In my neck of the woods

Sunrise

2012-01-30T21:19:00.000-05:00

I've shared a few pictures of the sunset but this is one of the sunrise. We've been getting up early, grabbing a cup of coffee, throwing on some clothes and walking a couple of miles on the beach.. So far that seems to be the best time to catch a view of some of the dolphins that swim in the gulf. Its fun to see them playing with each other and trying to guess where they will surface next. Then we return to the apartment shower, eat breakfast and prepare for the day. Kinda fun to take our time and do what ever we want, no worries......

We went on a road trip today. Sweetman has been looking for a small trailer to bring some of the items he has purchased back home and he found one that seemed to be just right. The man we bought it from was interesting. He sings at weddings, parties and different events for a living. He does impersonations of some of the oldies, like Elvis, Roy Orbison and he gave us three of his CD's which we listened to on our way back. I must say he wasn't to bad.
Who knows what tomorrow will bring

Favorite breakfast cafe

2012-01-27T22:39:00.000-05:00

I like different kinds of foods, especially unusual combinations. This is no surprise to my friends and family so when we find a restaurant or cafe that serves slightly different kinds of foods it immediately becomes a favorite of mine.
A few years back we discovered this little cafe. back then it was much smaller and not to well known. Now we were told on weekends there is long lines to get in for breakfast and lunch.

Anyway whenever we are in the area I beg plead and sob huge crocodile tears to get Sweetman to take me there at least once. Its not cheap and he can rarely find anything that he really likes to eat. We don't share the same kind of taste when it comes to the foods we eat. He likes the simple unadulterated breakfast like biscuits and gravy, or fried eggs, toast with jelly. I like eggs mixed with avocados, salsa and feta cheese, crispy chunks of potatoes served with rye toast, a thin slice of orange and melon. That's just what I had and it was delicious!!!!

We had a choice of eating out in the garden or inside but it was a bit cool so we ate inside, where there was alot of interesting things to look at. Lots of cute signs, wall decorations, glass ware, pictures and lots of keep sakes that you buy to take home to look at, then wonder why in the world you bought it.

The ambiance is fun and whimsical and they even have a menu for your dog should you bring one with you.

Here's my plate I ate it all, and the coffee was very good as well.

This is Sweetman's, he choose the french toast with cinnamon apples on top and whip cream on the side. He ate it but just wasn't what he prefers for breakfast.

We stopped by another beach and took a walk out onto the pier you see in the back ground it was warming up nicely by then, lots of people were marking their spots near the water for the day. I love the white soft sands on these beaches. There was a couple walking by and they were willing to take our picture.

God's masterful Work

2012-01-25T22:39:00.001-05:00

No words needed here!!!

Things we've seen while here

2012-01-23T19:40:00.000-05:00

So far, since we have been here we have seen wild hogs ( No, not the kind on motorcycles) real hogs as in pigs along side the road. They are not pink like the ones we normally see but kinda brown with tan stripes. Then there was the lady with a full grown Iguana, around her neck, she said they are very affectionate if raised right and will live to be about 70. She let me pet it, it was very warm and soft not hard and scaly like they look. Then there was the man with squirrel monkey sitting on his shoulder at a garage sale we stopped at and she jumped onto mine and started to groom my hair!!!! The man said she loved to play with hair. I actually had one years ago and the one I had did the same thing. We have beautiful colorful parrots that play in the trees just outside our windows but I haven't been able to get a picture of them yet. They sqwak and make a big racket everyday about the same time of day must be their conference time. Of course the ocean, shells and sunsets with only colors God can make.
Oh yeah, lots of interesting people, middle aged to almost old men and women in clothing that should only be worn by beautiful young perfect bodies. Not to mention some strange hair styles, again many older wanna be young men, with pony tails and ear rings, dred locks or maybe just hair that hasn't been washed or combed in days, tattoo of all sorts on both genders.. Life here is interesting, no one is actually born and raised here they have just all migrated from other States so it seems. Mostly from the colder climes of course..

What we did today

2012-01-22T19:20:00.000-05:00

Hello blog and anyone who is still around to read it. I haven't been here for a long long time. I almost forgot I even had a blog.
Anyway were on vacation, today is Sunday so we found us a nice Baptist church to attend this morning, which was a very pleasant experience. It is referred to as the big Pink church and as you can see it is a pale pink. There were two services one early and was listed as conservative, the second was listed as contemporary. As we are both fairly early riser we choose the early one. Most of you know I work with the elderly and I just can't seem to get away from that crowd yes, you guessed it there were mostly gray hairs, walkers, canes and I think I saw one wheel chair. They even had organ music!!! Very friendly bunch made us feel welcome however and the message was good..

Next we sought out one of our favorite restaurants, I sure wish they had these at home. You get the best baby back ribs that just melt in your mouth. You can have your pick of different variations of BBQ sauces and the price is right. We got there just as they were opening so service was great and no wait time. If it had been just a bit later in the day people are usually waiting out the door to get in.

This evening I wanted to catch the sunset so walked down by the beach and saw several people standing down by the shore. You can see them in the lower left corner of the picture. I wondered what was happening so went to investigate.

It was a touching scene, I found out that it was a surf club and they were saying goodbye to one of the young men who had passed away. I didn't ask to many questions but gathered that he was a very popular man and his life was cut short for some reason. The funeral had been earlier today. But this was sort of a ceremony just for the surfing group, and close friends.

They all had one wet suits, and one surf board that was covered in flowers, which they put in the center of the circle. I could hear them talking about the good times they had had with this person and even some of the bad times There was an occasional laugh and some sobs. I sort of felt like I was invading a very special event, but no one ask me to leave so I stood quietly and watched. As soon as the sun set they loudly cheered and splashed the water and pushed the surf board with the flowers on it out into the ocean. Then they left.

I said a prayer for all of them while standing there witnessing this personal time of grieving, celebrating and remembering a good friend.
I almost forgot to get the picture I went down to get but I did catch the sun just before it slipped into the deep blue ocean.

Looking at sin in a different way

2011-12-18T21:01:00.000-05:00

Got any unresolved hurts or disagreements between you and someone else, either in the family or friends, work place or boss??? Maybe something you have put off doing because it involves swallowing your pride, or cause embarrasment. Just let it slide and it will go away~~~ Have you ever thought of sin in this way before?? Yeah, me neither~~
I got this little email devotional just the other day and it hit home. I rarely thought of sins of omissions but I know I will be more aware of it from now on.

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

James 4:17, NLT

We tend to think that doing wrong is sin. But James tells us that sin is also not doing right. (These two kinds of sin are sometimes called sins of commission and sins of omission.) It is a sin to lie; it can also be a sin to know the truth and not tell it. It is a sin to speak evil of someone; it is also a sin to avoid him or her when you know he or she needs your friendship. We should be willing to help as the Holy Spirit guides us.

If God has directed you to do a kind act, to render a service, or to restore a relationship, do it. You will experience a renewed and refreshed vitality to your Christian faith

REMEMBER OUR SOLDIERS THIS CHRISTMAS

2011-12-08T19:43:00.000-05:00

It was the night before Christmas , he lived all alone, in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone. I had come down the chimney with presents to give, and to see just who in this house did live. I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stocking by the mantle, just boots filled with sand, and on the wall pictures of far distant lands. With medals and badges, awards of all kinds, a sobering thought came to my mind. For this house was different, so dark and so dreary the home of a soldier, now I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone, curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home. The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder, not how I pictured a United States soldier. Was this the hero of whom I'd just read? Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

I realized the families that I saw this night, owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight. Soon round the world, the children would play, and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day. They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year, because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone, on a cold Christmas eve in a land far from home. The very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees and started to cry. The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, "Santa don't cry, this life is my choice;

I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more, my life is my God, my country, my corps". The soldier rolled over and soon drifted to sleep, I couldn't control it, I continued to weep. I kept watch for hours, so silent and still and we both shivered from the cold evening's chill.

I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night, this guardian of honor so willing to fight. Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure, whispered, "Carry on Santa, it's Christmas day, all is secure". One look at my watch, and I knew he was right.
"Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night".

By Lance Corporal James M Schmidt

A gentleman came in today at work and shared this with a few of us and I just felt it was worthy to pass along to my blogging readers. We do owe thanks to all of the service men and women who serve faithfully so far from home. Many in places where conditions are to horrible to think about and with danger surrounding them every where. Remember to pray they will feel the loving hands of God watching and protecting them.

.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2011-12-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Identifying with Christ in Baptism

2011-11-20T19:56:00.000-05:00

Matthew 28:16-20

¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

In the New Testament, the significance of baptism is seen more clearly. John the Baptist was sent by God to spread the news of the coming Messiah—Jesus Christ. John was directed by God (John 1:33) to baptize those who accepted his message. John’s baptizing is called “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Mark 1:4 (NIV). Those baptized by John acknowledged their sins and professed their faith that through the coming Messiah they would be forgiven. Baptism then is significant in that it represents the forgiveness and cleansing from sin that comes through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

For the past nine weeks we have been hearing sermons on being "Extreme Christians" what that means and how it looks according to scripture. We've heard about, demands, devotion, priorities, purity,forgiveness, commitment, love, giving, and duty.

Today was "Extreme Duty" which means to give God the glory for all things and making disciples for the Lord. The scripture was taken from Matthew 28: 16-20 often referred to as "The Great Commission"
As Christians we have to be available, willing to act when called by God, we don't need to know the plan, God knows it we just need to be willing.
We need to be devoted, understanding God can fix my sin, I can not.
We need to be submissive, Jesus is the authority, the perfecter of our lives.
We need to be obedient, were very good at doing what we want but do we do what God wants??
Being obedient means "to GO when God says "GO," it means believing, and learning and declaring that God is all we need, that Jesus has paid the price for us and we are HIS.
It means we need to be obedient to the commands given to us and one of them is to be Baptized!!! Did you ever think that not getting baptized was a sin?? I didn't think of it that way either but we are actually commanded to do that. Look at verse 19 and read it again. It is a command to believers to be baptized!!
We are to teach, not like a school teacher or professors but by guiding, encouraging, and living lives that point the way to God.
We need to be dependent on God to direct our lives, our hearts, the things we do and the things we spend our money on. He cares how we represent HIM!!! We need to stand up, step up and speak up!!!

Today the pastor gave an open call to those who are believers in Christ, and have not been baptized as a believer or has never been immersed to come and be baptized to proclaim repentance of sins, to die with Christ and to be Risen with Him.
It took 2 1/4 hours but 98 forgiven sinners were baptized including my #2 daughter!!! I am so proud of her and I know she felt like the Lord had His hand just on her as she came up out of that water!!!
The Lord was truly moving in so many hearts today the tears flowed freely with joy!!
Our God is amazing~~~~

Christmas Preview

2011-11-14T22:22:00.000-05:00

The Ladies Ministry at my church put on what they call Christmas Preview. Every year different ladies will decorate a table for the holiday. I have never been able to go for one reason or another but this year one of the ladies from our small group decided to do a table and she ask the women in our small group to join her at the table. Below is her decorated table. She made each of us a small loaf of pumpkin cranberry bread.

I couldn't put all of them on here but chose a few that I thought were especially beautiful. This on had a theme of candy canes.

I liked the big red ornament on this one mixed with the greens.

This one was adorable with marsh mallows and snowmen and little cards with messages about how S'more friends are so important, and the ingredients to make s'mores at each table place setting.

This one was especially appropriate for the true meaning of why we celebrate Christmas. I don't know what little gift was in each bag, but made for a perfect look.

And I thought this was just elegant. We sang a few Christmas songs and listened to a wonderful speaker with a message that touched us all. And we were served delicious pieces of cheese cake by the men of the congregation in white shirts, black ties and black pants. Pretty Nice!!!

Quiet time Hints

2011-11-03T21:21:00.000-04:00

It's hard for many on us to find quiet times with the Lord, me included, as I don't sit quiet for any length of time in the first place but after reading this I felt very convicted and am making a better effort to do this daily.
Its taken out of a book written by Elisabeth Elliot, sit back and take in what this is saying to your heart.

Having a quiet time with the Lord every day is absolutely essential if you expect to grow spiritually. But you have to plan it. It won't "just happen." We're all much too busy. Early morning is best, and there are plenty of scriptural precedents for that (Jesus rose "a great while before day"; the psalmist said," In the morning shalt Thou hear my voice"). If you meet the Lord before you meet anybody else, you'll be pointed in the right direction" for whatever comes. God knows how difficult it is for some to do this, and if you have a reason you can offer Him why early morning won't work, I'm sure He'll help you to find another time. Sometimes the children's afternoon nap time can be quiet time for a mother. At any rate, plan the time. Make up your mind to stick with it. Make it short to begin with---fifteen minutes or so, perhaps. You'll be surprised at how soon you'll be wanting more.
Take a single book of the Bible. If you're new at this, start with the Gospel of Mark. Pray, first, for the Holy Spirit's teaching. Read a few verses, a paragraph, or chapter. Then ask, What does this passage teach me about: (1) God, (2) Jesus Christ, (3) the Holy Spirit, (4) myself, (5) sins to confess or avoid, (6) commands to obey, (7) what Christian love is?
Keep a notebook. Write down some of your special prayer requests with the date. Record the answer when it comes. Note, also, some of the answers you've found to the above questions, or anything else you've learned. Tell your children, your spouse, your friends some of these things. That will help you to remember them. You'll be amazed at what a difference a quiet time will male in your life.

