Bits and Pieces

Okay, so I got a new cellphone recently and I couldn't ever hear it ring when it was in my purse. So, I got to perusing my ringtones and settled on "Rooster". Yep, you guessed it. It crows like a rooster. I'm not kidding. So I put it in my purse and put my purse over on the counter by the key rack where I always keep it. So the next morning, I'm doing dishes and I hear this rooster crowing and I say to Ed, "Heyyyyy, Ted (our neighbor who lives on the hill across from us) must have gotten some chickens. Hear his rooster crowing?" I am soooo blonde sometimes. *smacking my forehead* Here it was my cellphone "ringing". Ed just looked at me, grinned and shook his head. I thought it was hilarious! Needless to say, when I've been out and about and my phone goes off, I have gotten some weird/wierd *sp* looks but I love it and I ALWAYS hear it! Well, unless I have it on silent mode, of course, like when I'm in church! I wouldn't want it to start crowing in the middle of service!

Up there....a few sentences ago, I couldn't remember how to spell wierd/weird! Isn't it wierd/weird how you can type/write a word a kazillion times and know how to spell it, then one day....poof!.....it doesn't look right, you can't remember, and you have written this word sooooo many times before without any problem! And it isn't alzheimers either, you guys! I've done this for years! *grin* Anywayyyy, I'm still not sure if it is wierd or weird and I've just not bothered looking it up but I'm thinking it is W-E-I-R-D. If my vocabulary rules serve me correctly, I believe this is an exception to the rule: "I before E except after C" You might know,hm? Okay, I looked! HERE. It IS W-E-I-R-D! Mystery solved.

I have Spysweeper installed on my computer. When I add a website to my favorites, it automatically asks me, originally, one time, if I want to keep it..... Well, yeah. I added it, didn't I? *grin* But this "weird" thing happens EVERYTIME I go to Chantell's blog! It ALWAYS asks me if I want to "keep or delete" this favorite? Well, yeah. Hello. It's one of my FAVORITE blogs. That's why I PUT it in MY FAVORITES! Probably just some little glitchy thingy with Spysweeper, like me not being able to remember the correct spelling of "wierd/weird", even though I've used it a zillion times. *sigh* Such is my life some days.

It is 4:56AM, Wednesday morning. I have been sitting here since 4AM, unable to sleep. Alot on my mind. This seldom happens to me but has happened a couple of times in the past month or so. Usually I go to bed and sleep till 3:00AM, go to the bathroom, then sleep until 5:30AM. Like clockwork. Not tonight. Possible post-menopausal insomnia or I truly do have alot on my mind? Okay, I don't actually have ALOT on my mind, just some STUFF I am dealing with, so I am going to go pray for awhile and endeavor to give it to the Lord. Gosh, but that is difficult to do sometimes,hm? Let it go. Relinquish it to the Lord. But try I will! In Jesus' Name. For I surely can't work it out on my own.

With that, I will say, "Good night and Good Morning to all!" *yawwwwnnnnnnn*

It was bound to happen

Just coming off of a week of Campmeeting, I was feeling pretty good about myself spiritually. Felt renewed, inspired, but something felt a bit off-kilter in my spirit. I just couldn't quite put my finger on it. Bro. Cook preached his heart and soul out Sunday and I just felt so inadequate musically or "worshipfully" to accompany him. Then came Monday and I found out just how lacking I am. I went to the church to spend time in prayer, needing to close myself away with the Lord. In the midst of this, I asked the Lord to direct me to a scripture or passage that would help me. Without a doubt, He directed me to I Corinthians 13 (the love chapter, it is called) Now, I know what it says.....mostly.....and like a stubborn child I told the Lord, "I know what it says. I don't WANT to read it." Because I knew I was in for some chastisement. But......I read it.......and read it again......and have read it several times since. And have been smitten in my heart mightily because I am so far from what He wants me to be. He is so holy and so loving and compassionate. And that compassion extends to me so freely and fully. Where would I be without it? I would have no hope. There is an old song that the choir sang when I first came into the church. Part of it goes like this:
"And if I have not charity,
If love does not flow through me,
Jesus, reduce me to love....."
I want to be like Him. A reflection of Him. To be genuine. Right now......there's wayyyyy too much of me in the way, I'm afraid. "He must increase but I must decrease." John 3:30

8 Random Things About Me!

I've been tagged by Barbara who has a wonderful blog over here! Sooo, I am going to endeavor to tell YOU (you know who you are *grin*) 8 things that you don't know about me. (And you thought you knew everything, didn't you? *smile*) Oh, and then I am to tag 8 people to do the same, so be prepared!

Okay....first the rules:
1. Post rules before we give you the facts.
2. Start with eight random facts/habits.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their 8 things and post these rules.
4. At the end of the blog, you need to choose 8 people to get tagged and list their names. Leave them a comment to tell them they are tagged.

Here goes:
1. When I go to bed at night, I lay down and go to sleep. Just like that. I don't toss and turn and all that. Ed says I could sleep on a fencepost! *smile*
2. I don't care for sweet stuff or desserts. Yes, you read correctly. Now that is not to say that I don't eat them occasionally, but I can do without them. Bring on the meat, potatoes and bread!
3. I weigh more than what you THINK I do!!! I just hide it well! (Thank you, God.)
4. My feet are NOT attractive. *feeble grin* (Hey, we all have our shortcomings!)
5. Pizza Crossing all-the-way pizza and grilled medium steaks are my two favorite foods! Yummmm!
6. I play piano, keyboards, organ and AM/FM radio! *grin*
7. I USED to teach two hours of aerobics every Monday night. (22 years ago, to be exact. *sigh*)
8. I love to read. I LOOOOVE to read. From a good book to junk mail and cereal boxes.

There you have it! Nowwwwww......I am going to tag these lucky people: Tracy, Becky, Jana, Theresa, Chantell, Stace, Tersie, AND Mrs. Gossom!

So you want to be a millionaire?

We've all fantasized about winning the lottery, haven't we? Thinking: "Oh, if I could just win a cool mill or few...Oh, I'd pay off the church mortgage, buy my sister Debbie a new home, a new vehicle, set Daniel and Erin up for life." Come on, now, we've all had these fun times of wishing. *smile* We think we'd be happy, satisfied, content. Well, sometimes we think we just might be, but in reality we know differently. Don't we? Read here to know for sure. "Only Jesus can satisfy your soul."

Sunday

We had life-changing, church-changing services with Bro. Ken Cook and his wife, Julie, yesterday. That's all I can say. Many of you know what I mean. I'll blog some more later in the day! God's best to you as you begin a new week!

The kitty of the house!

Doing what she does best! Sleep! Now she has several places around the house that she likes to sleep, but this is probably her favorite. Cramming her fat, furry self into this little box that is scarcely big enough. I believe green beans came in this particular box, but it makes no matter. Sleep she does! Or should I say.......she goes into a semi-comatose state for a few hours? *grin* Ya gotta love the kitty.....*smile*

In Memory of Tiffany

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15

"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" I Cor. 15:55

"Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matt. 5:4

"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

"It's Over.....It's Over.....It's OOOVER!....."

.....in the words of that old Roy Orbison song. *sigh* (Does anyone else remember it?)

I'm talking about Ohio Apostolic Family Camp and what an awesome time we had! I cannot even begin to tell here all that transpired there, but the word of God was awesomely delivered and His presence was there each time we gathered in the tabernacle from the first note played! As I said before, I was privileged to see so many friends that I only see at campmeeting. How wonderful it was! Thursday evening, Sis. Smith was driving one of the golf carts transporting people to the tabernacle from the parking area. I was sitting next to her and people were heading for the tabernacle in droves. All I could think of was this is how it is going to be someday......all of the redeemed gathering in, as the old song says. "When the redeemed are gathering in, washed like snow, and free from all sin. How we will shout and how we will sing, when the redeemed are gathering in."

On a much sadder note, Mt. Vernon Apostolic Church will be laying to rest one of their precious young people, Tiffany Potter, 24,who passed away this week of lymphoma. My heart goes out to her family and the church. This is such an awesome church that is pastored by my former youth pastor. You can read some posts about Tiffany here and and here. Please pray for the Potter family and the church as they grieve the loss of this precious young lady.

