Happy Birthday Mom!

Today was my Mom's birthday, she is 87 years old! Happy birthday Mom! I think she had a good day too. Lots of people called her to wish her a happy birthday. Two of us, my aunt and I called her on the phone...and actually sang Happy Birthday to her! She is so proud of all the cards she received, and visits:) Thanks to all of you!

My girls and I have talked about getting older. I told them, that whatever you feel now, is what you feel when you get older. In other words, in your mind...you are the same now, as when you get to be 87 or whatever. I used to think that when you got older, you changed! HA! I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up!

I struggle with the same problems as I did when I was their age. The only difference is, some of those things I have conquered. Others I'm still working on. I find that things that used to bother me, however, no longer do. For instance, what people think of me. I remember when I was younger, if someone was cross with me, or called me a name...I was devastated. Now, I just consider the source. At times, I will feel sorry for them, that they are so rude....there must be some deep dark secret that makes them that way. But all in all, I can't change them. So you just shake the dust off, and move on. Rude people, will always exist. People who try to use others, to get what they want, will as well. What we have to learn, is not to allow people like that to take our joy away. If we can, we stay away from them. If it isn't possible, then you try to do the best you can to not allow their arrows to pierce you.

I had a little brass statue one time, which I have lost through the years. But it was a reminder to me of situations like that. The statue was of a duck, holding an umbrella. A duck's feathers are water proof, so the water just rolls right off his back. It was ironic that the duck was holding an umbrella, but he was:) To me, this symbolized several things. God made us to be "water proof", so that insults couldn't hurt us. But just in case we didn't realize that, He gave us an "umbrella" of protection. Just make sure you stay under that umbrella:)

Typhoid Mary

I just looked at the date that I was so sick, I couldn't post. That was February 20Th! My temperature ran aound 101 or so. I had been sick for a few days before that even! Now it's the 27Th, and I'm still sick! My temperature is not over 100 though, but still coughing, sneezing, and using tons of Kleenex!

Mom's birthday is tomorrow, and I don't want to go out and buy her anything....otherwise I would infect other people. Plus I just don't feel like going anywhere, but to bed! Family came today to visit with my Mom. I can't even go see them! Hope I'm over this by Sunday! That's my youngest grand daughter's birthday party:)

So today I took action. I opened my windows, to let fresh air in. I sprayed Lysol on the computer (and it still works!), the kitchen counters, in all the bathrooms, in the air, on the phones, on the TV remotes, and almost got Zeke as well! Poor guy! I changed the sheets on the bed, and as I'm doing all this, all I want to do is lay down!

Now I sit here posting, wheezing and coughing even more from the Lysol! I'm freezing to death from the windows being opened. I also turned down the heat. Instead of killing the germs, I may end up killing myself!

To all my family and friends, hope you all stay well! I promise not to come around until Typhoid Mary has left! Love you!

The Truth About Lies

Amidst the tangled web of lies, lies the truth. How does one find what is true,
and what is false? Very good question. We simple human beings, will fall for the lie...many times, thinking it is the "truth". There was a book many years ago that I read, "People of the Lies". A lot of it was over my head, and some of it I didn't agree with. But there was some truth in it, and that's what you have to gleam not only from books that you read...but from every situation in life. I saw in that book, many things that I had seen in my own lifetime. Some of it sickened me....but that's what evil does, it makes you feel ill.

We are given a Helper, the Holy Spirit. Have you ever met someone, and right off the bat, there is just something about them that you don't trust? I have many times in my life....and I disregarded that "feeling". Ended up "trusting" them, and later found a zillion holes in my back, that they had inflicted on me. Will I do that again? I don't think so. From this day forward, I will listen to that small still voice....the voice of the Holy Spirit.

When I first got saved many years ago, I heard that voice very strongly. I began following it, and each time I did....I saw God's hand in every situation. It was so amazing! Very simple, to adhere to this. Sometimes it was a simple direction while driving in the car, "Turn left here". Sounds silly, I know...but I would do it. Almost always, there was a reason I should have gone that direction. Usually it was to "run into" someone who I knew, that needed help of some kind.

