WE ARE CELEBRATING HERE AT HOME

We were celebrating here at home over Alan's wins in Hawaii.
Two men on his team won in the craft competition.
Our party is over, and it is 11 PM here in the east.
Alan is just now going out to the closing party
and celebration of his wins. It is 6 PM in
Hawaii.

I think that maybe we had the best food at our party.
Paul and Betty came again tonight and brought
some tasty broasted chicken,
baked potatoes, coleslaw, fruit salad
and baked apples.

I made broccoli and escalloped potatoes
and, of course, the bundt cake.

This is Paul's plate.

This is Betty's plate.

I ate waaaay too much, but it was really good food!
Chad LOVED the chicken. Paul had made the
best sauce for it. Betty always makes a
delicious fruit salad.

We always have the best time when we are together.
We have known each other for 28 years and
most of that time we have taught school
together. Paul is a comedian as he tells
all the stories about the experiences he
has had. He had us in stitches!
He is German, you know, and he talks
to us in German when he wants to make
an emphasis on a point in his story.
He is hilarious!

Betty is Guatemalan, and she talks
to us in Spanish when she gets
going! What an interesting couple!
Chad and I had a great time with them!

THEY HAD SOME WINNERS!

Alan just called to say that he had two winners.
His carpentry man took first in Carpentry!

His sheet metal man took second place in Sheet Metal!

They compete with the best in the nation.
Alan and ABC are pretty happy
with those results!

NOT A LOT OF FLOWERS

I found some pictures we took when we were in Hawaii in
2004.

These were the only flowers we saw while we were there.
Longwood Gardens here in Pennsylvania have far
more beautiful flowers and gardens, so save your
money and come here! No KIDDING!

There were water falls all over the Hawaiian Village
grounds. They had turtles and penguins also.

The way they had the trees decorated with lights was
so nice to see at night. Save your money and
decorate your own trees! NO KIDDING!

More lava rock and waterfalls.

I am sorry if I sound so sarcastic, but
I really was disappointed in the
island of Oahu.

Think how many times I could go to
LONGWOOD GARDENS
on $2,000.00!

CRAFT COMPETITION in Hawaii

When Alan calls in the morning, he will be able to tell me
if his men won any of the competitions.

The competitions were in electricity, plumbing,
sheet metal, and carpentry.

HE CALLED FROM HAWAII

Alan is staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

This is the outdoor lobby where they take
your registration. There are eight towers
(hotels) in the village and you register here
for the one in which you have a room.

Alan just called.
He calls every day at 11:30 AM.
It is 6:30 AM their time.
He just got up!

After the Awards Breakfast this morning,
he is going to take a tour on the
submarine. He should like that!

We had taken all the tours on the island
back in 2004, but this is one we had not taken.

He said that the winds are up with gusts of
50 mph. I remember when we were there
before, they were having a monsoon!
The shops had to lay rolled blankets at the
shop doors to keep the water from coming
inside their shops.

BAKING FOR THOSE WHO CAN EAT IT

I had this plan to make a strawberry cake.
I gathered all my ingredients together.
I thought I had a white cake mix, but no.

Plan B:
I had a chocolate cake mix and chocolate pudding.
That was what I needed to make a bundt cake.

I make the chocolate fudge icing to pour over it.
I wanted some white chocolate to fancy it up a bit but no,
I didn't have any.

This will have to do.

INTERESTING PICTURE

This picture is for Brenda Eason.
I knew you would love it!

QUICHE AND BEEF

Last night I was home alone so my dear friends,
Betty and Paul came over and brought me this
wonderful food. Paul is a chef and used to own his
own restaurant so he makes the best food.

I have never made a quiche and just yesterday
I had looked at a recipe. They usually have
a crust which I would not be able to have.
Paul brought a quiche that had no crust made of rice and cheese,
and he brought some beef that was flavored with cinnamon.
YUM!

I made them some BUTTERFINGER
ICE CREAM SUNDAES. I used vanilla ice cream,
crushed Butterfingers, chocolate syrup, caramel
syrup, whipped cream and cherries.
YUM!

It is always great to get together with friends!

A NEW HAIR CUT

I haven't been to a beautician for a year.

The reason being, my hair was falling out and

I did not trust anyone to touch it.

Now that I am eating well again, my hair is filling in
and looking a little better. However, it was so uneven
that it was in desperate need. I called my wonderful
beautician, and she took me right in.
She washed it,
cut it,
dried it,
then she styled it
with her fingers - magical fingers!

