Wednesday, March 29, 2006

It's a miracle!!!!


Okay, am I brain-dead or what??? So I am sitting here, finishing today's post which was a redo of yesterday's post that I "lost" and Becky, who is sitting here next to me says, "Sis. Jewel!!! It's here!! The post that you thought you lost!" I don't know what happened. It must have found its way back here from the outer limits of cyberspace! Whatever happened, I am leaving them both, so read to your heart's content!!

We must be heading home. We have church tonight and there is supper to fix, laundry to fold and a nap to take and only so much time to do all of this in!

Lata...to all of my readers!!!

Bad blogger! Bad blogger!

Okay, to kinda sorta redeem myself, I DID have a lengthy post already to put up here yesterday morning and while trying to put in a picture, I lost the entire thing!! I was livid!! And I just didn't have the heart to retype it! So here I am once again, hoping to finally get a post up! Wish me luck!

Becky, my adopted granddaughter, and I are at the Logan-Hocking District Library using their computers. They are so much faster than mine. I have dial-up and it can go so slow sometimes, especially blogger.

I had a really great though busy weekend. Friday night we had youth group at church. We had a game night and made tacos. The kids love to get in the kitchen and cook, though they are quite so enthusiastic about cleaning up. We now have a game room downstairs that consists of a pool table, table tennis, air hockey, and foozeball. A couple of the guys also brought their video games and we also had board games. I love to play Uno Attack! We had a great, fun time. There were 15 young people present and a couple of them were visitors. One of the girls who was visiting said that she could not remember when she had laughed so much! Hopefully, we can get her involved and coming to church.

Saturday, my sister Bev and I went to the Ohio District Minister's Wives Retreat in Dublin, Ohio. You see, last year I wrote and presented a skit at the New Lexington, Ohio's Mother's Memorial tea. Sis. Young, the pastor's wife there, recommended it to Sis. Jordan for this retreat. So I guess you could say that I was the entertainment. :-) While the skit is funny, it does end on a serious note. It went really good and the Lord blessed and annointed. Though I was really nervous before hand about doing the skit for these wonderful ladies, I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to share it with them and minister to them.

I finally got home at about 2pm and took a lengthy nap. I was beat. We left at 7am that morning and I hadn't slept very well the night before. Later in the evening, I put the finishing touches on my class lesson for the next day and got music together for the morning service.

Sunday was just as busy. After the morning service, I went to Millersport where Dan Monk is the pastor and picked up my adopted grandaughter, Becky, who is spending the week with me. She is on spring break. She has been so excited, but I told her to not get too worked up because she would be spending her week with two old people. But I believe she has had an enjoyable time, in spite of our "oldness". *grin*

Sunday evening before service we had choir practice. Let me tell you, this choir is coming together quite nicely! I just can't believe how great they sound. You see, individually, many of these dear people do not have dynamic voices, but when singing together in a choir and under the annointing of the Lord, it is just amazing at the sound they have. I am just ecstatic! To God be the glory!! Anyway, we had a great service and the worship and music were fantastic! The Lord is good!

Monday is my veg-out day. After a busy weekend, I just need a day to catch-up, rest and pull myself together again. So Becky and I watched a couple of movies, ate, washed our hair, and so on. In the evening, we did go to prayer at church which was awesome, too.]

Yesterday, Tuesday, we went to Athens to do some shopping. We also stopped by Daniel and Erin's because I wanted to see Daniel's humongously big NCAA brackets. And they are huge! My money is on George Mason....whoever they are. *smile* We lunched at Ruby Tuesday's, shopped at Walmart, Cato's, Staples, and I can't remember where else. We had left home at about noon and got home at around seven o'clock last night. I was so tired! But we had a really good day. I actually went to bed and slept for about an hour, then got up at just a little before ten so Becky and I could watch Nashville Star.

Today, I had to go to my chiropractor. I am now going just once every two weeks, which is a big improvement. I still can't "run with a troop or leap over a wall" BUT.....who knows? It could happen in time! Okay, maybe a little hop over a brick or one would be doable. The running with a troop.....Wellllll.....me running has never been a pretty sight. Me running now could possibly cause a serious wave of nausea to come upon anyone who might care to watch. I will run in the privacy of my home for this very reason.

I am going to end this rambling post for now, but I promise not to be so absent again. I don't what got into to me! Well, I have had this teenager occupying my computer quite a bit the past three days. Isn't it amazing how one can sit and talk and laugh and carry on a conversation with an inaminate object? She does have fun!

The weather here is absolutely gorgeous! Becky and I grabbed some lunch at Rally's and headed over to Rising Park where we ate and watched the ducks. We threw them a few crackers. It was nice, just plain nice, let me tell you.

Hope you are having a good one!

Monday, March 27, 2006

Spring Break!

Becky


Becky....pictured at the left.......is my "adopted" granddaughter. She is on spring break this week and is spending the week with me and Ed. She said she is sooooo excited!! Wellllll......I told her to not get too excited because things don't get too exciting around here. Remember? We're old!! *grin* I think it is going to be a fun week of sleeping, eating, and watching chick flicks! She is watching "Runaway Bride" even as I type. Well, now we are all three going to watch Price is Right! Exciting, hm? lol Be still my heart!! Nooo, seriously....we are going to go shopping and I am going to show her the sights. We will be having some fun times, I promise!!!

I think that last time I posted was last Thursday!! Please forgive me :-(

This past Friday night we had a youth night at church. We fixed tacos, which the kids love to help fix. They just love to get in the kitchen, so I am thankful that we do have a really great kitchen at church. We have also been able to put together a really great game room at church for the youth. We have a pool table, foozeball, pingpong, and air hockey. Plus, a couple of the guys brought their video games. We also have all kinds of board games and such, my favorite being Uno Attack! There were like 15-16 youth there and we did have such a fun time! This Friday there is a Holy Ghost Rally at New Life Christian Center in Lancaster which we will be going to. It is for kids of all ages so we will be taking some of the younger ones, too, which I know they are excited about!

On Saturday, my sister, Bev, and I left early (7:15am) to go to the Ohio District Minister's Wives Retreat in Dublin, Ohio. We were the entertainment! *grin* You see, I had done this skit for a Mother's Memorial Tea last spring at New Lexington UPC. Sis. Young like it so much, that she recommended it to Sis. Jordan, who organized the retreat. I could hardly believe that they wanted me to do my skit for these wonderful ladies! It was very well received and, I say with much humbleness, the Lord blessed and annointed what we presented. It went right along with the other songs and ministering that took place. The Lord had truly orchestrated this gathering of wonderful ladies.

Yesterday.....the Lord's day......was a wonderful day. We had a great service yesterday morning. Immediately afterward, I went to Millersport where I picked up Becky. I stayed for a short while and visited with Donnie, Becky's dad, my adopted son, and the Monk family. We got home at about two 0'clock and I was ready for my Sunday afternoon nap, let me tell you! So we had a late dinner and I headed off to bed for about an hour nap. It was sweet! We headed back to church at 5:oopm for choir practice. Is this choir ever shaping up???? I am sooooo excited!! They sounded absolutely great last night!! That just shows you what can happen when the Lord blesses and annoints His people and the talent that they offer Him. To God be the glory!! After church, where we had another awesome service, a bunch of us went to McDonald's for some food and fellowship, then on to home. We got Becky settled into her room and we finally turned in about 11:30. I was beat!

This morning has been nice. The weather is absolutely gorgeous so we are definitely going to have to get outside some and enjoy it! I fixed breakfast for all of us and have done laundry, made the beds, and so on. I have to fix my hair....egads! It is just kind of hanging around right now. I washed it last night and Becky brushed it out this morning. It is soooooo awesomely nice to have someone brush my hair!!

We have prayer tonight at 7pm, so we have plenty of time to get into something before then, if we decide to do anything besides watching movies and hanging around home, which, at this point, is sounding pretty good to me. Monday is kind of my vegging-out day after such busy weekends. I am so thankful to the Lord that I am not working outside of the home. I know that it has taken some pretty painful physical disability to get me here, but I am enjoying being at home and taking care of things here and of my husband.

I hope you all are having a wonderful Monday. Get outside and enjoy the beauty of the early days of spring!

Oh, and I have one more absolutely great thing to tell you about. Bro. Henry Cook, who is in his mid-eighties, suffered an apparent stroke/heart attack last Sunday morning on his way to church. He was in pretty dire conditions. He was stopped at the intersection in Logan at CVS when this happened. Wellllll......he was dismissed from the hospital a couple of days ago without any symptoms of anything!! Praise the dear Lord Jesus! Isn't that just great????

Also, another dear friend of mine, Andrea Ruff, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a huge lump and lymph nodes removed about 2 weeks ago. They have just done a bone scan and other tests on her and have found nothing in her system. Isn't that marvelous? We are trusting the Lord to heal her completely and keep her clean!! He is able and such a wonderful prayer-answering God.

"God can do anything, anything, anything,
God can do anything but fail,
He can save, He can heal, and I know that He will,
God can do anything but fail."

Thursday, March 23, 2006

Okayyyyy, so I lied!

I got the recyclables done but am now cramming for choir practice tonight.....in 50 minutes to be exact! So I will have to post later!! Life is just too busy or perhaps I don't manage my time well? You decide!! *smile*
So last night, I wore a new spring jacket to church. As I was finishing getting ready, Ed looked at it and said, "That jacket has "sequels" on it, doesn't it?" "SEQUELS"???? You mean, S-E-Q-I-U-N-S, don't you, honey??? We had a good laugh! (He said that on purpose!) He does this to me all of the time! Saying almost the correct work but not quite! Like....."we're supposed to have some "participation" tonight, I heard". (in place of percipitation, in case you are wondering) *smile* It is so funny when he does it! Lata!!!

I've been bad!!


I know, I know, I haven't posted for a few days! And, nooooo, I haven't just been laying around doing nothing but looking cute! *grin* I tried once or twice to post but blogger was so slow and then wouldn't let me post pictures! Grrrrr! Anyway, I am off to the recycling center and then I will come back and put up a lengthy post,k? The Lord is good, life is good and I have alot to tell you all! *smile* So stay tuned, faithful readers!! (((HUGS)))

Saturday, March 18, 2006

78 miles to lunch!

Eleven of us boarded the church van with Pastor Martin at the wheel and headed off for Cambridge, Ohio where we had lunch at USA Steak Buffet! Only apostolics would travel that far to eat! LOL We did have such a great time, talking and laughing and visiting. The weather was perfect and we saw some lovely scenery along the way. Our meal was delicious, especially if you love steak, which I do!! It is my favorite food group! LOL And it was made even better by the great company. "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren (and sistren *grin*) to dwell together in unity." Psalm 133:1
We were going to stop at Zanesville Pottery on the way home but missed the exit and , well, there was a man driving so that lets you know that we weren't going to turn around and go back, for heaven's sake. *grin* Still, it was a fun time!!

I Should Be In Bed!

Good Saturday Evening! It has indeed been a busy past couple of days here! It is now 11:22pm and I should be in bed because another busy day awaits tomorrow. We are having Pastor Appreciation Day! Okay, I know we are a bit late or it could be a bit early depending on how you look at it. October is officially clergy appreciation month and that is when we normally do this, but time just got away from me and all. Since then, it seems I just haven't been able to get my act together, what with the physical problems I have been having and all, not to mention the mental (har..har!). Anywayyyyyy, we are having pastor appreciation in March!!! Yeehaa! Sooooo.....you could say that we are having it early this year orrrrrrr......you could say that we are terribly late from last year. It just doesn't matter, either way, does it?? We are having a special speaker (my very special adopted son from Mt. Vernon!)for both services tomorrow and as soon as I found that out (last Sunday morning in our senior staff meeting at church), I jumped at the opportunity to have pastor appreciation Sunday!! We are going to have a carry-in dinner after the morning service, which is always a great time for everyone and we have some other little festivities planned throughout the week and small gifts and things, so I am looking forward to it all. I just finished putting the finishing touches on a big banner to go across the front of the church. I know, I know.....nothing like waiting until the last minute.....but I do some of my best worker under pressure! *smile* I am going to get up early tomorrow morning and fry chicken, fix green beans and a yummy dessert! I may fix macaroni and cheese, too, because the little ones always scarf it up! I have to stop by Walmart and get candy and roses. I had better get myself off to bed, but I just had to stop by and blog for a bit! I hope your weekend is going wonderfully! Isn't the weather absolutely beautiful?? And how 'bout them Buckeyes??? They play Georgetown tomorrow afternoon at 4:15!!! O-H-I-O!! GO BUCKS!!

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Abundance of the Heart


This is one of the books that I purchased Saturday at the Sunday School Conference. It is such a delightful book. It is full of wisdom and scripture regarding the fruits of the spirit. The artwork is just beautiful, too. If you like lovely books, I recommend this one highly. I wanted to share one of the excerpts from the chapter on love:

"It is love in old age, no longer blind, that is true love. For love's highest intensity doesn't necessarily mean its highest quality. Glamour and jealousy are gone; and the ardent caress, no longer needed, is valueless compared to the reassuring touch of a trembling hand. Passersby commonly see little beauty in the embrace of young lovers on a park bench, but the understanding smile of an old wife to her hsuband is one of the loveliest things in the world." Booth Tarkington

Surprise!!!


Hello, hello!! I know, I know.....where have I been? Well, busy, busy, busy and it might just be me, but I have to be in the "mood" to post, you know? *sigh* but stay tuned, this could be a good one!! *smile*
The Sunday School Conference this past weekend was life-changing. I cannot even begin to explain it all here, but the speakers were truly directed and inspired by God and we all came with hungry hearts, willing spirits, and open ears. It was so evident that much planning, prayer and fasting had gone into this conference. I was one of the benefactors and I can truly say, it was life-changing. You see, we get into ruts and routines and we don't even realize it. We do it almost unconsciously. It happens......even to the most well-meaning saint of God. These events, such as this wonderful, annointed Sunday School Conference, are prepared for just this reason.......to give those of us who labor in the field a retreat, a place of refreshing, a common ground with other laborers where we can be renewed, our desire and passion restored, our short-comings and failures forgiven. It is imperative that we take advantage of these conferences, especially as the day of His coming approaches. The times demand our best and I have been inspired and helped so greatly by the classes and services of this past weekend at Newark Apostolic Church. Ohhhh.....and did I mention that the food was really good, too????? *smile* We had box lunches from Subway, fruit and relish trays, and beverages. It was great, especially after coming off of the infamous three day diet! *smile* Andddd, last but not least, Pentecostal Publishing House was there and they always have great bargains on books, cards, music and the like! I spent like $30-40 on some great books and greeting cards.
My two sisters, two sisters-in-law and I FINALLY went out for my birthday this past Tuesday! My birthday was last November 8! It was just such a busy time of the year! What can I say? But we had a wonderful lunch and talked ourselves silly. This birthday lunch tradition started about 5 or 6 years ago. It was my sister Bev's birthday , so I called the girls and asked them what they thought of each of us buying her a set of nice bath towels, then going down to where she works and surprising her by taking her out for lunch? Wellllll, they were all for it and we have been doing it for each other ever since! I haven't bought towels for years!!! *smile* Oh, and we sometimes buy kitchen towels instead of the bath towels if the birthday girl wants. This is a way for us to stay in touch and not just let our birthdays become another day on the calendar, you know? Sandy, my sister-in-law, is the only one still under 50, so we will have to have a really BIG celebration when she hits half-a-hundred!!
Then yesterday, I had my last chiropractic appointment in this series. My sister Debbie called early in the morning and she had a doctor's appointment in Lancaster, too, so I just picked her up and we went together. After our appointments, I phoned Bev, our other sister, and since it was her day off, she invited us to her house for lunch. I tell you of a truth, I am just loving this time of my life and my dear sisters. We had such a nice visit. We are now planning to take an overnight trip somewhere together......perhaps to Amish country. It is so neat how we are so different from each other, yet we share so many commonalities.
Today, I have been doing little things around the house here and fixed a nice lunch for Ed and me.....pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy (yes, they were homemade) and peas, bread and butter. Not diet food, but really, really good! *smile* I am going to go out and rake a few leaves in a little while. I also have to make a banner for Pastor Appreciation Sunday this weekend. And I have to put the finishing touches on a song for choir practice tonight. Oh, and we are taking the youth to Bro. Monk's church for a youth social. We are to wear the funkiest green outfit we can put together. It is a contest, so I have to put something together for that, too. So I had better close out this post and get with it,hm?
I am doing really great physically. My back is getting stronger every day. I am doing my exercises and trying to work in a little more physical activity everyday. The Lord is helping and healing me as I trust in Him and give Him the glory and do my part. Thank you, Lord Jesus.
Oh, and I have posted a picture of my doggie-nephew, Sausalito....Sausie for short! He is my sister Bev's dog. I took his picture yesterday during our visit.
And, last but not least, Ohio State plays tomorrow at 12:15pm! Go Bucks!!

Monday, March 13, 2006

"Oh, What a wonderful weekend....."

That title is being sung to the tune of "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning". And it was a wonderful weekend, albeit a busy one!
First things first! Remember the 3-day-diet I was telling you about? Wellllll.....I have the results! *drum roll please* I lost SEVEN POUNDS!! Yeehaa!! In three days! And I haven't gained any back yet either! Of course, I have been eating sensibly and watching my portions. You know, portion control is the key to the whole weight loss issue, I believe. I read an article about weight loss and portion control in Time magazine several months ago. I gasped and my mouth hung open as I read it. Do you know that a healthy portion of meat is the size of a deck of cards???? Hellooooooooo!!! I conveyed this info to Daniel and his quick reply was, "Uhhhh....how about the size of an encyclopedia, Mom?" LOL A healthy portion of mashed potatoes is the size of a tennis ball, to which he said, "Try a volleyball". That's my boy!!! LOL Continuing on in this vein.....A healthy portion of cheese is 4-5 cubes of cheese the size of dice.
After ending my 3 day diet, I did, in fact, get up early Saturday morning...5:30am.... and grill myself a hamburger! I usually make a big, thick plump hamburger, but this time I made it much thinner and do you know what?? It was just as good! Oh, was it ever good! Anddddd......we went through the drive-thru at McDonald's and got a White Chocolate Raspberry Cappu. It was so delicious!
Did you know that you can now buy a "Diet Plate"? It has markings on it designating how much of each food group you should have to lose weight. They come in male, female, and child versions, too. You can purchase them on Ebay here. I'm not pushing Ebay. I just thought you might want to take a look. I am going to try the 3-day-diet again this week and see how much I lose this time! I'll keep you posted!

Friday, March 10, 2006

Getting ready for Sunday


Daniel called this evening and asked if his dad or I could help him decorate his classroom. He teaches the kindergarten class. I had a few finishing touches to put on my room...I teach Sr. High.....so we said sure. His theme this quarter is "Believe God's Word". He and his dad hung up inflatable bees all over the room, decorated the bulletin boards, and other little things, while I worked in my room. On the way home, Ed and I just talked about how thankful we are that Daniel is so committed to his Sunday School class. He has one sweet little girl and the rest boys and they just love him. I mean, it is Friday night and he is 19 and newly married. Needless to say, we are so proud of him and thankful to the Lord that he has a heart for the things of God. What more could a parent want?

Our baby girl


Now this is what I call sleeping! This is Ellie the cat, sleeping in her chair by the woodburner. Yes, HER chair. It used to be mine, but I got a new chair so she kind of took this one over. I knew she was really asleep because if and when she sees me with camera in hand, she takes off because she doesn't like the bright flash. What a life, hm???

My favorite day post!

It's Friday...My favorite day......yayyyyyy!! *smile* Where to begin, where to begin?? Wellllll......I am feeling really good physically. I am feeling stronger in my back and legs. I just finished doing my exercises. (It's not a pretty sight....take my word for it :-/) I've been given a series of exercises to do for my stomach, upper and lower back, and legs. I know this might sound a little elementary coming from someone who has been a christian for so long, but in trusting the Lord to heal my back, I asked a dear friend just what my part in all of this is. You see, I have let myself go physically over the past few years, meaning that I have gained weight and basically quit exercising, where before I was walking three miles a day and weighed about 60 pounds less than I do now. So, back to what I said originally. I really am believing the Lord to heal me in a way that I never have before. But I also have to do my part in taking care of myself. This is the "works" part of faith. "Faith without works is dead" James 2:18, 2:20, 2:26 Now, I may be taking this particular passage out of context a bit, but I do believe it applies to some degree. I mean, I can't just let myself go physcially and expect the Lord to just restore me completely can I? Now THAT would be a miracle! Wake up in the morning 60 pounds lighter and muscles toned to the max! Yes, Lord Jesus! Sorry, but it ain't gonna happen....*sigh* Right now, after doing my exercises, which takes me the better part of an hour, my pain has lessened tremendously, where before, after doing my exercise regimen, I always hurt more. I kid you not. It has been this way this week. "Jesus on the inside, working on the outside, oh, what a change in my life...."

A friend and I are on this "three-day-diet". If you follow this diet to the letter you are supposed to lose 10 pounds in three days. Wellllllll.....NOT being a skeptic, I thought..."it's possible" so I went for it. On day one, I lost 4 pounds, day two I lost 2 pounds and tomorrow morning we will see if I hit the 10 pound mark. But I will tell you, I have never in my 54 years of living EVER lost 4 pounds in one day! So, I am impressed. I do have to tell you though, that the food leaves somewhat to be desired. I can hardly believe myself that I have stuck with it this long. I think I'd rather fast. Actually, I have the same feeling physically on this diet as when I am fasting. If you are interested in the diet, just Google "3-day-diet" and you'll get all kinds of info. There are a couple of different versions but they both work. I am craving a big, juicy cheeseburger and McDonald's White Chocolate Raspberry Cappucino!!!! Tomorrow morning we have to be at the church at 7:15am. All of the Sunday School Staff is going to the S.S. Conference in Newark, Ohio, for the day. Sooooo, I told my DH that I am getting up early enough to fix myself a big, juicy cheeseburger with tomato and mayonniase before we leave home and then we can go through McDonald's and get me a White Chocolate Raspberry Cappucino, which I have been craving ever since I went on this diet! Nooooo, I 'm not going to go crazy and eat everything in sight and gain it all back, but I am going to eat, okay????

My biggest downfall, foodwise, is chips. I looooove chips of any kind. Last week, I bought a bag of kettle chips, which I hadn't had before. Oh, my dear heavens! In time......3 0r 4 days......I had eaten the whole bag. Now, mind you, it wasn't a HUGE bag. 10 or 11 oz., I believe. Oh, but they were the most scrumptious chips I have ever eaten. They were Mah-va-lus, Dahling! Oh, and with my chips I love sandwiches. This reminds me of a story I just have to tell here. One day at work, a former co-worker of mine decided to have lunch with her daughter and asked me if I wanted the sandwich she had brought for her lunch and I said sure. On my break, I went back to get the sandwich. I about fainted when I saw it! It was one slice of bread with the most anemic looking piece of bologna on it I had ever seen!! LOL The really significant fact here is that my c0-worker is tiny. Itsy, bitsy even. Words that have never been used to describe me. *feeble grin* Our different food portions just might have something to do with it,hm? When I make a sandwich, it always has two slices of bread or it is on a big bun. I never just put ONE slice of lunchmeat on it. I most often put 2 or 3 or more. I usually add mayonnaise, too. And with my sandwich, I have to have chips. Lots of chips. Anywayy, this three day diet has helped me to see that I can eat in a disciplined way if I really want to. So, I am trying to make this weight loss the catalyst for losing the weight I need to over the next few months. I would like to be at my desired weight by family camp, which is in August and this is do-able. I'll keep you posted.

I don't know if I mentioned this before but I asked my doctor and my chiropractor how much of a factor my weight is in regards to my back problems and they both said it wasn't much of a factor, because they have just as many slender people with back problems as those who are over-weight. I believe this, but still, for me, I do know that losing weight and getting fit is going to be to my advantage. I have had back problems even when I weighed alot less, so actually, I think the "fit" part is more important than the weight loss. Still, I am endeavoring to do both and I know that the Lord is pleased.
"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).

We haven't talked with Daniel or Erin since he started his job at McDonald's, so we don't know how it is going, but I will fill you in as soon as I know. Daniel adapts well, so I am sure he is doing fine. He has taken to marriage like a duck to water and he loves college, so I know he will do the same with this new job.

Last Friday night, Daniel dropped his truck off so his dad could take it to have the brakes checked the next day. Before he left to go home, Daniel just sat down and we talked for about a half an hour. It was so good to just chat with the boy, you know? He was telling us all about his classes at college and how much he is liking it. I am just so happy for him. I am glad that his college experience is going so well for him. He has made alot of new friends and plays in the basketball league.

We are almost done "moving" into Daniel's old room. I managed to get it completely cleaned out on Wednesday, I believe it was and we have been moving things in there a little at a time. Ed is now hooking up the TV, VCR, surround sound/DVD player, satellite, antenna......you talk about wires!!! AAARRGGGHHHHH!!!! What a nightmare! But we are figuring it out together. I have been here typing and helping him, when needed. We have decided to leave the Ohio State theme up because it looks really good. I need to buy some new things for the walls and perhaps a floor lamp. I'll take some pictures and post them later.

Oh, and speaking of Ohio State......they just beat Penn State(14/13) 63-56. Yeehaa! Go Bucks! They will play either Indiana or Wisconsin tomorrow (Saturday). They should have beaten Penn State pretty handily having beaten them 104-69 and75/64 during the regular season, but everything changes during the post-season, so you can never take anything for granted. They lost to Indiana by a hair 81-79 which never should have happened! They won both times they played Wisconsin 77-67 and 78-73. Still, they were close games and no matter which team they play, it is going to be something to watch! Indiana and Wisconsin play at 4:05pm today on CBS. I love March Madness. These college teams play with an intensity that is unmatched. I am always a little let-down when it is all over.

This has been a pretty long post....thank you for reading...I had a lot of catching up to do. Let me explain: While on this diet I just haven't been very talkative, which is how I get when I am fasting. (I know, I know, I should fast more,hm? very funny.....*grin*) Have a wonderful weekend and remember to go to the House of the Lord on Sunday!!
"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord." Psalm 122:1

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

This child of mine



This past Sunday morning, after church, Daniel and I were about the only ones left in the sanctuary. We were talking about this and that and I began to tell him that I knew that McDonald's might not be the greatest place in the world to work........when he put his hand on my shoulder and stopped me, saying that it was actually perfect. You see, he had prayed about it and told the Lord that He could work 3 seven-hour shifts a week and still manage a full schedule at school and the rest of his life. *smile* Well.....that is just what he has been given at McDonalds. He actually starts tomorrow evening (Wednesday) at 5pm. The Lord does all things perfectly and well, hm? I'm so thankful Daniel has learned to trust in Him for everything. I just had to brag on the boy a little before I go to bed. *feeble grin* Thank you for indulging me this little bit.

But before I go........I am so thankful for my circle of friends. Besides my DH, DS and DDIL (figure that last one out *grin*), they are the most precious thing I have in this world. They are all so different and diverse, yet I need each one so very much in my life. I have been in tears different times today when thinking about my friends and how much each of them means to me and just what would I do without them. I don't ever want to know.

Phl 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.......

Learning to speak all over again

This past Sunday morning during our worship service at church, several people gathered around me and prayed for my healing. Among them was Serena, the young lady who God has healed of cancer. She has spoken words of faith to me and I am believing and trusting the Lord to heal me. I have no other recourse. "When you've tried everything, and everything has failed, try Jesus".
My pastor's wife has given me a book to read: The Power of Speaking Positive by Joy Haney. I have almost finished it and how it has helped me. I will need to read it a few times to really absorb it all. Some of the chapter titles are : "What You Say is What You Get", "Speak Victory", and "Training Yourself to Speak Positive".

It is a bit difficult to convey here, but since Sunday, I feel so differently. My mood has lifted and I just feel so much better. Isn't it amazing that we can serve the Lord and live for Him for so long, yet there comes a time like this when it is as if I am learning this "living by faith", I mean REALLY learning it again, now? Since Sunday, I have been praying without ceasing. (I believe that is scriptural *smile* I Thess. 5:17) I know the Lord is healing me. It is such a relief to know that I don't have to worry about this any longer. I've put my trust in Him. "My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus' blood and righteousness." He has told me to "cast all of my care on Him, for He cares for me.." I Peter 5:7. I've read these scriptures many, many times through the years, but have come to the realization that I have only now truly practiced them for the healing of my back. What a heavy load has been lifted! "Love lifted me, Love lifted me, When nothing else could help, Love lifted me...".

Yesterday (Monday) a friend called and confirmed to me that the Lord is working healing in my body and today I received the most precious email from another dear friend (you know who you are *smile*) reassuring me that the Lord is indeed working healing in my body. To God be the glory. How faithful He is. This morning as I was praying a song came to me:

"Who am I that The King would bleed and die for?
Who am I that He would pray not my will, Thine Lord?
The answer I may never know,
Why He ever loved me so,
That to an old rugged cross He'd go
For who am I?"


He's walking with me......one day at a time......and sending dear friends to walk this path with me, to encourage me, to be an extension of Him. Thank you.....



Monday, March 06, 2006

Food for thought

I have been craving mush. My dad used to make it when I was a little girl. (Yes, I was little once....ED! LOL) Anywayyy.....I am going to make some tomorrow. I know I could just buy some, but I think I'll make it from scratch. You know, "scratch" around in the cupboard until I find everything I need to make it! Har..har! It is so delicious with lots of butter and syrup.

Something my mother used to fix that all of us loved was "stewed potatoes". So easy to fix, so simple, and so good! You just peel and slice 6 or 7 medium potatoes. Put them in a 2 or 3 qt. saucepan, cover with water and add two or three slices of good bacon, cut into pieces. Cook the potatoes until tender but not mushy. As they cook, the house is filled with the most wonderful aroma and if someone would come into your house, they would think you were cooking something really elaborate, but it is "just" potatoes. I also make cornbread when I make these potatoes. When they are done, you can divy them up into individual bowls, add butter, salt and pepper and enjoy. We kind of mush them up a little. We also love them over cornbread. Some people call this kind of cooking "cheap eating". It doesn't matter. It is just good food. I usually fix smoked sausage with this, too. Just cut it into serving size pieces and brown it. This is a good meal on a cold, rainy Ohio night like tonight, but we had grilled hamburgers, chips and cole slaw tonight. We went to the grocery store and this is what we fixed when we got home. We almost always fix hamburgers after going grocery shopping because the meat is fresh and all.

I have such wonderful family memories that center around food. We always had beans and cornbread on Tuesday when I was growing up. You see, Mom would spend all day Monday doing the "washing" or laundry. She used an old wringer washer and rinse tub for years, but we finally got an automatic washer and dryer. She would dampen or sprinkle the clothes, then wrap them in a sheet in a wicker basket. This wasn't a fancy basket. It was a bushel basket that apples or potatoes came in. Then on Tuesday, Mom would spend the day ironing, because, back then, you had to iron everything. That was the reason for the "sprinkling and dampening" of the clothes the night before. We didn't have steam irons then. (Gosh, but this makes me feel kinda old, but I'm so thankful for the memories.) So while mom ironed all day, she put on a big pot of beans to cook. To go with the beans, she would fix cornbread in a big iron skillet. I can remember her putting bacon drippings in the batter and hearing it sizzle. The cornbread would have a hard, crispy crust on the outside, so we would scoop out the cornbread and we would save this "shell" to put butter and jelly on. It was yummmy!! That was dessert. Sometimes mom would make "potpie" and put it in the beans, if she was cooking pinto or brown beans, as we kids called them. The potpie was made of a simple mixture of flour, lard (crisco) and salt. She would cut it into squares and drop it into the boiling bean soup. Oh, we loved it! Mom could never put enough potpie in the beans to suit us kids! Most often, we would have spinach or fried cabbage or fried sauerkraut with this meal.

Mealtime was such a special time at our house. Dad would be home every night, without fail, in time to sit down to supper at 5:oopm. We each had our place where we always sat, with Dad at the head of the table. My place was between Mom and Dad. Go figure. We would talk and laugh and share the happenings of our day with one another. We made some memories there around the supper table. We called it "supper", not "dinner", like we do now. I'm not sure why. That's just how it was. We had "dinner" on Sunday at noon. *smile*

I can remember Sunday dinner so vividly, too. We didn't have alot of different foods to eat, like now. And everything was made from "scratch". Mother used to fix round steak and gravy in a big cast iron dutch oven. Whooaaaa.....was it ever good! Homemade mashed potatoes and usually coleslaw or cutup lettuce with a simple dressing made from Miracle Whip, milk, sugar and vinegar. No "store-bought" dressing.

For dessert at our meals, we usually had fruit of some kind, because Mom canned peaches, apples, raspberries, blackberries, and cherries. She froze strawberries. So for dessert, she would put out a big bowl of one of these fruits and would serve it to us in these little dessert bowls with ruffly edges. We usually poured milk over the fruit and ate it like that. On special occasions, we might have canned whipped cream to put on the fruit. Ooo-la-la!! *smile* I can remember Mom made Jam Cake with homemade raspberry jam and iced it with homemade caramel icing. It was the best!!!!

Mom made ice tea to drink but we didn't have pop or koolaid. Most often, we drank water and ice tea. Pop and koolaid was only for special occasions, like holidays or birthdays.

Another favorite Sunday dinner was fried Whiting (fish), homemade french fries, cole slaw and baked beans. Dad would buy a five-pound box of this fish. He bought Whiting because it just had the backbone it in, so it was really meaty. Dad always helped Mom fix this meal. I don't think they had all of the breaded fish squares and sticks then, like they do now. Dad dipped the fish in egg, then dredged it in cornmeal. There was always a plate of white bread on the table and stick butter on a plate. None of this soft margarine in a tub. I would always scrape my knife across the top of the stick of butter, because this way the butter was easier to spread on the bread. I always got scolded for doing this. Everyone else just cut a pat off of the end. *grin* I never knew what the big deal was. Mom could have left the butter out to soften, but for some reason, she never did this. I think it might have been because the butter then didn't have all of the preservatives in it that it does now, and it might have gotten what they called "rancid" if she had let it set out. I remember Mom even kept alot of canned foods and peanut butter in the refrigerator, too.

So, you can have your "convenience" foods and "eat out". I like alot of that stuff, too, but there's just nothing like good ol' homecooking. The kind of food that "sticks to your ribs". That's what memories are made of.

Cornmeal Mush:
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup cold water
3 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
Flour
Grease loaf pan. Mix cornmeal and cold water in saucepan. Stir in boiling water and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Cover; cook over low heat 10 minutes. Spoon in loaf pan. Cover; refrigerate overnight.
Unmold mush; cut as needed into 1/2 inch slices. Refrigerate leftover mush. Melt butter in skillet. Coat slices with flour. Brown on each side. Enough for 9 servings.

The weekend past


A great group of young people from IBC (Indiana Bible College) were our guests at church this past weekend. I believe there were about 24 of them in all. They sang, preached, worshipped and just ministered to us greatly. It was an awesome time! Serena Edwards, in the orange sweater, was the co-ordinator/chaperone of the group. She is also a former piano student of mine. She was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphma 2 years ago, but is now cancer-free because our gracious Lord healed her!! Completely!! Isn't that so absolutely glorious?!?!?

Oh, and moving right along......Daniel started at McDonald's in The Plains TODAY!! ANDDDDDD.......he is working three 7 hour shifts a week, which is perfectly, absolutely, exactly what he wanted and needed,to work around his school schedule and church activities. The Lord does all things perfectly and well, does he not??? *smile*

It was a full day yesterday (Sunday). Our Sunday AM service in which the IBC students ministered was powerful. I believe the service went on until about 12:30, which is quite a bit later than normal, but......who cares? The Lord touched me so wonderfully, I could have stayed there all day and, in fact, we almost did! The ladies of the church fixed dinner for the group and we stayed and ate with them and fellowshipped, then helped clean up afterwards, so we got home at about 2:30. I came home and took my customary Sunday afternoon nap and oh, what a nap it was! All I remember is laying my head on my pillow and then Ed was gently waking me up an hour and a half later!! What sweet sleep I had!! I was good to go for the evening! So it was back to church for another time of worship, the wonderful Word of the Lord, and fellowship. What a satisfying day it was!

So after a really full day yesterday, it is good to be home today, especially since it is raining and chilly outside.

I will blog some more later but for now, I am off to fold clothes, work in Daniel's room some more (will we ever not call it "Daniel's room"?). It is beginning to take shape! It's looking more like a den everyday! Anddd, I just might work in an afternoon nap, too! *yawn* Nothing like a nap on a chilly, rainy Monday afternoon. Mmmmmm..........talk to you lata!!

Saturday, March 04, 2006

Good Saturday Evening, All!


This could end up just being a big ramble, so you have been warned. ;-)

"When you're down to nothing, God is up to something." I read this on a church sign this week. I needed to read this, trust me. I have been in much pain this week with my back. More so than I have been for quite some time. Needless to say, it has been discouraging. I have two more visits on the current series at my chiropractor. Before that, I had been going to another doctor for traction. Before that, I had been going to a different chiropractor. During all of this, my family doctor has been prescribing pain medication for me. Backtracking just a bit, we do not have health insurance. We have been paying for all of this out-of-pocket. The pocket is almost empty. We're talking a few thousand dollars here. We have done much praying, and soul-searching this week as to where to go from here.

All this while, I have been getting annointed and prayed for. I know our precious Lord is a healer. He has healed me instantly before. Healed our son, Daniel, instantly. I know of His healing power first-hand.

So what is different with my back problems? I can only offer a few thoughts and observations. First of all, this has come about slowly and gradually over the past two years. I endeavored to get help by going to my "other" chiropractor, to my family doctor, going to my masseuse, among other things. I began missing a day of work here, a day of work there, until this past November when I had to take a week off under the advisement of the doctor who was doing the traction sessions.....oh yes, another doctor.....I accidentally left him out. *feeble grin* By December, I was not any better. I went to my family doctor, who told me that without numerous tests, he could not diagnose my problem He was so sympathetic and kind, understanding that we do not have insurance. He told me that, for now, he would prescribe pain medication, to help me through until my DH and I decided what further steps to take. Shortly afterward, I began going to the other chiropractor. Actually, it is a husband and wife who practice together. Periodically, they give their current patients gift certificates to give out to family and friends. These are good for the initial office visit, x-rays and nerve scan of the back. Being a recipient of one of these gift certificates, I went to them. They told me, after the initial office visit, that they felt sure that I could get back to "normal" in time. There is just no way of measuring how long it may take. By the end of January, I just didnt' feel that I was any better. But I signed up for another series of 12 visits and paid up front. Amazingly, by the second week of February, I was feeling remarkably better. I was finally beginning to feel hopeful. Then this past week I have had so much pain. So, as I was saying, I have two more visits this next week and then must decide if I am going to do another series. Hmmm....

Wednesday evening, at church, I as in agony. I went into my pastor's office and asked to be prayed for. I just said that I couldn't put any more money into this. All I could think of was the woman in the bible who had gone to so many physicians but grew worse so to Jesus she came. The Lord has put three people in my path this week to speak faith to me, I have heard messages on christian radio, I have read signs along the way to let me know that the Lord wants me to trust Him one more time to heal me. It may not be today or tomorrow or next week, but I must begin speaking faith to my pain, to this affliction. Do you know how difficult this is when you are in pain? When you are used to living with this condition? My back pain and I have become pretty close companions. In a way, I have become "comfortable" with all of this. Do you know what I am trying to say here?

A dear friend ( a former piano student of mine)phoned me last evening. She didn't know of my back problems and was astonished when she heard that I had had to resign my job in January. This friend was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin's Lymphoma approximately 2 years ago. She had been going to Bible school, working, going about her life. She was not given much hope. She was 24. I never once heard her speak negatively about her cancer. Not one time. The Lord healed her completely. She told me that I had to stop accepting this back malady. I needed to begin speaking faith to it and others.

Since last evening, I have been delving into my Bible with renewed hunger. I have been singing songs of praise and faith with renewed passion. As I sat at my keyboard playing and singing this morning, I came to the realization that I had let my adversary steal the song of my heart. Oh, but my hope has been renewed. I don't have to be satisfied with where I am physically. The Lord is not through with me yet.

"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalm 103:1-4

"I'm living by faith, in Jesus above,
Trusting, confiding in His great love,
From all harm I'm safe,
In His sheltering arms,
I'm living by faith,
I'll feel no alarm."

I've been asking those close to me to speak faith with me, to help me as I continue on. You're welcome to join in. In Jesus' Name.......

Thursday, March 02, 2006

To let you know.......


I try to post every day. I love posting. Sometimes I post a few times a day, but I have had a bit of a set-back with my back and have been experiencing quite a bit of pain, so I am not feeling very "talkative" at the present time. :-(

I will tell you though that Daniel has an interview in the morning at McDonald's in The Plains. Isn't that wonderful? I am proud of him. Erin, his wife, has also had to go for two different rounds of xrays because of some problems with her back. They haven't gotten the results yet, but we are praying for her.

I'll post again soon. I appreciate all of you who stop by! :-)
Have a great weekend!!

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

An easy, simple cake

If you are needing or wanting an easy, quick dessert, here is the answer!

Pineapple Sheet Cake/Mexican Wedding Cake

2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
(do you see a developing pattern here? :- o)
1 15 oz. can of crushed pineapple with the juice
1/2 cup chopped nuts
*******************************************
Cream Cheese Icing

Mix all of the above ingredients together thoroughly, except the icing of course!
For the sheet cake, you put the batter into a greased and floured (or just use Pam spray and omit the flour.) jelly roll pan and bake for 20-25 minutes in a 350 degree oven.
For the mexican wedding cake version, you pour the batter into a 9x13 baking dish or pan (greased and floured or Pammed) and bake for 20-30 minutes. Watch it carefully and test with a tooth pick for doneness.

I am not sure why, but I prefer this cake baked in a jelly-roll pan, so you might want to try that first. I've only had it once baked in a 9x13 pan and just didn't care for it as much.

While the cake is still warm, ice it with either the already-made cream cheese icing or with home-made icing. I prefer home-made and here is the recipe for it:

Cream Cheese Icing:
1 - 8 ounce bar Cream Cheese
2 Tablespoons margerine
1 box powdered sugar (about 4 cups or 1 pound)
1/2 c. flour
1/2 t. salt
Cream cheese and margarine.
Add remaining ingredients gradually.
Frost cooled cake.

This cake is moist and delicious and wonderful with a cold glass of milk or hot cup of coffee!