Friday, November 30, 2007

A Tough Decision

We made a tough decision yesterday. Andrew is graduating this month. Wow! Are we proud! We had planned to go to see our oldest grandson graduate from university but we had to make a decision and so decided not to go! I don't understand universities that limit the number of folks who can attend. At the last minute extra tickets will be available to those students who need more. We're talking about going up to the upper peninsula and way west. We can't book a motel in hope that we'll get tickets, we can't know in advance what the weather will be. It's too far to go and then not get in for the graduation. What a dilemma! So, we made the tough decision not to go. It's a big disappointment. Lord, thank you for Andrew! He's a great person. Thank you for his accomplishments. Help him to seek Your guidence. We know You have a plan for him. I praise You because You are Love.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Big Error!

Oh boy, did I goof! It was several blogs ago on the one titled Grandchildren. In it I wrote a little blurb on each grandchild. On the one about Haleigh I told about her new puppy, Plaid. I said Plaid was a Shih Tzu, which is right. My mistake was that I totally blew the spelling. Yes, Annie, I spelled Shih Tzu wrong! I remember checking the spelling but apparently it's not in the computer dictionary! The reason I caught it today is because there's a picture in the newspaper of a model holding a little Shih Tzu in a tote bag! So I went back to my old blog and corrected my error and now I'm confessing it to you! I hope the newspaper is right! Thank you, Lord, for loving us. Sometimes we just make little tiny innocent mistakes, like this one that I made, but sometimes we make huge mistakes. Thank you for making a provision (Jesus), for us to be forgiven no matter how big or small our mistakes (sins) are.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Christmas Is Coming!

We have a good start on decorating for Christmas. I mailed a package today and three over seas Christmas cards. We got our first two cards in the mail today. So, yes, Christmas is coming. I'll be mailing the bulk of my cards in the next few days, so if you're on my list, be watching for it. Dear Lord, in all the business of the season, help us to remember that Christmas is the remembrance of the birth of Your Son, Jesus. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

Unbelievable!

This is totally unbelievable to me! I sat upstairs in the loft in my Lazy Boy recliner with my lap top and read, then wrote an e-mail to my daughter, Christy! How cool is that? Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!

Monday, November 26, 2007

Whole New System!

Oh boy! I'm on-line now on my new lap top! Wow! I can hardly believe it! I'm having to learn a whole new system of doing things! A well meaning, very good, friend told me to stick with XP but my daughter-in-law told me to be sure I ordered the new Vista. Well, I know I'm slow (now that I'm aging!) but I still want the latest! So I'll learn the new system...it may take me longer than the average bear but I'll learn! So be patient with me, okay? It took me all day to get on-line! But I did it! Thank you, Heavenly Father, for my new lap top computer. Thank you for helping me to get on-line and for giving me the ability to understand at least a little bit of what I'm doing. Help me to use this for Your Glory and to Honor You in all I write.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Annie! Oh, you're so far away! And I guess your birthday is actually all over with now! I'm not late, but yet, I am late! I hope you had a great birthday! Knowing your family and your dorm brothers and sisters, I'm sure you did! You were our first granddaughter! We already had three grandsons when you were born so you were welcome indeed! Happy, happy birthday! Dear Lord, thank you for Annie. She is a blessing to our family and to You! Please guide her through her teen years. Help her to remember that You have a plan just for her and it's the best!

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! We woke up this morning to a winter wonderland! Ted and his family came last night so they came through rain but no snow. I was just glad when they arrived safely. Well, now, the turkey is in the oven, the pies we baked yesterday so they are sitting pretty and delicious looking; 2 apple and 2 pumpkin. By the way, Gene, Jerry peeled the apples for me! Thanks for giving him the idea! I've got to get my dinner roll dough mixed next. I can imagine everyone working on dinner, the same as I am. To my family in Colorado: I wish I could be there too! 17 of you, wow! I hope you have a wonderful day. To Lorraine: where ever you are, Washington or Oregon, have a great, wonderful, blessed day. To the Georgia family: have a happy, blessed Thanksgiving. To the Illinois family: have a happy blessed Thanksgiving. To the Malaysia family: have a happy blessed Thanksgiving. To our family right here in Michigan: have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. WOW, that's alot of family! To all my friends everywhere: Have a blessed Happy Thanksgiving Day. Thank you Lord, for all the many, many blessings You've given us here in the USA. Thank you for life and love. Thank you most of all for Jesus.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Present

