me ...Mr. Obama?

One of the deadly sins to talk about, I know....is politics. One that I swore I wouldn't even mention on my blog. However, I'm a little upset with the elitists comments that Senator Barrack Obama made at a San Francisco campaign fundraiser...saying "that small town people cling to their guns and religion because they are bitter."

Excuse me Mr Obama? Isn't the right to "freedom of religion" and the right "to bear arms" mentioned in our constitution? Do you have a different constitution than mine? Do you have a different constitution than the rest of the country? Or could it be that ONLY small town people BELIEVE in their country and Constitution? That belief must be perceived by you as being "bitter"? It's a shame you're an Illinois Senator...voted in by a LOT of "bitter small town people"....since most of Illinois is rural. I can take a sigh of relief in my own conscience, because I was one of the few that did not vote for you.

I believe in the right of a child to be born, the freedom of religion, a right to bear arms, and of free speech. Because of free speech, you were allowed to make the statement you made. Now I have the freedom to judge the fruit of your statement, and make a few statements myself, if you don't mind. Freedom is a gift, that many have died for to protect us. I don't believe they were considered "bitter" for believing and dying for those freedoms you mention in disgust. They died for you and all of us. May God open your eyes, sir. I'm not angry at you at all...just disappointed. I thought you were better than that.

S'no Teacher

Just wanted to update you on the situation at "the elementary school". My daughter called the principal and told him about the rudeness of his staff, on enforcing the rule of "no parent in the school without a visitors pass". She told him how no "hand out" had been given about this rule...and how she had scanned the school handbook on the subject, and nothing was stated in it about this rule. He informed her there is such a rule, because the children are encouraged to be independent....thus they NEED TO WALK IN BY THEMSELVES. He assured her that parents were ALWAYS welcome in the school, as long as they get a visitors pass first:)

He apologised to her for his staff when he heard how I was treated. She told him that "head shaking and eye rolling" was totally unprofessional. He agreed....and took the name of the teacher. He told her this would never happen again. We worry because Sara may get this teacher in third grade. If the teacher goes true to form, she will take something like this out on a child, I'm sure. The whole situation was like walking back into my grade school years....since the teacher and secretary reminded me of my 10 year old school mates way back when!

I disagree with the rule. It's so stupid. I don't think they are encouraging "parent involvement" when they aren't allowed in without going through a lengthy process, that in the end makes the child late for class. You can't go into the office, until the bell rings. By the time you get it, walk back to the other side of the building to take your child to their room...they are now tardy. As Kristie said, we just want to make sure she gets there all right. So we will take her to the front of the school, because it's closer to her room. Stand outside the door, and try to watch her to her room. But I believe I will step inside of the door...what are they going to do, arrest me? Sara wants us to walk her. She is very small for her age, and the other third graders are actually bigger than me. So I understand her fear, when the rush of a crowd pushes past you. Plus, how safe can she feel there after seeing how they tried to keep Grandma out? As far as school, she loves her class and teacher. She went to preschool, and always did well. She just needed a little more time to adjust to a large school, before walking in by herself. Even if she wasn't afraid, she is small....the others could knock her down very easily.

Yes Jan...I did feel like knocking her head off:) One reason I left the second time quickly....I wanted to smack her! I didn't want Sara and Hailey to see me get angry. Kristie had to do her first animation for computer class this week using a ball. So she made a snow man, a big wind...and the wind knocks the snow man's head off and it rolls away. She showed it to me, and said she was thinking about that teacher that stopped me when she made it:) I told her she should call it "S'NO TEACHER". We laughed and she told me I was getting her Dad's dry sense of humor! That's what happens after 30 years! *sigh*

You have to laugh at situations like this...or try to change the rules. I bet the school board isn't open to parents and grand parents, but that may be something we check into. I also agree with you Jan on the rule of waiting outside until the bell rings. What happens when it's storming? I never even thought about that! Sara will be waiting in the car with us until she can enter, but what about the kids whose parents just drop them off on their way to work?

God Needs A Visitors Pass Too

I just got back from taking Sara to school. I will say it was a harrowing experience again. As I said yesterday Kristie had no problem walking her to class. There is a young woman who walks around the outside of the school, looking very official. So I asked her about it, before the bell rang. She told me we ARE suppose to get a visitors pass in order to walk the children in. I told her I understood about security, but anyone could see I was just a Grandma. She laughed and said yes...not to worry about it today. She would go with me. She, Sara, Hailey, and I got into the door...and the same woman (teacher) stopped us. I believe she is the superintendents wife if I'm not mistaken. She thinks she is VERY IMPORTANT.