I will blog more later but for now.......being the sleep-deprived person that I am from a week of late nights, I am going back to bed for a little while! *yawnnnn*

Campmeeting Time in Ohio!

It has been a wonderful week at the Apostolic campgrounds in Millersport, Ohio! Even though I decided not to stay at camp this week, I have been able to go to service each night and it has been wonderful! I've seen so many good friends and heard some absolutely awesome messages from Bro. Klinedinst and Bro. Godwin. The music and worship each night has been so refreshing and strengthening. I'm glad that I decided to stay home during the day and ride with others at night. It is now Thursday and I am feeling the toll that it taking on my poor body but I type this as I am preparing to go take my afternoon nap, in preparation for another trip to Millersport with Pastor and Sis. Martin this evening! TTFN!

Another birthday celebrated!

Good evening from the valley! Well, we three sisters and two sisters-in-laws went out for dinner Monday evening to celebrate Bev's 59th! Yeehaa! Well, okay, I was so tired and so was Debbie, we didn't exactly kick up our heels but we did have a very good time. I should have taken a nap beforehand. (doesn't THAT sound old? *feeble grin*) NEVERTHELESS! On our way home, I managed to take a wrong turn. I went north instead of south, which took us a bit our of our way and then I missed the turn to take Cheryl home and had to find a turn-around on 33 that wasn't marked as an illegal u-turn AND THEN.....not being used to driving the big conversion van I was driving (it's Bill and Sandy's), I didn't put on the brakes as soon as I should have and we almost wrecked in trying to make the LEGAL u-turn on 33. hallelujah. BUT I managed to get everyone home safely! More and more when I go out for the evening, I am finding myself walking in the door, calling out "hello, honey, I'm home" and going straight to bed. Of course, this is after having been up all day and being busy. (I WAS busy all day, wasn't I? *tapping my chin as I try and remember....BUT.......to no avail*)
Anywayyyyyy.......here is a pic of me and the girls at Applebys:


















Oh, and as I was leaving Bill and Sandy's I just had to take THIS picture:
Bill is a plumber, so I guess it is fitting that he would have a commode filled with flowers in his front yard, hm? *grin* I think it is lovely!!!

To stay or not to stay?

That is the question. Oh, I'm talking about going and staying at family camp. *sigh* A part of me really wants to. It is so nice to stay because I can truly relax, have three meals a day prepared for me, visit and relax with friends, enjoy the morning service, relax and nap in the afternoon after lunch, I'm already THERE for the fantastic evening services and afterward, I can just head over to the dorm or my room and go to bed. Only this year I am remembering to take my earplugs because lights out is not until midnight and sometimes I just want to go to sleep early, you know? And if I don't stay, it will mean I have to drive to camp each night or ride with someone and then make the trip home. I won't be able to come up for the morning service which is usually really good! BUT, I don't like being away from Ed for five days and Ellie and Rocky. I know that Ed prefers for me to be here at home but I also know that he really doesn't mind if I go, either. This will probably be a spur-of-the-moment decision. What to do, what to do! Decisions like these used to be so easy for me to make! Is it my age and physical limitations that are causing this indecision?

Monday, Monday!

Well, here I am on the other side of another weekend, ready to start a new 7-day stretch! *smile* I've been doing my normal Monday and morning routine tasks: changing my bed, laundry, feeding the animals (including Ed) *grin, touching up the bathrooms and so on. I read a quote recently about finding happiness and contentment in doing the necessary, daily tasks and I can say that I've reached that place and it is good. ~~~~~~~~~~
Daniel and Erin were at church with us last night. She looked absolutely beautiful! I wish I'd had my camera with me! Daniel played the drums and was just awesome! I cannot believe how much his playing helps MY playing on the keyboards. I feel so strengthened and I swear I play sooo much better when he "drums" with me. Of course, I realize that we have the mother/son connection, too. Daniel plays the drums with such annointing and he is such a worshipper. Needless to say, I am so proud of him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bethany and little NATHEN (read the comments section of this post! *grin*) got to go home late Saturday afternoon. Now, mind you, she just gave birth to the little guy 24 hours previous to this! I just can't believe how soon they let them go home! We can only pray that there are no complications and there haven't been, thank you, precious Jesus, except for the little guy having his days and nights mixed up already! (Welcome to parenthood, Drew and Beth! *smile*) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well, I need to be about my day here. I have dishes to do and then it is off to visit a friend from church who had hip-replacement surgery. She is home and recovering and in need of some company. (I hope I'll do......*grin*) Then it is off to do my swimming and water exercises. Then it is back home to rest a bit and get ready to go out with the girls (sisters and sisters-in-law) for my sister Bev's birthday dinner this evening. ~~~~~~~~~~
(((HUGS TO EVERYONE!!!)))

Nathen Andrew Yerian!!!

Here is the newest addition to our family! Isn't he adorable????? He is my great-nephew.....Nathan! And, excuse me, but I must be honest here. I don't think ALL newborns are cute. But this one sure is! Okay, I might be just a tad biased. *grin* Nathan was born shortly after 3pm Friday afternoon. He weighs 7lbs.15oz. and is 19 inches long. We had a regular family reunion in Bethany's hospital room yesterday. Of course, it isn't just a room. It is more like a suite, so there was room for all of us. I am so thankful to the Lord that everything went well with Bethany's pregnancy and little Nathan's delivery and the Drewster (Bethany's sweet husband and Nathan's daddy) held up really well, too! *smile*

Patience is required......

......and I hear it's a virtue, too. (PATIENCE) *sigh*

Welllllll.......as you can see, I am endeavoring to redecorate a bit, but it is indeed a learning process that is made even slower because of DIAL-UP! Talk about needing patience.
Anywayyyyyy, I have a rather full day, so this will have to do for now, but I am planning to stop by the library later today where I may very well finish the redo here on my blog. I have a piano lesson to give at ten, then Ed and I are going to have lunch with Daniel and Erin. Next, I will be helping clean the church, water exercises, library......if my body will allow me to do all of this. Time will tell! *smile* So, I must be off, as I tend to get behind before I even get started each day. (This isn't good, is it? *feeble grin*) And I would love to go to camp this evening! Pray for me!

Go figure.

I remember many years ago, talking with my youth pastor, Bro. Kramer. I don't remember the actual gist of our conversation, but he ended up telling me that even though we're christians, that doesn't mean everyone is going to like us. And when we come across someone who doesn't like us, we can't take it personally. It is a choice THEY have made. It doesn't mean there is anything wrong with us. Gosh, but that bit wisdom has helped me many times through the years, because I tend to look at the world through rose-colored glasses, think the best of everyone and just think everyone should like me. I mean, what's not to like? *grin*

Anywayyyyyy......this past week, I just happened to run across two people in particular who have never been especially fond of me. How do I know, you ask? Well, first of all, they act like it kills them to even say "hello" to me. You know, the just common, most simple acts of common courtesy. And, I do feel that I am a very approachable person. Oh, and we've never had any trouble between us, as we've never had anymore of a relationship than just saying "hello". But I can just tell that they don't particularly like me. So, the one lady is retired and working as a cashier at a local convenience store. I had gone there to buy some produce and meat for our supper, not even knowing that she worked there now. There were actually several of us there at the same time that had worked at or were still working at Smead, a local manufacturing plant. You know....they had just gotten off of work and were picking up some things for supper and so on, like me. Well, THIS lady retired from there. Anywayyyyy, so she is just talking up a storm to one of the other ladies that I had also been talking and laughing with, but then when it came time to check me out, she got this really sober expression on her face, though she did say hello and ask me if I was still at the library. BUT why couldn't she SMILE and be jovial with me. WHY did she have to act like it PAINED her to talk to me and be courteous? Well, I don't know the answer to that and don't need to know the answer. It's her problem. I smiled, endeavored to be friendly and so. Tis all a body can do.
Next, I am going to a local motel (Baymont Inn and Suites) three times a week, where I go swimming and do exercises and so on for my lower body. Dr. Gedeon recommended this as a great help, exercise and yet easy on my body. Soooooo, I see another lady there, who, over the years, has acted as though it pains her greatly to be courteous to me. BUT, I said hello to her anyway and she just kind of looked at me and said nothing. What? Huh? Go figure.
I am really past this bothering me, yet I just don't understand people who are like this. Maybe just because I am such an out-going person, that makes me much more sensitive to insensitive people like the above-mentioned,hm?

