Until We Meet Again...

Cute Dog Waits for Santa Video

2011-12-29T22:01:00.001-05:00

"God Be With You Till We Meet Again"

2011-12-15T22:21:00.033-05:00

God be with you till we meet again;
By His counsels guide, uphold you,
With His sheep securely fold you;
God be with you till we meet again.

Refrain

Till we meet, till we meet,
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again;
Neath His wings protecting hide you;
Daily manna still provide you;
God be with you till we meet again.

Refrain

God be with you till we meet again;
With the oil of joy anoint you;
Sacred ministries appoint you;
God be with you till we meet again.

Refrain

God be with you till we meet again;
When life’s perils thick confound you;
Put His arms unfailing round you;
God be with you till we meet again.

Refrain

God be with you till we meet again;
Of His promises remind you;
For life’s upper garner bind you;
God be with you till we meet again.

Refrain

God be with you till we meet again;
Sicknesses and sorrows taking,
Never leaving or forsaking;
God be with you till we meet again.

Refrain

God be with you till we meet again;
Keep love’s banner floating o’er you,
Strike death’s threatening wave before you;
God be with you till we meet again.

Refrain

God be with you till we meet again;
Ended when for you earth’s story,
Israel’s chariot sweep to glory;
God be with you till we meet again.

Refrain Words Written By: Jeremiah E. Rankin Music Composed By: William G. Tomer Until We Meet Again...

Early Start to Thanksgiving Feast

2011-11-26T16:15:00.007-05:00

My Beauty had just returned from G-Baby's Thanksgiving Feast at the G- Baby's school when she snapped these photos for me--after my much pleading for her to do so!! She had carried in a delicious dish to add to the festivities for the class blow-out. "The Feast" was an absolute blast with loads of food and a great time was had by all. What a neat way to kick off the Holiday Season!! And even though this is being posted after Thanksgiving, I hope you saved some goodies for me!! I am so thankful for you, Son-in-Law, and the G-Baby. Love you much! Happy Thanksgiving! Until We Meet Again...

Home Going! May 3, 1996--September 2, 2011

2011-09-05T20:27:00.008-04:00

That's him entering in--right in the middle of the door--to Kids' Choir Christmas Party

Stunning news hit me as I came out of my Sunday School class this past Sunday. I was told that one of the kids that I had in SS several years back had passed away on Friday night at the age of 15. He had suffered a massive heart attack. He and his family had moved to another state a few years ago and word had come back to our church family here. My heart is broken, but the Lord knows best and I know that He has a master plan. The Lord can use this child's death to His glory and to the glory of all of Heaven. Twelve people went forward for salvation at his funeral!! Our loss is Heaven's gain. It was my privilege to teach him in Sunday School and to have him in Kids' Choir, where I was the Pastor's wife's helper. What a blessing to help this youngster, as well as the other kids, practice the Kids' Choir programs that they presented once a month to our congregation. He was such a little ham, and actually could do a great job with his parts when he wasn't "hamming it up" for the others!! The Word of God tells us in Psalms 116: 15 that "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." The Lord wanted to see this child's precious face and called him home to Heaven. Sweetheart, the next time we meet will be at the feet of the Wonderful Savior. What a blessing you always were to me and it was a privilege to have you in SS and in Kids' Choir. I love you. Until We Meet Again...

July Celebrations at Gan-Gan's

2011-08-30T01:25:00.003-04:00

G-Baby, look this way!! You were supposed to be looking at the camera!! What are you looking at--the little pink table and chairs that Gan-Gan got you for your birthday? All of your books? What? Anyway, we love you so very much. Thanks to the guys for putting my table together! Until We Meet Again...

Four Generations

2011-08-30T00:59:00.008-04:00

Nonnie, Gan-Gan, Mommy and G-Baby

Until We Meet Again...

The Little Mermaid

2010-08-14T21:36:00.010-04:00

The Little Mermaid had a very important excursion recently. She went to the LIBRARY for Story Book Hour. Oh, they did all sorts of things that were very enjoyable to The Little Mermaid. And she was picked out of all the other kids ~ um, I mean little mermaids ~ to have her picture made and was also given some very special necklaces. I think the way that The Little Mermaid was dressed created quite a stir there with the Bigger Mermaids and caused her to get all that extra attention. The Little Mermaid enjoys her trips to the library very much and will be back for another story hour adventure again really soon. Until We Meet Again...

Gan-Gan's Pretty in Pink G-Baby

2010-08-12T22:41:00.000-04:00

That G-Baby is so pretty in pink. She is the Pretty in Pink G-Baby, for sure. Won't you please pray for her salvation? That is the most important thing in the world to me ~ that is to know that she accepts Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour. Yes, pretty in pink. But how much prettier to belong to the LORD JESUS CHRIST would she be in that pretty pink dress! Until We Meet Again...

Time Flies

2010-07-24T18:21:00.001-04:00

Time sure flies ~ it's been eleven years today. Until We Meet Again...

Happy Birthday, MOM

2010-07-19T20:25:00.002-04:00

My Mom had her 77th birthday recently. She doesn't look her age, but she is feeling it these days. She has lots of aches and pains and it's hard for her to get going most days. Although, she might not feel great all the time, I think she looks absolutely beautiful. Happy Birthday Mom, I hope you have many, many more. I love you. Until We Meet Again...

We Are New Creations In Christ

2010-07-17T21:24:00.000-04:00

"Wherefore, put away all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls." says James 1:21. If we are in Christ, we are to become new creatures, II Corinthians 5:17 states, "Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." We are to lay aside all foul, dirty and obscene words, pictures, gestures, jokes and anything else that is excessive and unnecessary and overflowing with wickedness. We are to be well established and planted deeply in the Word of God. We are to be incorporated in the Word of God with such submission to Him, that we DESIRE to lay aside all the excessive filthiness of the world and to speak only that which glorifies and honors the LORD JESUS CHRIST. When we turn away from improper and disobedient behavior and when we are rooted securely in His Word, we are showing and teaching a lost and dying world that HE IS the LIVING WORD that is able to save our souls. Dear Lord, Help me to live firmly established in Thy Word, leaving behind all improper and disobedient behavior so that others might see that Thou dost delight to save souls. Until We Meet Again...

The Princesses

2010-07-15T20:24:00.004-04:00

My Two Bea-U-ti-ful Little PRINCESSES. Mom/Gan-Gan loves her girls, er, I mean Princesses. Until We Meet Again...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, G-BABY

2010-07-12T19:27:00.024-04:00

That G-Baby of mine's birthday was last week and what a party she had. Her Mom ~ my daughter ~ threw that Baby some more party. It had a Carnival Theme. My daughter is very gifted in the ART department, as well as in the decorating and party throwing department. She decorated the entire yard like a Carnival, complete with face painting, a giant bouncy toy for the kids to get inside, toss the rings game, kissing booth and a clown photo booth. She had painted numerous Carnival signs and banners to be used that day. The grown-ups told her that it was the best party that they had been to and that she should "go in the business". She had tables plied with all types of "Carnival Junk" to eat, including corn dogs, salt water taffy, animal crackers, boxes of popcorn, peanuts, individual bags of cotton candy and tables and tables of candy everywhere. There was lemonade, juice boxes, ice pops and bottles of water to quench the thirst that the hot day brought on. Each child had a "goody bag" to take home. The kids also got to decorate a small gift bag to hold all their "loot" from playing games. She baked cup cakes and decorated them with marsh mellows on top to resemble bags of popcorn. It took a long, long time to hand cut ALL those tiny marsh mellows with X marks to look like popcorn. She pulled it off though. What a Mom she is! She set up for most of it as well, with a little help from her husband. The tables that she borrowed, were much too heavy for her to pull up from a friend's basement, but, she did just that ~ by herself ~ much to my chagrin. After staying up till about 3am for two nights in a row, the party day finally arrived. Up a ladder ~ up and down, I should say ~ about 100 times, so I was told, to make sure the banners were hung the way she wanted them to hang! Then came 2:00pm ~ Party Time ~ was on. She kept the kids organized with the games (with some help from some of her friends), kept the food supplied on the table, and made trips down to the basement to garner more water bottles for thirsty dry throats. She made everything SO VERY SPECIAL for my precious G-BABY ~ a birthday party soon not to be forgotten, for sure. G-Baby assured me that it was a WONDERFUL party and that she was very HAPPY. She declared that she had the Best Mommy and that she had the best birthday party ~ Ever. Yes, you do, G-BABY and yes, you did. Your Mommy can throw some more party. Happy Birthday, SWEET G-BABY of mine, Happy Birthday. Until We Meet Again...

Ah, Lord God, Thou Art All-Powerful

2010-07-12T16:50:00.001-04:00

"Ah, Lord God! Behold, Thou hast made the Heaven and the Earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee," says Jeremiah 32:17. Thank Thee, Lord God, that Thou Art omnipotent ~ ALL-POWERFUL. Thou dost hold the universe in the palm of THY hand. Thou canst call into existence anything by the very outstretching of THY Almighty Powerful Arm. Deuteronomy 33:27 tells me that "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms..." There is NOTHING that is too hard for THEE to take care of in my life, and for this, I praise Thy Holy NAME. Luke 1:37 declares "For with God nothing shall be impossible." Because I serve an All-Powerful Lord and Saviour, there is absolutely NOTHING for me to have to fear or fret over ~ Thou dost already have everything that touches or concerns my life under control. Ah, Lord God, Thou Art my All-Powerful God! Until We Meet Again...

Happy Birthday, AMERICA!