Again she went through her routine about the pass. I told her the security person was going to walk in with us for today. She gave her a dirty look, and told her she couldn't do that! I said "fine, I will get a pass." I couldn't walk through the school to go to the office. I had to DRIVE to the front of the school, go into the office to get it. I had to sign a book, stating the purpose of my visit, name, time in. Then the woman at the desk informed me I HAD to come back to sign out. I told her I thought it was ridiculous to have to do this just to walk your child to their room. Today Sara had five books in her bag, and it was HEAVY. She said that's the rules...I said yes, I know that now. Even though no one told Kristie, nor was the other mothers told. No sheet sent out, like they tried to imply.

We walked out of the front of the school, and around to the other door to take Sara to her room. She was late. I told them why she was late and apologised. The teacher's helper asked why she couldn't have walked in by herself. Pretty much this is what I got from everyone except the nice young security lady, who I'm afraid may be in trouble now for offering to walk me in. You know what, we need no reason to these people as to why we are walking a five year old to her room in the second week of school. They don't OWN the child. It's the parents right to do such things, even to set in on class if they should choose. As long as they don't bother the teacher or anyone else....it is their God given right. Oh wait...I forgot, God isn't allowed in school any more....so why should parents or grandparents be allowed? This is the reason we have to have security guards now for the public schools.

Hailey and I went back to the office, so that I could sign out. I asked the woman what time it was, so I could write it down. She acted as if it was a bother to tell me. I had no watch, so I had to ask. She told me and I wrote it down. As I turned to leave, I saw her out of the corner of my eye. She was looking at this guy, rolling her eyes and shaking her head. I stopped, turned around, and gave her the dirtiest look I could muster. It was the "Kimberly" look:)

Honestly I don't mind following rules, it was the WAY they did it. You give little peons an ounce of authority, and it goes to their heads. I know I'm not sounding too Christian right now, but I'm a little upset. This school as always assumed that there were no parental rights once your child begins kindergarten. They didn't even get a PTA until a few years back. I even went to the Principal when Kristie and Kimberly were going there to ask if we could start one. I thought it would be helpful to the school. He told me straight out, we don't want parents involved here. They let you come in to bring cookies though:)

BEWARE OF A SHORT GRANNY

My youngest daughter Kristie is going to college! I'm so very proud of her:) She is going into computer programming. So I'm babysitting my 4 and 5 year old grand daughters two days a week now. I can't think of a more fulfilling job!

Yesterday was a little trying, however. Sara just started kindergarten last week. Yesterday was the third time I had taken her to school, and Kristie had taken her all the other days. As we entered the school, I had Sara on one side of me, Hailey on the other...both holding my hands. Plus I was carrying Sara's book bag (Pink Princess one) and matching lunch bag. You have to stand outside and wait, until the school bell rings. Even though the girls and I have been right in front of the door when it rings (WE GET THERE EARLY), bigger kids shove their way in front of us every day almost knocking us over! So it is trying to just get in the door, without getting knocked over! I told Kristie the kids were bigger than me, and I was surprised to find out they were only third graders! I know I'm short...but felt better when my daughter told me they were bigger than her too.

As we got into the door, there was a rush of elementary students on all sides of us. About 10-15 feet in, I heard someone yelling, "Ma'am, Ma'am, MA'AM!!!!". It was a teacher that I remember when Kristie was in school, but can't place her name. To my horror, she was yelling to me over the roar of kids. She asked if Sara was a kindergarten student, and I said yes...while trying to get my grand daughters to the side of the hall to keep them from being run over, while I stopped to try to hear the teacher. She then said something to me that just did not not compute in my ever feeble, not had enough coffee, is it just 8:00 AM? pea picking little brain. She said, "MA'AM, YOU CAN NOT COME INTO THE BUILDING WITHOUT A VISITORS PASS!". All the while, the three of us are huddling to the side, to get out of the way of the stampede...I'm trying to digest what she has just said.