On to other things:

Daniel got his first paycheck this past Friday! It was a nice one, let me tell ya! His first REAL job and REAL paycheck. I am so happy for him and Erin! They are so blessed and fortunate! He also now has full health benefits for himself and Erin and one week of vacay!

Bethany, my niece, who was pictured with me in my previous profile pic (how do you like the new one?) is due to have her little baby July 24, so it could happen any day now!!

I went to see Dr. Gedeon Friday morning for the first time in about three weeks. I then went swimming and exercising. Now I am taking the swimming and water exercising slowly, so as not to aggravate my back, hips and legs too much. Well, the pain level has really spiked the past two days and night and my ability to walk and get around has really been hindered. I've not slept much the past two nights and have spent most of them either sitting up or in the recliner. I was not able to make it to church this morning, but will this evening. I'm not sure what is going on but I hope this, too, passes in time. I've not had this much pain and difficulty getting around for a loooong time. It has been a bit concerned actually. I'll keep you posted! Not to worry, though, for the Lord knows the path I take and "I am trusting in Christ alone"! *smile*

If you'd like to read a really cute and funny post, click on over here to Aidan's blog and have a read!

Oh, and I finished the Beverly Lewis' series "Abram's Daughers". Wow....it was a great read! I can't wait till I can get to the library to get another series. I'm hooked!

WARNING

I am thinking of doing some redecorating here at my blog. I've found some really pretty templates. BUT.......once I get something I like, it is kind of difficult for me to change and I am pretty happy with my blog the way it is. I was thinking, though, that maybe if I did a little updating, redecorating and so on, I would be more inclined to post more often. Sooooo, I think I'll start with a new profile pic!

I have had such a nice day today. I have been home ALL day! I did my usual morning tasks. Then I proceeded to finishing the afghan that I have been working on for my friend, Sonja. She gave me a bag of yarn and told me what she wanted, the colors and so on. It turned out really pretty. Here it is:

Well, it is late and I need to take myself off to bed as I have a lady coming EARLY in the morning to have her hair done! Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

More about our trip to Maine!

I told you somewhat about my and Stacy's trip to Maine here. Now for some more of the little details. :-/

Stacy is 25. She has flown before. One other time I believe. Wellllllll......she was just soooooo spazzzzing out this time for some reason. For one thing, it was raining the morning we departed Dayton, so there was quite a bit of turbulence than what she had experienced previously. She kept asking me if we were safe. "Yes, Stacy, we are safe."

"Are you scared at all?", she asked me repeatedly.

"No, I'm not frightened at all. We are safe. Sit back, relax and enjoy the flight." Right. It was not to be. I mean, we are talking near to hyper-ventilating here, where Stacy was concerned, that is. I just couldn't believe it! Why me, Lord? And we were on a smaller plane than what she had flown on previously, so that made a bit of a difference, too, for her, anyway. Sooooooo, when the plane would make a noise or jostle around a bit, she would get this terrified look on her face and ask me or someone sitting near us or the stewardess, er, uh, excuse me.....I mean, flight attendant.....if we were safe. After awhile, it kinda started getting to me. Oh, I wasn't afraid, but I just couldn't understand her fear. I mean, she had told me that she had flown before and was fine with it. Mmmhmmm, right. Why does this stuff only happen to me? So on the second leg of our flight, from Detroit to Bangor, she kept asking the gentleman seated across the aisle from her if it was normal for the plane to make "those noises" and to jostle about like it was doing occasionally to which he replied yes. She asked our flight attendant a few times if everything was normal. Oh, and I forgot to tell you this: When we were getting ready to depart Detroit, one of our pilots came on the intercom to tell us that "something funky" had happened with one of the engines, so they had to shut the plane down and do a restart. Well, wasn't that just great??? I'm telling you, the girl started to hyperventilate. I got out the little barf bag. She was ready to bolt! But I prayed. Ohhhh, did I pray. And a couple of the other passengers talked to her and she finally calmed down and our flight took off as planned without incident. (thank you, Lord) You see, I wanted to go to Maine, but I was mostly going because Stacy wanted to go, knew she was going to have to fly and didn't want to go by herself. I had no idea that I was going to have to contend with this all the way there and back. Soooo, I thought the trip home would be better, seeing as how we had gotten there safely and in one piece, but nooooooooooo. Before we left for the airport for our return trip home, she was starting to get all jittery again and I thought: "I can't take this again. Please, Lord." Well, again, it was raining and there was thunder and lightning as we departed Bangor on Thursday afternoon and the trip to Detroit was rough BUT we survived and I kept Stacy intact emotionally. Again, we had a very undertstanding flight attendant who helped me in keeping Stacy somewhat calm. So we have a three-hour layover in Detroit, so by the time we leave there it is dark. She had asked me on our previous flights, "Can they see where they are going?" *sigh* I told her that they didn't need to SEE where they were going. They had instruments and the control tower personnel to keep them on course. I thought to myself, "Surely she doesn't think they won't be able to SEE where they are going because it is dark?" (help me, Lord.) Now, I don't know what difference the darkness made, but the girl got settled in, she was by the window, and slept the whole way to Dayton, which was only a 35 minute flight. But she said the darkness helped her for some reason. Sooooo, from now on, she is only going to fly at night. Go figure. All in all, we did have a great time. But it did get a bit tense a few times as I endeavored to reassure her and calm her. Will I travel with this young lady again? Well, if I've ever learned one thing in this life it is: Never say never. :-)

You wouldn't believe me even if.......

.....I told you the whole sordid story. Well, okay, "sordid" might be a bit strong. But it was baaaadddd. *sighhhhh* I'm talking about the day I had yesterday. Oh my word.......unbelievable. Although I did live to tell about but I'm choosing not to tell about it.....well, at least not today because I am still too tired and rung out to even begin to tell about it. But let me say this, at least: It started out as a rather ordinary day. I had my plans made, my time allotted for the things I needed to do, having given myself plenty of time to accomplish the things I needed to. BUT, all of this was before I joined my young friend and sister-in-the-Lord! Yes, the same young friend and sister-in-the-Lord that I took the CAAHHRRRAAAZZZYYYY car trip to Dayton with! The SAME young friend and sistah-in-the-Lord that I flew to Maine with! When will I ever learn???? Anywayyyyy......I may tell you more about my day yesterday tomorrow (does that make sense?!?!?) BUT today I am just not up to it,k? But I am trying my best to post more often for my faithful readers.......(((HUGS TO YOU!!))) I'll be back! :-)

What have I been up to?