Another time, my daughter and I were in the car, we were on our way home. There was a car in front of us....and I heard that small still voice say, "slow down, put distance between them and you". So I did. My daughter even asked me what I was doing, slowing down so much. A few minutes later the car in front of us, began swerving all over the road. He threw on his brakes, but luckily I was now quite a distance behind him. I began praying for him, and the oncoming cars. He went off into the ditch across from us, through a cornfield, back onto the road, swerved off into the other ditch, through another cornfield...and ran right into a house! A man was outside of the house, and ran to keep from getting hit. Later I found out that the man in the car in front of us, had an epileptic seizure. He was not suppose to be driving! Luckily, he nor the people in the house were hurt. That small still voice, helps us in so many ways! If I hadn't listened, I would have run into the car, when he first threw his brakes on.

This is one way, we can filter through the lies that we hear daily. Ask God to help us hear His voice, and to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. Then begin listening. When Jesus was saying goodbye to His disciples, before His ascension into Heaven, He told them that He would give them and us, another Comforter....the Holy Spirit. The Comforter, is a gift! We don't have to be perfect, there is no magical formula we have to chant....because the Holy Spirit is a free gift to all of us! No matter how imperfect we are! He loves us, and WANTS to help and guide us. All we have to do is listen for His voice. I bet each of you reading this, has heard His voice too. We just don't recognise that it's His voice. The Holy Spirit has kept me out of a lot of car accidents. If you read my other story, "Traffic Safety" regarding the fake police officer, there again, my first instinct was NOT TO STOP. But I was still kept safe, when I did. I must keep those angels busy!

The truth about lies is this....all lies are laden with enough truth, to make them "seem" true. That is one of Satan's greatest deceptions! It's kind of like lacing poison in your favorite brownie. Evil, isn't it? Well, Satan doesn't play fair...and he has a lot of "players" he can count on to deliver his poisons. In this day and age, "we have to be vigilant and wary....for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers in high places". That scripture is talking about Satan's army....yes, an army. His army is like any other army, tight and structured. His goal, however is evil. He is out to kill, steal, and destroy from all of us. So we have to be prepared for battle at all times. The first step in battle is this, listen to that small still voice of the Holy Spirit, and be obedient:)

My Friend

At the age of 6, I contracted a bone disease, Which left me crippled for several years. My upper left leg bone, had literally rotted away. It was a hard time, because I had so looked forward to going to school...then as soon as I got there, I was pulled out and had to have a tutor teacher come to our home, to be taught. The tutor teacher, was very strict...and rather mean. That is another story.

However, one good thing that the tutor teacher did for me, was introduce me to another girl that she tutored at home. Her name was Janet. Janet was 5-6 years older than I. She was in a wheelchair, and I was on crutches. I looked up to her, since she was older than I. She and I would play games together. I remember playing Go Fish, Sorry, Chinese Checkers, Parcheesi, and Old Maid with Janet for hours on end. Janet was always happy, smiling, and joking around. She had a regular "school room" set up in her home, which is where we played the games. Then in her room, she had a stereo and all the latest records! We would go in there and listen to music.

I would spend the night there sometimes. Her Mom would make us chocolate milk, using Hershey's Syrup (best milk I ever had!), or give us a soft drink and chips. Her brother was a couple of years younger than me, and sometimes he and I would do things together too. I remember one time he tried to teach me to shoot a BB gun, and I accidentally shot him! He didn't even get mad at me! We also made a lot of trips to the "penny candy" store, a few blocks from their home, and he attempted to show me how to play soccer. ( I was very bad at that game!)

Later, my leg began healing, and bone began regenerating where only holes had been. After much therapy, I began walking again. That didn't stop Janet's and my friendship! I still spent the nights, or she would come over to our house. Then when I became a teenager, her Mom told me about a Park's program, where she took Janet during the day. So I volunteered to help there, and as soon as I turned 16, they hired me for the summer to help out. I still played games with Janet:) I worked there for quite a few years during my teen years.

I got married, and moved away from my hometown. I lost track of my friend, Janet. But she always remained on my mind. The hectic hum drum of life, sometimes keeps us from doing those things we should do. One of those was, I wanted to go visit with my friend Janet. I just found out a few days ago, that my friend is gone. She went on to be with the Lord. She was a friend, that taught me to laugh and have fun...even at life's most adverse moments. During a time, when I thought I would be crippled for the rest of my life....she showed me that I would be fine, and life does go on.