On my birthday I mentioned that Jerry was buying me a certain gift and when I got it I'd say what it was. Well, it came today. I'd better say right up front that it's now my birthday present and Christmas present! A Dell Lap Top Computer was delivered here today! I love it! Of course I knew it was coming because I ordered it. I have a lot to learn...I nearly panicked when it came today. But I've been reading and playing with it and figuring things out on it. I'm not on line with it yet but I will be soon. I've got to get the old computer, desk top, cleaned out and get organized. So you know what I'll be doing for the next several days! Oh Lord, thank you for all this new technology. Thank you for helping me to learn how to use computers. Thank you for my old computer and for my new lap top. Help me to use it for Your Glory. Help me not to abuse it. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Mumps???!

Max has the mumps! We hardly ever hear about mumps these days. It was such a relief when they came out with the shots for mumps, that was when my kids were small. Max had the shots but maybe needed a booster shot. I was about the same age as Max when I had them. Oh, was I sick. I had them on one side and when that side went down I got them on the other side! I was sick for about a month! Hopefully, he'll get help, which we didn't have when I was young.
Lord, You are our Healer. I praise You. You are All Knowing. You know all about Max and these mumps. You know where he got them from. Please, touch him. Help the rest of the family not to get them.

GrandMEN!

These two young men are our grandsons! I'm very impressed with them! They have turned into two of the finest young men I know! I caught Matthew working on his computer and Andrew is in a candid pose! Matthew is a college sophomore and Andrew will graduate from college next month! I love you guys! Heavenly Father, thank you for Matthew and Andrew. Please keep Your Hands upon them. They are both at such strategic times in their lives. Help them as they make life changing choices and decisions. Help them to seek Your Will. Please be with Andrew as he goes for interviews.

Emergency!

We just made an unexpected trip to Illinois. I wrote about Pam having an appendectomy last week. We went to be with her and help out any way we could. We're back home now. Home is always good! We left there this morning. Gene is very efficient and his mother cooked supper for all of us two times and was planning on fixing dinner today, with us included, but we felt like Pam was being very well taken care of without us so it was okay to leave her in their hands. We saw improvment in her each day. It was kind of amazing. Here's a list of the little bit that we did: Jerry helped Gene clear the front yard of leaves, and worked on a wood project for Gloria; I baked a couple of apple pies (with Gene's help), folded a basket of socks, did a little dusting, and changed the sheets on our bed so it's ready for their next company. Oh man, I just thought of something I meant to do and forgot. Well, it's too late now. Hopefully, Gene did it. I know you're not interested in what I did but, like I've said before, this is my journal written for myself!
Lord, thank you for allowing us to go to help Pam out, for giving us a safe trip, most of all for touching Pam's body. Please help her to continue to heal and gain her strength back. I praise You because You are our Healer.

Friday, November 16, 2007

Pam

What's next? Pam didn't feel well Tuesday so she left work early. Wednesday she still felt bad, like she had the flu, so she stayed home and called the doctor. After describing her symptoms the nurse told her to go to emergency. Pam didn't want to but they wouldn't give her an appointment so she asked Matthew to drive her to emergency. He took her but couldn't stay because he had class with a test scheduled so he was to go back and pick her up after the test. When he got back she had been admitted to the hospital and was being prepped for surgery! She had had an appendicitis attack! So Matthew had the job of calling Gene and telling him in a cool, calm voice, that mom was being prepped for surgery, so he wouldn't break all speed records getting to the hospital! Today is Friday and she just came home. She's got to take it easy for a few days but then she should be fine. We never know when something is going to happen! Thank you, Lord. You are our Healer. Thank you for being with Pam; for helping her to get to the hospital before her appendix burst! For giving the nurses wisdom to tell her to go to emergency; for guiding the surgeon's hands. Thank you for Pam.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Grandchildren