2010-07-04T23:56:00.006-04:00

I celebrated a Wonderful Birthday party for AMERICA tonight with my BELOVED CHURCH FAMILY. Pastor preached a powerful message from the WORD OF GOD, THEN we had grilled hamburgers & hotdogs with all the trimmings. The hamburgers and hotdogs were grilled by none other than our PASTOR. After preaching, he pulled off his suit coat and donned an "apron" and cooked for us all. What a perfect example of service ~ our beloved Pastor, the Under Shepherd ~ serving his flock. After our meal, we were treated to a beautiful FIREWORKS display. It was truly a wonderful time of worship, food, & fellowship with Church Family as we celebrated our freedoms in this Great Land on her birthday!! May Old Fashioned Revival break out in this Great Land of ours and may we turn back to the God of the BIBLE and beg HIM to heal our Land. May HE grant us HIS grace and mercy to retain the FREEDOMS that we hold so dear and precious in this GREAT COUNTRY. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA! May GOD BLESS the USA. Until We Meet Again...

Lord, Thou Art Faithful and Just

2010-07-02T19:08:00.001-04:00

Thank Thee, Lord, for Thy faithfulness and justness to continually have patience with me. While we only have to be saved ONCE, we are not perfect and won't be until that blessed day when we enter into the Pearly Gates and come before THY presence in Heaven. But, Thou art loving, and wilt extend to me Thy mercies anew each day. When I stumble, and I am going to without fail, Thou art there. Thou art ever so faithful and just to cleanse me whenever I stray and fall into some sin, to cleanse me and to restore my fellowship with Thee. When I confess my SIN, Thou art faithful and just to forgive me. Thy Word assures us in I John 1:9 that "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Praise Thy Holy Name that Thou art faithful and just to us. Even though we do not deserve Thy wondrous grace, Thou dost extend that grace to us if we are Thy children. Thank Thee for saving me and not utterly casting me in the lake of fire. I love Thee, My Dear Patient Heavenly Father. Until We Meet Again...

G-Baby and Rocket

2010-07-01T19:16:00.001-04:00

G-Baby has her first Fur-Baby!! I have the G-Baby and now a G-Fur-Baby. The G-Baby and Rocket. It is GRAND to be Gan-Gan ~ I thank the Lord everyday. Until We Meet Again...

Reward For Being A Member Of The "NO CAVITY CLUB"

2010-06-23T19:51:00.000-04:00

G-Baby did SO-ooo well with her first trip to the dentist. Gan-Gan told her Mom that she would do just that! G-Baby discovered that she loved going to the dentist's office. She picked her reward ~ Little Groucho! I am SO-ooo proud of you, G-Baby! Until We Meet Again...

VICTORY For G-Baby After Dental Trip!

2010-06-23T19:25:00.003-04:00

"Mom, I L-O-V-E the Dentist," G-Baby exclaimed to her Mom as they walked back to the car after a very successful first visit!! VICTORY for the G-Baby. Until We Meet Again...

G-Baby's First Trip To The Dentist

2010-06-23T19:13:00.005-04:00

Until We Meet Again...

Hamming It Up!

2010-06-17T16:42:00.002-04:00

My folks and I somehow managed to get our picture made while we were obviously "hamming it up" and having a great time right before we left the Family Reunion on June 12, 2010. My little second cousin sneaked this one in with his cell phone as we were saying good-bye. He graciously e-mailed it to me. We did have a lot of fun with everyone ~ it was wonderful to see those that we haven't seen in years! I especially like this one of my Mom and Dad. It's nice to see them having a great time and enjoying themselves so. Until We Meet Again...

Family Reunion ~ June 12, 2010

2010-06-13T23:39:00.004-04:00

Family is wonderful. I have proclaimed that very thing on my blog on more than one occasion. We had a long overdue Reunion yesterday. It had been a long day a coming. I'm not even sure right now just HOW long it had been since everyone had gotten together like that. Now, we had a First
Cousins' Reunion back in December, but yesterday's Reunion included everybody. If my counting skills are still intact, I do believe that we had 36 people in attendance. One of the cousins had secured his church's fellowship hall for us ~ what a blessing, it was air-conditioned. Another cousin had done most of the coordination of this family affair. One cousin had come in from Kansas to be with us. Yet another cousin provided the cutest reunion cake ever! Speaking of cake, oh my goodness, let me just say that the food was wonderful. The family had always been endowed with some fabulous cooks, even though most of the older ones have gone on. But the legacy of good cooking lives on in the third and fourth generations. We had a wonderful time that gave our mental "memory book" a stock of new things to ponder. Another stitch to knit our hearts together as families should be knit together. My almost 80 year old Dad was the only sibling attending. There had been nine sisters and brothers. One brother was not able to make it and the last living sister is in a nursing home. But a good many of us first cousins, the second cousins and now the little 3rd cousins were there and having a grand time. I just wish that my own daughter and the G-Baby could have been here. So many would have loved to have seen her. But we're planning on another one of these family gatherings soon ~ hopefully within months and not years as this one had been. Another gathering, another stitch to knit us together. Hopefully, one that won't be a long day a coming. Until We Meet Again...

Please, Lord

2010-06-07T22:46:00.002-04:00

The G-Baby is so special. My prayer for her is that she will come to know the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age. All I need or want in this world is for the Lord to give me her soul to bring to Heaven. Dear Lord, please, through the power of the Holy Spirit, tug on this little girl's heart and let her surrender her entire heart and life to THEE, Father. Use her in a powerful way to win the others. I pray this in the Name of the Precious Lord Jesus. Amen. Until We Meet Again...

The Grass DOES Needs Cutting

2010-06-03T22:19:00.007-04:00

It cannot be said too many times, the LORD is SO good. I was up thinking about calling the guy that cuts my grass. While thinking upon that and other things that needed doing early last Thursday morning, I received a call from someone very, very dear. She said, "Hey, I'm going to stop by for a minute and I'll be there in just a minute." Oh my goodness, my appearance was something akin to a train wreck. I still had on my PJ's, hair was all over the place and, uh, yes, just a train wreck. I did manage to run and put on a dab of lipstick and a little powder. A dab was all there was time for, because she was extremely accurate in that "I'll be there in just a minute" part. But, that is a part of her wonderful personality. She can do more in just a minute than most of us can do in a year. She's that efficient. Well, to get to the point of her visit, because my interest was piqued as well, she walked in and handed me $25. She said I know that you have been praying about something you need and please put this toward it. While I didn't confess to her at that moment, she was "accurate" on that account as well. Praying ~ I had been doing ~ for gas in the car as well as for the grass to be cut. NO ONE, but the LORD Himself, had known about these needs. The gas had been miraculously supplied the day before, so my dear friend's gift was going to go a long way on having my grass cut. Too many times? NO, it cannot be said enough ~ the Lord is good! HE is so very good to me. Now, let me see, where did I lay that grass- cutting guy's number? Until We Meet Again...

Memorial Day, 2010

2010-05-31T14:42:00.006-04:00

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY. I thank the Lord for the freedoms that are still ours in this Great Land. AMERICA!! I love the freedom of religion and the freedom of speech. These freedoms allow me to worship my Lord and Saviour, go to church, fellowship with other believers, teach my Sunday School class, read my BIBLE and WITNESS to others on the street and in public places about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. I thank the LORD for those that have so valiantly given their lives protecting me & guaranteeing my rights to these freedoms and all the other freedoms that we ALL hold SO dear and sometimes maybe take too much for granted. We are the Home of the FREE because of the BRAVE. THANK YOU ~ TROOPS and YOUR FAMILIES ~ for the sacrifices you have made in my behalf. GOD BLESS AMERICA! Until We Meet Again...

Graduation Time

2010-05-28T14:30:00.001-04:00

Well, time is certainly getting away from us all. It is SO hard to comprehend that a school year has come and gone. But that is exactly what has happened. We have those in the family and in our church family that have graduated from high school or college. It is such a pleasure to see these young people go on with whatever the Lord has called them to do. We have watched most of them as they have grown up right in front of our eyes. It will be a continued blessing to watch them over their young adult lives as the Lord leads them in endeavors that glorify HIM. There is also another graduation that is extremely important to our family. G-BABY'S!! Yes, the G-Baby has graduated from Pre-School. WooHoo! Of course, that just lets this Gan-Gan realize how old she is getting and how time IS flying!! :) We are SO proud of our little Graduate! She did so well and loved every moment of it. We want to send out CONGRATULATIONS to all our graduates. Especially YOU, G-Baby. May the Lord watch over you and call you to do something extraordinary with your life. May HE bless ALL of YOUR endeavors. Until We Meet Again.

The G-Baby

2010-05-25T23:19:00.001-04:00

The G-Baby. She is something else. Well, here, see for yourself ~ I know you'll agree. Until We Meet Again...

The Highest Calling

2010-05-24T23:08:00.005-04:00

Someone on my friends' list asked if being a Mother was a profession or not. She asked for people to post their ideas on the matter. Of course, I posted my thoughts which reads as follows:

It's not a profession, it's a "God-Calling" for a woman's life. He made us to be help-meets for our husbands and to be the bearer of children. We are wondrously made by the Heavenly Father to have that built-in "nurturing nature" to protect, love, teach and kiss all the little boo-boos as we rear our children for HIS sake. No, not a profession, but a wonderful, bless-ed CALLING!! I praise HIS name for allowing me to be the Mother of my beautiful daughter and Gan-Gan to my beautiful grand daughter. I DO consider having been a wife and being a Mother and now a Gan-Gan, the highest calling that I could have ever had. I love my daughter and grand daughter and I thank the Lord that HE saw fit to CALL me to the task. Those are my thoughts on the matter ~ not a profession, but the utmost calling for a woman. "Her children rise up and call her blessed ." Until We Meet Again...