We talked while she worked.
She questioned me about some things.
I told her about what I had read that morning.
After our discussion on forgiveness, she said,
"Cherdecor, God always sends you in here just
when I need to hear from Him."

The Word of God is like a fresh drink of water
to a thirsty soul.

HEADING FOR HAWAII

Alan flew out to Hawaii this morning.
The poor fellow! I feel so sorry for him!
He has such a rough life!
NOT

HAPPY FAUSCHNAUT DAY!

If you have grown up in Pennsylvania, you know the Tuesday before Lent
(i.e. Mardi Gras, i.e. Fat Tuesday, ) is always Fauschnaut Day,
named by the a PA Dutch (i.e. Germans) because traditionally they always made
donuts (i.e. fauschnauts) to use up their lard before the privations
of Lent, which begins tomorrow with Ash Wednesday.

I passed by Stauffers today on the way to the doctor's office.
I was a little early for my appointment so I stopped in
at Stauffers and bought some FAUSCHNAUTS. In my humble
opinion, these FAUSCHNAUTS are the best I have ever tasted.
No, I didn't inhale! Just in case some of you are worrying
that because I am gluten intolerant, I may get sick, I tasted
and spit them out. Their taste reminded me of Bella's
Donuts that used to be in Lititz. They were delish!

I bought enough to feed five families on my street.
They were all happy to receive the FAUSCHNAUTS!

THE PASSING DOWN OF THE FRIENDSHIP QUILT

Many years ago a group of ladies made a quilt for my mother.
It was not just any old quilt. It was a Friendship Quilt.
The women were a group of church ladies who had been
friends to my mother before she moved away.
I thought it was the greatest symbol of friendship
I had ever seen. Before my mother became of failing health,
I asked her if I may have the quilt. She gladly gave it to me.

I was so happy to have the quilt. It had embroidered on it the
names of her friends and their favorite Bible verses.
Heirlooms cause us to value them both for what they are and
for the memories and feelings they give.
Th Friendship Quilt has real sentimental value to me.
I feel that keepsakes like this quilt tells a story of a key
moment in my mother's life. My mother was a very
gifted piano player and musician. The ladies who made
the quilt for her, loved her and they were going to miss her.

The other day my daughter gave the same request. She would
like to have the Friendship Quilt. She loved the colors in it and
she too, loved the thought of friends making Grandma a quilt.

Last week I mailed the quilt to Heather so now it is in the hands
of the granddaughter. When heirlooms of the family are handed
down to grandchildren, it gives them a sense of belonging.
It tells them who they are and links them to the family to which they belong.

Along with the quilt, I sent baby clothes
that her father had worn, and baby clothes she
had worn. Hers was a little pink dotted swiss outfit with a lacy
bonnet to match. I had dressed Heather in this sweet outfit
for her baby dedication. With her pink dotted swiss outfit,
her red hair and her green eyes, she was a beautiful baby.
She looked so precious that the
pastor kissed her.
The other poor baby being dedicated didn't get a kiss!
This little outfit was on her first doll, so I sent
the doll along also. I also sent a cute little dress
that Heather wore while she attended grade school.

Why should we keep things?
I think it is for the time when your child asks for them.
I wished that my mother had kept things till I saw the need
to have them. I wish I had the doll my brother bought for me
while he was stationed in Germany. I wish I had the braided dog
my other brother bought for me while he was in the service.

As we grow older, we tend to go back to what we were taught and
what was there for us when we were growing up.

What do you tend to like from your childhood?

GRACE TODAY

You know what I am going to say!
It was another wonderful service today.
You can hear one of the choir numbers here!
(Just scroll down because it is up.)

Dr. Renald Showers, the prophecy speaker,
spoke this morning and again tonight.
I have heard all of this teaching since I was
a small child. However, I learn something new
every time it is presented.

I am so glad that I took the Daniel study before this prophecy speaker
came, because I understood what he was talking about when he made
a reference to the book of Daniel. Others of the Women's Bible Study
said the same thing.

This afternoon after church we went to "Wild Cat Willie's'"
(as Alan likes to call it) for lunch with my look-a-like friend
and her husband. We really like connecting with them,
and going out to eat. They have quite a story to tell of
all their experiences. We love talking with them and
building our friendship. I am so sorry I forgot my
Power Shot camera today, or I would have had a picture
of us at Wild Cat Willies!

WOMENS MINISTRIES

I am on the Women's Ministry Team at church.

Today we had a Winter Fest at church and

the purpose was to choose prayer partners for the year.
Deanna decorated the tables, and I forgot to take a picture
of the tables, but she is at the end of this one.