To Janet's family, thank you for being you. I know Janet loved each one of you, very much, and that you loved her. You showed it daily. My best childhood memories were in your home, because of the love found there. To Janet, thank you for being a light, during a dark time for me. I know now, you are whole, walking, running, and doing all those things that this world wouldn't let you do. I love you my friend, and will see you again:)

The Cat

Still under the weather, but laughter is the best medicine! So here's a joke for you and me:)

A man absolutely hated his wife's cat and decided to get rid of him one day by driving him 20 blocks from his home and leaving him at the park. As he arrived home, the cat was walking up the driveway.

The next day he decided to drive the cat 40 blocks away. He put the beast out and headed home. Driving back up his driveway, there was the cat!

He kept taking the cat further and further, and the cat would always beat him home. At last he decided to drive a few miles away, turn right, then left, past the bridge, then right again and another right until he reached what he thought was a safe distance from his home and left the cat there.

Hours later the man calls home to his wife: "Jen, is the cat there?"

"Yes", the wife answers, "why do you ask?"

Frustrated, the man answered, "Put him on the phone, I'm lost and need directions."

May be Off For a Few days:

I have had a virus....so I may not be posting for a few days! I can't even think! But for most of you who know me, I couldn't think before:) So you can imagine how bad it is! hahaha! Will try to get back at posting when I'm feeling better!
Love you all!

Deer Alert!

Just a reminder to all, the deer have multiplied quite a bit! We see herds of them EVERYWHERE! It's not uncommon to see herds of 20 or more, grazing along the road. Deer are very skiddish, and when scared, instead of running away from your car....they may just run AT YOUR CAR. I had that happen to me a few years ago. Luckily I was able to slow down, and by the time he ran into my car...it was just a small tap. No damage to him, or my car! We have a forest preserve near us, so they have a "hunter free" place to live and multiply. I just love the deer, and still can't imagine anyone shooting Bambi:)

Traffic Safety

A few years ago, a plain police car stopped me for speeding. I was on a country road at the time. He came up behind me, with a "flashing light" on the dash board of his car. My first instinct was not to stop, so I didn't (since it was a "plain" car). When he saw I wasn't going to stop, he sped up and got on my bumper...which scared me. So then I put on my blinkers and pulled over.

When he came up to my car, I told him I almost didn't stop, since he had a plain car. I didn't want to get a ticket for not pulling over, which was why I did eventually. He explained to me that his car was in the shop being serviced, and this was all they had for him to drive. He then apologised for scaring me. I told him I had my insurance card in the glove box, but he said since I had a newer car, he didn't doubt that it was insured.

He told me I was speeding, and asked for my license. He took my license back to his car, and got in....supposedly calling it in. I called my co-worker on her cell, to tell her I may be late because it looked like I was going to get a ticket for speeding. She and I chuckled about that...meanwhile, I saw the officer (who had a uniform and badge) coming up to my window again. So I got off the phone.

He gave me back my license, and told me to keep it under 75 from then on. I doubt I was going over 75 in the first place, since it was on a 55 MPH road. Later when telling my daughter about this, she told me to call the police and report it, because she didn't think it sounded legit. So I did. Found out that the man that stopped me, wasn't a policeman, and that there had been many accounts of this happening....with the same description of the police officer that I had given. One time he got violent with a woman. He said that the man saw me on my cell, and probably thought I was calling the police...possibly that's why he left. Although, he usually took the license back to the car, and returned it, as he did me.

The policeman told me that he was probably getting my personal information off my drivers license, and writing it down in his car on a tablet. He also told me to never stop for ANY car, until first dialing "911" on my cell. Tell them where I am, and tell them there is a police car trying to pull me over. He said that all cops report to 911 BEFORE they pull a car over. That way, if it is a real policeman, 911 will tell you, because they already know. He said no policeman, will BE MAD AT YOU, if you don't pull over until you have reached an area where there is people around. They all know that a woman driving alone, will be scared. He said this goes for men, as well. To this day, they have never caught him.