The Lord God Almighty Himself is Our HOPE

2010-05-03T23:25:00.000-04:00

Romans 12:12 says, "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer."
We rejoice in the knowledge that our hope is accompanied by expectation ~ the expectation that He will do what He says He will do. Almighty God is holy and cannot or will not lie. Our hope or expectation is sustained thru Him and we should rejoice therein. I Thessalonians 5:16 "Rejoice everymore." He IS our hope! "Tribulation worketh patience", according to Romans 5:3. We develop the virtue of patience by way of great misery or distress, or in other words ~ trials and storms ~ that we experience in our lives. With the grace of our Lord, we can endure the storms of life and learn this great virtue. Finally, we as Christians, should pray diligently ~ with care and persevering as I Thessalonians 5:17 tells us, "Pray without ceasing."
Thank Thee, Father, for the great expectation we have in Thee, for supplying Thy grace as we learn patience, and for the open line to Heaven. Until We Meet Again...

Christ, The Living Redeemer

2010-04-30T21:04:00.005-04:00

Job 19:25 says "For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth." Hallelujah! Jesus Christ Lives ~ He arose! We that know Him, serve a risen, living Saviour, One Who bought us with a price ~ HIMSELF. He is the precious Redeemer. He is MY Redeemer. He will return for His own, resurrecting those that are in the grave, out of the dust, first. Then, those that are alive, will rise up to meet Him in the air on that appointed day. He shall take His stand in the last day as Judge of the Universe. I know that my Redeemer lives! Is He your Redeemer? Are you prepared to meet Him? You can be today ~ Ask Him into your heart. Then, you, too, can rejoice with Job, that Your Redeemer liveth. Until We Meet Again...

Feeding the Chickens

2010-04-29T21:37:00.001-04:00

Ah, the G-Baby is something. I love that Baby. She is the absolute Apple of this adoring Gan-Gan's eye, as I have stated on many occasions. Last week, her little Pre-School Class went on a field trip to a farm. The children were all going to get to feed the animals. On the night before, her parents were talking to her about the animals and such. They were talking about how she was going to get to feed the chickens. My daughter asked G-Baby, "Well, what do the chickens eat?" G-Baby, looking up at the ceiling, deep in thought about the matter for a moment, said very earnestly and without hesitation, "BEEF"! That's my Girl!! Ganny loves that Baby. She makes me and Chick~Fil~A so very proud. You go, G-Baby, go feed those chickens! Until We Meet Again...

CoCo Chanel ~ September 3, 1996 - April 16, 2010

2010-04-16T19:47:00.003-04:00

Sad day this is. My faithful, loyal, precious Pomeranian FurBaby ~ Coco Chanel ~ had to be put down today. It is a sad day indeed. Her tiny, dainty presence filled up the entire house and she is already missed terribly. She kept me good company for the last ten years and four months. As I have stated before, she came into my life at a very difficult time and did indeed become a "FAITHFUL COMPANION" as only FurBabies can do. Yes, sad day, but on the bright side, I have Andy. You've met Andy, my other FurBaby, and he adores me. Really, he does, which is wonderful! But, Coco was special and she will always have a special place in my heart for always being there. I love you, Coco. You were Momma's Baby. Until We Meet Again...

Me, Listening to WMUU 94.5 FM

2010-04-15T11:02:00.003-04:00

Until We Meet Again...

Thou Art My Friend and Brother!

2010-04-06T13:55:00.008-04:00

Who to turn to when discouraged, downhearted, and dismayed you ask? None other than the Precious Lord Jesus. He is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother and is always there for one to lean on if He is one's personal Saviour. When we are afraid of what the future might hold, remember WHO holds the future. Ooo-h, I like that ~ I need to take a few moments to just ponder that very thought. The ONE Who holds the future. One only has to ponder on that thought for a few seconds to think of the absolute truth that statement holds for the Christian. The one that has put their complete trust in the Lord Jesus Christ can ponder on this truth. If I am completely t-r-u-s-t-i-n-g in the Lord, I have only to look to Him for all comfort. He holds this very Universe in His hands and can speak the word for anything He wants to take place. He holds me in that very competent Hand and will not drop me or lay me down and forget where He has placed me. He keeps watch over me that closely. He has placed me here to be His servant and to carry out the things that are His will for my life. He will equip me with His grace, love and wisdom to do the task He has asked me to do. As I live this "Christian life" and try to walk in the Light of His Truth, I learn more everyday that I live, that He cares for me and loves me like no other. I find myself looking Heavenly-ward more with each passing day. I am learning in the deepest sense that this is truly not my home, but that I am just a-passing thru! That makes me homesick!! Homesick for Heaven. Hallelujah! No troubles we face, be it national, international or be it personal, surprises or catches The LORD JESUS CHRIST off guard. He is not surprised by any incident that takes place on the face of the globe. And certainly not in my ~ His child's ~ life. He knows the number of every hair on my head and knows when a little sparrow falls. He certainly cares for and loves me, oh blessed thought. O, my LORD and Saviour, with all my trust firmly secured in Thee, how can I stay discouraged, downhearted, and dismayed when Thou Art my Friend and Brother! Thank Thee, Lord Jesus, for "sticking to me". Until We Meet Again...

Hallelujah, What A Saviour!

2010-04-03T21:15:00.004-04:00

The Time has come------Jesus is betrayed by Judas for 30 pieces of silver. Jesus was seized. All the council sought to put HIM to death. The High Priest, the Elders, and all the Council sought false witness against HIM to put HIM to death. Jesus was bound and led to Pontius Pilate. Now, the Feast of the governor was at hand and a prisoner was to be released. The crowd roared, "Release Barabbas, Release Barabbas." Pilate asked, "What shall I do with Jesus which is called Christ?" "Crucify HIM, Crucify HIM." "What evil has this man done?" The crowd cried louder, "Let HIM be crucified." Pilate, seeing that he could not prevail and washing his hands before the crowd, released Barabbas to go free. Jesus, was crucified on the cross and shed HIS blood for mankind. BUT, the tomb could not hold HIM! He AROSE and lives VICTORIOUSLY today in the hearts of men that have accepted HIM as SAVIOUR!
Hallelujah! What a SAVIOR! Based on Matthew 26:47-27:54 this was originally written for part of a Kid's Choir Easter program by denise in March, 2005 Until We Meet Again...

Fool's Day

2010-04-01T23:19:00.032-04:00

Today is April Fool's Day. I don't get into the pranks and foolishness of the day, but many people love it and get a thrill out of pulling one over on someone. I guess maybe that there is no harm in innocent pranks, although, I have seen some references to it being the national day for atheists, of which I want no part. An atheist is one who denies the existence of the Deity ~ One Sovereign Holy Almighty God that is the Creator of all things. But now the Bible says in Psalm 14:1, "The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there in none that doeth good." The Bible is saying here, the fool, or the one that lacks wisdom, has reasoned within and convinced himself that there is no God. Men, loving darkness rather than light, are evil and depraved and are capable of disgustingly vile deeds. There is not a one that possesses an inherent ability to do good, as stated in Romans 3: 10, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one." Let us not be fools, and as the Bible says in James 1:5, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, Who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him." Let us love and thrill to the precious Word of God and lay all foolishness aside. Until We Meet Again...

My Mortgage HAS Been Paid!

2010-04-01T10:33:00.003-04:00

Romans 3:23 "For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Thank the Lord that the overwheming debt of my sin has been bought with the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ and that the mortgage has been paid for my HOME in HEAVEN for all ETERNITY. That is something to shout about!! Until We Meet Again...

Thou Art My Salvation!

2010-03-25T22:53:00.002-04:00

God is my Strength. God is my Joy. God is my Salvation. This frail piece of dust is very thankful to the God of Heaven for saving my rotten, no-good self from the pit of everlasting destruction. Eternity is forever sealed with HIM in Glory. Thank you, Precious Lord Jesus. Thou art my Strength, my Joy, and my SALVATION. Until We Meet Again...

He Will Gather Us Up Soon!

2010-03-24T00:19:00.006-04:00

Jesus Christ is sitting on His indestructable Throne in Heaven. He will come soon to pluck up the believers. The very next thing for the Church, is for her to be raptured up or "gathered up" to meet the Almighty Saviour in the sky. Praise His Name, it cannot be long now. We that know Him, need to always have one ear carefully tuned heaven-ward listening for the shout that only those of us that are His, will hear. Yes, He is all-powerful and all-knowing and is the KING of KINGS. With the things that have taken place this week in the USA, I have felt an under girding sense of excitement about the imminent "gathering up" of we Christians by our Saviour. Things are lining up and we need to be looking up. Nothing can stop it from happening. The USA may self destruct, but the Throne of the Heavenly King will stand Eternally and forever. We had all better be in a position to hear that Shout and to be plucked up into the clouds to live in Heaven with Him forever. May it be soon, very soon. Until We Meet Again...

The Lord is So Good

2010-03-05T23:58:00.006-05:00

The Lord is so good to me. He knows all our needs. Jehovah Jireh. He is the Great Provider. Today, someone handed me a 20 $ bill and said put this in your gas tank. It is the second time that has happened in the last couple of weeks. And NO ONE knew that I had need except for my HEAVENLY FATHER. He answers prayer! Praise His Holy Name for knowing me so well and for being so good to this frail speck of dust. Jehovah Jireh. The Lord provides. The Lord is Good. Until We Meet Again...

Rejoice! And Be Glad

2010-02-20T12:58:00.001-05:00

This is the day that the Lord hath made, rejoice and be GLAD!! I am SO glad to see just a little bit of warm weather trying to break thru in this day that He hath made. Also, I have daffodils trying to break thru and bloom in my back yard ~ what a wonderful little blessing for this day. Praise the Lord that He is in control of the Weather and He governs the Universe. He promises us in Genesis that we will have the Seasons as long as the world exists. Praise His Name and rejoice for this day! I am very glad today. Until We Meet Again...