Wellllllll......I've been keeping busy, let me tell ya! But then, I go a bit slower than I used to and have to take more breaks, so it takes me longer to do the things I used to do in a whipstitch! Anywayyyy.......this week I've had church, choir practice, worked on choruses and songs for the multi-media, done hair for my ladies, taken care of my home (that's more detailed than you care to know ;-o) and so much more.
This morning I woke up so full of energy! Of course, this burst of energy was mostly on the inside and when I tried communicating it to the outside of me.....well, I met with some resistance.....but I pushed through. I got all of my usual morning tasks done and then commenced to baking a cake (from scratch). It is called Pineapple Sheet Cake or Mexican Wedding Cake and it is my favorite! I made cream cheese icing for it and oh my word, is it delicious with a hot cup of coffee! I then made a huge bowl of macaroni salad....another one of my faves....and fried chicken for lunch. Ed spent the morning, until about 12:30, mowing and trimming grass. It looks sooooo nice. I'll try to take some pictures tomorrow and post them. Oh, and I've also been working on an afghan for a friend. It is about two-thirds of the way done. I'll post pics of it, too. I promise! :-)
I spoke on the phone to my sister, Debbie, to my niece, Bethany, whose little baby is due the 24th of this month, and to my friend, Neda (we had some catching up to do) *grin*.
And in between all of this, I've been working on music for church tomorrow, putting some finishing touches to it.
Now, what kind of puts a real time crunch on all of these things is the fact that I am reading a really good series: Abram's Daughters by Beverly Lewis. I am on book two of five, The Betrayal. I don't often read fiction, but a couple of weeks ago, while in the library, I found her Annie's People series (3 books) and I couldn't put them down! Same with this series. *sigh* I just can't wait to finish the necessary things so I can READ! There's nothing like a good book that you can get lost in!
Previous to reading the Beverly Lewis books, I had just finished John Bevere's "Breaking Intimidation". A friend has highly recommended his book, "The Bait of Satan", so I put it on hold at the library. Before that, I read Rick Warren's "God's Power to Change Your Life".
I've also been listening to the CD's from Maine's Campmeeting. Bro. Alan Abbey was the day-speaker and he is just so awesome. The Lord has really ministered to me through Bro. Abbey's messages: "Where Has the Passion Gone?" and "The Watchman on the Wall" Oh, but I want to be continually growing spiritually and drawing closer to the Lord.
Andddddd, I've endeavored to enjoy the beautiful weather here at home, sitting out on the porches with Rocky at my feet, reading or crocheting, listening to my CD's, when I have the time to do this.
I'll try to be more faithful in my posting because I feel that if I am going to have this blog, I need to BLOG! (Right, Pat? *grin*)
I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

I'M HOOOME!!!!!

*WHEW!* Talk about a whirlwind trip! Stacy and I left my house at 2am Tuesday morning and drove to Dayton where our flight left at 6am. And wouldn't you know it? The metal detector beeped when I went through! Grrrr!! Soooooo, this very nice lady asked me to step over in front of this screen. She proceeded to tell me that she was going to "wand" me and then pat me down. Sooooo, she went over my upper body and then asked me if I could please spread my legs. Ummmm......not so much these days. *feeble grin* So then she asked me if I could just slide one foot forward a little bit, which I managed to do. To make a long story short.....I was clean, but I do appreciate that they do their job so thoroughly and they were very cordial and considerate, even if Stacy did stand there and laugh her fool head off at me!!!

We arrived in Detroit at 7am, where we had a two-hour layover. Of course, I had my trusty walker with me, so we just loaded all of our "stuff" on it and explored the airport for awhile and had breakfast. The time went pretty quickly. We arrived in Bangor, Maine shortly after 11am and got a taxi to Bro. and Sis. Hurst's, which is only a short distance from the airport.

I promise you.....we no sooner got in the house, than they said, "Let's go!" *groooooaaannn* I was soooo tired! But we loaded up into two vehicles and headed for Camden, Maine, which is about 35 miles from Bangor. It is a seaside resort town and soooo lovely. Now, I've never see Dark Shadows but here is a picture of the house/castle/whatever where they filmed it. It is on the oceanfront, though you can't see that in this pic.

We ate at a lovely restaurant on the harbor. I had a huge bowl of their famous fish chowder. It was absolutely to die for! The Hursts highly recommended it but I thought...."Okay....chowder.....lots of potatoes, vegetables, a bit of fish here and there." But, noooooo! Luscious, huge chunks of fish in a buttery soup with just the right touch of vegetables. It was yummmmmy!!

We then walked about the downtown area, checking out all of the little shops and so on. The drive home was so much fun! We sang and harmonized and laughed and sang oldies and laughed, took pictures of the beautiful scenery and sang and laughed. I was exhausted when we got home. But then it was: "Get your showers and get ready for church! We have to leave in ten minutes!!" WHAT????? I about died! But! I obeyed.

You see, Maine's campmeeting was this week and that is the MAIN (no pun intended...LOL) reason why we went!

So we all headed for campmeeting which is just outside of Bangor. Bro. Eli Hernandez was the camp evangelist. The services were wonderful! The worship and presence of the Lord was so strengthening and rich. Bro. Alan Abbey, district superintendent of California was the morning speaker and his messages were profound. He and his wife travelled to Camden with us. Poor people....*grin* Nooooo.....seriously.....they did have alot of fun with us! We all had fun together!!

Sooooo, between going to camp in the morning, going out to lunch, doing a few things and then heading back to church in the evening, they days were full and well-spent! And we went out to eat each night after service. Wednesday night, the rich glory of the Lord was in our midst and many were healed of numerous afflictions. The Lord definitely touched me and I feel so much stronger in my back and legs. The pain level has diminished greatly and I am trusting the Lord to continue His healing work in me!!!

On the way to Maine, I could hardly maneuver onto the automated walkways. I call them people movers. I used them but it really hurt to get on them. BUT, on the return trip, I was getting on and off of those things like it was nothing!!! To God be the Glory!! I'll keep you posted as to my progress!!

Our flight left Bangor at about 4:15 Thursday afternoon and we pulled into my driveway at about 2am Friday morning. Needless to say, I was tired, but it was a good tired. I'm so glad to be home, but Ellie (the cat) is still in the process of snubbing me for leaving her for three days, but Rocky is thrilled that I'm home!! *grin* So is Ed! *smile*

I'll share more little tidbits with you in the days ahead! It was so much fun! I hope you all have had a great week and managed to stay cool in the terrible heat and humidity, though we did get some much-needed rain yesterday, lasting through late morning here.

Spur of the moment? Me?

Hello, everyone! Well, Daniel started his new job this morning. He is going to stop by on his way home from work to let us know how his day went and also so his dad can help him with a small car repair. We went out with Daniel and Erin after church to Applebee's in Athens and had a fun time with them and some other people from their church!

We had a wonderful service at church last night and had several first-time visitors! The Lord is good!

Okay, are you sitting down? Wellllll......a girlfriend and I are flying out of Dayton in the morning....6:03am to be exact......heading for Bangor, Maine, where we are going to attend their campmeeting for three nights! Can you believe it? I know, I know.....what brought this on? Well, her parents, who attend our church, are there....they drove up this past Thursday....... and her uncle is a presbyter in the district. Sooooo, she asked me if I was interested in going and after tossing it around overnight, I got up this morning and thought....why not???? So, I've been busy re-arranging my week and so on, getting some last minute things done here at home, and also packing and all I really want to do is take a nap! *feeble grin* But I am excited about going. This is the same young lady that drove me to the music workshop a few months ago. Remember???? Well, I told her the only way I would go is if I was driving. We are leaving from Dayton, which is where the music workshop was, too. Anywayyyy......I AM driving. *grin*

Our family get-together was this past Saturday and we had such a great time. Bethany and Drew look happy as larks and she is so cute expecting their little baby! We also celebrated Bud and Bill's 60th birthdays! We couldn't THAT milestone go by without notice! *smile* We played our customary family bingo with the usual cheesy, tacky prizes, but the kids love it AND I can't believe how the adults even play with such fervor, hoping to win! It's hilarious!

Of course, after it was all over with, I was done in. But what a good "done-in" it was!!!

Soooooo, this is the last blogging I will be doing until Friday, unless I should have access to a computer while in Maine. Oh yes, we are staying with Bro. and Sis. Charles Hurst. He is the presbyter. I've met them once when they came through Logan and Bro. Hurst preached Sunday services for us. Oh, and they and the other couple don't know that I'm coming. They think it is only Stacy coming. Surprise, surprise!!! *smile* Well, I HOPE they are happy I've showed up. *grin* I'll let you know!!

Have a great week and stay cool!!! It's gonna be hot here in southeastern Ohio!!! 90's!!

Got me to thinking.....