I haven't bragged too much on my grand kids, have I? Let's see: 1. Andrew graduates from MTU in Dec. Go Andrew! 2. Matthew is a college sophomore. I'm very proud of him! 3. Kaleb is junior class vice president! He's still growing! 4. Tyler is in high school now. Doing well with guitar lessons. 5. Annie is doing well in school, loves her dorm sisters and brothers, plays flute in the band, and plays volleyball. 6. Max played football this fall. He was hurt near the end of the season...suffered a concussion. After having a headache for several days he's fine now. 7. Megan is growing up too and is in middle school. I can't believe it! She's learning to play the flute. 8. Haleigh is in a stix ministry and loves it. She has a little Shih Tzu puppy, Plaid! 9. Miller is doing well in school and growing like a weed! 10. Sydney is learning to play piano! 11. Isabella loves kindergarten, lost her first tooth and has another one loose! 12. Mason loves going to kindergarten and loves riding his bike. Christy put #13. Maddie down on the floor after her nap one day last week...Maddie walked across the room and hasn't stopped walking yet! She turns one Dec. 1! Lord, thank you, for all 13 of our grandchildren! They are all precious! Guide them, keep Your Hand upon them.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Cameron

Cameron is home! He is finally released from the hospital. He's the little boy I wrote about the other day. He was very sick, and on a ventilator. He's almost 2 years old, his birthday is close to Thanksgiving Day. This year the family has much to be thankful for! Thank you, Lord, for Cameron and for touching his little body. Please reveal Yourself to the family. Help them to know You are the Almighty Healer.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Good evening

Last evening was an interesting, delicious, fun, creative time! A friend is working on a project and gave me a great compliment! She called and asked for my help! No better compliment then that! I said, "Sure, I'll help you." So she said, "Okay, we'll bring supper!" What fun! All I did was set the table and we ate a delicious supper! After it was cleared up, we spent the evening working on her project. It's something I love to do so it was fun. We're not quite finished yet but almost. Thank you, Lord, for friends, for creativity, for good food, and most of all, for the Love of Jesus.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Persecuted Church

Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. We have no idea what the Christians around the world go through in order to worship God. Did you know there are 18 Christians who die every hour because of their belief in Jesus? I can't imagine it. We had a very unique worship service today to help us understand, in a small way, what Christians in some countries go through to worship God. The doors going into the sanctuary were closed and paper was over the windows so we couldn't see in. There were black curtains going into the back hallway that we had to go through after we left our Bibles in the lobby. We were quietly led into the sanctuary through the side door. The chairs had all been turned around to face the back of the building. Reason? We have a cross up in front and in other countries a cross would not be allowed. There was no sound system used today. Hymns were printed onto sheets of paper and laying on the seats. A Cello, guitar, and drums played softly and we sang softly. We even sang silently! For scripture today folks were invited to stand and quote a verse from memory. I felt the Lord's presence as I listened to the verses being quoted. We really have no idea what other Christian folks go through to worship God. We take it for granted. Heavenly Father, I praise You because You are Omnipresent. Forgive me for taking You for granted. Life is too easy here. Thank you for loving me anyway. Help me to be a better witness for You. "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the Power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the gentile." Romans 1:16

Veterans Day

Today is the day to remember all our war veterans. We've had many in just our own family. Jerry's brothers, Bob-WWII; Jim-Korean Conflict; brother-in-law, Roger-WWII; uncle, Harry-WWI; and others that I can't think of or don't know of. In my own family my brother, Richard-Korean Conflict; uncle, Richard-WWII; nephew, Woody-Desert Storm; cousin, LJ-WWII; cousin once removed, Louis-WWI; and others I can't think of. I'm sure we had some who fought in the Civil War and the War of 1812. We also had some who were in the military but didn't have to fight in a war; Jerry; Sean; Roger; and more. We honor all of them today and every day. Heavenly Father, I don't like war and I know You don't either. It's because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve that sin entered into the world and therefore, war. It's because of leaders who are greedy and who know nothing of the Love of Jesus. I praise You, Father, because You are Love. You are Ultimately In Control, even when it doesn't look like it. You have promised to never leave us or forsake us.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Ted! You were our second child of five and our first son of three! You were the smallest of all five babies, weighing just over 6 pounds and you grew up to be the tallest of all five siblings, just over 6 feet! We're looking forward to you coming here for the weekend. I'm fixing your favorite dinner from your childhood years - Chicken & Pork Adobo. Mmmm! Thank you, Lord, for Ted. He's a very good person, a terrific son, and a great dad. Keep him close to you. Help him to remember: The joy of the Lord is our strength. Nehemiah 8:10