I said, I'm NOT VISITING... I'm just taking her to her class. She went on to tell me I couldn't do that without a pass! I then told her that I wasn't going to go into her room, I was just going with her to the door of her room. Again she said I couldn't do that without a pass! By this time I was FULLY EXASPERATED! Sara says to me, "Grandma, I will be okay...just give me a hug." So I hugged her, and asked her if she thought she could find her room. She said yes, we hugged again, and I gave her the book bag and lunch pail (which seem to be bigger than she!). Hailey and I stood in the same spot that we had been rudely halted in...and watched as little Sara carried all of her things through the huge crowd of children. As we stood there, the woman again yelled, "MA'AM...YOU HAVE TO LEAVE!" I told her I wouldn't leave until I saw that Sara got to her room. Just then, another large group of kids came in from the opposite hall, and Sara was consumed in the crowd. Hailey and I...still huddled to the side of the hall, couldn't see Sara. Her room was at the front of the building, and we were at the back of it. I got worried and started to walk down further, when the woman rudely stopped us again. I told her my grand daughter had been entrusted to my care for the day, and I wanted to make sure she found her room. Again she said I couldn't go any further. She also went on to say that this was the new rules on security (I had noticed alarms on all the doors) and that a paper had been sent out the week before. I told her my daughter hadn't told me about it. Again I was denied my request to walk down the hall to make sure Sara had gotten there safely. While Hailey and I watched down the hall, another mother was told she couldn't go in with her kindergartener to his room either.

I gave the teacher a disgusted look, and walked out. The mother that was turned away was waiting outside for me. I told her what the teacher had told me about a note sent home, and she said she had not received one. When my daughter got home that afternoon, she too had not received a note telling her that she could not walk Sara to her room. I talked to Kristie today, and she walked Sara to her room as usual, without being stopped. She is going to check into this further, to find out if there is such a rule.

In this day and age, I realize that security in the schools is essential with all the shootings that have happened in the past. The thing is, that's exactly why parents have the right to protect their children as well....even if it's a simple task to walk their 5 year old to his/her room...in the second week of school. Now I'm reminded why I home schooled. If I had more coffee yesterday before going to the school, I would have been better prepared. If this happens again, I will take Sara and Hailey with me to the office so that I can get the sticker to put on my shirt saying "VISITOR"....and THEN I can walk my grand daughter to her room. The sad part is, while this teacher was watching me (the old Granny) like a hawk....several terrorists could have whizzed right past her. Where has common sense gone to?

I wonder if they had a meeting prior to school, detailing what a terrorist looked like? I can see the hand out being given to all the staff, with my picture on it.....
At the top written in bold letters:

BEWARE OF A SHORT GRANNY TOTING A PINK "PRINCESS" BACK PACK AND MATCHING LUNCH PAIL. MAY BE ACCOMPANIED BY HER GANG ...A FOUR AND FIVE YEAR OLD WHO ARE WELL TRAINED (potty trained that is:)

*Note: The picture at the top isn't actually a picture of me...I'm not as pretty as she is:)

His Bubble Of Protection

This is my niece's little girl.... Kate:) I love this photo! It looks as if she is playing in a bubble, and having a great time! This reminds me that we can't put our children in a bubble of protection, even though we would like to. But I know of someone who can...God! So lets remember to pray for our children, and ask that God envelop them in His protection and love! I ask that right now, for our entire family!

(By the way, isn't she a cutie?! Not that I'm partial or anything! :o)

The Ring

About 50 years ago...my brother brought home a beautiful diamond ring that he showed our Mom. I heard him whisper to her, I'm going to ask Judie tonight to marry me! Later that evening, Judie came over to eat dinner with us. We were all sitting around the table talking. At the time, I was only five years old. All I knew was that Jim had a ring to give to Judie...and I just had to tell her! So as soon as I could get her attention, I told her! Everyone stopped talking. My brother shot me a look, it almost looked like fire was coming out of his eyes! I had no idea what I had just done:(

So to both of you....I apologise for ruining the surprise! (It may be 50 years late) But your love isn't! I don't think I know of another couple as wonderful as you two!
Happy anniversary!
Love you:)

Today's Special: Cat or Rabbit Stew

Today while Zeke was outside, he began barking very viciously. I went outside to see what was wrong. I couldn't see anything, but heard a scream like I have never heard before. It wasn't a human scream. I brought Zeke in, and went out to investigate. I was worried about Aunt Zo's cats. I should have known something was up when Zeke went crazy because I went without him. He stood at the front window barking at me incessantly...as if to say....don't go!

I went around Aunt Zo's house, which was where I thought I had heard the scream. As I rounded the corner, there was the prettiest fox I have ever seen. He looked very much like this one above. Upon seeing me, he stopped...then took off into the woods. I looked around for Zo's cats, as she usually leaves some out when she goes to work. I couldn't find any, and I began worrying.

Lo and behold, Tweety Bird (a beautiful white and black cat) came running over to me. She had been hiding in the corn field. I put her in my Aunts house.  I couldn't find any more cats, so I'm hoping they hadn't run into the fox like I had! The whole thing reminded me of stories I had read as a child, about the sly fox trying to eat the other animals.

My daughter has been feeding 2 baby fox and their Momma, in her back yard. She and her husband live in a large city, so we were surprised that they had fox frequent their back yard every night. She took pictures of them, and put food out every day for them. She just loved them, until she saw them eat one of her back yard rabbits!