Our team of six met at the church at 9 AM to decorate
and set up. My job was to cut up fruit and arrange it on
serving trays.

We served pineapple Kiwi, cantaloupe, grapes,
oranges, and strawberries.

We heated up the mini quiche that were made of Phyllo
dough and spinach. Everyone loved them.

The muffins were a big hit too!

My look-a-like friend was our guest speaker today.
I took a picture of her while she was speaking, but
it turned out too dark. She spoke on the fact that it is
important to pray for one another.

My prayer partner this year is a lady whom I have never
met before. Her name is Janet. She lost her husband two
years ago to cancer. They moved into the Willow Valley
Retirement Village and two days later, he died. She misses
him terribly. She is a widow filled with sadness, but looking
forward to seeing her dear husband again some day.

I really enjoyed working with this team of women. We are
all new to the team this year with the exception of Kendra
who is the President. None of us have every done anything
like this before. It was so funny! We didn't know where
anything was in the kitchen. The preacher's wife asked us
if we were going to have tea. We looked at one another and
said, "SURE!" (We had not thought about that!) It was
amazing and we laughed through the entire morning at
ourselves. The Lord helped us through it, and I think
everyone had a good time.

A BRIGHT BREAKFAST

This was a cold chilly morning of 19 degrees with winds
blowing wildly around. Garbage cans were clanking and
blowing up and down the street. In all of this, I had to go
for blood work early this morning.

The word to me was "do not eat or drink anything after
midnight."

So, being the obedient person I am, I did not eat anything nor drink
anything. The nurse stuck me once and just a small amount of
blood came. She tried my hand. Just a small amount of blood
came. It wasn't enough!

"Didn't you drink water this morning?"
she asked.

"No," I replied.

"You must drink water before your
tests, was her response."


She stuck me again. She squeezed my arm. Finally,
she got the amount of blood she needed.

I came home and sat down to eat a fine breakfast
just to calm my nerves.
I don't know what part of "do not eat or
drink anything after midnight," I did not understand.

Now to get up the nerve to go back on Tuesday.

WHAT COLOR IS YOUR RAINBOW

Your rainbow is strongly shaded white and yellow.

What is says about you: You are a joyful person. You appreciate quiet moments. You're good at getting people to like you. People depend on you to make them feel secure.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

I found this over at Mari's blog. I guess it fits me on a good day. =)

NEW BABY COMING

Psalm 127:3 (KJV)

Children are an heritage of the LORD:
and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Ainsley and Ben found out yesterday that they
are having another boy. That will make three
fine boys for them.

They already have two cowboys,
Wyatt and Dylan.
(Wyatt Erp and Matt Dillon)
I hope they name the next son, Gabriel.
(Gabby for short - Gabby Hayes)
What is your guess?

SNOW AGAIN

I had to go to the doctor's this morning.
While I was there, it really put down the snow.
It will not stay around for long because it is warm.
It is supposed to rain the rest of the day.

My doctors are not in this week so I took anyone
who would see me. I met a new doctor who I really
liked. He can make a decision quickly.
He looked at the X-ray of my back and asked
why I haven't been on muscle relaxers.
He wrote out a prescription.
Maybe I will be able to get some sleep now.

My surgery is scheduled for March 11.

I WANT TO BE SUMMER

You Belong in Spring

Optimistic, lively, and almost always happy with the world... You can truly appreciate the blooming nature of spring. Whether you're planting flowers or dyeing Easter eggs, spring is definitely your season!

What Season Are You?

FAMILY PHONE MESSAGE

Ben called his dad last night to wish him a
Happy Birthday. They talked for a while
about what is going on in their lives.

Dylan asked to talk to his grandpa.
Dylan is the talker of the family.
He is two years old.
He said that he was at the gym yesterday
and played with a girl named Ruthie.
He had a fun time.
Dylan said that he played sword fight with Wyatt.
I was amazed that Alan could understand
everything Dylan was saying.

When Alan got off the phone,
he had a smile on his face.

RED SKY

Red Sky in the morning,
Sailors' warning!

The weather doesn't look good for the next
couple of days.

OFFICE BIRTHDAY PARTY

At Alan's office they always have a little party for the
birthday person. Today at 2:30 they had ice cream sundaes
in honor of Alan's 65th birthday.

They were all surprised when the
SWEET ADELINES
walked in to sing to Alan.
I had planned this through Alan's boss.

After it was over Alan's boss called me and
said that Alan doesn't blush easily, but that did it.
He was really surprised!

