Wonderings & Wanderings

Blessings

2012-01-05T09:22:00.002-05:00

This past year had it's share of ups & downs. For the most part it was ups. I am still working in a mental health facility. Steve was hurt in a semi vs semi accident in Sept. & has been home since.
We've made some FANTASTIC friends! We went to 2 concerts, Aaron Tippin & Rodney Carrington.
Aaron Tippin was by far the best one. We got our pictures taken with him & have lots of pictures of the concert. The Carringon concert didn't allow cameras. We went with Charles & Reyna & Tawna went with us to the Carrington one! We had a blast both times!
The new year has already brought a major blessing! Steve's brother Dennis called us back in Dec.
Steve, my cousin Charles & his wife Reyna loaded up this past weekend & went to Arizona & brought
Dennis to live with us. We are VERY short on help where I work and there's no way I could get off. There's already a MAJOR change in his attitude! There's gonna be some
struggles as with everything but we feel the Lord brought these two brothers together for a reason.
Dennis has throat cancer & has a diabetic pump. He has quite a few other medical issues too & we're
dealing with them the best we can. We already love having him here. Just to hear the guys laughing
is a blessing.

Work & clothesline!

2011-06-21T20:34:00.002-04:00

What a beautiful day out! Wish I hadn't spent all day sleeping as we have a clothesline now & I
would loved having those clean sheets with the 'air dry' smell, lol! Loving that clothesline. It
reminds me of G'ma!
My job is getting really hectic too. We have so many staff out for vacations & then a couple out
for medical reasons. I've been working a lot of nights (11:30pm-8am). I don't like that shift but
it's a job & I do love my job. I've now been there a little over a year. 40 hours a week too. Never
thought I'd made it thru hours like that but some of those weeks & had a couple of 16 hr shifts!
We've been blessed with so much! I think people take for granted their jobs & we are so blessed to both have good jobs. GOD IS GOOD!!!!

G'MA

2011-05-02T05:26:00.002-04:00

The world lost a wonderful woman yesterday. My G'ma Leecy, 99 years young went to be with
the Lord, her husband & her daughter. I'm sure G'ma is pinching everyone's hiney! It's very hard
losing someone you've known all your life but I rejoice in the fact that G'ma is no longer hurting.
This lady taught us all so very much. She taught us that if you don't have anything good to say about
someone then don't say anything at all. She accepted everyone as if they were family. She was a
strong woman too. I remember her driving the tractor & pulling up mulberry trees. She taught me
how to drive. The car she taught me to drive was a standard on the column & every once in a while
the gear would get stuck. She showed me how to get it unstuck but she only showed me once so I
had to be paying attention. She made the best popcorn balls too. Sorry G'ma but I liked the ones
you made with vinegar in them! So many memories to cherish! I LOVE YOU G'MA!

The Past Year

2010-12-30T12:09:00.003-05:00

With the coming of the end of 2010 I'm looking back at what's happened during the year. Moved back to Oklahoma, started a new job & moved into a house. I've also got that one special person in my life. Not many people understand why I've done the things I've done but I can't live my life the way others want me to live it. I make mistakes just like anyone else does & if I've made a mistake renewing a relationship then it's my mistake NOT anyone else's. Some people came into our lives that didn't need to be there & some came into our lives that mean a lot, but that's what life is about.
I also got to spend some wonderful time helping take care of my 99 year old G'ma. She's such
an amazing person!
I'm thankful every day for the blessings in my life too! I'm thankful that I am where I am when
I could just as easily be in the position that the clients where I work are. I'm thankful for the
friend of Mom's who told me about the job I have. I thank the Lord for the abilities I have to
deal with the clients I work with. I never thought I'd be working where I work & doing what
I'm doing.
THANK YOU LORD!

HOME & WORK

2010-10-21T16:38:00.002-04:00

A lot has changed since my last post. I have that job I applied for & I love it! I have moved & I love that too! I now have a new little housemate too. Her name is Mattie & she was a housewarming gift from a co-worker. I am also working on some situations that I hope soon
to be able to post about. I am so thankful that the Lord has opened these doors in my life.

There are other things I am so thankful for too but there's not room on here to post them all.

JOB

2010-05-29T09:17:00.002-04:00

I was encouraged by one of Mom's friends to apply for a state job. She wrote down the website & I wrote down what she told me to look for. After looking & looking & LOOKING I finally found it.
I applied online for that job. The Lord had EVERYTHING to do with this as when I finally found
the job it only had 1 day left before they closed it! I then got a letter saying they wanted to set up an interview. So here I go off for an interview for this state job. I wasn't nervous til I got in the interview room & there were 3 people there! NOW I'm nervous. They each had 2 or 3 questions to ask. After the interview I didn't think I had a chance for that job. BUT I got a call & they wanted me to come in for a drug test & to do a background check. I got the call Wed. of this week that I was hired & I start June 7! I'm scared but excited. I've been working 4 nites a week, every other week at an assisted living place. I love that job! Gonna miss the people there. The only thing I hated about that job was that it wasn't every nite. I start on Thurs nite at 10pm & by Fri morning when it's time to go home (6am) I was exhausted & in tears. By Sun nite, Mon morning I'd got it down to where I knew when I could drink coffee to stay awake but not interfere with sleeping when I got home. Thank you Wilma for giving me the opportunity to work for you! God Bless you for what you are doing.

http://www.openmyeyeslord.net/UltimateFreedom.htm

2009-12-15T09:08:00.000-05:00

http://www.openmyeyeslord.net/UltimateFreedom.htm

FAITH

2009-11-19T09:28:00.002-05:00

You're such a huge God that you can create an ocean, but I don't think you can handle my problems. Help me to know what to do, Lord. Help me to know the best path to take.

I know the Lord will lead me in the right direction. He will help me to heal the hurts. He always has. Thank you Lord for always being there when there seems to be no one else.

Happenings

2009-11-07T20:46:00.003-05:00

So much has happened since I last posted. We moved to our own place in Sept. It's a mobile home on 2 acres & we love it!!!!! We are also checking out new churches a little closer to home. Then
to top everything off we got a new little grandson Thurs! McKinley David Douglas, 6 lb, 5 oz, 20 3/4" long, & red hair! We haven't got to see him yet. With the Swine Flu precautions we weren't even allowed on the 4th floor where the kids were! It was really frustrating but we understood. We sat all day Thurs in the main lobby waiting for word. We were just about to leave to come home when Dwayne came down with the news! Such a wonderful blessing this little one is to everyone!!

Softball Games

2009-07-26T08:30:00.002-04:00

Went yesterday to a softball tournament. Most of the guys from our church team were on it plus 2 other guys & one lady. The games were at 9am, noon, 3pm & 6pm. The ballpark is a couple of miles out of town so we spent the day in fellowship with some GREAT people! We had a grill there & had some good burgers & dogs. Before our last game it started pouring down rain & we sat in amazement at the other teams still playing while it was raining. Tho we lost all of our games but 1 we had such a wonderful time. There were some who played horseshoes. Brandon wanted to play & did a fantastic job! I think there was even a water fight between Harold & Rachel! I got to sit & visit with some people I know but don't know (know what I mean?). Betty Jones & Melinda Gerbich. Such wonderful women! We headed down for our last game which ended up starting late as the umpire wanted to get the Championship game in before it started raining again. As we were headed down the hill Libby told me to be careful & not fall. I was telling her I ought to be used to walking in the muck like that as I'd worked on 2 dairies, when down I went! She said she turned around when I started telling her that & there I was flat on my back! LOL! I think I had more mud on me than some of the players!!! It started raining again during our game but our players kept on playing too. Had a couple spills on the field that had everyone a little worried but we kept on. Even after the game was called because of the 10 rule run our guys talked the other team into finishing the game. Steve umped the last innings. He used to ump little league back home. We couldn't yell at the ump during the real game but we let this one have an 'earful' during this part of the game. All the fun! Several mentioned that we should do this more often. I agree! What an exhausting but blessed day! Thank you Lord!

