A new beginning.....again! 2007

The Land of Beginning Again

"I wish that there were some wonderful place

Called the Land of Beginning Again.

Where all our mistakes and all our heartaches

And all of our poor selfish grief

Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door

and never put on again.

I wish we could come on it all unawares,

Like the hunter who finds a lost trail;

And I wish that the one

whom our blindness had done

The greatest injustice of all

Could be there at the gates

like an old friend that waits

For the comrade he's gladdest to hail.

We would find all the things we intended to do

But forgot, and remembered too late,

Little praises unspoken, little promises broken,

And all the thousand and one

Little duties neglected that might have perfected

The day for one less fortunate.

It wouldn't be possible not to be kind

In the Land of Beginning Again,

And the ones we misjudged

and the ones whom we grudged

their moments of victory here,

Would find in the grasp of our loving hand-clasp

More than penitent lips could explain...

So I wish that there were some wonderful place

Called the Land of Beginning Again,

Where all our mistakes and all our heartaches,

And all of our poor selfish grief

Could be dropped like a shabby old coat at the door

And never put on again."

Author: Louise Fletcher Tarkington

He IS our new beginning, not just each new year, but each and every new day!

"It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD."

Lamentations 3:23-26

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EACH OF YOU!!!

I've been tagged!

Chantelle has tagged me to tell five things all of you don't know about me. Hmmmm, this might be a little difficult. I've really been thinking about this the past three days and I think I might be able to do it. Let's see.....

1. I was a cheerleader. Yes, you read correctly. I can hardly believe it myself. *grin* I was a cheerleader 7-11 grades at good old Starr-Washington Jr. and Sr. High Schools. If you are wondering what happened to the 12th grade....well, I was just kind of a flunkie my 12th grade year, even though I was on the honor society still. Oh, and I was a good cheerleader, too. I was always the one pushing the other girls to do bigger and more dynamic moves and so on. I'll have to find an old picture and scan it here! You won't believe it! *smile*
2. I got married on the same day I graduated from high school. Yes, it's true. I married my high school sweetheart, but from almost day one, we were headed for trouble, as he began drinking and we were so young and unprepared. Our marriage lasted 4 tumultuous years. I've remained friends with him and his family over the years, for which I am ever thankful. For you see, I gave my heart to the Lord a year and three months after our divorce and over the next several years saw his brother, sister-in-law, niece and mother be born again! Isn't that marvelous???
3. I wanted to be a teacher. But my highschool sweetheart said we could either get married or he would put me through college. Well, read above and you will see that I chose to get married! I didn't pursue college any further over the years but I did homeschool our son Daniel which kind of made up for it. I've also taught Sunday School classes and piano lessons over the years.
4. A few of my favorite things are:
Food: Pizza Crossing Pizza (Because the crust has a yeasty taste to it, like there might be beer in the dough batter or something. It is to die for!)
Ice Cream: Butter Pecan or Maple Nut
Past-time: Reading a really, really, really good book (Elizabeth Berg, Anne Tyler, Anita Shreve or Dan Brown) or watching a chick flick. (Sense and Sensibility, While You Were Sleeping, My Best Friend's Wedding, Little Women, The Wedding Planner) and crocheting and napping.
Colors: Red, Black, White, and Animal prints
Songs: He's Been Faithful, Alabaster Box, Hero, Mercy and Grace, and Hold On
5. I didn't want to have children. I know, I know, that might be a bit of a shocker, but I was single until I was 34 and was used to doing what I wanted when I wanted and so on. But from the moment I found out I was expecting, I felt so differently. Oh, there were a few times when I wondered what we were doing having a baby at our ages: me-35, Ed-44. But all of these years later, we are still blessed with our wonderful son, Daniel and now his wife, Erin!

Okay, now I have to tag 5 people. Let me see.........Theresa, Becky, Liz, Donnie, and Sis. Hurst! I look forward to learning more about each of you!!

Oh My!

For some reason I have had quite a readership increase here on my humble little blog, so I am feeling the need to "get with it"! AND post a little more frequently. Hmmmmm......I wonder what has prompted the increase? Well, no matter......I am newly inspired to post! Which should become somewhat easier as the holidays come to a close. Can you believe they have Valentine Day merchandise on the store shelves already????? Grrrrrrrrr!......and I love Valentine's Day BUT I don't like the rushing of the holidays. Anywayyyyyyy.......Have you noticed that I tend to change subjects rather quickly sometimes? *grin* My husband says it gives him motion sickness. *smile*
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I have been sooooo busy the past two days! The day after Christmas, I kind of vegged out, which was quite pleasant, I must say. I was just sooooo tired. I got up at my usual 6:45am-ish and started the coffee and fed and cuddled the animals....Ellie the cat and Rocky the lab. I took my coffee and oatmeal creme pie into the den and woke up slowly and then began crocheting on my I-don't-know-what-number-this-one-is Ohio State afghan. The one I am making now is scarlet,gray and white stripes and I am doing single and double crochet. I think it is going to be my favorite.
The first one I did, pictured here draped over the back of my rocking chair, was all double/single*?* crochet. The stitches are quite tight and it is about the size of a queen-size bed! (what was I thinking?) I swear you could lay under it with six inches of snow on top of you and you wouldn't feel a thing!! *smile* But I love it! I do think the one I am working on now is going to be my favorite one though. I'll post a pic of it when I get it finished.
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Ed's oldest daughter, Shanna, and her husband, Paul and their children arrived from Dallas on Tuesday. They are staying at Shanna's mother and step-father's house. Ed and I were invited up for Christmas dinner on Wednesday. It was so good to see Shanna and Paul and the children! We had coffee and just chatted and hugged and visited. And it was a beautiful day outside, too! *smile* I am so thankful that all of us "parents" get along so well, meaning Bonnie, Ed's first wife and the mother of his three oldest children, and her husband, Jerry and me and Ed. That night, Wednesday, Paul and Shanna and their children went to church in Nelsonville where Daniel and Erin go, so Ed and I called Pastor Martin and asked to be excused from service that evening and I made music arrangements for church. It was good to worship with Paul and Shanna and Daniel and Erin.
Here is a pic of Daniel and Erin and Bro. Dunnells, Erin's dad and the pastor of the church in Nelsonville. It was just wonderful being in church with the kids and then afterward, visiting and having a good time. Paul and Shanna will be leaving tomorrow (Friday) to go to Georgia to see Paul's family and then it will be home to Dallas. They go to Bro. Flowers church in Mesquite.