I know they have to eat too, but let's just hope "cat" wasn't on his menu for today! Aunt Zo will be very upset if one of her cats is missing! So will I...
*sigh*

A Time To Mourn And A Time To Dance

I just came in from mowing. I'm tired. When things are on my mind, I want to be outside. Outside is a little bit closer to God. When I first found out about my nephew last Tuesday, I went outside and cried. I stayed out there for hours. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of my family, as I know and feel their grief...as well as my own.

God tries to prepare us for things like this....but there is no easy way through it. When we know our loved one is saved, we should be happy for them that they are now in their true and eternal home. A far better one than here where we are. But I feel selfish, I don't want him to be gone so soon. I wanted to see him again, and give him a hug. He always had a smile that lit up the whole room! He was kind, and had gentle eyes. I remember picking black berries with him and Rick, riding horses bare back, coming back from a hike through the woods with ticks all over us, and the time he and Rick went swimming in the pond...the one their Mom told them not to! I wasn't in on that one, but did see the leeches all over them! We all will miss JD so very much.

In the Bible when someone died, they would tear their clothes and rub ashes all over their face...which was the way they mourned.

Ecclesiastes 3
1TO EVERYTHING there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven:

2A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted,

3A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up,

4A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

6A time to get and a time to lose, a time to keep and a time to cast away,

7A time to tear and a time to sew, a time to keep silence and a time to speak,

8A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

Did you notice before a death, is a time to be born? After weeping...we see laughing...and after mourning is dancing. There is time for mourning. But there is a time to stop....to laugh and dance. No one is immune to life nor death.

Years ago when my husband and I lost our new born baby, I was devastated. I went through denial, then anger. These are both natural stages to go through. One thing that bothered me most, was when people would say they were sorry about my miscarriage. My answer was, "I didn't miscarry...I had a baby." I held a small angels hand, and watched her breath every small breath for 3 days. She was too small to take a temperature the normal way, so they would lay the thermometer under her. Which was cold, and would make her mad. She would scrunch up her little face, open her mouth to cry...and not a sound came out. But we knew if she could have cried, we would be hearing her!

After she died, I went into a deep depression. It was a darkness that wanted to consume me forever. Had it not been for God, I think I would have been. Then there was my daughter, Kimberly. At the time of Krissie's death, we explained to Kimberly that her little sister was in heaven, and would not be coming home as we thought. We told her that we would sure miss her, but knew that someday we would see her again.

Kimberly was only six or seven at the time. I was so absorbed with my own grief, that I didn't see that she needed me. I thought she was all right. A few weeks later, a dear neighbor called me. She very gingerly told me that Kim was having problems with the death of her sister. The kids on the bus that she rode to school with, told her that her sister was dead. She would get angry and say, "NO, she's just at the hospital, she will be coming home."

I talked to her that day as soon as she got home from school. We were outside in the front yard. She sat down on the ground as I talked to her about her sister. As I tried to explain to her what death was, she began pulling the grass out of the ground...in big clumps. My mourning time was over, I needed to support my little girl. We did something that helped her quite a bit. She drew Krissie a picture with crayons, and wrote her a letter. We talked about heaven, and how her little sister was just fine. Healing takes time, and tears help the healing process. It's all right to cry:) But through the storms, there will be a rainbow! Look for it....it's God speaking to you and telling you your loved one is fine, he or she just lives in a different place than you.

Losing someone is hard. But I know where JD is. I wrote a little note to his Dad and Mom, and told them that I knew JD was on another adventure! I can just see him! This time without ticks or leeches:)

To Jay and Lindsay...I know how much your Dad loved you both! When I see you two, I see him:) I love you!

*We celebrated JD's life this past Saturday. We reminisced of all the fun and adventures we had with him. I had written this article above, a little each day starting on July 21st....over a period of a few weeks. Could never quite finish it. I still don't believe it is finished. There is more to write.

Another Prayer Request

Our neighbors, just lost a son in an accident. I believe he was about 18 or so. Please pray for his family. Seems like so much is happening right now. So many young people being taken.

James David....

 

James David (JD)
May 4, 1962 through July 14, 2008

You are missed by
your Father, Mother, Brothers,
 Son, Daughter,
Grand Son,
Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.
We love you so much....
and always will. 
The Lord
called you home
far sooner than we would like.
He must have needed you:)
As we know,
this here on earth... is not our home.
We will see you again,
when it's our time to go to our REAL home.
I bet you will be the first to greet us!
 God bless you always,
my sweet JD....
until then:).