So, remember this the next time a policeman tries to pull you over. First, dial 911.

Amazing But True

These two stories happened many years ago. My husband had just bought me a new sweeper. This one was the bagless kind. The front of it was clear, where all the dirt goes. It was kind of fun seeing the dirt swirling around as you swept...that way you knew it was actually working. About the second time I used it, I was sweeping away. All of a sudden, it sounded like I had swept up something I shouldn't have. Without turning off the sweeper, I stopped and looked into the front to see if I could see anything in the clear cup. There swirling around in the bagless cup...was a little bit of dust and a mouse! I screamed, then turned off the sweeper. I didn't want to take the cup off, because I'm afraid of mice. But the little guy was just laying there...half dead. I felt so sorry for him. He was panting, very heavily...with his little eyes shut.

So my concern for him, overcame my fear. I took the cup off the sweeper, and went outside in the front yard, and gently laid the little guy on the grass. He was still panting with his eyes shut. I removed the dust off of him...and didn't know what to do to help him. I started stroking his chest, very gently. All of a sudden he sat up, and opened his eyes. I was so happy to see that he just might make it! That thought was very fleeting, because out of the blue, he jumped straight up into the air and was coming for my face! I screamed and ran! He chased me up the sidewalk! Guess he knew who was driving that evil sucking machine. It was about then, as I was running, that I wished I had left him in the cup!

A year or so later, I was walking through the dining room with a load of laundry. I saw Rookie, my cat, playing with something. I heard this high pitched screaming. At first I thought it was Rookie making the noise, and upon investigating... Rookie was just fine. But the mouse hanging out of his mouth, wasn't. If the mouse hadn't made that noise, I may have just walked on and tried not to think about it. But to hear that screaming noise, I just couldn't take it. So I was able to grab the mouse's tail, and open Rookie's mouth with the other hand. I took the mouse outside. As I walked, holding it by it's tail....it tried to curl it's body up and bite me. I walked as far away from the house as I could, making sure to move my arm every time he tried to bite me.I tossed him on the ground...and wouldn't you know it? He too JUMPED up into the air trying to bite me. Then I ran for the house, and he was close behind. At first I thought he was trying to chase me, but then I saw him pass me on the left! He beat me to my own house. I stood there and couldn't believe that the stupid mouse ran right back into the house, where my ever faithful Rookie was waiting:)

To this day, I wonder if it was the same mouse? Does anyone else have any weird mouse stories? Or do things like this only happen to me?

Tainted Peanut Butter

There are two brands of peanut butter, that are tainted with salmonella. The brands are "Peter Pan" and "Great Value". Great Value brand, I believe is Walmart's brand. On top of the lid, there is a code printed. If the code starts out with the numbers "2111"...that's the tainted batch. I found this out, 10 minutes after eating the "Great Value" brand...with the code numbers starting out "2111"! So far, I'm not sick. But please check your peanut butter! Here is the CNN web site that talks about it. Just copy and paste into your browser:
http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/02/14/salmonella.outbreak.ap/index.html

I have added a new link to this post:
http://www.about-salmonella.com/page3.htm

What's that, a tree in your eye?

Have you ever had people who annoy you? I have had many. One time, a gal that I worked with...was always annoying me. I liked her too! But she always had a way, of cutting me continually.

One day, we were sitting outside on a sunny day...waiting to go to work. She started asking me about what hair color I used on my hair. I told her, no secrets here! I use a permanent dye, because I'm starting to get gray hair. Some people like gray hair, I don't. Later I may let the gray show, but for now...I don't want to. She began running her fingers through her hair, and told me to look how shiny and healthy her hair looked. (I guess she didn't think my hair was shiny and healthy looking?) She then began to tell me that I should use the dye she uses, for my hair. She used one of those, that doesn't cover the gray, it's not permanent. I told her I didn't like that kind. She took offense, and went on to flipping her hair around, running her fingers through it...and told me to feel it. Now I don't know about you, but I don't like feeling another woman's hair! Especially a coworker who was flippant and over bearing.

She told me that she LOVES her hair, and the way it looks with this "undye" she uses. All the time she is telling me this....she is flipping her hair, and continues running her fingers through it. I don't know, maybe I'm weird, but I'm not IN LOVE with my hair. Sheesh! She kept drawing attention to her hair so much, as it blew in the wind...and her fingers running through it....I ACTUALLY looked at her hair. As the wind blew, yes, it was pretty on the TOP that people see....but underneath it was a lovely gray.......grayer than my Mom's hair! That was a lovely site to see! I just shook my head as she talked, and kept my mouth shut. I had a few gray hairs, she had a whole country of grays running around!

A few years later, when I had a birthday, I realized how old I was getting. You start thinking about all the things that you want to do, but haven't done yet. Have you ever done that? I had always wondered how I would look blond. One of those things you think about, but never do. I decided I would be brave, and try going blond! I figured, why not? I always wanted to travel to Europe before I died, that I couldn't do....because I'm not rich. But I could spend 6.00 dollars on hair dye and go blond! So I did. Guess who was the ONLY one who gave me grief over it? You guessed it....the two toned hair lady. Her first remark was, "Well does that mean when I get as OLD as you, I too will dye my hair blond?" My thoughts were, "Well if you do...get the permanent dye kind!" Did I say it? Noooooo. She also told me how unattractive I looked blond. Whats so funny about all of this, she was only a year and a half younger than me! She had TONS of gray, that she THOUGHT she was hiding. But remember, her hair wasn't horrible. Only mine:)

How many times, do we look at others and see their short comings? Do we react as my coworker did, by blurting out, "You have a splinter in your eye!" Like my coworker, she didn't like my hair at all....but didn't see that her hair was not as lovely as she thought. As a matter of fact, in her eyes, her hair was PERFECT. My prayer is that I always see my own short comings, so that I can change for the better. Let me not try to "hide" them, but bring them forth...look at them, and do what needs to be done to make them go away:) Also, I would like to see those things that I have, that are gifts. Then I will try to build upon them, and not "hide" them.

Midwest Valentines Day Blizzard

Today on Valentines Day, people in the midwest are TRYING to dig out of the 12 inches of snow, or more. Underneath the snow is at least 3 inches of ice, or more. I know it sleeted here for 12 hours or more, before the snow came. Then when it did, it was a blizzard. Very dangerous conditions on the roads, even for those that were plowed. Most interstates have been plowed, but secondary roads may not be.

Today I worked a long time just trying to uncover our small porch. I hammered at it with a shovel, and couldn't get the ice to break. It still is ice and snow covered. No way will I tackle the side walk. The snow is so hard, you can walk on it in places in the yard. When you fall through it, it comes halfway to your knees, or to your knees in places. While out with Zeke today, he fell through the snow, and it came half way up to his chest. That's deep!

Today the sun is shining, but the frigid temperatures do not allow any of this to melt. While out today, the sun shining on the branches of the trees, was so pretty. All the trees are layered in ice. They look like ice sculptures, glistening in the sun.

My prayers go out to all of those who have to work today. Even though many businesses have been closed. All schools are closed. I hear that this will hit the east coast today. Good luck east coast! You will need it!

Men Against The Elements

What is it about guys and bad weather conditions? I already told you how my husband JUST HAD TO TRY TO GO TO WORK. My sister just called, and said her county was completely shut down (she lives an hour northeast of us). I bet ours is too...but our county is so backwards, no one thinks to tell you not to venture out. Then my daughter Kimberly said that their roads were hazardous (two hours north west of us), and where she worked didn't open until much later. Kathy, my sister in law, said they were getting sleet...she is a couple hours south of us. Keep this all in mind........

Kristie, my youngest daughter called me and said that her husband Josh...whose work was called off due to the bad roads (he drives a double semi)....was out pulling stranded motorists out of ditches on the highway. He has a big suburban, that can go through anything! He said there were tons of cars in the ditches...but only one had a person still in the car. He pulled him out, and got him on his way. He was disappointed the other cars were abandoned...because he wanted to pull more cars out. He came home, and Kristie told him that his Mom had called, and they were stranded in their home in the country. His younger brother was sick, and needed some medicine. Kristie said Josh's eyes lit up with glee, and he said...I can make it out there! So last I heard, Josh was on his way to his Dad and Mom's house, taking medicine. Kristie said she could tell he was so happy that somebody needed something!
Josh even talked to Steve, to see if we needed anything!

Steve has taken Zeke out a hundred times today. They have wandered all over the golf course, wind whipping through at a hundred miles an hour...snow blowing, making it hard to see anything. Now, I have asked Steve to take Zeke out for me in good weather, and he is too busy, or doesn't feel like it. Give him a blizzard, and below zero temps...and he is taking Zeke out more than the poor dog even wants to go! Zeke is laying down on the floor right now, so worn out! I bet he hides from Steve, the next time he wants to take him out!

To all my family, stay safe and warm! Love you all so very much!

Did I Say I Liked Snow?

IF I EVER SAY I LIKE SNOW AGAIN....JUST SHOOT ME! Last night we got another 3-5 inches (on the existing 3-4 inches we already had), then it rained on top of that. When you look out the window, you see beautiful snow, with leaves, limbs from the trees, and other debris all over the top. Looks like someone dumped "natures garbage can" on top of the snow. When I took Zeke out today, he was able to walk on top of the snow....because the snow is hard enough to support a 90 pound dog! Now, that's hard snow! He looked at me as if to say, "What the heck is this?"

The limbs of the trees are covered in ice....so walking under them is extremely dangerous. I don't even see wild animal tracks in the snow today. Is it because the snow is so hard, or is it because they are smarter than Zeke and I? I bet both!

My husband didn't go to work today, he tried. He did that "guy thing". I told him the news said for no one to get out, because the roads were so dangerous....and they can't get them cleaned off because of the wind. He said, "Oh I can get out!" So then I reminded him that our son in law works for Fed Ex...and they cancelled all the loads for today. Again he says, "Oh I can make it". So he cleaned off the van (which took 20 minutes), let it warm up, slowly edged down the lane, almost slid off into Aunt Zo's home, went two blocks to Caseys, the girl that works there told him it took her friend almost an hour to get to the interstate...which usually takes 10 minutes, and had to come back. So THEN he decides just maybe he shouldn't try it? GRRRRR! So he comes back home, decides he wants a blog like mine, and is asking me a million questions as I type this! Anyone need a husband for the day?

Monday, part two

Well, it's SNOWING again! Yes, and it's still Monday! Some of our snow melted today...maybe a couple of inches! Leaving a couple more on the ground, maybe three inches. Now it looks like a blizzard out there! Any more snow, and I may have to look into buying snow shoes.

Thanks Akina for the comment! I posted a comment back to you, but was afraid you wouldn't see it, so I thought I would mention it here too! You have to hit the comment button to see what I wrote you back. I wish it would post comments directly on the page. Had a nice visit with my sister and her husband today. Thanks sis for the card magazines! I love them! Now I want to make cards for everyone! I'm terrible at remembering birthdays....as my family and friends already know. (May I just say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all of you early! Because you know I will forget to mail that card, that took me two hours to make) I actually forget my own birthday. But when you're getting as old as me, that's a plus!

If anyone has any good crafting, wedding planning, gardening, photography, or any other web sites you would like to share...please e-mail me, and I will post them on here! Of course you all know who I want wedding planning sites for. CONGRATULATIONS TOM AND KIMBERLY!
Love you all!
Me

Mondays

Mondays...what is it about Mondays? I have never liked them. Is it because it notes that the weekend is done? Or is it because it's the beginning of a work week? But since I'm not working right now, and every day is the same...I still hate Mondays! I can't for the life of me, understand why! Does anyone else, besides me hate Mondays? If so...please comment if you do, and tell me why you hate them. Then maybe I will understand why I do. As you can see, I can't even think of anything to write about today! Sheesh!

Grandchildren

There is nothing as precious as grandchildren. Seems like all the mistakes, that you made with your children, you can correct and "get something" right with your grandchildren! It's your second chance. Plus, you have more time...and seem to be far more patient. One reason for this may be that you're not the one having to run around and do this or that for the daily needs of the little tikes:) I have empathy for my daughter. I remember those days, of running around...giving baths, picking up toys, making meals, doing dishes, also the tons of laundry that comes with kids, wiping noses, taking to the doctors...and waiting forever, running here to pick up the daily things needed, breaking up fights, wiping away the tears of hurt feelings, cleaning food off the wall...that the budding artist mistook for paint, giving another bath to get the food out of the hair, trying to figure out how to repair that window before night...that their ball went through, and getting them ready for bed...waking up, and doing the same process all over again! Seems like an endless adventure! But before you know it, they come to you and say, "Mom, I met this guy...and guess what? We're getting married!" Your first thought is "No way!!! Are you sure he's the right one? Lets think about this first." The joys of parenthood:) Then they are gone, being independent, if you did your job right. Then you wish they weren't quite so independent, because you miss them. But then comes the grandchildren:) You can spoil them, and send them home! You can play with them, and not have to clean up their messes. I guess God gives you something for all of your diligent work, of raising children. GRANDCHILDREN!

Monsters Do Exist

My daughter, Kristie, just told me about a news story she heard.... about a man in a city not too far from us. This incident happened last night, I believe. He had a 23 month old daughter, who just wouldn't go to sleep. So to "teach her a lesson" he placed her outside in her jammies, and gave her a blanket. Now if you have read my other posts, you know how cold it has been here. Below zero with the wind shield factor at times. He left her outside, until she froze to death. The police said they saw her little tracks, wandering around in the yard. This makes me so angry! What kind of a monster would do such a thing to a little baby? As far as I'm concerned, the death penalty would be too kind for him. Instead, place him outside, in his jammies...with nothing but a blanket. Hopefully he will get right with God, before he freezes to death. Do I forgive him? I choose to forgive him. But it may be awhile before my emotions line up and I "feel" like I forgive him. Right now, the entire situation, is in God's hands, not mine. Which may be a good thing for him.

I know with all my heart, that dear sweet little baby girl is in heaven now. In a place where she is loved and cared for. She is playing with other children, in a nice warm sunny field...filled with flowers and animals, and everything else that she loves. May God always bless her, and the remaining family that is left here on earth. I can't imagine finding out if I were the Grandmother or Mother, that something like that had happened to my child. May God be with them, and help them through this. (Yes, I even pray for the man that did this to his child, even though I don't want to) This will not be an easy thing to get over. Only with God's help, will they be able to...and He is there with them....as He was with that dear sweet baby in the snow, on that cold winter night. He was there when her life here was done, to take her away from the anger and hatred...into a perfect place of love, made just for her.
I love you little angel:)

Things Could Be Worse:

Darkness surrounds you, as if it were night.
No lights to be found.
You grope in the darkness trying to find anything,
that might shed light.
You stumble,
and find yourself face to face with the ground.
Even this is somewhat comforting,
because it is something that exists with you...
in the darkness.
You are not alone...
as it seemed before.
Standing in an upright position,
you take comfort that there is a floor to stand on.
Things could be worse.

Author: Susie

Even in bad times, take comfort in the things that you have been given...
and be grateful. A friend of mine, Jim was going through quite a bit with his job. He had worked there for MANY years as "full time temporary". All of a sudden, people were getting fired, some of which had been there as long as him. The city was trying to cut costs. He just KNEW he was next. During that whole time, all I heard from him was how he was grateful for this or that. If it had been me, I would have been complaining, non stop! He was thankful to God, for so many things! In the end, a miracle happened! They created a job, JUST FOR HIM! Making more money than he did before! He is no longer "temporary"! I keep reminding myself of Jim's story, while going through storms. There is someone in control, who looks out for us, if we can JUST be grateful for what we do have.
STORMS DO PASS.

Faith and Trust

Have you ever wondered, why sometimes life seems so hard? Trial after trial, at times. Some days, it starts out on a wrong note....and it seems to continue. Don't you just hate days like that? You talk to God at times, and it seems like your prayers don't even rise above you 12 inches...let alone to the throne room of God.

I'm just a human, and don't understand a lot of things. But I do know this, even when it FEELS like God is not there, HE is. Hard at times to believe. But true. So many occasions, I didn't think God was even tuning into me, and later found out HE was working behind the scenes, doing things to help...and I didn't even know it until much later. I hold onto those thoughts. Holding onto those...is called faith. This can be a difficult thing to do, when all around you all that you see is gloom and doom. But hold onto it, no matter what! Faith at times, seems like this: God tells you to step off a cliff. It's not really a cliff, but in all other aspects, it SEEMS like a cliff. It's an impossible situation, that God is telling you to do. You test it, first...to make sure it is from God. Then when you determine it is, you have to decide whether or not to be obedient. Taking that first step, is always the hardest. Because it is as if you are stepping off into uncertainty. After that first step, you realize...that God IS there with you. Miracle after miracle begins happening. You KNOW that it was because you were obedient. Nothing more. God does the rest:)

Faith is putting your trust in those things not seen. I put my trust in Him. He is the only one, I do trust. Man has failed me many times...but He never has. Man is just like me, human. We all know, we humans do and will always make mistakes. Never put your trust in me, because I too will let you down. He won't.

Heat Wave!

It's 8 degrees! Feels like 5 below they say. Far better than the other day, when it was zero, and felt like 10-15 below! No wonder Zeke (my Golden) could only walk for 3 minutes! Poor lil guy, sat down and started licking his feet, in the snow. Which I knew wet feet in the snow, would not be a good idea! Quickly I got him up, and ran for the door! If he couldn't walk, there was no way I could carry him back. He weighs probably around 90 pounds or so. Still a puppy too!

I feel sorry for all the wild life, trying to keep warm, and foraging for food. Not much food to be found, since there is so much snow. When it's cold like this, I see much more wild life. The deer come in herds, trying to lick up the few seeds left in the bird feeders. They always come around dusk. Coyotes lurk around, trying to catch the deer...or anything else for that matter! The opossum, rabbits, squirrels, and raccoons...I never see, but see their paw prints in the snow. The other day I actually saw a snake print! You could see how he had slithered through the snow. My Aunt Zo said she thought they hibernated in the winter. I need to look that up on the net. I was born and raised in the city, so I have no idea about the country life. I guess I'm learning!

Poor Zeke could not take 3 minutes out in this weather, because of his paws getting so cold. Earlier I had seen 2 dogs, running through the golf course and our back yard. I see them all the time. I can't imagine people letting their dogs run, in weather like this. I know they will probably have frost bite. Those are the kind of pet owners that should not be allowed to have any! I have no idea who the owners are. There is woods, in the middle of the golf course...where the dogs always come up from. I'm pretty sure they are not strays, because they always look well kept. I also believe they are pedigree dogs. Zeke wants to be friends with them....but they are afraid to come too close to him. Poor Zeke, no one wants to play with him...except us humans! Which he keeps us busy playing fetch, and loves to chew on our clothing. Amazing, how he prefers clothing over bones!

Snow and More Snow!

Today we received at least 5 inches of snow! I cleared off 4 porches, mine and the neighbors. Fifteen minutes later, you couldn't even tell I had done anything! I love the snow:) But absolutely hate driving in it! Taking Zeke out for his walks, was cold, to say the least. Don't you just hate it when the snow goes over your boots...and falls all the way down to your feet? BRRRRRR! What do you do? You have to walk quite a distance to get back home, feet freezing and wet. By the time I got back in, my toes were numb! Ahhh....the great mid west! Where's that global warming when you need it?

Talking about global warming...do you think that's for real? Or is it just an idea that politicians came up with, to get our minds off of other things? Or to use it to get their agenda's passed for whatever company is giving them money? Don't get me started! I truly don't think that we or our grand children will have to worry about it..I trust God, and know...that wasn't in the Bible:) So, it's one less thing to worry about!

Well, that's all for today! I will take my cold toes, and sign off for now! If anyone should see that global warming walking around, send him to me...I will keep him busy! My toes would welcome him just about now!

Golden Retriever

We bought a Golden Retriever less than a year ago. He is such a joy to us! He is a year old now, and still in that puppy stage. He still likes to chew on all the things he shouldn't. Does anyone know how to break him of this? He is very good, otherwise. If you have any suggestions, please let me know!

Purpose of Blog

I want to create a place to share ideas, and to pray for one another. I hope to discuss many different topics as well. Your comments I look forward to. Please feel free to start a new discussion, by hitting the comment button. If you have a prayer request, please just state it. I know there is someone who knows your every need, and will fulfill His mission to finish the work He has begun in you:)
God bless!