I had sent my camera with him knowing they were
going to have ice cream for him today. He wasn't
going to take it, but then I insisted because it was
his 65th birthday.

As I looked at the pictures I noticed that he
was wearing the same color as the
SWEET ADELINES.
How funny!

Alan said that they sang Happy Birthday
to him and two other songs, He was so
taken back that he couldn't remember the
names of the songs!!!!!!

He said that EVERYONE loved it!

SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALAN

SIXTY FIVE AND MOVING FASTER THAN EVER BEFORE. Alan’s birthday is today, and I thought it a good idea to interview him since he is turning 65. He has lived a very long time and has learned a lot of things about life. Here are a few questions I thought up for him to answer.

What is the one decision that has influenced your life the most?
This would be my decision to trust Jesus Christ as my personal Savior at the age of 13.

Looking back over your longevity of life, what is the best lesson you have ever learned?
The best lesson that I have learned has been to let God open doors, rather than trying to push them open myself.

Have you had any regrets in your long life?
My regret is that I spent too many years pursuing a dream that was not God’s plan for me.

To what do you attribute such a long life?
God’s protection over me. He revealed the tumor near my brain many years ago, before it became deadly, many times he has jerked my attention in time to prevent a serious accident, and things like that.

Have you accomplished all your goals in this life or do you need more time?
I have accomplished all of the goals that I had, but my head is being filled with new goals for the years to come.

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?
To be an evangelist.

If you had one wish left in this life, what would it be?
That our children and grandchildren all lived near us.

What is the one food that you hope is never served again?
Turnips.

If you could wear an article of clothing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Bluejeans.

Have you ever written a book and if not, why not?
No, I have always had too many other things on my plate.

What do you enjoy doing the most?
Working on our church website.

What is your hobby or hobbies?
Landscaping & yard work and fix-up around the house.

What is your very favorite meal?
Pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans, iced tea, and cherry pie.

What do you hope to accomplish this next week?
Get caught up with the church website.

What are your goals for the next year?
My primary goal is to be used of God in our church, in whatever ways He opens the door.

Have you ever seen God answer your prayers and what were they?
Yes. Most of my answered prayers have to do with God guiding me and directing me, bringing ideas to my thinking, and opening opportunities – in answer to my prayer each morning for God to prepare my path and guide my footsteps.