I thought this might inspire others like it did me so I'm passing in on, I'm not very good at keeping a note book or a journal. But for me just taking/making the time to read the Word is a major step in the right direction.

Psalm 139: 5

2011-10-30T18:14:00.000-04:00

In my Bible study class we are memorizing the 139th Psalm. I'm sure it is familiar to everyone, but in this class we are not only memorizing it we are pausing on each verse and trying to visualize it as if Jesus was talking to just you personally. chewing on every word and meaning. Applying it to your life in a personal way.

I epecially find verse 5 to be a very comforting one:

You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.

Like the picture above Jesus encloses and surrounds our very being, He encompasess us from behind, before and lays His hand upon us. How can you not feel secure when you dwell on that thought. The next verse also says it is too wonderful, too high and we can not attain it. But remembering that He is the good shepared and is able to do all things. After all He created us and everything in this world, how wonderful it is to have that security knowing we are love that much.

Pork Chops Peas and Tomatoes

2011-10-28T15:15:00.000-04:00

Its officially fall, not new news, but I have finally resigned to that fact in my own mind. Its colorful and this year they have been exceptional around my neck of the woods. Not only colorful but long lasting with beauty that has changed daily. We have a God who love to please His children and this year He has out done it in so many ways.

I had good intentions today of giving my house a good deep cleaning but then Sweetman announced that on Monday we have a repair man coming to fix the ceilings in both bathrooms, (moisture spots ) and he will be creating a big mess, (taking off plaster) so even tho it is only Friday why should I clean if Monday it will be even worse than today??? Right?? I knew you would agree. Ok I did clean some but not the deep cleaning I wanted to do. That will happen after the repairs are done.

So here's what I did do, played, "Pioneer Woman Cooks" you all know her I bet, and I hope she won't mind but she is a good teacher, and its raining. That makes me want to make something good and homey for dinner. Plus # 2 daughter comes over for dinner on Fridays and she loves a good meal. Any how you see the cast of characters above, Pork chops, a can of diced tomatoes, and a can of peas. I'm also baking some potatoes and squash as side dishes. I love putting the juice from the casserole dish over the potatoes.

Roast a couple of cloves of garlic in some olive oil and remove from the pan and set aside.

Season the chops with salt and pepper and sprinkle on some crushed bay leaves, get the pan really hot and brown the chops real good.

Dump in a can of tomatoes juice an all, and a can of peas juice and all, toss the roasted garlic back into the mix.

Cover the whole business and pop in a slow oven for about two hours, check it about mid way and if the juice is down add a small amount of water or broth. Bake your potatoes as usual or how ever you like them, I have made mashed potatoes to go with this as well, and like I said before the juice from the dish makes a great tasting topping spooned over the potatoes.

When I was a kid I didn't like the tomatoes or the peas but loved the flavor it gave the chops and it was something my mom made at least once a month because back then it was an inexpensive meal for a big family. She had alot more chops of course and a bigger pot.

IN THE BIBLE MOTHER READ!!!

2011-10-27T21:03:00.000-04:00

There's a book I've always treasured.
That I'll keep where're I'm led;
It has brought me joy unmeasured,
It's the Bible mother read.

All the pages are so fingered,
Many verses underlined:
Places worn where Mother lingered.
where she left a tear behind.

Yes, this precious book I'll cherish,
I will read it ev'ry day.
For its truth will never perish
Though the world should pass away.

Author unknown

Road Trip

2011-10-17T22:00:00.000-04:00

Last weekend Sweetman and I decided to take a quick road trip you know a little get away, some R&R and do what ever we wanted. Everyone should to it once in awhile, life gets to complicated and complex so getting away is essential for good mental health. Not to mention taking advantage of the last few nice days before the snow flies. Yikes did I really say that??
Check out this leaf in Sweetman's hand anyone know what kind of tree this came from??

Anyway we drove down into Indiana's Brown County, its known for its cute little towns kinda folksy, quaint and country like. We don't usually get into the tourist trap shops but we did wander around downtown Nashville and checked out several of the stores. Many of them feature crafts that are made locally by the store proprietors, or near by artists. We ate in one of the restaurants called "Muddy Boots" and had muddy bean soup flavored with fresh herbs grown just outside the entrance. We listened to live blue grass music as we dined in this cozy rustic place. It was all fun.

The other thing we like to do is drive the hilly winding roads in the area, finding covered bridges or trails to explore the woods. You can see we did find a couple of them. Some still usable and others not.

This one is just outside a little town called, Bean Blossom, isn't that the cutest name for a town? We had to drive down a narrow 9 degree down hill dirt road to get to it, but it was worth it.

This is what some of the roads in the back country look like but we drove the sports car so we didn't take any of them to see where they went. You need a jeep to do that. It was relaxing and enjoyable for both of us.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2011-10-11T20:10:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM !!!!

2011-10-10T21:48:00.001-04:00

What a fun week end we had this past Sunday, we celebrated my mother in laws 95th birthday. She is an amazing lady still active, mentally sharp and loves to be around all her family.

Several of us attended her little church service and just about filled one side of the church with all family members. Right after the service there was cake and coffee for all. We kind of did it backwards with desert first and then a potluck in the afternoon.

The potluck was held in the commons room of the apartment complex where she lives, thankfully the weather was near perfect and several of us had to spill out onto the patio area to eat as the room was filled with over 70 people.

After eating we move to a local park area just across the street where the kids could play and the adults had a chance to visit. It was good to be with some of the family that we don't always get to see to often. The picture above is all family started by this one lady and her beloved husband.

This picture is Mom with all her kids, ya kids. Someone commented that the kids look like they have been around for awhile too. I like to think of them as the core group. Mom had such a good time but I know it will take her about a week to recoup after all this excitement. I think she will be talking about her 95th birthday for a long time. Were all so thankful for her and the example she has been to so many people. God has blessed her with longevity.

Signs of fall all around us, sent by God with Love

2011-10-02T20:03:00.002-04:00

Last Friday my daughter # 2, and I went walking down by the beach as we so often do but that evening it was so blustery and cold we could hardly stand it, so we walked up into the side streets which were more sheltered from the wind.

We found some old streets that are only used by the locals as walking short cuts to get to the beach or park areas. It was great exercise for us and we even managed to work up a sweat in spite of the cool temps. Its hard to tell in the picture but the old road was very steep which made it a good work out

We cut off at this point to head back down another trail but one of these days were going back to see where this up hill climb leads to.
When we finally got back to where the car was we were met with this gorgeous sunset, it was quite stunning.

God surely displays wondrous sights for our pleasure doesn't He????

Room organizing

2011-09-30T21:36:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I could just kick myself, I took before and after pictures of this room that I cleaned and organized today but then I was editing some of the old pictures off from my camera and accidentally pushed the wrong button and deleted all the pictures on the camera.... Ya I was so upset with my stupid move. Anyway if you saw the before picture of this room it was utter chaos.

I have alot of exercise equipment but it was such a mess I couldn't even use it. You would think with all this we would both be in excellent shape, however you have to use it to get that way so they say~~~we have a treadmill, a rowing bench, and stationary bike, not to mention the free weights and exercise ball. You may think is doesn't look to organized but believe me it is compared to what it looked like before. There is still alot of stuff in this room but at least I can get to the treadmill, bike and rowing bench. With the weather changing and so much rain lately it hasn't been to much fun getting outside to walk. At least I felt like I accomplished something today and wrestling with all the equipment I got a work out in.

Anyone else have rooms filled with stuff and need organizing???

BIBLE STUDY QUESTION FOR YOU

2011-09-29T18:19:00.002-04:00

Many of you know that I attend a Bible study on Tuesdays, well we have started up again after having a break through the summer. We have had three sessions so far and it is turning out to be phenomenal as always. Of course our teacher is able to make even some to the most mundane parts come to life and she has a plethora of resources and wisdom.
This year we are doing a survey of the entire Bible, and our study has been named "The Emmaus Road Gospel".
Now here is the reason for my post, I hope you won't think of this as a cop out or easy way out, so I will take a minute to explain. One of our homework assignments (yes we get homework) but studying the Bible isn't really homework, it is in my opinion learning and growing closer to the Lord. Anyway, back to the reason for the post~~~~~ One of the questions we are given is to ask 10 people, preferably strangers, if they believe the story of Noah and the Ark is a true story and if they believe it is, do they think the flood was local to the area Noah lived in or world wide???
OK theres the question, so I'm asking any of you who read my blog but don't really know me hopefully there will be at least 10 who will respond and even if you do know me its OK to leave a comment. It will be interesting.

Living near the lake is Great!!

2011-09-25T18:26:00.000-04:00

I know I've mentioned several times before that living near a big body of water is such a blessing and to be able to take a short drive and end up at a beach that looks like the ocean, is truly a god send.

I can't tell you how fortunate I feel to be able to visit the beauty of this area and I never want to take any of it for granted. I grew up living in a family who loved to swim, and spend time at the beach and I like to think that has carried over into my own children, because all of them seem to be drawn to the water and the serenity that it often instills in your being.

A walk out onto the pier and stand on the end watching a wave coming in and trying to determine if its going to crash over the end or just gently flow by can be mesmerising.

Then the beauty of a sun set is never disappointing, God paints the sky differently everytime I'm there and puts a smile on my face because I know He paints them for my pleasure.

Right now, we have Art Prize going on in Grand Rapids a city about 20 miles east of me, but here in Grand Haven we also have a little known Art Walk going on and its a smaller version of local artists showing their talent. There are paintings, sculptures, photography and the fish are everywhere there is a business. Like the one you see below, each business has decorated them they way they want to advertise the business. Personally, I think the fish are a bit wierd but they have started to grow on me after walking around looking at the unique and inovative ways to decorate a fish with all kinds of materials.
Art Walk in Grand Haven runs through Oct. 8th so grab a coat and come out to see some more art. Just keep in mind you may also need mittens were close to the water and there is a chill in the air.

Officially Trikesters!!!!

2011-09-22T19:21:00.001-04:00

We have officially became ~~oldsters~~ trikesters, our lovely yellow two wheeler motorcycle has been transformed into a trike. We both enjoy the freedom of riding motorcycles and for the last few months we have tossed around the idea of converting it into a trike. We ride every Wednesday weather permitting with a nice group of friends from the Gold Wing road riders association. Several of them are ~~oldsters~~, (I don't know why that keeps happening), trikesters and the added stability of having three wheels slowly became more appealing. So we visited this fine establishment to get the low down.

This fine young gentleman you see below (Brian) gave us all the details and after taking a trike out for a test drive we made the decision to become owners of a trike.

Now you have to understand they don't come triked, but you have to have a two wheeler converted into one. So we took our two wheeler to Mt Pleasant where the surgical procedure could be completed. Below you see part of the conversion kit that we had to wait for which took about two weeks.

There are several other parts that I have no idea how they all go together but of course that is why we left it up to the experts to put all the pieces in the right place.

Here's the finished product all triked out. I told the sweetman we have to come up with a name for her,(any ideas) it must be female being all yellow and such. The Maiden ride home was fun for Sweetman to get accustom to her. And last night we rode with 13 other bikes some trikes and some two wheelers on a dinner ride. I must say it was very comfortable for me and alot less hassle for the Sweetman, especially with stopping, starting and corners.

Here she is at home sitting all shiny and sweet!!!!

worthy of posting

2011-09-20T22:01:00.000-04:00

Through Baptism we are buried with Christ and raised in His lifeRomans 6:1-4
1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?
2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,
6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.

Last Sunday was a day filled with Joy for 30 people who were spontaneously baptized by immersion and two of those people were my grand daughter and her husband!! An answer to many prayers said on their behalf and God was faithful in bringing them to a place were they felt the Holy Spirit move them to be baptized. I wasn't there but it was all captured on video so family and friends could view it at a later date. And the Joy continued to spread to the families of each precious person. The service just before led many who are believers to be obedient and responded. Praise God for touching so many lives.

End of Summer picnic and bonfire

2011-09-17T18:37:00.000-04:00

The weather cooperated, the company was good and the food was delish!!!!
This family has the hardest time getting together but last night we did our best and several of us managed to gather for one last chance to have a family picnic, before we all get to busy with holidays that are not that far away. Someone said the other day we have 14 weeks to Christmas!!!!! Yikes,
But I'm off the subject, back to the story .

This is my sister-in -law on the left we almost lost her last spring when she had a sudden cardiac arrest, but as you can see she is alive and well. Thanks to fast action on my brother, paramedics and good Dr's care. On the right is my sister, when ever we get together we always have a few good laughs, her husband had to work but in a couple more days it will be their second anniversary. Happy Anniversary you two, still newly weds!!!

We even had the unusual appearance of my son, who never seems to make it to anything, mostly because he lives further away and works some strange hours. This family is slowly acquiring more little people too, here seated is Trevor in the yellow and next to him is his mom holding the youngest on this side of the family, Jenna she is just 2 months old and last night was the first time many of us got to meet her.

Of course these faces are familiar to anyone who knows me or follows on facebook, Sweetman and little Orion our Great grandson. Here's a closer look at Jenna, she looks like she isn't to sure about this whole thing, but didn't seem to mind getting pasted around and loved on all evening.