Blessed Friend

2010-02-11T09:45:00.004-05:00

No one ever cared for me like the Precious Lord Jesus. As Christians, we are the apples of His eye. He is our Blessed Friend. How much He cares for us! How thankful this fragile speck of dust is that she is being cared for in the Palm of His Strong and Powerful Hand. There is nothing too small or too large for Him to handle for me in this ole troubled world. He is Saviour and Heavenly Friend. I want to praise Him forever and without end. O, Blessed Father, Praise Thy Holy Name for Thou art Lord God Almighty. Thee and Thee alone art God. Let the trees, rocks, and mountains sing forth Thy praise. Thou dost meet my ever need. I love Jehovah Jireh. He provides my every need just as He promises in Matthew 6. No need to worry and fret over where clothes, food and shelter are coming from ~ His Word tells me from whence it comes. My God owns the cattle on a thousand hills and He even owns all the hills!! He can and does provide all I need. He lovingly provides a wondrous salvation for all that call on His Name. O, Precious Lord Jesus, Blessed Friend, thank Thee for caring for me like no Other. Until We Meet Again...

Niagara Falls and the 1999 Snow Storm

2010-02-10T22:04:00.008-05:00

They started predicting the big winter storm a couple of weeks ago here in the South! I just didn't believe we would get what they were predicting for us. We rarely do. Now I'm not saying that we don't ever get that elusive storm once in a while, because we do. So, everyone in the State runs out for that magic loaf of bread and jug of milk!?! That must be a "Southern Thing"! But now, seriously, I am ALWAYS skeptical whenever we have a huge storm warning after having spent a little bit of every December in Western New York for 10 or so years. Now, there was some SNOW and WINTER WEATHER. While some years have fled by since last visiting my "other" home, the memories of the snow, cold and terribly inclement weather there in the Buffalo/Niagara Falls Area are marked indelible in the files of my mind's eye. The last visit ~ January,1999 ~
was the most incredible ~ having traveled all the way up the road in treacherous conditions, we were privy to numerous overturned vehicles, including an 18-wheeler laying on its side. After traveling under such harrowing conditions for about 17+ hours, we were quite exhausted upon arriving at our destination that night. We awoke to a full 5 feet of snow that had fallen while we slept. We were snowed in for 3 days, having to walk everywhere that we desired to go ~ the car was buried underneath all that white stuff, stuck in the parking lot. But, it was Niagara Falls, we did not mind. But then, there were horrible things that happened that week. A little girl froze to death just a few feet from her door; a barn collapsed ~ killing 8 horses; numerous roofs caved in, among many other terrible things. At the time, I really loved the snow. Not so much now. Now, that I am older. And that NY experience caused a mixture of feelings about the matter. The tragedies helped to "cure" me of wanting to see more of it for any length of time. Also, I think that the Lord gave me such an overwhelming amount because He knew that it would be my last visit for a while and He was giving me enough to "last me". Yes, now IF I feel the urge to see any snow, I just open up that file in my mind's eye and there it is ~ no worries about how I'd get some place or if the electricity would go off for a week and I would freeze to death! I am a Southerner, what can I say? But, on the slight chance we truly might be getting the "Big One" down here in the South, I was fully prepared. Candles were in every candle holder in the house (forty something, to be exact), oil lamps were wicked, 2 different kinds of boxes of matches, plenty of ready to eat food, extra blankets, a beautiful basket of goodies and water bottles were in reach. The electric blanket was warming the bed, just in case! Coco had on one of her little "doggie" sweaters. Also, all of my "NY snow clothes" were laid out for easy access. Yes, I was prepared. And to be on the safe side, I did have my loaf of bread and jug of milk. Ah, magic! Until We Meet Again...

Quit Shaking, Trust HIM

2010-02-10T16:59:00.006-05:00

Whatever I face, there is no fear when sheltered under the outstretched wings of the Saviour. He covers me with His feathers. He will keep me with a miraculous safety. Safe in Christ is were I stand. I am a child of the King. There is no need to shake in fear. Though I suffer, He will keep His precious arms enclosed securely around me. Though I am beset all around by the snares of the evil one, the Lord's watchful eye is there to give me deliverance. Praise His precious Name. Romans 8:28 ~ Things allowed are not intended for evil but for my good, according to this, my life's verse. My God rules the Universe ~ He is in control of my life ~ conforming me to His perfect will with everything that has ever crossed my path. Trust HIM, quit shaking ~ knowing you are being held in His loving Arms, safely under His wings and covered there by His feathers. Until We Meet Again...

Magnify the Precious Lord

2010-02-04T07:08:00.001-05:00

O Magnify the Lord with Me. He is worthy to be praised. Praise His wonderful Name for this a new day. Let us exalt the Lord together. We need to send up worship to HIM and HIM alone!! Yes, Magnify the LORD with me! May this day be a blessing for you, Dear Christian. And, if you are not a Christian, may this be the day you receive Him into your heart by the shedding of His precious blood through His unmerited Grace to us while we were yet sinners. Then this, too, will be the day that you can Magnify the LORD. Until We Meet Again...

The Precious Holy Spirit

2010-01-01T19:53:00.002-05:00

What would we as Christians be without the precious working of the Holy Spirit in our lives? I am afraid that we would be powerless, empty and hollow. The Lord actually saves us by the wondrous wooing of His Holy Spirit. We hear the Word through the reading of the Bible ~ God's Holy Word, a Gospel Tract, or a preacher, evangelist or a witnessing Christian who is obeying the will of the Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit. Then, the Holy Spirit convicts us of the sin in our lives that we need to be saved from. When we call on the name of Jesus Christ, it is then, that the Precious Holy Spirit comes to live in our hearts and guides and directs our lives in a marvelous way IF we allow Him to do so. Even though I was saved when I was 11 years old, I was made acutely aware of the Holy Spirit's manifesting power in my own life around the time I was 27 years old. Many storms, trials, and tribulations were creating much havoc in my life then, and the blessed Holy Spirit gave me amazing comfort, guidance and understanding. He allowed me to see that by trusting in Him, there and there alone, I abode in a safe dwelling place. HE allowed me to see that if I gave ALL control to Him, He would keep me safe, no matter how high the storms of life tossed the tsunami-sized waves around me! I would not drown! He had the power to meet all needs and that He did and still does. I could trust in the blessed Holy Spirit to sustain me and guide me through whatever it be. And, trust, I do. Oh Christian brethren, let us have power in our Christian walk by the wondrous work of the Precious Holy Spirit as He manifests Himself in our lives. Until We Meet Again...

Looking Ahead ~ 2010

2010-01-01T19:29:00.003-05:00

To everyone ~ a Happy New Year ~ may 2010 be a time of new beginnings. My prayer for those that know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour is that they will be mightily blessed by His bountiful hand. Most of all, I pray that those who do not yet know the Saviour personally will receive HIM soon, very soon. My heart is heavy for those that are lost and that would split hell wide open if they should die without HIM. May this be the year that you secure your place in Heaven by admitting your sin, calling on the name of our Glorious Saviour, and accepting Him into your heart. He is waiting for YOU with wide open arms to impart His grace and mercy, that none of us deserve. But, the Saviour is so willing to extend His grace to all that would ask. O Precious Saviour that Thou Art ~ How Wonderful is Thy Name. May this be a new beginning for you, dear reader, dear loved one! 2010 could truly be a Happy New Year! Until We Meet Again...

Looking Back ~ 2009

2009-12-31T23:55:00.006-05:00

All in all, it has been a pretty good year for us. Well, all except for Mom having that dreaded HINI flu. She really had it rough there for a while. We'll just have to stay away from pigs, I guess. Seriously, it HAS been a year filled with many blessings for which I am indeed thankful to my Heavenly Father. December was unusually filled with many sweet and unexpected blessings. Actually, the blessings started around Thanksgiving as I have already mentioned in another post. Thanksgiving was wonderful, I spent it with my Folks at The Golden Corral at my Mom's urging. Hey, she paid my way, so what can I say? ~ but 'thank-you', Mom. We went back to their house for the rest of the day. Then for Monday, I cooked the "bird" and all the trimmings. Mom and Dad came over to my house and ate with me, and then came back 2 more times for leftovers and sweet fellowship. After thanking the Lord for His goodness to us and acknowledging what Christmas is all about, ~ one of the nights that they were here, I threw the switch to the lights on my tree. The blessings just kept pouring in throughout the next days. I went to the church on the 1st Monday of December to help a dear friend put up the decorations in the auditorium and she took me and another precious young lady that helped, to the Cracker Barrel ~ oh joy ~ was that good! Then, my first cousins had a "Cousin Reunion" on one of the cousins' beautiful houseboat. Was that fun or what? Nine cousins showed up and it had been a while since some of us had seen each other. It was great to catch up. My family is precious. And that boat was gorgeous ~ what an experience for me! The blessings just continued on. Another precious lady at church sent me a message and asked if I would like a ticket to see the Christmas Spectacular at the Community Theater where she would be performing. She gave me the ticket-- "her pleasure"-- I believe was the way that she put it. She sings like an angel and I was more than a little excited to get to attend the Spectacular. Another blessing~I got to attend that Program with 2 other precious ladies at the church that I love, as well as one of my Sunday School kids!!! The Lord just kept pouring out His wonderful bounty of blessings to me as the month went on. My Mom and I went out ~ I took her shopping and she treated me to my favorite place-Chick-Fil-A. Couldn't beat that--good food and time with my Mom! Of course, we took my Dad something to eat ~ didn't leave him out. We then had our Christmas Cantata at our church on Sunday AM and then that PM, we had our Christmas Banquet. After eating a delicious meal, Pastor preached a powerful message from the Word of God. Now, we had some fun with a gift-giving game that was TOO funny! How I love my precious Church Family! I took my little Sunday School class out for lunch after church the Sunday before Christmas, and what fun we all had. My Mom went along to help me chaperone. We really had a blast with the precious children that the Lord has placed in my hands the responsibility of teaching HIS WORD to. What a joy and blessing that is all by itself. How I praise His name for entrusting me with that awesome duty! That is one of the biggest blessings of every week~ to teach the Bible to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders~that's JOY to my soul. Christmas Eve came ~ My beautiful daughter and grand baby called me ~ sheer JOY again. I was blessed throughout the day and night with 3 sets of neighbors stopping by to wish me Merry Christmas and to drop off a small gift, a token of Good Will! How wonderfully precious! My Mom and Dad came over to celebrate with me. We had a wonderful time ~ they enjoyed themselves as well as I. My SISTER called during the evening and talked to all of us! All is very well, Peace on Earth! Of course, the tradition goes on ~ every Christmas Eve, I call my one and only "grown" daughter around 11PM. Without saying a word, I rang the bells into the phone, just as we did all the years of her growing up ~only then she was tucked away in her bed, and the bells were rang either outside her window or somewhere in the house!! Come on, she is only 30 with a child of her own~my GRAND BABY~blessing is all I have to say there. Well, my daughter will always be my BABY and the bells will always ring as long as I'm able. Christmas Day finally arrives ~ my daughter called me again ~ several times, to be exact. A dear elderly Christian friend calls, one who is suffering from cancer that has unfortunately spread ~ but what a blessing she is!! My best friend of almost 52 years calls and we talk for a long time. Several others call. Mom and Dad came back over for more food, fellowship and fun. What a wonderful Day. Our Saviour's Birthday. What a wonderful month. Oh, wait. Yesterday, my sister and brother-in-law came down with 3 of my 4 precious neices as well as my 1year old Great-Neice! We celebrate again ~ going to Golden Corral ( Surprise ~ Dad has slipped me the money to pay for my meal!!) and then back to our Folks' for a sweet time of fellowship and gift-giving. Oh, heavy heart, they have to leave to travel back home before the weather gets bad AND one neice didn't get to come and my oldest neice had to come without her husband. But, no complaining here, my heart is overflowing with all the blessings that the Lord has so graciously and bountifully poured out on this most undeserving speck of dust. His goodness and mercy are everlasting. This is only the highlights of the many blessings that I have been the recipient of this month ~ there are too many to mention here. The most wonderful blessing of all, this SEASON and all SEASONS, is HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT that He has so graciously given to all that will ask and accept. That GIFT is the gift of SALVATION provided by the most lovely and precious Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for this free gift You gave to me so freely some 45+ seasons ago. Help us, Dear Lord, if Thou dost tarry, to use this New Year to tell as many people as possible about the precious Gift of Salvation, so that they, too, can experience THY Sweet Hand of bountiful blessings. Happy New Year. Until We Meet Again...

The Unspeakable Gift

2009-12-25T00:30:00.005-05:00

This is December and it's a time of gift-giving. Some people are rich and are able to give big expensive gifts. Some of us are not so rich and the gifts we give are small -something inexpensive ~ maybe a homemade gift or just a card with "I love you" written on it. BUT, it's a gift ~ those gifts come from the heart. IICorinthians 9:15 says: "Thanks be to God for His Unspeakable Gift." Our Lord gave us the most precious Gift that we could ever receive. It cost the Lord everything to give us this Gift. Just imagine with me for a moment. The Lord and His Son, Jesus, strolling down one of the beautiful streets of gold in Heaven. Perhaps, Jesus said, "Listen, Father, to the music of the angels' choir, isn't it beautiful?" The Lord might have said, "Yes, Son, it is beautiful." They stroll on down a path of the most beautiful and fragrant flowers. The Lord says, "Come over here, Son." Jesus says, "Yes? Father." "It's time, Son. It's time for You to go to Earth to be born in a lowly manger." Jesus doesn't question, whine, or say: " No, I don't want to." He knows it is the will of the Father and He obediently nods His head, yes. He knows it is time to go-to leave Heaven and all its beauty and His Heavenly Father. But He knows that God is giving the world the most wonderful present ever given. Jesus will be born to a lovely young virgin, but in a few years He will die, giving the world the Unspeakable Gift. Jesus is the Unspeakable Gift. Oh, the angels REJOICE. For all the beauty of Heaven, the flowers, the sweet music, the streets of gold cannot compare to the beauty of Jesus. The angels know that Jesus is the SHINING LIGHT and the TRUE BEAUTY of Heaven. They know that He is leaving them for a while, but they rejoice knowing that He is going to be the SAVIOUR of the entire world. Yes, He was born in Bethlehem as a Baby in a manger. But, when He was about 33 years old, He agonizingly suffered, bled and died on the Cross to give us this Unspeakable Gift--the Gift of Salvation. That is the real Gift of Christmas. Mr. Vine, in his expository dictionary, suggested that unspeakable means "WORDS TOO SACRED TO BE UTTERED." Uttered means to: speak aloud; hard of interpertation; too hard for us to understand. It is hard for us to understand that God would give us such a GIFT. BUT, He did--for ALL to receive. Have you received this free, wonderful UNSPEAKABLE GIFT of grace through faith? It is yours for the asking. Merry Christmas. Until We Meet Again...

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2009-12-02T22:06:00.002-05:00

December! Is it really here again? Really, doesn't it just seem impossible that the twelveth month of the year has rolled around yet again? Nonetheless, I'm thrilled, so say the least. My holidays have already started out with some pretty sweet memories. My Mom and Dad and I went out for Thanksgiving. BUT I was determined to cook a turkey and all the fixings, so that's what I did. The folks came to my house on Monday, where we shared another meal and wonderful fellowship. Then on Tuesday, I actually got them to come back again~for leftovers! Since it was the first of December and I had the tree up, we had a "tree lighting ceremony", much to my delight!! The folks seemed to enjoy themselves and maybe all the festivites of this last week has helped put them in the Christmas Spirit as well. The Lord's bounty, His graciousness, and the Miracle of His Wondrous Birth are the reasons to celebrate. Yes, it is possible. December is really here! Until We Meet Again...

A Greeting card for Dear Mom, Nonnie and Papa from Heather, Pervez and G-Baby

2009-11-26T23:06:00.003-05:00

A Greeting card for Dear Mom, Nonnie and Papa from Heather, Pervez and Paree

Thanksgiving

2009-11-22T22:04:00.001-05:00

thanks' giv' ing n 1. a formal public expression of thanks to God 2.[T-] an annual U.S. holiday observed on the fourth Thursday of November Thanks be to God for all good gifts that He so freely gives to this undeserving, frail human being. Thanks be to God for His Unspeakable GIFT!! Until We Meet Again...

As Thou Wilt

2009-11-13T13:08:00.002-05:00

What agonizing pain Jesus Christ endured to do the perfect will of our Heavenly Father. While on earth, He healed the sick, made the lame to walk, cast out demons. and even raised the dead. But, the main purpose of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem was the wondrous work done on the cross of Calvary. The Lord sent His only begotten Son to die in our place. Jesus took on the sins of the entire world. He would have gone to the cross for just one soul, this was the will of the Father. Matthew 26:39 states: "And He...fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt". Christ took the cup--the cup of grief--that was the horrendous pain of three black hours of separation from the Father as the sin of the entire world lay upon Him. Not only did He suffer the agonizing physical pain of a broken, bruised and bleeding body hanging on a shameful cross, but He suffered excruciating emotional torment and grief from that separation from the Father as He became the propitiation for our sins. Before we dare to utter words of "I will " or "I will not", let us remember Christ's perfect willingness to go to the cross for us, and thus say ourselves, "O my Father, as Thou wilt." Orginally written in July, 2003 by denise. Until We Meet Again...

Twelve Legions of Angels

2009-11-05T19:51:00.003-05:00

Who can teach us more about the perfect will of God the Father, concerning our lives, than His own Son, Jesus Christ? Philippians 2:8 says, "And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Even the death of the cross? Do we, these frail specks of dust that we are, comprehend the death of the cross? Jesus, in His submission to the Heavenly Father endured an astonishing, agonizingly cruel death for the sins of mankind to accomplish the perfect will of the Father. He died on the cross to take on the sins of all mankind, providing us with redemption through the shedding of His precious blood, thus doing the perfect will of the Father. But, Jesus, being joint heirs with the Father, asked Peter in Matthew 26:53 "thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels?" He could have called down all of Heaven to stop His death on the cross. But He did not. He had come to do the will of the Father. That He did in absolute submission. Will you acknowledge your sin and accept Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour and as He did, seek for your life, the perfect will of the Heavenly Father? Orginally written in July of 2003 by denise. Until We Meet Again...

That Eye Right There

2009-10-31T13:41:00.009-04:00

You've heard me mention my family on many, many occasions--all of my family is important. My immediate family, my extended family, and then there is my church family--all of these people are very important to me. They All have a very special place in my heart. But just look at that set of Great-Grandparents (and that Gan-Gan) for a moment and those tremendous smiles on those sweet grandparent-ly faces. Do they ever take their role seriously-- the Great-Grandparent role. Hence, the smiles on those faces. They love that little girl in the photo. But, then so do I. She's my grandbaby--the apple of this Gan-Gan's eye. And do they ever love the little girl's Mommy. So do I. She's my daughter. Wait. Apple of my eye-- all of a sudden, I was just reminded of something G-Baby said when she was here during the time this picture was made. It would have been just a few weeks until her 3rd birthday. Gan-Gan was telling G-Baby that she was the apple of Gan-Gan's eye. With a very intense and sincere inquisition, she got right up to my face and pointed her little finger right at the center of my eye and proceeded to ask, " That eye right there?". Of course, being the all adoring Ganny that I am, I thought that it was "angelic". Now, tell the truth, You just did too!! Well, she does come up with some of the cutest things--but all grandmothers think that universal way, don't they? I'm not out of the ordinary, no not at all. Now, back to "family". More specifically, that set of doting Great-Grandparents in the photo. My parents. It's their fault. It is just what we saw growing up--my grandparents loved their children, and the grandchildren and the great grandchildren. You get the picture. My folks are just like their folks. It's been passed down from generation to generation. There was never a doubt how our parents felt about us and our children and now our children's children. Whoa, that's a paperful!! But it's just the truth. My daughter is my parents' 1st grandchild and they tried to get away with keeping her at their home every possible moment. Isn't that called kidnapping? Remind me to check in to that! They did try to, no matter what they say. They loved her. Still do. They love ALL their grandkids, but she was the first and we lived only a couple of miles from them. So, they were close. Still are. They are overjoyed with the blessings of the 2 great-grandbabies. My sister has her own grand baby now. Thank the Lord for phones! How they love to talk on the phone to G-Baby. It brings such smiles to their faces. Just like the big smiles in that photo. Yes, family is all important to me. Each person has a special place in my heart. And G-Baby, you are the apple of your Gan-Gan's eye. That eye right there!! Until We Meet Again...

Mom and Daughter

2009-10-28T15:46:00.003-04:00

What a blessing it is to have a caring, loving daughter. When I was told that a hysterectomy was in order for me in 2002, my precious daughter arranged to take a few days off from her job and come down to take care of her ailing Mom. For a while, I didn't think that she was going to make it in time to tell me "bye" and give me a little going away kiss. Finally she and her hubby came walking into the small cubbie where they were holding me captive before wheeling me into the operating room. My daughter lived in another state so she and her husband had to travel to get here. It slips my mind what ever could have slowed them down--but it doesn't matter now. All that mattered is that she did make it in time to see me off. The surgery was an overwhelming success. I did extremely well, due to the prayers of God's people. James 4:16 says ..."pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." And to the wonderful care of my very capable daughter. She not only stayed with me in the hospital, but she came home with me upon my release. She took excellent care of me, being a wonderful cook and housekeeper. And she has the gift of comfort. She kept me fed, comfortable and comforted the entire 8 days she blessed me with her presence. Just she being with me, was a healing factor all its own. I love my beautiful daughter--it was very much an answer to prayer she being here to look after me. I'm so very thankful to my son-in-law for doing without his lovely wife for those 8 days. This Mom's heart is forever thankful for the Lord's healing hand upon my body and for a caring, loving daughter that He so caringly and lovingly blessed me with. Until We Meet Again...

Be Ye Not Bitter

2009-10-26T23:45:00.002-04:00

Ephesians 4:31&32 says "Let all bitterness and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice; And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven you". Long ago, someone hurt me to the bone. Someone that I loved with all my heart. The year was 1981. Growing up, I had always thought if it happened to me, there would be "NO WAY" that any such thing could ever be forgiven. The sheer thought of any such thing was reason enough to never look at the person again-- the person that could inflict such grief and pain. It would just have to be the end of the relationship--plain and simple!! Yet, the unthinkable had indeed happened. Then, the Lord in His grace and mercy, showed me in an instant, who was I NOT to forgive this person--when Christ had given His life for ME. Who was I not to forgive this person-- oh, beloved person--when Jesus Christ had taken ALL my sin and bore it on the Cross of Calvary? He had saved my soul. He had spared me from the horrible pit of hell. There in the dark, on my knees, I asked the Lord to forgive ME for this flagrant display of arrogance. He did. I immediately asked Him to help me to forgive the person that had caused this horrific pain. He then did a marvelous act of grace in my heart. Love, compassion and forgiveness flooded my soul like the deepest ocean!! He also helped me to learn to love this person more than I could have ever imagined. Yes, let us put all bitterness away and love one another as we have been commanded by our Lord and Saviour. Lord, help us to love each other as we should. Let us also learn to forgive in the same manner in which we ourselves have been forgiven. Amen. Until We Meet Again...

Look at that Little Face

2009-10-23T20:01:00.004-04:00

Now, just look at that little girl's face on that old photo. She obviously was in a sheer state of ecstasy sitting upon the back of that beauty of a pony. She looks as though she adores the pony as a precious pet that has a very special place in her heart. In reality, it was a photographer that would go around making pictures of children sitting on his pony. But it didn't matter to the child in the photo ~ horses were everything to her, even though she never got the opportunity to be around them. That's the reason for the sheer look of delight upon her little face ~ she was probably daydreaming for that one brief few moments that the beautiful black pony was hers. It had been told that she loved horses from the time that she was about a year old. So, yes, she was in total ecstasy sitting on the back of that small pony. How would I know about the joy the child was feeling? Because, the little face in the old photo that was so enthralled with the black pony ~ belongs to ME! Until We Meet Again...

His Glorious Return

2009-10-18T22:51:00.007-04:00

Life is so interesting and so short--I want to live it in faith in my Lord, being true to Him, unwavering, waiting on His glorious Return to take us, that know Him as personal Saviour, Home to Heaven. The Sunday School lesson for my little primaries just today was about Jesus' promise to prepare that place for us and His coming to gather us up someday. Jesus is God Almighty and cannot lie. The trumpet will sound and Jesus will descend with a shout that all those belonging to Him will hear! Ah, it can't be far off --Are you ready? Time is short , it could be today. Until We Meet Again...

My Dear Granny

2009-10-17T00:19:00.007-04:00

There's never been another one like her and there never will be. It was such a blessing to sit at her knee and learn about Jesus. She taught me that He was Lord of Lords and King of Kings and that He was coming again. Yes, Granny, I'm watching, waiting and LISTENING for the trumpet to blow and for the Lord to rapture us up to be with HIM and all of our loved ones that have gone on before. Besides seeing the face of the Blessed Saviour, yours is one that I just can't wait to see next. The way things are going in the world, it will not be long now--Until We Meet Again...

G-Baby is Grand

2009-10-16T18:07:00.006-04:00

The G-Baby. Until We Meet Again...

GAN-GAN and the GRAND BABY

2009-10-16T00:38:00.007-04:00

Now, isn't that a bea-U-ti-ful baby? That's the G-baby at two weeks old. My son-in-law and I had taken her for her 2 week check-up. Mommy was at home recuperating from a C-section. So, I was doing my GAN-GAN-ly duty!! She is four now and is she ever a beauty!! Until We Meet Again...

SALVATION!

2009-10-15T19:16:00.005-04:00

I praise the Almighty Saviour for saving my rotten self when I was an 11 year old kid the last night of Vacation Bible School that my church (at the time) was conducting that summer. The preacher preached on "Hell" and what was carrying one there. SIN WAS!! I realized that I was a sinner that needed to be saved. My eternal destination was at stake! I practically RAN down the aisle when he gave the altar call after preaching that intense sermon that Friday night. The Lord saved me, not because of any "good" in or of me. The Bible says that all my goods are as "filty rags". No one, NO, not a single person can come up to God's standards--He is the only perfect ONE. YES, I saw my need of a Saviour, and asked Jesus to cleanse me that night by His precious blood that He shed at Calvary. NO One took Jesus' life--HE layed it down "WILLINGLY" for me and for YOU!! It was part of the wonderful plan of SALVATION. O GLORIOUS DAY!! I am free from the guilt and shame of sin and Jesus has promised that where He is, I shall be there also, because He has prepared for me a place (the place being--HEAVEN.) I do not have to worry about that place called HELL, because I have accepted this FREE gift--called SAVATION!! My only worry of HELL, is that of unsaved FAMILY and FRIENDS and STRANGERS that I meet on the street going there as their eternal destination--this GRIEVES my soul!!! Until We Meet Again...

A TRUE FRIEND

2009-10-15T17:38:00.014-04:00

A TRUE FRIEND is one to Whom you can pour out the contents of your heart, Chaff and grain together, Knowing that the gentlest of hands Will take it and sift it, Keep what is worth keeping and With the breath of kindness blow the rest away. This was found on a plaque and given to me by my BestFriend. Until We Meet Again...

You Mean God's Will, Not Mine?

2009-10-13T22:22:00.007-04:00

Oh, to be in the perfect will of the Lord Jesus Christ. What comfort it brings to the believer's heart to be in the center of His will. Amidst the most heart breaking storms of life, we can know the calm of being held in the Hand of a loving God. When we submit our own stubborn, self-will to His sovereign, righteous one and have a right relationship with Him--I John 1:9 " If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"--He is able to guide us in circumstances that look impossible to us. But remember, He is Almighty God. He is able to bring into existence anything He desires for us that brings glory to His precious Name and to all of Heaven. When we give our whole heart to Him, only then is He able to navigate us through that storm, only then is He able to bring forth His plan for our lives that produces blessings and joy unspeakable--the peace that passes all understanding spoken of in Philippians 4:7. We, with our frail humanity, may not comprehend all that is taking place while the storm rages. But with the Holy Spirit in control, we know that all things are going to work together for good, according to Romans 8:28. Oh, the Lord can accomplish much with a simple prayer whispered by a submissive heart, "Your will, Lord, not mine". Orginally written on July 29, 2003 by denise. Until We Meet Again...

My Sweet Redeemer's Face

2009-10-13T19:02:00.005-04:00

O, to see my Saviour's Face-- The Blessed Keeper of my soul. He freely gave His precious Life--For me to have His Saving Grace. He shed His blood upon the tree-- The innocent Lamb of Calvary. Alone there on the cruel cross-- In agony, He died for me. O, my sweet Redeemer's Face-- The beautiful Rose of Sharon. HOW GREAT THOU ART! For giving me Thy Saving Grace. Orginally written on November 17, 2003 by denise Until We Meet Again...

HS GRADUTION 1997

2009-10-13T01:30:00.004-04:00

Until We Meet Again...

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Oh No! Malignant Melanoma!

2009-10-10T19:32:00.012-04:00

Aunt Evelyn and My Daughter!

It was July, 1991. It was extremely hot. I was extremely ill. My Aunt Evelyn had just passed away herself after a fierce and courageous battle with cancer. The family was all gathered at Marlane's house. Marlane is my cousin. Her Mother was gone and Marlane was ministering to me--I was sick, so very sick. I will never forget the kindness of my cousin. She went into her home and brought me a cool, wet bath cloth to cool me down. It was hot! I was sick! We were sitting on her nice wrap-around porch. The mole on my upper right arm had started to grow. I had to get to the doctor--the whole family urged me to do so. Two weeks after Aunt Evelyn's funeral, we got the news. Malignant Melanoma! Our whole world was turned upside down. There was the dermatologist, the diagnosis, the surgery, the oncologist, Duke Medical Center,treatments, bloodwork, tests-- tests--and more tests!!! Oh no, my daughter is only 12 years old. Lord, please let me rear this child, if it be THY will! Now, here it is 2009, and PRAISE the LORD, He saw fit to spare me these years. MY daughter is now 30 and I've lived to see my grand baby, who is 4. It's still off to the oncologist every 3 months, and to the dermatologist every 6 months, and bloodwork and tests, tests, and more tests at times. But even though that mole was deep, huge and very ugly, the Lord has allowed me to survive. And He certainly gets all the glory for that!! Yes, July 19th, marked my 18th year anniversary of survival and I didn't even notice the heat. Until We Meet Again...

The President, Barbara Bush, Dr. Bob III, and Amy Wood

2009-10-05T20:57:00.003-04:00

President and Mrs. George Bush were coming to the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport and nothing could keep me from trying to get there. That is, nothing unless it was my Heavenly Father's will for me not to get there. But, I had faith, much faith. Determined to shake his hand? You bet I was. Would it happen? Could we possibly get close enough to even see him, much less shake hands with the President. I really wanted to shake Mrs. Barbara Bush's hand. She had captivated me with her sweet down to earth spirit. Baking cookies in the White House--what was there not to like about the woman? To me, the Bushes were the epitome of graciousness. We got to the airport early--Really early. We had the entire green area practically to ourselves for what seemed like forever. We had truly meant to be on the front line. I was fighting cancer at the time and it was important to those who loved me to get me there to fulfil this dream of mine. We waited and waited. And then, without warning, the place filled up with what seemed like millions of people. Now, it was more like thousands, but people were everywhere!! And then came the big moment--Air Force I was in sight. Ah, there it came, taxing down the runway--gleaming, shining, sparkling in the sunlight like a brilliantly cut diamond. It was BEAUTIFUL! Loving all planes, it was worth the trip just to see this magnificent flying metal machine. And, then came the magical moment, one that had been twinged with high anticipation for me--they stepped out into full view--President and Mrs.Bush!! What a moment. And then, they started toward the eager crowd. The crowd that was so eager to do the same thing I was there for-- getting a closer look at the President of the United Stated of America and to shake his hand. But much to my utter dismay, by this time, the green was filled with out-stretched hands. I found myself lost in the swirl of people and standing 4 lines back from THEM. Them--that nothing was going to keep me from seeing. Mrs. Bush and I were both just too short for it to happen. I couldn't reach her because of the gulf of people between us. I was more than a little disappointed. President Bush made a quick speech and told us that he was glad to be there in S.C. and to see everyone. BUT, all was not lost--lo and behold, we ran into AMY WOOD from Channel 7 News. She stopped, talked with us, even gave me her microphone, saying that I could say a few words. I was too shy for that, THEN. If only it were now--I'd have more than a few words to say!! Amy, too, was so gracious. She allowed me to have a picture taken with her. Needless to say, that made my day for sure. And would you believe that we saw Dr. Bob Jones III, there that day also! He is definitely one of my heroes--at the top of the list, actually. What an all around wonderful day that was for someone so sick, battling cancer!! It was surely a day to remember. I'll never forget that day and it was made special by so many wonderful people. And unless the Lord didn't want me there, we were going to do everything humanly possible to get there and shake the President's hand. Anything is possible if you put your faith in the LORD. You know, I'm very thankful that President Bush is so gracious and so TALL. For he made every effort to shake as many hands as he could that day. Being so tall, he leaned right over into the crowd and grabbed my hand. Could it be true? Yes, I found myself shaking the hand of the President of the United States of America!! Until We Meet Again...

Yes, I Do Love Purses

2009-10-03T18:37:00.001-04:00

You see that little purple purse over there in the corner, don't you? Well, look over there and see. It just happened to be the only picture available. Well, at least where I was looking-that I could choose from- since I didn't have a picture of my own to post. And probably wouldn't know HOW to post it if I did!! We won't dig deep into the fact of how computer illiterate that I really am right now. That's another topic all together for this wanna-be "blogger" at an all together other time. But, I digress, back to the little purple purse. It's no coincidence, at least not in my mind that it should appear there. Let me explain. You see, just a few days ago , my Best Friend of 51 years, yes, that's what I really said, 51 years, just happened to give me a beautiful purple purse for my birthday. It is a beautiful purse, one that will go with numerous things in my wardrobe--I LOVE PURSES! But the purse is of no great consequential matter in and of itself. But now, my dear friend, the one that gave me that little purple purse, she is of great consequential matter. We have been friends for a great long while, and she is one of the most wonderful human beings on the face of the earth. It is unbelievable what this lady does for the ones around her. She is the consumate example of the Proverbs 31 woman. She is a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend. She runs the office where she works with the utmost of organizational skills, as well as her own home. The list goes on and on. She has this most amazing "card ministry" --if you're down, count on it, you're in luck when you go to your mailbox. She's brought a smile to my face on countless occasions. She tirelessly works at her church in all capacities. There's just too much to mention here, she is totally selfless-it is always someone else's needs being met by HER. Coincidence that my best BUD gave me a purple purse and then I come here and find a little purple purse to post on my blog? No way--it gave me this opportunity to let the world know about this amazing lady and friend that I have been blessed by the Lord to have in my life for these past 51 years. Yes, that really is 51 years. She is simply the best and she has great taste. I thank the Lord for bringing her into my life. You did see that little purple purse over there in the corner, didn't you? Coincidence? No, not at all. Until we meet again...

FAR ABOVE RUBIES by denise

2009-09-20T15:08:00.015-04:00

A virtuous woman, God did say ~ was far above rubies- The price to pay. She riseth up, while yet still night ~ to do much work ~ By the day's long light. A virtuous woman, yes indeed ~ her hand she useth ~ Toward all in need. Strength and honor, she weareth well ~ the law of kindness ~ Her tongue to tell. "Blessed", her children arise and call ~ her husband doth praise ~ Thou excelleth them all. A virtuous woman, God did say ~ was far above rubies ~ The price to pay. An original poem based on Proverbs 31 written on September 15, 2003 ~ by denise ~ Until We Meet Again...

Proverbs 31:10-30 from Holy Bible KJV

2009-09-20T14:24:00.001-04:00

Proverbs 31:10-30 Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out at night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.-----. Bathshebe is instructing her and King David's son, SOLOMON, on how to choose a Godly, upright woman. Her price would be "far above rubies". Until We Meet Again...