What is your spiritual gift or gifts?
Teaching and administration

What kind of cake do you prefer?
Yellow cake with white fluffy icing

Who is your favorite person in the whole wide world?
Cherdecor, my beautiful, precious wife!!!!

~~~~~~~~

Thank you, Alan, for all those thoughtful answers.
I think we all know you a little better.

Now I know what to fix for your birthday supper tonight.
Pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans, iced tea, and cherry pie.

I am so glad that I am your favorite person in the whole wide world,
because if I were not, I am afraid I would have to serve
TURNIPS for supper!!!!!!! =)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY WONDERFUL MAN!

A BIG WEEKEND

We had a birthday party for Alan on Saturday night.
Every year we invite the neighbors in for cake and ice cream.
Nancy made the card that you see above. As you can tell,
he turns 65 this year. Alan took the card to work with him
this morning to hang on his door.

Sunday morning we had a prophecy preacher speak.
He gave an overview of end time events. Even though
I know about the events that are to take place, he
presented them from God's point of view.
It was VERY good!

When we came home from church,
Chad had made Delmonico Steaks for his Dad's
birthday lunch. He made fries and we had birthday cake.

I had a Women's Ministry meeting at 4:30 at church
Alan took me to that while he talked to people coming in for choir.
We are planning a Womens Winter Social on Saturday so we had to
make sure everything was ready to go. The lady who is going
to be our speaker is the lady people think look like me.
Oh, I did find out that the lady from Tree Top did see
my friend, Barbara, there. So now, I must tell Barbara
to be careful where she goes! Ha! Ha!

We had church again last night and the prophecy speaker
spoke again. His presentation was very informative
and we learned a few things we had not put
together before.

After church my look-a-like friend and her husband
went out with us for ice cream at Friendly's.
They are such a lovely couple, and we love being
with them. Barbara thought of four reasons people
get us confused.
We are both new to the church.
We both shop at Cold Creek.
We both extend ourselves to people at church.
I can not think of the other reason.
Maybe it was.... we are both old. =)

By the way, Alan's birthday is not until Tuesday
so I have some shopping to do today.
What do you get for a man who has everything?

THE SAD THEN THE FUNNY!

A few weeks ago a little girl was dedicated at church.
This week I received a call on the prayer line to pray for her.
Now this morning at church, they announced that she died.
That hit everyone really hard!
I did not know that family, and had never met them.
This has got to be hard!

While I was talking to a couple this morning after Sunday School
and before church started, I was telling them that I had
missed them and wondered where they had been.
After telling where all they had been she said,
"I really enjoyed your talk at the Birthday Party."
I must have had a dead stare on my face.
She said, "You know, the birthday party at Charlotte's house."
I still stood there in a stare.
Then I said, "Oh, you have me confused with Barbara."
She was so embarrassed. I felt sorry for her.
The only reason I figured it out was because I had been at
Charlotte's house before the party and she showed me the room
she had fixed for the party. My friend, Barbara, was going to speak.
This couple and I laughed about getting old and mixing things up a bit.

Someone else this morning thought I was someone different too.
As I was leaving class, a lovely lady stopped me and said,
"Didn't I see you at the Tree Top this week."
I said, "No, I don't think so."
She said, "Yes, remember, I saw you at the Tree top!"
I said, "What is your name?"
She had a very thick German accent so much so that I couldn't
even understand her name. I thought, well, I will not ask again,
because I do not understand her.
I just said, "yeah, yeah, and went on my way."
I didn't want to embarrass her.

There must be someone around here that looks like me.
I must find out who they are so I can quit staring off into space!
People confuse me!
I never even heard of Tree Top!
I hope it isn't some bar!!!!!

SUNDAY GRACE

Refuse to be discouraged,

Refuse to be distressed,

For when we are despondent

Our life cannot be blessed –

For doubt and fear and worry

Close the door to faith and prayer,

For there's no room for blessings

When we're lost in deep despair –

So remember when you're troubled

With uncertainty and doubt

It is best to tell our Father

What our fear is all about –

For unless we seek his guidance

When troubled times arise

We are bound to make decisions

That are twisted and unwise –

But when we view our problems

Through the eyes of God above,

Misfortunes turn to blessings

And hatred turns to love.

Helen Steiner Rice

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

We went out for a Country Valentine's Breakfast!
Way too much food, but delicious!

FRIDAY THE 13th

Today was a great day!
It was Birthday day for a couple of my friends and family.

I called my brother-in-law and wished him a happy birthday.
That man is like an Eveready Bunny!
He should be retired, but he keeps on working.
Some of his family are taking him out for dinner tonight.

I called my friend in Florida.
Today is her birthday.
She has been my friend since the late 70's.
I really miss her and wish I could see her again.

My blogging friend, Marina, is also having a birthday today.
Happy Birthday, Marina.

RANDOM THOUGHTS

These are some beautiful Thank- you cards I received this week
for last weekend's party. When I think of last weekend's party,
I still smile. We have met some lovely people.

My neighbor called me this morning and told me to get my cameral
and to come up. She found the first flowers of spring!!!!
SNOW DROPS!