Prayer Request

Hurricane Dolly is approaching Texas. This picture is from Corpus Christi, Texas. I would like prayer for everyone in the path of this storm. Especially prayer for my grand daughters, Akina and Rachel. They are at a camp in Texas until August. I'm sure they are far enough inland that they won't be affected, but you know how Grandma's worry:)

Thank you for your prayers for them.

Prayer Requests

Last week we found out that my nephew, who was only 46...passed on to be with the Lord. It has taken me this long to even feel like writing on here. I would like to request prayer for my brother, his wife, their sons, and my nephew's two children and 4 year old grand son. The Lord is always our strength in times like this. We know He will never leave us, nor forsake us. We should be so happy that my nephew is in heaven with the Lord, but we will miss him very much. He just told his mother a week or so ago, that he knew God had healed him totally of all hurts from his past. He said he had never been happier in all his life. I believe God was preparing him for his journey home:)

Also, keep sister Taylor in prayer. We found out a few days ago her cancer has come back. She is in a nursing home at this time. Steve and I went to see her this past Saturday, and other Christians just happened to show up at the same time we did. When we first saw her, she looked so beaten and exhausted. We all prayed with her, and when we left...she was glowing and happy. She is fighting a battle, and we must hold her up.

The Evil Pencil Cactus

My daughter Kimberly, my husband, and I went to Prairie Gardens a few months ago. We loved going through all the different tents full of flowers! My daughter and her husband just bought a new home, which is contemporary. We were looking for inside plants that would look good in her home. We came across an unusual plant she nor I had ever seen! It had "contemporary" written all over it! It was called a "Pencil Cactus". She and I fell in love with it! When we showed it to my husband, he turned up his nose at it and exclaimed, "You're not buying that thing are you?" My daughter and I said "why not?" He told us it was an evil looking plant! Hmmm, never heard of an evil plant before! His words resounded in my head days later.

I helped my daughter load the plant in the cart, as it was about 3-4 foot tall, and it's pencils very slender. We didn't want to break it! As we put it in the cart, I noticed a sticky milky substance all over my hands. After we left there, we stopped to get a drink, and I went to wash my hands. My hands still felt sticky after washing. We had to get home, and gave our daughter a hug and said goodbye..

After getting home, again I tried to wash my hands. By then my lips felt funny and one eye seemed to be swelling. I just figured it was allergies. Within another hour, my husband and I were sitting on the couch...talking about the wonderful day we had with our daughter. All of a sudden, I felt as if I couldn't get enough oxygen. Before long I was gasping for air, and couldn't breath. My husband wanted to call an ambulance, and I was about to let him! But my first thought was "maybe it's a panic attack", since I do get those sometimes. But this felt different. Plus I wasn't upset about anything. That is the only reason we didn't head to the hospital, I wanted to make sure it wasn't that. My husband got me a pill for anxiety, and I asked him for Benedryl, since my eyes were swelling. I took those, and held onto my husband because I thought seriously I was dying...and if I couldn't breath soon, I was going to let him call an ambulance. I waited about 10 minutes, then my breathing began to get better.

A few days later, I had told my other daughter about the plant Kimberly had found. I was looking for a picture on the Internet to send her...so she could see it. I came across this article:
http://www.arhomeandgarden.org/plantoftheweek/articles/Pencil_Cactus.htm
I couldn't believe it! What I had had was an allergic reaction to the plant a few days before! The man who wrote the article had ended up at the hospital! I now knew that it wasn't the anxiety pill that had helped me to breath, but the Benedryl. The hospital he went to administered antihistamines. The thing is, if I had gone to the hospital, I wouldn't have even thought it was a reaction to a plant! I'm sure he did, since he owned a plant store...and knew more about plants than I could ever hope to.

Come to find out, Tom and Kimberly put the plant in the garage just after a few days, because it was making their eyes burn. After hearing about my incident, they took it back to the plant place and got a refund. I'm sure many other people have this plant, and have no reactions to it at all. But I do believe that the stores who sell them, should post a sign about the possibilities, and have them in a safe place where children can't accidentally get the white milk on their hands. The substance can not be washed off with soap and water. I do believe this plant can be deadly and the person having the reaction would not even suspect a plant caused this.

Yes, as my daughter Kristie says, "It can only happen to you, Mom". Also my husband will not let me live down the fact that immediately he thought it was an evil plant. On the spiritual side, how many times are we drawn to something different and beautiful, that eventually may harm us? There is almost always "someone" warning us....and we don't see the danger. At least the Holy Spirit doesn't go around saying: I TOLD YOU SO.
(hint to my husband!)  :o)