When I read the things that were different now as opposed to 1900, in my belated Father's Day Post, it got me to thinking of how much has changed in my 55-year lifetime. Here are just a few that come to mind:
We didn't have color TV and we only watched TV in the evening as a family for a couple of hours.
We didn't have microwaves.
We didn't have pantyhose. (oh my!) Remember stockings, ladies?
We didn't have air-conditioning at home.
Oh, and computers were not even thought of! Imagine! And now we consider them a necessity almost!
We had 45, 78, and 33 speed vinyl records and had to replace broken needles often *smile*
We didn't eat out as a family. All our meals were at home. I can only remember 3 or 4 times that we actually went out to a restaurant as a family and one time it was because my dad had done some work at the restaurant and the owner gave us our meals free. Who cared? I remember we got all dressed up and went to the restaurant where they seated all of us (7) in this ginormous booth. We were in heaven! *grin*
We got a 25-cent allowance every Friday. I remember one week, for my 25-cents, I bought a jumprope, paddle ball, and jacks and ball! I had to get one penny from my mom for the tax! I was rich! Remember jacks? It was one of my favorite games!
Donuts, chips, pop/soda, ice cream, candy were not staple items at our house. They were treats for special occasions like birthdays or Christmas. Oh, and pizza was just beginning to become popular. I remember the first time I had pizza from a pizza shop was on a date with my first boyfriend. I was 16.
We had one car. My dad had his work van for his plumbing business but it was indeed a work van.
I'll add things as I remember them. I think it is fun to go down memory lane sometimes and see how much has changed through the years.
Oh, a couple of more: We didn't have a dishwasher or ice-maker. I still don't, for that matter. Well, there was a dishwasher in our home when we bought it, but I had never used one and just didn't want it, so we sold it. I find doing dishes kind of relaxing, standing there in front of my kitchen window, thinking, listening to music or talking to Ed. And I still use ice-cube trays. I don't mind at all.
Okay, that's it for now. I have to get ready for church. Oh, and feel free to add some things if you like! *smile*

Wonderful News!!!

Daniel is now employed as a draftsman at Diamond Power in Lancaster, Ohio!! Full-time, full benefits, great salary, and paid college if he wishes to continue part-time. I've hardly stopped crying and rejoicing and thanking the Lord since he called and told us yesterday afternoon! I asked Daniel if he realized how blessed and favored of God he is. Of course, he said yes. He starts his new job next Monday. He has the option to work either 7am-3pm or 8am-4pm. Also, if he works an extra hour each day, he will get a Friday off every other week, too, so that sounds good to me! Erin was in the shower when he received the call, so he wrote her a note and stuck it in shower and when she read it, she screamed! *smile* I am so happy for them! Erin has work 10pm-7pm full-time at Walmart for two years faithfully and now she will be able to go to dayshift there, though she will take a cut in pay, but they will be on a normal schedule and not be on such a tight budget. God is soooo good and faithful. They've invited us down for a cookout tomorrow evening (Thursday). I'll try to take pics and post them later!

Also, Daniel is teaching the youth class tonight at their church. There are three or four young men teaching a series of lessons over the next several Wednesdays. Daniel is teaching on repentance. He called me last night and was talking about his studying for the lesson. He was so excited about the Word of the Lord and realizing just how important repentance is in our salvation and walk with the Lord. One thing he said that really touched me was that he didnt' realize the enormous importance of repentance. Wow. He stirred me up when he said that and I've begun to study on repentance. When he studies like this, he always calls me and asks me for suggestions, pointers and input. He says I should have been a teacher or preacher and I told him that I AM a teacher. *smile* (I'm helping him. *tears*) I remember teaching the youth class for so many years , pouring myself into them, seeing the hunger in their faces. Endeavouring to instill in them a love for God and His word. Daniel was in that class. What a privilege.

A belated Father's Day post

I found these at my friend, Barbara's blog and wanted to share them with you!

A college boy wrote his father, “I can’t understand how you can call yourself a kind parent when you haven’t sent me a check in two months.! What kind of kindness is that?”
The father replied, “Son, that’s called ‘unremitting’ kindness.”~~~~~~~~~~

Tom had won a toy in a contest. He called his kids together to ask which one should have the present.
“Who is the most obedient?” he asked. “Who never talks back to mother? Who does everything she says?”
Five small voices answered in unison:
“Okay, Dad, you get the toy.”~~~~~~~~~~

The coed came running in tears to her father. “Dad, you gave me some terrible financial advice!” she cried.“I did? What did I tell you?” said the dad.“You told me to put my money in that big bank, and now that big bank is in trouble.”“What are you talking about? That’s one of the largest banks in the world,” he said. “Surely there must be some mistake.”“I don’t think so,” she sniffed. “They just returned one of my checks with a note saying, ‘Insufficient Funds’.”~~~~~~~~~~

One summer evening during a violent thunderstorm a mother was tucking her small boy into bed. She was about to turn off the light when he asked with a tremor in his voice, “Mommy, will you sleep with me tonight?”
The mother smiled and gave him a reassuring hug. “I can’t dear,” she said. “I have to sleep in Daddy’s room.”
A long silence was broken at last by a shaken little voice saying, “The big sissy.”~~~~~~~~~~

One night a wife found her husband standing over their newborn baby’s crib. Silently she watched him. As he stood looking down at the sleeping infant, she saw on his face a mixture of emotions: disbelief, doubt, delight, amazement, enchantment, skepticism.Touched by this unusual display and the deep emotions it aroused, with eyes glistening she slipped her arms around her husband.“A penny for your thoughts,” she whispered in his ear.
“It’s amazing!” he replied. “I just can’t see how anybody can make a crib like that for only $66.95!”~~~~~~~~~~

Junior had just received his brand new driver’s license. The family trooped out to the driveway, and climbed into the car, where he was about to take them for a ride for the first time.
Dad immediately headed for the back seat, directly behind the newly minted driver.
“I’ll bet you’re back there to get a change of scenery after all those months of sitting in the front passenger seat teaching me how to drive,” said the beaming boy to the ol’ man.
“Nope,” came dad’s reply, “I’m gonna sit here and kick the back of your seat as you drive, just like you’ve been doing to me all these years.”~~~~~~~~~~

Fathers of 1900 and Fathers of Today:
In 1900, if a father put a roof over his family’s head, he was a success.Today, it takes a roof, deck, pool, and 4-car garage. And that’s just the vacation home.
In 1900, a father waited for the doctor to tell him when the baby arrived.Today, a father must wear a smock, know how to breathe, and make sure film is in the video camera.
In 1900, fathers could count on children to join the family business.Today, fathers pray their kids will soon come home from college long enough to teach them how to work the computer and set the VCR.
In 1900, fathers shook their children gently and whispered, “Wake up, it’s time for school.”Today, kids shake their fathers violently at 4 a.m., shouting: “Wake up, it’s time for hockey practice.”
In 1900, a father came home from work to find his wife and children at the supper table.Today, a father comes home to a note: “Jimmy’s at baseball, Cindy’s at gymnastics, I’m at gym, Pizza in fridge.”
In 1900, a Father’s Day gift would be a hand tool.Today, he’ll get a digital organizer.
In 1900, “a good day at the market” meant Father brought home feed for the horses.Today, “a good day at the market” means Dad got in early on an IPO.

Prayer List Typo

It could only happen to me! :-/ My dear friend, Arlene, submitted my name to be put on New Life's prayer list which was mailed out last week. Soooooo.....when our mutual friend, Pat, came to have her hair done this past Friday, she laid this paper on the table, telling me I needed to read it and there it was:

Jewel Cavinee: Healing-severe and disabling back and him problems.

HIM problems??? Helloooooo. *grin* Not having any HIM problems here. LOL

I about died when I read THAT! I immediately called Arlene and she was laughing already when she picked up the phone. I asked her if she was trying to start rumors or sumthin'! It was so hilarious! Anywayyyyy......she promised to head off any questions, gossip or the like! Thank you, dear friend, for the prayer request and for running interference as to any questions that might arise concerning my HIM problems. *smile*

(Oh, and just to be safe, I asked my HIM if there were any problems that I wasn't aware of and he assured me there weren't. *grin* I have the best HIM in the world! The Lord is so good!)

Pomp and Circumstance

Soooo, last Sunday after the morning's service, Ed and I were just sitting down to dinner here at home, when the phone rang. It was Daniel:

"Hey, Dad, did I tell you and Mom that I decided to take part in the graduation ceremony? It is at 2:30. See you there!"