We used to have family times more often for picnics, birthdays, and just fun times but since losing both parents it seems so hard for all of us to find time to gather, I always envie families who live close to one another and meet often just for fun. Its not that we don't keep in touch but just don't see one another very much. Do any of you find that is the case after losing parents the family grows away from each other?.

One last ride for me

2011-09-05T22:05:00.000-04:00

Saturday was a perfect evening to take one last ride on our two wheeler Gold wing. Bet you didn't know that not all Gold Wings are two wheelers. We have tossed around the idea to transit our bike into a three wheeler for some time now and finally made the decision to have it done. So for me Saturday was my last ride and it was the perfect evening, warm gentle breezes, brushed our faces as we cruised through tree lined streets, glided past sandy beaches still filled with sun bronzed bodies and little kids playing in the water.

Its not that we don't like the two wheels its just a matter of judgement for safer more comfortable riding as we both get older. Having a trike these days is more acceptable that it once was, in fact, several friends of ours in the group we ride with on Wednesdays have trikes and have not been sorry they converted.

This is what our bike will look like after it gets the face lift.. We chose the Road smith conversion kit, partly because it has a really nice size trunk, had good reviews, and according to Sweetman drove like a dream vehicle.
Tomorrow Sweetman will take his final ride to the dealer who will be doing the work, and hopefully in a few days we will have the finished product with maybe a few good riding days left.
Its kind of a bittersweet thing, sort of like having surgery and getting the jitters just before the big day. Once its over I know we will be glad we did it but right now there just that little sense of loss of something, but we will be gaining two wheels so no loss at all.

ROAD TRIP

2011-08-16T22:10:00.000-04:00

Ready to leave on a road trip to see our Aunt Evelyn who is 93 years old and has out lived all her own children.

We started out about 9:30 this morning and traveled to the other side of the State, my sister, sister in law, daughter # 2, me, and little Pea.
It was about a two hour ride and our little Pea was such a good traveler
.

Once we got there, we took the grand tour of Aunt Evelyn' s new apartment complex, which by the way is first class with lovely dining rooms, a snack cafe, library, and several other amenities available to all who rent there. And they were preparing for a very special guest to show up for the evening entertainment, a rare appearance of Elvis!!!! This being the anniversary of the kings death, his rare appearance was going to be quite something. Except she says it isn't her own home and even though it is very nice she wishes she could still live in her own home, but admits that all her needs are being met and everyone is very nice. At the age of 93 she knows this is the best arrangement for her.

We did take her out for lunch and all enjoyed a good meal, including little Pea. He was a big hit where ever we went, sorry the picture is a bit blurry but I had to include it to show you the cute stuffed animal the waitresses gave him just for being so good.

Aunt Eve gets around pretty good but does have to use her walker, I wanted to get a close up of her but just didn't get the opportunity. Her face is so wrinkled and she has earned every one of them, but it is a face of beauty filled with a life time of love, experience, sadness and Joy. She does have grand children that see to her needs and live close by, and of course she has us her nieces.

We couldn't leave without getting a picture of all of us together.

Walking the boardwalk

2011-08-13T19:59:00.000-04:00

My sweet daughter and I love to walk the boardwalk in Grand Haven and we often take her little dog, Gizzy along but he tires easily and can't keep up with us, or he is constantly distracted by every bush, tuft of grass, and other dogs.

So, he gets to ride in a sack purse. You would not believe how many comments she gets from people. And the kids all want to come and pet him. Thankfully he's a friendly little dog and loves kids and all the attention he gets. I think he's smiling in the last picture!!!

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

2011-08-06T22:13:00.000-04:00

2011 Coast Guard final few hours go down as possibly one of the soggiest.

We ventured down early in the day so we could get a parking spot, which was not much of an issue as not to many people had arrived yet. But as you can see many blankets are already laid out to mark saved spots for the fireworks this evening. That's been a traditional thing ever since I can remember. Any time after midnite on the day of the fireworks you are allowed to mark your spot with blankets or tape or any kind of item that will not harm the grass, and leave it there for the entire day.

We went to go look at the craft show that is set up in the middle of town. It started to rain shortly after we got there but a little wet didn't seem to dampen the spirits of the crowd that was beginning to line the streets to watch the parade. Lots of umbrellas, plastic bags and rain coats and we commented on how many crazy people were out there getting drenched.

But then we were out there too so guess we were just as crazy as all the rest of the folks.
I wondered if the parade would be canceled but there is no time for a do over as the festival ends tomorrow so on with the show. I couldn't get to many shots cuz my camera was getting wet but here's one of the marching bands, fancy cars, clowns, Coast Guard men and women in full dress and lots of other fun floats made there way through down town Grand Haven.

In spite of the rain it looked like everyone was having a soggy good time, of course the sun did come out later and tonight there will be fireworks.

New lover of corn on the cob

2011-07-15T22:34:00.000-04:00

The other night we had corn on the cob for dinner , and Lil Pea decided he needed to try a bite, this child loves to eat and so far is not a picky eater. Anything the adults are eating he thinks he needs to have the same. Gerber is not making any money on this one, he just wants big people food.

First bite was a bit awkward but he did get the hang of it real quick, smacking his lips and even sucking on the cob to get all the butter juices out of it.

Then he totally took over polishing off any left over sweet nuggets of gold, pure heaven. Just look at that face of satisfaction. ...Lip smackin good!!!!

Out with the old and in with the new

2011-07-14T20:48:00.000-04:00

Our old refrigerator, developed an odor that just wouldn't go away no matter what we tried. We called the specialists and asked questions but not one had an answer for us. So, we went on vacation hoping the problem would vanish by itself. No dice, that didn't work. So when we got back we took it apart and cleaned every nook and cranny, waited a day or two and still it had a smell of hot medal, mixed with garlic and onion and all the food was getting that smell permeated into it even though I started putting everything into baggies.

Our next option was to go shopping for a new one, our old one was used when we bought it and we felt it was something gone wrong with the ice maker as the odor seemed to waft from the ice cubes them selves. We are big water drinkers and both of us have huge glasses of water with ice cubes almost all the time, so this was a real problem hindering us from our liquid consumption. Here is the empty spot left by the kicked out refrigerator.

In comes the new, my old one was the traditional top freezer with regular doors, and as you can see our space for replacing it was rather small. We were limited to certain size which did not give us many options.

We found three possibilities and narrowed it down to this one you see. I liked the french doors and is slightly bigger than the old.

This is hard to see but wouldn't you just know it, there was about a 4 inch scratch in the bottom freezer door and slightly dented. We did accept it but with a promise from the company to replace the door. It can only happen to us of course. Some people would accept it and just say oh well, but we both felt that when your paying the bucks for a perfectly new undented or scratched item that is the way it should be when delivered.
Anyway its humming away in my kitchen and no funny odors are emitting from it. Once I get used to the doors and figure out just were to keep everything I'm really going to like it.

CRAZY WING DING IS OVER!!!

2011-07-10T23:33:00.000-04:00

Its been a fun busy week in Knoxville Tn. and an extremely hot one. Temperatures were in the 90's almost every day with high humidity but it didn't stop the events that took place.
Friday night, many bikes and trikes lined up for the Grand Parade through town. It was reported to be six miles long of all bikers. These first two pictures show you some but not all of the bikes waiting to roll. As we wound through the streets with a full police escort, the people of Knoxville lined the curbs giving us thumbs up, waves and little kids eyes were as big as saucers
Gold Wingers are people from all walks of life, and their bikes often display the personalities that match the owners. Some are covered with so much chrome you can hardly tell there is a bike under it all, others have flags, or stuffed animals tied on. Some people have special carriers for their small dogs or even cats.
This purple trike is pulling a trailer that looks like a replica of a old car.
I'm not so sure I like the coffin trailer but it got a lot of attention and sure was a conversation piece.
We saw precision stunts from three different teams coming from Canada, South Carolina and California. Performing high speed maneuver's, criss crossing each other and then coming in to make a tight diamond shape or riding side by side in two or fours.
There were even women driving some of the bikes doing the stunts.
This man was riding side saddle and stood up no hands at one point in his demonstration, he told us he had only been riding for two weeks, which was of course not true, it takes long hours of practice to be able to do things like he did. Sure impressed me.
Before the night was over the Blues Brothers showed up and gave us all some laughs with their silly antics, some good showman ship and songsSometimes people have the wrong impression of bikers but Gold wingers are just ordinary folks who like to ride motorcycles and have good clean fun. They come in all shapes and sizes,vary in ages from very young to really old, I heard some one say there was an 80+ person there who still rides. Most of them love to eat ice cream, thats what alot of the rides are all about getting together with friends, riding to dinner and then find a ice cream shop. The Motto of the Gold Wing Riders is "Friends for fun safety and knowledge".

Knoxville GWRRA Rally

2011-07-07T22:27:00.000-04:00

This is the sun globe at the convention center in Knoxville Tn.
In case you haven't heard were attending a Gold Wing road rally, its been estimated to be about 18,000 to 20,000 bike and trikes here.

These are some random shots from the convention center where all the vendors are and many of the events are taking place

This shot is from up in the sun globe looking down on many of the bikes parked outside the center. They look like little ants all lined up don't they??

Next shot is Sweetman checking out all the goodies that can be added to a bike,
He got some chrome and I got a handy dandy leather bag to add to the arm rest of my seat.
No haven't got any tattoos !!!!

We have enjoyed some good food, and that always puts a smile on this man's face.

I'll post more pictures soon of some of the precision riders and other events.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2011-07-06T21:09:00.000-04:00

SENT FROM GOD THE LAUGHTER OF LITTLE CHILDREN

2011-06-24T13:52:00.001-04:00

Its been a long time since I have had the laughter of children and pitter patter of little footsteps around me so, when I get the chance to have Lil P at my house its always a joy.

He discovered the cherub bird bath when we were outside exploring the yard and before I knew it he was giggling and having a blast splashing all over himself..

We couldn't stay outside to long because it was that one day with 90 degree temps and I didn't want him to get to much sun. So we went inside to fold some clothes.
Of course some where along the trip of getting the clothes basket he found my stethoscope and was testing that out. I think it must have tasted pretty good or else felt cool on the gums with the new teeth that are breaking through.

I would fold and he would unfold but we did manage to get the whole bassket folded eventually. That's another thing I had forgotten, that it takes twice as long to get anything done with a little one under foot.
He's been on stroller rides before but I don't think he has ever been on a wagon ride so when I first put him in the wagon he wasn't to sure about the whole process, but once we got going he started to giggle and it was all good.Having this child around me just warms my heart and brings laughter to anyone he is around. I don't think I enjoyed my own children as much as I do the grand kids or as this one is great grand.I don't have a crib anymore so great grandma's bed worked just fine with pillows all around so he didn't tumble off. His mom says he only cat naps during the day but with all the activity and new adventures with me he slept an hour.I'm not sure who had more fun him or me, but I do know when he went home it was nap time for me!!!

Majestic to see!!!

2011-06-16T15:46:00.071-04:00

Many of you know I live in the country, I wouldn't have it any other way, in fact we don't live far enough away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and can still pick up traffic sounds on some occasions, usually in the evenings.

Anyway a couple of day ago I took a bike ride, not motor bike but self propelled, you know peddle bike kind.

Anyway I found myself on a two track not far from where I live (actually it is a private drive) but don't tell any one.

There is a home way back in the woods on that same road but no one lives in it at the present time, its a huge house and has been up for sale for some time. They want a lot of money for it but that's beside the point here I'm getting off the reason for this post.

I was wheeling along quietly and thanking the Lord for solitude and the beauty of the canvas of the huge trees that were making a canopy over the little road, the dappled sunlight of the closing of the day was fading, I think it was about 7pm.

When something caught my eye up in one of the trees, my first thought was probably a raccoon, because we have alot of them around. So I slowed down and tried to focus on the branch I saw the motion in.

I couldn't believe what I saw, two magnificent owls sitting on a branch directly in front of me. One of them took off in flight as soon as I stopped,its huge wings must have spread at least 6 ft and it was amazing it didn't crash into other branches as it took flight but the other just turned its head and looked right at me.

Of course I didn't have my camera so the picture you see here is almost exactly what I saw but I did have my phone and I slowly reached into my pocket to try to get a shot but as I moved the owl took off.

Each one must have been at least 2 ft tall so I'm sure they were great horned owls. Right away i thought about how they are always around us in the woods but we rarely see them, kind like the Holy Spirit who is always around us but we don't see Him because we don't look for Him.

We forget that from an almighty God are ALL things, through Him are ALL things, ALL things were created by Him including the owls we don't see to often or the Holy spirit that guides our lives. Not only is He the source, but He is also the sustainer, the one who " upholds the universe by the word of His power" ( Hebrews 1:3 )

To Him are all things, He is our supreme purpose. He is our goal. He created all things----including you and me and owls for Himself and His pleasure. Don't you think that its wonderful that a God that is so big allows us to see some of the beautiful creatures He has created??

FEAST OF THE STRAWBERRY MOON

2011-06-13T20:55:00.000-04:00

According to the “Farmers' Almanac,” full-moon names date back to American Indian tribes who kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each full moon.

"French" artillery unit fires their canon at the British troops during a Revolutionary War re-enactment at the Feast of the Strawberry Moon on Harbor Island in 2011.