Friday, November 09, 2007

A Little Boy

We have a great-grand nephew, Cameron, who is in intensive care! He started out with a bad cold that wouldn't get better, just worse. Finally his mom, our grandniece, took him to emergency. He was admitted to the hospital that day, Mon or Tues. Then because our hospital doesn't have equipment small enough for a little child not quite two years he was transported to a bigger hospital in a larger city near by. We were called today and asked to pray for him, which we did. This was the first we even knew he was sick! Well then, I felt like I needed to go to the hospital and at least see his family to let them know we care. I didn't expect to see him. So his great-grandmother, Betty; Aunt Sandy, and I all went together. After a while we got to go in to see him. Well, he's doing a little better today. They're keeping him asleep so he can't pull the cords and tubes off. He's on a ventilator for breathing. He's a very sick little boy. On Monday the doctors hope to take the ventilator off. I don't know why I felt so impressed to go over but I did, and now, I'm glad I did. I just feel glad. Dear Lord, thank you for Cameron. Today was the first time I've ever seen him! He's a sweet little guy. I praise You, because You are our Healer. Please continue to touch his little body. Please reveal Yourself to his family. Help them to know that You are the Almighty Healer, You are Love.

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Snow!

We're getting our first snow of the season! I love it! It's so beautiful. I love sitting in our sun room and watching it snow all around, with me sitting in the warmth. Thank you, Lord, for the seasons and for snow. You are the Creator. I praise You.

A New Day!

Well, a new day! I've already met with the Lord this morning...He was waiting for me! He always is. I read about Philip running along side of a chariot. That's a great story of obedience. Acts 8:26-40 I'm reminded of a time, years ago, when I felt so impressed to go to a friend who was moving away. I'm not writing it to boast but because I'm humbled to think the Lord gave me this experience. I had been taking care of a little girl while her mother taught school. One day she told me when school was over they'd be moving. Oh...all day I felt bad because they'd be leaving and because in all our talking we'd never talked about God. They didn't attend any church, she was a single mom. A few evenings later I was driving to the grocery store by myself and I felt the Lord talking to me about my friend. He seemed to be telling me I should stop by her apartment and talk to her about Him! Oh, I couldn't do that! No way! I shook my head and tried to think of other things but the Lord was very persistant and wouldn't leave me alone. So I began to argue with Him. Her younger brother also lived with her and her little girl and I said he would be there and so I couldn't talk to her alone. The Lord said, "No, he'll be in his bedroom doing his homework." So I reasoned Laura would be playing and interrupting us. "No, she'll be in bed asleep." Well, I was sure the TV would be on so we'd have a hard time talking. "No, the TV is off." I was sure my friend wouldn't be interested in anything I had to say about my relationship with God! "Yes, she will and I want you to stop by her place and talk with her." Well, I had to drive past her apartment building on my way home and when I got to her driveway, my car turned in! I knew I had to obey! I was scared to death but somehow I knew this was God telling me to talk to her. I knocked on her door, she was surprised to see me and invited me in. It was quiet in the living room. "Where's your brother?" I asked. He was in his bedroom studying! "Where's Laura?" She was in bed asleep! The TV was turned off! I said to her that I felt bad because they're moving away and because I've never taken time to tell her what I believe about God and about my personal relationship with Jesus. She actually told me she'd often wondered what I believed. She knew our home was a Christian home and she'd love to have me tell her! We had a good visit and then I left. When school ended they moved to another state and I've never heard from them. But I'm in awe that God asked me and trusted me to talk to her and how He went with me. Maybe, possibly, a seed was planted. Thank you, Lord, for your abiding presence. Thank you for experiences like this that I can look back on and remember how You were with me. Thank you for helping me and giving me the courage to be obedient.

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Journaling

We went to a class this evening that was all about journals. It was interesting. I've been a journal er for years so I have my own ideas of what it should be. But it was interesting to hear of other folks ideas. I think my blogging is a kind of journaling. I don't write anything down that I don't or wouldn't want others to read or to know. But actually, my life is now an open book. I'm free to be me. I still have frustrations and I still get mad some times but in the end I turn everything over to the Lord and He sees me through. Sometimes I have to ask His forgiveness. My prayer is this: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23, 24. NIV

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Daylight Savings Time

Well, here I am up at 6:30...I thought it was 7:30! I knew about the change when I went to bed but I didn't change any clocks so when I woke up I even thought I'd overslept! We seldom get up after 7:00. Jerry is still sleeping so I guess he remembers. Oh well, I've got coffee made and I'm ready for the day! I worked really hard yesterday on our Christmas card. I've got it about half done. I usually wait til after Thanksgiving but not this year. (I have a reason) Heavenly Father, this is the day You have made! Let me rejoice and be glad in it!

Friday, November 02, 2007

Jerry's New Toy!



Jerry has a new toy but he really needed it!

Mowing our grass and taking care of the leaves now that fall is here was just getting to be too much for him. We have our lawn tractor, which he used to use to mow, but it's so much work to take the blade off in the spring and put the mower on to mow the grass that he hasn't done that in several years. He's been using a push mower. He needs the tractor with the blade to plow the snow in winter. Sooo... now we have two tractors! This is quite loud, I think he'll need ear plugs with it. I'll look into that tomorrow. By the way, it's a used tractor not new. Thank you, Lord, for helping us find what Jerry needs to help keep the work done up. Thank you for Your many blessings to us.

Birthday Breakfast








We were invited to a birthday breakfast this morning at Cracker Barrel. It was very nice and was in honor of Joan. 14 of us met, we've all been friends for 40+ years! Picture # 1 is Al (Irene was working); #2 Penn & Joan; #3 Harold, Mary, & Frances; #4 Judy & Bob; #5 Richard & Marilyn; #6 Dave & Naomi. Happy Birthday, Joan! Thank you, Lord, for good friends. "Let us not give up meeting together...but let us encourage one another..." Heb 10:25

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Still Celebrating!

Well, I'm still celebrating! We had lunch today at noon at Applebee's compliments of Pam & Gene. Oh, was it good! We both had cream of broccoli soup and a chedder BLT sandwich. Mmmmm! Then when we got home and picked up the mail there was a musical card from Lorraine! It's so neat and set us both laughing! And now I get to go shopping at Kohl's compliments of Christy & Sean. So this has been quite the birthday. Thank you, so much, everyone!

The Morning After

Well, here we are, the morning after and Jerry made this comment: "Yesterday you turned 69, now today you're turning 70!" Ohhh, not a good thought! I can't even believe he said that! Richard called and told me middle age doesn't end at 69! He said old age starts at 80! Well, that's a good thought but I'm not sure I agree with him on that. I had a good day though. By the way, we had 1 (one) trick or treater last night! I don't know who he was. He had a ghost mask on and he came in a car but I didn't recognize it. Living in the country and in the woods doesn't make it too attractive to kids or kids parents! We gave the one boy lots of candy! He deserved it! Or maybe it was his mom who deserved it!
Back to my birthday. We went to Dammon's for supper. We're both registered there for our birthdays so mine was free. That was nice and the food was very good. I got lots of cards; e-mails; gifts, a new novel to read; and phone calls so all the attention was very nice. I even got a call last night from Malaysia! I've been told to expect a couple more cards today, so I'm watching for the mailperson! Thank you, Lord, for family and friends that make me feel special on this one day of the year that I claim as my day. I love You, Father.