Huh? What was that? Hellooooo?

You call us an hour and a half BEFORE the ceremony to tell us you are taking part in it?

So being the dutiful parents that we are, we wolfed down....er, uh, I mean......we ate a bit of the roast and potatoes I had fixed for dinner and headed off for Hocking College.

When we arrived, we were directed to our parking space and when the attendant saw my walker, he called for a golf cart to come take us right to the door. This was so unexpected, but I was so thankful and grateful for the help. Then, once we arrived at the auditorium, we were directed to seats for the handicapped, where we were seated RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE STAGE AND PODIUM! I was almost in tears. I never dreamed that we would ever get seats right in front! I told Ed that I would stand the whole ceremony if I was just able to, though,you know? We met a wonderful family from Michigan who was there to watch their niece graduate and on the other side of us was a lady and her father that I've known for years but hadn't seen for quite some time. It was a wonderful afternoon!

As you can see, Daniel's tassel and shirt match. I asked him if he knew his tassel was going to be orange and he said, "Yes, Mom!" He was the only one who wore a matching shirt and tassel! That's our boy! *smile* He had his second interview at Diamond Power this week. We are praying that the Lord's will is done. It sounds like an excellent job opportunity and the benefits package is awesome. They will reimburse him if he chooses to go on in college part-time while he works and Daniel has expressed a desire to get his Masters degree in drafting and design. I'll keep you posted!

Hair dilemma!

Okay...first of all......I have a forehead that you can show home movies on. It is huge. And white. Sooooo, for several years I have taken the short hair that grows around my hairline, curled it, teased it, fluffed it and fashioned curls or bangs of it to kind of cover my forehead. BUT.....with the advent of hot, humid weather, they can be a real pain because I perspire, a.k.a. sweat, my forehead gets a bit oily and they just kind of get in the way, you know? Sooooo, I've tried fixing my hair a few different ways, but it is just so difficult to change a hairstyle!!! Do you girls know what I am talking about???? I look soooooo "foreign" to myself without something covering a bit of my forehead! I just don't look like ME! What to do, what to do! I do use a bit of pressed powder on my forehead in this hot, sticky weather to keep my hair from sticking to my forehead (doesn't THAT sound attractive?). I've threatened to just skin my hair back off my face and be done with it, but I don't have the courage. *feeble grin* I mean, I want to look presentable and fairly attractive. Plus, I don't want to blind people with my glaring white forehead. Would you believe that several.....okay, many, many years ago at this one place that I worked, they took up a collection in the department where I worked, to send me to a tanning salon to get my white forehead tanned????? LOL THEY DID!! It was so funny! I had lifted the hair up off my forehead to wipe the perspiration off and one of my co-workers yelled, "Jewel, put your hair back down, you're blinding me!" She then proceeded to take up the collection. It was a hoot! Well, I signed up for tanning sessions but had to stop after the first few because I was just too sensitve to do it. I burned and broke out in little bumps and itched like crazy. They started me out at TWO MINUTES!! Gosh, it was hardly worth getting undressed for! I never got past eight minutes! *sighhhhh* Soooooo....here I sit with my white forehead and curls/bangs. But I do feel better, having gotten it off my chest. *grin*

What was I thinking? or scaling back some......

I was up at my usual 6am this morning, thanks to the lonely meows of Ellie the cat at our bedroom door. I don't mind. I wake up at this time whether she is there or not. A busy day was ahead of me and I needed to get an early start. I did the usual morning tasks and spent time with the Lord. There was food to fix for a family who lost a loved one this week and the funeral to attend at 10am. I was then going to take my food to the church and possibly vacuum part of the sanctuary in preparation for Sunday, as no one had signed up to clean the church this week. And for those of you getting ready to scold me for vacuuming, I look at it this way. I hurt if I do; I hurt if I don't, so I thought: Why not?

Anywayyyy....moving right along. grin*

Then I was going to go to the library for a bit and then I was to be at my sister Debbie's by two o'clock, where she was going to give me a perm.

BUT.......there was a change of plans. First of all, the pain level today is almost excruciating. But I did manage to get the food to the church after going to the funeral. That is as far as I got on my list. *feeble grin* Oh, and let me insert here that I also sprayed my car off at the car wash, after the funeral service, as I decided to take the "scenic route" into town this morning, not knowing that what used to be a "chip and seal" road was "dust and gravel" now in many places. My car looked like a chunk of dirt by the time I got to the funeral home. I could hardly see out of my windshield but I didn't dare run the windshield washers and make it all a muddy mess! *smile*

Soooooo, last night at church, a good friend handed me a folder and said it was an excerpt from a book they wanted me to read. They had printed out the first chapter for me. So, after realizing I wasn't going to be able to finish my "list" this morning, I went through a drive-thru, got something cold to drink and headed for the lake. Lake Logan, that is, to read this chapter.


I am just wanting to understand where I am at. Oh, I am so blessed. The Lord is and has been so good to me. But the pain and physical limitations have thrown me for a bit of a loop. I've always been a "do-er and a go-er". Pushing myself to the point of exhaustion, but feeling great satisfaction in accomplishing tasks and organizing things, whether here at home or work or at church. Organizing activities for the youth. Planning parties and banquets at church. Putting together concerts in the park with our music department.

Now, it is sometimes a challenge to keep the necessary things done here at home. I manage to here in the house but no longer outside. So, thankfully, Ed has taken up that task and is doing very well at it. *smile*

I am not complaining at all. I am just having a little difficulty in making the adjustments, you know?

Okay....time for a little injection of humor:

A man walks into a psychiatrist's office.
"Doc, every time I see nickels, dimes and quarters, I have a panic attack! What can my problem be?"
"Oh, that's easy, " the doctor answers. "You're just afraid of change."

Yep, that's me. Not necessarily "afraid" of change, but not sure of how to negotiate the changes taking place in my body and thusly, my lifestyle.

So, I drive out to the other side of the lake, knowing that there is a good chance no one else will be there at this time of day: eleven-thirtyish am. I get out my trusty rollating walker, load my things into the little basket and head for the nearest picnic table. I got settled and opened the folder. The title read: "Reposition Yourself" by T.D. Jakes. I could hardly believe it. The Lord had been working behind the scenes all along, knowing what I had need of. The tears just flowed as I read what was before me. As the breeze off the lake ruffled the pages, the Lord ministered to me and I read, shed more tears, talked some things out with Him. I am so thankful that He is ever mindful of me and the path that I take. That He knows the plans He has for me; to prosper me.
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11
"When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path." Psalm 142:3

I left that place with a blessed assurance and new-found peace in my heart. I still don't have all of the answers. Nor do I know exactly what His plans are for my future. But I know that He is with me each step of the way and I am learning to walk with Him one day at a time. There is still so much for me to do for Him, though it may take more effort and I may have to struggle through some pain, but this one thing I do: "forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

I am trusting in Christ alone,

I am trusting in Christ alone,

Since His faithful love I've known,

I am trusting in Christ alone.

Verse I:

When the shadows hover near,

When my heart is filled with fear,

I will trust in Christ alone,

When I'm fragile, feeling weak,

And I'm needing perfect peace,

I will trust in Christ alone.

Verse II:

When darkness seems to hide His face,

I'll trust in His unchanging grace,

Through every high and stormy dell,

My anchors holds, with Him prevails,

by Sis. Nancy Grandquist

You can listen to the song here. It is the fourth song down.

One or two things to share

One of my asiatic lilies finally blossomed over the weekend. Isn't it gorgeous? Just thought I'd share it with you! There are several more ready to bloom and some of those are orange. I'll post pictures of them once they have bloomed.






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My sisters, Bev and Debbie, and my sisters-in-law and I went out to La Cascada yesterday evening for Cheryl's birthday. Cheryl is in the back on the right. Okay, here we go: The front row from left to right is: Me, my sisters, Debbie and Bev. In the back, we have my sisters-in-law, Sandy and Cheryl. We had a very good time, visiting and eating and catching up with each other's families.