The Algonquin tribe christened June’s full moon the Strawberry Moon in recognition of this month’s short strawberry season.
I look forward to this event every year, I live in one of the most historically significant areas in all of Michigan. And beginning some 300 years ago near the mouth of the Grand River, its heritage is firmly rooted in the cultures of Native Americans, fur trappers, and French voyagers of the late 18th century.
I don't know about you but I for one could not live a life like these folks did but it sure intrigues me and I love to see how they cooked all of their meals over birch wood fires in cast iron pots. We watched one lady making cakes with wheat flour, filled with cranberries, honey and other natural ingredients probably grown by her (well maybe not today) but back in the 1700's that would have been the only way to get those items. Everyone was dressed in period clothing, which was also fascinating due to the fact that their dresses had to weight about 10 # and that is just the outer garment they had on. The men wore wool pants, nickers and coats, carried several different kinds of weapons and all had possible bags slung over a shoulder or around their waists, that contain flints, small pieces of tinder and other items that may mean life and death back that time period.
There were reenactments of Military Battles with cannons going off and black powder guns being fired, candle making, sheep herding, black smiths, and wool spinning going on in various tents made of muslin canvas.
The encampment has all the appearance of what it must have really been like when fur traders, Indian's and families gathered on the banks of the Grand. Its a great way to spend the day going back in time, even if just for a few hours and to let your mind wonder how life must have been so many years ago. Not for the weak or faint of heart for sure.

You just have to see this!!!

2011-06-10T23:19:00.000-04:00

I know this little guys face gets plastered all over my facebook page and in several other places but he is just so darn cute and is developing a personality that is just as cute. I just have to show you this picture His mom and I took him today for a wellness check up and the Dr was so impressed that he is walking she kept saying are you sure this isn't his one year check up??
Yes he is nine months old and walking all over, happy as a lark and smiles all the time.
After the Dr's we spent a little time at Great Grandmas, then met up with Aunt Tina and our adopted exchange student Liss.
We went to the mall to do some shopping and while there, just happened to be by a three way mirror.
Of course the baby had to greet the three babies he was seeing in the mirror so right away he walked over to the mirror and gave that image a big kiss, after kissing the baby in one mirror he turned and kissed the baby in the other mirror. It was just to cute.
My camera was ready and I got these shots of the action, I think someday he will be someones heart breaker he even closes his eyes.

This is Liss and she says when he grows up she will marry him. Seriously, it was kind of a bitter sweet day.
Liss is returning to Spain next week and came
today for her final visit and to say goodbyes to her extended American family that she had come to know for the last year. We will miss you Liss and have so enjoyed having you as part of our family, you will always be welcome to come back anytime.
f

Goodbye till next fall

2011-06-09T21:26:00.000-04:00

I've had a horrible time trying to get this posted, I had it all ready but for some reason it wouldn't let me post it, so I gave up and tried the next day and everything I wrote was gone. So I'm starting all over and hope this gets posted.

We had our last Tuesday Bible study and celebrated with a brunch and birthday party combined.
This is Kristen, she is truly a Proverbs 31 women who loves the Lord, has fantastic insight and wisdom and knowledge of the Bible. And wants all her students to share in the passion that she has. She makes loving the Lord fun. Did I mention that she is also very generous?? Well she is and because she didn't want us to be idle this summer she gave each one of us three books to keep us reading which is another passion of hers to not only read the Word but good books that help us to use our brains that God gave us.

Here you see Beth, she helped us to learn how to memorize John15:1-17, verse by verse. Something I thought was impossible for me but I learned it and have so far retained every verse. She came up with some really innovative ways to help us, including using the first initial of each word, fill in the blanks, singing, and even rap, which made us all laugh alot.This picture is only about half of us enjoying that brunch, there was about 35-40 of us each week so we filled the house with lots of chatter, singing, praying, and laughter. Were just ordinary women with problems just like everybody else. Some with health issues, family problems, financial worries, some older, some young and we even had three babies born with one we were still waiting on but we all felt God's arms wrap around us and our walk with Jesus became more intimate for each one.
Many of us wrote out our thanks and birthday wishes on little cards and left them on her counter and I'm sure Kristen enjoyed reading each one and learning how the Lord has worked in our lives as we studied the book of Luke in detail, which is the only way Kristen knows how to teach.

Next fall we will be starting in Genesis and going through the entire Bible, not so in depth but for overall insight and knowledge. She will be pointing out those not so familiar things that many skip over. I'm looking forward to that.

Rescue of the day!!!

2011-06-02T21:03:00.001-04:00

So last night as we were leaving for yet one more graduation ceremony for another granddaughter, we were getting into to car in the garage when I heard the distinct high pitched little squeaking of a humming bird and the flutter of frantic wings. Sure enough there was one flittering about in the rafters of the garage and couldn't find its way out.
My heart was breaking for the little thing because it looked like it was going to beat itself up trying to find a way out. Sweetman opened up a window and said maybe when the door is closed it will see the window and fly out. We didn't have time to try to help it so we were both hoping for the best and left.
The commencement was very impressive with a graduate student actually saying a prayer that mentioned Jesus several times and ask that each student would seek Him first before all else. Each speaker actually had good christian advice and some also referred to the Lord in different ways, and this was a public school, not a christian school!!!! I was impressed.
Anyway we got home way after dark and when we entered the garage I did not hear the flutter of tiny wings so we said it must have gotten out.
However this morning I said a silent prayer and reminded the Lord that He cares for even the little birds and that this particular little hummer was ok. ... But something told me just to out to look one more time, so I did. And there up on a rafter was the little guy, sitting very quietly. I thought at first it must be dead so I got a ladder, and carefully put my hand over it. It was still breathing and my heart was beating just about as fast as the hummers. He looked so fatigued and barely alive, I was sure it would die soon, it had stuff like cob webs stuck on one little foot so with the help of sweetman we got it cleaned off. I took it up by the feeder and stuck its little beak into the nectar, then sat the feeder and the bird on the table on my deck and walked away. Saying yet another little prayer. I went back inside and started to tending to the tasks of the day but took a peak at the bird every once in awhile. It started to look around and then ruffled its feathers a few times and suddenly off it went in a flash. I was ecstatic!!!!! And immediately said another prayer of thanks.
I have never in my life held such a tiny bird in my hands and with all the excitement I completely forgot to get pictures so you will just have to believe me. Its was so cute!!! And God is so faithfull even in the littlest things.
Matthew 10:29
"Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's permission".
Mathew 6:26
" Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they".
Made my heart happy to see that little critter take flight and just confirmed that God answers prayers even the little ones.What was your day like???

Memorial Day

2011-05-29T21:26:00.000-04:00

Please remember those who have so courageously served and who are now still serving this Memorial day.

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for a friend. John 15:13

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2011-05-17T21:46:00.000-04:00

I HAVE VISITORS

2011-05-16T21:43:00.000-04:00

We don't entertain much, in fact I don't remember the last time anyone was over except family. But we do have visitors.

I was about to take a bike ride when I got to the end of my drive way my little friend who eats things out of my yard, (like my kale) slinked off.

Do you see her in the shadows, she thinks she is hiding.

Its always fun to see these little visitors, makes me smile.

Herb garden with some neat information

2011-05-15T15:00:00.003-04:00

I love to have fresh herbs handy to use in my meals. I found this at our local nursery the other day and couldn't resist buying it.

It has four of my most favorite herbs, flat leafed parsley, basil, cilantro and chives.

I actually grow a few in my herb garden outside and love using thyme, marjoram, sage, oregano, and nasturtium, lavender, and rosemary. Herbs actually have some medicinal benefits like basil:

Fresh basil leaves are an excellent first aid remedy for warts, insect bites and

rashes. The leaves are the source of the antibacterial essential oil which gives basil it's uplifting aroma, and is the bane of insects as well. This is really handy when you are out tending to the summer garden, and are bitten. Just snip a few basil leaves and rub them on the itch for immediate relief.

Or cilantro:

Cilantro is more than a culinary spice, it is a naturally healing food. When cilantro is added to the diet along with other natural immune system boosters like garlic, omega-3 fatty acids from cold-water fish, or seed and nut oils, chronic infections can be eliminated. Many health disorders, like Alzheimer's, diabetes, and fibromyalgia have been linked to high levels of heavy metals such as mercury and aluminum in the body. There are both scientific studies, and anecdotal evidence to support cilantro's reputation as a powerful depurative. . Cilantro is a tasty, healthy herb,easy to grow, and readily available at most grocery stores, try making some pesto or adding it to soups or salads.
Rosemary is another one: Rosemary has a long herbal tradition as a herb that improves concentration and memory, Greek students would braid Rosemary into their hair to help them with their exams. Modern science attributes much of rosemary's action on the central nervous system to it's potent antioxidant, rosemarinic acid. However,you don't have to take their word for it, the uplifting aroma of a fresh sprig of rosemary in the summer will go far to convince you. And it marries well with pork dishes.Ok just one more Oregano: Oregano ranks first amoung the culinary herbs in antioxidant power. Takinoregano in teas, and using the fresh leaves in cooking helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals. Rosmarnic acid, a constiutent of oregano thought to be a strong protective against cancers, heart disease and stroke. I like to use herbs mainly for their flavors they give to the foods and you don't have to add so much salt or other seasonings that are not so good for you.Do any of you use herbs and if you have some recipes?? I would love to hear what they are.

CUTE OR NOT SO CUTE

2011-05-14T14:48:00.001-04:00

Pigs are cute enough at this age, but while reading through the devotion of the day I was reminded of the prodigal son story, you remember the son who wanted his inheritance given to him before his father died. Which was an extreme insult because the son was essentially saying he wanted to live his life as though his father were dead. He was rejecting his families way of life and requesting what was intended to be a gift be given instantly.

Pigs brought this son to his senses but not quite in time, he had squandered all of his inheritance, and was living like a pig

. Pigs were considered in biblical times unclean, they wallowed in the mud, ate slop, had no regard to how they looked, and tend to smell pretty bad, they still do today but we have a somewhat different attitude toward them today.

However today if you call someone a "pig" it brings to mind someone who is unkept, dirty and conveys contempt and disgust.

Anyway all of this to say, this leads me to a verse I did some study on.

Matthew 7:6

"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to the pigs".

Some scholars say scripture verses are referred to as "pearls" and we should not waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Jews often referred to Gentiles as "dogs" or "Pigs" and the scripture was not meant for the Gentiles. But some understand this to be a warning that the message of the Kingdom would not be received by the Gentiles. Still others say it is also a warning to the resistant Jewish leaders or to unbelievers in general.

We have to read the from Matthew 7:1 to find out what exactly Jesus is trying to tell us here, He is talking about judging others before we take the speck out of our own eye, but at the same time encouraging us to continue asking in prayer for wisdom to pray effective prayers.

Hes not saying we should give up on the lost but that our words will not always be accepted. Have you ever talked with an unbeliever and they just kinda stare at you like you have just spoken some foreign language and they were thoroughly bored with anything about the Bible?

What Jesus does say is to keep preserving in asking the Father for wisdom, direction, and guidance.

Matt 7:7 "Keep asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep knocking and the door will be opened to you".

Jesus is not saying to ask for extravagant desires, that God will not grant that, but for God's people to seek daily provisions and spiritual blessings.

I think a key word here is DAILY, don't let life get so busy that we don't communicate with the Father for answers to living.

Its all in the Bible and finding time to just study and read it is a challenge but so worth the time.

MY HEART WILL MISS HER FOREVER!!!

2011-05-06T18:21:00.000-04:00

You were my mother and my friend,
which was unusual.
Somehow our characters still blend;
Your wisdom and my will.
I turned, and you were there for me; I spoke you understood.
I felt cared for, but also free;
You loved, and I was good.
I fortunate that I was born to someone just as you.
I love you still, though you are gone, You live in what I do.
Unknown author

My mom passed awau unexpectdly in 2002, I miss her still and always will.

Both of my parents are gone from this world and if you can see the dates on the headstone they both decided to leave us on holidays. My sister says that was so we siblings wouldn't forget about them.... No chance of that but she makes a joke out of a serious event.

Yesterday we went to the cemetary to spruce up the grave sight. It gave us something to do for Mom.

She loved flowers.

There is also anotther grave there, our little sister, I'm the oldest of five and the only one who remembers her. she lived only three days and God took her home. I look forward to someday when I will finally get to meet her in heaven.

We made a fun day of it, enjoyed the warm sunshine and fellowship while we cleaned up the weeds and planted new flowers. As always had a few laughs. Then stopped for lunch on the way home.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!!!!

Ain't never heerd of this before

2011-05-03T21:37:00.000-04:00

I was out surveying the yard today and found this little surprise. Bet you don't know what it is???

Give up???

Last year a friend of mine gave me a kale plant, I love vegetables, greens and all kinds of things that grow in the ground. We enjoyed the kale until there was no more and I just left the stalk in the ground all winter.

I was told that they won't come back year after year so didn't expect anything but... today here it is growing again, however there was also some small tracks near by that looked like a small dear tracks and I suspect that this plant may not make it to much longer, that is if the dear likes kale.

RANDOM SHOTS FROM THE WEEKEND

2011-05-01T18:19:00.000-04:00

SEEING THAT I HAVEN'T BEEN A VERY GOOD BLOGGER LATELY i THOUGH I 'D POST A FEW RANDOM SHOTS FROM OUR WEEK-END ACTIVITIES.