McDowell

2009-07-13T16:01:00.002-04:00

I had the great opportunity to go on a mission trip with our church to McDowell Co., West Virginia. There was a young lady going & no other women were going so they asked me to go. We left on Sunday morning July 5th at 6am. It's about a 6 hour drive & the 2 youth we had in with us slept most of the way. There were 8 of us going. This is a much smaller group than last year I understand. When we got to the 'Clubhouse' (an old 3 story home) we unloaded the trailer & headed to the grocery store for groceries for the week. That in itself was an experience! We had orientation that evening. The next morning we started roofing a house for a couple. They are both retired teachers. The wife had to have her leg amputated due to diabetes & their 25 yr old son has spinal biffita. What an inspiration the son was! He has a dog, an Irish Sitter, that stays under his wheel chair & very much is his protector. The dog doesn't like adults. I was in the house visiting with the wife & son & Molly (the dog) came up to me & put her paw out for me to shake. The couple was amazed at this.
Amy & I didn't get to do much at that house. We did toss drinks, tools, & sandwiches up to the guys (yes sandwiches! The guys wouldn't come down to even eat). We finished putting a metal roof on that house on Tues. & moved on to the Welch Fire Dept to put siding on their firehouse.
We put vinyl siding over cinder blocks (what a job!). Amy & I got to do quite a bit at this job. I even had time to test drive a pink Wrangler Jeep! LOL!!!
We went to the movies one nite (Ice Age 3) & to the county fair one nite. There isn't a lot of land there for livestock so their county fair was a LOT different than the ones in Oklahoma. There weren't any exhibits either. This is coal mining country & is a poor part of West Virginia, but you couldn't tell it by the spirits of the people living there.
After the movies we stopped by to visit a man that the group worked for last year. Those that were there last year commented on how much change there was in him. He holds several records in football for West Virginia Mountaineers. He also writes a little & I was fortunate to receive a signed poem he'd written.
One of the guys in our group said that he came on the mission trip expecting to be a blessing to those he worked for but found that they were more of a blessing to him than vice versa. I totally agree with that! The week went by way too fast for me. Hope to go again next year.

House-sitting

2009-06-10T16:43:00.002-04:00

Steve & I have been house-sitting for some friends while they are on vacation. It's an old farm house & it's beautiful! The first morning we were here I had coffee outside on the deck. There was a gentle breeze & the music of the birds for my quiet time. How relaxing is that? I did a load of laundry & hung clothes on the line for the first time in a long time. While the clothes were on the line Steve called & said there were some pretty bad storms headed this way so I went out to get the clothes. They were almost dry thank goodness.
Today my sister called & we spent part of the day shopping, going out to eat & visiting. She's in Sheperdstown with her husband while he takes some classes. She's from Texas. We had a wonderful time!

The Future

2009-05-16T12:53:00.002-04:00

I think You don't know me sometimes, Lord. I try to hide the fears I have & my doubts about the future, thinking all the time that no one knows. But You do. Please help me to trust You with all of me & all of my life.
I really do struggle to trust You at all times, Lord. In those hard times, I turn to You & trust, but for my whole future, it doesn't come so easily.

More frazzled female

2009-05-05T16:42:00.002-04:00

Today's lesson was on dealing with frustrating people in your life. The Bible verse is, 'If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.' Romans 12:18
Do you know how hard this is to do? That driver who just cut me off, the telemarketer who calls during dinner, the husband who forgot to stop for milk on the way home & then didn't notice how hard I'd worked on the house all day. How can I live in peace with people like this??? The lesson says to live at peace with everyone, we must stop focusing on ourselves & start focusing on Jesus. It says when you encounter someone who frustrates you, make a point to be especially kind to that person. Perhaps that individual really needs to be shown kindness. Consider such an opportunity a gift from the Father: a chance to put self aside, practice His love, & experience His peace.
I guess I've never really considered how that driver's day has been already, or that the telemarketer has probly been cussed out quite a few times today already & the husband may have had a bad day at work & just wanted to get home to his family. Lord, thank you for opening my eyes & see what others might need instead of just myself.
Dear Father, Thank You for creating us. I'm giving You my people problems. Please help me see people through Your eyes & with Your love. You are the peace in all of my relationships. I love you.

The Frazzled Female

2009-04-26T17:24:00.002-04:00

We started the book 'The Frazzled Female' by Cindi Wood in our Sunday School class recently. I have a terrible time getting myself motivated to study the lesson but this past Saturday I sat down & actually studied the lesson! One of the plans for the week is a defrazzler. Write down your to-do list & then pray over each item on that list. We all have those lists don't we? The author got a little notebook to write her to-do lists in. In the front of this book she wrote, Lord, here's my list of details. I'm recording things to do, errands to run, items to pick up, places to be, calls to make ... all the things that can drive me crazy if each one is not committed to You! Thank You for being the Lord of my details!
This book has a little study to do each day & one is 'Turning a Martha Day into a Mary Day' & talks about how Satan will use the 'I don't have time' attack to keep us from Bible study & prayer. I think he's been attacking me quite often on this issue. So, this lesson is a MUST HAVE for me!
Dear Lord, Thank you for being the Lord of my time. Restore my joy, peace, & sanity. Give me insight & persistence to keep my focus on You. Fill me with assurance of Your love & Your desires for me. I love you.

More Blessings!

2009-04-15T11:22:00.002-04:00

Easter was fantastic this year! The service at church was great!
Because we were up so early for the service I took a nap that afternoon. Isn't that what Sunday afternoon's are for anyway? I was just waking up when the kids hollered at me to come up front. I was still half asleep when I came up front. I sat down & Dwayne asked me if I would like to be called Meemaw, Grandma or whatever else (at this point I didn't hear much else). I was crying to hard!!! Dwayne said that the baby could call me that (the crying) for the first couple of years!! I had been praying so hard for this moment! God has blessed indeed! Shasta goes today for an ultrasound & I'm going to watch her girls that she nannies. I love watching them!
Went with Steve to the doctor on Monday. They're sending him to an orthopedic surgeon to see if he needs surgery (which to me if ya send someone to a surgeon that itself would say surgery!). He's still fighting with workman's comp. They are getting him his check each week but they're like 2 weeks behind. With trying to quit smoking, no work, & rain he's going stir crazy. So much to do but the rain is keeping him from it.
We found the parts for our Lil Red car & are now just waiting for a DRY day to start taking the old one off & putting the new one on.
A couple of prayer requests: a friend of my sister's mom passed away; a dear friend of mine is battling depression & my unspoken. We know the Lord answers prayers. It may not be the answer we want or when we want it but in due time & for whatever is best for us.

PRAISES

2009-04-09T10:22:00.002-04:00

Went to my last physical therapy of the week this morning. Am so ready to be done with this for good. While there this morning my therapist told me that when I started therapy my measurements were like 50's & 60's. Today my measurements are in the 150-160!!!!! I was so excited & so was she. I want to thank my prayer warrior friend in Oklahoma for all of her prayers. This person has been thru some very difficult times but always has a positive attitude & I love her to death! I call her my sister by another mother. We went to school together but she was younger. We connected again on myspace & it's been so wonderful finally having a friend like this!
Another prayer was answered yesterday. We've been praying about a vehicle & had talked with some friends at church about buying one of theirs. Steve forgot about going to look at this car last nite after church. When the kids got home from church they told us that these friends were giving us the car. It does need some work but Steve is mechanically inclined & should be able to fix it. What a wonderful blessing!
It's such a beautiful day out too! I do have an unspoken prayer request & would appreciate the prayers on that. God Bless All & have a wonderful day.
THIS IS A DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE, I WILL REJOICE & BE GLAD IN IT!!!

No Pain, No Gain

2009-04-06T21:25:00.002-04:00

I went to my orthopedic doctor last Monday. He WAS NOT impressed by my improvement. I'm at 30%. He didn't mention the surgery again which I figured he would as the nurse put me in his office. They usually don't do that unless they're gonna talk to you. Anyway, I still hurt from the physical therapy I got on April 30th & had to go in this morning. I was sick last week & only got one session in, so needless to say I was REALLY dreading this morning's session. When my therapist asked my pain level from 1-10 I said 11. She said 11 meant I probly should be in urgent care or the emergency room so I had to go with 8. Because my wonderful husband (who is also taking physical therapy at the same place I am at the same time) was on the warm-up machine (you pedal with your hands while standing up) I couldn't warm up. I really dreaded the exercises where I do 15 of them & she 'helps' me do another five, which means she puts pressure on my arm to make me go further. I'm not ashamed to say I cried, 'cause dad-gummit, it HURT! Anyway, like I said I went in today really hurting & by the time she got done with me I was NOT hurting. Amazing, huh?
I left there, came home for a bit, ran to Martinsburg with hubby to take back the computer we'd gotten Saturday. We get a new one later today. Then I came home & then went to take a dear friend to physical therapy & then go get her Mom & go to eat. While in her physical therapists office I ran into a lady who had her 3 yr old son there. He'd been born with a club foot. She said her & her husband had taken in 3 little boys (brothers) & eventually adopted them. This little boy was the youngest & had been born with cocaine & meth in his system. What mother can do that to an unborn child? We have a friend who has a foster child who was born with 4 different drugs in his system! This just kills me. I just thank the Lord that there are families out there willing to take a child with these needs! Not just anyone can take in a child addicted to drugs as a baby. Anyway, back to the 3 yr old. He was eating pretzels & he handed his mom one & said it looked like a heart. He handed her another one & she told him it looked like a tent door. She had one of the little drinking cups from the water machine with her & told the little boy to look as the opening to the paper cup was the tent & the pretzel was the door. Another pretzel was a shark's mouth, another a snake or a stick. It was so neat seeing this little boy come up with ideas on the shapes. That little boy made my day! What made yours?

OKLAHOMA & SINCE

2009-03-28T10:48:00.002-04:00

It's been a while since I've posted. Just so much has happened I guess I didn't know where to start.
We made it to Oklahoma safely. We went to my oldest grandson Johnathon's basketball games. I ran into one of my high school classmates at the games. I was there to watch my grandson & he was there watching his daughter! On Saturday we went to G'ma's. Her & my mom were both asleep when we came in but were so glad to see us. My Mom goes out on Friday afternoon after she gets off work & stays til Sunday. Her sisters take turns the rest of the week. It was so good to sit in the house & reminisce! Saturday evening another classmate came over the the kids' house & we had a nice visit. Had planned to get together again before we came home but he had to work! He's had some health issues & I wanted an update. On Sunday we went to the little country church I grew up in (well from 4th grade on, I was in a Quaker church before that). We watched a dvd on missions that was very good! Nice to see some of my old church friends there. On Sunday afternoon Angela (my oldest daughter) & her family & I went out to eat pizza before Johnathon's birthday party. At his party I sat & visited with friends & my Mom while the others bowled. On Monday we decided to get pedicures. I hadn't brought any short pants for that so had to borrow some from Angela. She had this pair of capris that were like t-shirt material & were pink cammo. Then the flip-flops. We had to stop at the Cowboy Tack Shop & take one of Justin's (my youngest grandson) boots in to see if they could be fixed. Their English bulldog Mia decided the boot made a good chew toy! Anyway, so here I go into the tack shop with pink cammo capris on!!! Mia's such a beautiful dog & loves to lay her head on your lap with this oh so sad look on her face, while you're eating. Deedee, the other dog is a small dog & such a lovable little thing. Tuesday morning I went to see a class mate who has pancreatic cancer. She lives WAY out in the sticks. I knew I'd probly have a hard time finding her house so I asked her if she'd like to meet at the cafe in Vici. I ended up going to her house. For a while I thought I was lost & was praying I wasn't driving in someones driveway! People out there have guns!!! LOL!
I didn't get lost, it wasn't a driveway & I had a wonderful time visiting with her! Tuesday night there were 10 of us I think ate at JB'S Steakhouse. We'd gone there because Dwayne has never had calf fries & JB'S is the only place in Woodward that has them. We got there, ordered our drinks & then found out that they fry their shrimp in the same fryer that they fry the calf fries in. What a bummer! Dwayne has a severe shellfish allergy! Thursday I went to another friends house. Johnathon went with me. This lady is the same age as my dad but is almost like an older sister. Oh, the things she did when hanging out with us while we were in high school! I won't name names but her & her sister have fried skunks & stolen watermelons! Love you girl! I think there were 12 of us that went to Mazzio's on Thurs. night. My great niece Timber was the entertainment for that dinner! I stayed at Mom's the rest of the time. I had Friday all to myself & enjoyed the peace & quiet. Went back out to G'ma's on Saturday & took some pictures of the place & visited with an old friend & my cousin. Sunday was Johnathon's baptism, 5 generation pictures & then 16 of us went to the cafe in Vici for lunch. We went to Angela's after lunch & changed into our traveling clothes. We had a beautiful trip home. No bad weather, no traffic.
I just thank the Lord for the visits during the week.
Now for Steve, he got his MRI results yesterday & it's definitely a torn tendon. He can't lift anything over 4 pounds & can't grip anything. He's to take more physical therapy. The company he works for is bound & determined he's coming back to work, hurt or not. So we would appreciate any prayers over that mess.

ANXIOUS

2009-03-11T15:29:00.002-04:00

My physical therapy is moving right along. I'm on my 3rd week. Tomorrow is my last one til I get back from Oklahoma. Now Steve is having to take it at the same place I am. He blew up a machine while he was in PT this morning! He was on a machine that stimulates muscle growth. He wanted a magazine so I took one back to his room & while I was in there the machine gave him quite a shock. It set of an alarm that one of the wires had come loose. The therapist said he had too much iron in his system & she'd never seen anyone blow up a machine before.Now Steve is having to take it at the same place I am. He tore a tendon in his elbow last week & now has therapy for 6 weeks & may end up having to have surgery. Now the trip to Oklahoma doesn't seem so exciting. Steve is off work due to his injury but because workman's comp is involved he can't go with us. He's not going to be able to stay at the house as friends of the kids had already been promised it while they were gone. The company he works for is coming for the truck probably this weekend or he could have stayed in it. Not the best accommodations tho. I'd stay home with him but since we can't stay here that won't work. So I feel very torn. My need to be with my husband who is hurting & being with family in Oklahoma. You know the saying, 'I'm damned if I do, & damned if I don't'? That's me right now. Either way I've let someone down & that's very hard as I'm addicted to approval. So, this is kind of an emergency prayer request. Am I being selfish?

Physical Therapy

2009-03-02T08:05:00.003-05:00

Friday I went for my third round of physical therapy. My usual therapist was off Friday so I had a sub. She, like Tammy, was good BUT... I wonder if I had the words 'Please Torture Me' written in ink on an me anywhere. I know I didn't see it written anywhere. Tammy, on Wed. last week had my crying during the stretching but my arm did feel a little better. My motto has been, "No pain, no gain". This time the stretching hurt but didn't make me cry. That is til I got home and relaxed. I hurt like I hurt the first time I messed my arm up in the first place. I kept telling both drs and the therapist that the pain meds I was taking wasn't working, but they just keep me on them. In fact the orthopedic doctor cut down the dosage. They take the edge off the pain but that's it. Anyway, the best part of physical therapy is when they put me in a room, prop my arm on a pillow and bring me this WONDERFUL cold pack wrapped in a towel. They put it on my shoulder and leave me in peace and quiet for 10 min. Sometimes I read and sometimes I use the quiet time for prayer. I go back in today for more therapy.
Yesterday at church while we were getting ready for the praise service a little 4 yr old friend (he may be 5 now) raised his hand and asked Pastor Porky when class started. We had praise time and then we did birthdays and little Paul again asked Porky when Sunday School class started. It was so cute. If only we'd all be so excited about going to Sunday School Class! Our class has been doing the Beth Moore book 'Believing God'. Our next book is 'The Frazzled Female". That sounds interesting and I'm looking forward to that one. Our last one was "Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyer. That one was my favorite so far as I suffer from anxiety attacks. I don't have them as much as I used to (thank goodness) or as strong as I used too. In fact, I think I've had maybe 2 since I've been here. Anyway, they're all good studies.

Hopefully I got answers this time

2009-02-24T00:19:00.004-05:00

Went to the orthopedic dr this morning.. Steve only got to be home Saturday & part of Sunday this time :( , so Dwayne went with me. I could have gone by myself, but... Anyway the dr said I have adhesive capulitis (frozen shoulder in English). I have to take physical therapy 3 times a week for the next 6 weeks. I go back to see him March 23. The physical therapy should work but in the rare case that it doesn't I may have to have surgery. I asked him about the pain meds (because the lortabs don't seem to work for me, they take the edge off the pain but that's about it) & he left me on them, just decreased the dosage & told me to take them as needed, not every so many hours like my other prescription said. He told me to make sure to take one BEFORE I had physical therapy (that's always encouraging, LOL). He also gave me a cortisone shot in my shoulder. I guess my face turned white (I don't like needles & have had a cortisone shot before & it wasn't a good experience). He told me not to worry that he was good at giving them. Then he left the room & I actually sat there crying! He came back with that bbbbbiiiiiiggggg needle (get the impression I don't like needles? I DON'T. & this from a woman who's got a tattoo but it's on my shoulder blade & I couldn't see them using it). I almost freaked. He told me to look the other way. I have to say that this dr & my doctor in Ranson did a good job with the needles. This dr is very nice looking too. I think every woman I said something to about him told me that. I have a dear friend in her late 60's or early 70's tell me that he's good 'eye candy'!!! Anyway, I go for my first physical therapy Tues at 1:15p. So please pray with me that the therapy works & I won't have to have surgery.

Doctor's

2009-02-10T23:00:00.002-05:00

After finally getting the results from my xrays (just got them Thurs. after having had the xrays taken Jan. 26). There's nothing broken or fractured thank goodness. Tho I fell off the bed the other day head first and as I have very little strength in that arm I was in a real pickle. I was wedged between the bed and the wall! Come on now, I can hear you laughin! A 51 year old woman wedged like that. I didn't want to holler at Dwayne so I wiggled around and got all the way off the bed and got my good arm where I could push myself up. Have a nice BIG bruise on my right arm! Anyway, I was going on the truck with Steve to Houston. The nurse had FINALLY found my xrays and told me they were negative for breaks so I had packed and was ready to go. I was getting ready to start taking things to the truck when I noticed I had a voice mail. It was the drs. office and since I was still having issues with my arm they wanted me to make an appointment. So there went the trip to Houston. I went in today and was told I needed to see an orthopedic dr. My dr refilled the pain meds that I had told her didn't work and told me to make an appointment. I go the 23rd to see an orthopedic dr in Winchester. My problem has been that I took 2 of the pain meds on Saturday ( a week ago) morning and for once they at least took the edge off the pain. So, I thoroughly cleaned! BIG mistake. I missed church the next day. Then this last Saturday I did the same thing but only cleaned the bath and kitchen and didn't miss church. I don't like to miss Sunday morning church. Now Steve is in the Dallas area and the weather is VERY stormy. They're expecting high winds. A truck is NOT the place to be during high winds! A flatbed isn't as bad as a reefer or dry van tho. Maybe I'll get to go next time. Tho now we have another cat. She's a 6 month old tabby we named Selene. She's the opposite of Allie Rose! The do get along tho and Selene tries to get along with Aslan & Lilybet (Shasta & Dwayne's puppies). She rubs all over them. Lilybet will take it for a while and Aslan will run when Selene turns her back. My only problem with Selene is she bites my fingernails! Never had a cat do that!

Finally!

2009-01-31T09:11:00.003-05:00

Thursday came with the results of the physical I got last week. Everything is good except my cholesterol. This for a person who LOVES Dairy Queen Blizzards and Cake Batter Ice Cream from Cold Stone Creamery. Don't get me wrong I don't go hog wild eating them. I may have one every other month and Cold Stone even less because there just aren't many stores around. Part of the problem is that I haven't been taking my fish oil. I know, sound discus ting, huh? So, now starts a new regimen of making sure I take them. Now I just need the results from the x-rays that were taken this past Monday (they said they'd be calling Friday with those and didn't). Have a mammogram in March and haven't scheduled the other test. But anyway, I can breath a little sigh of relief til then and thank the Lord for good results. My hubby made it in yesterday morning, FINALLY! He has doctor's and dentist appointments next week so prayers would be appreciated. He's having problems with his head and hand shaking and headaches. The weather has been nasty but beautiful (is that an oxymoron?). Snow, rain, sleet. I've been thru some real NASTY Oklahoma ice storms so am thankful that it didn't get that bad here. Other than a thunder & lightning storm I don't think anything is more beautiful than snow falling (except if you're out on the road in a big rig and the road is slick!). I really should start a blog about my adventures of being a truck driver's wife. I think that's what this started out as. Wanderings being my wanderings all over the United States. Wonderings being how many times I wondered where trails led and the lives of those following those trails. We've driven beside "The Oregon Trail" & oh the questions that came up on that trip. Maybe someday soon I'll go back on the road with a good camera and write a book (with pictures) of my adventures. Maybe!

Physicals, yuk!

2009-01-22T11:34:00.002-05:00

Just got back from my physical. Because we've not had insurance I've not had a total physical in several years. I went in 2 weeks ago with a problem with my left arm and the doctor recommended a total physical. As most women do, I guess, I dreaded the female stuff. I hate needles too (figure that one out, I have a tattoo! lol), but having the blood work done wasn't as painful as I thought it would be. Thank goodness for nurses who hit the mark the first time! I've lost 1 pound since I was in last. Don't know the results of blood work tho. Kinda anxious about that as they're testing for diabetes. With Mom having it I felt I really needed to have that done. The colonoscopy wasn't even brought up and I didn't even think about it when I was in today, even tho the dr and I had discussed it earlier. I think that's probly more important than the diabetes test tho. My arm was still bothering me. I told the doctor the painkillers didn't work and the muscle relaxers relaxed everything but the muscle that hurt to start with! So she upped the painkillers. This time I think they're gonna do the job. I have to have my upper arm and shoulder x-rayed and the REALLY dreaded mammogram. Can't get in to get the mammogram done til March. The x-rays can be done any day, just walk in with my scrips. Now I gotta get up and find a recipe we need for supper tonite. Feels like a chili and cornbread night tonite but I think it's gonna be something else. Any night could be a chili night for me!

Thankful for prayers

2009-01-21T09:47:00.002-05:00

We got word the other day that G'ma was in the hospital with fluid around her heart and in her lungs. She wasn't eating and had 'the worst night of my life'. She's 97 years young. I just got off the phone with my oldest daughter who has been keeping us posted on G'ma's condition. She said G'ma slept good last nite and ate all of her breakfast and even joked about it (the breakfast). Thank all those out there who have said a prayer for her. The power of prayer is so amazing. I don't think we realize sometimes just how powerful prayer is. We just take it for granted. Just keep her and her caretakers in your prayers. Keep our country in your prayers too. We are now under new leadership and ALL leadership should have our prayers no matter if we voted for them or not or what skin color they are. I always tell people (and believe me, in the trucking industry the "N" word is used A LOT) that there's not difference in us except skin color. When cut, we ALL bleed red, and we all have hearts.

LOVE

2009-01-14T14:46:00.002-05:00

I just finished watching a movie in which a young man dies. The father of this young man is seen sitting in a chair wondering out loud IF he'd told his son that he was proud of him or IF he'd told his son he loved him. How many of us have neglected to tell our loved ones how proud we are of them or how much we love them? I know I'm guilty of this. I've told my girls these things, but have I told them enough? So, read this, go tell your loved ones how proud of them you are and how much you love them. Don't wait til it's too late and then do like this father did and sit and wonder IF, IF, IF! Better to say, 'I did' than 'I should have', 'I could have', or 'I would have'. So, to both of my daughters, I am VERY PROUD of you and everything you've accomplished, for being involved in church and having wonderful families. I love you more than you'll ever know. Steve, I know life hasn't been easy for you but you are changing and I am very proud of you for wanting that and I do love you more than you ever know.
I'm thankful for a Lord who loved us enough to die for us.

Whatever

2009-01-10T08:50:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I finally got to go to the doctor with a problem in my arm that's been hurting for 3 months now. I'm usually very nervous about going to any doctor and seeing a doctor for the first time here should have made me more so, but it didn't. I have a really nice woman doctor. She looked at my arm, asked me raise it, make a muscle, all that good stuff. Then she felt it and felt the lump in it and told me I had a severely pulled muscle. She prescribed some painkillers and muscle relaxers and stretching exercises. I was in and out of the office in less than an hour! Then it was off to have the prescriptions filled. I went to Walmart as I had a few other things to pick up. I turned in my order at the pharmacy and was told it would probably be an hour or so. Or so, was right! It was an hour and a half! At one time the lines were clear out to the discounted Christmas stuff and that's 2 lines! You'd have thought that was the only pharmacy in town! Finally I got mine and came home. I had taken a couple of tylenol while I was in the store so waited til almost bedtime to take the painkiller. I was really looking for a good night's sleep. I had been taking like tylenol PM sometimes to ease the pain so I could sleep. The problem with that is that I roll over on my left arm not realizing it and then it hurts worse in the morning than the night before. Well, the painkillers didn't work last nite! Steve got in around 10:30 last nite and I was just getting ready to head to bed. I was hoping for a halfway pain free night and time with him. I didn't want him home and having to deal with a grouch. Am I giving the pain meds a chance to kick in? I don't do meds like that so I don't know. If ya know will ya fill me in, please?

BLESSINGS

2009-01-04T19:52:00.002-05:00

I had the most wonderful BLESSING today. My oldest Grandson Johnathon accepted the Lord into his life!!!!! I have been blessed with two wonderful, beautiful daughters who both are active in their churches. After having a not-so-good yesterday and early morning I can wholeheartedly say that Sunday School, Susie, and then this message from Angela has brightened my day tremendously. I finally got my glasses this past Tuesday. They were ordered on Dec. 10 with the promise that they'd be here in 7-10 business days so I was just a little put out that they were late. I had to have bifocals and since I kept sitting on reading glasses I asked for glasses to wear full-time. So they're taking some getting used to especially since they're no-line. Makes me feel old that I need bifocals tho. I hadn't worn glasses since high school (was told I didn't need them). I didn't realize how expensive they are either!
Thank goodness for insurance!!!! Steve got 17 teeth pulled just before CHRISTmas and insurance covered all but $140. of that and it was over $3000. I hope and pray that's all we have to pay. As for my New Year's resolutions, I think they're the same as every year. Try to be a better Christian and delve more into God's Word, Let God have more control over my life, keep in better touch with family (FaceBook is fantastic for that!), lose weight (had lost 23 pounds before CHRISTMAS, got 48 to go). I love losing the weight but having to buy new clothes just isn't in the budget. Thank goodness I love to shop at Goodwill! My hope and prayer for all is that you have a very BLESSED year in every way. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

GOD'S PROMISE

2008-12-30T11:58:00.003-05:00

I found this while looking thru some comments trying to find one for a good friend of mine. As I read it it dawned on me that this is God's promise too. He's there thru all of these things, we just need to realize that more often. He's ALWAYS here for us.

GOD'S PROMISE

If you need to talk,
I'll listen.
If you need to cry,
I'll hold you.
If you feel lost,
I'll help guide you.
If you need to be angry,
I'll let you.
If you're feeling afraid,
I'll comfort you.
If you're feeling attacked,
I'll be your defense.
If you need to lean awhile,
I'll give you a shoulder.
If you're feeling unsure,
I'll be your confidence.
If you're feeling alone,
I'll be the friend who won't leave you.
If you need to learn to trust again,
I'll prove to you that you can.

Letting God Drive

2008-12-28T14:45:00.008-05:00

I found this in my devotional this morning and I'm going to make this my New Year's resolution. How many of us turn ALL the driving over to God? That's my problem. I only let Him have part of the driving and then complain because He isn't driving where I want to go or He's not driving fast enough! So please pray for me this coming year as I try to let God do ALL the driving.

Let God drive. Let Him do the navigating and planning of the best route to take you on this coming year. Well---actually for the rest of the drive. All the way to heaven’s gates. I guarantee you will enjoy the ride much more if you relinquish control of the steering wheel to the Master GPS.

So tell me ladies (and gentlemen), who is holding the sign on the road you are on?
And what does it say? Go? Slow down? Wait? Stop? Or, maybe it says, "I am with you...always..." The sign is easily read. It's found in His word. Every promise. Every detail of our lives is completely covered.
God will be holding the sign, directing the flow of traffic. Don't take on more tasks than He has called you to this year. Clean out your closets--both spiritually and physically. (That is my yearly mantra.) AND last but not least---as you open up your heart to Him afresh each day, ask Him to reveal more of His Word and life to you as you dig in and study!

2008-12-23T11:28:00.001-05:00

My dear Heavenly Father,

I want to take this time to tell you I love you!
I love you because you first loved me and sent your son to die for me. Even
if I was the only person on this earth you would have still died for me!
Lord, to know this but to live this is totally two different things so Lord
please help me to live today as you are returning today! Lord, give me
boldness as you did Paul to tell others to get ready because He is coming
back! Lord thank you this time we have to be with our spiritual families,
family and friends and may we keep you in the center of everything we do!
We love you, my Savior and King!"

In love with Him,

My body

2008-12-14T08:54:00.004-05:00

I just got this in an email and thought 'how true is this?' If you're my age you'll understand.

IF MY BODY WERE A CAR...

If my body were a car, this is the time I would be thinking about trading it in for a newer model.

I've got bumps and dents and scratches in my finish and my paint job is getting a little dull ...
But that's not the worst of it.

My headlights are out of focus and it's especially hard to see things up close

My traction is not as graceful as it once was. I slip and slide and skid and bump into things
even in the best of weather.

My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins.

It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently.

But here's the worst of it --

Almost every time I sneeze, cough or sputter .either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires!

Thoughts

2008-12-11T21:01:00.004-05:00

Thought for the Day:

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.

He sends you flowers every spring.
He sends you a sunrise every morning Face it, friend - He is crazy about you!

God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow,sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.

Read this line very slowly and let it sink in...

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Parade

2008-12-06T18:33:00.002-05:00

Went to the Charles Town Christmas Parade today & boy was it cold!!! The parade was at 2pm & it's now 6:30pm & I'm just now getting warmed back up. I thought I'd be okay as Oklahoma weather is much colder. I forgot I haven't been in Oklahoma in the winter for several years & while I was on the truck with Steve the only time I got off the truck were breaks, showers & some meals.Wasn't out in the weather any at all. With me, if my behind gets cold then I'm cold & it takes forever for me to get warm again! My favorite part of the parade was the Clydesdale horses & buggies. I guess I must have lived in the 1800's in a previous life or something. I'm currently watching the Janette Oke dvd's & they're based in the 1800's & I love them! The bands were good too, especially the Jefferson High & the Washington band. After the parade we all went to the Petretta's for hot drinks & food. The chili was really good (thanks Kathy!). I really enjoyed watching the kids at the house. Little Kaitlyn & I got to know each other a little better too. They're to be here tomorrow so we'll see if she remembers me. So nice to meet Thomas too, My prayers are with Steve. He's stuck in Ohio with a load that doesn't deliver til Monday (he was supposed to be home yesterday) & it's cold & snowy. He is also struggling with some issues & needs prayers.

A DAILY PRAYER

2008-11-21T03:04:00.005-05:00

Dear Lord, I thank You for this day, I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me safe from all danger and harm.
Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. And give me the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits.
I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak... Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others.
I pray for those who are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those who don't believe.
But I thank You that I believe that God changes people and God changes things.
I pray for my spouse, all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households.
I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes; that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.
I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.
I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees it.
In Jesus' name. Amen!

FLY TO YOUR HEART (TINKERBELL)

2008-11-16T18:30:00.003-05:00

Fly To Your Heart Lyrics

Watch all the flowers
Dance with the wind
Listen to snowflakes
Whisper your name
Feel all the wonder
Lifting your dreams
You can fly

Fly to who you are
Climb upon your star
You believe you'll find
Your wings
Fly
To your heart

Touch every rainbow
Painting the sky
Look at the magic
Glide through your life
A sprinkle of pixie dust
Circles the night you can fly

Fly to who you are
Climb upon your star
You believe you'll find
Your wings
Fly

Everywhere you go
Your soul will find a home
You'll be free to spread
Your wings
Fly

You can fly
To your heart
(Fly, fly)

Rise to the heights of all
You can be
(Fly, fly)

Soar on the hope of
Marvelous things

Fly to who you are
Climb upon your star
You believe you'll find
Your wings
Fly

Everywhere you go
Your soul will find a home
You'll be free to spread
Your wings
Fly
you can fly to your heart

FLING IT OUT!

2008-11-14T23:02:00.002-05:00

I just finished the devotional book "Boomerang Joy" by Barbara Johnson. I loved this book! Anyway here is the poem she wrote to finish the book.

When someone does a kindness
That brightens up your day;
When a good friend helps you smile although
Your heart's chock-full of pain . . .
When a gift comes unexpectedly
To make your spirits rise,
When a little word is said
To put a twinkle in your eye . . .
Don't forget to fling that kindness
Right back out to someone else.
Send it on with sweet abandon --
Don't just keep it to yourself.
For joy that's shared is a boomerang.
Each kindness that you do,
Each smile you share, each heart you lift
Flings joy right back to you.

Dreaming with the ABC's

2008-11-10T07:42:00.003-05:00

As you dream, keep in mind these ABC's

Aim high
Believe in God
Consider your options
Don't give up
Enrich your soul
Find faith in doubt
Go for the grace
Hang on
Ignore discouragement
Just let Jesus!
Keep trying
Love life
Make merry
Never say, "I can't"
Open your mind
Pray hard
Quit whining
Read the Bible
Stay strong
Take on the challenge
Understand the obstacles
Value virtue
Wait patiently
X-celerate hope
Yield to the Holy Spirit
Zero in on joy

This devotional was sooo good! I wanted to post all of it, but you'd probly get bored with it. It comes from "Boomerang Joy" by Barbara Johnson. I'm almost finished with this devotional as it was only 60 devotionals. I hope I find another one just as full of love, fun & faith! 'Cause right now I really need a LOT of all three.
Remember to pray for Tina & Julie tomorrow as they go thru their surgeries. Love you girls!

FRIENDSHIP

2008-11-08T13:18:00.002-05:00

MY OATH TO YOU

When you are sad...
I will dry your tears.

When you are scared...
I will comfort your fears.

When you are worried...
I will give you hope.

When you are confused...
I will help you cope.

And when you are lost..
And can't see the light, I shall be your beacon..Shining ever so bright.
This is my oath...I pledge till the end.
Why you may ask? ...
Because you're my friend.
Signed: GOD

Bank accounts

2008-11-07T20:13:00.001-05:00

Deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories! Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank. I am still depositing.' Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1.. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3 Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less

Thankfulness

2008-11-06T08:17:00.003-05:00

Thank You, dear God, for all You have given me, for all You have taken from me, for all You have left me.

All the water in the world, however hard it tried,
Could never sink a ship unless it got inside.
All the evil in the world, the wickedness and sin,
Can never sink your soul's fair craft unless you let it in.

If things are tough, remember that every flower that ever bloomed had to go through a whole lot of dirt to get there. The almighty Father will use life's reverses to move you forward. So do not keep grieving about a bitter experience. The present is slipping by while you are regretting the past and worrying about the future. Regret will not prevent tomorrow's sorrows; it will only rob today of its strength. So keep on believing. With Jesus you have not a hopeless end but an endless hope!
God knows exactly how much you can take, and He will never permit you to reach a breaking point. He will not twist your arm or let go of your hand. He is stitching your sails with love. His work takes time but it will never unravel in a storm. So whether you're sailing the high seas or floundering in the pits, know that yesterday is just experience but tomorrow us glistening with purpose-and today is the channel leading from one to the other. Sail on boldly and bravely. For the Father in heaven will never leave the helm of your ship!

BITS & PIECES

2008-11-03T21:41:00.002-05:00

A lot of my blog ideas come from something that has touched me. Steve & I are doing a nightly devotional by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson called 'Night Light'. These came from that book:
The moment you tell other parents how to raise their kid the odds increase that your own child will turn up on America's Most Wanted.

We think we've figured life out, but then we wade in & discover otherwise. All in all, this is a good thing. For when our future is sure & certain, when all the corners are tucked in nice & neat, there is no need for faith.

This is from 'Boomerang Joy' by Barbara Johnson
Write down five things you are thankful for each day.

I am better than I was but not quite as good as I was before I got worse.

PERMANENT HOOKUP

2008-11-02T06:33:00.002-05:00

God
I am always getting one thing
Straightened out with You
And then another lion
Jumps out of the jungle.
Why couldn't You create
Some kind of permanent hookup
So life would stay
Settled, serene
And ecstatically spiritual?
Dear child
I have
It's called Heaven.
-RUTH HARMS CALKIN

Post Halloween

2008-11-01T07:47:00.004-04:00

I guess I've just not been a very big fan of Halloween. We went last night to Randy & Mara's for the annual Halloween get-together. I had never been so this was all new. The people there who had kids dressed them up and after we ate sandwiches they took them out trick-or-treating in the area around Randy & Mara's home. I remember seeing Curious George, Batman, & Cat Woman, I believe Will was Robin, & Joel, i think, was a banana. After trick-or-treating it was back to the house where the kids proceeded to go through their candy & if mommy said one piece of candy was all they could have, the little rascals would wait til mommy was outta the room & ask daddy for more (daddy of course not knowing mommy had said just one). But they were so cute. We then had dessert. You should try Shasta's ginger no-snaps with her pumpkin dip (I think she said she got the recipe from Julie). My poor hubby dozed off a couple of times but he'd been up since before the roosters get up and we'd been running around most of the day. Little Paul snuck up on him once and grabbed him & woke him up. Luckily Steve didn't start swingin' fists. That's what he usually does when he's startled awake. I did make sure there weren't any beverages nearby! Anyways, I don't remember dressing up for Halloween or going trick-or-treating. I'm sure I did though. There are 6 of us, me being the oldest, & I'm sure that was a big deal. I do know that even now at 51 yrs old, if I were in Oklahoma I'd go to my G'ma's & get a popcorn ball. I know the kind she makes now are easier to make (they're made with marshmallows) but she used to make the syrup kind and they had vinegar in them. And darn-it G'ma, I miss 'em! I bought candy for trick-or-treaters but didn't know if the kids would have any of the little goblins so I got candy I liked that I could eat later! Trying to watch what I eat & do that! Speaking of buying candy, I've learned that it's NEVER a good time to grocery shop. If I've just eaten then nothin on the grocery list looks good. If I haven't eaten then I pick up things that look good. Now I try to shop half-way between meals. And why is it that when you're trying to eat healthy that healthy food costs more? Now you see where I get the title of my blog, Wonderings & Wanderings. 'Cause my mind sure does a lot of wandering! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!

PRAYER

2008-10-30T12:28:00.001-04:00

The Prayer:

Father, I ask You to bless my friends, relatives and those that I care deeply for, who are reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of Your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy.. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed co nfidence through Your grace. Where there is need, I ask you to fulfill their needs. Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings and their comings. Amen.

Flo's tv memories (some)

2008-10-26T16:14:00.002-04:00

Prayer

2008-10-25T21:50:00.003-04:00

I have to make a confession. I've had some very negative happenings in my life. Today something happened that made me start thinking negative again. I really don't want to feel this way, but sometimes it happens. I talked to my oldest daughter on the phone and she told me to pray about the situation. She must have said a prayer about it right after I talked to her because the situation took a turn for the better and come to find out I had no reason to be negative to start with. Please forgive me Lord for not seeking your guidance to start with. You have blessed me so much and sometimes I take that for granted. Help me to NEVER take blessings for granted.

Walk by faith

2008-10-22T15:19:00.000-04:00

Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of Passage? His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own. The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man!

Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm. We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, God is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him. If you liked this story, pass it on. If not, you took off your blindfold before dawn. Moral of the story: Just because you can't see God, doesn't mean He is not there.

'For we walk by faith, not by sight.'

UPLOOK

2008-10-20T22:26:00.007-04:00

When the outlook is poor, try the uplook; God has His hand on you.

At the end of each day, before turning down the covers, turn all your problems over to the Holy Spirit-every last one. Be grateful He stays up late to handle them. Then lay down, secure in the knowledge that broken things become blessed things if you let Christ do the mending!

Prayer requests: I should have done this sooner, my Mom had some moles taken off her back today so please remember her in your prayers. Today is also her 73rd birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!! I love you more than you'll EVER know. She found out a couple of months ago that she has diabetis and she's a cancer survivor (colon). Prayer for Julie, and for Tina (she has an MRI Wed. on her knee).

Prayer requests

2008-10-13T09:45:00.004-04:00

I would like to ask for prayer for a couple of special women. First of them is Julie. Juile is heading home to Texas after evacuating from the hurricanes. God please grant her a safe trip home & give
her strength for her medical issues. The other one is Tina. She's been having trouble with her
knee & needs a knee replacement. I pray that the Lord will lead her where she needs to go in that & that she'll find the right way to deal with it all. Love you two.

THE MOUSE STORY

2008-10-12T13:58:00.004-04:00

NOOOOOOOOOBODY is in your life by mistake!!!!! A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. 'What food might this contain??'the mouse wondered - - -he was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap. Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning : 'There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!' The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said,' Mr.Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it.'

The mouse turned to the pig and told him,'There is a mousetrap in the house!
There is a mousetrap in the house!' The pig sympathized, but said, 'I am so very sorry, Mr.Mouse, but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers.'

The mouse turned to the cow and said 'There is a mousetrap in the house!
There is a mousetrap in the house!' The cow said, 'Wow, Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose.'
So, the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's mousetrap . . . alone. That very night a sound was heard throughout the house -- like the sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer's wife.
The farmer rushed her to the hospital , and she returned home with a fever. Everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient. But his wife's sickness continued, so friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock.
To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig. The farmer's wife did not get well, she died. So many people came for her funeral, the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them. The mouse looked upon it all from his crack in the wall with great sadness. So, the next time you hear someone is facing a problem and think it doesn't concern you,remember ---- when one of us is threatened, we are all at risk. We are all involved in this journey called life.
We must keep an eye out for one another and make an extra effort to encourage one another. REMEMBER. . . . . . EACH OF US IS A VITAL THREAD IN ANOTHER PERSON'S TAPESTRY; OUR LIVES ARE WOVEN TOGETHER FOR A REASON. One of the best things to hold onto in this world is a FRIEND.
Have a great week.
Be good to yourself.

FORGIVENESS

2008-10-05T20:19:00.002-04:00

MONDAY: Forgive yourself
TUESDAY: Forgive your spouse
WEDNESDAY: Forgive your children
THURSDAY: Forgive your parents
FRIDAY: Forgive your friends
SATURDAY: Forgive your enemies
SUNDAY: Forgive members and leaders of your church
(For best results, follow the plan 52 weeks out of the year!)

FOREVER WORTHY
Dear God
I have sinned
Against Heaven
And against You.
I am no longer worthy
To be called Your child.
Child, I know...I know
But my Son
Is forever worthy
To be called your Savior.
-Ruth Harms Calkin

MONDAY: Build a bridge, do something good for someone else.
TUESDAY: See past mistakes through the prism of humor.
WEDNESDAY: Seize every moment; make more of opportunity.
THURSDAY: Surrender the need to always be right.
FRIDAY: Reframe your circumstances; see them in a new light.
SATURDAY: Accept personal limitations, but give up self-blame.
SUNDAY: Change your priorities to avoid future omission sins.

Jesus was nailed to a cross between two thieves so you and I could stop nailing ourselves between two other thieves-regret for yesterday and
fear for tomorrow.

Trying times are no time to quit trying.

It is better to forgive and forget than to resent and remember.

Weekends

2008-10-04T16:46:00.005-04:00

Steve made it home for the weekend again, thank you Lord. This job is soooo much different than his last one. Because we didn't have a home base they decided we didn't need to go home, even though we had kids & grandkids in Oklahoma. It was awful! The people we worked for were nice but that doesn't make up for not getting home. It always got me that if they got to see their families very nite for the most part. We were lucky if we got to see ours twice a year. The company had an excuse every time we wanted to go home. The one that really got me was, " You don't have a home so there's no need to go there". This job Steve is home 3 weekends out of the month. He enjoys going to church & misses it on his working weekends.
Laugh, Love, and Enjoy Life, and Trust the Lord for ALL THINGS.
Proverbs 3:6 Live simply. Love generously.Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God. God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

Prayers please

2008-10-02T12:21:00.003-04:00

Please pray for my G'ma. She's 97 yrs young & still lives at home. She has 5 children & they all take turns staying with her. Anyway, my daughter (Shasta) sent me an email she'd gotten from Aunt Shirley. G'ma has been having severe chest pains. She's been such an inspiration to us all. She says she doesn't know why the Lord has kept her
alive this long. So any prayers would be greatly appreciated.

COFFEE

2008-10-01T19:49:00.007-04:00

You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again. A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first, she placed carrots; in the second she placed eggs; and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. In about twenty minutes, she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, 'Tell me what you see.' 'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?' Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. 'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity? Do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship, or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the s ame, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.
The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.
When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life, so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
You might want to send this message to those people who mean something to you (I JUST DID); to those who have touched your life in one way or another; to those who make you smile when you really need it; to those who make you see the brighter side of things when you are really down; to those whose friendship you appreciate; to those who are so meaningful in your life...
It's easier to build a child than repair an adult.
MAY WE ALL BE COFFEE!!!!!

Bibles & Cell phones

2008-09-30T10:29:00.011-04:00

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible
like we treat our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several time a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't ' t live
without it?
What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my
Bible?
Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't

have to worry about our Bible being disconnected
because Jesus already paid the bill.
Makes you stop and think, where are my priorities?

And nodropped calls!

P.S. DO WHAT YOU THINK GOD WOULD WANT YOU TO DO WITH
THIS EMAIL
Trust in the Lord and *ASAP (Always Say A Prayer) Push (pray until something happens)
Have a blessed and wonderful day!

"The Big Night"

2008-09-28T19:05:00.001-04:00

Well, the big event was last nite and tho the rain cut the evening short it was, for me anyway, a great evening. When Steve & I left the front gate there were 382 people there! We left the event soaking wet & exhausted but blessed.
My Sunday school class just finished up the book "Battlefield of the mind" by Joyce Meyer. I got there about half way thru the book. I have anxiety attacks & this book has helped me tremendously! I really enjoyed being in that class & having a fabulous teacher in Samantha. Our new book is "Believing in God" by Beth Moore. I hear many good things about her but have never read any of her books or studies. Am really looking forward to this class. Tho Steve & I don't know where we're going or what we're doing I hope to be around to finish this study. I have the book so I can study it on my own if we aren't around. Tho it is nice to be with fellow Christians to do studies like this. To me it's a support group. God Bless the teachers of these studies.

LET GOD!!!

2008-09-27T08:18:00.001-04:00

I found this a while back & try to use it everyday (I said TRY).
Good morning!
This is God. I will be handling all of your problems today. I will not need your help.
So, relax & have a good day!
I love it! BUT, my problem is that I have the problem of giving God all of my problems & then take some of them back because I guess I don't think He's working fast enough. I struggle with this a lot. I just have to remember the 'I WILL NOT NEED YOUR HELP' part. Anyone else have this problem or is it just me?
It's going to be a very busy day t'day. We have "The Big Night" tonite & Steve & I are helping at different points all evening. This is a first for both of us. I have worked with young people but not this large a group. Steve, a new Christian, never has. So much prayer needed please.

ANYTHING & EVERYTHING

2008-09-26T13:39:00.001-04:00

This is my first attempt at blogging other than on myspace, so please forgive me if it doesn't sound right or look right. First of all, I am from Oklahoma. I miss the flat, open landscape a lot. I'm also a country girl so city life is just a little much. I also have family in Oklahoma. My daughter and grandsons are there, as are my mom and my 97 yr old grandmother. My husband is an over-the-road truck driver and I'll be able to go with him next month but he doesn't go west of the Mississippi and the company won't allow pets and we have a wonderful cat named Allie Rose. I have lots of things on my mind lately (i.e. the title wonderings). I was in Walmart recently looking for something and ran into this lady. I didn't know her from Eve and we started talking about jobs. I don't have one but told her I'd like to do try volunteer work. She said she worked but was very unhappy with her job. She said she felt like she worked hard and was good at what she did but felt very unappreciated. Her boss never told her "thank you" or "nice job". You know, I think a job goes a lot easier when it's appreciated. A person seems to enjoy doing it more if they're told thanks. I used to work at a Christian book store and my boss told me every day when I got ready to go home, "thank you for all the hard work you did today". Now, I might not have had a good day that day, but her saying that made me WANT to come to work the next day. I told the lady to smile, pray about it and keep working hard. So, if you're reading this and you know someone who needs a little pickmeup, tell 'em thanks, or have a nice day and smile when ya say it!