The simple things

Each May at our ladies' meeting, we have a small indoor yardsale. We each contribute whatever we have that we want no more than a quarter for. The money raised is given to Mother's Memorial, along with other funds that we have raised throughout the year. Well. I purchased this spoonholder which I have put on my stove. It has brought me so much more pleasure than you would ever think 25cents could possibly purchase. I'm not sure why. Perhaps it is the tiny ladybudy on the inside of it. Or

some other little detail. I'm just thankful for such simple pleasures.

Oh, those family reunions!!!

I don't know if I can do this story justice here but I just have to try!

Sunday afternoon, as I lay down for my usual nap, I decided to phone my girlfriend because she and her family had taken off pretty quickly after church that morning and I didn't get to talk to her. I wanted to make sure everything was alright. Well, they just had a lot to do that afternoon and they needed to go to the grocery story as she had to cook that evening for their family reunion the next day, Memorial Day. I asked her if her kids and granchildren were all going and she said yes, though they put up a fuss about it. She told them that it is important that they go because once their aunt and uncle is gone (the couple who sponsors it and has it at their home), the family reunions will probably go by the way.

Anywayyyyy.....she proceeded to kind of unload on me about this family reunion and how she has a difficult time with it, too. It went something like this:

"Soooo....we get there and there must be 120-140 people there. We don't know probably 90 of these people, 5 are suspected child molesters, 5 are convicted felons, 12 are morbidly obese.....which leads me to me the part where the obese people crowd their way up to the food tables ahead of the children and elderly people and by the time my dear daughter-in-law, who probably weighs 90lbs. soaking wet, gets up to the table, the good food is gone. Everyone brings their own tent or canopy and it ends up looking like the children of Israel camped out around the tabernacle in the wilderness. The families and their children go to their own canopy/tent, so what is the point of getting together, since we stick to our own families anyway? Then the grown-ups have a chinese auction where most everyone brings junk to put in while I try to bring nice things and everyone starts fighting over the stuff I've brought and I'm tired and hot and feeling sweaty and sticky from the heat and humidity and having my granchildren, whom I love more than life itself, crawl all over me.....YES, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE GO....I tell my children....."

Well, I am in the bedroom with the door closed, while Ed is in the den when she is telling me this and I am dying laughing and we are screaming and saying stuff to eachother. (as only girlfriends can do! ;-) ) Ed comes in and opens the door and asks, "WHO are you talking TO??????" So I told him and he just shook his head and shut the door. He understood then. It was just soooooo hilarious hearing her tell it in her own inimitable way! Well, I talked to her this morning and they survived another reunion, thank the Lord! LOL So until next year........

You call THAT a parade???????

Oh my word! Ed and I decided to take in the annual Memorial Day Parade at the New Straitsville Moonshine Festival yesterday. I had not been to the parade for years but remembered it as being just awesome in years past. Bands and floats and horses! It was one of the best parades around. What happened? I mean, all it consisted of was several queens from different festivals in Ohio. (They have festivals for EVERYTHING!!! *groan*) The firetrucks and emergency vehicles from all of the area townships. I was praying there weren't any fires or emergencies anywhere. And a small local high school band. Nowwwwww......I realize that this band was small. I understand that they are from a rural, somewhat financially depressed area, BUT that is no excuse for the way they were attired!!! COME ON!!! They were all wearing navy blue shorts of some kind and white t-shirts, shirts or some kind of white top. The footwear must have been of their choosing. I mean, several of these kids were wearing flip-flops, for heaven's sake!!!!!!!!!! I just could not believe they dressed so sloppily. Where has the pride in personal appearance gone? A professional appearance would certainly have added much to what they lacked in musical ability. They played fairly well, but that wouldn't have been as noticeable, I believe, had they presented themselves in a more appropriate manner. I may have to write a letter to the band director. I won't be mean but I will stress the importance of dress and appearance. It DOES matter.

Oh, and Ed's comment for the day, after seeing this band and watching the parade was: "I took a shower for this?" *grin* Oh, it wasn't that bad....I guess......and we DID get to meet Taylor! *smile*

The prodigal

Ed's oldest son, my stepson...Eddie....is clean. Let me explain a little. He came to live with us when he was sixteen. We had only been married for 4 months, lived in a tiny furnished apartment and were expecting our first baby in 7 months. It was a very trying time. Eddie's mother had kicked him out of her house and dumped him on our doorstep. He was a handful. A delinquent druggy. And yet, deep inside, a good kid. The only place we had for him to sleep was on the sofa. And so it went. Our privacy was gone. It was difficult.

Through the years, Eddie has had very short-lived times of being clean. He has entered this program and that program, but never sticking with it. In jail. On probation. Eluding the police. In prison. But something happened this time. He is 38. It was either do this program to completion or spend 30 months in prison without parole. He has three children by three different women. He lost contact with them through the years because of non-support and his lifestyle of drugs.

Two weeks ago, we received a phone call from him. He had just completed...COMPLETED....a nine-month stint in a prison rehab/bootcamp. And he is clean. And changed. I mean, really changed. I've never seen him like this in 22 years. He's apologized to us profusely for the hurt he has caused over the years. Part of his rehab has been to start building the bridges of contact with his children. He began writing to them while in prison. He has spent time with his youngest son, going to his ballgames this past weekend. Yesterday, Memorial Day, he spent the day with his daughter who is his oldest child. He has not seen her since she was a baby. She is now 17. We met her and her mother yesterday. She is such a lovely young lady. She graduates high school next year and plans to pursue a career in nursing. Eddie is still patiently communicating with his oldest son. There have been replies and we are praying for good things to happen. You see, Eddie has never paid child support and does not have the finances yet to do so. So it will be out the goodness and compassion of these mothers' hearts if he is to have a part in his children's lives at this point.

Daniel is so excited about having his "big brother" in his life. They spent last weekend together. Eddie went to church with Daniel and Erin. A bunch of the guys played ball later that afternoon. They had a weiner roast. Eddie asked Daniel how he could want anything to do with him after the life he has lived and Daniel simply told him, "You're my brother and I love you." That just says it all, hm? *tears*

As I type this, Eddie is outside on our roof with Ed, Bro. Lew Dunnells (Daniel's father-in-law, who pastors in Nelsonville), and another man from the Nelsonville church. They are putting the new roof on this week. Now, I ask you, could this boy (Eddie) be in any better company? *smile* Eddie was baptized in Jesus' Name as a child and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. He knows this wonderful pentecostal way. He says the Lord helped him through these past months and that the Lord is helping him restore his relationship with his children. And indeed He is. We are praying that he commits his life to God completely again.

Ed and I can only shake our heads, shed tears, and thank the Lord for the miraculous work He is doing in Eddie's life. And for the grandchildren we are meeting and getting to know for the first time. It is never too late. We must never give up on our loved ones and friends and neighbors. The Lord does hear our prayers and see the tears that we shed. He is so faithful and just and merciful.

We've shared more hugs and I love yous with this boy in the past week! *smile* He has come home.