OF COURSE THE WEATHER FINALLY BECAME MORE SPRING LIKE ON SUNDAY SO WE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THAT AND JUMPED ON THE BIKE AND HEADED TO HOLLAND FOR THE 10TH ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE BIKES. I THE FIRST PICTURE YOU SEE A REAL BIKER PASTOR GIVING THE BLESSING. THE SECOND PICTURE IS JUST A FEW OF THE BIKES THAT WERE THERE.

AND HERE YOU SEE THE FIRST ORIOLE OF THE SEASON SITTING IN MY TREE JUST OUTSIDE MY FRONT WINDOW, ALONG WITH HIM/HER CAME THE HUMMERS. I PUT MY HUMMING BIRD FEEDER OUT 2 DAYS AGO BECAUSE IT NEVER FAILS THEY RETURN EVERY YEAR ON THE FIRST OF MAY... HOW DO THEY KNOW THAT????

SOMETIMES THERE JUST ISN'T AN ANSWER

2011-04-27T19:15:00.090-04:00

Many of you know I attend a Bible study on Tues and we have been digging into Luke with deep teaching from our sweet and knowledgeable teacher. .But even she gets baffled at times by some of the things Jesus says to his disciples. I think that is one of the things I like so much about her is she is not afraid to say I just don't know what He is trying to say here. That in itself gets us all the thinking and looking deeper into the message and the meaning behind it.

Even some of the best commentators have different views so in the end its often just one of those mysteries that we will have wait till we get to heaven. Our verse in question is Luke 17:37 when Jesus is answering the disciples question about the return of the son of man and when will this happen? And Jesus answers with a strange response. "Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near." Luke 17:37This can be referred to a a near/far statement, which means Jesus was trying to make the disciples understand something that is important to them in their time and at the same time something that can be meant for us in the distance future. Some commentaries compare this passage in Luke to one in Revelation and the Armageddon, which is truly blood bath where the carrion's will dine on the rotting flesh of beasts and men. I don't know about you but digging into the word and comparing scripture to scripture seems to confirm to my heart that God loves us with unfailing love and is desperately trying to reach us and help us to understand His message. Does anyone else have any comments or thoughts on this?? Or maybe just share something your learning in a Bible study.

Its Friday but Sundays coming!!!

2011-04-23T20:26:00.000-04:00

What all

Christians are waiting for!!!!

MEMORY CARDS

2011-04-20T21:07:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you but I have always found it hard to memorize scripture, I could tell you in my own words what a verse said but not word for word as it is written in the Bible.
Until attending my Tuesday morning Bible study on Luke this year with some very creative leaders teaching us. They came up with these cute little cards to help us memorize John 15:1-17 as complementary verses to learn by heart. Each week we move on to the next verse and each week we review all the verses and say them out loud together.

I keep the verse for the week sitting on the table next to where I do my Bible reading and every morning and evening rehearse the verses over in my mind. I also have them posted up on the board at work so I can review them there as well. So far noone has protested and hopefully others have also read them. Another little tip that has helped many of the gals to remember the verses is to write down the first initial of each word, a sort of cheat sheet but makes your mind recall the word without actually seeing the whole word. Heres an example:
I a t t v a m F i t v d
I am the true vine and my Father is the vine dresser.
Simple huh??
Of course we have done this prayerfully and ask the Holy spirit to give us a hunger hide the word in our hearts. Its working for me and I'm thankful that I can finally say I have memorized most of these verses. Its such a good feeling to know that it can be done. How pleasing it much be to the Lord to see each precious women learning the heart of God and hiding it in our mortal hearts.

PILEATED WOODPECKER

2011-04-16T19:43:00.000-04:00

Not to sure how well you can see this, but the other day Sweetman was looking out into the woods and there was our old friend the pileated woodpecker. He hasn't been around for quite awhile and I've been told that they are pretty illusive and don't often visit populated areas.Its always fun to catch a glimpse of these guys in the wild. They have huge anvil shaped heads with beaks that can drill major holes in the trees. Their whole bodies measure about 15 to 18 inches so they are not a little bird by any means.

Fun to have this visitor come by now and then.

Sometimes things just go that way

2011-04-15T21:02:00.000-04:00

We've had a lot of wind here and as you can see it took a toll on the little garage my daughter had put up to protect her car from the winter weather. It did its job this winter but today it just couldn't stand up to the constant wind gusts we had today.

Each wind storm that came along lately has loosened something and it was only a matter of time before the whole thing would collapse.

Its been one of those weeks for her and I think she's glad its Friday. Earlier this week she hit a deer on her way to work, which smashed the front of her car pretty good, but she was not injured. It could have been much worse and cars can be replaced. It is still driveable but looks pretty funny. I guess now she doesn't need to protect her car. I didn't have a picture of the car so couldn't add it here. I'm thinking she has had a guardian angel following her around pretty closely and thank the Lord for that.

Some weeks just go that way.

SOMETIMES I GET IDEAS~~~~~~

2011-04-07T14:13:00.002-04:00

My ideas often involve something with a handle and work at the end of it. It was so nice to discover this crocus popping up as I wander out in the yard this morning. With the sun warming my heart I got the idea that maybe I should spend a little time outside.

I've had this thought through the winter that I might like to dig out the sod by this corner fence and make more room for some flowers.

So I found the shovel and started digging. I wasn't sure if I would be able to complete it all in one day because back in Feb. I had some surgery on my hand and didn't know just how that was going to go.

Once I got started I just had to finish. And I wish you could have been with me, the quietness of the morning was like heaven, the birds were singing, the far away drill of a woodpecker working on a hollow tree, a light that breeze cooled my face, the shadow of a whooping crane as it flew overhead, and an occasional buzz of a bee flew near by. The smell of the moist dirt as I dug it up was earthy and it was soft to touch.

Definitely made me happy to feel that YES!!! spring was here!!! I finished my project just as sweetman was coming home from having coffee with the boys and he also found some finds at a garage sale eariler this morning so again that is another sign of spring. I was thanking the Lord the whole time I was out there and it actually only took me about an hour and half to get it all done. Now for a little fertlizer and maybe some good black dirt and then the flowers!!! Yes!!!

Cozy feet!!!

2011-04-06T19:04:00.000-04:00

With the weather in such a confused state as it has been lately, I've been spending my days off trying to keep warm with a good cup of coffee and a book. Oh ya, and my cozy little socks that keep my feet toasty.

Aren't they a hoot??? They even have none slip grippers on the bottom!!! To funny.

Spring , springing all over, except in the temperatures

2011-03-29T20:56:00.000-04:00

My blogging has certainly been hit or miss the last few months, I'm not really sure what the reason is but I thought I better write a few lines just to keep my ability to type up to snuff.
I'm anxiously waiting for the outside temperatures to get into a more spring like season so I can get outside to clean up some of the nastiness left by the melted snow. We have had sun galore and it does feel warm through the window, and is very welcome but the wind outside is sharp and the motivation to go out just hasn't kicked in yet.
I did see the beginnings of little crocus shoots starting to pop up and robins have been seen all over. Another sign that spring is coming, (well actually here, according to the calendar) it the birds are singing much earlier in the morning and I have heard new songs being sung so different birds are arriving, always a good sign.
I also need to do a good inside cleaning, just the last few days I've been looking around the house feeling it has been calling my name to clean with more depth than just the usual vacuum and dusting. With all the sunshine streaming in my windows showing great signs of neglect. Oh I fear I have lots to do in near future for sure.
How about you??? Any of you started with the spring cleaning or am I the only one who has put off this great undertaking.???

Word pictures for the day

2011-03-22T18:30:00.000-04:00

Visiting with Great Grandma

2011-03-18T22:47:00.000-04:00

Friday I had a chance to have my Great grandson over for part of the afternoon. I don't have any baby equipment at my house any more but there is always a way to improvise when necessary. Here you see him with this cute but bewilderd look on his face. Hes sitting on two phone books and strapped in with one of Great grandpa's belts. By the look on his face he's saying, "but this isn't like what I sit on at my house".
Once he got used to it though it was ok and the soft cookie he was eating was more than good, he was all smiles.

We had a little play time, a change of the britches and a bottle.

Then nap time, so fun but I realized how much work they are and how time comsuming they can be. In between our fun, dinner needed to be started but we managed.

Wonder how I did it with three small kids years ago???

Eagles

2011-03-08T19:08:00.000-05:00

This is a pretty poor picture but I hope you can see that it is an Eagle, Sweetman took it just today but with one of the smaller cameras we have so the telephoto lens wasn't so great..
We live near the bayou's and for the last couple of weeks have enjoyed seeing several of these patiently waiting to catch a fish. At one time there were about 7 of them in the trees, some mature with white heads and others younger and the heads have not yet turned white. If you get a chance take a drive out by the lake and along the bayou's, and keep looking in the trees you may just see a few of them in action.

So far this year----I'm just sayin

2011-03-05T15:23:00.000-05:00

So far this year it has been a challenge to just get out of bed in the morning.
Don't jump to the conclusion that I just want to pack it in. No No never!!!
Its March already and we have had enough trials this year... Oh, not all of it is bad but it has been a struggle. I know there are many of you who have struggled for years with so much stuff and I don't know how you can get through any thing without the Lord on your side.
January, Sweetman had elective surgery on his shoulder for a bad rotator cuff tear, that he did put off for far to long but being the man he is and as active as he is, anyone who knows him understands why he waited so long. However, because he dilly dallied it has taken longer to recover, and keeping still, for him has not been easy. Granted the pain has done a fine job of curbing his activity but just to sit has been difficult. Therapy session have not been fun but he is gaining mobility. Then he got what ever is going around be it flu, bronchitis, pneumonia or a combination of the three, and that has taken a toll. He is simply run down. Taking over the counter medications to help with the snot nose congested chest and cough proved to be a disaster. He reacted violently to the side effects that set him back for a few days. So going cold turkey to get rid of this bug has been no fun.
Then, last week I had minor surgery on my hand for a trigger finger and they found a small cyst so the incision needed to be slightly bigger than usual, fortunately I only missed one day of work and this too is healing well.
Speaking of work it has not been a picnic, it seems cooperation's that run nursing homes like to see how many new rules they can enforce on their staff and without going into details at my age new anything is no fun. I love my job and working with the elderly has given me many years of fulfillment, my colleagues are fantastic, I love them all and in my opinion we have one of the best facilities in the area. But that is changing from having a personal touch to becoming more impersonal, that is heart breaking to not just me but many good faithful people I work with.
But on the lighter side Sweetman is now on the up swing and doing much better, we're praying he will be good as new by spring so he can resume his hobby job of flea marketing and riding that big bike. My hand is healing and the flu bug is leaving our home, I hope for good..
Don't feel sorry for us that isn't the reason for the post I just wanted to vent. I think venting is good at times and this is my blog.
There are so many more reasons to rejoice, the first day of spring is this month and the long dark winter days are getting brighter. I have food in my pantry and a warm home to live in. God is on our side and He is watching over us and providing an abundant amount of blessings everyday. When trials come we cling to God in a different way and need Him more and He loves that.
And.... Shamrock shakes are back !!!! Its all good

Learning on another level

2011-02-28T20:14:00.001-05:00

Went to hear Ray VanderLaan last night lecture and learned some new words, it was amazing to sit under this mans great wisdom of Jewish traditions and the "Torah" or the Old Testament as we gentiles call it. He told us that we Americans have a lot of knowledge of the Bible and Old testament teachings but we don't live it like the Jewish people. We know of the stories but we don't live them.
Jesus loved to tell stories. That is the way He taught his disciples and the way He continues to teach us through the Word.
The first word we learned was the Hebrew word : Hagah-. to pronounce it you need to almost growl and make guttural sound in your throat, it means to growl, moan, muse, meditate. In the words of Mr VanderLaan," it means to take the story in" as the Jewish people do, taking in every single word of the Lord.
The second word is: Halak-pronounced as it looks, it means to go to walk or to live in it. Mr. VanderLaan's words were " To act the story out, to live in it"
How many of us can actually say we live out the words we read in the Bible? He pointed out something else, we have faith in Jesus, but do we have the faith of Jesus???Ask your self these questions~~ Why did Jesus die?? Why die He live???Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to
destroy, but to fulfill. MATTHEW 5:17
Mr VanderLaan is teaching a series and will be in Holland for more teaching and I have to admit he has an unusual way of pacing all over the church and speaks very rapidly. None the less his knowledge of Hebrew, Greek and Jewish traditions is phenomenal.

................................................................................

Works for me Wednesday

2011-02-23T07:00:00.009-05:00

I recently read this info in the paper and haven't actually tried many of them but just found the many uses of this product to be really interesting.
Its simply Epsom salt:
Relaxing and sedative bath: soak in warm water and 2 cups of Epsom salts.

Foot soaks: soothe aches and remove odors and soften rough skin with a foot soak. Add 1/2 cup to large pan and soak for as long as it feels right.

Splinter remover: soak in Epsom salt and it will draw out the splinter.

Face cleaner: mix 1/2 teaspoon of Epsom salt with your regular cleansing crean. Massage into skin and rinse with cold water.

Remove excess oil from hair: Add 9 tablespoons of Epson salt to 1/2 cup of oily hair shampoo. Apply one tablespoon of the liquid to your hair when it is dry, rinse with cold water. Pour lemon juice or organic apple cider vinegar through the hair, leave on for 5-10 minutes and then rinse.

Remove Hair spray residue: Combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup Epsom salt. Combine, cover and let set for 24 hours. The next day, pour the mixture into your dry hair and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then shampoo normally.

Hair Volumizer: Combine equal parts of deep conditioner and Epsom salt. Warm in a pan. Work the warm mixture through your hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse
I'm sure there are many products out there that will do the same things, but this is more of a natural way and lots of people are going green and using cheaper and more natural ways of doing things.
For more tips go here.

Contentment, words of wisdom

2011-02-16T20:45:00.000-05:00

For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content, - Philippians 4:11

Lately it has been very trying at work and I have struggled with muttering and complaining about how rushed, overloaded and just plain disgusted I get with some of my bosses who don't seem to understand that there is not enough hours in the day to complete all that is expected of us to get done. Now,having said that,this morning I picked up my devotional book and I read the following from Spurgeon

"These words show us that contentment is not a natural propensity of man. weeds grow easily. Covetousness, discontent, and murmuring are as natural to man as thorns are to the soil. We do not need to sow thistles and brambles; they come up naturally enough, because they are indigenous to earth. And so we do not need to teach men to complain; they complain fast enough without any education. But the precious things of the earth must be cultivated. In order to have wheat, we must plow and sow; if we want flowers, there must be the garden, and all the gardener's care. Now, contentment is one of the flowers of heaven, and if we would have it, it must be cultivated;it will not grow in us by nature. It is the new nature alone that can produce it, and even then we must be specially careful and watchful that we maintain and cultivate the grace that God has sown in us. Paul says, "I have learned.... to be content,"as much as to say he did not know how at one time. It cost him some pains to discover that great truth. No doubt he sometimes thought he had learned, and then broke down. And when at last he had attained to it and could say, " I have learned in whatsoever situation I am to be content," he was an old, gray-headed man, upon the borders of the grave---a poor prisoner shut up in Nero's dungeon at Rome. We might well be willing to endure Paul's infirmities and share the cold dungeon with him, if we also might by some means attain to his good stature. Do not indulge the notion that you can be contented with learning or learn without discipline. It is not a power that may be exercised naturally but a science to be acquired gradually. We know this from experience. Christians, hush that murmur, even though it is natural, and continue as a diligent pupil in the College of Contentment."

I needed to read that, and found myself checking my attitude of contentment several times today.

How we live???

2011-02-15T14:56:00.000-05:00

CORAM DEO (latin: Before the face of God)

Living all of life
In the presence of God
under the authority of God
and to the glory of God

DO WE DO THIS DAILY???

God's plan, or ours???

2011-02-06T16:17:00.000-05:00

"Peace!" Quiet! With a word the Savior commands and directs a storm and nature responds. No questions. No hesitations. No delay, just simple obedience. Why, oh why does it often take so much more that a word from the God of the universe to move us???Maybe it's because we don't have faith. Maybe it's because we forget. Maybe we're afraid. Maybe we have our own plan. Whatever the reason, the result is the same. God's Word = our hesitation. We get so caught up in our own world that we often miss when God is working in our midst. Could it be that is the reason we find it so difficult to respond to His Word and direction in our lives? We simply don't see?. If we truly believe that God is, in fact, God, and that His Word is truly His Word than our response to Him should be that of the wind and the waves: OBEDIENCE without hesitation.

Mark 4:39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
Take some time throughout the week to think back to the times when you saw God's work in your life and write them down. Then share it with someone.

Taken from devotional "REVERB"

SNOWED IN CAN'T GO ANYWHERE IF I WANTED TO

2011-02-02T10:52:00.001-05:00

They have called it the blizzard of 2011 and we are just in the second month of the new year.

I have vivid memories of another blizzard many years ago that some of you haven't lived long enough to remember, but it was even worse. We had high winds and blinding snow for almost a week. Much like yesterday but lasted longer. We had army trucks bigger than houses plow our country road so a family down the street could get out to take some babies to the Dr. and get medication. Cars were buried in drifts 6ft high, and my little maverick was demolished when several cars ran into the same big drift causing lots of damage (no injuries) just cars piling up.

Anyhoo, not being able to get to work makes me feel bad but in the mean time I managed to get in some good Bible reading and make a two layered chocolate cake that I haven't done in years.

Now, maybe I can get up enough gumption to try to get the door opened, and get to the pole barn to maybe start the tractor, this is all a big IF because there is a really big drift at my back door, and my road is still not passable anyway.

Just ordinary folks like us

2011-01-31T20:15:00.000-05:00

The next time you feel like GOD can't use YOU, just remember...

Noah was a drunk

Abraham was too old

Isaac was a daydreamer

Jacob was a liar

Leah was ugly

Joseph was abused

Moses had a stuttering problem

Gideon was afraid

Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer

Rahab was a prostitute

Jeremiah and Timothy were too young

David had an affair and was a murderer

Elijah was suicidal

Isaiah preached naked

Jonah ran from God

Naomi was a widow

Job went bankrupt

John the Baptist ate bugs

Peter denied Christ

The Disciples fell asleep while praying

Martha worried about everything

The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once

Zaccheus was too small

Paul was too religious

Timothy had an ulcer...

AND Lazarus was dead!

No more excuses now!! God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are only the messenger!!!!

Gotta brag just a little

2011-01-29T21:52:00.000-05:00

I don't know how many of you are grand parents or great grand parents, but I just have to show off this sweet little man who is my great grand child. He is just so hugable. God has blessed us with this child. He wakes up smiling, and I just know there is a special plan for his life. Its so fun to watch him grow and learn, he studies everything and looks at you with such intense eyes. He is our little cherub, and he makes my heart smile!!!

Promises of God we can count on

2011-01-27T07:00:00.003-05:00

The sermon this past Sunday was all about the promises of God. I'll just condense it a little but you will get the message.
God is a promise making God, He gives us blessings, peace, joy, goodness, forgiveness in Jesus, and eternal life.
God keeps every promise
God wants us to test His promises
Gods promises are actuated by patience and faith.
God is always with me
God is always in control
God is always good
God is always watching out for us
God is always victorious
We can win with God on our side!!!!
Heres a few scriptures to help you along.
Psalm 118: 6-7
Romans 8:31
Romans 16:20
1 John 4:4
Philippians 4:13

Works for me Wednesday

2011-01-26T07:52:00.007-05:00

http://wearethatfamily.com/HI Everybody!!!
I don't often do works for me Wednesday, well I almost never do works for me Wednesday, but I just learn a really cool thing, so wanted to pass it along to others. Have your ever opened a bag of chips or doritos or any of that kind of snack and then folded up the bag and set it aside only to go back at a later date to find it stale and tasteless??? This most happens in the summer when humidity is high or if you only have one or two people in your house hold yo eat those bags of chips. Anyway if you pop those bags of chips in the freezer until you want them again they stay just as fresh as when you opened them.
If you want a bunch more tips just hop over to We are that Family

Beauty is not always nice

2011-01-21T13:18:00.001-05:00

ole' Man winter why don't you leave ???
I have a three day week end and didn't have to get out on the roads this morning. As I was dressing and listening to the radio all I kept hearing was about another slide off or semi-truck jack knifed on the highway, fortunately most were without injury just fender benders of sorts.I enjoyed a few hot cups of coffee, some time with the Lord, and just now noticed the bird feeder is getting pretty low in sunflowers seeds. The Nuthatches, Juncos, Cardinals, woodpeckers and pesky Blue jays will soon be protesting. Spring can't get here fast enough but I am afraid it will be awhile yet, so I just better adjust my attitude and accept this another few layers of white stuff.My wind chime you see here was really making music last night but has quieted now long enough for me to catch a picture. Funny how things look so different snow covered and white.

Busted!!! so busted

2011-01-20T18:57:00.000-05:00

As I drove into the garage today I noticed fresh car tracks of snow leading to our other car, (I'm observant that way)
Of course my first thought was that rascal Sweetman went somewhere. Hes not supposed to be driving Yet!!!
He just had surgery last Wednesday, and to keep the pain under control and down to tolerable levels has been taking some pretty major pain killers, that also tend to kill the senses just a bit.
Of course sitting at home doing pretty much nothing is not one of the attributes of this mans nature.
So, I was barely in the door and, the first thing I said to him is "where did you go today" ???
sheep couldn't have look more innocent.... But he did fess up..
He didn't take any pain meds this morning, managed to take a shower, get dressed and put the sling back on all without help. Then he went to meet with some of his buddy's for coffee. Which is a weekly occurrence every week on Thursdays..
The guys were a bit surprised to see him there but he stayed long enough for coffee and headed home to take the much needed pills.
I recall as I left this morning telling him, "You better not try to go anywhere today " Ya, so much for listening to me!!!!

A Name for God

2011-01-17T21:05:00.000-05:00

Y = yod — Hand
H = heh — window of breath, Behold
W = vav — Nail
H = heh — window of breath, Behold

YHWH

Have any of you ever seen this word for God?? It is thought to be so Holy that it can not be spoken out loud.

Epitome of a slacker

2011-01-13T14:15:00.000-05:00

Here you have the epitome of a slacker!!! No really he has a good reason. Yesterday the poor man had surgery on his Lt rotator cuff which was torn quite severely.
He has this elaborate cumbersome arm sling with an added feature of a cyro cuff ice cooler that also rests over the arm sling to keep it chilled and control the swelling. Pain meds are the big item on the menu today and sleep is taken in short naps, partly because of the discomfort of the cumbersome sling. Oh, ya I forgot in that mess some where is also a pain pump that is attached directly into the incision to keep the pain level down.

All in all things went fairly well, now just the recovery time, therapy and hopefully return full range of motion.
Many thanks to all the prayers that were sent heaven ward and continue to be lifted on Sweetman's behalf.

MERCY OUTRUNS MALICE

2011-01-11T19:55:00.000-05:00

My devotional for today was so inspiring that I just had to share it.
Luke 22:32 "I have prayed for You".
How encouraging is the thought of the Redeemer's never-ceasing intercession for us. When we pray, He pleads for us; and when we are not praying, He is advocating our cause,and by His supplications shielding us from unseen dangers. Notice the word of comfort addressed to Peter---"Simon. Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but"----What? "But go and pray for yourself"? That would be good advice, but it is not so written. Neither does He say, "But I will keep you watchful, and so you shall be preserved." That would be a great blessing. No, it is, "But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail." We little know what we owe to our Savior's prayers. When we reach the hilltops of heaven and look back upon all the way whereby the Lord our God has led us, how we shall praise Him who, before the eternal throne, undid the mischief that Satan was doing upon earth. How we shall thank Him because He never held His peace but day and night pointed tot he wounds upon His hands and carried our names upon His breastplate! Even before Satan had begun to tempt, Jesus had forstalled him and entered a plea in heaven. Mercy outruns malice. Consider,He does not say, " Satan hath desired to have you." He checks Satan even in his very desire and nips it in the bud. He does not say, "But I have desired to pray for you." No, but "I have prayed for you---- I have done it already; I have gone to court and entered a counterplea even before and accusations is made."
O Jesus, what a comfort it is that You have pleaded our cause against our unseen enemies; You have unmasked their ambushes. Here is a matter for joy, gratitude, hope, and confidence.

Somebodies gotta do it

2011-01-08T13:21:00.001-05:00

Well, we finally got it, a snow storm, ya and I know there are alot of you who have been waiting for this.

Add caption

While I do admit it is very beautiful, (who wouldn't) I still don't like it.

I took a few shots around the yard this morning.
We got bundled up like eskimos heading out on the tundra. It is really cold but sunny, I had so many layers of clothes in I wasn't sure I could move and was glad I had just used the bathroom.

Sweetman said, this is the day I had to learn how to use the snowblower. He's having surgery next week on his rotator cuff and won't be able to plow for some time~~~~~ So, out we went and after several careful instructions about the leavers and whatchamajigs I was off. Really wasn't to bad. as you can see I managed to get the drive plowed without even hitting anything.

Clean slate

2011-01-03T20:23:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love a clean sheet of paper, clean sheets on your bed with that nice fresh smell, working in the nursing home each month we have new clean medication records to chart on.
I like the smell of a new book.
Isn't starting a new year kind of the same feeling?? Ok maybe we didn't get to complete all the goals we set for ourselves from last year, or there might be some unfinished business we didn't get to finish, but now we can start all over with this year.
This year, live with confidence. Don't live in fear. Starting today, believe
with all your heart that in God's power you will not stumble.
And if you encounter a fearful situation, just keep your feet moving forward
with Jesus--He is the light of the world!
Our confidence is not in ourselves but in the One who has made us. He continues to work through our trials, circumstances, health issues, financial problems, nature and for that matter world problems that we can not see an end to. World peace?? do we think we can actually change the outcome that is already predicted in the Bible??
Aww, but He who is in us, is greater than he who is in the world.. Why can't we remember that??
We are responsible for our own actions and we need to think godly rather than worldly.
And we can not do that on our own without the strength and wisdom of God, He gave us His word to read, study, to learn more about the heart of God. Its so simple but so hard for us to do.
Colossians 2:9 " For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body" or another was to say this is: in Him dwells all the completeness of the Godhead.
Huge meaning in just a few words, could be a whole bible study just on that verse.
This year is a new year we can start with a clean slate because Jesus, has paid the price for our sins, lets live like we are forgiven and point others to our Savior with the way we conduct our lives.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-12-30T20:10:00.000-05:00

Just throwing this one out there for all of you. What kind of New Year resolutions are you making for this new year???