Here is a picture of Shanna and her dad, Elder Sis. Pullin with Lara and Skylar, one of Ed, Shanna and the kids, and one of Shanna and Paul.
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I was so tired last night as we went to church. Ed and I hardly said two words all the way to church, so I know he must have been feeling pretty weary, too. I dropped him off at church and then went by the funeral home in Nelsonville. My close friend, Pat, had a dear friend, Lowell, pass away this past Christmas weekend and I went by to offer my condolences to her.
I then went back to church and though I was pushing myself, once we began to enter into His presence and to worship, all the cares of the day slipped away and I felt such a refreshing come over me. Oh, what would we do without Him? He is truly the rest and refreshing that His word proclaims Him to be!
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This morning I was up early, albeit not so brightly *feeble grin*, as Sis. Pam and I had to be in Athens at 9am for an appointment. We then shopped just a little and had lunch at Applebee's. We then went our separate ways, as I went to Lowell's funeral where I played the organ for the service. Afterward, I went on to the cemetery where the military portion of the funeral was held. It was absolutely beautiful: to see all of the veterans lined up and the seven men who gave the 21-gun salute. Then Taps was played. I have never in my life heard the Taps played like this man played it. It was absolutely flawless. He played a genuine bugle. The notes echoed out over the hillside. There was scarcely a dry eye in the crowd that was gathered about the tent. I am so thankful the weather was so beautiful. I do believe Lowell would have been pleased. Pat had a beautiful blanket of burgundy roses placed on the top of Lowell's coffin and at the cemetery, after the service, it was placed at one end of the casket, and each lady was asked to take a rose as a memento. I thought that was such a touching gesture. Her children were there and it was so good to see Mike and Karen, who I haven't seen for so long. I teased Mike about what a great target that Kerry/Edwards bumper sticker of his was! *smile*
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When I arrived home, I saw that Ed had taken down the wreaths and swags from the windows outside, so after resting for just a short while, I went outside and bagged them all up and took down the garland from around the porch railing and cleaned up the front porch. Then I noticed that I had gotten some pretty serious mud splashes on my car this afternoon, so I came inside and got a bucket of water and thought I was just going to wash up a couple of spots behind the front wheelwells but ended up washing my entire car and the inside!! Oh well......*feeble grin* When Ed got home a short time later, he took down the lighted spiral trees and we are finished with taking down the outside decorations. (I didn't have the heart to tell him that I had wanted to leave them up through New Year's.) But we had talked of taking them down today because it is supposed to rain all weekend, and they had a chance to dry out the past couple of days after the soaking rain we had on Christmas day.
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By this time, it was about 5 0'clock, and a hot, fresh cup of coffee was sounding so good, so I made us some and we sat in the den and talked and relaxed for a little while, sharing the happenings of our day. I then "hoisted" myself up out of my chair and proceeded to make us some supper. (I still say supper, though so many people call the evening meal dinner nowadays.) I diced up the leftover Christmas ham and browned it in a big skillet. I put it on a plate and then put the left-over scalloped (augratin) potatoes in the skillet, adding a little milk, and let them simmer until they were well-heated. I added the diced ham and mixed it in with the potatoes. I heated some baby peas to have with the ham/scalloped potatoes. It was such a good meal! I hadn't fixed scalloped potatoes for such a long time and I didn't realize how good they were re-heated. They're almost as good as leftover spaghetti or vegetable soup or soup beans! *smile* Now when I say scalloped potatoes, I mean the kind sliced and fixed with cheese, butter, milk, and a little flower, though I believe cookbooks call scalloped potatoes more like a creamed potato dish. Oh well......*grin*.
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After supper, I laid down on my bed and called my sister Debbie, as Ed said she had called at least "FIFTY" times today! *HA HA* He does exaggerate a little sometimes, though I will admit, Debbie can be pretty persistent! She wants me to go shopping with her tomorrow afternoon, which is not the least bit appealing to me at the present time, but hopefully by tomorrow afternoon, I will be feeling alot more rested!?!?!? I then called my sister, Bev, and caught up on the weeks happenings with her and then it was a call to my brothers, Bill and Johnny, to remind them of our yearly New Year lunch at Red Lobster this Saturday afternoon at two o'clock!
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I have been sitting here for about the past hour, catching up on my blog-reading and typing this post and my vision is getting a bit blurry and my eyelids heavy. *yawwwwnnnnn* It is now 9:16pm and I know that I am not long out of bed.
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Things I am thankful for today:
my dear and close girlfriends/ I don't know what I would do without you.
my siblings/we've only gotten closer as the years have passed.
my husband/ it's been worth the tough times to get to where we are today. You're the best.
the sunshine/ I've only realized recently how much I need it and what a difference it makes in how I feel.
the Lord/ truly You walk with me and You talk with me and You tell me I am Your own.
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May the remaining days of this year be good ones for each of you! God bless!

Christmas Past

Happy Day After Christmas, Everyone! This had to be the wettest, rainiest Christmas day I can ever remember! Whew! BUT, the nastiness outside sure did make the house feel cozy. I turned on all of the Christmas lights and lit candles throuhout the house. It was soooooo warm and snuggily in here! We spent a quiet day at home. Daniel and Erin came up about mid-morning and we exchanged gifts and had something to eat. They had their big Christmas dinner with Erin's family at two Christmas afternoon. Erin got Daniel an electric guitar and amplifier for Christmas! He has always wanted to learn to play the guitar, though I think he is best on the drums. He has such a gift playing the drums! But I am sure there is room for another talent there, hm? (oh, and did I mention that he has a wonderful singing voice? *grin*) After they left, Ed and I had dinner. Then at about three in the afternoon, I went to my sister Debbie and we exchanged gifts, drank some delicious coffee and had such a nice visit. We have never missed a Christmas being together. We have been through so much together over the years. I talked to each of my siblings Christmas morning, as is our tradition. I think most of them had a fairly quiet Christmas day, after spending Christmas Eve with their children and grandchildren. Daniel left his keys, wallet, and phone here earlier in the day so we took them down to him last night at about 8pm. Erin was sleeping because she had to go to work last night at 10. Daniel showed us his Christmas gifts and we had a nice visit with the grand-doggies. They were all kind of subdued last night, which was nice for a change.
Daniel likes things to be organized, so I got him a belt caddy for one of his stocking stuffers. I also got Erin one. He was showing us clothes and ties that he got for Christmas and sure enough, when we went into their walk-in closet.....which is actually their smallest bedroom which has been converted into a walk-in closet.....he had already put all of his belts on BOTH of the belt organizers and had them hanging on the clothes rack. He loves things like that. I saw that he needs another tie rack, so I am going to be on the lookout for one for him.
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The above post was typed the day after Christmas. I am just now posting it because of a slight computer glitch which has now been corrected! (thank you, Ed *smile*)

Pastor Martin is HOME!!

Pastor Martin finally had a heart cath yesterday (Friday) evening. There were no blockages and his heart and arteries look good! Isn't that wonderful? Thank you, Jesus. Truly, He is a prayer answering God. The cardiologist said the pain may have been muscular/skeletal in nature, but that doesn't explain the numbness in both hands, hm? He also said the chest pain and numbness could have been stress-induced. *sigh* I am earnestly praying that the Lord will help Pastor Martin to find a place of peace and rest, though I must say that he doesn't let his stress show. I was kidding him today and told him to stop stressing over getting me a Christmas gift. I'd let him slide by this year!!! *smile* Because he has been told to take it easy for the next few days, we are having a singspiration in the morning at church, so I have been a bit busy getting this all arranged, but I think everything is in order, but it does mean an early morning tomorrow. Ed and I are also hosting a breakfast for the senior staff at church in the morning at nine. This was planned before we knew we would be having a singspiration. Sooooooo......."I" am trying not to stress too much now!!! *smile*
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO THOSE OF YOU WHO READ MY BLOG!! THE LORD'S BEST TO EACH OF YOU THIS CHRISTMAS AND IN THE COMING NEW YEAR!!
Pastor Martin will be undergoing a heart catharization at 2:30pm today. Please keep him in your prayers and I will keep you updated.
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I would like to ask those of you who read my blog to please remember Pastor Martin in prayer. He was taken to the Fairfield Medical Center last night because he was experiencing chest pains and numbness in his hands. He had not been feeling well for the past several days either. They are going to do a heart cath on him at some point today. I will keep you posted. Sis. Martin and I will be going up as soon as we receive a call about the time of the procedure. This is a pic of Pastor Martin, Daniel and Erin on their wedding day.

Are you a nap person? AND an animal lover?

Well, first off, I AM a nap person, meaning I love to take naps, though I usually only take one on Sunday afternoons, which, in my humble opinion, is the best nap time of all!! AND when I take my Sunday afternoon siesta, I almost always sleep on my back, so as not to mess up my hair because I will be heading back to church when I wake up and this saves me a little time. And I also sleep on my back with a pillow tucked under my knees for my back's sake....*smile*. Anywayyyy...that is why I posted this pic of this cute little puppy sleeping on his back. Isn't he adorable???? (I don't look that adorable when I sleep on my back....trust me on this one...*feeble grin*.....well, okay, my mother might have thought so, but she's the only one.) My husband said this pic is a good example of how I look when I am "out", a.k.a. asleep. Dead to the world. He is amazed at how I can just crawl into bed, lay down and go to sleep. I mean, I'm out. He, on the other hand, is like an old hound dog trying to find a place to lay down. He pounds and punches his pillows. Kicks the covers out at the foot of the bed. Moves around getting all situated. Gets his head positioned just right on the pillow. Sometimes I just bust out laughing. I can't help it. He is just so rowdy and noisy when he is getting settled into bed. Soooooo, when I go to bed quite a bit before him, I always ask him to please be a little quiet when he comes to bed and he is, bless his sweet heart. Oh, and when he naps, it is always in his recliner, though I've told him recliner naps just aren't as good as crawling into the good ol' bed kind of naps, which is what I do on Sunday afternoons. None of this laying on top of the bedspread with a cover over me. Huh-uh. This is the only time I have the bed to myself and I savor it. *smile* Though when I go to bed at night, especially on a chilly night, I couldn't imagine not having Ed right there beside me. I've told him on more than on occasion that I just love sleeping with him. He is such a good cuddler. Okay, okay, I'll stop RIGHT there! *grin* (I may have already told you more than you wanted to hear, hm?) Happy Three Days Before Christmas!!!! God's Blessings to you!!

Their 1-year anniversary!!

Daniel and Erin celebrated their 1-year anniversary Sunday, December 17! It is hard to believe they have been married for a year! How time flies. At our Christmas family get-together Saturday, my brother Johnny asked Daniel if he would do it again and Daniel said, "In a heartbeat!" without hesitation. They are so happy and enjoy life so much. We thank the Lord for our sweet daughter-in-law, Erin Maree. She is truly a like a daughter to us.....just what we prayed for! Congratulations, kids!!

ANOTHER ONE???????

Our son, Daniel, called us the other evening and said, "Mom, are you sitting down? We have something to tell you." Well, needless to say, I thought a grandbaby was on the way. Not so. They have ANOTHER dog. Albeit, he IS a cute dog. Their first mistake was going to Petland. They are such pushovers for animals. Well, I am, too, but I have learned over the years that you just can't give into every desire that comes along.......like eating the ENTIRE pizza from Pizza Crossing (my fave) because it tastes soooooo delicious because I'll suffer terribly later AND gain 2-3 pounds overnight. Anywayyyyy......the new granddoggy is a Weimaraner. Up there is his picture. His name is Dakota and we do love him! We met him and bonded with him a couple of days ago. *smile* How about those ears?? *grin* He is going to be a big one.....eventually!


And we also enjoyed some family time with our three granddaughter-doggies, Jasmine-a lab mix, Macie-a Jack Russell Terrier, and Heidi-a boxer. Aren't they adorable? I will say one thing for them. They are easy to buy for. LOL A bone. A chew toy. Doggie treats. It doesn't get much easier than that. And they aren't picky. So, I'll not complain. *smile*

Do You Believe?

When our son Daniel was about three years old, we began our annual tradition of taking him to downtown Lazarus in Columbus to see Santa. They had the best Santa Claus, in my humble opinion and their Santaland was absolutely a wonderland! This first year, as Daniel crawled up onto Santa's lap, my heart was so moved by the gentleness and kindness of this elderly man. He wasn't loud or boisterous but rather quiet and pleasant. I kept wiping away the tears and just didn't understand what was wrong with me. Ed was visibly moved, too. What was going on? I mean, he was just a department store Santa, after all. As Daniel climbed down off of Santa's lap, Santa smiled kindly at me and waved and again, a big lump formed in my throat. All that Daniel wanted that year was a sno-cone machine (thank you, Aunt Debbie! *smile*) and that is what he told Santa when asked what he wanted. Santa just couldn't believe that Daniel didn't want anything else, but that is how Daniel has always been. He gets his heart set on ONE thing that he wants and though he might receive other gifts, the ONE is enough. I'm thankful for the heart that the Lord has given him. I've never forgotten that particular trip to see Santa. I believe it was the kindness and gentleness that emanated from this man's heart that so moved me.

The other evening, I went to a Christmas party with my sister Debbie. As we were finishing eating, Santa arrived to wish us a Merry Christmas. Again, he was such a kind and gentle Santa, spreading goodwill to all. As he made his way about the tables, there was that lump forming in my throat once again and the tears smarting at the corners of my eyes. When he reached our table, he extended a gloved hand to shake and wished me a Merry Christmas and I realized that I "knew" this Santa. *smile* And I knew that he REALLY WAS a kind man.

I have said all of that to say that it is the spirit of Santa that really makes the difference and matters. It isn't whether he is pagan or "real" or whatever. So may the kind, gentle and good spirit of Santa envelop you this Christmas and Holiday Season. God Bless You One and All!!

(oh, and just between you and me......the Santa at my sister's Christmas party??? I used to date him! *smile* I told the girls at our table and we had a great laugh over it!!)

Tis the Season to be Jolly!!

Hello everyone! First of all, I would like to ask those of you who read my blog to let me know if it is difficult to read. Would you please leave a post, letting me know. I ask this because my nephew, Troy, says it is difficult to read....the black on the pink background. I don't have a problem reading it at all and I have trifocals. I'm eager too hear from you!

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Several of the young people and two young married couples and I went to Easton in Columbus Saturday afternoon. I had never been there so I was quite excited about going as I have heard alot about it. I was a little concerned about how I would do getting around, though. It was a bit tedious but I managed and everyone was really helpful and patient with me. We ate at Hometown Buffet on Morse Road, because everywhere else was sooooooo crowded and the wait times were unbelievable...2 1/2 hours at the Cheesecake Factory. We had a great time eating and having fun at Hometown Buffet and then it was on to Easton. I have never seen so many stores in one complex in my whole entire life! Oh My Word! And this is a non-shopper talking here. I do not like to shop.....at all. I only buy clothes because I look better with them on than off. *feeble grin* I love it when people GIVE me clothes. I buy an occasional piece of clothing to add to my wardrobe. That way I don't have to actually go shopping for a lengthy period of time. The one place I can shop and always find something to add to my wardrobe is Value City in Lancaster. I am thankful for it. *smile* Anywayyyy.....back to Easton. I have never been to any place like it! It was all decked out for the holidays! I took a horse and buggy ride with Stacy and Jeremy and Caleb, which was just awesome and just the right time of the year for doing so. After our ride, we walked on to the enclosed portion of Easton so Stacy could get a Cinnabon! She had to have a Cinnabon! While we were sitting there eating our Cinnabons.....she bought us each one....how could I not eat it??.....while we were sitting there a huge roar went up amidst the crowd and we wondered what in the world had happened only to find out that Troy Smith had won the Heisman!!! Yeehaa!!! It was shown at a sports shop nearby on a bigscreen TV. So, after 4 hours at Easton, we finally headed back to the van and started home but not before going downtown and looking at the Christmas lights at the Statehouse and downtown Columbus. Nationwide Insurance on Broad Street has an awesome nativity display. If you are in downtown Columbus you need to go by and see it. Ed and I took Daniel to see it when he was about four years old and I was hoping that it would still be there. The youth loved it. Soooooo...then it was homeward bound for us! Stacy and Jeremy live in a huge subdivision in Lancaster and they directed us around it to see the different light displays. You should have heard us critiquing *sp* them. "You don't put big lights with small lights!" "You don't mix white lights with colored lights!" "All they did was throw some lights in a tree!" It was so funny!! And so much fun!! Oh, and on the way home we sang Christmas carols. We sounded really good.......on some of them.
One of the really neat things about the evening was the fact that in our group that went, we had such a wide range of ages. Firstly, I am 55. The youngest person was 15. And we had all ages in between: 35, 25, 22, 19, 16. You would never have known it! We all just got along so well and had a great evening! We had planned on arriving back at the church by 10pm at the latest, but did not get there until midnight. Yessssss.....I called parents and told them that we were running a tad late, but, not to worry, we would gladly bring their young people home! So it all worked out well.
I didnt' have any trouble getting up Sunday morning and we had a wonderful service, but after I got home and we had dinner, I hit the bed, let me tell you! I slept for almost 2 1/2 hours! It was great! *smile* Sunday afternoon sleep is the best sleep of the week! Can I get an "Amen"????? *smile* Then it was on to church that evening and we had such a wonderful service and the presence of the Lord was so sweet in our midst as we worshipped Him.
Today I have been kind of wiped out. That is the only way to describe how I feel, but Monday can be kind of a tough day for me. I know many of you will understand when I say that I just expend so much of myself on Sundays doing music, leading worship, teaching class, etc. I love doing it all, but sometimes it does drain me quite a bit. So Mondays tend to be my day of rest. *smile* Tomorrow night is our ladies Christmas party at church. I am fixing pickle wraps and fruit pizza to take. I am going to a Christmas party with my sister Debbie on Wednesday evening at 6pm with her suppport group. I will be going to church afterward. On Thursday, three of my girlfriends....my NYC girlfriends....and I are having lunch at Annie's Cheesecake in Lancaster. THENNNNNN.....our family...the Peters' family.....is having their annual Christmas family get-together at church on Saturday at 4pm after the church Christmas program practice at 1pm. Does this all sound familiar to all of you out there? *grin* Oh, but it IS the most wonderful time of the year!!! *smile* Well, the Lord's best to each of you and may you be enjoying the festivities of the season with your friends and loved ones, as I am!! God Bless.....I'm going to bed!!! *smile* *yawwwwwn*

When I Say I Am A Christian

When I say I am a Christian...
I am not shouting that I am saved,
I am whispering that I was lost,
That's why I choose His way.
When I say I am a Christian...
I don't speak of this with pride,
I'm confessing that I stumble,
Needing God to be my Guide.
When I say I am a Christian...
I'm not trying to be strong,
I'm professing that I am weak
And pray for strength to carry on.
When I say I am a Christian...
I'm not bragging of success,
I'm admitting I have failed
And cannot even pay the debt.
When I say I am a Christian...
I don't think I know it all,
I submit to my confusion,
Asking humbly to be taught.
When I say I am a Christian...
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are too visible,
But God believes I'm worth it.
When I say I am a Christian...
I still feel the sting of pain,
I have shared my heartaches,
which is why I seek His name.
I know that I am loved.

A few random thoughts

I thought I had mentioned this, but in reading over some previous posts, I realized that I hadn't. As I was riding on our church's Christmas float in the annual Logan Christmas Parade, I was fighting tears the whole way. Those of us riding the float were waving and wishing those along the parade route "Merry Christmas". Of course, having lived here all of my life, I knew so many of the people. Everyone was so receptive and waved back and returned the holiday wishes. My heart was so touched. I had a lump in my throat the whole time and was discreetly wiping away tears, too. Come to find out, another lady riding the float and my pastor's wife, felt the same way. At the end of the parade, the three of us just kind of let down our guard and cried a bit. I just saw so many people who need the Lord; so many people who used to know the Lord and for whatever reason, no longer serve Him. I prayed along the way that the Lord would somehow reach out and touch those that we were seeing that day. You could just feel something palpable going on between us and the crowds. Several of the youth passed out candy. Sis. Martin and Sis. Cheryl carried our church banner out in front. They looked so cute dressed in red and green, Santa hats, and bells on their shoes. Oh, wait, I'll post a pic of them here for you to see. Pastor Martin rode in the truck with Bro. Brad. My husband and Bro. Jeremy rode in the back of the pickup truck and kept the young people's baskets filled with candy to pass out to the children. I pray that the Lord will continue to use our presence in the parade to touch people's hearts and bring them to Him.
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I went to Walmart this afternoon to buy some yarn to finish up two afghans I am making for gifts. Again, my heart was just so touched by the people I saw and met and came in contact with. Again, I struggled to control the tears. My heart just ached for those that I saw. I thought of the scripture in Matthew that says: "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." Truly, people need the Lord.

TGIF

Here is the picture of my Christmas Angel, at last! I've been sitting here fiddling with blogger for the past hour trying to get this picture to upload. *sighhhhhh*

Anywayyyy......isn't it pretty??? As I said in my previous post, I bought it at a local artisan mall. It only cost $16.oo! I only tell you the price because I was simply amazed that the cost was so low and now that I am no longer working, money for special little things like this is a bit limited. But when I saw this angel, I just knew it was exactly what I wanted. I don't know about you, but when I go in search of something like this, I talk to the Lord about it, asking Him to help me find just what I am looking for, especially when I'm not even sure what I am looking for. And sometimes it is so difficult for me to make decisions! *smile* Truly, He cares about every little detail of our lives. I'm reminded of the verse in an old hymn...."And He walks with me, And He talks with me......"

A bit of holiday humor for you!

Christmas Carols for the mentally challenged:


Schizophrenia:
Do You Hear What I Hear?

Multiple Personality:
We Three Queens Disoriented Are.

Dementia:
I Think I'll Be Home For Christmas.

Narcissistic:
Hark The Herald Angels Sing (About Me)

Mania:
Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets
and Stores and Office and Town or Deck the Halls and
Spare No Expense!

Attention Deficit Disorder --- Silent night, Holy, oooh look at the froggy - can I have some hot chocolate? Why is France so far away?

Paranoia:
Santa Claus is Coming To Get Me.

Personality Disorder:
You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout,
then MAYBE I'll tell you why.

Obsessive Compulsive:
Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle
Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle
Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle
Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock,
Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell,
Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell,
Jingle Bell Rock, Jingle Bell...

Borderline Personality:
Thoughts of Roasting in an Open Fire.

Passive Aggressive:
On the First Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me
(and then took it all away).

Two sisters and an angel

On the spur of the moment Saturday morning, I called my sister Debbie and asked her if she would like to go with me to visit our sister Bev, who lives in Lancaster. She said yes, so I picked her up and off we went! The reason I wanted to see them both was because I had bought them each a Christmas grapevine angel for their front doors. I bought myself one last week and it is so pretty, that I wanted to share with them! So, of course, Debbie comes out of the house with her portable oxygen, an extra tank of oxygen, her big purse.....anyway, she does not travel light these days. *grin* So we get to Bev's and just as I pull into the driveway, I remember that she had told me the previous day when we talked, that they had a meeting at church this particular morning. *sighhhhhh* Well, I decided to put the Christmas angel on her door anyway, to surprise her. There was still an autumn swag hanging there, so I took it down and put up the angel. Now getting up to her front door is not an easy assignment for me, because those two steps are STEEP! and there isn't a hand rail. Soooooo, I finally get myself up on the front step and hang the angel. I descend the porch and get back to the car whereupon my sister Debbie, who is sitting in the car with her oxygen on, proceeds to inform me that the angel is crooked. Hmmmph!! Sooooo, I crawl back up those steep steps and straighten the angel. (I am just an eensy weensy bit particular about stuff like that. Blame my mother, God rest her precious soul.) Sooooo, I get back to the car whereupon arriving Debbie proceeds to say, "You know, you really should do something with those pumpkins on the porch." Well, that did it. I told her if she wanted something done with those pumpkins, she could quit sitting there sucking oxygen and do it herself! And we both cracked up laughing! She said she wasn't doing anything with those pumpkins, they weren't her pumpkins and I told her that my goodwill toward my sisters had run out for the day. LOL Sooo, once we stopped laughing and making smart remarks to eachother, I got myself in the car and we headed for the grocery store, where we both got groceries and the headed home. Bev called that evening and thanked me for the angel and told me how much she loved it. How I love my two precious sisters. And that was the ending of a very good day.
I tried to post a picture of the Christmas angel here but couldn't. So I will try later! I want you to see how pretty they are!!

Bah Humbug!

To begin with, I do like Christmas caroles, okay? BUTTTTTTTTT......I don't want to hear them 24/7 for a month and a half!!! Sheesh!! I will even go so far as to say I wouldn't mind listening to one, say one every three songs on the radio, but all of my favorite radio stations are playing Christmas music ALL of the time! Grrrrrrr! Soooooo, I just don't listen to them at all. I play my cd's, tapes, or listen to talk radio or drive along in blissful silence, just me and Jesus. I do have a wonderful Montivani Cd that I love and also Kenny G. I prefer instrumental Christmas music. Oh, and they started playing Christmas music.....on the radio....BEFORE Thanksgiving!! Hellooooooo!! *sighhhhh* Okay, I'm done. I feel better. (i'll be glad to get my radio back in January)

The kitty of the house

Here she is. The kitty of the house. Miss Ellie. Whenever we get home from the grocery store, we always put a sack of the floor for her. She crawls into it and Ed usually takes her for a ride in it and swings her back and forth. It is just the routine here at the Cavinee house. :-) Would you say she is spoiled???

Only in Ohio!

Well, whatever kind of weather you like, we had it today! The day started out at a balmy 63 degrees and overcast. Then came the rain. Buckets of it. A couple of hours later, the sun shone through for a very short while. Next came the wind. Whooooooooosh!! A couple of hours later, and little ice pellets and snow flurries began to fall from the sky. Plus the temperature had dropped into the 30's! And the wind continued to come and blow and whoosh! Boy, did it whoosh!! There are power outages all over the area, though, thankfully, we have not been without power.....this time......yet. And now it looks like Old Man Winter is here for at least the next 7-10 days, maybe longer. I mean, it is winter, hm??? Stay warm and dry, wherever you are!! God Bless!! Oh, and here is a picture that looks rather cozy, don't you think?? *smile* It is my "almost" completely decorated Christmas tree. My Christmas tree is always a work in progress, at first. You know the drill: Assemble tree (if it is artificial, which, in this case, it is); wait a day or two; put lights on tree; pause; put tree skirt around the bottom of the tree; a day or two passes; get out the rest of the storage bins; put a big bow on the top of the tree; a few more hours pass; drape garland around the tree; put a few bows on the tree.........and that is where I am at, at the present time. I just have to finish putting the ornaments on and it will be complete, but, hey, it doesn't look bad for an unfinished tree, hm??? *grin*

I love a parade!!!

As I told you in the previous post, we entered a float in the annual Logan Christmas parade. It was designed and created by Caleb McCarthy with help from his family and youth from the church. He won first prize!!! Isn't that just awesome???? Here are a few pics of the prize-winning float!

Today's agenda!!

Sooooo, today being the Saturay after Thanksgiving, it is the day of Logan's annual Christmas Parade and our church has a float in the parade. We haven't had one for the past few years, but Caleb McCarthy wanted to have one this year, so Pastor Martin put him in charge of it. I am so excited to see how it turns out! Here is a picture of the model he made of it. I am so thankful that the weather has been
so beautiful. It has sure made working on the float alot easier. Caleb, family and friends have been working on the different components of the float and, as of yesterday (Friday), they have been putting it together in the drive-thru at church. The theme of this year's parade is "Christmas in the Hocking Hills". It would be so great if Caleb won one of the awards for best float! I'll let keep you posted. Ed and I are riding on the float. We will be waving....*smile*.....along with two other couples and several children. Others will be walking alongside, tossing candy to the onlookers. It is going to so much fun!

Thanksgiving traditions

One of the traditions that my family has is to call eachother on holidays. Not just Thanksgiving. Well, Johnny surprised me by calling me at 7:30am! He beat me to it! After talking with him, I called Bill, Debbie, and last but certainly not least, my sister Bev. Now, you may think...."a phone call? so what's the big deal?" It is a really big deal! If I didn't talk to each of my dear siblings on holidays, I would truly feel that it just wasn't complete. One of the fun things about it is to see who calls who first. You see, I don't want to call toooooo early because this might be the only day that say, Johnny or Bill or Bev might get to sleep in but I want to try and call them before they get the chance to call me, just to get the jump on them. *smile* So it is kind of a cat and mouse game that we play with eachother on hoidays. And somtimes we tell eachother silly jokes and the like. Nevertheless, holiday mornings are special for us. Also, with our families becoming more extended....children marrying, grandchildren coming along, it just makes it more difficult for all of us to get together BUT! We are planning the annual Peters' family Christmas get-together on December 16! Oh, and lest I forget, here was my annual Thanksgiving joke that I laid on everyone, to much groaning and laughter:

Wellll...there was this turkey farmer who, of course, raised turkeys. But there was a dilemna every year because there were never enough drumsticks for everyone at Thanksgiving dinner. Only two. So, this turkey farmer thought he would try to come up with a turkey that had more than two legs. Over the next several years, he proceeded to cross-breed different types of turkeys and did some genetic engineering and testing. Welllllll, after many attempts, he finally produced a turkey that had six legs!!! He was telling his close friend about his great accomplishment and his friend said, "That is just awesome! Unbelievable! But.....what does it taste like?" To which the turkey farmer replied, "Heck if I know! I haven't been able to catch it!"

Har Har Har!!! LOL Well, I thought it was funny!!! *smile*

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and now it is on to Christmas!!! And shopping! And banquets! And parties! And shopping! And choir practice! And play practice! And shopping! And more banquets! And more parties! And shopping! And more practices!! Oh the joy of it all!!! *smile*

Just remember the true reason for the season........It's all about HIM.

Later in the day.....

Ed and I returned home at about 4:30 on Thanksgiving. I came in the house, grabbed a couple of things and headed back out to go to my sister Debbie's house. Her two son's and their families were gathering there at five to have dinner and I wanted to see them and visit for awhile. We had such a good time. The only thing I ate was just a smidge of noodles because I was still full from dinner at the Pullins.

The picture to the left is of (starting from the left) Shawn, her youngest son, Troy, her oldest, Troy's youngest son, Cade, and Debbie, my sister.

After everyone had eaten and we had laughed and visited and just enjoyed eachother's company, Troy, Debbie and I commenced to cleaning everything up and doing the dishes. Shawn's wife, Stephanie and his two children, Jayce and Jordan and Troy's oldest son, Corbin were also there , though not in the pic. It was a rowdy, happy time that we had. I finally arrived back home at about 8pm and felt very satisfied and happy with the day spent with family and friends. And wasn't the weather just perfect???

Playing Post-Thanksgiving Catch-up

Hellooooooo, everyone! Okay, that greeting might sound a little more enthusiastic than I am actually feeling at 9:34am on Saturday morning, but I shall press on! *groan* *feeble grin*

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone and it was good. I was a little concerned about how I would handle this first Thanksgiving without the "boy" here. You see, one of our Thanksgiving traditions was that Daniel would usually get up at about tenish on this morning and he and his dad would sit at the table and have slices of turkey on paper plates. I would always have the turkey cooked by then and as usual, before Daniel's feet would even hit the floor, I would hear this voice from his room calling out sleepily..."fooooooooodddddd". *smile* So, while I was fixing dressing and noodles and other dinner goodies, they would sit at the table and eat juicy slices of turkey and bread and butter or the light rolls, if I had them baked already.

Well, it just so happened that while Erin Maree was getting some sleep (she had to work Thanksgiving eve 10:00-7am), Daniel came up here to change the oil in his truck and have his Dad help him put a serpentine belt on it, too. I had just taken rolls out of the oven and faster than you could say Happy Thanksgiving, he had devoured two of them, going on to eventually eat five of them, dipping them in the pot of noodles that were bubbling on the stove. Soooooo, it was good to have him home on Thanksgiving morning for a little while. :-)

Later in the afternoon, we gathered with Daniel and Erin at her aunt and uncle's home and shared a bountiful Thanksgiving dinner with all of the Pullin family. The food was delicious and they always make us feel so welcome and at home. Afterward, Erin, Daniel, Brian and I gathered around Darlene's keyboard and as I played, we sang. These young people can tear it up, let me tell you. They just harmonize so well together. I love close, tight harmony. Now, they don't have loud, flashy voices but just beautiful, smooth voices that blend so well together. As we were singing and playing, the guys retired to another room to watch football and the ladies kind of crashed in the great room to watch the old version of "Yours, Mine, and Ours" with Henry Fonda and Lucille Ball. I had never seen the old version and I'm thinking that Ed and I are going to have to get it from the library and watch it. It has been updated and color put to it, which I really like, as I just don't have much tolerance for black and white films.

Here is a couple of really good pictures of Daniel and Erin after Thanksgiving dinner with the Pullins.

Home Sweet Home

I was leaving to go run some errands this morning and looked back at the house as I was getting in the car and the house just looked so pretty in the morning sun, that I just had to take a picture of it and here it is for you to enjoy, too!!

Go Bucks!!

Well, it is about time for THE game to start and I am going to go put a pizza in the oven.

I am calling the game as follows: Ohio State 24 / Michigan 13

I'll see you on the other side of possibly the biggest game in college football history!!

O-H.......I-O!!!! OHIO!!!! GO BUCKEYES!!!!

Later in the day

Soooo, after putting up the Christmas decorations, I came in showered and laid down to rest for a little while because my sisters and sisters-in- law were taking me to Texas Roadhouse for my birthday dinner that evening (Thursday). When I got up from resting, I was in so much pain. I took some pain medication and forced myself to get ready. Oh, and it was raining and cold outside by this time, but I made myself get ready and I went. We had such a good time and I am glad that I made myself go, even though the pain hardly abated the whole time. Now, I'd never been to a Texas Roadhouse and it was pretty rowdy, let me tell ya! All of the waiters and waitresses came over and the whole place yelled out a birthday "Yeehaa" for me! How cute! I had Roadkill. I kid you not. Actually, it is ground sirloin with mushrooms, onions and cheese on it. I also had a salad and humongous sweet potato smothered with butter and sour cream. Our waitress was really great and that made our meal even better! I really did have a good time, even though I just didn't feel very well. The girls each got me a set of bath towels and one of them got me dish towels and my sister, Bev, also gave me a set of Jessica McClintock cologne which I love. We don't have another birthday to celebrate until May but we will be getting together for Christmas, so we may have to have lunch sometime between Christmas and May just for the fun of it!! I am so thankful that we have kept this tradition up. It helps us to stay in touch and just get together and be "girls"! *smile*

Up and Ready!

Thursday morning here in the valley, we had sunshine! Well, sunshine and a few clouds and scattered raindrops. Sooooo......my dear husband gave in to my gentle urging ;-) and put up our outside Christmas decorations. I've always done the outside decorating.......well, I've done the inside decorating, too......hmmmm.......oh, what the hey......I've always done ALL of the Christmas decorating, k?!?!?!? *smile* BUT! because of my physical limitations, I am not able to do the outside decorating all by myself because it requires some ladder-climbing. Sooooooo......I sat on the porch swing and fluffed out the wreaths and straightened the bows and made sure the wire was still intact and stable and Ed hung them up. I also straightened up the window swags and I attached them to the window sills. Then I put the garland and bows around the porch railing. Overall, this covered a period of oh, say, 2 1/2-3 hours. I've posted a picture here of our house about 2 Christmases ago. The decorations are still the same. The dusting of snow really makes it a pretty scene, hm? So, we are all ready for Christmas....at least, outside! We've never decorated this early but I kinda thought that since I move a bit slower than in the past, perhaps I should start earlier and get a jump on things.....though jumping is not in my current bag of tricks! *smile*

What would YOU do for a PlayStation 3?

Sis. Pam and I go out to the church two mornings a week and pray. We usually get there at about 6:30am, before she has to leave for work. We had an awesome time of prayer this morning!

Afterwards, I decided to go to Walmart and "finger the merchandise". This is what my dad called it when my mom would go shopping just for the fun of it or go to look but not necessarily buy. Anywayyyyyy......I especially wanted to peruse the Christmas aisles, so proceeded out to the garden center to see what was out there and lo, and behold, but there were people out there sleeping in sleeping bags and chairs and I thought : "What is going on here?!?!?!?" Sooooooo, I asked the next clerk to go by just what the deal was and he said that these people were waiting to be the first to purchase the new Playstation 3 which is due in tonight at midnight. These people had been there since yesterday. Welllllll.....being the introvert that I am...har, har.......I went over to chat with these wierdos, er, uh...I mean, people. Ahem. I just couldn't believe that people would forego 2-3 days of their lives to wait in line for Playstation 3!!!! Hellllloooooo?????
I even took their pictures and yes, I asked permission first!

I talked with them for a short while and eventually told them that I had only stayed up all night for two reasons......to pray and to care for my sick child and my mother. (I forgot about lock-ins and mid-winter...argh! LOL)

In closing, seeing these guys (they were all guys) camping out in the garden center at Walmart for 2-2 1/2 days to get a Playstation 3, really affected me. There IS a spiritual lesson to be learned here.

Unbelievable.......

Born Again!

This past Sunday we were blessed to have Evangelist Ken Cook and his wife, Julie with us. In the morning service, a man who has been attending Sunday morning services for about a month, received the Holy Ghost. As he was worshipping the Lord and all, his daughter came up to watch him and see what was going on and she received the Holy Ghost, too. They both received the Holy Ghost so easily, which was doubly wonderful! The young lady is the girlfriend of Sis. Pam's (a wonderful saint at our church) oldest son. They have two young sons and a week-old beautiful baby girl. Sis. Pam's children are slowly but surely coming to the Lord and back to the Lord. How effective are the prayers of a mother!!

Julie (Sis. Cook) was not able to sing because she had laryngitis *sp*. Would you believe I have never heard her sing or play? So I was really disappointed about that but then I know she must have enjoyed not "having" to play or sing for a couple of services.

She and her husband are just the sweetest people and we enjoyed having them with us so much. God truly ministered and filled souls with His spirit.

And they came bearing gifts.......

Daniel and Erin came up Saturday afternoon to watch the OSU/NW game with us. We ordered our favorite pizza (Pizza Crossing) and settled into the den to root the Buckeyes on. It really wasn't much of a game, especially the second half, but oh how sweet it was when their 3rd string quarterback, Todd Boeckman, took in a touchdown! And the way Troy Smith was jumping around and celebrating it on the sidelines. It was sweet! And that boy, Todd Boeckman, is a big guy...whew!! He didn't seem to have much speed.....he kind of lumbered in.....but he got the touchdown. It was just fun to watch! But that had to be the longest second half of a Buckeyes game that I have ever watched! BUT....I did manage to get alot done on a Pittsburgh Steelers afghan I am crocheting for my Pastor's son as a Christmas gift.


Moving right along.......Daniel and Erin brought me and Ed belated birthday gifts Saturday. Here is a pic of Ed wearing his new blue shirt they got him. Isn't he absolutely handsome?? I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband. God sure knew what He was doing when He brought us together. "And I tip my hat, to the keeper of the stars, He sure knew what He was doin', when He joined these two hearts....." (Words from a C&W song that I love).

The kids got me a gift set of Dove "FIRMING" body wash and "FIRMING" body lotion. (Bless their hearts) Now don't go expecting to see any pictures on here of me "wearing" this stuff any time soon. LOL I wonder if it really works? I mean.....do you have any idea of how much and what all I have that needs firming?? Kinda hard to believe some body wash and lotion is gonna do the job, ya know??? LOL But I do have plans......three hour soak jobs. I'll let you know what happens. Oh, and the gift set also included a bar of soap and body scrubber and it all smells luscious. They also got me a Christmas Kitty picture frame in which I can display a picture of Ellie and they got me another Snowman. It is a stuffed snowman and is so cute. Now I don't collect alot of stuff, but I do like snowmen, though I only have a few. Oh, and there was also a little atomizer of Bath and Bodyworks homescents.....Cotton Blossom, one of my favorite B&B scents.

I think we may go to Erin's Aunt and Uncle's to watch the game this Saturday. They have a big projection screen TV, so that should be pretty neat but Ed is thinking maybe we might go out of town to see some friends because he has a five-day weekend this week. They will be moving REACH to new offices during this time so he will not be transporting kids Thursday, Friday or Monday. I hope to hear something about the job I applied for after the move is completed. (fingers crossed and the Lord willing.)

Well, I need to get off of here and go into town and run a few errands. I have a couple of other things to post about so hopefully I will get it on here before the day is out! God's best to each of you!!

The best birthday ever

Wednesday, November 8, was my 55th birthday. Double nickels. Five years from sixty. On the downward slope to one-hundred. Whatever.

It was the best birthday yet! And I didn't even have cake! Can you believe it? And this is not a ploy to get all of you to go out and buy me a cake or bake me a cake. So please.....don't. Seriously. I'm not a big cake fan anyway.

My point is this: The reason this birthday was so special was that I heard from more of my family and friends on this one day than I have for as long as I can remember! How great is that???? Dare I try to name all of you??? Okay, here goes:

Ed.....my dear husband, who, upon my walking into the den with my first cup of coffee that morning, began singing "Happy, happy birthday, baby..." to me! Now how sweet is that???

Debbie.....my sister.....God love her.....she called me shortly after Ed's little serenade and commenced to singing happy birthday to me in her slow, kind-of-struggling-to-breathe-voice. It meant the world to me.

Bill.....my oldest brother, called sometime during the day and said a hearty "Happy Birthday, Sis!" to me and sang happy birthday to me.

I received several messages on EC (EveryonesConnected) from Stacy, Serena, Jeffrey, David, Kim, and Theresa.

And here on my blog, I received birthday wishes from Becky and Donnie.

I received phone messages from Troy-my nephew, Becky-my dear friend, Tina-another dear friend, and Neda-another dear friend.

I saw my twin-brother, Johnny, at church that night and we wished eachother happy birthday and hugged and all. Sis. Hurst, whose hair I do twice a week, brought me a beautiful fall centerpiece for my table. My sister, Bev, had come down Saturday and spent some time with me. Also, she and my other sister and sisters-in-law will be taking me out to dinner this coming Thursday evening at the Texas Roadhouse in Lancaster and am I ever looking forward to that!

I know that I've probably forgotten someone, but my point is this: I didn't have a cake, received only one gift and yet my birthday was so wonderful because I heard from the people I love the most and that is what really matters, that is what counts. To just be touched by the ones you love and hold dear. (gosh, but I AM getting old and sounding OLD, hm? *smile*)

Ed got me a new printer, scanner, copier for my computer. I've had the same printer now since 1997. It's been through three computers and still works fine but I just wanted a new and improved one with a scanner.

So, thank you all for making my birthday so special.......because you are all so special to me!

((((((HUGS TO EACH OF YOU)))))))

Election 2006

I am the presiding judge for precinct Green 2 in Hocking County. I have worked the voting polls for the past seven years. Except for the presidential election in 2004, the voter turnout has always been well below fifty percent. Yesterday was a record-setting day.

In the past few weeks, leading up to the election, you could tell that this was going to be an important election. Our training classes were very thorough and meticulous. As November 7th approached, the feeling that this election was going to be very pivotal for America, only increased.

Yesterday morning, when I unlocked the door to the polling place, there was a long line of eager voters. The line never abated. People were eager to vote and came prepared to vote, having gotten all of their information in order at the election office prior to the election and having their identification ready and in hand when they got there. Even though the line was long most of the day, people were amazingly patient. And those people who did not have the proper ID more often than not, made the decision to leave and get the proper ID info and come back, rather than vote provisionally. It was so evident that people were determined to vote and see change.

And, my oh my, have things changed. I am not sure that it has all been for the good. Nevetheless, the Democrats have succeeded in accomplishing an overwhelming victory. Now we must prepare ourselves for the next two years of watching a monumental struggle between the White House, President Bush and the Democrats. It is not going to be a pretty sight, I'm afraid, and I doubt that much will be accomplished. I've already read somewhere that an investigation of President Bush and "his Whitehouse" is in the works. Oh, joy and gladness.......

This was a bit of an interesting read on Yahoo yesterday: An article telling who, in the Democratic party, was going to be in charge of what in the Senate now. I don't even want to talk about it right now.....*sighhhhhh* I'm just thankful that, in the end, God is in control. And that is all I have to say about that.....

A smoking rant

Okay, now look....I used to smoke.......before I gave my heart to the Lord and He gave me the strength and desire to quit. I mean, I wasn't one of those fortunate people who was totally delivered from smoking the night I was born again. My husband was, as was many other people I know. And it wasn't because I wasn't sincere in my committment to the Lord either. I received the Holy Ghost the first night I went to the altar. Other areas of my life came under His influence and control almost immediately. I struggled with smoking for about six months after receiving the Holy Ghost. Now I never just sat around and smoked liberally after that time but I did have overwhelming cravings for them. I remember times when I would leave an awesome service at church and "just know" that I was never going to smoke another cigarette, only to find myself stopping on the way home to buy a pack and then smoking maybe half a cigarette and tossing the whole pack out the window, so disgusted with myself. Also, I lived with my parents at the time (I was 22) and they were both smokers, which made it even more difficult for me to quit. But approximately six months later, still growing in the Lord and endeavoring to live for Him, I found that I was no longer smoking and I rejoiced and thanked the Lord for helping me. That was 32 years ago. Still, I will be honest and tell you that when our family gets together for a big dinner and we've finished eating and everyone is sitting around talking, some of the family will go outside and smoke and have a cup of coffee.....I remember what a good feeling that was.....to just relax and have a cigarette, sip on a cup of coffee, what a nice combination, though I know you will only understand if you've been there......it is soothing and relaxing and a good feeling. BUT......I don't and won't do it. The Lord so graciously helped me to quit and I will be forever grateful and I am much healthier for it.

My mother passed away in 1999 and most of her health problems were because she was a lifelong smoker. She loved to smoke. She said it was the one vice she had and no one was going to tell her she couldn't. She carried a full pack of cigarettes in her purse till the day she died, though she could no longer smoke during the last few years of her life because of breathing problems. But, in the end, it was the effects from smoking for so many years that brought about my mother's death.

My sister Debbie is following in my mother's footsteps. She is on oxygen all of the time, except when she shuts it off to smoke. She smokes about 10 cigarettes a day. I don't understand allowing your health and life to be compromised like that for the love of a cigarette but it happens all the time and is a choice they make. Cigarettes have been said to more addictive than cocaine.

Having said all of that, I would like to say that I just don't agree with the smoking ban that has been passed. I believe that we should be allowed to have choices. So what is next? I know it was given to the people for a vote. I know that smoking is bad for you. But so is alcohol. I don't like the fact the it is sold everywhere.....in grocery stores, etc. It used to be that you had to go to a carry-out....not the most reputable of places in years past......to get alcohol. It used to be that you had to go to a bar or bar and grill to get alcohol. Now there is hardly a restaurant that doesn't serve booze, except for the fastfood places. I am not particularly fond of having to walk past a bar everytime I go into a nice restaurant. That offends me but I guess I make allowances, you know? So people can sit next to me and sip on their booze but people can no longer smoke in a designated smoking area?

I grew up in a family where both of my parents smoked. I remember all of us riding in the car. Five kids and my mom and dad. If it was cold outside, there we'd be, mom and dad puffing away with the windows all rolled up, a blue haze enveloping all of us. It's just the way it was and none of us have suffered any ill health because of "second-hand" smoke. But only one of five of us kids smokes today.

ANDDDDDD......I remember sitting around with friends in bars, bowling alleys, restaurants and other places smoking and having a good time. It was a choice that we made. If you didn't want to be around it you could go sit somewhere else. I even had people occasionally ask me not to smoke and I abided by their wishes.

I've said all of that to say this: We had better be careful about giving away our right to make choices. I just don't understand what was wrong with designated smoking areas.

Oh, and I'd venture to say that booze and alcohol has broken up more marriages and torn up more lives than cigarettes ever did.

I'm not promoting smoking. It's about our freedom and our freedom to make choices.

Don't Forget To Vote!!

I have been busy getting ready for election day tomorrow: picking up voting machines and supplies, calling pollworkers, getting things done here at home, fixing food, etc. I am going to the polling place to set up everything at three o'clock this afternoon. Soooooo, I will not be posting until Wednesday, at best.

Isn't the weather great? It has been 65 here today and the rest of the week looks really good, too, so Ed and I are going to get out the outside Christmas decorations and get them put up Thursday while the weather is nice. It is so hard to believe that Christmas is only six weeks away! Where does the time go?? Especially now that I am going slower, the time seems to go by even more quickly!

Have a great week everyone and I'll see you on the other side of election day!!!

Sisterhood

My sister Debbie called me early this morning, along about 7:30. She asked me how old she was?????? "How old am I?" was her exact question! I said, "You have got to be kidding me!!! Look, Debbie...now follow me here. Get a pen and paper and subtract 1949 from 2006. Your answer should be 57!" Hellloooooooo!! LOL She is sooo funny! Today is her birthday!! I sang a heart happy birthday to her and wishes her bunches of good wishes. Oh yes, she is the owner of the infamous Tracker that I have posted about a time or three. She is so special to me. I don't know what I would without her. She is our mother incarnate, so much so that it is almost scary, let me tell you!! She has raised three wonderful children and has 8 grandchildren that just adore their "Nanny". Debbie was a grandmother to my son Daniel and my niece, Bethany, too, because our mother was not in very good health and just couldn't do much for or with Daniel and Bethany when they were little, but they still loved her bunches. All of the grandchildren called my mom Grandma Pete. My dad had his own plumbing business and his business nickname was Pete the Plumber, our last name being Peters, so the grandchildren put the "Pete" tag on Mom, too. It fit her to a T!

I had the most wonderful surprise today! My sister Bev and her daughter Bethany came to visit! I couldn't believe it! After we visited for awhile, we went up to Green Elementary School's annual craft bazaar. It is just a couple of miles away. Bethany and Daniel went to school there before they were homeschooled. I didn't know if I was going to be able to walk that much, but I took my trusty cane, which I have been hesitant to use......I don't like using it.....but I need some kind of support these days. Soooooo......we went to the bazaar and I saw so many people that I hadn't seen for so long. Oh, to back up a little......I asked Ed if he would kindly give me a little money to take in case I found something I liked....well, he said that all he had was a $100 bill. Like that was going to stop me from taking it???? HELLOOOOO!!! LOL I finally bought myself a OSU buckeye necklace and yesssssssssss, I am wearing it even as I type! And I bought a cookbook from a church group that had a booth. They were the ones who changed the $100 bill for me. I told them about the exchange that Ed and I had and we had a good laugh together as they gave me my change! *smile* Every where we went people asked Bev and I if we were twins. *sighhhhhh* No, we aren't but I DO have a twin brother. I wish I had a dollar for everytime someone has asked us this. I'd take a nice, long vacation!!

Two women, Two boys, and a Tracker

Okay, here we go again.....my sister Debbie called me yesterday and asked me if I would drive her to a doctor's appt. and she also had to pick up her two grandsons ANDDD go by the grocery store, so I said......yesssssssssssssssssss.....in a really whiney voice. Well, I get to her house and I am kind of cripping around and here she comes out of her house toting her portable oxygen and stuff and I just look at her and say....."you know this is like the blind leading the blind, don't you?" And she just kinda chuckled and mumbled yes or something. So we get the Tracker and only after we have gone about three miles up the road with the wind whipping around our heads does she say, "I have money to give you for gas and I was going to ask you if we could take your car...." NOW SHE TELLS ME! *feeble grin* You see, her Tracker has a cloth top.....well, part of a cloth top. Well, most of a cloth top but somehow it has gotten some rips and tears in it and she has patched it up with duct tape as best she can, but, let me tell you, the wind was blowing again in that thing last night AND it was snowing, to boot!! So I just pulled up my coat collar and hunkered down a little lower and cranked up the heat. Well, we made it to the doctor's office and lo and behold if there wasn't this lady in there that just about talked, not just one, but both of my legs and almost an arm, off. She told me she was 75 and lived alone. (you're kiddin' me? I would never have guessed) Now, I don't mean to sound cold or like I don't have a heart. It is just that when I go to these appointments with Debbie I kind of look forward to gathering up a couple of magazines and just reading and having a little time to myself and maybe chatting A LITTLE with someone nearby. But in the span of 15 minutes I knew that this woman had been married 3 times. She had 5 children by her first husband and 3 by her second husband. They were both bums. Her third husband molested some of her children and it turned out he was gay so she got rid of him. Oh, I could go on and on. Oh and she asked me my maiden name. My mother's name. Ed's name and where his family was from. Where I lived. How many brothers and sisters I have. I truly tried to be patient and kind and realize that she was just lonely.....you would have been proud of me........ but I'm telling you she never shut up for one second!!! Finally....finnnnaaallllllyyyy......a nurse called her back to see the doctor. But by this time, Debbie was done. Sooooo..... so much for perusing the magazines!
So then we were off to get Corbin, who is 13, and Cade, who is 8. Well, Debbie told them to pack light because they were going to spend two nights with her because they didnt' have school today. I guess for boys they packed light but we only had the Tracker which has two seats, a steering wheel and gearshift in it. We finally found a place for all of their stuff and managed to squeeze them in, too, and then we were off to the grocery store. Wellllllll......we came out with two bags of groceries and two gallons of milk. so we put them on the floor in the back and the boys wrapped their legs around their heads. (just kidding, ok? but it was pretty crowded)
BUT! One good thing about the Tracker being so crammed full of people, luggage, bedding and groceries is that the wind and snow blowing on the way home wasn't nearly so bad!! LOL
We did have such a fun time with the boys! Cade couldn't believe that an "old woman" like me could drive a stick shift. Welllllll....I showed him a thing or five! *smile* He was pretty impressed at my speed shifting! Yeehaa!!

The 5th Sunday!

Okay, so when a month has five Sundays in it, our church does something different on the fifth Sunday. Sometimes we have a singspiration. One time we had a game and pizza night, which was so much fun. This past Sunday evening we had our annual wiener roast minus the usual hayride because of the cold weather, but in retrospect, it wasn't THAT cold. Anywayyyyy.....Ed and I had considered not going and instead going to church in Nelsonville so we could see Daniel and Erin BUT we went to the weiner roast, okay!?!?!?!?! And we are so glad that we did! We had so much fun and I looooooooove roasted hot dogs! ANDDDDDD.....I didn't even have to roast them! How great is that?? Pastor Martin had one of those sticks that holds like like five hot dogs, so he shared his with me and others. We had a great turnout plus there is a new family that is considering transferring to Logan and they were there, too, so I am really glad that we went to the weiner roast. They have five foster children and one of the little boys sat by me and about talked my leg off but I just love little kids. He had never been to a weiner roast before and was just thrilled with everything about it. I think he is 7 or 8. I roasted marshmallows for him and we talked about legos and the stars and a plethora of things. It was one of the best and most memorable evenings I have spent in a long time. Truly it is good and pleasant for brethren.....and sistren......*grin*.....to dwell together.
Oh, and my brother Johnny was there and brought us all a little bag of candy for Halloween. Well, I was just going on and on about how sweet it was of him to do this for us and he said not to get too carried away with the praise......it was leftover treats that they had prepared to hand out that afternoon when trick-or-treating was going on. Well...okay....it was still thoughtful though...he didn't have to bring them. *grin* I gave some of the candy I didn't care for to the little boy I was sitting with and he thought that was so nice of me.
(I told you the weiner roast was really a good time for all.)

WW

I haven't said anything about my weight loss here of late, so I thought I would give you an update. I started WW with my pastor's wife. We started the last week of July. We were going to the meetings but once we got the information and books that we needed and were well on our way, we stopped going but have continued the eating plan. To date, I have lost 23 pounds! In three months! This is the slowest I have ever lost weight, but hopefully, I am going to keep it off. They say that the slower you lose it, the more likely you are to keep it off. I'm thinking this is my last good chance to lose a sizable amount of weight before the Lord comes. *grin* I want to lose 43 more pounds. Okay, I'll be honest here. I started at 216lbs. I am now down to 193. I want to get down to 150, which is a really good weight for me. I am aiming at getting healthy, more than just losing weight. I am hoping to see a decrease in my pain level, most of all. Oh, and I have managed to lose this weight without exercising, which is a first. I've lost 50 pounds about 5 or 6 times in my lifetime, believe it or not, and each time I exercised intensely. Because of my pain and physical limitations, I've not exercised this time and still I have managed to lose weight. I do a stretching routine and my back exercises every day but they are not what you would consider aerobic. Oh, and when I go to Walmart each week to shop for groceries, I MAKE myself go up and down every aisle in the grocery section. I walk a moderately brisk pace and keep my posture in check. It really is a good way to exercise. It is better than doing NOTHING. *grin*
I am so thankful that I have been able to lose this weight. My brother Bill has been a great encouragement to me. He is a gem!
The only downside is that many of my favorite clothes are getting baggy on me to the point that they don't look very nice on me, but I am hesitant to buy new clothes until I have finished losing all the weight. I may try to alter some of them, though in the past, I haven't been very successful at doing this. Perhaps I'll give it another try!!
I'll keep you posted on my progress!

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

Snippets

I have election training today from 1-4pm for the upcoming election, Nov. 7. I've read/heard that this election is more important than the upcoming 2008 presidential election. I know that I have had my fill of political ads, commercials, phone calls, mailings and so on. I don't believe I have ever seen such a constant deluge of mud-slinging in my 54 years. I do believe that it is important that we are part of the process. I will say, though, that I told my dear husband that all of the ads and criticisms and so on almost make me want to not vote for any of them! If you would like information on the candidates and issues in your state, go to www.dontvote.com, and click on your state.

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We have begun having Monday night prayer each week once again. Previously, we were having prayer on the 2nd Monday of the month. We have also begun to fast regularly as a church body, not just individually. What a difference it is making. The answered prayers. A new and fresh annointing in our services. A spirit of unity and goodness among the saints. New faces at church. We cannot forget the basics.....prayer and fasting. They must be the foundation of all that we do for the Lord and, if we are not careful, all of the other necessary "stuff" can cause us to forget and neglect these two very fundamental necessities. And lest I forget it, the Word of the Lord. "Man shall not live by bread alone;but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge...." "Study to shew thyself approved unto God...."

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Halloween Candy Update

Heyyyyy.....I was grocery shopping yesterday and saw Three Musketeers at the checkout and I couldn't believe how big they still are! And even though they don't have nuts or caramel, I do kinda like the fluffiness of the inside.

News of the day!

I had a job interview today. Yes, you read correctly. :-) Ed came home a couple of weeks ago and told me there was a job opening at REACH where he transports students to each day in Athens, Ohio. The job description is office manager, meaning I would be a receptionist, file clerk, and whatever else needed to be done in the way of office duties; 10-3pm Monday-Friday.
I believe I am ready to go back to work, to be quite honest. And this sounds perfect for me. I don't have to sit all of the time but I can sit when I want to or need to. So the hours and the sitting/standing situation are good which is what I was most concerned about. Oh, and the starting wage is very good, too. ;-)
So the young man who interviewed me was 31, young enough to be my son. You know you are getting older when pastors/preachers, doctors, bosses and so on are sooooo much younger than you and they are in positions of authority. *sigh* This young man was so nice and we hit it off immediately. I told my girlfriend Pat that they should hire me just for my bubbly personality and wit! *grin* They had received alot of applications/resumes and I was one of three finalists, so to speak, that they actually interviewed, so I feel good about that.
I've prayed about this and believe that if the Lord sees that it is a good thing for me to go back to work then I will get the job. If not, I'll know He has another plan for me. I am so thankful that I can put my trust in such a wonderful Saviour.
I'll keep you posted!!