Alan cannot decide which cake he wants me to make.
His birthday is coming up in a few days.

I baked these cookies today.
They are the best GLUTEN FREE COOKIES I have ever eaten!

GLUTEN FREE COOKIES
(These are the best chocolate chip cookies you will
ever eat! No one should eat flour. It isn't good for you!)

3 cups rolled oats
1 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 eggs (medium)
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet)

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Process 2 cups oats in food processor until finely ground.
Combine ground oats with whole oats, baking soda, salt.
Set aside.

Cream:
butter and sugar,
Add:
eggs and vanilla and cream together.

Add dry ingredients and the chips.

Drop mixture by teaspoonfuls on cookies sheet.
Bake at 300 for 15 - 17 minutes or
till lightly browned.

Let cool for a minute then carefully remove to
wax paper to cool.

OH YUM!
You will never eat flour again!

ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S 200 BIRTHDAY

History Mystery

Have a history teacher explain this----- if they can.

Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846.
John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.

Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860.
John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960..

Both were particularly concerned with civil rights.
Both wives lost their children while living in the

White House.

Both Presidents were shot on a Friday.
Both Presidents were shot in the head.

Now it gets really weird.

Lincoln 's secretary was named Kennedy.
Kennedy's Secretary was named Lincoln .

Both were assassinated by Southerners.
Both were succeeded by Southerners

named Johnson.

Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln,

was born in 1808.
Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy,

was born in 1908.

John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln,

was born in 1839.

Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated Kennedy,

was born in 1939.

Both assassins were known by their three names.
Both names are composed of fifteen letters.

Now hang on to your seat.

Lincoln was shot at the theater named 'Ford'.
Kennedy was shot in a car called

' Lincoln ' made by 'Ford'.

Lincoln was shot in a theater and his assassin

ran and hid in a warehouse.


Kennedy was shot from a warehouse and

his assassin ran and hid in a theater.


Booth and Oswald were assassinated before their trials.

And here's the kicker...

A week before Lincoln was shot,

he was in Monroe , Maryland.


A week before Kennedy was shot,

he was with Marilyn Monroe.

This was sent to me in an email.

A BLUSTERY DAY

THE WINDS, OH, THE WINDS!

My neighbor and I were brave enough to go for our
daily walk in the neighborhood. It was so much fun
but a little scary. We were dodging projectiles of
every kind. The wind blew us down one street,
and when we turned the corner, the wind stopped
us short. We COULD NOT MOVE!

I looked at Nancy and she was a funny sight!
She had one foot up in the air and she could not
move, I told her to not lift up her other foot
or I would be looking for her in the next county!

As we fought the wind, we talked.
Nancy said that she was going to mail a letter when
we got home. I told her that I didn't think that putting
mail in the mailbox would be a good idea today.
I had no more said those words when I looked in
the grass beside a tree and there was a letter
addressed to the motor vehicle company. It had
blown from someone's mailbox. We took it to
their door and slipped it between the screen and the door.

We walked a little further and sheets of white styrofoam
came flying down the street. Nancy grabbed a big piece
of it. She thought it would make great wings!
She discovered that it was insulation that lays
under siding. We looked at the houses on our street
to see if it came from one of them. We found the
house. It was the house of our good friend.
We called her at work to let her know that the
neighborhood watch was on their toes!

Her husband came home immediately and
tacked it down so as not to lose more of it.

If Nancy and I had not been brave and gone for our
walk, there would have been a few sad people tonight.
I don't know what our neighborhood would do without us. =)

LOVE LINK

Nancy, at In My Neck of the Woods,
has some stunning pictures from her trip.
Go over to see the fluffy outhouses and
much more!

WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY

THIS WAS A BEAUTIFUL DAY!
It was a warm 64 degrees.
My neighbor and I walked our neighborhood.
I brought in the Christmas deer and tree.
I removed the garland and bows from the fence.
I packed up the Christmas village and the table tree.

By the time Alan got home from work,
I had most things ready for him to carry to the attic.
I am thankful for a warm day else we would have had
Christmas until May!

SIMPLY MARINA

I was so excited and thrilled last week when Marina
emailed me saying she wanted to talk to me.
She said she would call so we set the time.

What a wonderful gal!
It was amazing how we connected.
It was as though we had known each other for ever!
I still cannot get over it.

Have you ever heard of a friendship so close that
one would finish the other's sentences?
Well, that is like it was with Marina.
It was so easy to talk to her.

The only way to explain it is
"We are of kindred spirit."
She is beautiful inside and out!
I can hardly wait to visit her some day.
Alan's convention will be meeting in her city
in Texas in a few years.

Marina and I go way back.
We have been blogging friends for a few years.
Thank you, Marina, for calling and chatting with me.
I love you and your family and cannot wait to meet
face to face!

BLOGS

At Bliss Dom the bloggers learned that the average length of time
a visitor reads a blog before moving on is 4 seconds.
That’s right. They told them that you have to keep your posts short