I'm not one to make any specific resolutions but this year I hope to spend more time reading my new study Bible that sweetman got me for Christmas. It is very easy for me to find other things to do around the house than sit and spend time with the Father and His word.

But in actuality there can be no better time spent then with the Lord. All other things are temporal and that is one thing I have to remember. God's word will live forever and bless me in so many more ways then doing the laundry, dusting and vacuuming.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

2010-12-25T13:22:00.000-05:00

Abundance in all things we are truly Blessed!!!

Beautiful trees, beautiful families, great food, new members to the family and a Savior who came to save us all!!

This is Liss the exchange student from Madrid Spain who is here for a year with my oldest daughter, she fits right in with this family and we love her like all the others.

Making cookies with lots of smiles

2010-12-11T21:10:00.000-05:00

We set aside today as cookie making day, there was originally supposed to be a few others with us but it always seems that something comes up so that some can't make it. Years ago when Mom was still with us and before children and work schedules and other busyness got in the way we made this an annual event before Christmas. Then all of us shared the spoils to eat, give away or do what ever we wanted to with all the goodies.

As you can see we still had a few laughs and managed to make a variety of over abundance of goodies.

Haystacks are always on the menu, as is magic cookie bars and of course the traditional Christmas cookie that needs embellishment from the expert frosting appliers. AKA my daughter and sister.
We did some peppermint bark and peanut butter bars too.

Is there some kind of traditional activity that any of you do with your family members during the holidays?? I know some of you with little children observe the advent which is great teaching for the preparation of the birth of Jesus.

Ambassadors For Jesus

2010-12-10T20:54:00.000-05:00

Birds of a feather flock together" didn't seem to be true for Jesus, but I know it's been true for me. I have tended to befriend those like myself. I naturally gravitate toward women who look like me, think like me and worship like me
But Jesus often calls us beyond our natural inclinations into the realm of the supernatural. In His counter-cultural world, Jesus calls us to love our enemies. He commands us to bless the poor. He invites us to love the seemingly unlovable
I've been examining the way I have responded lately, the thoughts I've had and some of my actions are at complete opposite poles of what Jesus has taught us.
Makes me think of that verse in Romans when Paul is talking about his sinful nature that seems to crop up time and time again only pointing to the fact that only through Jesus can God forgive us.

Romans 7 :15 "For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate".

I have to keep in mind that I am a representative of Jesus therefore my actions, the responses I make, the words I say, and in general the way I live my life in public and private need to reflect my Lord. I read this little story somewhere just lately and its a good way to remember we are ambassadors for the Lord in everything we do including driving.

Turn signals on cars are used to indicate which direction you are intending to travel. As Christians traveling on this "road of life", our "signals" are the way we believe, think, talk, react, and behave. For someone following us or watching us, our "signals" are clear indicators of the direction we are intending to go....Glory land! If there are no other people on our "stretch of road" at the time, do we not display our Christian beliefs, thought processes, speech, attitudes, or our behavior simply because we see no one is watching or following? I am not being critical of you or your situation, nor am I judging you. This came to me as a way for ME to remember to use my turn signal on my vehicle, regardless of whether I am on the interstate, my little small town road, turning into my driveway etc. Now, every time I intend to change lanes or directions, I think about the importance of signals....they display our intentions to others on the road....and Someone is always watching!...

Nice carvings over at Mari's

2010-12-06T20:19:00.001-05:00

My how time flies, I really have been very bad this year at keeping up on this blog. Santa probably will not be bringing me much this year for sure.
I'm only just now writing this post to direct you over to my friend Mari's blog, she has a giveaway going on and you can see some of the amazing carvings that her husbands does.
I know you won't be disappointed

Starving Time

2010-11-23T20:02:00.000-05:00

In our pre Bible study time this morning we learned a little bit of history that I didn't know about.
During the winter of 1621-22 the Pilgrims entered a "starving time". At one point, a daily ration of food for a Pilgrim was 5 kernels of corn. With a simple faith that God would sustain them, no matter what, and they pulled through. History records that not a one of them died from starvation that winter. Not one.
Not only that, the harvest of 1623 brought a surplus of corn, so much that the pilgrims even had extra corn to trade.
Now here is where the neat practice some families have made a tradition each year at Thanksgiving. Beside each place at the Thanksgiving table are five kernels of dried corn. During the meal,a special cup is passed around the table. Each member of the family drops a kernel into the cup while sharing something for which he is grateful. The cup goes around until all the kernels are used and all the thanks are said. Another variation is to place the 5 kernels of corn on the table at the left side of each plate. As you go around the table during the meal, each person moves one kernel from the left to the to the right side of their plate as they share something they are thankful for. Continue around 5 times until all the corn has been moved.
God has two dwellings: one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart.
~Izaak Walton
Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!!

Eastern Sky early in the morning

2010-11-20T21:21:00.000-05:00

Most of you know I get up really early to get to work and for the last couple of weeks now there has been a huge star in the Eastern sky that out shines all of the others. It catches my eye every morning. Just makes me think of what the Shepard's must have been thinking about when they saw the star so long ago announcing the birth of our Lord.
Someone said it was a satellite and somone else said it is Venus, what ever it is God made it, and each time I see it I say a pray of thanks and praise for the new day and for the glorious heavenly bodies that light up our night skies and my heart.

THANKSGIVING IS? You fill it in

2010-11-19T21:31:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I think we miss the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Have you ever wondered what it was really like at the first Thanksgiving celebration? I don't think it was anything like the way we do it today. Oh, we do have so much to be thankful for, family gathering together, lots of good food, shelter over our heads, warm beds to sleep in, cars to drive. Things we have things to be to be thankful for.I think the first celebration in 1621 was more a praise and worship to God for His watchful eye over that small band of people who were struggling to survive. To them a day of Thanksgiving was purely religious. With a thankful focus on God, rather then how big the turkey on the table is, or who has the coolest new smart phone, or the latest gadget that will do everything but wash the clothes. Yes all things to thank God for because He has allowed someone to invent them to make yours and my life easier. But do we put the praise on the object and not on the One who allowed it
. 2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Enjoy a very abundant and Blessed Thanksgiving

Faith, what does that look like??

2010-11-14T21:14:00.000-05:00

Our sermon today was from Hebrews 11, I like that book. Our pastor is young and has a wife who is battling a courageous battle with cancer. He is especially passionate about his faith and wants us to get it.
Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for, and assurance about what we do not see"
Did you know the word Faith is mentioned 20 times in chapter 11? I think its important.

Faith is grace activated.

We were given two questions: What is my most pleasing response to God?
God sees the believer through the lens of Jesus
That is assurance, that is hope, that is conviction.

The second question was: What does my response to faith involve?
Faith is believing the word of God, ALL of it, not just bits and pieces that make me feel good, And not twisting it to conform to MY liking.
Faith is seeking Him, and having a relationship with the one true living Lord. Not just on Sundays but everyday. Romans 10:14 " How, than, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
Faith is throwing off sin, sin robs us of the joy. Isaiah 7:9 "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."
What is the weight or sin that keeps you from running towards Jesus???
Talk to HIM get it right and you can know the peace that surpasses all understanding, by having faith in the work that Jesus did on the cross.

Salvation is not based on past life experience but on true belief and faith in the one who has taken our sin and nailed it to the cross with His life.

Silly Saturday

2010-11-13T13:47:00.000-05:00

I noticed my friend Mari, posted aFriday funny, so I thought I'd share a silly Saturday with you for a chuckle:: Ready here goes.
What did one slice of bread say to the other slice when he saw some butter and jam on the table????

give up??

"Were toast"!!!!

Sorry, I just had a silly moment....

2010-11-08T20:05:00.000-05:00

I Like this picture, it really needs no explanation. But it does bring lots of others thoughts to my mind. Like the song "He has the whole world in His hands".

Another thought is how we can shape and influence the lives of our children either for good or bad, depending on how we teach them by the actions in our own lives more than words. Another thought is the importance of caring for someone that God has actually given to us as a gift but is really not ours to keep, because they are His. Just like the gift of Jesus was given to us as an example of fully man but also fully God. What a miracle.

Docetism

2010-10-25T21:16:00.000-04:00

Docetism~~~~~ anyone know what that word means??? No, give up??
I thought it was an interesting word and worth sharing.
In Christianity, docetism (from the Greek δοκέω [dokeō], "to seem") is the belief that Jesus' physical body was an illusion, as was his crucifixion; that is, Jesus only seemed to have a physical body and to physically die, but in reality he was incorporeal, a pure spirit, and hence could not physically die. This belief treats the sentence "the Word was made Flesh" (John 1:14) as merely figurative. Docetism has historically been regarded as heretical by most Christian theologians.
I don't think I like that word much or what it implies about my Jesus.

OK here's another one or two for you, how about peccability and impeccability????
Give up again?? OK, its really a reference to the question could Jesus have sinned or not?
In my search for the answer I found the below explanation.

Those who hold to “impeccability” believe that Jesus could not have sinned. Those who hold to “peccability” believe that Jesus could have sinned, but did not. Which view is correct? The clear teaching of Scripture is that Jesus was impeccable—Jesus could not have sinned. If He could have sinned, He would still be able to sin today because He retains the same essence He did while living on earth. He is the God-Man and will forever remain so, having full deity and full humanity so united in one person as to be indivisible. To believe that Jesus could sin is to believe that God could sin. “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him” (Colossians 1:19). Colossians 2:9 adds, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.”
Although Jesus is fully human, He was not born with the same sinful nature that we are born with. He certainly was tempted in the same way we are, in that temptations were put before Him by Satan, yet He remained sinless because God is incapable of sinning. It is against His very nature (Matthew 4:1; Hebrews 2:18, 4:15; James 1:13). Sin is by definition a trespass of the Law. God created the Law, and the Law is by nature what God would or would not do; therefore, sin is anything that God would not do by His very nature.

This is only part of the explanation I found but is also an example of the deep Bible teaching that we are getting into on Tuesday morning. Do any of you have some interesting words or Bible study wisdom to share. I love the fact that while learning so much about the history of the Bible teachings I am also being filled with the desire to gain a closer intimate relationship with my Lord. He just keep filling me with more of Him each week, but I have to continue to seek His wisdom by delving into His word.

Temptation

2010-10-23T20:14:00.000-04:00

Along with learning so much about abiding with the Lord we are also reading up on so many other things that compliment our study in Luke. Like temptation... biblical speaking there is two kinds of temptation, negative temptation and positive temptation. Let me explain what I have learned about something we all struggle with.
First lets signify that temptation is an attempt to entice into evil, but on the other hand it can indicate a testing which aims at spiritual good. so we need to keep both of these views in mind.
In the negative since or that of enticement to perpetrate evil, temptation in Biblical teaching is linked to Satan, the malignant being who stands opposed to the Divine purposes. Satan is the ultimate source of all desire and action contrary to the holy love of God. He is intelligence and devoid of anything that is moral, he is the tempter in Matthew 3:4 and referred to again in 1 Thessalonians 3:5, there are several other passages that mention the evil schemes of the devil. He finds a weakness in our flesh and camouflages it to appear harmless. In other words masquerades as good so that we fall into the frailty of our flesh be it of the eyes, or lust of the flesh or building our own prideful nature.
Ah, but if we remember our scriptures and the teaching of Paul, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: But God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ya are able: but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Now lets look at the positive significance of temptation or that of testing with the intent of creating spiritual good, or proving or improving and occasionally reproving us. We need to remember that God who is Holy and loves us with a Holy Love can never be the source of evil in any form. James 1:13 tells us that. God tests His people yes, He tested Abraham and Job, and we are sometimes tested severely and painfully, but only for the purposes of reproving and improving, and sometimes for approving. We live in a moral universe where conflict rages between the Creator and His adversary, there is spiritual warfare going on around us all the time but our eyes are blinded to the spiritual world we are surrounded by. But with the Scriptures and the Holy spirit we can experience blessings and victory after and in the very mist of our struggles.
Jesus was tested , he was really tested not just in the wilderness but on the cross, he could have jumped off that tree at any time but He chose to remain there so that we could know how much He loved us. If Jesus was tested why do we think were exempt? Are we the servants above the our Lord? The Divine intention in testing is plainly stated in Deuteronomy 8:16 "He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so the in the end it might go well with you"
Testing from the Lord is not fun but in the end we benefit because we grow stronger in our walk with the Lord, we learn lessons, we grow in a deeper intimate relationship with Jesus, we hold the hand of the one who will lead us into Heaven and we know that He is faithful to lead us in the direction that will in the end protect us from falling pray to the schemes of he evil one.

John Piper - Why Memorize Scripture?

2010-10-20T21:38:00.000-04:00

My Tuesday morning Bible study group has been studing Luke with a complimentory memory verse from John 15. About what if means to abide and I found this video of John Piper and he explains what abiding with the Lord means in a much better way than I ever could. Give a listen.

We went to the Island

2010-10-18T22:48:00.000-04:00

I had a three day weekend and we just had to take off on another little road trip. This time we ended up in Mackinaw City over night and the next day took the ferry across to mackinaw Island.

Its just one of the unique places in Michigan that attracts people from all walks of life. If your looking for bargins the shops are all having sales anywhere from 20% -50% off, of course prices are inflated to begin with but there are good sales if you look.

There are no cars or any type of motorized vehicle allowed so its either walk, ride a pedal bike or horse and buggy. I expecially like to hear the clop,clop sound of the horses as they plod through the streets delivering people to and from their hotels or to touring the Island. It does give you a feeling of going back in time.

We found most of the trees on our drive up past the peak color but on the Island the trees were just starting to change and the flowers were still in full bloom. Back at home most of the flowers are done for the season.

Any view of the Great lakes is always a pleasure to the eyes, in my opinion. The activity on the Island is still going strong but will soon be winding down. By the end of the month most of the business will have closed for the winter and soon only a remnant of people will stay. Winters can be pretty cold and brutal, so there are only a few hardy souls stay all winter.

To Ponder~~~~~

2010-10-08T20:53:00.000-04:00

I have a Tuesday morning Bible study that I have been attending and for our homework this week we have been asked to make a list of things we are grateful for and to ponder them.
"But, Mary treasured up all these things pondering them in her heart" Luke 2:19. This verse is referring to just after the birth of her son Jesus, when the shepherds came to see Him and then they spread the word concerning what had been told them about the child.
I looked up the word ponder, it means to : consider carefully. Then I started to think of all the things I'm grateful for, I have a list that doesn't end. I also looked up the word grateful, which means : having or showing the desire or reason to thank someone.
Many of you know I work with geriatrics and specially challenged individuals who require alot of assistance. I'm especially grateful for the days when I can get a smile from someone who rarely smiles, or when we can find just the right combination of medications to control pain, or to help a Parkinson's patient move more freely. I was thinking about a man who barely spoke two words in a year and has recently started to talk. The whole staff is baffled but that brings a smile to all of us. Yes I ponder this.
I ponder my past and the walk the Lord has led me on. All of the events in my life, some not so good, some very good, all have made me the person I am.
I'm grateful for my now adult children and the lives they lead today and the families they have. I'm especially grateful for how my second born has recently put her hand in the Lords and let Him lead her through some hard trials but still she trusts in His faithfulness. I ponder how this has taken place over the years.
I'm forever grateful for the man I'm married to today. He is kind and gentle, a man of strength but humble. He loves the Lord and life. I ponder the way we met, the trials we have been through, illness, fun times, traveling, growing together becoming closer every day. I ponder this every day.
The change in my siblings, how God has used the death of both my parents to draw each one of us closer to Him.
I ponder nature, I love the outdoors, the wind in my hair, the sun on my face, rain, thunderstorms, the sound of the birds singing, the gift of sight to see and hear these things, the ability to smell burning leaves, flowers, cinnamon rolls, so many gifts the Father gives us we take for granted everyday. I'm grateful.
I'm not good at memorizing scripture but I try to learn as much as I can because one day we may not have the Bible to read. I'm grateful for that book that God has given us to guide us in any life situation we can possibly find ourselves. I ponder that in my heart like Mary did over the birth of her Son, who is the savior of the world.
I don't consider myself a deep thinker but when I actually start to truly ponder the things in my life it causes me to marvel at how God uses the mundane, the marvelous, the simple, the people, the events and weave it all together for His glory in my life and my family. He is abounding, and overflowing in grace and mercy and He continues to touch those in my little circle of life, that is amazing to think He cares for the likes of me, a sinner saved by the blood of Jesus..
That is only a tiny tip of the things I have been pondering.
How about you have you pondered the things your grateful for?

Its times like these... I wonder sometimes

2010-10-01T22:50:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I wonder why I like to live where I do, with almost an acre of yard to take care of, this time of year its mostly clean up time. Yesterday Sweetman trimmed up all the bushes and shrubs around the house and yard, but ran out of time to clean up the mess before it got dark.

So today as I'm raking and picking up branches, I'm thinking, we're really to old for this, it used to be easy and for some reason didn't take as long but now, it seems it takes the whole day.

I raked and made little manageable piles of shrub debris, while Sweetman got the tractor and trailer out to pick it all up.

This is my little barn, I'm especially fond of this barn, it holds all of my lawn tools, my wagon, and lots of miscellaneous stuff. It was a birthday gift a few years ago from my husband and step son and it really gets used. And its all mine, but I do let Sweetman keep the tractor in it. Nice of me don't you think??

I just had to catch this picture of Sweetman slaving away, its not his favorite thing to do yard clean up but he is a big help. I'm really not complaining, and as I worked I got to thinking.. there are alot of people who would just love to spend a warm fall afternoon outside but can't because of illness or some other reason. So I just started to praise the Lord for giving me good health and the ability to stoop, and bend and lift and tug and pull and to feel the warm sun on my back, to hear the birds singing in the trees and to smell the sweet fragrance of drying leaves. And before I knew it we were done and I was looking for more to do cuz my whole attitude changed. I like where I live and the yard isn't really that big.

This little rake sure comes in handy for getting inbetween bushes and small places I use it all the time, I'm thankful for it too!!!

Apperently~~~ I got some learnin to do

2010-09-28T16:23:00.000-04:00

Well, today after Bible study, (which was great by the way but will be a whole other post) I stopped at a roadside produce stand. You can see in the picture what I bought.
I thought these cute little peppers were just a small under grown version of our regular sweet peppers that come in all colors these days. I did think the darker green ones were hot peppers but for 25 cents I thought what the heck I can add them to salads or chop them up into chili, or golash or whatever.

Well, they are not regular small size sweet peppers!!! They are habanero's!!! One of the hottest peppers you can get. Ya~~~ for those of you who don't know about habaneros , just in case you happen to stop by this same produce stand. These habaneros, pronounced Ha bahn air oh can eat the skin off your hands. Yup, they are very very hot!!! The oil in the habanero, as well as other hot chiles, can be very painful if you get in in your eyes or on open wounds or bare skin. They come in varies colors, orange, red,white, brown and pink.Most habaneros rate 200,000 to 300,000 scoville heat units.. Yeee Ha !!! Thats hot!!!
You will be happy to know that I did not burn the skin off my hands or get any into my eyes but I do have some cut up into a salad that I made just for me tomorrow for lunch... Hummm I wonder if I will be able to actually eat that salad??? I may have to don some gloves and pick them out before attempting to consume my lunch salad.

Bible Study Homework

2010-09-26T21:43:00.000-04:00

Our Tuesday morning Bible study has started back up again this fall, I always get so excited about this because we have such great times, worshipping and learning more about the Lord, fellow shipping with old friends and meeting new ones.
This year we're studying Luke and our first assigned homework is to rewrite in our own words what we would say if we were in Mary's shoes and had just been told by the Angel that we were going to have a baby. Its often referred to as "The Magnificat", from Luke 1: 46-55. Here's my version:

My heart is soaring with uncontrollable joy. Father, I may not be able to comprehend how it is that you have chosen me, a lowly bond servant to be the vessel to bring the Savior into the world. Because of this I will be called blessed among women. I am in awe and humbly accept your will to be done.
As great as you are, your mercy extends from generation to generation for all who fear the Lord.
You Father have touched kings who were self reliant and brought them down, and you have touched the humble and brought them to high places. It makes no difference to you whether they are rich or poor your mighty hand has change their lives. Your mercy has helped the lowly servant and you speak to me as you have to Abraham and his off spring for eternity.

I really can't put myself into Mary's shoes very well because I'm not her but I do think I would be so over whelmed with that whole idea of carrying the Son of God that I would hardly be able to think straight. But she was a willing servant and obedient to the will of God. What an awesome responsiblilty she must have felt.
This is going to be a good study, and I will try to keep you updated.

Art Prize and Art walk

2010-09-23T15:34:00.000-04:00

This picture has nothing to do with either Art Prize or Art walk but it is a pretty spot in my yard that the greatest artist ever created in the form of pretty flowers still blooming on the first day of Fall.

These little berry like things grow on our Japanese dogwood tree after the blooms have long faded. I think the birds like to eat them.

Here's what the berry looks like before it has turned that pretty pinkish/red color.

Ok, now this is what I actually started out to tell you about. I know just about everyone knows about the Art Prize venue going on in Grand Rapids but did you also know that simultaneously
there is and Art Walk going on in my little tourist town of Grand Haven. Not to be in competition with Art Prize but to compliment it and to give people a chance to come visit Grand Haven to see some of the local artist work. While not on such a grand scale as Art Prize we have some very talented artist in our area as well. I liked the sculpture of the seagulls above the best, only because I like birds and I think it represents this waterfront very well.

This one is called "The Wave" it is made up of names in the rolling form of a wave.

Here is another one that is located near the downtown area by the Chamber of Commerce building.

Not to sure what this one is but it is interesting.

This one is painted on the side of a building, with the title of, "A perfect day". As I was standing there taking this picture one of the artist came up and asked me what I thought of it. He said it was a project that he and his wife and one other person had done. I told him it did represent a perfect day.

This one is located in Central park, interesting for sure. It didn't have a name on it so can't tell you what it is. I guess you can call it what ever you want.

Another interesting sculpture in Central Park.

Now, this definitely looks like a duck.

There are many more venues all located in close proximately of the downtown area, some are inside shops to protect them from sometimes not so nice weather near the lake shore. There are three categories: sculptures/3D, Painting/Drawing/mixed media, and Photography. If you come to see them make sure you stop at one of the Artwalk headquarters to pick up a map and a voting ballot. It goes from Sept 22-to Oct 9.

You gotta see the Blue Ridge Parkway

2010-09-20T22:32:00.004-04:00

These are just a few more pictures we took traveling through the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.

Sweetman loves to get as close to the edge as he can. You know those signs that say don't go beyond this point?? Well, for some reason he can never see those.

It was really windy the day we visited Grand Father Mountain. The road that got us to the top of the mountain was several hairpin turns that twisted and wound its way to the top.

Walking on the swinging bridge was a bit hairy, but worth it for the views we saw.

This one was taken at the highest elevation 6,053 feet, it was a main stopping point for bikers to take pictures of their bikes in front of it.

More of a good thing

2010-09-20T22:30:00.004-04:00

We took this picture near Pisgah Mountain lodge, the clouds were below us at several points.

We ate lunch at the lodge and enjoyed the ever changing view while dining a most delicious meal.

This year the Parkway is celebrating its 75Th anniversary so there are all kinds of activities everywhere, bike rally's, folk art, dances, blue grass concerts, fairs and festivals of all sorts.

This rock is known as glass rock because when the sun shines on it especially after a rain shower, it looks like glass. As you can see the day we were there the sun was not cooperating and there was the ever present smoky look that the Smokies are known for.

Not many people visit the Billy Graham training center, known as "The Cove" but it was one of the places we had on our must see list. Ruth Graham had alot of input in the building of the chapel. She wanted the steeple to be as tall as possible so it could be seen from a nearby highway. It stands 85ft high with an 8ft cross on top of that. In fact she wanted everything in the chapel to point toward heaven, so when you stand inside your eyes naturally look up.

All of the wrought iron was made by a local lady who is a blacksmith, the pews came from England that Ruth found in storage and were perfect dimensions needed for this chapel.

The vision for "The Cove", was to provide a place of impact, intercession, instruction and inspiration. The Grahams wanted it to be a place of relaxation, retreat, refreshment and renewal.

Nestled in the mountain of North Carolina it is a place set apart where distractions fade and ordinary life is transformed, allowing us to calm our hearts to hear God's leading. You can walk the trails, or relax on the huge porch of the training center. Many teaching speakers and seminars are offered throughout the year. Nothing was going on the day we were there but the feeling of quiet peace could be felt as we wandered through the grounds.

Theraputic leave of absence to North Carolina

2010-09-18T18:41:00.005-04:00

At the nursing home we have to get Dr's orders for residents to go out, and we have to word it as, therapeutic leave of absence. That's what I did go on a therapeutic leave of absence to North Carolina!!!
Our trip really lived up to all the advertisements we read about.
We were blessed with prefect weather, cool evenings and nights made heavenly sleeping, and the clear fresh mornings were so relaxing. I loved to sit on the porch in a rocking chair with a cup of steaming hot coffee. Smell the crisp mountain air, a clean mixture of evergreens, and leaves from hard woods. There was a brook not to far from our cabin and we could here the the rippling sound of it flowing over the rocks.
By 10:30 am the sun warmed up to about 70 and by noon it was often close to 80 even in the mountains.

We took day trips on the Blue Ridge Parkway to marvel at the sights, nothing like traveling down a quiet road with virtually no traffic.

So many overlooks to stop at but each one unique in its own way.

We especially liked to go to the highest points to look down, this picture was taken from Chimney rock, a towering monolith with panoramic 75-mile views on a clear day. Hiking trails are everywhere always leading to some fantastic view. It was impossible to see them all.

Some areas near Chimney rock were used as a backdrop in the film "The last of the Mohican's, and "A Breed Apart".

I have alot more to fill you in on but for now this is just a teaser.
As always its good to be home again, and I am ever grateful to God for our safe travels and magnificent places we got to visit.