This I Believe

In his speech class at college, Daniel's instructor asked each of them to write a story for the "This I Believe" contest which is sponsored each year by NPR. The author of the winning story will win $200. This is the story that Daniel submitted. He still needs to pare it down some as it can only be 550 words. I think it is very good. It actually moved me and Ed to tears when we read it. Of course, we knew the faithful canine that it is written about. *smile*

A dog makes the best of friends. You see, I was an only child. At the age of six, my dad found a puppy in a briar patch next to our lane. This puppy would become my pseudo-sibling and best friend during my growing-up years and, in retrospect, I believe I was blessed to have this beloved canine companion as compared to another little human being. You see, we never argued. We never fought over taking turns at anything. In fact, we agreed on most everything, if my memory serves me correctly. Yep, whatever I wanted to do, Bear did it with the enthusiasm that only a dog possesses. And even though Bear was a female, she and I didn’t have the usual boy-girl fights. No, it seems that ours was a mutually-balanced relationship. When I wanted to just lay around, relax and watch a movie, Bear was content to do the same. She would stretch out beside me with a look of complete contentment on her face. Or if I wanted to go outside and go sledding, she was eager and ready to go, many times riding the sled down the hill with me. We had a ball together those many winters. I remember how she would put her snout down in the snow and just go plowing through, eating it as she went.
I had a pair of bright orange boxing gloves and while I didn’t have a punching bag, I had Bear and she loved to box with me. When she would see those gloves come out, she was on her feet and ready to go at it, her tail furiously beating the air. I remember giving her some pretty stiff upper cuts but she just came back for more. Oh, the times we had! Her teeth ripped some pretty substantial holes in those gloves but not so much so that we couldn’t still have our regular bouts.
If I decided to go hunting, Bear was all for it. When she saw me come out the door with my orange hat on and my hunting gear in hand, she just went wild, jumping around, eager to get on the trail of whatever we were pursuing that day. She was a perfect hunting companion, unlike most female humans I know. I remember how quietly she would sit beside me in the woods, not twitching a muscle, listening intently, waiting for me to make the first move. When I would finally shoot a squirrel, she would be off like a bolt of lightning to retrieve our catch. I believe this was her favorite activity that we shared in.
Bear was a great traveling companion, too. No matter how fast or how far I rode my bike, she was right with me. I somehow felt that she was there to protect me and watch over me in her own way, too.
I believe that my early years were so much richer and fuller because of Bear. I can only imagine how lonely my childhood might have been had I not had her constant companionship. I could talk to her freely knowing there would be no judgments coming from her or hasty opinions. No, she just let me talk things out with her and sort them all out in my own time. Can you put a price on that sort of thing? I don’t think so.
Yes, God knew what He was doing when He allowed that little ball of fur to be caught in the briar patch all those many years ago. He knew a little boy that needed the quiet loyalty and companionship of a good dog in his growing-up years.
Yes, I believe in the value of canine companions. Bearly Diane Cavinee was mine. She died unexpectedly when she was about twelve years old. I can’t imagine that I would have grieved any more for a human sister than I did for Bear.
Today, my wife and I have four dogs that live with us. Heidi, the boxer, is my girl and though I love her to death, there will never be a dog like Bear. You see, she was my first. My growing-up girl.

A quick re-cap of the week

Monday evening, a group from church, including yours truly, travelled to Christian Apostolic Church in Newark, Ohio, pastored by Bro. Keith Sjostrand, to see "Nona", a drama, presented by Gateway College of Evangelism. It depicts the early life of Sis. Nona Freeman and how she met her husband and their call to Africa as missionaries. I wrestled within myself about going because I was in pain and so on, but I am so glad I made the effort. It was awesome and so inspiring. Sis. Freeman is travelling with the group. She is 92! If I understood correctly, they are doing 9 performances in 9 days in 9 different cities and Sis. Freeman is going to be at each one. When the drama ended, Sis. Freeman was escorted to the front where she sat in a chair and proceeded to pray for any and everyone who desired prayer. I was second in line. What a great woman of God she is! The Lord ministered to me so wonderfully that night and the young people from Gateway prayed for me so fervently and sincerely. Again, it was a night I won't soon forget.

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It has been a rather difficult week. The pain level has been up there for some reason. Most often I can just push through it and go on, but not this week, it seems. It's been a real struggle to not just give in and go to bed but I must stay active or my poor body will just eventually freeze up on me. "Head and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes, knees and toes...." Remember that little children's exercise song? *grin* Or how about "You gotta move, you've gotta move, you've gotta move, you've gotta move. Oh, when the Lord gets ready, you've gotta move, you've gotta move, you've gotta move." *whew* Well, that's what I keep tellin' myself. *feeble grin* "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can......" (from "The Little Engine That Could")

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Bro. Daniel Hamman from Mt. Vernon is in Logan this weekend setting up the new multi-media at church! Isn't that exciting??!?!?! I went out to the church this evening and several men had gathered to help him. While I was there, they put a 52 inch flat screen up on the back wall of the sanctuary for the benefit of those on the platform. Now this was a feat let me tell you! I was praying all the while they were hoisting it up on the scaffolding and then mounting it. *smile* I should have had my camera, I know. I'll try to get some pics tomorrow.

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We don't have any special plans for the holiday weekend and that is quite alright. One thing that will be going on is on Monday, Daniel, Eddie (Ed's oldest son) and Ed will be putting a new roof on our mobile home. Here is a before pic and I'll post an "after" later. There is nothing wrong with the old roof, except that they will be adding some extra insulation and it will look much better! They are definitely going to start early before the afternoon heat sets in.

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Oh and some other great news is: Daniel has a job interview at Diamond Power in Lancaster, Ohio Wednesday morning! I'll keep you posted!

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May you all be blessed with a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend and special time with family and friends!

Let sleeping cats lie?

I was sitting here at my computer desk the other evening and noticed Ellie, the cat, sleeping contentedly on the rug in the den. I just couldn't resist taking her picture and pestering her a little. And Ed joined me! *smile* It's just that Ellie can be so snooty and stand-offish sometimes that I just have to "torment" her a little and remind her who's the boss! *grin*

Top Student in Drafting and Design

We attended an awards ceremony at Hocking College with Daniel and Erin this past Thursday evening. Awards were given to the top graduating student in each area of study at Hocking. Daniel was the top student in Drafting and Design. Isn't that great? Graduation is June 10. Yes, we are proud parents. :-)

This is a picture of Daniel and Erinmaree and also a picture of Ed, me and Daniel. As you can see, he gets his height from his father! :-)

We lost a "hostage" over the weekend

Yes, you read correctly. One of our "hostages" succumbed to frostbite early Friday morning. I would have posted a picture of it, but Ed ripped it up....er, uh...I mean gently pulled it out of the soil and replaced it with another start from a huge hosta we have in another flower bed. Still, if we only lose this one, we will have done well, I believe.

What do you need?

My friend, Stace, was asking for topics to blog about and I remembered a post that Barbara had posted some time ago and thought it would be interesting and humorous to do. So here it is: You go to Google and type in your name and the word "needs". So I went to Google and typed in "Jewel needs" and here are the top ten results that I got:

1. Jewel needs parking. Well, close parking would be nice as walking has become a bit difficult as of late, BUT the walking is good for me!

2. Jewel needs a microscope. Well, okay, my vision isn't what it used to be but a microscope is a bit of a stretch! *smile*

3. Jewel needs to get serious about stocking more healthy food items. I know, I know. But can I at least keep my Doritos? Please? *grin*

4. Jewel needs your HELP! Would you believe I've been told I'm beyond help? LOL Of course, they were only kidding. (weren't they?)

5. Jewel is in need of exposure. To what? The sun perhaps? I am a bit pale. Hmmm....

6. Jewel needs to be useful and stylish. I AM useful! Stylish? Well, I have my OWN style, which I like. *grin*

7. Jewel needs prescription drugs. This is tooooo funny!! LOL

8. Jewel needs to become independent of her mother. Well, I did this a looooong time ago! "Mother! Are you still out there somewhere trying to tell me what to do?" *smile*

9. Jewel needs to be protected. Awwww....this is sweet. My dear husband takes care of this one. And Jesus.

10. Jewel needs to get a personality. Heyyyyyy......I think I have a pretty good personality the way I am! Of course, there is always room for improvement. Help me, Jesus. *smile*

Give this a try! It is fun and can be pretty funny, too! Have a great Monday!!

He's done it again! *smile*

Ed went out to water the flowers and plants Thursday evening and I went out to watch, when what should he say, but: "Boy! the "hostages" that I planted are doing really well!" HOSTAGES????? Hellooooooo! He was talking about the HOSTAS, folks. LOL So now we have "hostages" planted all about our yard and in the flower beds. Not to worry. We promise to take good care of the many "hostages" about our property. I'm so thankful for the laughter this man brings to my life.

Ed, the gardener

In years past, Ed has mowed the grass and I would help, usually with the push mowing and trimming and I kept the flower beds all done up and so on. I did the detail stuff. But now that I am not as agile as I used to be, Ed is doing all of the outside work and a fine job he is doing, I must say! These pictures will attest to this: