Background on Spina Bifida
65 million women of child-bearing age are at risk of having a baby born with Spina Bifida. Everyday, an average of eight babies are affected by Spina Bifida or a similar birth defect of the brain and spine. Each year, about 3,000 pregnancies are affected by these birth defects. Currently an estimated 70,000 people in the United States are living with Spina Bifida; in Georgia, there are estimated to be 1,800 children and adults with Spina Bifida. Spina Bifida is the most common permanently disabling birth defect – the most complex birth defect compatible with life – AND it is preventable.
The risk of having a baby born with Spina Bifida can be reduced by as much as 70% – by taking a vitamin supplement of 400 mcg of folic acid daily prior to conception and during the first three months of pregnancy.
In a report released by the Centers for Disease Contol and Prevention (CDC) on January 4, 2007, levels of folic acid (folate levels shown in patients’ blood) in non-pregnant women of child-bearing age has dropped significantly (1999-2004). This data indicates that Spina Bifida births can be expected to rise in the future. In addition to affecting issues of quality of life, accessibility and inclusion, the lifelong costs of a person with Spina Bifida are insurmountable to most families.
Please pray for my Mom........she is in the providence hospital in Mobile Alabama. She is in the ICU. She has had cancer for a year and it has metastisized. She fell last Monday and broke her hip. She has had various complications with her lungs, heart, etc. and is now swelling. The family has been called in twice so far. She is on every type of machine that is possible to try to help her in her weakness. We know our Lord is strong when we are weak so I ask for you to pray for His will and for comfort for both of my parents.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
LSU Night Before Christmas
Twenty four days before Christmas, in a state in the south,
Les Miles was upset as he opened his mouth.
"Miles to Michigan," was reported as fact.
To which Miles responded, "Herbie you don't know jack!"
The Tigers had suffered a gut wrenching loss,
At the hands of McFadden and the rest of the hogs.
And Bo in his sweatshirt, and Miles in his Hat.
Were determined to prove they were better than that!
When the Tennessee Vols ran out on the field,
There were ruckus applause from the mentally ill.
Still in the locker room, Les told his team,
"This season ain't over. We still have a dream."
The hurt throwing arm of QB Matt Flynn
Meant Ryan was the man they put their faith in.
Then the fans all heard, what Les said in the Dome.
"I ain't goin' anywhere. I'm happy. I'm Home!"
The fans were still thinking "This might be a trick."
'til someone pointed out "Hey, this guy ain't Nick!"
The Hat took the field for this championship game,
And he brought all his Tigers, and called them by name;
"Now, Hester! Now, Early! Now, Highsmith and Putt!
Let's let 'er rip and shut these guys up!
Take to the field! And give it your all!
Then later we'll watch numbers 1 & 2 fall."
The fans still weren't sure as to what team would show,
The Virginia Tech game seemed like so long ago.
But there in the stands, the fans they did cheer,
As Perrilloux played his game of the year.
While out in Ar-Kansas, the hogs claimed the boot,
The tigers were focused on far better loot.
With the game knotted up, Ainge threw a quick out
But Zenon was ready and took six to the house.
He wore a LSU jacket, and a white turtle neck,
The same as he wore when his team beat La Tech.
With the hat on his head, and a childish grin,
Miles put his team in the title picture again.
His smile-how it widened! as Pitt won its game!
He cheered Oklahoma, when it did the same.
The stars were aligning, it couldn't be true.
Turns out Miles WAS destined, to play O-S-U.
With a month to prepare and a month to heal up,
We're all pretty sure which team will show up.
He ain't going to Michigan, and we're sure of that.
But Tressel and the Buckeyes should still Fear the Hat.
On December first, he called L-S-U home.
Then set up the Tigers, to play again in the Dome.
It soon will be legend, how Les started that day,
"Can't talk now. . . . I'm busy. . . . [Y'all] have a GREAT day!"
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Joe Gibbs: Knowing God Personally
Please listen to this and share it with everyone you know. God is at work and reaching souls.
Christmas is Coming!
How exciting, Christmas is coming....Jesus is the Reason for the Season! God is really shining right now. Even in the secular world. Joe Gibbs, the coach of the Washington Redskins, gave the eulogy for one of his players, Sean Taylor, who was a Christian. Coach Gibbs was able to use this time to share the gospel and his and Sean's personal relationship with Christ. Tim Tebow is the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner. He is a Christian, he thanked his Lord and Savior first. He is the son of missionaries and has a wonderful testimony. I praise God for the way he is using these atheletes to spread His word. Please listen to Joe Gibbs on my video that I have posted.
I received an email from one of my friends with some shopping tips during this season.
Because of recent abductions in daylight hours, refresh yourself of these things to do in an emergency situation...
This is for you, and for you to share with your wife,
your children, everyone you know.
After reading these 9 crucial tips, tell them to someone you care about. It never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in.
1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do:
The elbow is the strongest point on your body.
If you are close enough to use it, do!
2. Learned this from a tourist guide in New Orleans.
If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse,
DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM.
Toss it away from you.... chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse.
RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole
and start waving like crazy.
The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.
4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.
(DON'T DO THIS!)
The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go.
AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR , LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.
a. If someone is in the car with a gun to your head
DO NOT DRIVE OFF,
repeat:
DO NOT DRIVE OFF!
Instead gun the engine and speed into anything,
wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you.
If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it.
As soon as the car crashes bail out and run.
It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.
5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:
A.) Be aware:
look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat
B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out.
IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TOBE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)
6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs.
(Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)
7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you
(a running target) 4 in 100 times; And even then,
it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably! in a zig-zag pattern!
8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic:
STOP . It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy,
the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked "for help" into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.
9. Another Safety Point:
Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her "Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door."
The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, "We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door." He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors
when they're home alone at night.
DO NOT open the door for a crying baby ----
The Crying Baby theory was mentioned on America 's Most Wanted this past Saturday when they profiled
the serial killer in Louisiana.
Please attend a Christmas program at your local church. I am sure you will be blesses. Our little Hope will be playing Jesette (she is a girl) in her Christmas musical at church.
Remeber God sent his Son at Christmas time for YOU!
I received an email from one of my friends with some shopping tips during this season.
Because of recent abductions in daylight hours, refresh yourself of these things to do in an emergency situation...
This is for you, and for you to share with your wife,
your children, everyone you know.
After reading these 9 crucial tips, tell them to someone you care about. It never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in.
1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do:
The elbow is the strongest point on your body.
If you are close enough to use it, do!
2. Learned this from a tourist guide in New Orleans.
If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse,
DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM.
Toss it away from you.... chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse.
RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!
3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole
and start waving like crazy.
The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.
4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.
(DON'T DO THIS!)
The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go.
AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR , LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.
a. If someone is in the car with a gun to your head
DO NOT DRIVE OFF,
repeat:
DO NOT DRIVE OFF!
Instead gun the engine and speed into anything,
wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you.
If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it.
As soon as the car crashes bail out and run.
It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.
5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:
A.) Be aware:
look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat
B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out.
IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TOBE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)
6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs.
(Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)
7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you
(a running target) 4 in 100 times; And even then,
it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably! in a zig-zag pattern!
8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic:
STOP . It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy,
the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked "for help" into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.
9. Another Safety Point:
Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last, and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her "Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door."
The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, "We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door." He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors
when they're home alone at night.
DO NOT open the door for a crying baby ----
The Crying Baby theory was mentioned on America 's Most Wanted this past Saturday when they profiled
the serial killer in Louisiana.
Please attend a Christmas program at your local church. I am sure you will be blesses. Our little Hope will be playing Jesette (she is a girl) in her Christmas musical at church.
Remeber God sent his Son at Christmas time for YOU!
Saturday, December 1, 2007
December 2007
Wow! It is December already, where does time go? Al told me one time that life doesn't slow down, people do. I guess I don't want to then. I was at the dentist the other day trying to schedule an appointment and she saw my calendar and couldn't believe how busy it was! Thanksgiving flew by, it was great though, we got to see all of our babies. We stayed on the road alot though and it feels good to be home. We are doing alot of preparations for our Church Musical now. That is fun. Hope will be Jesette at her church. They want her to be Jesus in their drama but she is a girl so she must be Jesette!
For those of you who don't know, we will be having another Texan who will be born in June 2008. We should find out male or female towards the end of January. Pray for Mom and child please. Everything is going great! Siblings, Mom, and Dad are excited!
I would like for you to comment and tell me who you are going to vote for as our next President. Al and I are truly concerned about the next Presidential election. I have had Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee suggested to me. I am curious to hear what yall think and why. Please leave comments.
My Dad's cousin "Chick" Charles Switzer had a heart attack last night in Mobile. They are still waiting on an assessment of damages so please keep him and his wife Dodie in your prayers.
Here is my current prayer list, please feel free to tell me your concerns to add:
Mom
Dad
Hoppa
Lee Russell
Mark Morgan
Jeanette Pevey
Gary Peltier
Stanley Meades
Ivory and family Grace Church
Cindy Hogman stage 4 cervical cancer husband in Iraq
Tracy's family
Chick and Dodie
Pregnant daughter and unborn child
Our Children and Grandchildren
The Hills
Our Pastor Search Committee
Our next President
Al - sore throat
Those who have lost loved ones as this Holiday approaches.
Those who will be traveling over the holidays.