because no one is going to stick around long to read more than a word
and a half anyway.

A STORM FOR MUSICIANS

This is a Base Clef Storm

The Base Clef

SUNDAY NIGHT PARTY

(I thought I had everyone in this picture, but
there are five more people sitting behind the
loveseat.)

We had an assimilation party tonight for some of the
new people who have been attending our church.
It is so hard to get connected in a big church,
so Alan and I hosted a party for some of them to meet
each other and to get more acquainted.

Before we planned this party, we prayed and
asked the Lord to help us plan it, and we asked
which people we should invite. It could not have
worked out any more perfectly. I am pretty sure
that everyone had enough to eat, and I am pretty
sure they really enjoyed themselves.

After eating and fellowship, Alan gathered them
into the living room where he told them his
testimony. He gave them an opportunity to give
theirs as well. It made for a very interesting
evening. It was such a heartwarming time.

I think it was one of the best evenings I have
spent with people for a long time. I know that
it was because the presence of the Lord was there.
He was lifted up and I know that it pleased Him.

SUNDAY AT GRACE

Our minister of music, Tom Ford, was back today and
the music was wonderful!!!!!!!!!
I heard one man say that he has sung in choirs for years
and he was so ho hum about singing again, but when Tom Ford
came, he really wanted to sing again. Tom was so encouraging
in the way he lead. The choir LOVE this man!

The choir sang a song that you will be able to hear
later on this week on the church's website.
It was wonderful!!!!!!!

It is such a blessing to be at church!
Alan and I look forward to Sunday every week.
What I mean is, we absolutely cannot wait for the
next weekend! We are so blessed to have found
this church. I know that there are other people who
feel the same way. We went an hour before it started
this morning and there were other people there
just standing around and talking, waiting for the people to
get there so the services could start.

The balcony, where we sit, seats about 100 people.
I should have swung the camera around so you
could see them. They are a whole different generation.

This morning we sang:

come just as you are
hear the spirit call
come just as you are
come and see
come receive
come and live forever

life everlasting
strength for today
taste the living water
and never thirst again

by: Joseph Sabloick

There was more to this song but that is all I remember.
The message was clear. We cannot clean ourselves up.
We just come to Jesus.
He forgives.
He does the transformation!
We live forever!

WYATT CALLED ME TODAY

Wyatt surprised me today!
I answered the phone and this little voice said,
"Hi, Grandma!"

He said that he had been playing outside today
and that his dad had taken them to the park
where he went down the big slide.

Then Dylan got on the phone.
He said, "Hi Grandma, I Dylan.
I went to the soccer field."

He said a lot of other stuff that I couldn't
understand but he surely talked a lot.
Even when Ben wanted to talk, Dylan
was still talking.

I sure do miss these little guys!

SATURDAY SAMPLINGS

Alan and I got up early and had a wonderful
leisurely breakfast. Then we showered and
went to the grocery where we bought fruits for a fruit tray,
veggies for a vegetable tray, meats for a meat tray,
cream cheese for cheese cakes, and meat and other
things for barbecue sandwiches, drinks, chips
and samplings for our guests tomorrow night.

We have invited seven couples over for a night
of just getting to know one another and for
fellowship.

I think we have enough food to feed an army.
Some people are bringing food as well.

I am soooo looking forward to this party because
an old friend of mine is coming. I know that
they will like this group of people.
We surely do!

LIBBY NEEDS YOUR PRAYERS

Jennifer's daughter has the hives!
She really needs all of the bloggers to pray for her.
The poor dear is miserable!

I have never seen a case as bad as this one.
Please pray for Libby!

S*LUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

My neighbor wanted to go to this movie and asked
me to go with her. I am not a fan of movies but
because she is my friend, I went with her.

It was the story of how impoverished Indian teen J*amal Malik
became a contestant on the Hindi version of "Who Wants to be A Millionaire?"
-- an endeavor made in an effort to prove his love for his friend La*tika,
who is an ardent fan of the show.

My neighbor was interested in seeing how the people of India
dressed. I was wanting to see the slums, but neither one of us
got to fully see what we wanted to see.

Watching a movie is like watching CNN.
You only see what they want you to see.
I know, I'm a skeptic!

Our daughter works for World Vision.
When I told her I was going to see the movie,
she said,

"When you watch it--keep in mind that World Vision
is an organization that is dedicated to helping the poor
--especially children. So... for me and my co-workers...
the movie was especially interesting."

JESUS IS THE WAY TO HEAVEN

I found this over at Mari's blog.
She challenged her readers with this thought.

I agree with this statement.
There are too many people around us who think
that by being good, nice or helping others
they will be going to heaven.
It's not true - the only way to heaven
is by believing that you are a sinner and
that Jesus came to earth to pay the price for our sins.
We must receive His death on the cross
as payment for our sin.
There is no other way.
How about you? Are you with me?

THIS IS A TEST

I met with my surgeon this morning.
He had a few things to say.
The things he tells me are never
things I want to hear.

"Now, when we do this,
there are risks involved.
You could develop blood clots
in the legs and they could go to
your lungs. Of course, we
will do what we can to prevent them.

Also, your kidney could be cut and
problems could result. Then,
blood clots could form in the leg and
you could have a drainage problem
the rest of your life.
Now when do you want this done?"

"Oh, yes, as soon as possible!"
I said. (not really)

We are living in a different kind of day.
It used to be the doctor would tell you
that you needed surgery. He made the
decision. Now, it is up to us. The
doctors are always careful to give us
all the options because, you know,
we are a generation of choice.

They say, "We can live with it,
deal with it,
or have the surgery."

My options are:
pain and despair,
pain and despair, or
pain and despair.
But, hey, I am making the decision!!

My doctor said that he was the one
(meaning the one doctor in this area)
who does these kinds of surgeries and
that he had done plenty of them.

Then he said, "Only 1 or 2% of the time
do problems happen, but we must be aware
that they could happen."

But by this time, my legs and arms
were already shaking and there was no spit in my mouth.
I walked out of the office and for some reason,
my legs felt like jelly. I was trying to find
my way out of the maze while hanging
onto the walls. I have no idea why my
nerves were so affected.
I think it was because I have already
been through a lot. I know what it feels
like to have pain. I don't like it.
It isn't something I crave.
Remember, I had SHINGLES!

The Bigger Picture

I think I know what this is really about.
I do have to go through with this surgery.
With everything that happens in life,
there is a little note attached and it says,
"This is a test."

Will you trust God or will you not?
I have decided to trust God.

A GROUNDHOG'S DAY GIFT

The mailman brought me a gift today.
It is a Gold Peppermill from Anthropology.

I like unusual things.
Things that stand out.
Things that are cheery.
Things that make a statement.

I placed it beside my pepper shaker
so you can compare the size.
It is 17 inches tall.

I could put pepper corns in it.
I could use it as a weapon!
I hope I don't drop it on my toe!
I LOVE IT!

THANK YOU ALAN!
You know what I like!

GOT MILK?

Being Groundhogs Day and all,
I expected a groundhog at my back door,
but look who showed up!

My neighbors really chided me for giving him milk,
so instead of milk, I threw out a slab of ham!
He licked his lips for a looooong time!
I think he will be back.

SMARTY PANTS

I found this video over at Cathy's.
It is soooo cute.

GROUNDHOGS DAY

More details here!

Six more weeks of winter!
Just what we wanted to hear!

CHECK THIS SITE OUT!

ARE YOU THE ONLY ONE WITH YOUR NAME?

I am the only one with my name.

HowManyOfMe.com

There is 1 person with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

COMMUNION SUNDAY

On the first Sunday of each month we have communion.

I leaned on the railing to get this picture of Dr. Haslam
and Pastor Marv ministering communion.

Our new friends joined the church today.
They are lovely people and will be such a blessing
as they already have been.

We welcome them to Grace Baptist Church
of Lancaster.

Rick Zimmerman led the music today.
This man is quite a talented young man.

Our own Minister of Music, Tom Ford, was not at church
this morning. Our pastor announced that Tom is sick
and that the doctors do not know what is wrong with him.
We are praying that he will be restored to full health soon.

Our church is stirring up quite a BUZZ in the
community! The music is great!
The teaching is great!
The atmosphere is a Marriott Experience!

Because of this a new couple asked us out to
lunch today! They are thrilled with what
they have found in our church.
God is on the move!

STORMS THAT PRODUCE FAITH

It makes me sad to hear that people around me are
losing their jobs or are having a baby that has something
wrong with it, or that they have been diagnosed with
cancer, or about a family breaking up.

Has God ever sent you into one of those storms?
A storm that can really scare you to death!

Jesus sent his disciples into a storm one time.
The story is in Matthew 14:22-24

Matthew 14:22-24

22And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples
to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side,
while he sent the multitudes away.

23And when he had sent the multitudes away,
he went up into a mountain apart to pray:
and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

24But the ship was now in the midst of the sea,
tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

The word constrained means forced.
Jesus knew what was ahead of these men,
and it says that he forced them to get into
the boat and to go on ahead of him.

Has Jesus ever forced you into a storm that
was against your will?
Have you ever lost your job against your will?
Have you ever lost a baby against your will?
Have you ever had cancer against your will?
Have you ever been deceived against your will?
Do you recognize that boat?
That boat or situation was designed by God.

Matthew 14:25-27 says

25And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them,
walking on the sea.

26And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea,
they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit;
and they cried out for fear.

27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying,
Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

How did the disciples react?
Have you ever seen a grown man cry?
They were more than scared!
They were screaming!
Sound familiar?
How did you react when you were in the storm of life?

The thing that scared them the most in the storm was Jesus
because they thought he was something else, A GHOST!

What was it that scared you the most?
Are you sure it wasn't Jesus.

Jesus allows storms to produce faith.
Jesus said, "Oh thou of little faith,
wherefore didst thou doubt?"

What kind of storm are you in now?
Do you see Jesus?
Are you scared?
He is the answer!
Peace!

For more SPIRITUAL SUNDAY devotionals,
check out the link.