My Friend's Mom

2009-09-17T18:05:00.002-04:00

Who would have ever thought that the woman I met that Spring day in 1974 would have such a profound effect on the shaping and molding of my life? Not me. SHE, you can rest assured, was unsuspecting of the role she'd play,trust me! But she surely did just that. She has been an integral part of my life for 35 years, even though she had not been in my life in an intimate, close way now for 10 years. Oh, I had written her numerous cards and letters in the earlier part of these last 10 years to no avail. She never acknowledged a single one. But, I do know that she received them. My friend's brother had told me so. She was the Mother of this friend who lived down the hall in my dormitory. It was Bible Conference at BJU and she was there in 1974, visiting with her daughter, my friend. The woman was very polished, extremely attractive, well-dressed, very articulate with wonderful English, diction and an uncanny control of her voice. She was, as I came to find out, a very accomplished woman with talent abounding in more than one area. She had studied art in NYC for 14 years, she was an expert seamstress, gourmet cook, interior decorator, crafter. She had talent, for sure. I admired her on so many levels. She and her husband and their 2 children had traveled extensively in the lower 48 states of the USA and had met many people along the way. She was extremely intelligent, a very astute business woman of her own affairs--very,very frugal. I love "frugality" as much or more than just about anyone else. But, she had made many enemies with that trying "to always get something for nothing " attitude. It could be overwhelmingly embarrassing, to say the least, to which more will be said a little later. Well, when our freshman year was over, it turned out that my friend and I were going to work at the same Christian camp that summer not far from her house. So she called her Mom, this elegant woman, of whom I've been speaking, and asked if she could bring me home with her for the 2 and 1/2 weeks before the camp opened. Her Mom said that it would be fine. That was the beginning of the relationship that would forever change my life. The woman and her husband both claimed "Christianity", but there was just that nagging something! Something was missing from their lives that just didn't match up to the "talk". It was evident from the beginning that this woman probably did not have a personal relationship with the Saviour, Jesus Christ. About the frugality mentioned aforehand, when visiting in her part of the country, we would go into the tiny little downtown village where she lived-- it was one of those places where everyone just about knew everyone else. When this woman's name was mentioned, people did not care who you were or what your relationship might have been with her, they would proceed to "let it roll". There were stories of how they would run and hide when they saw her coming into their store, making a younger, somewhat unsuspecting greenhorn wait on her. We were even told stories of people just right out refusing to have her come into their business at all--she would upset them that much!!! Yep, she was the original Diva. I don't say this to be mean, remember she helped mold me into the woman that I am today. I'm just speaking the truth here. But it was just that "DIVA" attitude of hers that the Lord used to help shape my life. You see, I HAD to ask the Lord for HIS grace and mercy to be able to tolerate this selfish, self-centered, 'didn't you know the world revolved around her and her alone' attitude for all the years that were. And the Lord did a miraculous thing in my own heart along the way. He taught me to truly LOVE this talented, intriguing but manipulative woman and to be overwhelmingly concerned for her soul. Because, even in that stringent frugality, she gave me (besides my own Salvation) the most precious gift I'd ever been given and the one that I loved and treasured the most. That gift, in turn, was responsible for the next 2 most precious gifts I have ever received. And I thank her for her part in giving them all 3 to me. So, the Lord taught me patience and the value of being able to genuinely FORGIVE someone. I was concerned. Being concerned for her soul and her eternal destination was an ever driving force in my life. Many hours were spent in prayer, agonizingly so, begging the Lord for her salvation. Over the years of our realationship, it was still painfully apparent that she probably DID NOT know the Lord Jesus in a personal, intimate way. There was just too much confusion, chaos, deceit, lying--boy, could she tell 'em!-- and STRONG WILLFULNESS associated with her way of living--no submission to that "Higher Power". It was totally the opposite of the "fruits of the Spirit". Those letters that I mentioned writing to her, were Salvation letters. I was begging her to get things right with the Lord before it was too late. Then it came. Earlier this year I got the phone call that I had dreaded. She had passed away. The call came just 34 minutes after she had gone. My friend's brother had called me. My heart felt as if it where going to explode from the grief. That grief invaded every part of my being, all consuming and holding me in its clutches for weeks. I was sick with grief. Overwhelming Grief. And PAIN. She was gone and I had no idea if she made things "RIGHT" with the Lord. Remember, she never answered those letters. While I might not know right now about her final place in eternity, she will always have a place in my life ETERNALLY.
And she WAS used mightily to shape and mold my life. And, I DID truly learn to love her for a LOT of reasons. For you see, this woman was my daughter's paternal GRANDMOTHER, my grand baby's paternal GREAT-GRANDMOTHER. And, she was MY MOTHER-IN-LAW. I love you, MOM R', and hope it's not a forever good-bye ~ Until We Meet Again...

The 1st Apple of My Eye With the Little Apple

2009-09-17T01:15:00.003-04:00

Here she is --My Beautiful Daughter--'Pun'kin', or 'The Baby', as we always called her. She is the original Apple of my Eye. She is a wife, Mother, daughter, granddaugther, neice,beloved cousin, artist, scrapbooker, gourmet cook, "and a you should hear her play" pianist. And, on top of that she has a business degree and has been somewhat of a world traveler--she's been everywhere, including 3 trips to India and getting ready to make the 4th trip soon. She is an extremely talented person all the way around and is truly beautiful inside and out, but she doesn't realize it. She doesn't see herself in that light. She doesn't think that she's anything special, but oh, is she so wrong. It had taken me about a year to conceive, and ah, was it happy news for us when I found out that she wasn't that "stomach virus" thing going around. No, SHE was on her way. The Lord had heard my pleas and had answered in a mighty wonderful way as He always does. Let me tell you that this expectant MOM was going to take care of her little bundle. I studied everything on nutrition, walked 3 miles a day, rode my bike and bowled for the first 5 & 1/2 months. I read the Word of God out loud to her all during my pregnancy and in the hospital after her birth! Plus, I had worked until the week of my due date and had taught my little kids' Sunday School class the Sunday before she made her grand entrance a few days later! And nothing would do but for us to go through Lamaze classes--so here we go: 23hrs 37minutes worth of completely natural childbirth. My goal was for her to be as healthy as possible and for her brain to be raring to go. Believe me, she was raring--that baby never did act like a "newborn". She had to be up seeing everything going on. She was a big MOMMY's girl. She said 'Momma' when she was only 3 months old. Boy, was I beaming!! She has always been My Girl! That grand baby is grand, that's why they call them so. And She is the apple of her Gan-Gan's eye. But HER Mommy IS the original apple of this Mom's eye. And you have got to hear her play that piano. Until We Meet Again...

2nd Little Apple of My Eye

2009-09-17T00:44:00.002-04:00

Let me introduce you to the 2nd little apple of my eye: my beautiful little Grand Baby, affectionately referred to as the G-Baby! This Gan-Gan got to be there for her birth, (she lives in another state, ) so it makes my bond with her ever the more special. She started to preschool this week amidst a varying mix of emotions. We're glad that she will be out meeting and making friends and starting her own little menagerie of peers. She is quite outgoing to have been an only child living in an almost exclusive adult environment and will probably be the ring leader in a vast social circle before long. But, on the completely opposite end of the spectrum--we don't won't our little darling growing up too fast. Don't they already grow up too quickly in this day and age? She adores her Mommy (and Daddy, too) but she is a MOMMY'S girl. Because of that, my daughter has been quite amazed at how Little Miss Independent that G-Baby has been in just these 3 days. She can't say that I didn't try to warn her of what was to be. One minute they're all sweet and cuddly in your lap-- where does the time go?!--begging for your attention and then the next it's: "I can do this myself, Mommy". While G-Baby has aways been HIGHLY motivated and never failed to make a friend on the playground , she's aways been very clingy to her Mother in some ways. So it has found my daughter taken aback quite a bit for this very self-reliant attitude to be emerging forth from her little girl. All I can say is that she'd better have that camera ready, but this my daughter knows well, for she is an avid Scrapbooker. She will capture every awe-inspiring moment for sure. Yes, I warned her. It's true, because wasn't it only yesterday that I was running after the camera while hearing my own little 4 year old saying, "I can do that for myself, Mommy"? Until We Meet Again...

Look at Her, She's So Cute

2009-09-15T17:06:00.000-04:00

Today is the day that I should probably be taking my little Pomeranian pup to be, well, you know, "put down", as they call it. She's just not doing that great these days. She's not exactly what you'd call a PUP. She turned 13 years old on the 13th of September. Now, that has always been my lucky number, but probably not for little CoCo. (I named her CoCo Chanel after the designer of my favorite perfume.) Yes, CoCo turned 13 and this will more than likely be the last birthday that she gets to celebrate. She has been the most docile, well-mannered, precious dog ever until these last few weeks. She has taken to barking like a PROVERBIAL MAD DOG every time my phone rings and I start talking to someone--I do like to talk on the phone to my family and Buds. I know that she's not well, but come on--what's up with this insane constant barking? She's always been used to claiming my queen size bed as her own private retreat, but not now, being sickly and all. So that gives her something else to gripe about. Around 4 or 5 in the AM she starts up again with that insane yapping. No kidding, she sounds like a St. Bernard, especially at that time of the morning. Yapping loud enough to wake the dead, or least some pretty irate neighbors whom I'm afraid just might not love her as much as "Momma" does. They might just decide to call the law to this tiny little 5lb. fur ball belting it out like Aretha Franklin at OBAMA's inauguration! Decisions, decisions. She's been my faithful companion for 10 years now. The Lord let the little dog come into my life during a really rough patch in the road, so to speak, and she means a lot to me. She has really been a FAITHFUL companion. My grand baby, who's 4, will ask to "speak" to CoCo over the phone. So, Gan-Gan puts the phone to a very patient and obliging little pup. The grand baby will ask me "What is CoCo wearing?" Yes, that spoiled little thing has all those cute doggie outfits to wear--that's not Her idea--that's to appease my whims and notions. Ah, look at her, so cute, so docile, so patient. Maybe I'll wait and put it off till the 13th of next month. OH, NO! There goes that telephone!! Until We Meet Again...

Did You Say 'SWINE' Flu?

2009-09-14T23:25:00.001-04:00

Anxiously I wait for the phone to ring with news of what the doctor has told Mom.
She'd been sick for about a week at the time and has finally found the strength to get dressed to go to the doctor. Dad had been sick first and his doc said that he was getting a mighty early start on the season. He put Dad on the Z-Pack and told Dad to take it easy. Finally, the phone rings and it's Mom on the other end. "What did the doctor say?" My heart seems to stop as she says in my ear, "He says I have the 'Swine Flu'." I could not believe what I'd heard. "Did you say 'Swine'?," I managed to ask her. How in the world did she get that pig stuff anyway? Where had we been for to contract it? Dad hadn't been diagnosed with it, even though he had been very sick! Well, after all this I got my flu shot on Tuesday. But in no way, shape, form, or fashion (oh-I love FASHION-but that's not what's important here) will I take the H1-N1 shot, regardless of who's been sick with it. Without getting too political on my maiden blog-age, let it suffice to say that I don't trust it. Mom has been sick now going into her 3rd week and it's been hard on everyone. Dad had been sick the 2 weeks prior and they won't let me come to their house for fear that I will come down with the dreaded plague. It's been physically hard on their bodies, understandably so. Sickness takes its toll. But it's been hard on me, too. We are very close and I miss them. Has one pondering how short time really is. This prompts me to take inventory of the little kindnesses that I can take time to do for others that are SO dear and even for strangers that maybe aren't--YET! Kindnesses like writing a card, yes, with my hand and a pen. Those little things that mean so much. Oh yes, my Mom has the dreaded 'Swine' flu and I need to go pick out that card. Until We Meet Again...