Everyone who is fighting addictions and their families. Fighting the addiction is a choice that must be made. If they choose to live in their addiction it is even more hard on their families so please pray for their families.
Lost Souls!!!
Thank you Lord, for sending your Son for me!
For those of you who don't know, we will be having another Texan who will be born in June 2008. We should find out male or female towards the end of January. Pray for Mom and child please. Everything is going great! Siblings, Mom, and Dad are excited!
I would like for you to comment and tell me who you are going to vote for as our next President. Al and I are truly concerned about the next Presidential election. I have had Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee suggested to me. I am curious to hear what yall think and why. Please leave comments.
My Dad's cousin "Chick" Charles Switzer had a heart attack last night in Mobile. They are still waiting on an assessment of damages so please keep him and his wife Dodie in your prayers.
Here is my current prayer list, please feel free to tell me your concerns to add:
Mom
Dad
Hoppa
Lee Russell
Mark Morgan
Jeanette Pevey
Gary Peltier
Stanley Meades
Ivory and family Grace Church
Cindy Hogman stage 4 cervical cancer husband in Iraq
Tracy's family
Chick and Dodie
Pregnant daughter and unborn child
Our Children and Grandchildren
The Hills
Our Pastor Search Committee
Our next President
Al - sore throat
Those who have lost loved ones as this Holiday approaches.
Those who will be traveling over the holidays.
Everyone who is fighting addictions and their families. Fighting the addiction is a choice that must be made. If they choose to live in their addiction it is even more hard on their families so please pray for their families.
Lost Souls!!!
Thank you Lord, for sending your Son for me!
Monday, November 19, 2007
How You Live
These are the Lyrics to the song that I posted on video.
Point Of Grace – How You Live
From the album How You Live
Wake up to the sunlight with your windows open
Don't hold in your anger or leave things unspoken
Wear your red dress, use your good dishes
Make a big mess and make lots of wishes
And have what you want, but want what you have
And don't spend your life looking back
Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances and let it all out
'Cause you won't regret it
Looking back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live
So go to the ballgames and go to the ballet
And go see your folks more than just on the holidays
Kiss all your children, dance with your wife
Tell your husband you love him every night
Don't run from the truth 'cause you can't get away, no
Face it and you'll be okay
(Chorus)
Oh, wherever you are and wherever you've been
Now is the time to begin
So give to the needy, and pray for the grieving
Even when you don't think that you can
'Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man
And make peace with God, and make peace with yourself
'Cause in the end, there's nobody else
(Chorus)
Alot of people don't consider this moment as a gift but it is. You can't get it back, you can't do it over. The line about use your good dishes speaks to me because of a conversation I recently had with my oldest daughter and son in law. I wanted to borrow some of their Christmas china for an upcoming event at our church. They are having a Christmas party for their work on the same day so they will be using their Christmas china. They offered me their wedding china because it is Christmas green. I told them no way!! They insisted and I said what if I break it? They said they would get some more, they would like for it to be used. I think my generation is used to putting things up and not using them. It is really a ridiculous concept if you think about it. Why have stuff that you can't use. I do think that it has something to do with age though, my grandparents had clear plastic coverings made for their living room furniture. My parents sometimes blocked rooms off with the coffee table so that children could not go in and "dirty them up." What is the use? Who is promised tomorrow? I have "good" dresses that were only worn once or twice, I'll never fit in them again.
These lines:
"So give to the needy, and pray for the grieving
Even when you don't think that you can
'Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man
And make peace with God, and make peace with yourself
'Cause in the end, there's nobody else "
........are the most meaningful to me. They kind of say it all. Do not try to impress here on earth. Only make eternal decisions. Decisions that will matter in eternity.
Our friends Gary and Trina Peltier are outstanding examples of what we as Christians should be. To be a Christian is to strive to be Christ-like. Gary and Trina's oldest daughter is not their birth daughter. You would never know it, they just took her in and loved her like Jesus would. Then they had 2 sons and 2 daughters that they gave birth to. And then a few years later they adopted another little girl. The love that this family has spread is enormous. They have 1 grandson from their oldest daughter. Their oldest son, Kyle, went home to be with the Lord 3 years ago after a valient battle with cancer. Kyle was 21 at his death. Trina donated a kidney to someone she did not even know about a year ago. Gary is donating a kidney to someone who came to him about writing his will. Gary is a lawyer. The operation was scheduled for last week but was put off by the hospital until tomorrow. I believe these people are examples of how we should live. They are very active at their church. They work in many areas of ministry to the church and community.
I am not saying everyone should be Trina and Gary, I am saying, as I am sure they would, look at all of your actions through the eyes of Christ.
Point Of Grace – How You Live
From the album How You Live
Wake up to the sunlight with your windows open
Don't hold in your anger or leave things unspoken
Wear your red dress, use your good dishes
Make a big mess and make lots of wishes
And have what you want, but want what you have
And don't spend your life looking back
Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances and let it all out
'Cause you won't regret it
Looking back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live
So go to the ballgames and go to the ballet
And go see your folks more than just on the holidays
Kiss all your children, dance with your wife
Tell your husband you love him every night
Don't run from the truth 'cause you can't get away, no
Face it and you'll be okay
(Chorus)
Oh, wherever you are and wherever you've been
Now is the time to begin
So give to the needy, and pray for the grieving
Even when you don't think that you can
'Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man
And make peace with God, and make peace with yourself
'Cause in the end, there's nobody else
(Chorus)
Alot of people don't consider this moment as a gift but it is. You can't get it back, you can't do it over. The line about use your good dishes speaks to me because of a conversation I recently had with my oldest daughter and son in law. I wanted to borrow some of their Christmas china for an upcoming event at our church. They are having a Christmas party for their work on the same day so they will be using their Christmas china. They offered me their wedding china because it is Christmas green. I told them no way!! They insisted and I said what if I break it? They said they would get some more, they would like for it to be used. I think my generation is used to putting things up and not using them. It is really a ridiculous concept if you think about it. Why have stuff that you can't use. I do think that it has something to do with age though, my grandparents had clear plastic coverings made for their living room furniture. My parents sometimes blocked rooms off with the coffee table so that children could not go in and "dirty them up." What is the use? Who is promised tomorrow? I have "good" dresses that were only worn once or twice, I'll never fit in them again.
These lines:
"So give to the needy, and pray for the grieving
Even when you don't think that you can
'Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man
And make peace with God, and make peace with yourself
'Cause in the end, there's nobody else "
........are the most meaningful to me. They kind of say it all. Do not try to impress here on earth. Only make eternal decisions. Decisions that will matter in eternity.
Our friends Gary and Trina Peltier are outstanding examples of what we as Christians should be. To be a Christian is to strive to be Christ-like. Gary and Trina's oldest daughter is not their birth daughter. You would never know it, they just took her in and loved her like Jesus would. Then they had 2 sons and 2 daughters that they gave birth to. And then a few years later they adopted another little girl. The love that this family has spread is enormous. They have 1 grandson from their oldest daughter. Their oldest son, Kyle, went home to be with the Lord 3 years ago after a valient battle with cancer. Kyle was 21 at his death. Trina donated a kidney to someone she did not even know about a year ago. Gary is donating a kidney to someone who came to him about writing his will. Gary is a lawyer. The operation was scheduled for last week but was put off by the hospital until tomorrow. I believe these people are examples of how we should live. They are very active at their church. They work in many areas of ministry to the church and community.
I am not saying everyone should be Trina and Gary, I am saying, as I am sure they would, look at all of your actions through the eyes of Christ.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
logan, the sky angel cowboy
Logan is 13 and has a wonderful relationship with the Father. But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
New King James Version © 1982 Thomas Nelson
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Hallelujah
Our precious grandson has invited Jesus into his heart! Not only is heaven rejoicing but his grandparents are too! His understanding of our Saviour is nothing short of miraculous. We are blessed! We just got back from celebrating his youngest sister's first birthday and we had such fun! Our Princess is still not over visiting Cinderella in September, they are dear friends you know. Those 3 babies are a joy. There is nothing that can be compared to the hug and or kiss of a grandchild!
Our Hope is doing great! She is over 8 pounds now and is attempting to get her parents straight on this whole baby thing. She is having to teach them who is in charge!
Sometimes they forget who is in charge but she is such a good baby she lets them have their way. They are so lucky that she is so good!
My Mom is back in Mobile receiving treatment for her cancer. It has spread. MD Anderson said that it is spreading faster than they can treat it. Mom has a wonderful, strong, outlook though. We know that our God is in charge and we are asking for her healing and His will. Please continue to pray for her and my Dad. She is 69 and he is 71 they have been married since they were 15 and 16. God has laid this song on my heart. It is Stephen Curtis Chapman and I hope to live my life this way:
Miracle of the Moment
It's time for letting go
All of our if only's
'Cause we don't have a time machine
And even if we did
Would we really want to use it?
Would we really want to go change everything
'Cause we are who and where and what we are for now
And this is the only moment we can do anything about
So breathe it in and breathe it out
Listen to your heartbeat
There's a wonder in the here and now
It's right there in front of you
And I don't want you to miss the miracle of the moment
There's only One who knows
What's really out there waiting
In all the moments yet to be
And all we need to know
Is He's out there waiting
To Him the future's history
And He has given us a treasure called right now
And this is the only moment we can do anything about
So breathe it in and breathe it out
Listen to your heartbeat
There's a wonder in the here and now
It's right there in front of you
And I don't want you to miss the miracle of the moment
And if it brings you tears
Then taste them as they fall
Let them soften your heart
And if it brings you laughter
Then throw your head back
And let it go
Let it go, yeah
You gotta let it go
And listen to your heartbeat
And breathe it in and breathe it out
And listen to your heartbeat
There's a wonder in the here and now
It's right there in front of you
And I don't want you to miss the miracle of the moment
And breathe it in and breathe it out
And listen to your heartbeat
There's a wonder in the here and now (here and now)
It's right there in front of you
And I don't want you to miss the miracle
Of the moment
The Miracle of the Moment! If only everyone could understand this gift that God has given to us. I know that I have taken it for granted many times but I try not to now. Each moment can be good, bad, memorable or wasted. It is up to us! I know I have wasted many but as the song says...we don't have a time machine, I will definitely try not to waste anymore. I love the part about tears and laughter...they are part of life!
Our prayer list is still long but we know the one in charge! Please continue to pray for our friend Hoppa as he goes through his chemo. Also our friend Lee is having chemo treatments. We have a friend from church named Jeanette who was also just diagnosed with a malignancy please lift her and her family up, she is about 40 and they have young children. Our friend Mark is out of remission and having to take chemo. I just ask that everyone pray to bind Satan from spreading this cancer that is becoming so prevalent!
I don't know if any of you are watching Dancing with the Stars. I don't watch much TV when we are off visiting, which is often. I do like this show. I thought Sabrina was the best dancer and now she has been kicked off. Now I think Helio is the best dancer. I don't know much about him except that he drives race cars. He has natural talent for dancing. I don't think that "they" will let a man win this season though.
My favorite female is Jenny Garth. She has really improved! She tries hard and seems to be an all-American girl! She has a sweet spirit and is a good Mommy!
I think Mel B from the spice girls may win.
Show and Tell
A kindergarten teacher gave her class a "show and tell" assignment. Each student was instructed to bring in an object to share with the class that represented their religion. The first student got up in front of the class and said, "My name is Benjamin and I am Jewish and this is a Star of David."
The second student got up in front of the class and said, "My name is Mary. I'm a Catholic and this is a Rosary."
The third student got in up front of the class and said, "My name is Tommy. I am Methodist, and this is a casserole."
That could have been said by a Baptist also, we love "eatin' meetins'!"
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Truth??
Why is it so hard to tell the truth but Yet so easy to tell a lie?
Pro 19:22 What a man desires is unfailing love;
better to be poor than a liar.
Pro 17:4 A wicked man listens to evil lips;
a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue.
1Jo 2:4 The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Lies come from the father of lies...Satan!
Truth
Psa 40:11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, O Lord; may your love and your truth always protect me.
Psa 43:3 Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.
Psa 119:30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.
Rom 2:8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
1Cr 13:6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
Eph 6:14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
1Jo 2:21 I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.
1Jo 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
3Jo 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
It seems to be politically incorrect to stand for what is right! The Truth. As society seems to be in a moral decline, we wonder why. People don't understand why the younger generation is changing, yet we have given them no solid truth to stand on. We make everything gray. God did not.
This is an old poem that I read again, and you may have read it before, it kind of shows one thing that could happen when parents don't set clear boundaries.
WENT TO A PARTY, MoM
I went to a party,
And remembered what you said. You told me not to drink, Mom
So I had a sprite instead.
I felt proud of myself,
The way you said I would, That I didn't drink and drive,
Though some friends said I should.
I made a healthy choice,
And your advice to me was right, The party finally ended,
And the kids drove out of sight.
I got into my car,
Sure to get home in one piece, I never knew what was coming,
Mom something I expected least.
Now I'm lying on the pavement,
And I hear the policeman say, The kid that caused this wreck was drunk, Mom, his voice seems far away.
My own blood's all around me,
As I try hard not to cry. I can hear the paramedic say,
This girl is going to die.
I'm sure the guy had no idea,
While he was flying high, Because he chose to drink and
drive, Now I would have to die.
So why do people do it, Mom
Knowing that it ruins lives? And now the pain is cutting me,
Like a hundred stabbing knives.
Tell sister not to be afraid, Mom
Tell daddy to be brave, And when I go to heaven, Put
" Mommy's Girl" on my grave.
Someone should have taught him,
That it's wrong to drink and drive. Maybe if his parents had,
I'd still be alive.
My breath is getting shorter, Mom
I'm getting really scared. These are my final moments,
And I'm so unprepared.
I wish that you could hold me Mom,
As I lie here and die. I wish that I could say, "I love you,
Mom!" So I love you and good-bye.
Isn't it funny how I can be more worried about what other people think of me than what God thinks of me.
Our interim pastor, Dr. Preston Nix, is wonderful. He preaches straight from The Word. If you are coming for a service to just tickle your ears you won't find it from him. He preaches like a teacher, which he is, and I love it! Right now at First Baptist we are also having a production called Last Chance every night at 6:30pm. It is a sequel to Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames. It is a very compelling drama. This Halloween season seems to be a very appropriate time for it to be here also. Please continue to pray for our Pastor Search Committee as they now focus on finding a full time Pastor for our church.
Our Hope is growing and growing! She misses us. I can tell when I hear her in the background on the phone!
Our friend Hoppa is such a blessing! He is still undergoing chemotherapy for his brain tumor. He is so uplifting! Whenever you get a chance to talk to him, you, walk away feeling good. I would have to say he is my favorite Cajun!
Please continue to pray for my Mom as she is back on her way to MD Anderson today to meet with her chemotherapist. Pray for her and Dad at this point in their lives.
My nephew, Lou, is in Anaheim Hills California, working for an insurance adjustment company. Please pray for his safety as well as all of the people effected by the fires.
Please pray for my grandson's asthma, granddaughter's eczema, and for all of those that are ill. Also pray for Rose Roberts a missionary in Milan who is flying back to the states to attend her father's funeral.
My aunt sent this to me in an email and it really made me laugh. As you know Al and I have had 2 pregnant daughters, 1 is pregnant now, we have heard how it is done now, but we remember how it was.....
Those Born 1930-1979
TO ALL THE KIDS
WHO SURVIVED the
1930's 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's !!
First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.
Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention,
the risks we took hitchhiking.
As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags.
Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and
NO ONE actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank koolade made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because
WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING !
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day.
And we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes.
After running into the bushes a few times,
we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell< /FONT>
phones, no personal computer! s, no Internet or chat rooms.......
WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.< /SPAN>
We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays,
made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that! !
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of.
They actually sided with the law!
These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever!
The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned
HOW TO
! DEAL WITH IT ALL!
If YOU are one of them . . CONGRATULATIONS!
Just a thought.....
Why are we so sleepy in church but Right when the sermon is over we suddenly wake up?
Pro 19:22 What a man desires is unfailing love;
better to be poor than a liar.
Pro 17:4 A wicked man listens to evil lips;
a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue.
1Jo 2:4 The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Lies come from the father of lies...Satan!
Truth
Psa 40:11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, O Lord; may your love and your truth always protect me.
Psa 43:3 Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.
Psa 119:30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.
Rom 2:8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
1Cr 13:6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
Eph 6:14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
1Jo 2:21 I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.
1Jo 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
3Jo 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
It seems to be politically incorrect to stand for what is right! The Truth. As society seems to be in a moral decline, we wonder why. People don't understand why the younger generation is changing, yet we have given them no solid truth to stand on. We make everything gray. God did not.
This is an old poem that I read again, and you may have read it before, it kind of shows one thing that could happen when parents don't set clear boundaries.
WENT TO A PARTY, MoM
I went to a party,
And remembered what you said. You told me not to drink, Mom
So I had a sprite instead.
I felt proud of myself,
The way you said I would, That I didn't drink and drive,
Though some friends said I should.
I made a healthy choice,
And your advice to me was right, The party finally ended,
And the kids drove out of sight.
I got into my car,
Sure to get home in one piece, I never knew what was coming,
Mom something I expected least.
Now I'm lying on the pavement,
And I hear the policeman say, The kid that caused this wreck was drunk, Mom, his voice seems far away.
My own blood's all around me,
As I try hard not to cry. I can hear the paramedic say,
This girl is going to die.
I'm sure the guy had no idea,
While he was flying high, Because he chose to drink and
drive, Now I would have to die.
So why do people do it, Mom
Knowing that it ruins lives? And now the pain is cutting me,
Like a hundred stabbing knives.
Tell sister not to be afraid, Mom
Tell daddy to be brave, And when I go to heaven, Put
" Mommy's Girl" on my grave.
Someone should have taught him,
That it's wrong to drink and drive. Maybe if his parents had,
I'd still be alive.
My breath is getting shorter, Mom
I'm getting really scared. These are my final moments,
And I'm so unprepared.
I wish that you could hold me Mom,
As I lie here and die. I wish that I could say, "I love you,
Mom!" So I love you and good-bye.
Isn't it funny how I can be more worried about what other people think of me than what God thinks of me.
Our interim pastor, Dr. Preston Nix, is wonderful. He preaches straight from The Word. If you are coming for a service to just tickle your ears you won't find it from him. He preaches like a teacher, which he is, and I love it! Right now at First Baptist we are also having a production called Last Chance every night at 6:30pm. It is a sequel to Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames. It is a very compelling drama. This Halloween season seems to be a very appropriate time for it to be here also. Please continue to pray for our Pastor Search Committee as they now focus on finding a full time Pastor for our church.
Our Hope is growing and growing! She misses us. I can tell when I hear her in the background on the phone!
Our friend Hoppa is such a blessing! He is still undergoing chemotherapy for his brain tumor. He is so uplifting! Whenever you get a chance to talk to him, you, walk away feeling good. I would have to say he is my favorite Cajun!
Please continue to pray for my Mom as she is back on her way to MD Anderson today to meet with her chemotherapist. Pray for her and Dad at this point in their lives.
My nephew, Lou, is in Anaheim Hills California, working for an insurance adjustment company. Please pray for his safety as well as all of the people effected by the fires.
Please pray for my grandson's asthma, granddaughter's eczema, and for all of those that are ill. Also pray for Rose Roberts a missionary in Milan who is flying back to the states to attend her father's funeral.
My aunt sent this to me in an email and it really made me laugh. As you know Al and I have had 2 pregnant daughters, 1 is pregnant now, we have heard how it is done now, but we remember how it was.....
Those Born 1930-1979
TO ALL THE KIDS
WHO SURVIVED the
1930's 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's !!
First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.
They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.
Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention,
the risks we took hitchhiking.
As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags.
Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and
NO ONE actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank koolade made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because
WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING !
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day.
And we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes.
After running into the bushes a few times,
we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell< /FONT>
phones, no personal computer! s, no Internet or chat rooms.......
WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.< /SPAN>
We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays,
made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that! !
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of.
They actually sided with the law!
These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever!
The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned
HOW TO
! DEAL WITH IT ALL!
If YOU are one of them . . CONGRATULATIONS!
Just a thought.....
Why are we so sleepy in church but Right when the sermon is over we suddenly wake up?
Welcome Hope Elisabeth
Our newest grandchild Hope Elisabeth was born on Wednesday, October 10 at 7:47 am. She was 19 inches long and weighed 6 pounds and 2 ounces. She is gorgeous! Her Mom and Dad are doing well also. She is such a calm, good, baby. I really think she will do a great job raising her parents.
She has already met her brother:
they seem to get along well.
Her Aunt and Uncle went to meet her, (we kept the family entertainment, the 3 cousins!) and she had so many visitors at the hospital that it was unreal!! She is loved!
I think she knows it! All she does is eat and sleep and you know...the other stuff. She is a sweety and will sit contentedly and look at you while you tell her the ways of the world.
We thank God for his goodness!
Monday, October 8, 2007
The South
We had a wonderful supply Pastor at our church. It was Dr. Preston Nix. He spoke in absolute Biblical truths and did not apologize for being politically incorrect. I was inspired and will write more on him later.
The 'Rules of the South' are as follows!!!
1. Pull your droopy pants up. You look like an idiot.
2. Turn your cap right, your head isn't crooked.
3. Let's get this straight; it's called a "gravel road." I drive a pickup truck because I want to. No matter how slow you drive, you're going to get dust on your Lexus. Drive it or get out of the way.
4. They are cattle. That's why they smell to you. They smell like money to us. Get over it. Don't like it? I-10 goes east and west, I-55 goes north and south. Pick one.
5. So you have a $60,000 car. We're impressed. We have $250,000 cotton strippers that are driven only 3 weeks a year.
6. So every person in the south waves. It's called being friendly. Try to understand the concept.
7. If that cell phone rings while a bunch of doves are coming in, we WILL shoot it out of your hand. You better hope you don't have it up to your ear at the time.
8. Yeah, we eat catfish &; crawfish. You really want sushi & caviar? It's available at the corner bait shop.
9. The "Opener" refers to the first day of deer season. It's a religious holiday held the closest Saturday to the first of November.
10. We open doors for women. That is applied to all women, regardless of age.
11. No, there's no "vegetarian special" on the menu. Order steak. Or you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the 2 pounds of ham & turkey.
12. When we fill out a table, there are three main dishes: meats, vegetables, and breads. We use three spices: salt, pepper, and ketchup! Oh, yeah.... We don't care what you folks in Cincinnati call that stuff you eat... IT AIN'T REAL CHILI!!
13. You bring "coke" into my house, it better be brown, wet and served over ice. You bring "Mary Jane" into my house, she better be cute, know how to shoot, drive a truck, and have long hair.
14. College and High School Football is as important here as the Lakers and the Knicks, and a dang site more fun to watch.
15. Yeah, we have golf courses. But don't hit the water hazards -- it spooks the fish.
16. Colleges? We have them all over. We have State Universities , Universities, and Vo-techs. They come outta there with an education plus a love for God and country, and they still wave at everybody when they come for the holidays.
17. We have more folks in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. So don't mess with us. If you do, you will get whipped by the best.
18. Turn down that blasted car stereo! That thumpity-thump junk ain't music, anyway. We don't want to hear it anymore than we want to see your boxers! Refer back to #1!
I received this via email and really liked it. I hope you enjoy it.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Steven Curtis Chapman (Cinderella)
We heard Stephen Curtis Chapman sing and explain this song "Cinderella" when we were at his concert in Orlando. I think every Mom, Dad, and grandparent should hear this song! No do-overs.
To: Alanna and Matt
Preparation for parenthood...
It's not just a matter of reading books and decorating the nursery. Here are 12 simple tests for expectant parents to take to prepare themselves for the real-life experience of being a mother or father.
1. Women: To prepare for maternity, put on a dressing gown and stick a pillowcase filled with beans down the front. Leave it there for 9 months. After 9 months, take out 10% of the beans.
Men: To prepare for paternity, go to the local drug store, tip the contents of your wallet on the counter, and tell the pharmacist to help himself. Then go to the supermarket. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office. Go home. Pick up the paper. Read it for the last time.
2. Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who are already parents and berate them about their methods of discipline, lack of patience, appallingly low tolerance levels, and how they have allowed their children to run wild. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's sleeping habits, toilet training, table manners, and overall behavior. Enjoy it -- it'll be the last time in your life that you will have all the answers.
3. To discover how the nights will feel, walk around the living room from 5 pm to 10 pm carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 8-12 pounds, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious noise) playing loudly. At 10 pm, put the bag down, set the alarm for midnight, and go to sleep. Get up at 12 and walk around the living room again, with the bag, until 1 am. Put the alarm on for 3 am. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2 am and make a drink. Go to bed at 2:45 am. Get up again at 3 am when the alarm goes off. Sing songs in the dark until 4 am. Put the alarm on for 5 am. Get up. Make breakfast. Keep this up for 5 years. Look cheerful.
4. Can you stand the mess children make? To find out, first smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains. Hide a piece of raw chicken behind the stereo and leave it there all summer. Stick your fingers in the flower beds, then rub them on the clean walls. Cover the stains with crayons. How does that look?
5. Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems: first buy an octopus and a bag made out of loose mesh. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out. Time allowed for this: all morning.
6. Take an egg carton, using a pair of scissors and a pot of paint, turn it into an alligator. Now take the tube from a roll of toilet paper. Using only Scotch tape and a piece of foil, turn it into an attractive Christmas candle. Last, take a milk carton, a ping pong ball, and an empty packet of Cocoa Pops and make an exact replica of the Eiffel Tower. Congratulations! You have just qualified for a place on the play group committee.
7. Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there. Get a dime. Stick it in the cd player. Take a family-size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the back seats. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car. There. Perfect.
8. Get ready to go out. Wait outside the bathroom for half an hour. Go out the front door. Come in again. Go out. Come back in. Go out again. Walk down the front path. Walk back up it. Walk down it again. Walk very slowly down the road for 5 minutes. Stop to inspect minutely every piece of used chewing gum, dirty tissue, and dead insect along the way. Retrace your steps. Scream that you've had as much as you can stand until the neighbors come out and stare at you. Give up and go back into the house. You are now just about ready to try taking a small child for a walk.
9. Always repeat everything you say at least five times.
10. Go to your local supermarket. Take with you the nearest thing you can find to a preschool child -- a fully-grown goat is excellent. If you intend to have more than one child, take more than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goats eat or destroy. Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.
11. Hollow out a melon. Make a small hole in the side. Suspend it from the ceiling and swing it from side to side. Now get a bowl of soggy Cheerios and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon by pretending to be an airplane. Continue until half the Cheerios are gone. Tip the rest into your lap, making sure a lot of it falls on the floor. You are now ready to feed a 12-month-old baby.
12. Learn the names of every character from Thomas the Train, Dora the Explorer, and the Wiggles. When you find yourself singing "I’m the Map, I’m the Map, I’m the Map" at work, you finally qualify as a parent.
Our newest granddaughter who is nameless is scheduled to be born Wednesday. Please pray for her and her family at this momentous occasion.
I know the Stephen Curtis Chapman video is long but I promise if you listen to it it will touch your heart, especially fathers of daughters.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Blogs and emails
I came across this email and thought it was very funny. I think the chain email is the 2000 version of the chain letter of old days except now we don't have to pay postage. I have received some scary emails that are in today's terminology "urban myths and legends." Some websites to check out these rumors are:
http://www.snopes.com
http://urbanlegends.about.com/
You will be surprised at the stuff that is passed around by email and believed.
It is especially disturbing when you get the emails detailing crime in your area. If you go to these sites you will be able to see that these are sent out and changed to fit a bunch of different areas. I try not to forward disturbing emails and sometimes I check those sites to make sure they are urban myth.
Subject: Chain E Mails
I want to thank all of you who have taken the time and trouble to send me your chain letters over the past two years. Thank you for making me feel safe, secure, blessed, and wealthy. Because of your concern...
I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.
I no longer drink Pepsi or Dr Pepper since the people who make these products are atheists who refuse to put "Under God" on their cans.
I no longer drink anything out of a can because I will get sick from the rat feces and urine.
I no longer use Saran wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer.
I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could get pricked with a needle infected with AIDS.
I no longer go to shopping malls because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.
I no longer receive packages from UPS or FedEx since they are actually Al Qaida in disguise.
I no longer shop at Target since they are French and don't support our American troops.
I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a stupid number for which I will get the phone bill from hell with calls to Jamaica, Uganda, Singapore, and Uzbekistan.
I no longer eat prepackaged foods because the estrogens they contain will turn me gay.
I no longer eat KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no
eyes or feathers.
I no longer have any sneakers -- but that will change once I receive my free replacement pair from Nike.
I no longer buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus since I now have their recipe.
I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels looking out for me.
I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl who is about to die in the hospital (for the 1,387,258th time).
I no longer have any money at all, but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special e-mail program.
Yes, I want to thank all of you soooooooo much for looking out for me! I will now return the favor.
If you DON'T send this e-mail to at least 1200 people in the next 60 seconds, a large bird with diarrhea will find your head at 5:00 PM tomorrow afternoon (hopefully you won't be in Mexico wearing a peach shirt...which has happened). I know this will occur
because it actually happened to a friend of a friend of a friend.
I received a phone call from my sister yesterday morning. My Mom had been rushed to the ER Thursday night. She "coded" in the emergency room. My Mom doesn't have an advanced directive so my sister told them to revive her. My Dad was in a state of shock. I don't know what the next step is. They are supposed to receive the results from her Pet scan Monday. Please continue to keep them in your prayers. She is still in the hospital and they are trying to get her o2 saturation to come up. I just spoke with my Dad and they still do not have Pet scan results and my Mom's o2 level is now 80, better than it was but not good enough.
Our newest granddaughter is scheduled to arrive Wednesday, October 10 at 7:30 am. We cannot wait to meet her! This picture was taken near their home in Florida. It is a special feeling that a mother gets when she sees her daughter becoming a mother. We know our granddaughter is coming to a loving christian couple and we pray God's blessings on their family. As soon as Alanna and Matt decide to name this little girl, I will let you all know her name!
To those of us who have children in our lives, whether they are our own, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or students...here is something to make you chuckle.
Whenever your children are out of control, you can take comfort from the thought that even God's omnipotence did not extend to His own children.
After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and Eve. And the first thing he said was "DON'T!"
"Don't what?" Adam replied.
"Don't eat the forbidden fruit." God said.
"Forbidden fruit? We have forbidden fruit?
Hey Eve...we have forbidden fruit!!!!!"
"No Way!"
"Yes way!"
"Do NOT eat the fruit!" said God.
"Why?"
"Because I am your Father and I said so!" God replied, wondering why He hadn't stopped creation after making the elephants. A few minutes later, God saw His children having an apple break and He was ticked!
"Didn't I tell you not to eat the fruit?" God asked.
"Uh huh," Adam replied.
"Then why did you?" said the Father.
"I don't know," said Eve.
"She started it!" Adam said
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
"DID NOT!"
Having had it with the two of them, God's punishment was that Adam and Eve should have children of their own. Thus the pattern was set and it has never changed.
BUT THERE IS REASSURANCE IN THE STORY!
If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give children wisdom and they haven't taken it, don't be hard on yourself. If God had trouble raising children, what makes you think it
would be a piece of cake for you?
I don't know if any of you are watching Dancing With the Stars, but I am. Right now my favorites are the Cheetah Girl "Sabrina Bryan" and the race car driver "Helio." To me though, most of the contestants this season are good. I did not think Albert should have been voted off. It was strictly a fanbase reason. He did much better than Wayne Newton.
Remember to celebrate tomorrow! It is Sunday....Our Lord's Day. Give Him Honor and Glory and have a great Sabbath!
http://www.snopes.com
http://urbanlegends.about.com/
You will be surprised at the stuff that is passed around by email and believed.
It is especially disturbing when you get the emails detailing crime in your area. If you go to these sites you will be able to see that these are sent out and changed to fit a bunch of different areas. I try not to forward disturbing emails and sometimes I check those sites to make sure they are urban myth.
Subject: Chain E Mails
I want to thank all of you who have taken the time and trouble to send me your chain letters over the past two years. Thank you for making me feel safe, secure, blessed, and wealthy. Because of your concern...
I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.
I no longer drink Pepsi or Dr Pepper since the people who make these products are atheists who refuse to put "Under God" on their cans.
I no longer drink anything out of a can because I will get sick from the rat feces and urine.
I no longer use Saran wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer.
I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could get pricked with a needle infected with AIDS.
I no longer go to shopping malls because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.
I no longer receive packages from UPS or FedEx since they are actually Al Qaida in disguise.
I no longer shop at Target since they are French and don't support our American troops.
I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a stupid number for which I will get the phone bill from hell with calls to Jamaica, Uganda, Singapore, and Uzbekistan.
I no longer eat prepackaged foods because the estrogens they contain will turn me gay.
I no longer eat KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no
eyes or feathers.
I no longer have any sneakers -- but that will change once I receive my free replacement pair from Nike.
I no longer buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus since I now have their recipe.
I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels looking out for me.
I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl who is about to die in the hospital (for the 1,387,258th time).
I no longer have any money at all, but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special e-mail program.
Yes, I want to thank all of you soooooooo much for looking out for me! I will now return the favor.
If you DON'T send this e-mail to at least 1200 people in the next 60 seconds, a large bird with diarrhea will find your head at 5:00 PM tomorrow afternoon (hopefully you won't be in Mexico wearing a peach shirt...which has happened). I know this will occur
because it actually happened to a friend of a friend of a friend.
I received a phone call from my sister yesterday morning. My Mom had been rushed to the ER Thursday night. She "coded" in the emergency room. My Mom doesn't have an advanced directive so my sister told them to revive her. My Dad was in a state of shock. I don't know what the next step is. They are supposed to receive the results from her Pet scan Monday. Please continue to keep them in your prayers. She is still in the hospital and they are trying to get her o2 saturation to come up. I just spoke with my Dad and they still do not have Pet scan results and my Mom's o2 level is now 80, better than it was but not good enough.
Our newest granddaughter is scheduled to arrive Wednesday, October 10 at 7:30 am. We cannot wait to meet her! This picture was taken near their home in Florida. It is a special feeling that a mother gets when she sees her daughter becoming a mother. We know our granddaughter is coming to a loving christian couple and we pray God's blessings on their family. As soon as Alanna and Matt decide to name this little girl, I will let you all know her name!
To those of us who have children in our lives, whether they are our own, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or students...here is something to make you chuckle.
Whenever your children are out of control, you can take comfort from the thought that even God's omnipotence did not extend to His own children.
After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and Eve. And the first thing he said was "DON'T!"
"Don't what?" Adam replied.
"Don't eat the forbidden fruit." God said.
"Forbidden fruit? We have forbidden fruit?
Hey Eve...we have forbidden fruit!!!!!"
"No Way!"
"Yes way!"
"Do NOT eat the fruit!" said God.
"Why?"
"Because I am your Father and I said so!" God replied, wondering why He hadn't stopped creation after making the elephants. A few minutes later, God saw His children having an apple break and He was ticked!
"Didn't I tell you not to eat the fruit?" God asked.
"Uh huh," Adam replied.
"Then why did you?" said the Father.
"I don't know," said Eve.
"She started it!" Adam said
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
"DID NOT!"
Having had it with the two of them, God's punishment was that Adam and Eve should have children of their own. Thus the pattern was set and it has never changed.
BUT THERE IS REASSURANCE IN THE STORY!
If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give children wisdom and they haven't taken it, don't be hard on yourself. If God had trouble raising children, what makes you think it
would be a piece of cake for you?
I don't know if any of you are watching Dancing With the Stars, but I am. Right now my favorites are the Cheetah Girl "Sabrina Bryan" and the race car driver "Helio." To me though, most of the contestants this season are good. I did not think Albert should have been voted off. It was strictly a fanbase reason. He did much better than Wayne Newton.
Remember to celebrate tomorrow! It is Sunday....Our Lord's Day. Give Him Honor and Glory and have a great Sabbath!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
You know I couldn't leave sad...
The phrase "working mother" is redundant.
Jane Sellman
Old age ain't no place for sissies.
Bette Davis
Whatever women must do they must do twice as well as
men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult.
Charlotte Whitton
Thirty-five is when you finally get your head together and your body starts falling apart.
Caryn Leschen
I'm not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb -- and I'm also not blonde.
Dolly Parton
and here is a parting thought to ponder.....
A man's got to do what a man's got to do. A woman must do what he can't.
Rhonda Hansome
See ya!
Local News
This has been a very busy time in our lives. We just got back from babysitting in Texas. It was very enjoyable. Now we are catching up on our stuff. You know the fun stuff like paying bills, balancing bank statements, and doctor appointments.
This has been a troubling time at home though. When we were driving home from Texas, I thought I saw a vehicle coming out of our driveway. I said that, in humor, to Al. He said "I hope that it is not coming out of our driveway, it is a firetruck." Well we came home to find our next door neighbor's driveway filled with firetrucks, ambulances, and workers. Our neighbor's house had caught on fire and burned. No one was home, thankfully, no firemen were hurt, but our neighbors lost their home and many personal belongings.
We just found out that while we were in Disneyworld, a friend of ours and local accountant died in a car accident. He was a very nice 39 year old man. Please pray for his wife and 2 children, his first name was Ken.
Also while we were in Florida one of our local football players had an accident on the football field and is dealing with partial paralysis. His name is Bryce, please pray for this teenager and his family and friends.
Yesterday afternoon somewone who took dance with my daughters and went to high school with them passed away in a car accident. This is a note I received from one of her friends and classmates:
"For those of you who knew her, Ashley Perrin passed away yesterday in a car accident. As devestating as it is, she leaves behind a beautiful little girl who is only 8 years old. Please everyone keep Ashley's family in your prayers, and may God grant them the strength to get through."
Please pray for this young lady's family.
This all makes me reflect on my previous post to remember that "God is God" even when I don't understand. He is there and he will carry us as we lean on Him.
This has been a troubling time at home though. When we were driving home from Texas, I thought I saw a vehicle coming out of our driveway. I said that, in humor, to Al. He said "I hope that it is not coming out of our driveway, it is a firetruck." Well we came home to find our next door neighbor's driveway filled with firetrucks, ambulances, and workers. Our neighbor's house had caught on fire and burned. No one was home, thankfully, no firemen were hurt, but our neighbors lost their home and many personal belongings.
We just found out that while we were in Disneyworld, a friend of ours and local accountant died in a car accident. He was a very nice 39 year old man. Please pray for his wife and 2 children, his first name was Ken.
Also while we were in Florida one of our local football players had an accident on the football field and is dealing with partial paralysis. His name is Bryce, please pray for this teenager and his family and friends.
Yesterday afternoon somewone who took dance with my daughters and went to high school with them passed away in a car accident. This is a note I received from one of her friends and classmates:
"For those of you who knew her, Ashley Perrin passed away yesterday in a car accident. As devestating as it is, she leaves behind a beautiful little girl who is only 8 years old. Please everyone keep Ashley's family in your prayers, and may God grant them the strength to get through."
Please pray for this young lady's family.
This all makes me reflect on my previous post to remember that "God is God" even when I don't understand. He is there and he will carry us as we lean on Him.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
God is God - Steven Curtis Chapman
Listen to the words to this song:
And the pain falls like a curtain
On the things I once called certain
And I have to say the words I fear the most
I just don’t know
And the questions without answers
Come and paralyze the dancer
So I stand here on the stage afraid to move
Afraid to fall, oh, but fall I must
On this truth that my life has been formed from the dust
God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He’s painting
God is God and I am man
So I’ll never understand it all
For only God is God
And the sky begins to thunder
And I’m filled with awe and wonder
‘Til the only burning question that remains
Is who am I
Can I form a single mountain
Take the stars in hand and count them
Can I even take a breath without God giving it to me
He is first and last before all that has been
Beyond all that will pass
Oh, how great are the riches of His wisdom and knowledge
How unsearchable for to Him and through
Him and from Him are all things
So let us worship before the throne
Of the One who is worthy of worship alone.
How many times do "I" think that I am in control. Don't listen to it just in the light of 9/11 but think about what is going on in your life today, and realize that God is God and we are man/woman. Al mentioned this evening if he had to live his life over he wouldn't change a thing. I agree with him. Who we are today is because of where we have been, and God is God.
Please pray for my cashier at Walmart today's Dad. He is a diabetic and has been in the hospital trying to get his sugar straight. Please pray for Heather in Alabama who gave birth to her daughter Isabella yesterday. They are both ill. Isabella is premature and only weighs one pound and six ounces. I praise God for the birth of David yesterday in Texas. He weighed nine pounds and nine ounces, he and his mother are doing great.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Children
As most of you know Al and I were blessed with 2 beautiful daughters. Our oldest has three children and Alanna is giving birth to her first on October 10 (please be in prayer for her and her new daughter). I came across this and found it to be very true and funny.
THE BIRTH ORDER OF CHILDREN ...
Your Clothes:
1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your OB/GYN confirms your pregnancy.
2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.
3rd baby: Your maternity clothes ARE your regular clothes.
Preparing for the Birth:
1st baby: You practice your breathing religiously.
2nd baby: You don't bother because you remember that last time,
breathing didn't do a thing.
3rd baby: You ask for an epidural in your eighth month.
The Layette:
1st baby: You pre-wash newborn's clothes, color-coordinate them, and fold them neatly in the baby's little bureau.
2nd baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean and discard only the ones with the darkest stains.
3rd baby: Boys can wear pink, can't they?
Worries:
1st baby: At the first sign of distress -- a whimper, a frown -- you pick up the baby.
2nd baby: You pick the baby up when her wails threaten to wake your
firstborn.
3rd baby: You teach your three-year-old how to rewind the mechanical swing.
Pacifier:
1st baby: If the pacifier falls on the floor, you put it away until you can go home and wash and boil it.
2nd baby: When the pacifier falls on the floor, you squirt it off with some juice from the baby's bottle.
3rd baby: You wipe it off on your shirt and pop it back in.
Diapering:
1st baby: You change your baby's diapers every hour, whether they need it or not.
2nd baby: You change their diaper every two to three hours, if needed.
3rd baby: You try to change their diaper before others start to complain about the smell or you see it sagging to their knees.
Activities:
1st baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics, Baby Swing, and Baby Story Hour.
2nd baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics.
3rd baby: You take your infant to the supermarket and the dry cleaner.
Going Out:
1st baby: The first time you leave your baby with a sitter, you call home five times.
2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to leave a number where you can be reached.
3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if she sees blood.
At Home:
1st baby: You spend a good bit of every day just gazing at the baby.
2nd baby: You spend a bit of everyday watching to be sure your older child isn't squeezing, poking, or hitting the baby.
3rd baby: You spend a little bit of every day hiding from the children.
Swallowing Coins (a favorite):
1st child: When first child swallows a coin, you rush the child to the hospital and demand x-rays. (We had this happen, after multiple xrays he passed the nickel at Disney World, it was a memorable vacation)
2nd child: When second child swallows a coin, you carefully watch for the coin to pass
3rd child: When third child swallows a coin you deduct it from his
allowance!!
Our still unnamed granddaughter 5 weeks before her birth! She is finally gaining some weight and showing! She moves all of the time. Her Mom (and Dad) are glowing!
Alanna this is for you:
Before I was a Mom I slept as late as I wanted and never worried
about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.
Before I was a Mom
I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom I had never been puked on.
Pooped on. Spit on.
Chewed on
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night..
Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it
down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop
the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the
wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.
And before I was a Grandma
I didn't know that all those "Mom" feelings more than doubled!
Love is patient ~ Love is kind ~ Love Never Fails ... Never Ends!
Please remember in prayer:
Alanna and Baby girl
My Mom - cancer
My sister Norene - illness
My neice Holley and unborn son
Fay and her baby due Monday 9/17
Hoppa - Chemotherapy
Lee Russell - Cancer
Billy - fluid around heart
Our pastor search committee
Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com
Thank you Lord for a wonderful vacation week at Disney World with family!
THE BIRTH ORDER OF CHILDREN ...
Your Clothes:
1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your OB/GYN confirms your pregnancy.
2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.
3rd baby: Your maternity clothes ARE your regular clothes.
Preparing for the Birth:
1st baby: You practice your breathing religiously.
2nd baby: You don't bother because you remember that last time,
breathing didn't do a thing.
3rd baby: You ask for an epidural in your eighth month.
The Layette:
1st baby: You pre-wash newborn's clothes, color-coordinate them, and fold them neatly in the baby's little bureau.
2nd baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean and discard only the ones with the darkest stains.
3rd baby: Boys can wear pink, can't they?
Worries:
1st baby: At the first sign of distress -- a whimper, a frown -- you pick up the baby.
2nd baby: You pick the baby up when her wails threaten to wake your
firstborn.
3rd baby: You teach your three-year-old how to rewind the mechanical swing.
Pacifier:
1st baby: If the pacifier falls on the floor, you put it away until you can go home and wash and boil it.
2nd baby: When the pacifier falls on the floor, you squirt it off with some juice from the baby's bottle.
3rd baby: You wipe it off on your shirt and pop it back in.
Diapering:
1st baby: You change your baby's diapers every hour, whether they need it or not.
2nd baby: You change their diaper every two to three hours, if needed.
3rd baby: You try to change their diaper before others start to complain about the smell or you see it sagging to their knees.
Activities:
1st baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics, Baby Swing, and Baby Story Hour.
2nd baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics.
3rd baby: You take your infant to the supermarket and the dry cleaner.
Going Out:
1st baby: The first time you leave your baby with a sitter, you call home five times.
2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to leave a number where you can be reached.
3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if she sees blood.
At Home:
1st baby: You spend a good bit of every day just gazing at the baby.
2nd baby: You spend a bit of everyday watching to be sure your older child isn't squeezing, poking, or hitting the baby.
3rd baby: You spend a little bit of every day hiding from the children.
Swallowing Coins (a favorite):
1st child: When first child swallows a coin, you rush the child to the hospital and demand x-rays. (We had this happen, after multiple xrays he passed the nickel at Disney World, it was a memorable vacation)
2nd child: When second child swallows a coin, you carefully watch for the coin to pass
3rd child: When third child swallows a coin you deduct it from his
allowance!!
Our still unnamed granddaughter 5 weeks before her birth! She is finally gaining some weight and showing! She moves all of the time. Her Mom (and Dad) are glowing!
Alanna this is for you:
Before I was a Mom I slept as late as I wanted and never worried
about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.
Before I was a Mom
I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom I had never been puked on.
Pooped on. Spit on.
Chewed on
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night..
Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it
down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop
the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the
wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.
And before I was a Grandma
I didn't know that all those "Mom" feelings more than doubled!
Love is patient ~ Love is kind ~ Love Never Fails ... Never Ends!
Please remember in prayer:
Alanna and Baby girl
My Mom - cancer
My sister Norene - illness
My neice Holley and unborn son
Fay and her baby due Monday 9/17
Hoppa - Chemotherapy
Lee Russell - Cancer
Billy - fluid around heart
Our pastor search committee
Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com
Thank you Lord for a wonderful vacation week at Disney World with family!
Friday, September 14, 2007
Night of Joy 2007
Steven Curtis Chapman is one of the Christian artists that we saw at Night of Joy this year at Walt Disney world. His insights and ideas are wiser and more wide-eyed than ever before on This Moment, his sixteenth studio album and first new project in more than three years. The new wonders he’s finding at home and now on the other side of the world add passion and a worshipful air to his thoughtful lyrics.
But that's not to say this record came easily. Chapman truly wrestled to find its core.
"Theme has always been so important for me," says the man behind such modern favorites as For the Sake of the Call and The Great Adventure. "I've got to be hearing clearly from God about what it is that he's giving me to share from this platform. It doesn't have to be earth shattering for everyone else, but it has to be for me."
After an unexpectedly long season of listening, what Steven finally heard was simply profound.
"The words of Revelation 1:19—’write therefore the things that are seen'—kept coming back to me," he recalls. "It was as if God was saying, 'Just write what you know.'"
What Chapman knows well today, through the growth of his family and his growing heart for international outreach, is the vital importance of embracing the "miracle of the moment." That's the title of the duly anthemic first single and opening track from This Moment, and it’s a truth that definitely needs fresh restating in such a fast-forward world.
We are who and where and what we are for now. And this is the only moment we can do anything about. So breathe it in and breathe it out. Listen to your heartbeat. There's a wonder in the here and now. It's right there in front of you. And I don't want you to miss the miracle of the moment.
We had such a wonderful week in Florida. Everything was wonderful. We had afternoon showers each day but that helped to cool things off. I have tons of suggestions for anyone who is planning to go.
This is what happens when a 2 year old is not sure if she likes Disney Characters in costume. Maw Maw was security for her and everything was ok.
Some people were very secure with all of the characters, but they still love their Maw Maw!
Al was loving every minute of it! We had a great time and I will write more tomorrow! Have a good weekend.
Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark
One : Don't miss the boat.
Two : Remember that we are all in the same boat.
Three : Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
Four : Stay fit When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
Five : Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
Six : Build your future on high ground.
Seven : For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
Eight : Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
Nine : When you're stressed, float a while.
Ten : Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
Eleven : No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting...
May your troubles be less,
may your blessings be more,
and may nothing but happiness
come through your door!
But that's not to say this record came easily. Chapman truly wrestled to find its core.
"Theme has always been so important for me," says the man behind such modern favorites as For the Sake of the Call and The Great Adventure. "I've got to be hearing clearly from God about what it is that he's giving me to share from this platform. It doesn't have to be earth shattering for everyone else, but it has to be for me."
After an unexpectedly long season of listening, what Steven finally heard was simply profound.
"The words of Revelation 1:19—’write therefore the things that are seen'—kept coming back to me," he recalls. "It was as if God was saying, 'Just write what you know.'"
What Chapman knows well today, through the growth of his family and his growing heart for international outreach, is the vital importance of embracing the "miracle of the moment." That's the title of the duly anthemic first single and opening track from This Moment, and it’s a truth that definitely needs fresh restating in such a fast-forward world.
We are who and where and what we are for now. And this is the only moment we can do anything about. So breathe it in and breathe it out. Listen to your heartbeat. There's a wonder in the here and now. It's right there in front of you. And I don't want you to miss the miracle of the moment.
We had such a wonderful week in Florida. Everything was wonderful. We had afternoon showers each day but that helped to cool things off. I have tons of suggestions for anyone who is planning to go.
This is what happens when a 2 year old is not sure if she likes Disney Characters in costume. Maw Maw was security for her and everything was ok.
Some people were very secure with all of the characters, but they still love their Maw Maw!
Al was loving every minute of it! We had a great time and I will write more tomorrow! Have a good weekend.
Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark
One : Don't miss the boat.
Two : Remember that we are all in the same boat.
Three : Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
Four : Stay fit When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
Five : Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
Six : Build your future on high ground.
Seven : For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
Eight : Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
Nine : When you're stressed, float a while.
Ten : Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
Eleven : No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting...
May your troubles be less,
may your blessings be more,
and may nothing but happiness
come through your door!
Steven Curtis Chapman
We went to the 25th anniversary of "Night of Joy" at Walt Disney World last weekend. It was wonderful. Christian bands were playing Friday and Saturday night. If you ever get the oppurtunity to go.....do it!
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Logan singing
This young man goes to church with us and is an awesome christian young man who has been bleesed by God with multiple musical talents and is using them for the glory of the Lord.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Friday, August 31, 2007
Prayer requests and updates
The shortest distance between a problem and a
solution is the distance between your knees and the
floor.
My cousin Dodie is having "spells" with her blood pressure. She has an appointment next week with a heart doctor. Her thyroid is still not right, the doctor is hoping that if they could get that under control, her blood pressure would get better. So far it isn't good enough yet. Please keep her in your prayers.
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Phil. 4:13
Please remember my friend Hoppa, our Music Minister, Chip - had surgery on his shoulder yesterday, he is doing well, Hollis Davis, husband of our good friend Jeanette Davis, he had brain surgery last night. Also, our friend Ed - recovering from hernia surgery yesterday, Michelle with the loss of her dad. My daughter Alanna and the granddaughter she is carrying, my neice Holley and her unborn son she is carrying.
Mayson Foster, Michelle Aycock and her husband Dan ( a campaign photo)
Michelle Aycock - the loss of her husband and her campaign - www.michelleaycock.com My Mom, Dick Williams - prostrate cancer, There are so many but God knows all of our needs and promises they will be met if only we leave them at the foot of the cross.
Three Things In Life:
Three things in life that, once gone, never come back -
Time, Words & Opportunity
Three things in life that may never be lost -
Peace, Hope & Honesty.
Three things in life that are most valuable -
Love, Self-confidence & Friends
Three things in life that are never certain -
Dreams, Success & Fortune
Three things that make a man -
Hard work, Sincerity & Commitment
Three things in life that can destroy a man -
Wine, Pride & Anger
Three things that are truly constant -
Father, Son and Holy Ghost
I ask the Lord to bless you, as I pray for you today;
to guide you and protect you, as you go along your way.
His love is always with you, His promises are true.
And when you give Him all your cares, you know
He'll see you through.
Written by:Jane Maddox-Newton
On a lighter note, if any of you are planning travel please visit my little sisters website:
www.travelbyrussanne.com
she is a sweetheart and will help you in any way possible. Tell her I said to treat you right! She is a sweetie and an insurance agent in Alabama and is just starting her own travel business. She is ready and willing to help plan vacations and trips large and small!
Have a great week in the Lord, enjoy this Sunday, the Lord's Sabbath
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
August 2007 catch up
Alanna and my newest granddaughter, August 18,2007
How exciting!! Only a few more weeks to go!
Our newest granddaughter will be here on October 10. Alanna is looking really good and her daughter has popped forward all of a sudden. We are still praying for the hurricanes to stay away so she doesn't have to deal with barometric pressure changes. Matt and Alanna have received so many wonderful gifts for the new baby and I would like to thank all of you for them.
My Mom, Sister, and Aunt came to visit last weekend and it was great to see them. My Mom took her last chemo this Monday. She looked great this weekend . Please continue to pray for her. My cousin, Vicky Boddie, 53, died Tuesday evening from Ovarian cancer. She has 3 sons and 6 grandchildren. Please pray for her family as they try to heal from her loss.
Don't you just love Sunday, The Lord's Day! It seems as though everything is bright on His day. I got to visit for a minute with my friend Hoppa from Sunday school Class. He is still taking Chemo for his benign brain tumor. He started having bad headaches as a reaction to his chemo but he told me that he thinks that is all under control now. Hoppa is an upbeat, strong, caring person. He told me today that he has to take the chemo for about another year so please continue to pray for him. This guy is so real it just makes everyone love him. I know he is ready to get back well and busy!
The Andrew Ogea Band
Al and I were privileged to attend the Out Of Range Conference this weekend at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. The worship band was the Andrew Ogea Band, the conference speaker was Dr. David Platt of Birmingham Alabama, and the Conference Band was Leeland from Baytowne Texas. It was awesome. Our own Brett Allen is the bassist for this group and I think they are talented enough to do a great service through music for our Lord.
August 29, 2007
I wish that there were more of these conferences that would fit in our schedule. Dr. Platt gave an awesome teaching on prayer. The whole night was a blessing. I put a compilation video of his on here so you could get an idea of how good he is and he works for our Lord!
You can see that I started this post a few days before I am finishing it. Life keeps us busy, no complaints though.
Please continue to pray for my friends Michelle in the loss of her husband and as she continues to campaign for office, Lee, Robin's Dad, Mark's parents, the Fletcher family, our church secretary, Michelle, in the lost of her Dad, our pastor search committee, and Alanna as she is on bed rest.
Hurricane Katrina August 29, 2005
Today is the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina coming ashore. Please continue to pray for those whose lives have been affected by this storm. I praise God that we have not had to deal with a similar situation this year. That has been one of my prayer requests since June 1 when Hurricane season began. I worry about Alanna and where she lives and having to deal with barometric pressure drops while pregnant.
Yesterday, August 28th was my sister Russanne and her husband Chip's 25 Wedding Anniversary. I thought I would share a little story in honor of them:
MARRIAGE SEMINAR...
While attending a Marriage Seminar dealing with communication, Tom and his wife Grace listened to the instructor, "It is essential that husbands and wives know the things that are important to each other." He addressed the man, "Can you describe your wife's favorite flower?" Tom leaned over, touched his wife's arm gently and whispered, "It's Pillsbury, isn't it?
The rest of the story gets rather ugly so I'll stop right here.
And this one is for you specifically Russanne, make sure your husband reads it and knows it is from his favorite sister-in-law:
QUICK THINKING WOMAN...
A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word.
An earlier discussion had led to an argument and neither of them wanted to
concede their position. As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats, and
pigs, the husband asked sarcastically, "Relatives of yours?"
Yep," the wife replied, "in-laws."
HA HA!
I hope everyone has a great week and a joyful week in the Lord.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Louisiana, Alabama
YOU KNOW YOUR FROM LOUISIANA IF:
1. You measure distance in minutes.
2. You've ever had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day.
3. You use "fix" as a verb. Example: "I'm fixin to go to the store "
4. All the festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, grain, insect or animal.
5. You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.
6. You know what a "DAWG" is.
7. You carry jumper cables in your car...for your OWN car.
8. You only own five spices: salt, pepper, tony chachere's, tabasco and ketchup.
9. The local papers cover national and international news on one page, but require 6 pages for local gossip and sports.
10. You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday. (you mean it's not)
11. You find 100 degrees Fahrenheit "a little warm".
12. You know all four seasons: Almost Summer, Summer, still Summer and Christmas. (Don't forget the 5th season... Hurricane season)
13. You know whether another LOUISIANIAN is from NEW ORLEANS, north or south as soon as they open their mouth.
14. Going to Wal-mart is a favorite past time known as"goin' Wal-martin" or off to "Wally World"....Mall Mart
15. You describe the first cool snap (below 70 degrees) as good Gumbo weather.
16. A carbonated soft drink isn't a soda, cola or pop...it's a Coke, regardless of brand or flavor. Example: "What kinda coke you want?"
17. Fried catfish is the other white meat.
18. We don't need no stinking driver's ed....if our mama says we can drive, we can drive.
19. You understand these jokes and tell them to your friends from LOUISIANA (and those who just wish they were). Not EVERYONE can be a LOUISIANIAN, it's an art form and a gift from God!
This Saturday we are having a baby shower for Alanna and my newest granddaughter. She will arrive by C-Section on October 10, 2007. We covet you prayers for her and her parents. She now weighs 2 pounds and 13 ounces. She had a 3-D ultrasound and was keeping her hands in her face so they her parents couldn't get a perfect view. The girl wants some surprise in October!
School started today here today and for the first time in 20 years I did not have the infamous greeting from my husband last night of ...Schooool Tomorrow! It is a nice change. We are enjoying being together. We are having to get used to not having a time schedule. We went to the grocery store last night. At night! That was a new experience!
I heard last night that there is a depression in the gulf and something forming around the Carribean....here we go. We will just pray them away!
I feel like since I started this blog with a tribute to Louisiana and may need to end it with a tribute to my birthstate: Alabama!
This picture is for you Colton and you my brother-in-law Chip!
101 Good Reasons to Live in Alabama
1. Cheese Grits
2. We're the reason God created Football.
3. World's last outpost of good manners.
4. Humidity eliminates need for expensive home sauna.
5. You can put a license tag on anything, drive it down the road, and no one will stop you.
6. Sweet Tea
7. Barbecue
8. Unlike less-fun Yankee states, it only takes one snowflake to create a statewide holiday.
9. Supermarkets have cute names like Piggly Wiggly, Jitney Jungle and Winn-Dixie
10. No official limit on height of hair-dos.
11. Children address adults using Sir and Ma'am.
12. Police! Officers greet you by name when pulling you over.
13. Cultural trends take hold at a leisurely pace so everyone can get on board
14. Crocuses come up before the last Christmas decorations come down.
15. New York and California not taken seriously.
16. Gulf Beaches.
17. Everyone knows how to tell a good story.
18. Politics are more entertaining.
19. Auburn-Alabama Game
20. Front porches
21. Back porches
22. Corn on the Cob
23. We have our own way of tawkin'.
24. We have our own music.
25. More family reunions than any other state.
26. Best joke tellers in the world.
27. Plenty of elbow room.
28. Fried Apple Pie (or peach, or pear, or pecan).
29. People still know how to dress up.
30. At every get together there is always someone who can pick a guitar.
31. Unlike hum-drum Yankee supper tables, there's no skimping on side dishes.
32. Vintage automobiles are given the respect they deserve.
33. Highest per capita cosmetic skills in the nation.
34. More books and songs written about Alabama than any other state.
35. Azaleas
36. Fried Okra
37. Cornbread
38. Farmer's Markets
39. Flea Markets
40. Neighbors rarely come over empty handed.
41. If you break down on the side of the road, someone will always stop to he!p.
42. Soda pop brands have colorful names like Nehi and Grapico.
43. No part of a pig ever goes to waste.
44. Church suppers
45. Citizens generally know the difference between right and wrong.
46. Wild Blackberries
47. Bluebirds in the Spring
48. Children use the quaint expressions "Please" and "Thank You."
49. Tent Revivals
50. River Rats
51. People don't generally pass through -- they come to stay.
52. Small talk skill level highest in nation.
53. Handshakes still effective in business dealings.
54. We might fight but we always make up.
55. Fishing that borders on religious experience.
56. Knowing someone will always hold the door for you.
57. 364 day golfing season (every day except Christmas).
58. Palm Trees, Dogwoods, Sycamores, Live Oaks, Fig Trees, Sweet Gums and Magnolias.
59. Never a shortage of advice on any subject.
60. Traffic laws subject to individual interpretation.
61. Central Air
62. Sweet Potato Pie
63. Misty mornings in the mountains (or on the beaches).
64. Wild Muscadines
65. Dirt Track Racing
66. Family Recipes
67. Sunsets in November
68. Red Tail Hawks
69. Homemade Ice Cream
70. Peach Cobbler
71. Snow flurries on Thanksgiving.
72. Heat waves on Thanksgiving.
73. No legal limit on quantity of exterior Christmas lights per household.
74. There are still people who talk without cussing.
75. For those who must cuss, wide array of original expletives available.
76. Backyard Gardens
77. Sawmill Gravy
78. Neighborhood block parties.
79. Volunteer Fire Departments.
80. Mayors who conveniently also sell insurance and used cars.
81. Camellias blooming in February.
82. 'Nanner Puddin'
83. Maw-maw's Coconut Cake
84. Pa-paw's Tomatos
85. Folks who know your Mamma and Daddy and their Mammas and Daddies.
86. Bluegrass Festivals
87. Going barefoot in March
88. Butterbeans
89. Fried Catfish
90. Certain homemade beverages (like Root Beer!)
91. Cockroach species guaranteed to scare the wits out of unsuspecting Yankees.
92. High ratio of morning radio shows with hosts named Bubba.
93. Siestas on summer afternoons.
94. Strangers say hello on the street, and instead of running in the opposite direction, you say hello back.
95. Home to one of the seven wonders of the world: the infield at
Talladega on race day.
96. Misguided national news coverage of state keeps obnoxiously heavy, environmentally damaging tourist traffic to a minimum.
97. Children grow up bilingual, speaking both English and Southern.
98. State leads the way in culinary presentation of the peanut.
99. Women named Velma
100. Men named J.B., J.R., J.D., J.P., J.C., J.T., or J.W.
101. You can leave Alabama, but you'll always come back home
Y'all have a nice day, now! YA HEAH!!
Sweet Home Alabama
Mac Powell of Third Day and some boys goofing off at summer camp!
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Hit the play button!
My grandson sings this to me!
Please pray for safe travel for everyone, my Mom, Tokie, dealing with her cancer and chemo, my friend, Hoppa, dealing with chemo, Alanna and my neice Holley - pregnancies, all of the school children and employees. Our Pastor Search Committee, our church and staff. All who are ill. All of the people who do not yet know Christ as their personal Savior.
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